The True Messenger - News from Mountjoy

[RobertAgira]

KNIGHT COMMANDER ANNOUNCES RAPHAELITES TO BE OFFERED TO JET

The Knight Commander today issued a decree placing the nation's Humanitarian Commando's, the Raphaelities, under the command of the Joint Emergency Team. The move comes as Hugo Lascelles believes, "Our nation has spent too long with our noses in books, and on our knees in prayer. That was not the way the Order of Mountjoy was designed to be. We manifest our faith through actions and not through scripture, we see the word of God as being a call to action and not a thing to discuss and read repeatedly. Therefore we intend to atone for our ways and as such place the men and women of the Raphaelites at a moments notice to deploy anywhere on Mundus, wherever JET goes we will go, if they want us."

The Raphaelites were established in 1938 to provide more pacifist members of the Order an outlet to to channel their desire to conduct service within the Order. The force has undertook a wide range of duties ranging from preparing flood defences across the Order, building projects designed to support the growth of infastructure as well as conducting operations to support refugees. The move provisionally gives JET access to around 20,000 trained professionals who comrise of trained engineers and medics, many with military experience including some 500 members who are ex-members of the Special Forces. The unit is trained in a wide range of military skills short of carrying weapons and in wartime serve as support branches for the front line military. The unit also have more commendations for bravery than the Army as a result of the members acts during conflicts going back some 500 years.

The current commander of the Raphaelites, Chief Knight  Johnny Maki sounded pleased with the instruction and has said, "We sat by when Uppsala was in crisis, we witnessed men and women from East Moreland, Achkaerin, The Iwi, Lodja and Himeyama go into a crisis without hesitation, and not one of those is a Christian nation, it was our duty to show the world the Christian values of aid and charity and we failed. As such we will not talk about it, that is not our way. Next time anything like that happens the unfortunate victims can be assured the full might of the Rapaelites will be on their way."

To become a Raphaelite recruits undertake an intensive 25 week training programme mirrored along the same lines as those used by the nations Army forces, in addition they are given extensive medical training putting most at a similar level to a paramedic. Knight Commander Lascelles believes that around 15,000 of the unit could have been sent to Uppsala, something he explained would have "turned the tide of the situation in double quick time."

[RobertAgira]

NEW CHIEF KNIGHT OF THE SEPULCHRE NAMED

Today Sųren Di Stefano was named as the new Chief Knight of the Sepulchre, a role of great honour among the military of Mountjoy. The Knights of the Sepulchre date back to the 13th Century and are a hand selected group of twenty soldiers who stand guard at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The men are selected from all branches of the military but must come from the Knightly Ranks, have served a minimum of five years and pass an extensive exam which tests their knowledge of the unit, the Christian faith and the city of Jerusalem. Chief Knight Di Stefano today took his first parade outside the Church before leaving his sword with his men and entering the Church to spend the day in prayer.  He was selected by the Knight Commander following the resignation of Algernon Descoteaux who had served in the role for ten years and is retiring from military service to enter the Raphalites.

The outgoing Chief Knight was on hand to officially hand over a set of ceremonial keys to Di Stefano and then speak to the press. "The ten years I have spent here have been among  the best of life. To live in a city so blessed by my faiths history and breath it in everyday has been an honour and the people here are so welcoming. I will be sad to leave the city, however I am sure that this will not be the last day I set foot here." Following handing over the keys to his successor Descoteaux was presented with a single bronze coin by each of his men, a symbolic payment for his duty. Joining Descoteaux in his depature were two other Knights who are set to retire completly from military service having reached the age of 50.

In addition to serving as ceremonial guards at the Church the Knights of the Sepulchere also act as goodwill ambassadors for the Christian faith as well as occasion tour guides. Over the centuries the token force has only seen action on a handful of occasions and then only when the Church itself is under attack. The posting to Jerusalem is hotly contested with an estimated 1,000 applicants for every position. A Knight serves until they reach the age of 50, marry or join the Raphalites, at the age of 35 Di Stefano could become the longest serving commander of the guard if he serves until 50. The unit also heavily involves itself in the social life of the city, organising and hosting charity events, volunteering in schools and as emergency medics.  Three years ago the Knights also formed a five-a-side football team that competed in the cities league finishing third in their first season. The units second in command is Quaster Commander Nicolaus Andres spoke of the experience of being a Knight saying. "The job isn't just the uniform and the long hours at the Church. We are here to be the ever visible prescence of our faith, a visible reminder that Christians live and love this city and its sites and people. We therefore strive to show the local community, which is diverse, that we are one of them. Jerusalem is our city while we're here, our home and we intend to show love and compassion to our fellow man in whatever way we can, be it enjoying a friendly game of football against the local synagogue or educating a little child about the Church." Two weeks ago one of the unit helped deliver a baby when a female pilgrim went into labour in the Church courtyard, Andres explained, "All of us are trained combat soldiers, some are former combat medics, and a handful spent a few years in our nations aid organisation the Raphalites, as such we've a wide range of skills we can call on to help anyone in need, being in the right place at the right time meant our Knight was able to be part of the miracle of birth, a truly special moment for the unit."

It is expected that Knight Commander Hugo Lascelles will visit the unit in the coming months, a tradition that the nations Head of State visit the new commander of the Knights for a formal tour of the Church of the Holy Sepulcre.

[RobertAgira]

KNIGHT COMMANDER ANNOUNCES ARDA TULUVAN COMMUNITY TO GET OWN BISHOP

The Knight Commander, Hugo Lascelles, today announced that the Arda Tuluvan community residing within Mountjoy will be granted a position at the Round Table. The announcement also confirmed Nereruo Alassėandimė as the first Bishop to the Tuluvan community thus expanding the number of Bishops on the body to six. The Knight Commander, along with the Community Bishops, one representing the Latin, Nordic, Celtic, Black, Germanic and now Tuluvan communities are joined by 26 elected representatives as the nations highest legislative body. Bishop Alassėandimė joined the Knight Commander on the steps of the citadel when the announcement was made by Lascelles who said.

"At the beginning of the Crusades a large number of Tuluvan Christians were brought here after witnessing their families being wiped out. They were treated as slaves and entered into the service of the Order of Mountjoy, texts from the time talk of them being disfigured by their former countrymen because of their faith. Around 1,000 of these men joined the Order and served honourably, to this day there is a visible but small community of their descendents, often joined by newer arrivals, that form a distinctive and valued community here in Mountjoy. It is therefore only right and fitting that this community is rewarded for its faithful and loyal service to the Order, it's people and Christianity. It is my hope that Bishop Alassėandimė accept the apology of The Order on behalf of his people both present and past in that it has taken nearly 1000 years for their lack of spiritual representation be put right. I look forward to working with him and believe his input can only make the Order and our nation stronger."

Bishop Alassėandimė is not the only Tuluvan descendent to currently sit at the round table, the Representative for the town of Bethlehem[1] is Chief Knight Erucolin Halatirno who has been a member of the Round Table for three years. The 42 year old former teacher said, "I'm grateful that Hugo has corrected what I see as a centuries long mistake. Our people came here at first under duress in the worst circumstances that can be imagined, now we are as much part of Mountjoy as the Latin Knights who started the Order here. Bishop Alassėandimė is an excellent choice and I look forward to his first mass in his new role." Chief Knight Halatirno was also granted the priveledge of inducting the new Bishop into the Round Table when she presented him with his ceremonial key to the council chamber.

The new Bishop spoke after the private ceremony saying, "I am thankful that at this time of year when we celebrate the miracle of Christ that our communities efforts to spread his love have not been forgotten. I see this appointment not as an honour for me but as a recognition of my ancestors dedication to the faith and the steadfastness with which we have stuck to the one true word of God through all the hardships. We however stand as one part of a larger Order, one that we serve as proudly today as the first press ganged Tuluvan's did at the time of the Crusades. They saw before them a great task to do Gods work, and it should be the mission of every Christian to leave their community in a better place than they found it, our ancestors certainly did that and now it is our turn to pick up their banner and carry it forward."

Stories tell how a city known as " Ebou Dar" was attacked for being Christian and once defeated all its holy men and women crucified, women murdered and men marched into the service of the Order of Mountjoy. There has been talk for many decades now about the Tuluvan community in Mountjoy seeking to have some kind of memorial erected at the site to the event, something it is likely Bishop Halatirno may now approach Knight Commander Lascelles to bring up in any future diplomatic meetings between the two nations.

1.	Many towns and cities in Mountjoy are named after biblical places, this is not THE Bethlehem

[RobertAgira]

KNIGHT MASTER RULES OUT "BENE GESSERIT BASED ORDERS"

The Knight Master[1] has today announced that following discussions with the Shire Council the nations stance on the Bene Gesserit question has been determined. Speaking after the meeting with the 12 Shire Councillors and the various Bishops it was announced that they had come to the following conclusion.

While Mountjoy is a nation founded on Christian principles we have prided ourselves on tolerence and acceptance, it is our hope that through seeing what true Christian fellowship is those of other faiths will embrace Jesus Christ. Furthermore we have been fortunate enough to find members of other faiths who share our world view of it being the duty of those who can to help those who can't. Over the last 50 years this has seen certain none Christian faiths permitted to establish an Order House here in Mountjoy. We now see alongside the Order of Mountjoy, the oldest in our nation, the Orders of Aubrac and the    Order of the Tower and Sword. All Orders tracing their lineage back to the Crusades and the foundations of our communities here. Yet in recent years the Shire Council has seen fit to grant non Christians living in Mountjoy the chance to experience life as part of an Order dedicating themselves to this nations prosperity, this honour is only granted if the faith is seen as compatible with the Order of Mountjoy's code of conduct. This has seen things like the Order of Helus, and the Order of Odin form in The Citadel, and they have intigrated fantasticially. Sadly I have yet to see the Bene Gesserit show evidence of fulfilling any parts of our order and in fact they may, if what I have read is true, be running counter to them. It has never been our way since our foundation as a nation to persecute based on faith, we shall not begin to, but refusing the establishment of an Order is not discrimination, many Christian groups have been denied that right. If someone in Mountjoy wants to call themselves a Bene Gesserit then that is fine with me as long as they pay their taxes, send their children to school and follow our laws.

We understand that a Bene Gesserit school exists within our nation and we shall take no measures to close this down so long as it co-operates fully with an investigation into its practices and we find no safeguarding issues.

1.	Think Prime Minister

[RobertAgira]

LASCELLES TO GO ON PILGRIMAGE

The Knight Commander of the Holy Order of Mountjoy has announced that he is to undertake a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The 47 year old Head of State, and descendent of one of the nations founding fathers, has never visited the Holy City and despite being a well respected military man was denied entry into the prestigious Knights of the Sepulchre for having scored below the standard expected in military drill. The Knights of the Sepulchre are a ceremonial guard unit drawn from all members of the nations military and competition for places is fierce. Lascelles applied twice during his military career, the maximum number of applications allowed but failed on both occasions. It is tradition that all Knight Commanders have visited the city of Jesus crucifixion and the Knight Commander is said to be keen to make the journey.

He is to be accompanied by his wife Sarah and their 17 year old daughter Mary and 12 year old son, Paul. Sarah Lascelles confirmed their attendance while visiting prospective Universities with her daughter, "The family are rather excited, we seldom get the chance to travel with Hugo when he goes overseas, at least not the four of us. To be able to experience it with our children will make the experience even more special. I know Hugo was devestated at missing out at being a Knight of the Sepulchre but I hope that he will not dwell on what could have been while we tour the city." It is expected that Lascelles will take prayers from the various Orders with him to be placed at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

KNIGHT MASTER WILL NOT BAN HARKONNEN MEETING

Following an announcement from influential Harkonnen business family that they will be hosting a Bene Gesserit religious gathering in Mountjoy the nations elected leader, Knight Master Vivian Lambert, has confirmed that the government will not seek to stop the festival. "Our nation while built on the foundations of the Christian faith does not discriminate. To date the Bene Gesserit have not broken any laws in our nation, we therefore do not have intentions to stop their celebration. Those non-Mountjoy citizens attending will be subject to the usual security checks given to visitors applying for Visa's and anyone deemed a threat to good order, national security or with any criminal convictions will be denied entry." The Harkonnen family have been non-aligned members of Mountjoy society for the last 100 years having thought to have arrived from Ui Cenneslaig. They have carved out a wealthy business enterprise with dealings in law, accountancy and insurance services, Rchard Harkonnen, the head of the family, has even served in the nations military. Lambert talked further about the situation saying, "Chapterhouse here in Mountjoy always seemed a rather interesting place, my children refered to it as Hogwarts, however now its secrets are less magical but still intriguing. The fact the Harkonnen family kept their faith secret for so long will raise eyebrows but they will have their own reasons for doing so."

OUTBREAKS OF BUBONIC PLAGUE IN CANAAN

There has been 36 reported cases of the Bubonic Plague in Canaan. The port city has isolated the patients and begun contacting those who may have come into contact with those infected, so far no-one has died but 17 of the 36 are said to be "in critical condition". It is thought that the disease, which has also hit East Moreland, the Unfied Iwi and Heyra arrived on a Maori cargo ship where one of the crew was unknowingly carrying the disease. Hospitals have been put on standby and the Raphaelities, the nations rapid response disaster management unit, have been placed on alert.

It is thought by some that the outbreak originated from a Royal Seleucid engineered version of the virus but the reason for the current spread is yet unknown. A measure has been put before the Cross Mundus Agency asking independent nations to address the situation by verifying samples.

[RobertAgira]

"NETWORK OF REPUBLICS NOT FOR US" SAYS LASCELLES

Following a recent visit to Bretonnia the Knight Commander has briefed the media on his visits unsuccessful purpose. "The government of Bretonnia suggested the creation of an organisation similar to the Network of Crowns, as such we were very interested. One need only look at the manner and way in which the Monarchies of Mundus interact and support each other to realise this would be an outstanding oppurtunity. However with a large gathering the nation of Kaitaine was in attendance. This is a nation I do not believe is capable of being compatible with such an organisation. As soon as their Vice-President began attempting to remove mention of God from the charter, and on grounds of their being no God, then it was clear the organisation would only be big enough for one of us. I presented our nations concerns regarding restrictions of freedom of religion, the tyranical way people of any faith, and the Bene Gesserits in particular are repressed. Those in attendance wished Kaitaine to be granted permission and therefore the Network of Republics is not for us. By sharing a platform with them we essentially are agreeing that restriction of faith is acceptable. While Mountjoy is a nation built on Christian ideas I will stand behind anyone for their right to not be persecuted because of their faith regardless of their faith, or lack of. I fear God would view me a poor Christian if I did not take what action I am capable of to speak out against injustice. I had hoped other nations would join with us and that has not been the case."

It is understood that the Knight Commander was also joined by Elyot Adrihel, The 80th Premier Chief of The Commonwealth of Iypra, in walking out of the meeting. It was later announced that Lascelles has invited Mr.Adrihel for a one to one meeting at the Citadel of St.John. At time of going to press their was no confirmation as to whether it had been accepted.