Greater Díenstad News Feed

by **AHSCA** » Sat Jul 01, 2023 1:43 pm

United Island Office of Culture and Information (UNICIM)

1 July 2023

Final Report on Shooting of Duchess Villa

by:Asuka Kotobuki, Sr. Reporter

It has been more than two months since Duchess Villa along with her bodyguard, Lady Asuna of the Scarlett Knights, were critically wounded in a shooting incident that took place back in April by a local citizen acting on his severe mental illnesses. Now with the Duchess fully recovered and back to work, Her Majesty has issued her final decrees with the most significant issues being around her security and safety going forward. In a open door meeting with her Officer of Internal Affairs (which includes policing and security) Alexandra Kenny, Her Highness is not seeking any major changes towards her own detail or her routine of willingly walking about the town square and conversing with people in the open or going about her own personal time. Her Highness's rationale being this is the only significant incident since becoming Duchess of the UIS, added she feels keeping in close touch with her subjects is still the better way to rule. Perhaps a bit more vigilance is needed she concedes but she's still ready to continue her business as usual. The first chaotic days and hours saw a lot of scrambling in Government in particular, between Aurora Police and the Police Chief Mei Ayazuki who was on scene of the shooting as it occurred, members of the Defense Office, Foreign Office, and Interior Office working to investigate the shooting to decide if this was a simple internal criminal incident or worse yet, adversarial attack. With investigations wrapped up and the subject perpetrator apprehended and motivation uncovered, the investigation is closed but what is next? Her Highness also decided against any reprimands or disciplinary action, seeking no dismissals nor resignations. Her Highness said, "Everyone acted in their line of duty. My loyal Guard threw herself on me at risk of her own life and and held my wound rather than her own, Chief Ayazuki and her officers managed the crowd in the crazy seconds from when I fell to the ground, the Air Military quickly got myself and my Guard to emergency medical surgery. Further, my Officers of Government moved quick to investigate and get to the bottom of this. Mistakes may have been made but given the circumstances everyone performed valiantly."

Further, Her Highness has sought to issue commendations upon everyone for their services. Lady Asuna is expected to be awarded The Golden Order of Freedom of AHSCA, Civil Class the highest honor the Duchess can bestow for any individual. Civil Meritorious Awards under the Golden Order for Services awards are also expected to be awarded out to Her Majesty's Officers, and Diplomatic Class Awards under the same Class to members of The Marshite Intelligence and Astarian Intelligence members who aided in the investigation to determine if Her Majesty's shooting may have been politically motivated by agents abroad, an issue thankfully ruled out. For Police Chief Ayazuki, The Medal for Police Valor Bronze will be issued for her as well. Chief Ayazuki stated she is grateful for the honor to be bestowed by Her Highness and will graciously accept. Her Royal Highness also is thanking all those who gave her and her country well wishes by writing them all personally. From Kyrenaia, despite the rather bad turn in diplomatic relations between our nations, to nations such as Mervay, The Freelands, Phibeta and Tangatarehua. "So many nations reaching out with their concerns, I am beyond appreciative to have so many who wished me well.

On the subject of the shooter, the young man [editor note: due to the sensitive nature and out of respect for members of his family, he remains unnamed] who was represented by an attorney (officially known officially as Advocates there,) from Abroad, Abetton native, Sara Larkin, (pictured),

Represented him pro bono, advocating him to be shown clemency before the court. "It's certain my young client is mentally unwell," Ms. Larkin stated to me, "and what he has done is serious but in the interest of justice, my hope is to have him treated and confined where he cannot be a danger to himself or others. I believe The UIS has a strong sense of compassion, and compassion and understanding is what I seek, not excusing his actions but understanding he is unwell." The Court seemed to agree with Miss Larkin's opinion and have agreed to have him committed abroad for an indefinite amount of time, rather than incarcerated at AHSCA's Penal Island Facility. Miss Larkin thanked the court for their understanding in granting clemency Friends and family of the young man declined to comment for this article though his sister wished to give a simple statement "I just want my brother to get the help he needs."

I decided to ask her Highness if anything about her daily habits or routine will change after this, "My time as Duchess has been short but considering this is the first serious incident to happen to me, I'd say things are fine. A crown topples when the monarch becomes disconnected from her subjects and I don't believe in shielding myself in an armor bubble. Lady Asuna has been my loyal guard and always keeps me safe. To deprive myself the joys of walking around Aurora or any of our islands freely, I couldn't stand it."

60 Lost & Many Injured or Missing in Corona Hurricane

by Maro - Weather and Climate Reporter

KINO, CORONA ISLAND - A swift and strong hurricane moved over the little island of Corona on Friday with winds maxing at 165 km/h and reported rainfall of 640 millimeters and storm surge reported as high as 2.5 meters causing wide destruction and devastation across the island's many little villages and extensive damage in the island capital of Kino. UNIMO issued a hurricane watch last week when a tropical wave moving from the south to the northeast was spotted by experts and by Tuesday the wave formed into a full tropical depression which rapidly intensified to storm and full hurricane by Wednesday. The fast moving storm and wobbling path caused a blanket warning/watch across the entire islands that same day. UNIMO reports the storm shrunk in size but not in intensity and narrowed the cone of uncertainty for Hoshino and Corona Coastlines before the storm was on a stable trajectory to cross Corona from the South to the north. UISDF forces were deployed to warn and prepare residents of the incoming storm which was seeing winds as high as 260 km/h. Though the island was looking at a very powerful storm to strike, last minute weakaning did bring down the winds significantly. Chief Ayla of Corona had to say, "We were staring down a potentially worse situation. We were hit hard but it could have been far worse and I'm thankful it wasn't worse."

Young local boy wades through flood waters of his village

As soon as the weather cleared the UISDF was ready to get to work. Leading the local relief, Lt. Col. Sana of the 8th Corona Garrison Infantry. "It's been a tough couple of days here." She says, "This was a very strong storm, probably the worst to hit our island in the couple of years. Village after village has been devastated and many are still under water as we speak. We're all praying the casualty list will not continue to tick higher." Through a series of air search and rescues and ground crews are clearing ways to rescue stranded villagers.

Lt. Col. Sana giving a brief to reporters at the beachhead near Rozo in Northern Corona.

"We have a lot more work to do and we'll be relying on our fellow air and ground crews to continue racing supplies into every available makeshift port we have. We'll bounce back as we always do from a storm, big or small but we all got work together to make that happen." Duchess Villa is expected to visit Kino on Sunday to discuss with Chief Ayla anything further needed. For now, she pledges all resources of the Government to be at the ready. No requests for foreign aid have been made but The Foreign Office says the option is always there depending on the needs of government. Requests for foreign assistance usually come when storms of very large caliber affect multiple islands in the same pattern or logistics deem it needed, such as when there are a high number of foreign tourists, NGO missions or other needs that may require the help of multi national governments to assist. With hurricane season in full gear for the Southern Seas region, it's certainly an option the government is keeping on the table.

The last two years have been relatively quite storm wise in AHSCA with only a handful of storms making landfall and brushing by with little issue, UNIMO's forecast model for this season are predicting above average for tropical activity in the area and continue to remind all citizens to always be ready for disasters by preparing and having emergency supplies ready.

Other Headlines

Hurricane Corona Coverage:

Farmers Worry Over Major Crop Loss Due to Storm
Crew Forced to Abandon SS Fulmo in Hurricane
Village malgranda nubo Total Loss
"aint gonna stop us from going to school" Little Girl Makes best of Situation by teaching her classmates

From Around the World

Katase Grand Princess Pregnant, Nation Celebrates
Ambassador Takina Speaks to GDRC
RMS Dukedom Sails from Sauville to Pt. Gallagher
Mervay School Breaks National Record With The Largest Pancake

by **Marshite Alliance for a Free Tupenga** » Sun Jul 02, 2023 12:46 am

Nadira Zakia Emerges as Close-Run Winner, Defeating Communist Rivals

Crifoso, Tupenga- The nation of Tupenga witnessed an electrifying conclusion to its fiercely contested election as the voting process drew to a close. In an unexpected turn of events, MAFT candidate Nadira Zakia emerged as a close-run winner, edging past Radical Revolutionary Front of Tupenga candidate Jata Luigeson and Creoloso People's Party member Suhuba Onobanjo in a contest that has proven controversial.

After days of intense campaigning and the participation of higher than anticipated engaged electorate in the north, the results of the election have reshaped the political landscape of Tupenga. Zakia, who had initially trailed behind communist party members, mounted a remarkable comeback in the final stretch of the electoral race as other TRC members stated their withdrawal as polling went further and further north. Her relentless efforts and resonating message ultimately resonated with the voters, propelling her to a significant victory.
Zakia was well behind her competitors as the race went north, but Luigeson and Onobanjo split heavily the communist and leftist vote. While more than sixty percent of the elctorate ended up voting for the two communist party members or other, similar candidates, Zakia drew considerable moderate support and near universal support as the race went north. The State Election Board has heard several official complaints from both Luigeson and and Onobanjo, accusing Zakia of organizing with outside forces and preventing a fair vote in the north.

The final vote was overseen under heavy security and with international observers in attendance. The final report has yet to be released, though the Mistress-Commander of the Tupengan Crusade Selaria Unchaka has not said there were any issues with security. While rtumors floated of irregularities, there remains no firm or confirmed incidents.
In the south, communist party officials have by and large accepted the results, though this is not universal and large strikes have taken place. Zakia for her part has promised to meet with officials that have stated issues with how the campaign was handled, and also has promised to look at candidates to take her position as head of the nation's military as she prepares to move forward.

by **Velstrania** » Sun Jul 02, 2023 10:51 am

Official international statement from the Joint Ministries for foreign relations
Sunday, 3 March 2019

The Havenic ministry of foreign relations, Celari royal directorate for foreign relations and representative of Velstrania wish to notify the international community that as of today, Sunday the third of March 2019, and in keeping with their manifesto commitments, the newly elected Havenic government has passed legislation officially ending the practise of slavery in all Havenic territories.
The practise of slavery was already prohibited in Velstrania, a state which has never allowed the ownership of human beings. In Celeria and the Vakolicci Haven, former slaves will be given the choice of being assisted to find paid work or housing, resettlement to a country of their choice (subject to agreement from the new host country) or entry into Velstrania's refugee settlement scheme. The Havenic government will do all it can to ensure a smooth transition to freedom for the formerly enslaved population and a dedicated agency to support them is likely to receive governmental approval and funding in the early part of next week.
Speaking in parliament, federal Havenic vice president Sielmahir nos Entrazhvol informed members of the public that the change represented the Haven 'taking a giant step into the 21st century.' "A Velsturman party has never held a large enough number of seats to affect this crucial change," she continued, before thanking her governmental colleagues in the Havenic Libertarian Party for supporting her and her parties vision.

Other proposals from Velsturman parties, such as the removal of the voting and drinking ages, a planned abolition of imprisonment as a punishment for most non-violent crimes as well as even higher levels of protection of the right to free expression are likely to go before the Havensschkorpal later this month. Aside from the removal of several age-based restrictions, the proposals appear overwhelmingly popular in the Vakolicci Haven, with opinion in Celeria highly divided. As the Haven looks to further liberalise, we look forward to working with current and future international partners going forward, and hope that these changes will bring opportunities both at home and abroad.
Any member of the international media or foreign governmental representative is welcome to contact the Joint Ministries with any questions arising from this announcement. Our contact information is available in the 'contact us' section of our website at jfa.gov.hvn.

by **Eitoan** » Tue Jul 04, 2023 1:34 pm

Eitoan Overseas Radio
Vladarsik

Эйтоан за мяжойРалкоўская служба
в ИйтоБалковска служба на задграничното радио
Eitoan Rare Radio Amanitte Service
Eitoan Overseas Radion Palmyiron Service
Eitoan im Ausland Nordischer Rundfunkdienst
Eitoan Raidió Thar Lear Seirbhís Cheilteach
Servicio Eitoan Overseas Radio Mokan
Vozes de Shartourn

www.eor.DepForgn.et.gov

The time is 15:30 in Vladarsik, News from Eitoan Overseas Radio.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has announced that President Shrdlu plans to attend the inauguration of Tupengan President-Elect Nadira Zakia in Crisofo following her recent victory in a three way election. The occasion marks the first time an Eitoan President has attended such an event in the area of Libete Bay and the Bay of Chains, with the exception of Aman.

Ms. Zakia, having prevailed in a closely fought three way battle for the presidency will be inaugurated after her pluralty win, the first since the recent coup and countercoup in Tupenga. She represented the Marshite Alliance for a Free Tupenga, prevailing over Radical Revolutionary Front of Tupenga candidate Jata Luigeson and the standard bearer of the Creoloso People's Party, Suhuba Onobanjo. The election was hard fought, and there have been allegations of irregularities as the country recovers from the recent tumult. In a short statement, Secretary of foreign Affairs Andrew Falkowski said “The President looks forward to celebrating this milestone with the Tupengan people, and looks forward to establishing warmer relations with our neighbors in the south. Although in an infant stage, this transition of power to civilian control must be seen as a hopeful sign for Tupengans, as well as within the Libete Bay and Tarao areas.”

Some at Foreign Affairs have speculated this would be an opportunity for a summit between President Shrdlu and Archbishop Luboski of the Maitriarchy of Holy Marsh. Eitoan and Holy Marsh have been joined together since the first Ralkovian War, with President Shrdlu allying with Holy Marsh and other powers of the Alliance already at war with the Raskov dynasty before Ralkovian forces plunged Eitoan into the war with it’s sneak attack on neighboring Aurensia. Since then the two have seen cooperation as occupying powers in Federal Ralkovia. More recently, the upper house voiced approval to the President of the agreement between Holy Marsh, Aman and Samarasta providing security in the Jesheoda Channel, Libete Bay and The Great Inland Sea in the wake of an Ordenite buildup in nearby Fustera. Eitoan has traditionally been wary of events in the region, but with the entry of major powers recently there has been more attention to issues there at Foreign Affairs. In a recent opinion piece here, Opinion by Admiral Dale Abraham, Eitoan Navy, Retired and Professor Emeritus of Military Science, University of Kelso broached the subject of expanding intelligence and military capabilities in the area, anchored by possible agreements with the new regime in Tupenga. Subsequently,Secretary of Defense and External Security General Eugene Maska notified Ghastak Chairman Louis A. Herb of the administration’s intent to pursue a military assistance agreement with Tupenga. There has been mixed reaction in Crisofo, with some in the Marshite and Creoloso parties indicating some openness to the Eitoan offer.

The Matriarchy has maintained an interest in Tupenga, indeed in the entire region, given the large number of adherents to Marshism in all states. Although it’s presence in Tupenga has been reduced recently, it plays an important role in Tupenga, and wields influence with Marshite adherents in Fustera and Samarasta. It is not known what discussions have taken place at a diplomatic level between Eitoan and Holy Marsh, but some believe a summit between the President and the Archbishop could outline a framework for cooperation in Libete Bay. The two nations also have a common interest in the continental Tarao region, having both supported Ladero after Istoloa initiated agression recently. Holy Marsh provided boots on the ground, viewed a critical in staving off an Istoloan invasion, and Eitoan assisted in rebuilding the Laderoan Air Force. The Istoloan moves led to the collapse of the first incarnation of WEDTAG, a trade agreement between Ladero and two other former colonies of Istoloa. Since then Holy Marsh has voiced support of revival of WEDTAG, as has Aman, including possible membership at a later date. Although seldom discussed, Secretary Falkoski has been rumored to favor such an arrangement, with advisors in the department’s Division of Continental Affairs arguing that a Tarao common market would make trade in the area easier and more efficient. President Shrdlu has made no mention of such possibilities, but a meeting with Archbishop Luboski could also provide direction on this matter.

by **Tangatarehua** » Thu Jul 06, 2023 4:28 am

NGAIRE ROIMATI TO STEP DOWN AS PRIME MINISTER

6th July 2023

TAMAKI
Ngaire Roimati has announced that she will not contest this month's THM leadership election, which in effect means that she is conceding her position as the Mangai o Tangata [Prime Minister].

_{Ngaire Roimati has announced that she will step down as Prime Minister after less than two years in the role}

The surprise announcement came at 11pm, following a 'tense' meeting between Roimati and the board of directors of Tikanga Herekore Manapori [the Free Democratic Party], which is due to hold its annual party conference on July 22nd.

"When I came to office, I promised that I would balance the budget, fight corruption and re-open Tangatarehua to the world and I am proud to say I have done just that," she told reporters in a hastily arranged press conference last night. "The decisions I have taken were not easy and seldom popular, but they were the right ones to build a foundation upon which stable future growth can occur.

"However - I accept that I may not be the correct person to lead THM to victory in the 2024 election and as such I will not be standing for the party presidency at this year's party conference. It has been an honour to serve as the Mangai o Tangata and I pledge my full support to whichever candidate the party chooses to succeed me."

Roimati led THM to a narrow election victory in 2021 but has been dogged by low approval ratings ever since, with her personal approval rating never rising above 45% as she has grappled with a massive economic crisis, fuel shortages and the end of the pandemic.

Publicly, Roimati has drawn criticism for her plan to introduce fees for tertiary education, which critics have said will make tertiary education unobtainable to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and will "put Tangatarehua on the path to western-style ignorance and materialism".

However it is within her own party that Roimati's unpopularity has become fatal, with many THM backbenchers reportedly 'furious' that tax cuts promised in the 2021 election have not yet come to fruition - not only that, but Roimati controversially increased GST to plug a budget deficit.

The final nail in the coffin seems to come in the form of a recent poll putting THM at only 37% of public support, meaning that if an election were held today it would easily be won by the opposition.

One poll suggested that Atawhai [the Conservative Party], THM's erstwhile coalition partners could form the next government on its own while every poll since the beginning of 2023 has indicated that a four party coalition of the political left (including Atawhai, the Right Socialist Party, the Left Socialist Party and the Communist Party] would 'easily' defeat THM - even if THM forms a coalition with the right-wing populist Whakapaipai [Libertarian] Party, who have seen a recent surge in support on the back of right-wing voters disaffected by the current direction of THM.

Although Tangatarehua is not due to hold an election until October 2024 at the latest, these poll numbers have caused alarm for THM, which bills itself as the 'natural party of government' in Tangatarehua, having lost government only twice since 1982.

Under party rules, whoever is president of the party will become the Mangai o Tangata whenever THM holds a parliamentary majority.

What is the Mangai o Tangata?

The Mangai o Tangata [literally "Representative of the People"] is often translated into English as "Prime Minister" although the meaning is not actually the same as in most parliamentary systems and they are not actually the head of the entire government.

The Mangai o Tangata is head of the legislative branch of government and holds a position equivalent to both a Speaker of the Parliament and a Minister of Finance/Chancellor of the Exchequer - becoming the head of both Te Whare of Mangai [the House of Representatives] and Te Tari o Taonga [Treasury].

The position is one of only three in the Kaiwhakahaere [Imperial Cabinet], alongside the Rangatira [who controls Te Tari o Kawanatanga/the Department of State - the executive branch] and the Nui Tohunga [High Priest/Chief Justice, who controls Te Tari o Tikanga Wairua/the Department of the Spiritual - the judicial branch] and is the most powerful position that a commoner can accede to in Tangatarehua.

Although the Prime Minister is not actually the head of government in terms of executive authority, they wield considerable power with the ability to control and set the legislative agenda and to control and write the national budget.

The position is contingent on the continued confidence of the House of Representatives and if a Prime Minister loses confidence of the House and no other MR [Mangai Rohe - member of parliament] can gain the support of the majority of the house then a snap election is held.

Who will replace Ngaire Roimati?

No candidates have put their names forward at this stage, but it is worth discussing the important role that factions play during any THM leadership election.

Tikanga Herekore Manapori is a big-tent centre to centre-right political party that, unlike the opposition parties, does not follow a clear ideological position. While officially the party claims 'liberalism' as its ideology, liberalism takes many forms and encompasses positions from the political centre-left all the way to the hard right - and this diversity of ideology is found within THM's membership too.

As such, factional infighting within THM can be brutal and is often more consequential for Tangatarehua than a general election given THM's track record for dominating elections.

Most factions have their own names, logos, flags and leaders and represent varying competing ideologies within the party - although once a faction has obtained the party presidency, all other factions and factional leaders by convention will immediately pledge their support for the new president or risk losing their seat or place on the party seat. Leaving THM is seldom an option for most MRs due to the prohibitive cost of running for office in Tangatarehua (the deposit to run for a single constituency is the equivalent of US$500,000 and is not returned unless a candidate gains at least 5% of the vote).

The five main factions within THM are:

Ropu Ripera ("The Liberal Group")
Supported by the Huinga Pakini Nui [Association of Business], most major corporations and the wealthy, including a large section of the nobility.
It advocates neoliberalism and laissez-faire economics. Some members have advocated for a flat tax.
Pro immigration, free trade and globalisation. Supports lowering taxes for high income earners and corporations.
Unlike the right-wing libertarian Whakapaipai Party, members of this faction are committed to pacifism and the existing ban on firearms.
Previous Prime Ministers from this faction have included Petera Aroha (1992-1993), Mere Anaru (1998-2000) and Timoti Ruiha (2009 - 2015)

Hui o te Manapori ("Gathering for Democracy")
Supported by members of the bureaucracy, doctors, teachers and other educated white collar workers.
Generally considered the most 'centrist' faction, advocating for fiscal conservatism but still defending the social safety net.
Tends toward conservative liberalism and sometimes national liberalism, labels themselves as classical liberals.
Moderate on most social issues, such as immigration and LGBT rights
Current Prime Minister Ngaire Roimati is a member of this faction, meaning they are unlikely to succeed in the upcoming leadership election

Ropu Kiri ("Group for Kiri")
Founded by supporters of Hemi Kiri, Tangatarehua's first democratically elected Prime Minister
Strong support for the Rehuan model, also known as "Kiriism".
Supports ordoliberalism, Keynesian economics, dirigisme and even corporatism. Has a reputation for pork barrel politics.
Socially conservative: Opposed to widespread immigration, LGBT rights or other disruptions to traditions.
Officially pro free trade but have become more protectionist in recent years
Supported by farmers, small businesses and blue collar workers
Past Prime Ministers include Hemi Kiri [1982 - 1987] and Wiremu Ngaio -1993 - 1998]

Te Reo Ahu Whakamua ("Progressive Voice")
By far the most left-leaning faction of THM
Supports continued free education to tertiary level, free healthcare and the social safety net
Strongly opposed to privatisation
Very socially liberal, supporting expanded rights for immigrants, taurekareka and the LGBT community. Also supports legalising abortion.
Supported primarily by younger members of THM as well as minority groups. Faction has lost influence as many members have defected to the Matau Hapori [the Right Socialist Party].
Former Prime Minister Huhana Tama [1987 - 1992] was a member and the founder of this faction.

Mana Motuhake ("Independence")
A self-described "national liberal" faction supporting protectionism and opposing immigration
Generally considered the most far right faction, supports economic nationalism and interventionism.
Supports abolishing Article IV and re-establishing the military as well as foreign policy isolationism.
Generally libertarian on most social issues, with some members even supporting private gun ownership. Pro LGBT.
Strong agrarian focus - founded by a group of politicians from rural areas and supported mainly by farmers

How will the vote be decided?

A candidate must have the support of at least 20 MRs in order to make it onto the ballot. Once the candidates have been determined, the election will take place in a two-round system: All 173 THM MRs will vote, as will all 378,815 paid-up THM party members plus THM's 21 national board of directors (one for each of Tangatarehua's 21 prefectures).

A total of 415 points will be available - each MR vote is worth one point, a board director vote is worth two points while the remaining 200 points will be distributed proportionately according to the way the membership voted.

For example if Candidate A receives the support of 100 MRs, 55% of the members and 7 directors, she will receive 224 points. The first candidate to win more than 208 points will become party president (and therefore, Prime Minister), however if no majority is reached in the first round then a run-off election between the top two candidates will be run.

The winner is expected to be announced on Sunday July 23rd.

by **Phibeta** » Thu Jul 06, 2023 11:12 pm

RMS Dukedom of Beakdale, One of The Grandest Ships of The Phibetan Royal Lines

RMS Dukedom of Beakdale sets sail next week from Port Sauville in celebration of the Bicentenary of the establishment of the South Seas Crossing. It is an establishment that has been crucial to the building of nations in the South Seas region and the building of Phibeta’s empire. This was a voyage centuries in the making, as the first regularly scheduled voyage from Port Southlock in Phibeta to the colonial port of Gallagher back in 1823.

This was to maintain regular supply routes ever since the colony was founded back in 1611. Sailing packets powered the inaugural voyages, usually clippers which were one of the fastest ships around that time (only taking a month or so). But with the advent of steam power, steamships became the more dominant traversers of the seas, and with coal being discovered on the Territory of Jabutti, a colony in between Gallagher and Southlock, it was possible for steamships to sail from Gallagher to Southlock in one and a half weeks. In 1846, an agreement between the Phibetan and Abetton governments was made for ships to enter Port Sauville, and thus began a wave of tourism and immigration between the nations of the South Seas, The Cartune Isles, and Phibeta. The Meridional War of 1861 had temporarily ceased civilian operations, but with the power and might of Phibeta’s Royal Navy, it was a vital line in times of war, but peaceful operations resumed in 1864 following the war's end and subsequent treaties.

Towards the 20th Century, with new technologies being developed and new demands for a growing industry, lead to one of the grandest eras for luxury travel with companies like The Phibetan Grand Imperial Line, The Gold Star Line, and The one and only Phibetan Royal Line, as Phibeta dominated the luxury ocean liner industry. After the First and Second Great War, there was a steady decline in immigration, and a rise of aeroplane travel, but the oceanliner was still a very viable way to travel. Though many ships have been delegated to cruising, the South Seas Line is still a regularly used line for both immigrating passengers and cruising tourists.

This brings us to today, as the RMS Dukedom of Beakdale is currently on its revenue-earning voyage on the Cartoonia leg of its journey, from Port Gallager to Port Sauville. At Sauville, the ship will be taking on its cruise of a century where a gala will be held and a series of five lectures from Phibetan Universities’ top professors in the nautical history field, as well as the theaters showing movies from different eras of the 20th Century. That is also on top of all the amenities a modern ship has to offer, with the tradition of the grandeur of The Phibetan Royal Lines’ architecture and posh service.

“This is going to be one of the grandest events in maritime history” proudly says Sir Richard Hawkins, the CEO of the Phibetan Royal Line. “I know that we will put on a great event, of which no other company can emulate with our tradition and elegance on the high seas”. The voyage may sound posh, but it is open for all members of the public, with tickets going for £400 ($200) for the cheapest of staterooms. This will mark one of the greatest cruises of not just the decade, but of this century.

Richard Boston, head editor for The Weston Mail

OPINION COLUMN: The Importance of Child Welfare

Submitted by: Harold Carlim, Headmaster of Cramton Primary School

1855 was the year when the first child labour laws were passed by the Partaridge Conservative Government. It was following the aftermath of the Faghih Orphanage Scandal and the Veronica Street Orphan Riots that have plagued the government of the day, especially when one of their politicians, Ms. Myra Bello who would later be our first female prime minister, was a victim of the orphanage scheme. Many politicians of the day have asked why hasn’t a system like this existed in our fair isles, with all the many wars, pandemics, and crimes that have left many children orphaned or in destitution. One guess was that all records of such have been burned or were destroyed by King Salarus the Pretender during his reign, the dark times of Phibeta. He was an avid follower of the Three Heroes Teachings (which have disavowed the teachings of Sir Nathaniel, the protector of children), and wanted to create a kingdom in the image of those three heroes.

His reign would see the worst of his actions, as the colony of the Gilligan Isles was being used as his own labour camps set up where orphans picked up from around Phibeta were sent and were forced to work on infrastructure, mining, and farm work without proper rations or provisions. For those who haven’t died from starvation and exhaustion, they were subject to human experimentations and tortures set up by the Royal Society of Science that cultivated in the 1810 Gilligan Isles Disaster. His reign was short-lived as a revolution thrown him out of power and along with many policies of his reversed, all except those of that were linked to the Three Heroes teachings. It stuck around until 1855 when the Great Cardinal Reawakening was spurred by Prime Minister Partaridge after he was hit with a divine revelation after reading the Records of The Four Holy Heroes (The religious text) which led to different reforms for children during his tenure, and following. We now have a youth parliament that brings up issues that children face at home and abroad, which is brought up to the prime minister. Children are now required to go to school until the age of 16. Children are now protected from the dangerous work place of heavy industry, protected from homelessness and starvation, and uncertainty in the event of being orphaned.

There are several nations out there, some having blatantly attacked our allies that think children should return to the factories and the mines. Some of them wish for them to experiment on them. They want children to be second-class citizens under a theocratic rule. It should be mentioned too that many politicians in our country has displayed interest for the age limits in industry and labour to be lowered for companies to make more money on paying children less. To that we say, are they (the politicians) worthy to represent us in parliament? For Heroes’s sake, we are talking about our children! The future of our nation lies within our children, and no nation, no matter how much warmongers occupy it, nor any politician with power, will ever take away the rights of our children! As a wise woman once said, “Won’t somebody please think of the children?”

The Ballroom of Kensington Palace, During Last Year’s Honours Gala

Honours Gala Preparations Underway. One of The Biggest Events of The Year

As Oysterfield Secondary School prepares for the Senshadou Grand Prix, another event is being scheduled in the halls of Kensington Palace. The Honours Gala, or the Investiture is a ceremony and gala to honour national and international people in their achievements and defense of liberty. Her Majesty, Queen Diane II, will be meeting and greeting several people who have received the knight/damehoods and will be awarding new knighthoods and honours to new recipients. They will be joining the knighthood that bring honour to our country since medevial times.

These orders have been around since the age of The House of Gutrotter when King Alfonso II gathered his most loyal knights into an order that swears its allegiance to the king and subsequently the monarchy of Phibeta. Members come and go and are recognized by the commoners to be the most honourable and most noble of knights. This was the Most Loyal Order of The Square Table. This order has been defunct today, but the orders have evolved since then. Four orders have been dedicated to the Four Cardinal Heroes which are religious orders. The most prestigious order for civilians to earn is the Order of The Phibetan Empire, the one for both domestic and foreign military officials and heads of states is the Order of The Golden Eagle, one that has not been making the rounds in the House of Lords who control who does or does not get knighted, is the Royal Waringham Order, which is a special order on which Her Majesty can bypass the House of Peers in knighting any person with dedicated service to Her Majesty, developed in 1876 when The Three Monarchs of the time, King Yohannes II, King William IV, and Queen Diane I, wanted to award former Prime Minister Myra Bello and her friends of the Soie Leisse Company for their service to them and the empire when the House of Peers vetoed her recognition for the Order of the Phibetan Empire.

There is one order that is also going to be mentioned, but will not take affect until January 21, 2024, and that is the candidacy for the Most Noble Order of The Cardinal. Once a religious order, this order is an ancient order in which members of foreign royal families, or citizens of national importance are invited to join by the monarch, which are investured on Cardinal Day. One of the highest honours, there can only be 24 living companion members from Phibeta and the Commonwealth, with several supernumerary members from outside the realm, mostly those of other royal families (Royal Knights and Ladies Companions). The new members of the order will be announced at this gala. It will be a night of fun, honour, and gratitude.

Sir Nigel Lemprey, royal correspondent for The Weston Mail

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by **Morrdh** » Mon Jul 10, 2023 12:59 pm

BREAKING NEWS - AIR CRASH IN MORDENT

MORDENT-. Reports are coming in of a crash of a large aircraft at the RMAF Tiroe airbase just east of the capital of Mordent, Lindun.

Though the causes remain unknown at this stage, though the aircraft is widely believed to have been a C-10 Minotaur Strategic Transport aircraft operated by the Aerfhórsa Ríoga (trans; Royal Morridane Air Force) as part of a 10 strong fleet. The aircraft was reportedly coming into land just prior to the crash, seeming it's aircrew lost control of the behemoth shortly after touching down. It has yet to be determine whether it caused by a particularly heavy landing leading to the undercarriage collapsing or some other fault, so far officials have refused to comment on possible causes or whether there has been any survivors. Eyewitnesses have reported that the aircraft was soon engulfed by flames and required the drafting of civilian firefighters to support their military counterparts.

Investigations into the crash will be hampered by the current situation within the Commonwealth, it is understood that the authorities have reached out to both Lyran Arms and the Free Republic of Lamoni for assistance into conducting the investigation.

by **Tangatarehua** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 4:13 am

TWENTY TERRORISTS SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR ROLE IN COUP D'ETAT ATTEMPT

17th July 2023

TAMAKI
Twenty people have been sentenced to life imprisonment, following a failed coup d'etat attempt that shocked the nation and the world.

20 members of far right militia group Te Raupapa o te Whakangungu Rakau were each sentenced to life in prison after attempting to take over a TSDF base on 15th April.

All 20 members of the group were convicted of terrorism - a charge that alone carries a life sentence.

11 members of the group also pleaded guilty to High Treason - the only crime in Tangatarehua that still carries the death penalty, but had their sentences commuted to life.

The remaining members pleaded not guilty to high treason, arguing that they 'remained loyal to the Empress and simply wished to revoke a western-imposed system of government'. They were also found guilty and despite a serious attempt to request the death penalty 'on the grounds of leniency', were further sentenced to life in prison.

Ianga Wikiriwhi was also found guilty of the murder of Colonel Kahorere Tamihana, while five members were found guilty of cannibalism and fined K20,000 (NSD$100) for it.

The coup attempt was organised by popular author Piripi Kei Tiki, who committed ritual suicide at the scene. While much of the legal defence attempted to highlight Kei Tiki as the main driving force behind the coup and mimimise the actions of those involved, this defence was flatly rejected by the panel of judges and the jury who stated that all 20 people were equally guilty.

All present were sentenced to life in prison, albeit with different parole periods. The most severe sentence was for Ianga Wikiriwhi - who must serve a minimum of 40 years in prison before he can be considered for early release. Others will be eligible for parole within 15 years.

The trial ends a dark day for Tangatarehua and a bizarre chapter in its modern history, in which it was revealed that its fledgling democracy is still vulnerable and not yet with universal support.

by **Marshite Alliance for a Free Tupenga** » Fri Jul 21, 2023 12:49 pm

Nadira Zakia Successfully Negotiates End to Protests, Inauguration Set to Proceed

Crifoso, Tupenga - In a significant development following the fiercely contested election in Tupenga, MAFT candidate Nadira Zakia has successfully brokered talks with several prominent voices in the communist parties, resulting in the calling off of further demonstrations and the acceptance of the election results. The negotiations, which involved delicate discussions and a potential promise of cabinet positions, have cleared a major hurdle, paving the way for the long-delayed inauguration to proceed in a few days. After the unexpected and close-run victory that saw Nadira Zakia edging past her communist rivals, Jata Luigeson and Suhuba Onobanjo, tensions escalated as accusations of organizing with outside forces and alleged voting irregularities surfaced. The State Election Board diligently investigated these claims but found no confirmed incidents of wrongdoing. However, the concerns led to protests and strikes in some regions of the country.

Recognizing the importance of unity and a peaceful transition of power, Nadira Zakia took proactive steps to engage with leaders from the communist parties. She held extensive discussions to address their grievances and find common ground. Reports suggest that in exchange for their support and acceptance of the election results, Zakia offered prominent positions within her cabinet to representatives from the communist parties, ensuring their voices would be heard in the country's governance. The negotiations proved successful, as the communist party officials, by and large, accepted Zakia's offer, signaling an end to further demonstrations and strikes. This move has been welcomed by both the citizens of Tupenga and the international community, who have been closely monitoring the situation in the aftermath of the election.

With the political tensions subsiding and the acceptance of the election results, the long-delayed inauguration of Nadira Zakia as the next leader of Tupenga is now set to take place in a few days. The inauguration will mark a historic moment for the nation, as it transitions into a new era under Zakia's leadership. As preparations are underway for the inauguration ceremony, security measures have been heightened to ensure a safe and smooth event.

The nation's attention remains fixed on the upcoming inauguration, as Tupenga looks forward to a new chapter under the leadership of Nadira Zakia. Her remarkable journey from trailing in the election to successfully navigating post-election challenges and fostering unity sets the stage for a promising start to her term. Leaders from various countries have extended their congratulations to Zakia and conveyed their hopes for a fruitful and stable tenure, with a number of them promising to attend her inauguration.

As the nation awaits the inauguration with anticipation, the focus now turns to the future and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Tupenga. With a united leadership and the backing of various factions, there is optimism that the country can overcome any obstacles and work towards a prosperous and inclusive future for all its citizens.

by **Tangatarehua** » Sat Jul 22, 2023 5:21 am

THM ELECTS TANGAROA WIRIHANA AS NEW LEADER

23rd July 2023

TAMAKI
Tangatarehua's ruling party, Tikanga Herekore Manapori [THM] or "Free Democratic Party" has elected 73 year old Tangaroa Wirihana as its new leader in a tightly contested leadership race.

_{Tangaroa Wirihana has been elected as the new leader of Tikanga Herekore Manapori and is expected to officially become Prime Minister on Monday.}

Wirihana is expected to take the reins as the new Mangai o Tangata [literally "Representative of the People", usually translated into English as "Prime Minister" following a vote by Parliament on Monday morning. He succeeds incumbent Prime Minister Ngaire Roimati following her resignation earlier this month.

Wirihana, a former mayor of Kaiika who previously served as Chairman of Parliament's powerful Finance Committee, as well as the Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee becomes Tangatarehua's first mixed-race Prime Minister, being half Scottish on his mother's side.

A member of Ropu Ripera [THM's right-wing neoliberal faction], he fended off a fierce challenge for the leadership from Anaru Kiri, the grandson of Tangatarehua's venerated pacifist Prime Minister Hemi Kiri.

Wirihana gained the support of 88 of THM's 173 Mangai Rohe [Elected Representatives] - representing narrowly over half of the Caucus while most of THM's board of directors supported his main rival with 19 out 21 votes. However, Wirihana's election came on the back of a ringing endorsement from THM's rank-and-file membership with over 60% of paid-up party members voting for him.

The new leader is expected to take his party - and the nation - sharply to the right economically, with Wirihana a long-time vocal critic of his predecessor's reluctance to cut taxes as promised by THM during the 2021 election campaign. On social issues he is known to be "vehemently pro-western" and liberal, promising to take steps to reduce discrimination against marginalised groups such as immigrants, the Taurekareka and the LGBT community.

Wirihana has also pledged to be "more aggressive" in seeking foreign markets and relaxing trade barriers - including relaxing immigration laws and is a sharp critic of protectionism and nationalism, on one occasion referring to himself as "someone who is proud to call myself a globalist".

"It is time for Tangatarehua to truly open itself to the world!" he said upon his election as THM's leader. "It is time for our nation to tap into its ancient warrior spirit and apply that attitude to the world of business. There is no reason why we can not only survive in an open global market but we can conquer the world through our superior products and work ethic!"

His election comes as THM seeks to fend off challenges from both the political left and the political right, with the right-wing libertarian Whakapaipai Party eating into the party's support as dissatisfaction over tax increases continues. Meanwhile, Wirihana has made overtures to the political left by promising to reverse Ngaire Roimati's unpopular decision to introduce fees for tertiary education.

Policies of Tangaroa Wirihana:

Reduce the top marginal tax rate to 30%
Introduce a new 'fast-track' policy for skilled immigrants to fill job shortages
Reduce and remove most restrictions on foreign direct investment in order to further open Tangatarehua's markets to the global economy
Reverse plans to introduce fees for tertiary students
Consider [but no commitment to] a tax-free threshold up to K1,000,000 (NSD$5,000)
Full privatisation of Tangatarehua Rererangi [the national airline]
Full privatisation of the Imperial Tangatarehua Post Office

Following his expected election by Parliament on Monday morning, he will travel south to Whakaara for an audience with Her Sacred Majesty the Empress where he will be formally sworn into office.

Comments:

Pukur1r1 ↑↓
Oh great, THM have been captured by the foreign Woke crowd. A half-Pakeha as Prime Minister!? Disgusting!!!! To think this dirty half blood could shake hands with the Empress, makes my blood boil.(Auto-translated from Maori) see original

Kaikiri1978 ↑↓
Look at his face - he has no tattoos, just like a common criminal! How dishonourable. He should watch his back....
(Auto-translated from Maori) see original

Te_take_3251 ↑↓
I am surprised that he defeated Anaru Kiri and I hope he is successful. Though I am concerned that he is a puppet for western multinational businesses - he dresses and acts too much like a westerner.
(Auto-translated from Maori) see original

by **Holy Marsh** » Mon Jul 24, 2023 12:16 am

Evil Resolution Sparks Diplomatic and Economic Consequences

Mar'si, Holy Marsh- The Theocractic Matriarchy has listed a number of punishments being levied towards the puppet state of Communist Oldwitch for what has been termed, 'an unjustifiable and evil resolution' targeting notable anti-slaver nation Allanea. "If they can so blatantly use that decrepit body to attack one of the few large-scale good actors on the world stage, then they have in no small part thrown their lot in with the evil of the world. As such, we shall levy punishments on them," Foreign Inquisition Director Auries Callidan said while announcing the sanctions being levied towards Communist Oldwitch.

First is the ban on any use of the Sea of Faith for any purpose by the state or its people. Any and all vessels will be taken as Marshite property. Flights are disallowed as well, and will be escorted to Marshite air bases by military aircraft. "Since we can now only assume that Communist Oldwitch has thrown its lot in with evil forces, it stands to reason that their economic activity involves such nations. Therefore, we will not allow trade or contact through the Sea of Faith, which we consider sovereign Marshite territory in its totality."

Secondly, citizens and officials of Communist Oldwitch do not benefit from the easy border controls as given to most PUF citizens, where they are able to enter the Matriarchy with ease and stay for extended periods of time. They must instead operate under heavy restrictions, banned from most parts of the country except with express approval, and with their economic and political activity at most heavily curtailed if not entirely removed in many cases. "We see no reason to offer them the same benefits of being a Federal ally when they have shown themselves to be a foe, and wholly unworthy of being treated in the same manner as our friends in Mokastana."

Third, diplomatic offices are being closed and the Matriarchy no longer supports the return of Imperial held goods. The long-time efforts aimed at supporting the Ice States are being withdrawn. Instead, letters have been sent to Communist Oldwitch as well as the Ice States Proper, informing them that the Theocracy will no longer act as a friendly face towards those who have so consistently shown themselves to be improperly aligned and acting. "The people of the Ice States deserve better than what they have, and we grow weary of being so kind to nations that have acted with no care or concern for the survival of their people, their culture, or their very nationhood."

These actions are nearly unanimously supported by the Commune Sarda, the closest Sarda to communism that the Faith offers and the Sarda that has shown consistently the most support for the communists of the Ice States. While once broadly supported by the commune shrine, the actions of the Ice States leading to the war with the Golden Throne and the actions of Oldwitch have cratered support, with less than four percent of poll adherents still supporting Oldwitch while a whopping seventy-six percent support the measures being taken.

Thought for the Day: Faith Delivers Sustenance Greater Than Mortality Can Offer.

by **State of Ordena** » Wed Aug 02, 2023 6:22 pm

ORDENCHE - RUNDFUNK - GESELLSCHAFT

ORDENITE BROADCASTING CORPORATION

ORDENITE - MINISTRY FOR POSTS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

The Free State of Wanderjar withdraws it's membership from the Bredubar Covenant.
Prime Minister of Wanderjar Constand Visser signs historic agreement admitting Wanderjar as a full member of the EINHEITSPAKT.

Berlina, Ordenstaat - The Free State of Wanderjar has undergone several historic changes in the last few months such as the relatively bloodless revolution within its own borders in response to the decaying stagnation facing Wanderjar under it's current government. The common Wanderjarian grew tired of the former government's ineptness when it came to overcoming the political and economic stagnation facing their country. It was no surprise that its so called allies within the Bredubar Covenant offered little to no assistance during this period of stagnation and before the revolution, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Ordenstaat made numerous requests to help alleviate the stagnation. However the then government of the Free State of Wanderjar would not hear any of it leaving it to the people to free themselves of their former leaders.

It was obvious that the people of Wanderjar needed a true leader and visionary, not a inept government at home and a monarch thousands of kilometers away in a far away region playing royalty. Therefore it was only right that the Wanderjar Volksfront and it's fearless leader Constand Visser took matters into their own hands, leading tens of thousands into the streets of Bloemfontein and taking charge of their country. Rightfully so did the former government immediately surrender its self and thus a new chapter in Wanderjarian history was made.

Since the ascension of Constand Visser to Prime Minister of the Free State of Wanderjar, already positive change has begun and the Wanderjarian people are reaping the benefits of a government that is for it's people. On the world stage it had become apparent to the Free State of Wanderjar just exactly it's true allies were, and they did not include the Bredubar covenant. In a speech delivered by Prime Minister Visser before the House of Assembly he announced that the Free State of Wanderjar would be rescinding it's membership within the largely inactive Bredubar Covenant headed by the Protectorate of Lyras, a known communist military dictatorship. In it's place Prime Minister Visser announced that the Free State of Wanderjar would be admitted as a full member of the Unity Pact collective defense treaty organization headed by the Greater Ordenstaat.

The Unity Pact was formed and it's formation was signed into being in Berlina with it's founding member-states being the Greater Ordenstaat and the Republic of Fustera. Now the Free State of Wanderjar led by Prime Minister Visser makes it the 3rd full member of the treaty organization with the ceremonial signing to take place in the coming weeks in Berlina.

Other News:
- Full mobilization of the Armed Forces continues to support the Defense of Dietsland against the Kraven menace.
- First round of elections within the Staatskammer and Volkskammer begin.
- Corruption charges brought upon several former State security officials.

by **Communist Oldwitch** » Sat Aug 05, 2023 1:22 pm

BREAKING NEWS: Icers Converted to Ogres After Devonian Biological Weapon Strike

The People's News --> Diplomacy and War --> Devonian-Ice War
By reporter Tracey Roddenberry

At 9:53 AM Ice Standard Time today, the Devonian military deployed a biological weapon believed to have originated from just North of Wintercourt. About one minute later, the weapon fell in Foxstead. The attack was brutal, but appears to have resulted in an either unexpected or deliberate result, along with the death of about 10000 residents of Communist Oldwitch: the transformation of up to 4000 residents into an ogre-like species. Exact biological details of the new species are still being determined, although it is known that they possess an incredible strength, with adults able to carry up to 300 kilograms on average. Citizens of Communist Oldwitch have been encouraged to stay within their homes, with all windows closed, in case of a second biological attack as well as danger from remnants of this strike in the air.

The strike's effects of converting humans into this ogre-like species have spanned over a shockingly large radius than only Communist Oldwitch, of an estimated 1200 kilometres. This includes part of the PUF member state Motokata, and the Marshite island Ixana, from which conversions into the new species have also been reported. The effect outside of Communist Oldwitch, however, was primarily in the Devonian occupation zone itself, in the Ice member state of Oldwitch. According to professional estimates, about 3000 residents of Devonian Oldwitch have been converted, leading to speculation that this was an accident resulting from the imperialists' recklessness.

This strike occurred as the escalation of the ongoing war between the Communist Freedom Army and associated Communal Union, which currently only has jurisdiction over the area known as "Communist Oldwitch" under military defense of the People's Unified Federation and native CFA. This war, in turn, is the continuation of the Devonian-Icer war in which the Devonian nation overthrew the Communal Union in collaboration with the remnants of the genocidal, theocratic Empire of the Ice States.

Representatives of the PUF, Holy Marsh, and the Devonian military are yet to respond to our requests for comment. However, the Communal Union's Minister of Disaster Responses, Chandra McRitchie, issued the following statement to our reporters,

"It's really a shame, although likely unsurprising, that the imperialists we deposed have now attacked us using biological weapons to mass destruction, in such a reckless, if not malicious, attack on not only us but three neighbouring nations, including themselves. However, ultimately my job is not to throw shade at other nations, but to protect ourselves against this kind of disaster. The Ministry found out reasonably quickly about the attack, after being informed by the CFA about a biological weapon falling in Foxstead; after that, our departments received numerous simultaneous reports of conversions. The weapon appears to have used a highly concentrated toxin which usually kills within a few seconds of contact; however, in up to 20% of instances, can result in the conversion. I am confident that the situation is now under control, with no further conversions in the last 20 minutes having been reported or found. Nonetheless, those in Communist Oldwitch -- especially near Foxstead -- are strongly urged to remain within the safety of their homes, with all windows closed, in case remnants of the attack in the air pose any danger or there is a second biological attack."

Update 1: It has now been discovered by Marshite experts, and confirmed by Ice biologists, that the new species is not a type of ogre, but rather the "Orcana" species. A Marshite statement on the matter has been released, stating that "aquatic and piratical branch that around four thousand years ago suffered a serious fissure in theological matters that saw them violently expunged from Orcana domain".

This species originated from the Sea of Faith area, and it is indeed confirmed that those with genetic links to members of that species were the most vulnerable to conversion -- those without said links died with the weapon as their bodies were unable to withstand the conversion process, triggered by the contact with the toxin used in the weapon. The very small quantity of the toxin one needs to come into contact with to be affected further confirms the reason for the wide radius of the effects.

Converted individuals are believed to assume an entirely new identity, usually with new names and gender, and even effectively adopting new families. Interestingly, all observed adults to be affected have been converted into female members of the Orcana species.

Update 2: The Devonian military has issued a statement to the People's News regarding the matter. It reads as follows,

"We are aware of the optics of this matter. However, what occurred here was not, in any way, a deliberate infliction on Motokata, Ixana, or Communist Oldwitch, let alone our own population. What happened was the result of a failure in the testing of our biological weapons system, wherein we failed to discover the effect of species conversion during our multiple rounds of testing. We would like to offer our sincere condolences to all Icers, Motokatans, and Marshites; and regardless of our political differences with any of the nations affected, hope to stand together in solemnity against the harm caused by this accident."

Further updates will be provided by the People's News as the situation develops.

by **Holy Marsh** » Sat Aug 05, 2023 9:00 pm

Unusual Bioweapon Event Sparks Species Change

Mar'si, Holy Marsh- Marshite officials in Ixana have responded to reports of a Devonian Bioweapon attack in the Ice States, the effects of which have trailed into the island province. Initial reports of 'Goblinoid' transformations in Ixana have been revealed as only partially correct. Instead, reports indicate that an off-branch of the ancient Orcana non-human species, the Staz Drepa, has been found to be the dominant development. The Staz Drepa according to Orcana Non-Human Sarda records were an aquatic and piratical branch that around four thousand years ago suffered a serious fissure in theological matters that saw them violently expunged from Orcana domain. They were nown to have settled in the Sea of Faith region, but without allies or support they were unable to achieve stability. Most populations were hunted down and destroyed outside of Ixana, where the last major population centers were conquered and enslaved by the Ishtari Sultante. Those bloodlines died out some three hundred years ago, though it seems likely that cross-breeding took place as dormant Staz Drepa genetic code has been found as a major linking factor in those who changed.
Unlike The Shift and associated changes, this change has affected almost entirely the natives to the island, predominantly Muslim and Syncretic Christians who live on the island. The exact emotional and psychological affects are unknown, and beyond the cataloguing and updating of information the Karda has stated that it plans on no greater blocks or checks on the Staz Drepa outside of the normal observation of sociological conditions.

The attack did however have more dramatic and terrible consequences, with ten thousand Icers being killed. Local officials called for prayers for the dead, but considering the nature of the war involved have had no further comment. However, the fact that such a weapon reached the Theocracy prompted Ixanan military officials to pointedly remind the remaining government and their cohorts that, "further attempts at disrupting life in Ixana or any Marshite territory will result in your death and the death of every member of your family and political allies. Fuck off. No further warning will be offered."

The war that the Ice States started with the Golden Throne has spiraled into a conflict that has seen the communist government overthrown by Devonian forces in league with low-ranking officials of the previous regime. Marshite officials have stated that these officials had no involvement in the slave trade that once existed, though they retain the ability to kill any official that they discover later was involved. Beyond that, the current conflict in the region is referred to as "The Ice Folly", and the current bioweapons event is considered just one more event that has proven the inability of ideologically driven governments to properly assess affairs.

Thought for the Day: Faith separates beast from blessed.

by **Xofrautan** » Wed Aug 09, 2023 3:05 pm

The Xofrautan Express

-Proper Xofrautanese News From The Government-

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Xofrautan Industrial Realty Makes Big Money With New Contracts

Construction Work Beginning on New Outsourced Facilites

The moment of truth has arrived with the opening and success of the new government-operated group, Xofrautan Industry Realty as it makes money for Xofrautan to spend. It has earned over fifty billion rupees in revenue generated by these contracts for the use of our land by foreign companies. These are mostly extraction and research companies that use up a very good amount of resources, but that is a small price to pay when doing business. It’s better than the damn Phibetans taking it for themselves. This is in stark contrast with the economic slump that has plagued Xofrautan since last year.

“This is all apart of the plan towards economic recovery,” says Prime Minister Nehal Gurnani, who had made a promise in the last election to modernize the industrial and economic output of Xofrautan. “Not only are we doing business with foreign nations without having to accept foreign aid, but we are also studying the industry of the world that will help us modern our own industry”. The prime minister would continue to talk about how the wealth of these contracts will trickle down to the regular people through the new work pension. In this setup, the government is responsible for paying the workers, not the companies, who do pay through a monthly fee. This money goes to a workers pension which is available to most workers in the employment of these companies. The total amount any worker can be paid is up to a generous ₹500 a day!

There have been some detractors that have slandered this scheme by saying lies that children of poor areas are being employed in these new sites, doing menial and dangerous labor. To that, we say those are lies, like the inflated rumors of a great famine in our country. We have many great laws that only allow children to work on the streets as mendicants, or regular odd jobs in cities. One of the foreign contractors from New Luzon decided to open an investment firm that could bring the total national revenue up by 15%. "We are going to be extremely rich!" exclaimed our glorious president of the republic, Om Mandalik. "I had no idea that lending land to these foreign companies will generate wealth as far as the eye can see. No more do we have to rely on the foreign devil, Phibeta, and its unnecessary foreign aid. We will sustain ourselves from the imperial pigs". This is the beginning of a new era in Xofrautan’s economic recovery, and its path to being a power to be reckoned with.

Megaduta Chakarvarti, Editor of The Xofrautan Express

by **Gustavovich** » Sun Aug 13, 2023 10:57 pm

FORMER INSPECTOR-GENERAL, VICE-ADMIRAL THEODOROS IOANNUVICH IS APPOINTED BY THE HIGH COMMISSION AS GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF THE GALLICIAN PROVINCE

The Presidium of the High Commission for State Affairs, in the guidance of our Great and Ever-Victorious Leader, Comrade Gustav Gustavovich, appointed former Inspector-General of the Gallician Province Theodoros Ioannuvich as the Gallician Governor-General.

Vice-Admiral Theodoros Ioannuvich was put in charge of the inspection of the Gallician Province, following international complaints of mistreatment in the re-education of recently colonized gallicians. It was uncovered that the former Governor-General was a traitor, and collaborated with classified government information to foreign powers. A special court found the culprit guilty of high treason, and executed. In commendation to this inspection, the Vice-Admiral was awarded the Knight´s Order of the Justice Order. Yesterday it was annouced by the Presidium of the High Commission for State Affairs that V.ADR.Theodoros Ioannuvich was unanimously appointed as Governor-General of the Gallician Province.

The People congratulates the new Governor-General of Gallicia, and thanks the wise guidance of our Dear Father, Leader Gustav Gustavovich.

by **Azura** » Wed Aug 16, 2023 2:54 pm

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DEURZE PREFECTURE

In a highly anticipated, televised press conference on Wednesday, Wolvegan President Willem Dekker reiterated his city-state’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and neutrality with the world’s great powers. The comments were broadcast nationwide in response to the growing crisis between the Golden Throne and the Communal Union of the Ice States, a situation that has markedly deteriorated over the last seventy-two hours. President Dekker announced that the city’s government would continue to monitor the situation in the Nicaro border region and maintain Wolvega’s standing policy of non-interference in military conflicts involving the main regional powers of Greater Dienstad.

President Dekker sought to reaffirm Wolvega’s independence through the policy of non-intervention that has served the city-state well since its foundation, commenting on the current crisis erupting between the Golden Throne and the Ice States. “We want to assure the people of Wolvega, and the people of the wider region at large that our republic remains committed to keeping the peace however possible. Never before has our resolve to remain free of the entanglements of war been stronger than it is now; other countries may beat on the drums of war, but Wolvega remains steadfast in its belief that regional peace is the only permanent solution to diplomatic problems between regional powers. We will continue to offer our services as neutral arbiters of the current unhappy disputes between the Communal Union of the Ice States and the Golden Throne, that peace may once again reign over the Golden Sea.”

"The people of Wolvega will remain free from the strife of war under our watch," the President reiterated.

Wolvega’s positioning as a major center of international finance has not insulated it from war shock in the past. Regional indices have often taken a nosedive with the eruption of brushfire wars around the region. The scope of the current conflict seems certain to impact regional markets in the coming days, though no one yet knows how serious the selloffs will be. The Wolvegan National Market opened down this morning, with investor confidence in the regional ability to weather a major conflict between the Golden Throne and the communist Communal Union shaky at best. The index was projected to close down for the third consecutive day, erasing a two-week bull market run in a matter of hours. Market analysts are concerned over the loss to yearly gains thus far in the fiscal year.

Wolvega continues to ride a fine line monetary policy between keeping unemployment low and keeping inflation in check. With the inflation rate expected to rise by 2.5%, slightly above the government’s 2% target threshold, investors have grown more wary over a possible interest rate hike by the central economic apparatus in the Republic government. That, combined with the outbreak of war in the Nicaro border region between the Golden Throne’s forces advancing on the Communal Union, has sent investors scurrying from the market in the early hours of trading Wednesday. The President reaffirmed however that Wolvegan markets would remain open despite the crisis, signaling to the world a sense of confidence in the city-state’s ability to weather regional storms in its backyard fairly decisively. "We will continue to observe the situation, but as of now Wolvega remains open for business. Our city is a beacon of freedom to the region."

When asked about the ongoing crisis affecting the marketplace, and whether economic sanctions against either power could be levied, the President remained decidedly frosty on the idea, citing the necessty of maintaining Wolvega's independence as a main factor in any decision made regarding the conflict. "Wolvega is a major commercial and financial center in the region, and our tourism trade brings in billions in revenue annually. We have a responsibility to the people of Wolvega to remain open for business, which means we must protect our independent city-state status by remaining an observer to major conflicts. We have neither the manpower nor the resources necessary to launch a materiel campaign against our fellow neighobrs, and nor do we have the desire to do so. Wolvega remains adamant that diplomacy must be the one and true calling card to end the conflict in the Nicaro border region, and that peace is needed."

"Our hearts go out to the people involved in this terrible conflict, but our resolve to remain neutral is firm."

by **State of Ordena** » Wed Aug 16, 2023 5:25 pm

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Ordenite - Istoloan diplomatic talks yield historic breakthrough.
"The Republic of Istoloa is well on track to being admitted as a full member into the Unity Pact" - Ambassador to Istoloa, Alder Ritter.

Berlina, Ordenstaat - For over several months a diplomatic mission on behalf of the Ambassador to the Republic of Istoloa, Alder Ritter has been hard at work in several high profile diplomatic meetings between the Ambassador and Istoloan government officials including President and Field Marshal Rodrigo Fremonero. The string of diplomatic talks had come following the 2nd Tarao War in which Istoloa was indiscriminately bombed by the Golden Throne and nearly invaded by the Holy Marsh. At first the Istoloan delegation were hesitant due to differences over developments involving Fustera in which it had became an Ordenite protectorate. However a agreement was reached between the Republic and the Ordenstaat concerning Fustera in which involves trade and basing rights between the Ordenite Staatswehr and the Istoloan Armed Forces.

The Shartourn Sea was of great conversation during these talks due to the want of security and freedom of navigation for Istoloan civilian, merchant and naval vessels traveling through. It was also in the best interests of the Greater Ordenstaat to ensure that it's own naval and merchant vessels could also traverse the Shartourn safely without harassment. Along with the want for greater security and defense in Istoloa and it's former colonies not beset by those that wish to harm it such as The Golden Throne or the Holy Marsh. Therefore it was agreed upon between officials of the Republic of Istoloa and the Greater Ordenstaat that the Republic would enter the Unity Pact as it's 4th full member. The inclusion of the Republic of Istoloa into the Unity Pact would see to further economic and military benefits for the country and would ensure that the Greater Ordenstaat would indeed cement it's place in Western Dienstad.

Other News:
- Full mobilization of the Armed Forces continues to support the Defense of Dietsland against the Kraven menace.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemn Devonian bio-weapon attack.
- Joint Ordenite - Fusteran counter insurgency operation under way in Northern Fustera.

by **North Tayaera** » Thu Aug 17, 2023 5:12 pm

Your nationwide news service.

Hello and welcome to the Tayaera News Network's afternoon broadcast. I'm Deniz, and it's my pleasure to bring you the latest news and happenings from our beautiful nation. From local events to global developments, we've got you covered with factual, unbiased reporting that you can trust. So sit tight and stay informed as we take you on a journey through the top stories of the day. Let's dive right in!

On March 25, 2111, the day was rather regular. Birds were chirping, the sounds of distant talking from the local church. But then everything changed as some dark clouds rolled in.
5 hours later, it was raining very hard. A thunderstorm was expected to hit Valrie on the day, but this one lasted for longer. It'd been 5 weeks without any sign of stopping. The temperatures dropped even lower, to a low of only -35° C, and a high of 10 ° C.

Everyone decided they would just stay inside like the recent Glacial Disease outbreaks I'll mention in the next broadcast. But it had been more than a week so people were either beginning to ration or were already out of food. Soon protests became riots and many people died because of fires caused by lightning, frigid temperatures, and later on Scurvy. The end was hard to clean up, but we cleaned it all up and picked up where we left off. The lives who were lost in the major storm will be remembered.

Thanks for tuning in to today's broadcast. We hope you found our coverage informative and engaging. Be sure to join us again tomorrow for more news and updates from across Tayaera. Until then, stay safe and stay informed!

by **Communist Oldwitch** » Thu Aug 17, 2023 8:28 pm

BREAKING NEWS: Second WMD Strike in Devonian War Amidst Peace Talks

The People's News --> Diplomacy and War --> Devonian-Ice War
By reporter Tracey Roddenberry

It is likely that you have already seen our previous report (link) regarding the WMD strike with biological weapons on Communist Oldwitch. For those who have not read it yet, five days ago the Devonian military launched biological weapons, which ended up affecting a stunningly large radius across not only Communist Oldwitch, but also Devonian Oldwitch, Motokata, and Holy Marsh; with the result being conversion of humans into Orcana, a species believed have been extinct, previously present in the Sea of Faith. The Devonian military has issued a statement confirmed speculation that this was the result of an accident regarding the effects of the strike.

The new development, however, is yet another strike with weapons of mass destruction: but not by Devonia. Rather, it is by the People's United Federation itself; and it was not on Communist Oldwitch. It was, instead, retaliating against the attack against not only the area under PUF protection, but the PUF itself in Motokata. The attack was a nuclear weapons strike upon Tuppolis, a small city in Southern Devonia; causing the death of at least 30000 Devonians.

What is most concerning about this event, however, is the context of when this occurred; the timing. Only four days ago, Devonia announced that it would commence peace talks with the PUF and the Communal Union. The talks are yet to be concluded, but according to Devonian foreign minister Sebastian Sonje, they have been going "productively", and that "[they] are still discussing the bombing, inter alia, but it is likely that an amicable conclusion will soon be reached." PUF and Devonian representatives are yet to respond to our requests for comment.

Update 1: Merely three hours after the issuing of the original article, the PUF, Devonia, and the Communal Union announced the signing of the aptly-named "Peace Accords" between the three entities. The Peace Accords are the result of these diplomatic talks, and are a simple armistice; no signatory is permitted to engage in military or other hostilities with other signatories. The treaty also notably includes a provision for further talks towards a long-term peace agreement. The full text is available, inter alia, on the official websites of the Devonian and Communal Union foreign affairs offices. This signals, for now, the end of the bloody, devastating Devonian-Ice war, although future conflicts down the line are still not ruled out.

Communal Union foreign minister Lyda Straub issued a brief statement to the People's News. "It is certainly relieving to see that our differences have been resolved now. Nonetheless, I take this moment to stand in solidarity with the innocent civilians of the PUF, the Ice States, Holy Marsh, and Devonia, who have been caught in the crossfire during this brutal, political conflict. I look forward to the creation of a long-term peace agreement to prevent any further conflicts such as the one which has now ended."

Meanwhile, Sonje has affirmed that "in accordance to the peace deal, diplomatic talks will be commencing as soon as possible for the formation of a treaty to prevent this sort of conflict from arising ever again." He has also stated that "as [Devonia] respect[s] the peace agreements [they] make, the matter of the nuclear strike is resolved and no retaliatory action shall be taken against the PUF in response thereto"; and "urge[d] all other entities to also refrain from attempting to retaliate against the PUF for the nuclear strike."

Further updates will be provided by the People's News as the situation develops.

by **Eitoan** » Sat Aug 19, 2023 6:56 pm

Foreign Affairs Requests Input on Shartourn Developments
Falkowski Solicits Opinion from Both Houses, All Parties

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Andrew Falkowski today requested informal input from both houses of the legislature regarding recent developments in the Shartourn Sea region. In a letter to Louis Herb and James Sancack respective leaders of the Ghastak and Dashez, the secretary asked for an open ended discussion for issues in the maritime south from all parties, as opposed to formal committee hearings in the Ghastak. In his note to both men Secretary Falkowski wrote:

I am requesting opinion across the board about events in the south, particularly those in the Tarao countries, and also the maritime Shartourn. We have many options in proceeding forward toward better relations with our neighbors down there, and changes in the area may subsequently impact our security and commercial direction in adjacent waters, including but not limited to Libete Bay and The Great Inland Sea. As you are aware, our Navy has recently completed the recent Knights Gambit exercises nearby east of the Jesheoda Channel, and this has included Amanese vessels participating as members of the Northwest Mutual Assistance Agreement for the first time, and observers from the Federation of Ralkovian States, as well as Tupenga. Although the area of operation was nearby to Libete Bay, the administrations values the input of public opinion as represented by the legislature for consideration in future planning. The recent activities of major powers in the West, although not of immediate concern, bear some scrutiny. The resources of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and those of the Department of Defense and External Security and the Department of Industry and Trade are at your disposal in your efforts.

Foremost among the events eliciting this review is the upcoming inauguration of Tupengan President Nadira Zakia, which President Shrdlu is planning to attend. Discussions have been underway at Defense and at Foreign Affairs about possible military assistance to that republic in the aftermath of bloody internal fighting and hotly contested elections. Tupenga, along with neighboring Samarasta and Fustera have been the scene of major power involvement, with Eitoan refraining from similar direct involvement. The three states have a tumultuous history since independence from the Istoloan Empire, and have not been attractive to Eitoan business or strategic interests in the past. With major power involvement, they have received greater attention recently. The idea of basing intelligence or naval facilities on Tupengan soil was bandied about in some Eitoan think tanks, but met with push back both at home and on the part of Tupengan Communists. A no strings attached proposal for military assistance, with training to be conducted in Eitoan for selected Tupengan officers and enlisted seems to be better received currently.

Further afield in the South, the announcement that “The Republic of Istoloa is well on track to being admitted as a full member into the Unity Pact" by Ordenite Ambassador to Istoloa, Alder Ritter this week caused some notice in Vladarsik. The Tarao countries have traditionally been viewed here as pretty much part of the Remote South, lying south of Libete Bay. Their location far from the entry to the Great Inland Sea has meant that affairs down there have been little noticed in the past. However, the expansion of the Unity Pact to the Tarao can only mean more great power involvement, particularly on the part of Ordena, which has had frosty relations with Eitoan in the past. Also of minor note regarding the Ordenite State is it’s involvement in a conflict with the Kravenite Reich. The Kraven threat is viewed here as remote, and unworthy of creating a change in Eitoan foreign policy. However, the threat is recognized and Foreign Affairs has cautiously indicated support for a regional joint force to meet such threats that has been presented at the Greater Dienstad Regional Council, which has also met with Golden Throne approval there.

Recent history closer to home has shown some indirectly successful interactions between Eitoan and the Ordenite State, following apparent reforms implemented by Herr Richtofen. In the dust up between the FRCP and The Golden Throne in the first of the Ice States disorders, Ordena refrained from any show of support for the FRPC in waters offshore of the FRPC. Tensions were elevated in the northern Coastal Territories, particularly in Blue Island, host to a large Golden Throne naval base, until an agreement was reached by the two parties at negotiations in Vladarsik. In the conflict with Kraven, neighboring Valkolicki Haven has participated in actions as a co-belligerent with Ordena. Officials in Valkolicki have maintained that no alliance with Ordena is under consideration at this time, and Eitoan commerce with them is unimpeded. At the start of the unpleasantness in Fustera it is believed that a quiet arrangement with Richtofen was found whereby Ordena backed away from support for Raskov restorationists in Ralkovia at Eitoan request, thereby forestalling any armed action on the part of Eitoan and neighboring states to protect interests in Fustera.

Status in the Legislature.

As a request for opinion, Foreign Affairs avoids the formal hearings in the upper house. The Foreign Affairs committed in the Ghastak has a full agenda, and addition of another item through formal request would require an additional burden on members of the 35 member body. Many on that committee also hold key positions on the Judicial Committee, and the Budget Committee, as well as responsibilities to their respective parties. The composition or a multiparty bicameral body outside of formal rules has fallen recently as seen in this session’s similar bodies to an All Party Joint Discussion Roundtable. The membership will most likely be composed similarly to this years roundtables covering Intraterritorial Water Allocation Disputes, and Central Corridor Territory Corn Storage Needs. Assignment of seats would allow two members from the majority party of each houses, two members of the leading minority party of each house, and one each for the remaining parties of each house. This would give the President’s centrist Free Democrats 4 seats, the conservative Civic Platform 3, Socialists 3, and the Communists and right wing National Democrats 2 each. A majority report is usually issued by a plurality of the membership, with minority opinions presented in dissents. The seats are likely to go to back benchers, given the priority of other issues in both houses. The Ghastak is currently reviewing six judicial nominees, and is heavily involved in looking at Air Force research funding. Agricultural and transportation issues dominate the discussion in the Dashez as the summer grinds on. Dashez President and Speaker James Sandack noted “This would be a good opportunity for the newer members to get their feet wet in the ins and outs of diplomacy. Many of them have barely been involved in this prior to their election, and I think they’d see it as a good way to widen their horizons”.

Current Thinking

Overall, observers in Vladarsik believe firmly that the primary interest in foreign affairs for both houses is primarily homeland security, secondarily treaty allies, and lastly friendly nations. This holds true across the three mainstream parties, Free Democrats, Civic Platform and Socialists alike. The individual Shartourn states themselves don’t fit neatly into any of these categories. Instead, they are viewed as proxies for the three great powers now. As such, Samarasta is likely to be viewed more sympathetically, given Golden Throne interest there. Among the great powers, The Golden Throne has long been most admired, both as a sponsor and observer of the NMAA, and as for it’s wealth and military prowess. By contrast , Ordena has long held the position of second from the bottom in public opinion, ranking only behind the remnant of Regime Ralkovia. It has recently benefited from openings in trade, limited to non-strategic commodities, agricultural products and basic machinery and parts, but the average Eitoan often views it with suspicion. This image has thawed a bit in certain business sectors. It’s history of genocide and repression, and dismissal of Eitoan as of inferior culture to Ralkovia have created a bad impression.

Attitudes of the major Roundtable participants have been indicated by likely members Thomas Hasek, a Free Democrat Ghastaker, and Saul Ben-Jospeh, and Civic Platform Dasheznik. Mr. Hasek commented “This is a low priority item, in my opinion and we should treat it as such. But I think the reestablishment of WEDTAG, the economic union of former Istoloan colonies on the continent is viewed favorably. WEDTAG was initiated by Ladero, but subsequently fell apart in the face of Istoloan aggression. At that time there was an uptick in public opinion in favor of Ladero as the victim of the Istoloan regime. Rank and file Eitoans had some sympathy with the emergence of Ladero from colonial slave status toward economic progress, resonant to Eitoan history. Nearby in the South, Eitoans are vaguely wary of Potthan, given it’s recent slaver history and previous connection with Ralkovia, despite a large Golden Throne military presence there. And always must we be on guard against any Raskov revival in Regime Ralkovia. Inasmuch as Herr Richtofen can be persuaded to exclude such initiatives in the West, that would be beneficial for homeland Eitoan.” Mr. Ben-David, son of the former President noted “We should not jump to conclusions due to big power moves in the South. Premature military commitment to unstable governments could inflate the defense budget, and accelerate naval expansion unnecessarily. The Shartourn is, after all, very distant from the average Eitoan.

by **Ardenfontein** » Sat Aug 26, 2023 6:37 pm

Image: Ardenfontein News company logo, DreamShaper v7
Credit: Leonardo AI 3D image generator

Working for Ardenfontein—the People's News

The Arden Miner Cooperative is pleased to be the active partner of an organisation dedicated to the empowerment of working class Ardens. The National Diamond Society’s annual business dinner will take place on Tuesday August the 27th from 4:00 pm, with Presidential Comrade Garcia's Worker of the Year award set to start at 7:00 pm. Admission fee for registered citizens is $50 for adults and $25 for children, with all proceeds going to the award winner.

The Worker of the Year highlights the importance of obedience and sacrifice for young working-class miners—that the country must take precedence over the individual, and the blood and tears spilled today will create a better future for our children. Society chief executive Archivaldo Guzmán thinks it's sad that rebels in the country are still resisting the award even today.

"I still remember how I started from the bottom with the small loan from my father, and rebels hiding out there don't believe that everyone can achieve the same thing too," he said. "They say this country is the playground of 'cartel' families—whatever that means—and unless you are the lucky ones, with 'well-connected' parents, you will never reach the retirement gold mine. Well, they are wrong."

Arden Miner Cooperative managing director Carlos Hernandez wants to bring his workers closer to the retirement gold mine by allowing primary school students to work in mines across the country. He admires the recipient of the award last year, who had quit school early to work at one of his model mines and helped his sick mother. "There is nothing wrong with working hard while still young and climbing the career ladder sooner than some of your peers," he said. “This award focuses on that need to aim higher and punch above your peers, and earn that future wealth, by sacrificing your happiness now."

Presidential Comrade Alejandro Garcia wants to work with the National Diamond Society and endorses the award that has motivated more young workers to go out there. "My grandfather, the founding father of this nation, believed that his people should always aim higher in the game of lives," he said.

"Building on his legacy, I hope to create the same sense of accomplishment for my people today."

The National Diamond Society is currently the leading non-government organisation committed to ensuring financial independence and the future smooth retirement of mining workers across Ardenfontein.

by **Phibeta** » Tue Sep 05, 2023 10:10 pm

The Nationalist Restaurant, Over Five Locations All Being Shutdown Due To Health Violations

The Nationalist Restaurant is forced to shut down operations amidst one of the worst food poisoning scandals The National Health Service and the Food Standards Agency have ever seen since the nineties. Thousands of people in Phibeta have been reported sick in hospital earlier this year with symptoms including stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue. This would last for two weeks before the patient feels better, but those weeks are spent suffering. Fortunately, there have been no reported deaths due to the food poisoning.

“It is alarming to see that ever since the Nationalist Restaurant opened more restaurants, there has been an uptick in food poisoning cases since the mad cow incident inc ‘94, and the worst outbreak since the Thames Street Cholera Outbreak of 1853,” says Doctor Harold T. Garland of Sir Isiah’s Hospital. “It would seem that the Nationalists running the restaurants do not know how to keep proper food safety practices and standards”.

“I just ordered a Beef Ridderton for dinner at their restaurant,” said a curious diner in Appleby, Lizzie Tillerman, “and then the next day, I felt extremely ill, and immediately began throwing up for hours. I haven’t felt anything like that since college”. It has been reported and made public after the investigation that the beef used in their restaurants came from a farm in Teddyshire, where the cows ate grass that was contaminated with sewage from a faulty pipe, which caused several similar symptoms, and eventually caused death. Instead of ridding the contaminated beef, it was sold to the restaurant for cheap. It is the same story with the fish, as a fishery on the River Isling caught the fish in an area which was is now under maintenance with another faulty sewage pipe.

“I thought the fish and chips were a bit on the offside,” said another customer, Karen Leslie who ate at the restaurant in Weston while visiting family. “I didn’t notice it at the time, until I began getting a massive headache, and made frequent trips to the bathroom, even when I didn’t eat anything”. Right now, the Food Standards Agency has ordered the Nationalist Restaurant to shut down operations for now until the problem is sorted. They are also expected to throw out their beef and fish supplies and pay a fine of £2,400,000 for medical coverage and damages. It might be shut down indefinitely as it is under investigation for libel and appropriation by the Foreign Office. While some are relieved to see an eyesore of Phibeta’s modern ethics gone, others are outrage to the hearing the closing of the Nationalist Party’s number one restaurant.

“It is most upsetting,” said Nationalist Party Leader, [url]Clifford Sellers[/url]. “It is nothing but lies and slander against Phibeta’s finest in culinary experiences. I have a suspicion that those primitive AHSCAians are behind all this. Can’t acknowledge that our food and way of life is superior than theirs”. He would continue on his long rant, which will not be written on the record for how unhinged and extremely insensitive it is. The Nationalist Restaurant still says that they will be opening new restaurants in the future, but it seems unlikely given their reputation. If they were to go bankrupt now, no one will be missing them.

Richard Boston, head editor for The Weston Mail

MUSIC COLUMN: The Solution to The Enigma

Submitted by: Eric Hatsburg, Director of the Weston Symphony Orchestra

Dame Niahm Tascano, the Master of the Queen’s Music, one of the most prolific romantic composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries was a woman of puzzles and riddles. In her later years she had mentioned a great puzzle that could be impossible to solve in a lifetime. This is in reference to one of her most well-known pieces, The Enigma Variations. A self-taught musician and composer, she had a knack for writing music that had two meanings, one that is to be discovered by the listener.

The Enigma Variations are a set of variations on a theme that describes the various people she had met in her life. From the terrible, including Sattir Faghih, the man who kidnapped her and exploited her, to her friends and family, including the then former prime minister Myra Bello and her husband Harold Tascano. Each movement paints a portrait of her life. She lived on the coast with her parents until a flood took the life of her parents. Thrown into an orphanage and restricted in life, she fled for the merchant town of Appleby. Her parents taught her to play the violin before they died, and she played on the streets for money for a while. She met her closest friend Myra Bello when Niahm was mugged and robbed of the rest of her belongings. She spent her time being a tour guide until being kidnapped by Sattir Faghih, where she was abused in an orphanage and textile mill. For two years she suffered until the Armstrong political family put an end to the scheme. She was then employed by the new cosmetic company, Solie Lese with many of her friends. It was later discovered that she was related to Lady Rachel Koingston, the Countess of Illsworth who took her in. She was able to continue informal music studies on her cousin’s grand piano, and often mixed time between running the storefront in Appleby, advising for Prime Minister Myra Bello, and composing and playing music.

It was at one of her informal concerts where she met her husband, music publisher Harold Tascano who were wed in 1875. By that time her friend resigned from the office of prime minister and she began focusing more on writing music. Her first published work was a hit among amateur and professional music circles, and she continued to have a successful career in music, which included being the Master of the Queen’s Music in 1902 which she held until her death in 1919. To her Enigma Variations have become staples of the orchestra list.

The reason why its called Enigma, she never gave a proper answer to. She has talked about it with friends and relatives, and when asked by the press, she would say that the enigma is a counterpoint to another theme, and one so popular that is was amazing no one figured it out yet. Many have given their takes on it, Rule Phitannia and God Save the Queen one of them, Edward Gellbain’s Piano Sonata No. 8, Pathetique another. Some have answered with Thomas Pellwood’s Hana’s Lament. Other’s decided to play it smart and be philosophical using Pi or a Holy Book passage. Perhaps, it is the friendships and hardships the composer made along the way. Whatever it is, there is no doubt that whatever the enigma stands for, the work stands as a testament to the musicality and journey of a person through their life.

The Phibetan Blue-Sparrowturtle, Not Only a Rare Species of Turtle, But Also a Delicacy Around the Phibetan East Coast.

Parliament To Ban Blue Turtle Soup in New Environmental and Preservation Act.

The Blue-Sparrow Turtle is one of Phibeta’s many species that have thrived in Phibeta, and was a source of food for costal locals for generations. Blue Turtle Soup is a delicacy that has been put on both the rich man and poor man’s table. Whether during hard times or during grand balls and galas, Blue Turtle Soup was a staple for all and fueled an empire with the introduction of canning. However, during the last few years, with environmental concerns over the steady endangerment of the Blue-Sparrow Turtle, Conservatives and Labour have come together to introduce a new bill in parliament that would ban the sale of Blue Turtle Soup in many restaurants. It was brought up during a meeting of the committee of environmental safety and wildlife conservation that the Blue-Sparrow in the next thirteen years will go extinct if nothing is done about the conservation of this species. In fact, several species are meant to go extinct without extensive conservation efforts. “We want to protect our environment as much as we can,” says The Right Honourable Brice Bullion, Conservative MP for Goldenshire and the Minister for Agriculture and Environment. “Our fauna is very important to the growth of our beautiful interior. As much as Blue Turtle soup is delicious, it outweighs the need to save our environment”.

Cookbooks have already made use of different meats to stand in for blue turtle meat, which includes pork or lamb in a blueberry or blue pumpkin soup, as it is know for Blue Turtle soup to have a meaty texture and a fruity taste. This is known as Mock Blue Turtle Soup, and was common during the early 20th century in areas where Blue-Sparrow turtles were not readily available. People have claimed that these recipes have worked in the past and continues to work now. However, there a few people who are protesting the bill, mostly nationalist chefs.

“It is an upfront disgrace to our culinary nationality” says Henry Damsay, the head chef of the Nationalist Resturants. “Blue Turtle Soup is a staple of Phibetan cuisine, and we are getting rid of it because of these so-called environmental issues. It’s full of [redacted], [redacted], [redacted] baloney. No less anti-Phibetan propaganda”. Peardane Beach, well known for it’s rocky caverns and black cliffs has been designated as a safe zone for Blue-Sparrow Turtles, and many other restaurants have switched to the Mock Blue Turtle Soup option, so the opposition to this is relatively low. Phibeta can sleep soundly knowing that the Blue-Sparrow Turtle will continue to live on throughout out lifetimes.

Elenna Harding, culture editor for The Weston Mail

Other headlines

The PBC Proms To Premiere Dame Niahm Tascano’s Unpublished “Spirit of Phitannia” Work At Next Concert Date

Princess Anne and Prince Alfred To Travel On The Royal Yacht Phitannia To Attend a Soiree in Monte Carlo

Audtions For The Weston Royal Opera Company’s Production of “Ifa” Is Underway

by **Free Kolechia** » Sat Sep 09, 2023 10:47 am

Voice of Kashgar
Republic of Kolechia

A New Series: Conflict in New Imperiosa
As a new state emerges in Bazh, it faces new important challenges just as it is trying to lift off the ground. An increasingly bloody conflict is developing in New Imperiosa. Because of this a new series will be run by the Voice of Kashgar putting this developing conflict into the spotlight.

It has been a difficult week for the Imperiosan military, another ambush occurred near New Jasminesville. The Imperiosan government stated the attack on an army patrol left two soldiers dead and three others wounded, during the exchange of gunfire three attackers were killed, it is unknown how many of them may have additionally been wounded as they successfully retreated from the area. This is the second ambush to occur against the Imperiosan Army in this area in recent weeks. The next day an Imperiosan outpost outside New Yasameen in the West, came under attack for the second time. Rebels in the area haven't been content to simply attack patrols, but to attack the bases directly. The fighting lasted at least an hour before the insurgents halted the attack and retreated. The local forces reported that 10 soldiers had been killed repelling the assault which also claimed the lives of 15 rebels. Troops inside left the base to try and remain in contact with the enemy but again they successfully fled. Local commanders had been worried as they believed the first attack may have been more of a probing action, in order to test the base defenses and units inside. They also said this attack was more aggressive and involved dozens more enemy combatants. The local civilian population is on high alert, afraid of what may happen if insurgent groups succeed.

So at least until the next round of violence, army patrols near New Jasminesville have to watch over their shoulder, and their comrades in New Yasameen are still holding the line against a more aggressive foe.

Progress in New Port-Kolechian Merchant Fleet Finds Home

Another aspect being threatened by this violence is the new port facilities at New Cedresville which have been completed and are now receiving their first ships. From passenger and cargo ships to Oil tankers and Ore carriers, the Kolechian merchant fleet has finally found a dedicated site they can work from. By doing so, goods and people can travel much easier and faster than ever. The government and officials in the fleet both predict a historic surge in the amount of work done by the merchant fleet even with the current conflict in the area. Officials hope that in the next few years, merchant ships with the Kolechian flag will be a more common site in the ports of Greater Dienstad, especially here in the East.

by **Tangatarehua** » Mon Sep 11, 2023 1:27 am

TANGATAREHUA RANKED GREATER DIENSTAD'S MOST POLITICALLY APATHETIC NATION

11th September 2023

WORLD ASSEMBLY HEADQUARTERS
Officials from the World Assembly have named Tangatarehua as Greater Dienstad's most politically apathetic nation, a fact that has been greeted with widespread sighs of apathy across the nation.

_{Tangatarehua has been named the most politically disengaged nation in the region, with the lowest voter turnout rates of any democracy in Greater Dienstad}

Tangatarehua is considered less politically engaged than any other nation in Greater Dienstad, including some of the region's most brutal dictatorships with the nation boasting consistently low levels of voter turn-out, political party membership or even willingness to engage in discussion of a political nature.

"Frankly I've always said that people who go on and on about politics are probably closet homosexuals," said Tamati Mere, a garbage collector from Kotiropai. "Not that I have anything against homosexuals, as long as they leave me alone. Same goes with people who care about politics - fine, whatever, just leave me alone."

Mere's views appear to be quite common among the many people I talked to about the subject.

"The rugby team did what now?" said one man, after I asked him about what it would take to get him to vote. The man went on to explain that he had no idea what a 'Parliament' was and went on to lecture me for 20 solid minutes about intricate points in the rules of rugby union. He did add that he didn't like to vote because "politicians are a bunch of nerds - I bet they've never won a sports game in their lives!"

I spoke to Anaru Nikora, the former head of Political Science at the University of Rakipa but who now works at Burger King after the university shut down the political science programme due to lack of interest.

"The reason for Tangatarehua's high levels of political apathy is due to a variety of related factors," he said from his cardboard box on the streets outside the university. "Tangatarehua sits exactly mid way between being a fully democratic nation and a fully authoritarian one.

"What's interesting is that authoritarian regimes tend to have highly politically motivated citizens - sometimes it's a resistance group but often it's because those regimes are very hands on in terms of brainwashing the citizenry and forcing them to think about the regime frequently.

"Full democracies speak for themselves. The problem with Tangatarehua is that we're neither a full democracy nor an authoritarian regime.

"People can vote freely in our elections, but it's expensive for the average person so they won't do it unless they think there's a chance of their vote counting - which often, it doesn't."

Nikora refers to Tangatarehua's controversial "Election Registration Fee" - a poll tax of K10,000 (NSD$50) which citizens must pay every three years when they re-register to vote.

While proponents of the fee (most notably the political right) state that it's a fair and reasonable way to cover the cost of elections and ensure they're independent, critics state that the fee is nothing more than a cynical attempt to disenfranchise poor and working class voters and benefit the right.

"Those claims are utter nonsense," said Tane Patariki, a long time THM stalwart and powerbroker who serves as Mangai Rohe (MP) for Whakaara's 5th District. "It is perfectly reasonable for any Rehuan, even an unemployed Rehuan, to scrape together 10,000 Kohatus once every three years. That's less than a pack of beer! And yes it's true that this fee may have contributed to keeping the socialists and communists out of power during the 80s but hey, I got news for you - the Socialists still won the election of 2000 and again in 2015, even with the fee!

"It's nonsense to say it's an attack on democracy. What is really does is safeguard democracy and stop foreign corporations getting their greasy mits all over the voting process."

Whether Patariki is correct or not, one fact is unavoidable: The political dominance of Tikanga Herekore Manapori [the Free Democratic Party]. Dr. Nikora says he believes this is another major factor in Tangatarehua's political disengagement - because the result looks inevitable, few people bother to vote.

"What elections we do have are dominated by THM, who have lost office only twice since the end of the military junta," he said. "THM tends to operate as the political arm of the corporations - who themselves have a extremely disproportionate influence over people's daily lives as a throwback to feudalism. Even if a THM candidate is very popular or promises to make changes, the party's internal machinations make it such that no one actually expects them keep their manifesto promises - but they're seen as inevitably the victorious party.

"Now in the unlikely event that someone like the Socialist Party does actually win power - it doesn't really matter because the executive branch of government is controlled by the Rangatira and the Department of State, who are wholly unelected. And the Kahui o Kaitiaki [upper house], which is entirely made up of the nobility, can easily thwart a radical agenda even if it has public support.

"The other factor is that, even though you will often find very motivated and passionate people mainly on the political left, occasionally the right but mainly the left, these people consistently fail to convince the silent majority to vote for them. In fact they serve to entrench THM's dominance because THM just say 'Do you really want those nutjobs in power instead of us?' and the public either says 'No' or just shrugs and don't turn up on voting day."

Tangatarehua is infamous for its low voter turnout, and much of this is thought to be because election results often look inevitable. The last election saw a 52% voter turnout - which was well above average. Typically voter turn out in Rehuan elections lies in the 30% range.

Can anything be done to change this? It's hard to say. The real question is do we want to change?

Hemi Tipene, of Taonekerei Prefecture, was very blunt in his assessment after learning that Tangatarehua was ranked first for political apathy:

"I wish you were ranked first in Greater Dienstad for shutting the fuck up and leaving me alone!"

In related news, Tangatarehua is also ranked in the top 5% of the world for rudeness.

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