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Messages - Altona

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91
Diplomacy and Events / Re: MICA/AKO/COIN/Wannabe's gathering over Heyra
« on: September 05, 2021, 12:09:11 AM »
Rutger hadn't expected quiet such hostility from a simple fact gathering question. "You sit around a table a monarchy who literally fight to determine their ruler, a Kingdom of three rulers, a Dukedom where leadership is gathered from a select pool and several monarchies, including our host who did not even use democracy as any form of their government until relatively recently. You also sit around a table with a group of nations who were willing to help. If, in my role as King, I'm potentially being expected to send my military to another nation then I want reassurance that those men and women are not being used as some sort of pawn in a political game. You've made a request for Commando's, something we could have seen our way towards approving, yet instead of giving me assurance that our people would be acting in the best interests of Heyran's you choose to try and give me a lecture in politics." Rutger believed he had made his point, "I will naturally support the decisions of our regional partners but I am yet to be convinced that committing Altonan forces if required is a step I'd take."

92
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Nuclear Powered Dragon
« on: September 04, 2021, 09:41:46 PM »
Rutger had gathered the family for today's visit. It was after all the first by a visiting nation since his coronation and it would likely be one of the most controversial, or lucrative of his reign. With the international community seemingly wanting to make anyone not conforming to their MAEA an outsider Altona could find itself on the outside looking in if handled badly. Stood next to Rutger was his wife, the newly coronated Queen Heidi who was doing her best to stop 12 year old Prince Karl from annoying his nine year old sister Princess Matilda. As the Dragon-Emperor arrived Matilda was slightly disappointed in how un-dragon like he looked.

Rutger stepped forward and greeted Tielin with a handshake as he introduced his family. "Welcome to our Kingdom." The group began the journey to the Southern Palace. It had been Rutger's residence before assuming the throne but as the main royal residence was still being altered for the new family it would do. Rutger would miss its isolation but this would be a good chance to say goodbye to it.

Upon arrival Helena wished Tielin luck for the talks and took the children away. The room overlooking the lake was prepared for the meeting, strong black coffee, some biscuits and two fresh leather bound notebooks. "Please take a seat." Rtger waited for the Dragon-Emperor to sit. "When we heard of your issues with MAEA we thought perhaps you would give up on nuclear energy, when you have sought to still pursue peaceful use of this technology and had picked us as a potential partner I was rather excited. We are a nation that we hope will soon be powered almost exclusively by the atom and if we can help others we will as well as we can. I therefore look forward to hearing what you would like from us. "


93
Diplomacy and Events / Re: MICA/AKO/COIN/Wannabe's gathering over Heyra
« on: September 04, 2021, 08:58:58 PM »
While King David had consulted with his underlings Rutger and his junior Minister of Defence did likewise, as the Morelanders ruler began to address the room they listened. It was only at the end that Rutger spoke. "I have a question." He felt himself almost raising a hand like a schoolboy requesting permission for something before stopping the almost invoulentary movement. "The East Moreland plan puts quiet a lot of focus on the role of Anginer here as representing the government of Heyra. Can we be sure though that the government they represent is also the one wanted by the people of Heyra? I confess I have less contact with Heyra than East Moreland but it is still a concern. With the intrigue and secrecy that Heyra has around parts of its business world can we be confident such issues haven't headed into their political circles. Before I commit to supporting no fly zones, imposing naval limits on a people and the like how can I be sure its the correct decision for Heyra?"

94
Diplomacy and Events / Re: MICA/AKO/COIN/Wannabe's gathering over Heyra
« on: August 14, 2021, 10:34:28 PM »
The Altona's new monarch knew that the outcome of this meeting would be a really important one for his nation and therefore his people. Rutger was under pressure to come back having achieved something. What he was going to achieve though was somewhat unknown, security for Altona? Some kind of concession in return for support? Closer ties to his neighbours perhaps? Anything the media could be spun would be useful. He had brought with him the Junior Minister of Defence, Eduard Schnoor, a man that his brother Lukas has recommended for a role in the government and Rutger was almost giving a test drive to.

The duo arrived and crossed to the designated building. It seemed less regal than perhaps Rutger had anticipated. He had examined lots about East Moreland and admired the splendour of Northfort Palace or even Rockhampton Castle but this seemed a little, well minuscule. That changed once the full scene was taken in below ground. He wasn't sure Altona possessed such a complex but perhaps he'd change that upon his return. The only person he recognised was King David so he started by greeting him and then settled after introducing himself to everyone at one of the few remaining seats.


95
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Long Live King Rutger
« on: August 03, 2021, 09:25:22 PM »
Prince Lukas was happy to hear the response of Secretary Burkhardt Kvalheim, "Well we delighted you came. We're a nation keen to do what you appear successful in and that is becoming more recognised internationally. While I would be thrilled to come and visit that is now a decision for my brother. I am now at his service. Do you think there is any ways our two nations can work together in the future?" He knew he would get some kind of royal duty and so gathering as much intelligence as possible would be useful.

Rutger was pleased to hear that royals outside his nation hunted, "I'd be excited to see what kind of game you have in your nation. Here we have a lot of deer and wild sheep in the woods. For us the idea of hunting is a sacred act, it helps us remember the goddess we worship. As for attending your Royal Hunt we'd be thrilled." He wasn't exactly sure how the Achkaerin royals would hunt but he was sure it wouldn't be that different.

Once Queen Heidi had finished hoping the ground would swallow her up she could still feel her face was bright red, "I am so sorry" she apologised, "If I'm honest I was not expecting to be Queen and I am so disappointed our diplomatic service didn't tell me this." She would make a mental note to have someone reprimanded when the event was over. "I'll be praying for the safe arrival of the new Prince or Princess" She was thankful Stasya had asked a question as it gave her a way to change the conversation. "As for my role as Queen I am now effectively the mother of our nation. My job is to try and provide help and support to those in need and ensure our nations guests on occasions such as this are cared for."

As the conversations came to an end a  Wildhüter priest appeared through the castle gates leading a Chamois. It had been hundreds of years ago traditional that the new King would take his guests out hunting to get food for that evenings feast, that however had on a number of occasions seen them come home empty handed and so many had felt the new monarch was cursed. This resulted in the Heavy Cavalry  officers going out a few days before and trapping a suitable animal. Rutger knew Lukas would be more comfortable doing this than him but he had no choice. A Sergeant from the Heavy Cavalry brought the King a thick heavy spear. Rutger held the spear firmly, Lukas had talked him through how to use it and where to strike several times but now the spear felt super heavy. He fixed his eyes on the spot where he had been told the heart was and while the Heavy Cavalry guys held the animal steady unaware of its fate Rutger pushed it as hard as he could. He felt the spear cut through flesh and blood dripped onto the cobble court yard. "Sigyn has sent us a bounty to feast with, she is pleased with our future." Rutger said trying to avoid the blood going on his shoes. Another member of the Cavalry handed him a cloth to wipe his hands and took the spear from him. "Now with meat provided for our feast we can eat."

Rutger lead the gathering inside. Inside was a long but narrow room. Plain round wooden tables filled the room with an open fire at the far end, a Chamois, already prepared and spitted was spinning over the fire. Every now and again a drip of fat would hit the fire filling the room with the smell of succulent meats. "Please everyone mingle, enjoy the food and drink" Rutger announced as he and his wife headed towards a pair of thrones that over looked the room.

96
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Long Live King Rutger
« on: July 28, 2021, 12:28:59 AM »
Tillo Hertz recognised that it was unlikely that he would get to see this coronation and that annoyed him. He took a breath and then recognised that such a decision on the future of the two royal guests would be above his pay-grade but at the same time he was certain they had no motive other than self preservation of their romance. "For now Your Highnesses we shall request that you stay within the walls of this castle. You will be granted rooms and if you require anything I am sure the staff here can accommodate you." He bid them farewell for now and headed off to make a few phone calls about the situation. In truth however it was likely nothing would be able to be done until after the coronation.

OOC- I suggest we perhaps make a new thread for this part of the RP.



Back at Jundt Schloss everyone was in position for the ceremony to begin. The sound of horses hooves on the roadway outside indicated the arrival of three carriages. Before their passengers could disembark a group of men wearing all black military tunics appeared on the walls of the castle and blew a fanfare hearalding the arrival of a trio of soldiers. The Red and Black Tower flag of Altona was carried centrally between two escorts armed with large axes, this flag with the port-coulis open was the current flag of Altona showing the nation at peace. A few steps behind them a 2nd trio entered, this time the port-coulis shown as closed, the nations flag of war. Further trios entered, first the King's Heavy Cavalry, then the Army, Navy and finally Flying Corps, bringing up the rear was the flag of the Sülldorf family. The flag were arranged with the current flag of peace behind the stone throne. Three flags stood either side. A further fanfare played, this one different to the first and a lady wearing a long flowing white dress walked in. Princess Constance was accompanied by her husband Duke Klaus who was carrying their two year old son Sigmund. Constance elegantly swept her dress across the wooden stool she gracefully lowered herself and waited as her husband and child made their way to seats further behind. Once in position Prince Lukas made his entrance hand in hand with his wife Kamille, his two elder sons and two young daughters followed them. Lukas was wearing his military uniform, his two sons in Army Cadet uniform while the girls and his wife wore white dresses similar to that of Princess Constance.

The final fanfare sounded and wearing a plain black suit but wrapped in a luxuiorusly furred red cloak the soon to be King entered. Rutger nodded respectfully to several of his friends in the crowd. The soon to be Queen Heidi entered just after him along with 12 year old Karl in a cadet uniform gripped her right hand and white dressed Matilda who was nine year old held her left. Rutger sat upon the centre throne and quickly and symbolically linked hands with his siblings in a gesture to show there was no hard feeling about the result.

The final person arriving did not come through the main gate but instead appeared from a tower of the castle. It was an old man with long grey hair covered by a black robed hood. He was a Wildhüter, a "game keeper" a priest of the faith of Sigyn. He carried a knife on his hip and a quiver of arrows on his back. The role of  "Game-keeper" was to help guide the souls of the faithful to good and honourable deeds ensuring that they had enough power in the after life to avoid the hunt that would destroy their soul. He stood before the throne and addressed the crowd.

"Today we are assured that King Gottschalk has escaped the pursuit of Her Holiness Sigyn. His soul was strong and full of good deeds and no doubt now having proved his worth he rides beside the Goddess in glorious beauty. He left us not long ago with a choice of who was the guide Sigyn's folk in the temporal world and we have made the decision to recognise Prince Rutger as our new monarch. Before we crown him we must however honour his siblings." Two other "game keepers" arrived each carrying a crown of iron. The man taking the ceremony took the first.

"Princess Constance. Do you recognise as your Lord and Sovereign your brother Rutger. Do you give him your loyalty as you should a King. Will you serve him and Altona however best you can." He held the crown forward. The Princess stood and bowed to her brother before saying loudly that she agreed to all those things. The "Game-keeper" handed a crown over which the Princess placed upon her head. The oath was repeated for Lukas who gave a salute rather than a bow.

Rutger seemed pleased and now it was his turn, a new crown appeared this one identical to the iron ones but in gold. "Rutger, your bloodline made you a candidate for the throne but your people have placed their trust in you. They have given you the rights and responsibilities of the King of Altona from now until you go to meet Sigyn. All your actions will govern whether your soul will have the power to evade her hunt and earn the right to ride alongside her or be destroyed for eternity. Your actions as King will weigh heavy in that determination. Do you accept these rights and responsibilities?"

Rutger stood. "I swear that I shall do my best to guide Altona forward and ensure all my subjects are able to save their souls. I humbly accept the responsibility of Kingship." The "Game Keeper" placed the crown on Rutger's head and then knelt before him. Rutger placed a hand on the mans head for a moment or two before helping him up and the two embraced. A hunting horn was blown from the castle's highest tower, a message to the Goddess indicating that Altona had a new King. The siblings all embraced and joined by their families posed for photographs before making their way to mingle with the crowd.

Prince Lukas made his way over to Secretary Burkhardt Kvalheim from Jugland. "I am grateful you've come." The Prince was still wearing the iron crown but had his military peaked cap tucked under his arm. "You must forgive me however, I believe you're the only non-monarchy here, may I ask why a Republic would be interested to attend our coronation.....not that I'm complaining."

Princess Constance headed towards the Cassiopeian delegation with Sigmund in tow. "Your Majesty" she bowed and had to catch her crown before it fell from her head, she was not yet used to the weight. "We're delighted you attended. I tried to persuade my father to allow me to attend your own coronation but sadly he didn't permit it. Such a shame. Perhaps we can discuss ensuring our nations can begin on better terms than we have." Meanwhile Sigmund was reaching a hand towards Lady Filippa's dog. "No Sigmund" Constance pulled him away and he looked like he was about to cry. "We have dogs at home and he plays with them all the time. I don't think he understands yours will be a working dog no?"

Rutger and his wife split up, Rutger approached the large Achkaerin delegation. "Thank you for coming" he extended a hand to the Emperor. "I understand you ride a bit?" he enquired, "Do you perhaps hunt?"

Queen Heidi was left to "Your Majesty" she was about to bow then realised that she was of equal status now to the Morelander. "Its a pleasure to meet you. May I pass on my congratulations to you and Queen Stasya on your impending arrival. You must be thrilled to have a second child arriving."

97
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Long Live King Rutger
« on: July 18, 2021, 12:27:42 AM »
General Bertram had held his post for nearly three years as head of the King's Heavy Cavalry, a unit that in a very real sense could claim to be the Kingmakers of Altona. As such since his appointment he'd had to learn about the potential need for diplomacy as well as military strategy. He therefore didn't struggle too much with King David's question. "If I'm being honest Your Majesty I was rather surprised that Rutger won. Our nation has a tradition of electing strong military leaders and I had expected Prince Lukas to win. The Prince has a long association with the military and is highly respected in those circles. Rutger.....King Rutger meanwhile I would describe more as a business man. I think that perhaps symbolises a way the nation wish to head. There is an expectation among particularly the younger Altonans that we begin to capitalise on the significant wealth we've squirreled away and not just in buying equipment for the military. Rutger is a man who did the bare minimum of military service and then hit the books. I believe you and him share a degree specialism? He graduated well with a degree in History and then bounced around various government jobs. He's a man with a great intellect and a keen sense of duty. His biggest challenge will be ensuring the military give him their full backing two or three years down the line when the armed forces don't get the majority of the investment they enjoy now. I think though he's a man who will use his family to support his throne, Lukas in particular will be an asset for that."

Bertram wasn't sure whether the dog of the Cassiopeian royals was a good idea but it wouldn't do to be seen on a global scene as discriminating against the visually impaired. For now the hound was quiet enough and he hoped when the bands started it would remain that way. As for the Achkaerin entourage he hoped the children followed the dogs lead.




Lutz Becker was a very distant cousin of the ruling  Sülldorf Dynasty. The 28 year old Duke of the East Valley had greeted each arrival with a friendly smile, an exchange of pleasantries. It had all been rather simple and going to plan and then the Seleucid had arrived. Things had rapidly gone above his pay-grade. He knew little about the Seleucid delegation and they'd been very sparse with details. "Well Your Highnesses I think we'll need to first of all get you in he SUV. We can't just give a blanket yes but if you have a geniune reason under our laws on the matter then of course. There is another castle used by the royals near the venue. We should perhaps head there."

Lutz made some phone calls and as they arrived at the castle some 5km away Tillo Hertz a senior officer in the military meet them and escorted them into a lounge. "Duke Lutz has explained the situation to me as best he can. The question remains under what grounds should you be given asylum, and then why us?"


98
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Long Live King Rutger
« on: July 11, 2021, 08:03:18 PM »
Altona was what some would consider nothing more than a sprawling city. It had been several small settlements that had grown out from their rather nicely preserved historic centres and become one. Surrounding that was a seeming green sea of forest and plains. While the country did have a nice international airport it was small. Altona enjoyed a reputation as a vibrant place for upmarket holiday makers, business trips and various other enterprises that required only small numbers of flights a day. Today though they were expecting several international VIP flights and so rather than fly them into the Edvin Junger International airport, named for a respected Altonan physicist, the VIP's were headed to the Royal Altonan Flying Corps HQ at an airfield about 10km further inland. As each visiting plane entered Altonan airspace a pair of F-14's appeared alongside, their tailfins specially decorated for today with the Sülldorf family crest. The pilots pulled up parralel with the arrivals cockpit and gave them a friendly wave before one pulled ahead showing the way into the airfield.

As the aircraft landed the F-14's peeled away ready to take up a position for the next if required or to head off and fly a patrol as part of the security of the day. Once on the ground the guests were treated to a choir made up of children doing their best singing their national anthem while the current Witan's oldest member, a 72 year old gentleman called Franz Schroder, usually a grand-father who spent his time making rocking horses in a shed, greeted the guests according to their rank and status. Having passed them off to the military they were whisked away in a fine air conditioned SUV to the venue of Jundt Schloss

The castle was the official seat of the Royal Family and a home had been here since the 14th Century. It had witnessed every coronation in the nations history and while the design and construction had changed the central courtyard was built around a stone throne where today's ceremony would be focused around. The guests would be sat along the left of the throne and various Dukes, Ministers, minor royals and a lottery selected group of commoners were filling the other three sides. A clearly flustered General Bertram dressed in his green and red dress uniform including cape. He greeted each guest, thanked them for coming and placed them in their seat. "The ceremony will begin in around ten minutes, following the formal section I know the new King would like to spend a little time meeting you before the formal celebration. In the meantime any questions, any requests please let us know."



99
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The Kingdom of Altona
« on: June 27, 2021, 09:40:09 PM »

ROYAL ALTONAN FLYING CORPS

42 x F-16 Fox Multi-Role Fighter
18 x A-11 Antelope Strike Fighter
23 x F-14 Firefly Air Defence Fighter
2 x E-2 Eagle AEWACS aircraft
4 x P-5 Penguin Maritime Patrol Aircraft
3 x K-13 Kingfisher Tanker
10 x C-13 Catfish Transport Aircraft
11 x H-6 Hellcat Attack Helicopter
17 x H-22 Heron Transport Helicopter
16 x T-3 Tiger Cub Advanced Trainer / Light Fighter
16 x T-2 Tapier Calf Basic Trainer
5 x U-1 Unicorn UAV
3 x M-1 Monarch Royal Aircraft (specially commissioned to have similar, less global, capabilities as Air Force One)

100
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The Kingdom of Altona
« on: June 27, 2021, 07:49:36 PM »

ROYAL ALTONAN NAVY
7,500 Sailors / Up to 4,000 National Service at any time

3 x Type 108 Submarine

1. Béatrix Beck
2. Maja Beutler
3. Teresina Bontempi

3 x Type 107 Submarine

1. Erika Burkart
2. Martha Burkhardt
3. Dominique Caillat

5 x Type 208 Frigate

1. Corinne Chaponnière
2. Anne Cuneo
3. Suzanne Curchod
4. Laurence Deonna
5. Isabelle Eberhardt

6 x Type 302 Corvette

1. Marianne Ehrmann
2. Ruth Erat
3. Marie-Louise von Franz
4. Valérie de Gasparin
5. Marthe Gosteli
6. Emilie Gourd

2 x Type 400 Amphibious Ship

1. Anne-Lise Grobéty
2. Anita Hansemann

3 x Type 507 Mine Vessel

1. Eveline Hasler
2. Jeanne Hersch
3. Mirjam Indermaur

4 x Type 609 Missile Patrol Ship

1. Fleur Jaeggy
2. Zoë Jenny
3. Hanna Johansen
4. Isabelle Kaiser

6 x Type 701 Unmanned Patrol Ships (Type do not hold names)
3 x Type 702 Unmanned Patrol Ships (Types do not hold names)


Names of ship classes followed a rule since 1950. The class is determined by the type of ship and it's chronological order of introduction. For example all submarines begin with 1, the first submarine class brought in since 1950 was therefore 101. When a new type of ship is introduced that will feature the starting number of 8, for example should Altona acquire an Aircraft Carrier it would be Type 801.

Individual ships are named after significant female scholars from Altonan Universities. The next ship to enter service, regardless of class will be Agota Kristof

101
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The Kingdom of Altona
« on: June 27, 2021, 05:51:13 PM »

THE ARMY

40,000 Soldiers / Up to 32,000 National Service at any single time

180 x Goblin Mk.2 Main Battle Tank
40 x Goblin Mk.1 Main Battle Tank
165 x Elven Mk.3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle
110 x Elven Mk.2Infantry Fighting Vehicle
280 x Orc Mk.4 Armoured Personnel Carrier
150 x Orc Mk.3 Armoured Personnel Carrier
80 x Warg Armoured Personnel Carrier
500 x Demon Mk.4 Mobility Vehicle
280 x Heavy Demon Mk.1 Mine Resistant Vehicle
170 x Water Demon Mk.2 Amphibious Mobility Vehicle
40 x Kobold Mk.2 Self Propelled Howitzer
35 x Krampus Mk.4 Towed Howitzer
45 x Lindworm Mk.2 Rocket Artillery
30 x Drude Mk.2 UAV
45 x Troll Mk.6 Urban Patrol Vehicle



102
Sporting Hub / Re: Mundus Games 2021 - OOC Signup
« on: June 27, 2021, 05:00:52 PM »
Altona specialism

Equestrian
Rowing

(due to size only having two)

103
Diplomacy and Events / Long Live King Rutger
« on: June 27, 2021, 04:59:13 PM »

As is tradition King Rutger will be coronated at the Jundt Schloss in 7 days time.

The event will take place within the castle courtyard regardless of the weather. Invitations are hereby issued to all Heads of State and Government who wish to attend what is for Altona a significant moment in our history. We would at this time like to extend hands of friendship across all of Mundus.

We hope that you will join us on this happy occasion.

Best Regards

General Bertram
Commander of the King's Heavy Cavalry.


104
International News Networks / Re: City News
« on: June 26, 2021, 09:18:45 PM »

Missile test "semi effective"---East Moreland's R.E.M close out Beach Art Festival---Sobendieken SC seal $35million deal for young striker---Franz Plateau Power Station reaches 10% capacity


LONG LIVE KING RUTGER

Voting has now closed for the position of monarch of Altona. The voting was between the three children of the recently deceased King Gottschalk and as tradition dictates only those who have served in the military under voluntary terms were permitted to vote. With the final results collected and verified by the Witan it was announced by General Bertram, the commanding officer of the monarchs bodyguard, the King's Heavy Cavalry, that the youngest son and middle child of King Gottschalk was the winner. General Bertram officially announced the results from the steps of the Witan's building in Kaiserplatz.

Prince Rutger earned just over 40% of the vote and will be coronated next weekend. During the same ceremony his wife will be crowned Queen. Additionally his siblings Prince Lukas and Princess Constance will be expected to swear public oaths of loyalty to their brother in his new position as King. The 38 year old was very vocal in his televised interviews with the Witan in pushing for the Kingdom to take a larger part in regional politics and promoting closer ties with neighbours in the region. It is yet unknown whether the new King will immediately begin processes to join the various organisations he discussed such as MICA and the Council of Illumic Nations.

Traditionally any siblings who have been defeated in an election are assigned positions within the new monarchs administration. As of yet only Prince Lukas has spoken to the press about his future. Speaking from his home in The Hunting Palace Prince Lukas has stated. "I am naturally saddened that I have not been elected King. I believed I was a strong choice but I also believe my brother and sister could be equally as strong. I have spoken with my brother to pass on my congratulations and best wishes. During our conversation I have stated that I wished to retain my position as a commissioned officer within the Parachute Regiment. I am grateful that he has granted my request with a slight provision that I undertake a few special duties on his behalf. These will be confirmed in the coming days as my new King see's fit. Regardless of who you voted for or wished to win it is now vital we show support to the newly elected King as he leads us towards the future. Long Live King Rutger."


105
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Be The Witan
« on: June 26, 2021, 08:51:59 PM »

It is my duty and honour to report the results of the voting by members of the Altonan military regarding the new monarch of our beloved homeland.

Following a period of 5 days in which all those voulentarily serving in the military have been given an oppurtunity to cast a vote for one of the three eligible candidates. These votes were then collected in and counted by members of the Witan who also verified the legitimacy of all aspects of the process.

The votes cast are as follows

Her Royal Highness Princess Constance = 20,626 votes
His Royal Highness Prince Rutger = 34,403 votes
His Royal Highness Prince Lukas  = 27,473 votes

As a result the Kingdom of Altona have selected His Royal Highness Prince Rutger as the future King of Altona.

Long Live His Royal Majesty King Rutger the First of Altona.

 
General Viktor Bertram
Commander of the King's Heavy Cavalry

106
International News Networks / Re: City News
« on: June 20, 2021, 09:48:44 PM »

Navy to test new missile on Monday---Duke Hans Muller to sell family estate amid bankruptcy---Altona "too small" for Mundus Games Bid---Beach Art Festival gets headline superstar



KING'S FUNERAL GOES ACCORDING TO PLAN

The funeral of King Gottschalk went ahead on Friday and went as smoothly as could be expected. The King died on the 1st June 2021 after battling liver disease for several months. The funeral procession left Kaiserplaza and made its way through several districts of the city before reaching the Temple of Sigyn. There the King's body was placed on a ceremonial pyre by members of the King's Heavy Cavalry. Prayers were said by the Wildhüter as members of the family placed items on the pyre to accompany the King. King Gottschalk's widow, Queen Agatha, placed leather saddlebags on the fire while his two sons placed a bow and a spear, Princess Constance placed a saddle on the fire. It is believed by the faithful that for the next seven days the spirit of King Gottschalk will be hunted by the Goddess Sigyn, should the King's spirit escape her then he will be permitted into paradise. The widowed Queen asked for the nation to pray for the spirit of her husband to remain uncaptured. Following the ceremony the Queen handed both her own and her late husbands crown into the keeping of the commander of the King's Heavy Cavalry. This marks the beginning of the process to elect the new monarch.

Over the next five days the members of the military who are serving by choice are casting their votes for which of Gottschalk's three children will succeed him. Should the vote be tied then it will fall to General Viktor Bertram to cast the determining vote. Until that time General Bertram and his men will guard the two crowns which will be on display to the public who visit Kaiserplaza. On Saturday the 26th of June the Witan's youngest sitting member will announce the election result and then Queen Agatha will crown the successor, from that point on she will assume the title of The Royal Lady.

107
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Be The Witan
« on: June 20, 2021, 09:05:16 PM »
Princess Constance

Altona's biggest failing over the last 50 years has been the fact that we failed to break free from our Illumic-centric view of the world. We set ourselves apart from the world all but economically. As a result we've prospered financially but culturally, artistically and just recreationally things have not gone well. Mundus is a fascinating place and we've done so little with it. As to our great strength it has to be the way we used our sovereign wealth fund. When so many places allowed their natural resources to fall into the hands of private individuals and create a wealthy elite based on blind luck we ensured that wealth was used for the nation. We've a world class health and education system underpinned by the sovereign wealth fund.

Die Hard is a quality film, but Christmas isn't a thing here.

Prince Rutger

Or biggest failure has been in not being a good neighbour. Crisis after crisis in our region has been meet with words by ourselves while others take action. When Seaforth had its Eugenics War we should have stepped in, when East Moreland had a Regency Crisis we did nothing, when Heyra found themselves with an environmental nightmare we should have done more.

Our biggest strength though has been our national unity. While most nations across Mundus have faced some crisis, be it from within or outside ours has not. This has left us a nation with a unified identity, one proud of its culture, its religion and its strength. I think moving forward there are many great things our nation will do regardless of who wears the crown.

A good action film is a year round treat.

Prince Lukas

Our failure as Altonans is that despite sitting on an impressive sovereign wealth fund we are not sitting on an impressive record of achievement. We have companies across Mundus doing great things such as putting people into space, breaking the boundaries of science and yet we merely invest within opportunities overseas  and that present themselves. Our success though is that in our society no one is left behind on purpose. There are always sad examples of where things go wrong or where someone slips through the net but everyone here has access to quality education, great health care, good access to things like green spaces, public transport, libraries, recreation. If someone is willing to strive hard then here in Altona they will be a success and that for us is a great achievement.

Die Hard 1 & 2 are Christmas films, the other 70000 are not. 

108
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Be The Witan
« on: June 16, 2021, 10:26:31 PM »
Princess Constance

"If elected I see the path forward one of making Altona more than a mega-city sat on the Illumic coast. We have vast woodlands to our East and South that have contributed nothing to our nation since its establishment. Our population is growing year upon year and the density of the people living here is steadily moving ever onwards. Altona must therefore expand. I would make my priority the construction of a series of new towns, nothing massive, perhaps no more than ten. Each would be limited to around 200,000 inhabitants maximum. The construction of them would prevent a long term future for our nation. We need to utilise the space we have for a whole manner of projects to unleash the vast potential we have.

Prince Rutger

"Altona has just plodded through the last few decades. We've done great work building amazing infastructure to help our city become a bustling modern city with great public services, amazing service sector jobs and a good financial sector. What we lack though are markets beyond our own region. We sit on the Illumic, a busy waterway vital for trade. We need to capitalise on that and on the fact that the region enjoys so many organisations like MICA. We need to take a step my father never did and join bodies such as that. Over the waters we've an amazing potential partner in East Moreland. We have a ethnic kinship with Hassfurt and in Zimalia we have a nation that is stock full of natural resources. Over our Southern border Eskdale is building itself up and Lakhzovia to our East could be an interesting partner moving forward. These are people we need to work with."

Prince Lukas

"My father was a man who was happy to be idolised by the Altonans. He ensured that everyone of us had food on the table, money in our pocket and a work life balance that mean standards of living here are high. There are though Altonans left behind. We have a significant gap between the wealthiest of our nation and the least prosperous. While these enjoy a standard higher than many on Mundus we must do more to ensure every Altonan enjoys the bounty of our nation. To do this our sovereign wealth fund needs to be utilised more. We wisely never allowed our oil and gas to be owned by private companies and now we can ensure this is used wisely. I wish to fund more high standard education and open this up to Mundus. I want Altonan degrees to be the envy of Mundus, through knowledge we empower the people."

109
International News Networks / City News
« on: June 15, 2021, 10:57:12 AM »

Witan interviews with candidates for Monarch continue---Funeral For King Gottschalk will be on Friday---King's Heavy Cavalry to escort body to Kaiserplaza



END OF FOSSIL FUEL RELIANCE

With the first of a planned network of nuclear power stations to be "Turned on" this Friday it marks the time when the Kingdom's energy production will not be provided by fossil fuels. Currently the nation gains its electric from the coal powered Kemp Forest network of power stations however with the spectre of fossil fuels becoming harder to obtain in the long term a decision was made in the 1990's to begin moving towards more sustainable projects. The Franz Plateau Power Station will go live on Friday and will produce enough power to cover the vast majority of the Northern part of the city. In total around six other reactors are due online over the next four years. The nuclear power stations will also be supplemented by wind turbines built out in the remote eastern part of the nation close to the border with Lakhozvia.

The hope is that by the end of 2025 the nation will be able to generate all its electricity by non fussil fuels means. It is also hoped that this will leave the nation with a surplus of energy which could in theory at least be connected to the Lakhzovian or Eskdale power grids and sold to help supplement the cost of power within Altona. 


110
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The Kingdom of Altona
« on: June 13, 2021, 11:24:24 PM »
THE ROYAL FAMILY
The Sülldorf Dynasty


Up until 1st of June 2021 His Majesty King Gottschalk was the King of Altona. He had been monarch since 6th August 2014. The Sülldorf Family are the ruling dynasty and inherited a vast number of properties since taking the throne in 1941.

DETAILS ON MONARCH TO GO HERE ONCE ELECTED


Built in 1412 the Palace sits on the Western edge of the city and is surrounded by several acres of forest. It is possible to travel from the coast to the Palace via boat. Today it is the home of Constance Sülldorf and her family.


The site saw its first construction in the 12th Century. Since then the royals have used it as a retreat from the fortress within the city itself. The site saw massive rebuilding in the 1800's following fire damage. Today it is the home of Rutger Sülldorf and his family.


The Hunting Palace

Located around 12km into the forest of Altona the Palace was built in the 1700's and added to extensively over time. It is traditionally the residence of the eldest child of the Royal Family as they are given the greatest emphasis in ceremonial duties until the reigning monarch dies. It is currently home to Lukas Sülldorf and his family

111
Map / Re: Claiming Your Spot on the Map
« on: June 13, 2021, 07:48:45 PM »
Nation Name: Altona

Nation Link: https://www.nationstates.net/nation=altonapeyton

Provinces you wish to claim:
1: R33
2: R35

Proposed colour of your nation on the map: Something like an orange
I, Altona, have read the rules set down above, and agree to follow them.

112
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The Kingdom of Altona
« on: June 13, 2021, 05:51:04 PM »
ALTONA'S MILITARY

The Army, The Royal Altonan Navy, The Royal Altonan Flying Corps, The King's Heavy Cavalry

The military feature heavily in Altonan society. This is largely due to the fact that in the first century or so of the Kingdom's existence the monarch would regularly offer his troops as mercenaries. In addition it was not uncommon for Dukes, Lords, Barons etc to raise forces to sell off to foreign nations during wars. This practice meant that National Service of two years was expected from all able bodied male Altonans. This was later changed to include women in 1967. Upon completion of their national service an individual remains on a Reserve list until their 45th birthday. They are expected to attend a 48 hour refresher course every year to maintain their skill at arms. Each person on the reserve list is given a rifle and two magazines of ammunition which are expected to be stored securely and random checks by the military police are carried out to ensure security and that the weapon is being maintained.




The Army can trace its formal roots back to 1452 under King Gerhard who began organising what had been essentially a Feudal Army into a full time professional one. He formed the Army into Regiments under permanent commanders picked from within the ranks rather than by noble birth. Each Regiment today has a Battalion known as the "People's" Battalion and this is made up of those serving time under national service. Generally these Battalions are bigger in infantry regiments than in specialist groups like Engineers, Communications etc. Those doing National Service may not serve as officers.



The Royal Altonan Navy was formed in 1565 by King Gabriel. It had previously been a seasonal force that patrolled the coast line however King Gabriel briefly had considered expanding Altona to effectively try and form an Empire. Today it has a small number of National Service inductees serving, mainly these are taken from those who have opted to first study at University and quiet often have a background in maritime matters. Very few National Service people serve on long term patrols on boats and none on subs.



The Royal Altonan Flying Corps was formed in 1911 by King Torsten. It was originally the only force not to accept those undertaking National Service however since 1967 this has changed and has seen it become very similar to the Navy in so far that graduates from University with specialist skills can be sent there. The Air Force mains a reserve in which former pilots are expected to maintain their skills and so a large fleet of training aircraft are kept for them to maintain their hours. The RAFC also undertake flying operations for the Navy.



The King's Heavy Cavalry can trace its origins back to the foundation of the Kingdom when they were the personal guard of the King. In 1913 however King Thankarat remodelled the unit as a commando unit and enlarged them from 150 members to the current 800 or so. They do not accept National Service and anyone wishing to join must have served at least five years prior to joining. They maintain their own aviation assets and in effect a mini military in their own right. They also retain the function of their commanding officer having the determining vote should elections of monarchs even be a tie.

113
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The Kingdom of Altona
« on: June 13, 2021, 05:22:24 PM »
GOVERNMENT OF ALTONA

KAISERPLAZA- The old centre of Altona where the matters of government are determined. The Royal Chamber is to the left and the Chamber of Swords which is where military matters are discussed.

The government of Altona is controlled directly by the monarch through Decrees supported by a form of representative referendum.

The monarch may issue any decree they wish at any time however it must gain the approval of a 100 person randomly selected Witan.

The Monarch is supported in their work by a group of Ministers, all of these are selected by the monarch and there are no rules governing who may be one or their remits. Any Minister is permitted to use the title Lord/Lady of the Royal Chamber while they hold the post. Any minister either resigning or being replaced is potentially given a honourable discharge meaning they are then forever permitted to use the title Knight/Dame of the Royal Chamber.

The Witan serves for a month and are randomly selected using their Draft Card. Every Altonan is issued a unique Draft Card six months before their 18th birthday. Upon receipt of it they get details of their posting to National Service for some point within the 18 months following their 18th birthday. This card features a series of unique numbers which are used to determine the make up of the Witan. The liklihood of serving on two back to back Witan's is low however there are no rules stopping it. Additionally there are no rules stopping a Minister also from serving on the Witan.

Should the Witan reject a decree then they must make their own version of the decree which the monarch can either accept and thus becomes law, or it is rejected and must be presented again to a further Witan.

An Altonan may only reject service on the Witan in a handful of conditions. Those conditions are ill health, being a single parent, current service within the military or studying at University. Should a person be called up to the Witan and either refuse or not show up they face a fine of $10,000 and up to 10 years in prison. A person may however excuse themselves from future call ups ahead of time for example if going on holiday, having hospital appointments etc by obtaining an exemption certificate. This requires filling in an application which is approved by the local magistrate. It is extremely rare for a properly filed request for an exemption certificate to be turned down.

The Witan's other role is to help select the new monarch when the incumbent one dies. This is done by narrowing down the Royal Family to three candidates. This is done by first considering legitimate children, then illegitimate children, then siblings, nephews & nieces, cousins and then finally uncles and aunts. If for example a monarch has 1 legitimate child and five siblings the child must be put forward as one candidate, the Witan will then narrow down the siblings to make up the numbers. The Witan's three candidates are then voted on by those within the military at the time. Should it end in a draw the General of the King's Heavy Cavalry (the oldest Regiment in the Army) has the casting vote.





114
Diplomacy and Events / Be The Witan
« on: June 12, 2021, 12:42:09 AM »
On the 1st of June 2021 His Majesty King Gottschalk of Altsona passed away after a long battle with liver disease. As is tradition in the Kingdom of Altona the children of the King will now be questioned by the Witan, a body made up of 100 randomly selected citizens. Then on the 19th June 2021 all currently voulentary service members of the military will vote for who they wish to be the new monarch.

OOC - I will be opening to forum votes on the 19th for who people want to be my new monarch. In the mean time I'm happy to answer questions as though people are part of the Witan.


Constance SülldorfRutger SülldorfLukas Sülldorf
Constance, otherwise known to family and friends as Connie was born in 1985. She attended the Queen Adelias Academy for her education and worn several prizes for artwork during her time there. In 2003 she attended University and deferred her National Service. She graduated in 2006 with a degree in Architecture and as legally required joined the military for two years. She served in the Royal Engineers for her two years. Following leaving military service she began working for her father King Gottschalk on a vision he had to return classical design to the capital which had begun to take on a more modern feel. She has been instumental in many of the nations more significant construction projects since 2009.

In 2017 she married Duke Klaus Ruddenheir and the pair now have one child, Sigmund, who was born in 2019. 
Rutger was born in 1983.

He was educated at the prestigious Altona Grammar School for Boys where he graduated 18th in a year group of 45. Following his graduation he elected to complete his two years of manditory military service in the Air Force as a member of the Air Defence Guard which provide ground security for Air Bases. Following completion of this in 2004 he began to attend University where he studied History. Upon graduation he began working within the nations Sovereign Wealth Fund to help ensure family oversight. He was responsible for pushing for several investments into "Green" Technology companies. In 2016 he became the nations Minister for Tourism before switching to Minister for Security in 2019 as position he held until his father died.

He is married to Heidi who is a Doctor at the Army Memorial Hospital specialising in brain injuries since 2007. They have two children, Karl who was born in 2009 and Matilda born in 2012.
Lukas was born in 1980 and is the eldest child of King Gottschalk and Queen Lucille. As with boys of the family he attended Altona Grammar School for Boys and graduated 33rd out of a year group of 49 students. He was not much of an academic and so voulenteered for regular military service rather than national service. He joined the Royal Parachute Regiment in 1998 and seemed to excel at soldiering. In 2003 he was transfered to the 1st Battalion which is in essence the elite of the Parachute Regiment. He served in that until 2010 when he took up a position in T Battalion which undertakes the administration of training new recruits. By 2015 he was Chief of Training for the unit. In 2015 he returned to regular service. Despite his father asking him to take up some government position he refused preferring to stay in the military.

In 2003 he married Kamille who was the daughter of a prominent Wildhüter of the faith. The pair of four children, Gottschalk who was born in 2005, Hans who was born in 2008, Victoria who was born in 2011 and Gertrude who was born in 2015.

115
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The Kingdom of Altona
« on: June 11, 2021, 10:15:01 PM »
     

THE MONARCHS OF THE KINGDOM OF ALTONA

The first King of Altona was King Sigmundr Jundt. He was a noble from ?????? who raised a private army and colonised the present location of Altona sometime in the early 14th Century. He established the Kingdom's rules regarding inheriting the crown. Upon his death his nobles would select one of his children (assuming he had more than one) to succeed him. King Sigmundr had a golden crown made for himself while other royals wear a replica made out of Iron. Today the monarch wears the golden crown while his family wear replicas made of iron.

ALTONAN CROWN LIST

The Jundt Dynasty 1339-1555


1339-1371 - King Sigmundr I - King Sigmundr The Founder
1371-1377 - King Adam
1377-1402 - King Raginmar
1402-1451 - King Joschka
1451-1478 - King Gerhard
1478-1499 - Queen Adelias
1499-1522 - King Jelle
1522-1555 - King Jordis

The Krüger Dynasty 1555-1773

1555-1577 - King Gabriel
1577-1603 - King Theodoar I
1603-1607 - King Waldo
1607-1647 - King Tilo
1647-1656 - King Thorben
1656-1700 - Queen Svanhildr
1700-1729 - King Arthur I
1729-1741 - Queen Anneliese
1741-1773 - King Adalbert

The Krause Dynasty 1773-1941

1773-1801 - King Odo
1801-1816 - King Lothar
1816-1831 - King Theodoar II
1831-1863 - King Arthur II
1863-1887 - King Lucas
1887-1892 - King Theotman
1892-1899 - King Otto
1899-1913 - King Torsten
1913-1941 - King Thankarat

The Sülldorf Dynasty 1941 - present

1941-1978 - Queen Eleonora
1978-1997 - King Levin
1997-2009 - King Rolf
2009-2014 - King Oden
2014-2021 - King Gottschalk
2021-now  - King Rutger

116
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The Kingdom of Altona
« on: June 11, 2021, 09:22:02 PM »

SIGYNISM

Altona largely clings to the belief in the Goddess Sigyn.

Sigyn is believed to have created the Universe as a place to hunt.

She is depicted as a a woman, usually naked except for a cloak, a cross belt for weapons and long hair. She often is shown riding a horse as though on a hunt or in battle.

Sigyn created all life as a form of entertainment for her hunts. However she took a liking to mankind and gave us special status among all other life.

In return for being given this special status mankind prays to her and hopes to one day join her in the hunt.

It is believed that at some point in the future a rival to Sigyn will appear with the intent of destroying all of creation and replacing it with their own version of the Universe. This will mean the destruction of humans.

It is believed that just as breeding strong livestock together Sigyn is capable of producing stronger beasts to hunt mankind can strengthen itself in a similar way.

All humans are born with Geisterkraft which is a form of spiritual power. During a persons life they can amass more  Geisterkraft through doing good deeds which is known as kraftesse and through doing other acts lose power known as schwächen.

The amount of Geisterkraft a person is born with is determined by the amount their mother and father have.

When a person dies their body is cremated and creates a new spiritual being made up of the Geisterkraft the person had on the day of their death. For the first week after a death all new spirit bodies are hunted by Sigyn. Those with a weak amount of Geisterkraft are destined to be slayed by Sigyn and their spirit body destroyed forever meaning they face oblivion. Those with a decent amount of Geisterkraft survive the hunt and are invited to join Sigyn in what is effectively a hunters paradise.

A family can improve a loved ones chances of surviving the hunt by cremating objects along with them which it is believed will help them. This includes such things as weapons, food, drink, clothing, boots and other such items.

The faith is managed by Priests known as Wildhüter which translates as Game-Keepers. They organise weekly prayers, carry out rituals such as naming ceremonies, weddings, funerals etc. They also help guide the faithful.




117
Factbooks and Maps / The Kingdom of Altona
« on: June 11, 2021, 11:05:03 AM »

Flag used when nation is at peace


Flag used when nation faces either war or crisis
The Kingdom of Altona

Population:- 8,500,000
Capital:- Altona

Altona is largely a sprawling city state located in Western Aranye and surrounded by forest. It was created in the 14th Century by a noble from Heimney who wished to carve out his own Kingdom and gathering together some loyal followers set sail. Over time his personal fiefdom grew and grew until today it stands as a geographically isolated state surrounded by what could be described by some as a natural buffer zone.

The nation made a reputation as a state that prided itself on militarastic and chivalric ideals and has a history of providing mercenary armies and navies throughout history. The nation still has a significant number of military businesses. The nation also has rather liberal rules regarding financial regulation for business once established and also rather liberal trading ideas. In the last 30 years or so the city state has attempted to carve itself out a reputation for being a vibrant centre of culture and recreation.

The Kingdom is ruled by a monarch. They may introduce any legislation they wish however they must gain the approval of the Altonan Witan to become law. The Altonan Witan is made up of 100 randomly selected citizens over the age of 18 who serve for a month. Their only duty is to vote on potential changes to the law. If they reject a law they make suggestions on how to improve it. It is a criminal offence to refuse to be part of the Witan unless you are either a single parent, currently at University, serving in the military or have some identified medical impairment to serving.

The current royal family are the Sülldorf Dynasty who have been on the throne since Queen Eleonora took the throne in 1941.

The crown does not pass down automatically to eldest child. The military serving at the time of the monarchs death elect the new monarch from those members of the royal family over the age of 21.

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