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Messages - Mersch

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1
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Slippery Slope (Crisis in Mersch)
« on: August 30, 2023, 09:35:03 PM »
Robert Gruber was told to expect a representative of the East Moreland military in ten minutes time. He was the stand in, for now, as the Minister of Defence under Prime Minister Dahl's administration and by his own assessment he had no idea what was going on in Mersch. The last few days had been chaotic and they'd been lots of reports of people leaving Mersch, coming to Mersch and disappearing in Mersch. He arrived at Martinsmühle Military Base just a few minutes before the flight that contained Princess Freya, there was just enough time for Major Philip Muessler of the Military Police to explain the situation to Robert who had just enough time to turn and see the Morelanders exit their aircraft. He was rather surprised to see Princess Freya attired with a rifle but that was likely the least confusing thing about the current situation. "Your Highness, please follow us." They were escorted by MP's across the tarmac and into a low grey concrete building attached to a hangar. Once inside it was Major Muessler who took the lead.

"Princess Freya we're not sure what we can tell you to prepare you. All the suspect says is his name and the claim that he's a sergeant in the  1st Republic of Mersch Commando unit, whatever that is. The bit that interests us is the fact he claims there are attacks planned and he can stop them. He wouldn't even answer questions telling us whether he wanted a sandwich or not. We've put him in an interregation room for now once we knew you were agreeable to coming. He's chained to the floor and we're confident he can't do anything other than perhaps lean forward slightly. On him we found just a assault rifle, three magazines, two grenades and a broken radio, it seems he destroyed it himself. We've no record of him on any of our watch lists or even ex-Merschian military. Last details we have of him are that he graduated from University five years ago with a degree in History. This is also the first we've heard of the 1st Republic of Mersch Commando's. We're currently trying to get the ID's of the other in what I suppose we could call his commando unit."

Muessler gave the Princess time to ask any questions and prepare herself and once ready escorted the Princess into the room. As soon as she entered the man sat bolt upright and seemed to try and swing an arm in a kind of salute but the shackels prevented them. His eyes cast a look up and down the Morelander as though his mind was trying to make a decision. "Your Highness I am Sergeant Stefan Lahm, I am a sergeant in the 1st Republic of Mersch Commando unit. I am authorised to tell you that I am one of several strike units embedded within this nation and that you can expect further attacks on Mersch if I am not in touch with my commanding officer within the next 6 hours, assuming that clock is accurate. I am however able to effect a ceasefire but only after negotiations begin. Therefore should you as one of the nominated arbitration parties in determining the next monarch of Mersch tell me you will publicly declare all candidates unsuitable and recommend a referendum on becoming a Republic I will reveal a phone number which can be called and upon hearing my codeword my commanding officer will halt the impending attacks for five days. During those five days we can discuss a roadmap that East Moreland will take to ensure the referendum takes place and that should the nation vote for being a Republic implement it."

2
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Slippery Slope (Crisis in Mersch)
« on: August 20, 2023, 10:26:09 PM »
With their charge evacuated to East Moreland the security detail of Rochus Kristoffer saw no need to remain at the distant estate. They'd packed up as much of the young nobleman's possessions as they thought he'd need back in the capital of Wahlstadt. Once the four Range-Rovers had been sorted out the team mounted up and began what would be a three hour drive. They'd nothing much to worry about, the vehicles were skinned with bullet proof material and the glass reinforced. While the vehicles were high spec they were not up to the standard of world leaders but likely wouldn't have made much difference. About 1km away from the house they made the turn off the gravel track that lead to the house onto a main road, however they never made it that far as they made the turn a boom filled the air and soon after a tree fell across the front of the lead vehicle. Before any of them could respond a second tree fell behind them boxing them in. The teams inside rummaged to grab weapons as from the shadows of the trees a mixture of gun fire and surprisngly several rucksacks hurled towards the vehicle. The skin of the vehicle held the gunfire back but several of the backpacks exploded with two directly underneath the vehicles. With the security detail now largely incapacitated two balaclaved figures came forward and carefully checked, inside they couldn't see young Rochus and so immediately their interest. Several anti-tank mines were dragged out as the rest of the gang emerged rifles aimed at the vehicles in which most people were now wounded. Wires had been prepared from each and with a press of a button they detonated once in place throwing the vehicles and leaving everyone inside incapacitated, the cars were dragged off the road and left, it would be potentially days until anyone drove by this way.

The team sent to assassinate Markus Switzer had been more punctual yet still too late, unknown to them the tiny dot heading away was the seaplane the Morelanders had used. The five men dressed in black arrived via boat and oblivious to the foot prints in the sand left by the Morelanders headed over the dunes. They left one man as a kind of rear guard to protect the boat and tried to find an unseen route to the beach houses entrance. Even before they had crossed half way between the dunes and the house one of them took a round to the chest and over the next four minutes a fire fight between the security detail and the assassins all but two of the black masked killers were dead. The rear guard had made the decision it was time to leave and back tracked to the boat just in time to see his friend come limping over the hill. He waited, bundled him into the boat and fired the engine up heading out towards the middle of the lake. They were not going to get away however as when only a two kilometers down the coast the Steinbrunn patrol boat had them in sight. The gunmen turned towards the coast desperately trying to escape thinking perhaps getting shore might save them. While they had a head start the UAV launched from the rear of the patrol boat and the speed of their launched RHIB meant the gap was closed just before they could scramble ashore. There was a brief exchange of gunfire and the final two assassins were left bleeding on the sand, one soon to die. The survivor was bandaged up while medics did what they could to try and save the other mans life but it was a futile effort. The survivor was airlifted to a medical hospital at a military base and once stable introduced to Major Philip Muessler a member of the Military Police. He was flanked by two rather large NCO's dressed in combats as opposed to his office uniform. He was about to open his mouth to speak when from off the bed the assassin spoke.

"Major my name is Stefan Lahm, I am a sergeant in the 1st Republic of Mersch Commando unit. I am not about to answer questions but I am authorised to tell you that I am one of several strike units embedded within your nation and that you can expect further attacks if I am not in touch with my commanding officer within the next 12 hours" he said as he glanced up at the clock within the medical room. "I am however able to effect a ceasefire but only after negotiations involved Princess Freya Ironside. I will now not be answering any questions unless it relates to negotiations." Major Muessler was rather taken aback.

"I shall return shortly" He said unsure exactly what to do or say, he informed his commanding officer who in turn contacted his commander and before long their contact in the East Moreland military was being told.

3
Press Offices / Re: Press Office of Social Media
« on: July 27, 2023, 10:27:02 PM »

4
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Slippery Slope (Crisis in Mersch)
« on: July 27, 2023, 10:26:20 PM »
The Royal Fusiliers were the go to Regiment in Mersch. Not a single Fusilier had changed sides during the civil war and the Regiment had received a vast number of commendations during the conflict. As such following the war they'd been put in charge of the Prime Ministers protection since Hanna Dahl had been appointed. The Sergeant of the watch came into her office just moments after the attacks had taken place. "Madam you need to come with us, we're enacting a black protocol." Hanna knew what that meant and was not going to argue. The nation had gone through enough and the Fusiliers knew their business.

"Grab that bag please Sergeant" she simply said pointing to a hold all next to her desk. She slammed her lap top close and tucked it under her arm as she grabbed the backpack off her chair where it was normally stored. As she entered her lounge four men dressed not in ceremonial uniform but instead in camo and holding rifles prepared to escort her outside to where the helicopter was already spinning up. The Prime Minister was barely buckled in when the aircraft took off and headed out towards the Northern Ocean. With Wahlstadt being relatively close to the coast it was a short trip and then the Helicopter Carrier Jennersdorf came into view. Even though the crew had been carefully vetted a detachment of Fusiliers meet them and escorted them to a set of rooms put aside for such an incident. Once safely in a cabin she already had messages coming through about the situation, the scene was chaotic. The first priority was to ensure that those capable of becoming a monarch were safe. Thankfully she then got the message through from King David, it made sense to get all three of the candidates into the safe hands of East Moreland and while Jasmine Volk was already there the others were far from safe. She informed the Fusiliers that they should expect some kind of East Moreland military operation in the coming hours.






5
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The Kingdom of Mersch
« on: July 27, 2023, 08:16:08 PM »

THE ROYAL MERSCHIAN AIR FORCE (MRAF)

17,634 Airmen / 4, 188 Reservists

45 x F-2 Dragonskin Multi Role Fighters
30 x F-15 Fae Multi Role Fighters
25 x F-3 Brownie Multi-Role Fighter
4 x E-7 Pixie AEWAC Fighter
15 x E-6 Banshee Electronic Warfare Fighter
5 x P-3 Leprechaun Maritime Patrol Aircraft
5 x K-78 Elf Tanker aircraft
9 x C-124 Kobold Transport Aircraft
22 x C-32 Changeling Transport Aircraft
25 x T-9 Devas Basic Trainer
25 x T-20 Dryad Advanced Trainer / Light Fighter
4 x U1-Gnome Surveillance UAV
10 x U-2 Kelpie Combat UAV
15 x H-22 Nymph Helicopter
20 x H-15 Salamander Helicopter

6
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The Kingdom of Mersch
« on: July 27, 2023, 08:14:59 PM »

THE MERSCHIAN ROYAL NAVY (MRN)
28,100 Sailors
6,100 Reservists

7 x Stettin Class Submarine

1. Eisenstadt
2. Neusiedl
3. Oberwat
4. Mattersburg
5. Pinkafeld
6. Parndorf
7. Neudorft

2 x Hamburg CLass Helicopter Carrier

1. Jennersdorf
2. Gols

5 x Dorpat Class Destroyer

1. Gussing
2. Grosspetersdorf
3. Neufeld
4. Oberpullendorf
5. Kittsee

8 x Falsterbo Class Frigate

1. Deutschkreutz
2. Rechnitz
3. Bruckneudorf
4. Hornstein
5. Siegendorf
6. Pottsching
7. Purbach
8. Frauenkirchen

6 x Polotsk Class Patrol Boat

1. Forchtenstein
2. Rohrbach
3. Wiesen
4. Stegersbach
5. Steinbrunn
6. Oberschutzen

3 x Malmo Class Minehunter

1. Illmitz
2. Schattendorf
3. Andau

4 x Anklam Class Fast Attack Boat

1. Morbisch
2. Zurndorf
3. Monchhof
4. Rudersdorf


7
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The Kingdom of Mersch
« on: July 27, 2023, 08:13:54 PM »

THE ARMY
68,200 Soldiers / 21,250 Reservists

160 x Tanastus Main Battle Tank
190 x Iarizkar Infantry Fighting Vehicle
220 x Agilmund Armoured Personnel Carrier
100 x Ragnhild Reconnaissance Vehicle
180 x Machorel Mine Resistant Vehicle
420 x Madelger Mobility Vehicle
220 x Laiamicho Light Vehicle
30 x Sabene Self Propelled Howitzer
35 x Hache Towed Howitzer
40 x Marplay Multiple Rocket Launcher
25 x Saevil SAM System
20 x Hadawardus Helicopter
5 x Ubbi UAV

8
International News Networks / Re: Mersch Morning Star
« on: July 25, 2023, 10:54:54 PM »
MERSCH FUTURE TERRORISED

As the Kingdom seemed poised to return to a normal system of government terrorists claiming to be from a group calling themselves The Uncrowned. The group have not been known to carry out any terror attacks before however today have claimed that the three attacks that have taken place today across the nation. The group however have in a single day caused chaos in the process of naming the new monarch of Mersch.

All three attacks took place between 10:55am and 11:03 am giving authorities very little chance to prevent them once the ball began rolling. The first attack saw Duke Kristian Volk murdered as he entered a local cafe close to his estate. As he entered the cafe was struck by a speeding car that caused the building to collapse. Eye witnesses reported that those nearby began trying to get close to help, probably believing it was a car accident, however almost immediately the car exploded ensuring the death of all those inside as well as two people who had been stood outside. Almost simultaneously the Duke Abraham Kristoffer was entertaining East Moreland horse trainer Richard Marlon when survivors reported that a member of Marlon's staff exploded a bomb. Parts of this bomb have been recovered and show that not only was the bomb significantly large for its purpose but also contained a series of metal objects designed to causes maximum damage. This attack saw a total of five deaths with three others critically injured in hospital. Finally as security services began to mobilise the top floor Penthouse of the Ulva building in Wahlstadt exploded. The Penthouse belonged to Duchess Heidi Felds who was at home at the time. It is believed that the bomb was hidden in a fridge which was being delivered to a separate apartment in the complex. The explosion was so vicious that neighbouring buildings were also damaged with one unfortunate office worker in the building opposite was killed by flying glass. By the end of the 8 minutes of co-ordinated terror a total of 78 people had died however it is expected that the figure will raise as rubble is cleared from the Ulva Building and those injured at the Kristoffer family estate are under going life saving surgery.

The assassinations now mean that only three possible candidates for monarch remain, Rochus Kristoffer, Markus Switzer and Jasmin Volk. The eldest of these three is Markys Switzer who is 26 years of age however is descended from a bloodline that is not directly leading back to King Soren who began the Vollme dynasty. Meanwhile Rochus is 19 years old and Jasmin 23. The current whereabouts of Rochus and Markus are not confirmed however Jasmin was evacuated to East Moreland following attempts on her fathers life early this year.

It had been hoped that the Prime Minister would announce a list of candidates for the throne for public vote in the coming weeks however that process is now likely to be postponed. Speaking with the media Prime Minister Hanna Dahl stated "Todays attackes seem intent on stopping us returning to normality. We are so close to that we must now just put our heads down and see the task through. For me the timetable is clear and I shall push through as best we can. I ask that tonight we all pray for those who have lost their lives in this cowardly attack and that the Gods watch over their families.

A statement delivered to various news outlets by the group said, "The attacks are retribution for the attempts to prop up an unelected aristocratic bully. We shall not ever accept a crown on anyones head in Mersch and any attempt to make it so shall be opposed, we do not consent to a random accident of birth determining our future. We urge Jasmin Volk to stay put in the corrupt Kingdom of East Moreland and would suggest Marcus and Rochus join her as soon as possible."
 

9
Diplomacy and Events / The Slippery Slope (Crisis in Mersch)
« on: July 25, 2023, 12:02:12 PM »
Chieftan Sylvia of Silverdale had been merely a teenager when the civil war in Academica had begun and she had been largely used as a puppet to try and create a cross Alba Karinyan Empire, it was a fools quest. She however had survived and had been smuggled out the tiny nation into Mersch. There she had grown into a woman who eagerly wanted to reclaim her homeland. The people of Silverdale had come so close to having a land of their own and now with many of the political refugees here in Mersch she saw no reason why the situation of that nations own civil war between the Monarchists and the Republicans ending couldn't be exploited. The so called Kingdom of Mersch still lacked a monarch and as such was relying on the Prime Minister, an inexperienced Hanna Dahl, to keep control. It had been a task that was not succeeding and in the last few months the Republicans and the refugees from Silverdale had switched from fighting an all out war to terrorist acts and today would be a key moment.

Should Mersch ever return to the point of having a stable royal family then the chances of achieving a new homeland for the people of Silverdale would be gone and so Sylvia had today planned something special.

Outside Holsbrukken a car waited in a side street. Duke Kristian Volk had been targeted before but here in Holsbrukken he felt safe. It was a small village where everyone knew everyone and he was well liked. As one of the outsiders in contention for the throne he was probably leat likely to be targeted which is why here and now was the perfect moment. The Duke had just a single security guard with him and as he walked to his favourite cafe for brunch, like he did every Tuesday the car turned onto the main street. Just as the Duke walked in and greeted the young girl behind the counter the car burst through the front window and with an ear shattering boom exploded killing both the Duke and the twelve people enjoying a quiet mid morning coffee.

Even before the news of the Duke's demise had been heard Duke Abraham Kristoffer, who had a slightly stronger but still weak claim on the throne, was attending a meeting with some investors. He'd planned to increase the size of his race horse enterprise and over the last year he'd formed a close bond with some investor from East Moreland. His team had conducted various background checks and it was clear Richard Marlon was someone in the know. He had twelve horses that had won well this past season and rumour had it he'd even trained a horse for Princess Freya. He was backed by millions from some lumber business and now the duo would team up. Marlon arrived with his team of staff and after a lovely early morning inspection of the Duke's facilities Richard was impressed. "I think I would be very happy to team up with His Lordship" Richard declared as the two men shook hands on a partnership. Richard turned to a young man, Stephen, who had been acting as his PA for the last few months. "Stephen can you grab my cheque book" Stephen placed the briefcase on the table between Richard and the Duke and took a rather odd deep breath.

"FOR SILVERDALE!" He yelled and flicked the case open. There was a large flash and boom as the briefcase, not containing paperwork but instead a block of C4 and several packets of nails. While those on the edges of what had been a cheerful moment now writhed on the ground a mass on blood, twisted bone and flesh. Stephen, the Duke and Richard had died almost instantly but by the time the situation had been dealt with by the emergency services there were two more dead and three people would require huge amounts of surgery to try and save their lives.

The final act of this bloody day came at Duchess Heidi Felds penthouse in Wahlstadt. She had perhaps the strongest claim on the throne but that mattered for little. The delivery intended for the floor below her penthouse was not the fridge that the packaging advertised, it was in fact a huge bomb. Placed in the lift and set to go to the floor below it had enough explosive force that it took out the top four floors of the building leaving a twist mess of metal and sending glass flying across the street injuring scores of people in the neighbouring office block.

By the end of the day three leading candidates for the throne were dead and along with them close to 80 Merschians.

10
International News Networks / Re: Mersch Morning Star
« on: June 10, 2023, 11:21:21 PM »
DUKE COMES UNDER FIRE


One of the possible candidates to assume the monarchy of Mersch has today been targeted in an armoured attack. Duke Kristian Volk is considered a rank outsider however his daughter, 22 year old Jasmin Volk, is considered to have the much stronger chance. The Duke was this morning visiting one of the Volk family estates when his vehicle and its single vehicle security detail were shot at. A spokesman for the Police stated "A single large calibre round was fired into both engines of the vehicles bringing them to a stop. There was then a brief exchange of fire between the Duke's security detail and what is believed to be a force of three gunmen. The security detail were largely able to take safety from the fact their vehicles were armoured against such actions. Within moments members of the local police's Tactical Response Unit where on the ground offering support. Sadly there have been no arrests."

Duke Kristian is reported to be "shaken but well" and required medical treatment for "bumps and bruises". Meanwhile the three other candidates for the monarchy have been placed under tighter guard with the Volk family going even further by sending Duchess Jasmin Volk to Freestone in East Moreland. During the Civil War she resided there and this exile largely ensured that she escaped the fate of many of the rest of the Volk family who were captured by forces connected to the Chieftan Sylvia of Silverdale who crossed into Mersch following the ending of Academicas own civil war. Sylvia has pledged that her forces, estimated to number just over 1,000 individuals, will restore Academica to its former glory under her leadership. She has often co-operated with Republican groups and many have proposed that this recent attack was another example of this.

The Kristoffer family have been rumoured to have taken up residency at Merial Castle, their ancestorial home, and their patriarch Duke Abraham Kristoffer stated "I am happy that Kristian is safe and that his family are secure in East Moreland. The identity of those responsible for these attacks must be found and brought to justice. My family will take whatever precautions we need to in order to secure ourselves within Mersch and send a message that evil can not win."

With the recent appointment of Prime Minister Hanna Dahl the reconstruction of the government is one step further along the path to making Mersch fully compliant with its citizen back constitution following the end of the civil war. The majority of the royal family was wiped out during this war by Republican forces, several summarily executed. The Prime Minister must now present a list of three candidates before the Witan by 31st December 2023 after which the Witan will narrow it down to two before the public vote. Until that time the Klein Witan is made up of individuals appointed by the peacekeeping nations that brought the civil war to an end, namely East Moreland and Heyra.

 

11
International News Networks / Mersch Morning Star
« on: April 11, 2023, 09:18:15 PM »
NEW PRIME MINISTER NAMED

Following the end of the civil war and acceptance by the general public of the new constitution the first Prime Minister of the post-civil war era has been selected. Hanna Dahl, the leader of the Reunion Party, was named as Prime Minister for the next 12 months. Under the arrangement to bring the constitution into force the Prime Minister's first term will be just a year during which their primary duty will be to ensure the full restoration of the monarchy. Under the interim arrangements put into effect the nation has, until now, been governed by the Klein Witan lead by Duke Guntram Wruck with the task of overseeing the establishment of the elected body known as the Gross Witan. With the final batches of seats having been determined over the weekend it saw the Reunion Party gain 158 of the 301 seats giving them a majority. As a result they have confirmed that the parties leader Hanna Dahl will be taking the reigns as the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister was given the task of appointing a monarch rather than the Klein Witan as many of the nobles who make up that smaller assembly have connections to the various branches of the royal family that survive the war. The process as laid down by the new constitution requests that the Prime Minister put a minimum of three candidates before the Klein Witan and then at least two of these must be put to a nationwide vote. There is no schedule or process outlined except a deadline of 31st December 2023. If this deadline is missed and no monarch is appointed by that time then  the monarch of East Moreland and the Grand Duke of Bakkermaya would take over control of the process.

Currently there are two leading contenders to the throne Duchess Heidi Feld and Jasmin Volk. The two are descended from bloodlines that can be traced back to King Soren who was coronated in 1931. His direct descendants have all either died or were executed by Republicans during the civil war. The issue that the current situation however presents is that currently there is no third candidate and so the new Prime Minister has issued instructions for a six month commission of historians to explore the families history to recommend at least one more candidate. Currently Duchess Heidi Feld is 41 years of age and is the CEO of a field sports company. Meanwhile Jasmin Volk is 22 years of age and has just graduated from the Royal Merriman University with a degree in Economics. The two are distant cousins.

While the succession issue is clearly at the forefront of the new Prime Ministers agenda Prime Minister Dahl has also promised that there will be changes to the nations taxation system with the intention of making it fairer. The Reunion party have also stated they will be looking at establishing a series of freeports, rebuild the armed forces, increase public health provision and place protections on the natural environment. While some of these matters will eventually fall under the remit of the monarch for now the Prime Minister has authority over these matters.

12
Character Guides / Re: Merschians
« on: April 02, 2023, 09:55:19 PM »

Anika Volk
RL-MacKenzie Ziegler

b.2003 WIP


13
Character Guides / Re: Merschians
« on: April 02, 2023, 09:52:15 PM »

Jasmin Volk
RL-Maddie Ziegler

B.2000

14
Character Guides / Re: Merschians
« on: April 02, 2023, 09:48:04 PM »

Duke Kristian Volk
Rl-Sam Heughan

b.1980

15
Character Guides / Re: Merschians
« on: April 02, 2023, 09:44:12 PM »

Phillipina Kristoffer
RL-McKenna Grace

B.2006

WIP

16
Character Guides / Re: Merschians
« on: April 02, 2023, 09:41:46 PM »

Rochus Kristoffer
RL-Kit Connor

b.2004 WIP

17
Character Guides / Re: Merschians
« on: April 02, 2023, 09:34:51 PM »

Duke Abraham Kristoffer
RL.- Daniel Ek

b.1983 WIP

18
Character Guides / Merschians
« on: April 02, 2023, 09:09:16 PM »

Duchess Heidi Feld
RL-Megan Boone

b.1982
WIP

19
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The Kingdom of Mersch
« on: April 02, 2023, 05:46:49 PM »
GOVERNMENT

Prior to the Civil War (2016-2022) the nation was a monarchy where much of the power laid in the hands of the Krüger dynasty. To help conclude the war a new constitution was put in place. It still see's the monarch having most of the power however with many of the Krüger family having been assassinated, captured and murdered this has yet to fully come to light.

The government has three levels of government.

TOP LEVEL - THE MONARCHY

The monarchy of Mersch has yet  (as of April 2023)  not been restored following the civil war.  At the moment the role of the monarch is taken by a member of the aristocracy who is elected for a period of two years. The monarchy is responsible for;

*Giving final ascent to legilsation. The monarch may veto legislation however this is then added to the next election (regardless of level) run in the nation. The monarch may also determine the order in which legislation is heard and so can prioritise their own.

*Overseeing elections.

*Granting titles of nobility.

*Appointing judges to the Supreme Court

*May pardon/commute sentences

*Commanding the Armed Forces

*Concluding treaties with foreign nations

MIDDLE LEVEL - KLEIN WITAN

The Small Witan is made up of 17 appointed nobles. They may serve for 12 months before being replaced but then the following year may be selected again. They may be removed if a 2/3 majority of the Groß Witan. If you are removed from the Klein Witan you may not ever be selected again. The Groß Witan's responsibilities are;

*Oversee the nations budget. The monarch may not change taxation without their permission.

*Act as moderators for legislation from the Klein Witan. If a piece of legislation does not gain 9 votes then a member voting against it must write a review of the legislation for it to return to the Klein Witan.

*Ensure any required referendums are carried out.

*Should a succession issue arise they shall vote on its solution.

LOWER LEVEL - GROß WITAN

The Groß Witan is made up of 301 members. These are selected every four years from geographical areas each of which have around 140,000 residents. Anyone over the age of 18 who is either a citizen or has had a right to residency for at least five years may vote in elections however only those born within Mersch may actually stand for election. The Witan must "lend their support" to a single Representative who if gaining the written support of 151 members of the Groß Witan is pronounced as Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is given the following responsibilities.

*Representing the people in discussions with the monarch.

*May nominate the first speaker on any legislation to be debated.

*Every Thursday is Prime Minister's Day meaning that they control what business is conducted by the Witan.

*Calls for votes of confidence in members of the Klein Witan

*Has permission to attend and talk in meetings with foreign diplomats

In addition the Groß Witan has the following responsibilities.

*Give final consent to taxation issues

*May remove members of the Witan

*Create legislation and vote on it.

*Approve Cabinet Ministers.

*Review and amend legislation returned from the Groß Witan.

20
Factbooks and Maps / The Kingdom of Mersch
« on: April 01, 2023, 10:04:21 PM »

The Kingdom of Mersch was formed by a group of tribesman who can trace their origins back to the area around Ostlake in East Moreland. As followers of the Cult of Helus they were kicked out of their own tribe as heretics because they believed that there was not a pantheon of Gods but rather just a single God known as the Great Creator. They believed that the war between the Cultist Gods and the Underlords did take place but that it began in the spirit world spilling into the human one through a lake which acts as a portal between the two worlds. As a result they had settled around Ostlake believing this was the "Portal Lake" however when their heresy was discovered they were chased North until they disappeared into the Alps. They eventually discovered Lake Meran which their leader believed was the actual "Portal Lake" as a result the tribe settled in the region by establishing themselves first as a mercenary army for hire. By the 10th Century under legendary war-lord leader Mortiz König, the North of Alba Karinya began to fall under their rule until by the 14th Century the modern borders of the Kingdom of Mersch had been formed.

Between 1370 and 1700 the Keil dynasty did their best to make Mersch a welcoming home to those of any faith. This changed though in 1700 when the Keil family dynasty ended and Krüger's took over. The Krüger's were devout followers of the Great Creator and put great pressure on the unbelievers to convert. This saw blashpermy laws and other harsh punishments put in place against those who insulted the faith. This lasted until the early 1900's. At this point the Kingdom became more tolerant again.

The next major landmark in the nations history came in 2016 when the tiny nation of Academica saw a multi-sided civil war. Mersch attempted to support operations there carried out by other Alba Karinya nations however as the followers of the Chieftan of Silverdale were being overrun in Academica many of them fled North into Mersch. Chieftan Sylvia of Silverdale went into exile in Mersch and having failed to take control in Academica began attacks against Mersch government forces. With there being several Silverdale factions in the south of Mersch there began a conflict in the border region. This gave Republican factions within the government the confidence to attempt a coup and following a series of attacks many of the royal family were killed and others went into exile. This civil war in Mersch continued until 2022 when with help from East Moreland the Royalist forces were victorious however there was no significant member of royalty left. In November 2022 the nation approved a return to their constitution however it has yet to fully come into force as no monarch has yet been appointed.



Population - 42,769,813 (Census 2022)
Capital City:- Wahlstadt (1.5million)
Currency:- Schilling
Demonym: Merschian
Languages: Merschian (similar to Morelandish in a way that Spanish and Portugese is)
Religion 80% Cult of the Creators 9% Cult of Helus, 5% Christian, 6% Others (Rights Protected Under Law)
GDP per Capita $36,111

Government Structure Monarchy with supporting Democracy
Government Body - 301 member legislative assembly called the Witan
Head of Government - Prime Minister Hanna Dahl
Head of State - TBD

21
International News Networks / Re: Mersch - National Gazette
« on: September 23, 2022, 11:50:40 PM »




YOUNGEST CABINET IN NATIONS HISTORY

High Queen Philippina has today finalised her cabinet and it is the youngest in the nations history. The High Queen had promised that she would not be appointing people based on previous service within the cabinet nor family connections and would instead be seeking to appoint people with relevant experience in the fields that they would become Minister in. With an average age of just over 33 some have said that they are concerned about the lack of experience. One of these is King Nikolaas Kerner of Kiischpelt who has said "We have in the past had excellent cabinets drawn from the two Councils, none of these people have even stood for election to the Combined Council and yet now they have a portfolio to manage. They do not understand the systems required to make things work. I can only hope they hit the ground running."

The High Queen though has denied that this need be a concern saying, "Over the past decade we have seen a cabinet drawn from the Councils, people who have made a career out of just being politicians. I believe that they have lost touch with the real world in some ways. I've selected people with a record of success in their field. I've thankfully convinced some to leave careers they are doing great at to come and serve me and the nation. I'm excited what we can do together." The various members of the cabinet will arrive in the capital of Wahlstadt tomorrow and swear the oath of office before attending a meeting with the High Queen.

Below we have a break down of the cabinet and its new members.

Minister of Finance - Pien Drechsler - Aged 29 Miss Drechsler has been a member of the Kingdom of Winseler's Economic Forum for the past three years. The Forum exists to help manage the finances of the largest of the four Kingdoms that make up Mersch. She has been advocating "Caveated Taxation" for business in which incentives are given for businesses to pay less tax if they meet criteria such as reinvesting profits, sharing profits with employees and various other "positive actions". This approach has however received criticism from some who say it is too complex.

Minister of Education - Liselotte Kristiansen - Aged 33 she is somewhat of a national Twitter celebrity among teachers. Qualified as a Literature teacher she set up the "Book Nerd Network" (BNN) which saw teachers using Twitter to share teaching resources and ideas. The BNN even began to organise social events between teachers and eight years ago hosted its first "Big Book Club" conference, which is now an annual gathering of around 300 teachers. She has published six books focusing on different aspects of promoting teaching and learning.

Minister of Home Affairs - Vilhelm Jensen - Aged 31 he is a former member of the National Border Force. In 2020 he became the youngest commander of a Border Force Patrol Ship in history. He left the service six months ago having become the father of a son with medical conditions that drove him to want to spend more time ashore. He is perhaps one of the least well known to the public members of the cabinet.

Minister for Foreign Affairs - Wanda Grosse - Aged 27 she is a former researcher for the Erderm Institute, a think tank dedicated to pushing for greater international co-operation in many different fields. She had worked for the Institute for four years and in that time had written no less than sixteen position papers including two examining the nations relationship with MICA and the AKO. She is the only member of the cabinet to a member of the Cult of Helus with all other members following Labrysism

Minister for Justice - Ulf Baumann - At the age of 46 Mr.Baumann is the oldest member of the new cabinet. He has served as a public prosecutor for the last seven years and has experience of tutoring at University. In 2017 he was part of the prosecution team that successfully oversaw the famous Jerssonstadt murder case where Thomas Holm was found guilty of 17 murders over six years. He has on several occasions advocated for a return to the death penalty.

Minister of Defence - Hendrik Kuijpers - The 33 year old is a injured member of the nations Air Force. Mr. Kuijpers was a pilot of a strike fighter which in 2020 experienced engine difficulty and ditched in the Illumic during which he fractured his leg and now walks with a cane. While recuperating he began working with several veterans societies to help organise events to commemorate and celebrate the nations forces. He served briefly as one of three aide-de-camps to the mother of High Queen Philippina but resigned after three months as he disagreed with the Dowager Queen's stances on regional politics. 

Minister for Transport - Frode Messmann - The 39 year old is the former Director of Push Deliveries, a company that utilised bicycles to conduct deliveries around the pedestrianised centres of some of the older medieval centres found in some cities of Mersch. In 2018 he sold his share of the company to his two business partners and has since spent time supporting sport in the Kingdom via gaining shares in football, rugby and hockey teams.

Minister for the Environment - Meinard Essert - The 27 year old is a Professor of Environmental Management and has spent the last twelve months conducting an indepenent government review into coastal beach management. While a student Mr.Essert was a member of the National Students Environmental Society that campaigned for several reforms across the nation in terms of waste water, soil pollution and use of green energy.

Minister of Farms, Forest and Fisheries - Renate Fisker - The 34 year old is the middle child of the Fisker Family who have for the past 100 years run the Fisker Alliance, an organisation that has taken the families fortunes from coal mining in the 1800's and utilised it to support restoration of former mining areas. In many places this has seen them turn what was once spoil and slag heaps of mines into woodland habitats for animals and in some places farmland. Renate is the only daughter of the family and has been heavily involved in the front line of the Alliances efforts to restore woodland in the south of the nation.

Minister of Culture and Sport - Anuschka Burgstaller - The 31 year old is a former performer of the Royal Ballet who for the last six years has also operated her own dance production company. In 2019 she won a national award for cerography and in 2020 she was recognised as one of the nations best young producers of dance. She has been a regular campaigner for more funding in music and dance in schools over the past 18 months. Her uncle Philip is also Assistant Coach on the national hockey team. 

22
International News Networks / Re: Mersch - National Gazette
« on: August 22, 2022, 11:06:50 PM »




HIGH QUEEN APPOINTS FIRST MINISTER

High Queen Philippina has today appointed the first member of her new cabinet. Erik Haanraats has been appointed Minister of Science and Technology. The 32 year old entrapenuers appointment has raised a few eye-brows as for the last two years he has kept out of the media spotlight. After leaving University in 2011 during his 2nd year of a four year degree course Haanraats established EHCable, a company that sought to provide cheap broadband internet across the nation. By 2014 his company had earned a reputation for embracing cutting edge technology and had branched out into telecommunications and micro-electronics. In 2017 he sold his company for $300million and twelve months later established Haanraats Media, a broadcasting and media publishing house that began to make TV series, films, video games and a range of other mediums. In 2020 he sold Haanraats Media to a major media corporation for $400million and announced that he intended to retire to the countryside, buy a villa and marry his model girlfriend Famke Kauffmann. It was rather surprising then when he was named in this role.

The High Queen issued a statement that said, "As a young girl I had broadband provided by EHCable, companies across the Kingdoms ran their technology off EHCable connections. As I grew older I watched TV shows that carried his companies name. As media evolved his businesses were pushing what we could do here in Mersch. He built two successful businesses and created thousands of jobs across the Kingdoms. When I said I wanted people with proven track records running departments this is what I had in mind. I am very proud that Erik is returning to the public eye to be in my cabinet. I have asked him to explore avenues of ensuring that Mersch becomes a major player in global science and technology. He has the connections and the ideas that can make this work and I look forward to working with him."

Erik Haanraat was present in Wahlstadt, the capital of the Kingdoms, to accept the appointment. He spoke briefly with the media. "I'm excited about starting a new chapter in my life. I had intended to spend the next 70 or so years sat in the countryside sipping chilled wine, eating fine food and getting fat. In truth though after just 24 months I was bored out of my head. I loved spending time with Famke but she's always busy with her projects and her work. She loves what she does and I'd never hold her back. What I need is something I can get my teeth into. I was scratching around for a project when Her Majesty contacted me out of the blue. I've got a chance now to make us a leading player in the world of Science and Technology and there are a great many businesses out there I'd love to get to work with."

The High Queen says she expects to have the full cabinet in place within the next 10 days. She has ruled out a position for her mother, Dowager Queen Anna-Bernice saying "My mother has served the nation and now its time for others to step up. I have offered her a role to allow her to continue to have a minor position but it will be exactly that minor."

23
Diplomacy and Events / Re: A Meeting within a Festival
« on: August 21, 2022, 11:16:15 PM »
OOC - I believe Nova has said he'll join this so they are more than welcome to slide themselves in.





Phillipina did her best not to seem like a silly little fangirl when she meet Stasya. She followed her on social media and in many ways saw her like a fairy tale character. She'd married a King, was pretty, lived a lifestyle of exciting parties, glamour and lots of good charitable things. She slipped on the bracelet from Stasya and couldn't help but give her a hug. She then turned a few pages of the book giving it due care as she did so. She did consider herself a little bookworm mainly though because her mother had insisted on her reading for 90 minutes before bed every night. Her little sister was still forced to do the same. "Thank you King David" she beamed. "I hope you don't mind if I let my sister Magdalena read it once I've done so." She wondered whether she had need even to ask as David would never know but it perhaps made it seem a more significant gift. A white uniformed Naval officer escorted the Morelanders to a lounge at the very rear of the boat where champagne sat in an ice bucket.

Friðuswiþ was more similar in age to Phillipina and the High Queen was a little surprised at the age gap between the King and Queen until she recalled the dual system that Heimney had. She was hopeful that in Friðuswiþ could become a useful ally, similar in age, similar in experience and neighbours. "Its great to meet you" she smiled at the Queen, "As for a tour Your Majesty" she switched to Eadric, "I'm sure Captain Bruher would be delighted to show the ship off." A steward had hurried off when the request had been made and now the ships Captain descended from the bridge.

"I think Your Majesty will find it very different to the typical naval ship and we only really get out once or twice a year and usually not this far. Its generally seen as a nice way for an old officer to see out the final years of his career." He smiled, "Please Your Majesty if you'd like to follow me." The two set off to explore the ship.

Meanwhile Friðuswiþ was escorted to the lounge and introduced to the Morelanders. No sooner had she sat down than Vincenzo arrived. If the gutter press was to be believed it was impressive that the man could even get here. "Thank you" she responded to the Kings complement and then accepted his book, it seemed like she'd have even more reading to do back hom. "Thank you. I look forward to reading it I'm sure it'll be insightful" she walked with him towards the lounge and sat down. She waited for her countryman King  Kaspar Martens of Attert to pour her a small amount of champagne and she slotted herself onto one of the sofas next to Queen Stasya. She was about to try and start the conversation when a man dressed in chef whites arrived.

"Your Majesties, tonight I'm proud to present a menu for your enjoyment. First we shall serve you a Beef Tartar served with Buffalo Mozzarella and truffles. Next we shall progress onto a wild herb salad. For our main course I've tried to combine our own cuisine with the best of Morelander produce, we shall serve an aged Morelander Venison cooked over wood and herbs, accompanied with apple cabbage, puréed turnips and caramelized onions. Finally we shall complete our menu with a cinnaom and apple struddle served with fresh cream." He bowed and disappeared off to the kitchen.

Queen Phillipina tried to gauge people's reactions to the menu. Meanwhile King Kaspar was keen to begin a conversation. "I wonder if we could perhaps get people's views on outside Alba Karinya where would be a good place for us to begin our diplomatic efforts?" They'd had a few responses to the High Queen's social media but not official and so to get the points of view of some experienced leaders would be useful.

24
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The United Kingdoms of Mersch
« on: August 15, 2022, 10:40:45 PM »

THE UNIFIED AIR FORCE (UAF)

17,634 Airmen / 4, 188 Reservists

45 x F-2 Dragonskin Multi Role Fighters
30 x F-15 Fae Multi Role Fighters
25 x F-3 Brownie Multi-Role Fighter
4 x E-7 Pixie AEWAC Fighter
15 x E-6 Banshee Electronic Warfare Fighter
5 x P-3 Leprechaun Maritime Patrol Aircraft
5 x K-78 Elf Tanker aircraft
9 x C-124 Kobold Transport Aircraft
22 x C-32 Changeling Transport Aircraft
25 x T-9 Devas Basic Trainer
25 x T-20 Dryad Advanced Trainer / Light Fighter
4 x U1-Gnome Surveillance UAV
10 x U-2 Kelpie Combat UAV
15 x H-22 Nymph Helicopter
20 x H-15 Salamander Helicopter

25
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The United Kingdoms of Mersch
« on: August 15, 2022, 10:27:09 PM »

THE UNIFIED ROYAL NAVY (URN)
28,100 Sailors
6,100 Reservists

7 x Stettin Class Submarine

1. Eisenstadt
2. Neusiedl
3. Oberwat
4. Mattersburg
5. Pinkafeld
6. Parndorf
7. Neudorft

2 x Hamburg CLass Helicopter Carrier

1. Jennersdorf
2. Gols

5 x Dorpat Class Destroyer

1. Gussing
2. Grosspetersdorf
3. Neufeld
4. Oberpullendorf
5. Kittsee

8 x Falsterbo Class Frigate

1. Deutschkreutz
2. Rechnitz
3. Bruckneudorf
4. Hornstein
5. Siegendorf
6. Pottsching
7. Purbach
8. Frauenkirchen

6 x Polotsk Class Patrol Boat

1. Forchtenstein
2. Rohrbach
3. Wiesen
4. Stegersbach
5. Steinbrunn
6. Oberschutzen

3 x Malmo Class Minehunter

1. Illmitz
2. Schattendorf
3. Andau

4 x Anklam Class Fast Attack Boat

1. Morbisch
2. Zurndorf
3. Monchhof
4. Rudersdorf


26
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The United Kingdoms of Mersch
« on: August 15, 2022, 10:21:55 PM »

THE UNIFIED ARMY
61,200 Soldiers / 19,250 Reservists

120 x Tanastus Main Battle Tank
180 x Iarizkar Infantry Fighting Vehicle
200 x Agilmund Armoured Personnel Carrier
80 x Ragnhild Reconnaissance Vehicle
160 x Machorel Mine Resistant Vehicle
400 x Madelger Mobility Vehicle
200 x Laiamicho Light Vehicle
30 x Sabene Self Propelled Howitzer
25 x Hache Towed Howitzer
40 x Marplay Multiple Rocket Launcher
15 x Saevil SAM System
10 x Hadawardus Helicopter
5 x Ubbi UAV

27
International News Networks / Re: Mersch - National Gazette
« on: August 13, 2022, 08:25:07 PM »




DOWAGER QUEEN TO BE "UTILISED ELSEWHERE"

In a day where High Queen Philippina was reported to have interviewed several people in regard to Cabinet positions there was also one firm announcement. Many had expected the High Queen's mother, Anna-Bernice to have a significant role. The Dowager Queen has effectively been regent for the past decade and authored much of the nations legislation during that period. Pundits expected her to be given a role such as Home Affairs Secretary or Foreign Secretary however that will not be the case. The High Queen's Royal Secretary, Liselotte Van Amelsvoort announced. "Her Majesty hopes to be able to finalise a cabinet over the weekend. I can confirm some positions were offered and some accepted. There are still posts to be filled before we make any official announcement. I can however confirm that the Dowager Queen will not feature in the cabinet but will be utilised somewhere else." It is now expected that she will be utilised either as some sort of Special Envoy or an Ambassador.

The High Queen did today though state that the funding of the Armed Forces is to be cut. In a statement read out in the Combined Council the Queen wrote. "For the past decade we have spent money on the armed forces in two very clearly defined ways. The first was to maximise the amount of forces around myself and around my sister. We never travelled anywhere if it wasn't with a huge military escort or in a heavily armoured vehicle. We spent insane amounts of money on domestic military security when there was no need. The second way we spent vast sums was on fortifying things that didn't need it. We have borders with several nations that have not even remotely threatened our borders for a very long period. Why do we need huge bunker networks facing East Moreland? As a result I will be cutting military spending and streamlining some of the measures we have taken in previous years. Our armed forces are bloated for a nation of our size. We will hopefully be able to do this in a way where no one is forced from a job they need or enjoy. It is my hope we can find a way for example to allow those with long service to take early retirement and allow them to enjoy the fruits of their labours."


28
Diplomacy and Events / A Meeting within a Festival
« on: August 13, 2022, 12:15:25 AM »

To:-
His Majesty King David of East Moreland
Her Majesty Queen Queen Friðuswiþ of Heimney
His Highness Prince Regent Vincenzo of Vaguzia
The Honourable Chairwoman Francine M. A. Therz of Heyra
(OOC- Hopefully got these right)

Roughly a decade ago my father was murdered by still unknown assailants. This plunged my mother into an over protective regency that saw both myself, my sister and more importantly my nation get hidden away from the world. During this time the continent plunged into the collapse of Academica and East Moreland, Vaguzia and Heyra all stepped in to ensure the safety of the people there. Meanwhile the Armed Forces of Mersch sat dormant guarding half empty Palaces to give the impression I might have been there. We have watched since as the continent has worked well together. I would like to get to know all of my neighbours and I apologise to King David but I intend to slightly hijack his festival of sail. I would like to invite each of you, and if you wish a guest, to come and dine onboard our Royal Yacht Skipjack. I would like to begin the process of making friends prior to major formal diplomacy.

I hope that you will take me up on this invitation. If you wish to please arrive at Dock 7b at the Portworth Marina at 6pm. Once everyone is onboard we shall venture a short way down the coast and dinner and cocktails shall be served. It would be our intention to be back at the Marina for 10pm.


With Deep Respect

High Queen Philippina



Philippina had ordered her Head of Security Matthias to ensure that the Dowager Queen was not in attendance. He had ensured that she was prevented from travelling at all thus giving the High Queen a chance to act as a monarch for once. She had brought with her the King of Attert, one of the four Kingdoms that made up Mersch. He was 27 years old and all the time during her over-protection had sent her books and articles about the wider world, on geopolitics and other matters. He would send her postcards of places he visited and newspaper clippings from his travels of interesting things he'd learned. It could be said that King Kaspar Martens was her window to the world. She had pinned the postcards and clippings around the map of Mundus that hung ready to have its copper coating scribbled off to reveal the colours of the nations flag below. She hoped soon the dull brown map would become a multi-coloured mosaic. Her computer had been her other portal into Mundus, with social media seeping into her psyche. This was one of the reasons she was rather nervous. She had grown to love the idea of fancy dresses and make up. To wear really girly outfits and grace ballrooms with high ceilings. Queen Stasya of East Moreland was a kind of social media idol of Philippinas even down to the idea she was wearing a long black dress from the Queen's fashion label. David had been a kind of pin up for her along with the now dishonoured Lodjain King Hamsik.

She had brought with her Gerhard, a chef from the Palace. He had done his best to introduce the High Queen to the tastes of Mundus but most of his experience had been through books and observing restaurant chefs. He had been hired more for his security status than his cooking knowledge but he did make tasty milkshakes. Phillipina could have murdered one now but thought it wouldn't look very regal. She sat on the rear deck with Kaspar as she waited for the first guests to arrive.

29
Factbooks and Maps / Re: The United Kingdoms of Mersch
« on: August 12, 2022, 11:27:11 PM »
RELIGION IN THE UNITED KINGDOMS

48% LABRYSISM



The largest faith in Mersch is Labrysism. It believes that there are two creators in the Universe. One of these creators is the force of light (good) and the other the force of darkness (evil). A constant spiritual and physical battle wages on both Mundus and in the spirit world. Throughout history the Dark Creator has created life-forms that have presented challenges to the creation of the Light Creator. This has seen mankind have to wage spiritual and physical battles.  They believe that most of the religions on Mundus believe in a similar battle just dressed in different forms as a way for the Creators to convince different regions to follow them. Most of the mythical forms in folklore have parallels in the faith. The faithful believe that the Lake Mersch is a gateway used by the two Creators and that the Merschians have been placed as the front line guards in that struggle.

The people pray to the Light Creator to give us help in fending of the Dark Creator. They also offer gifts to the Light Creator throughout the year when they celebrate victories over forces of evil. The religion teaches that a body needs to be kept in good condition ready to do battle.

The religions symbol is a two headed axe, it symbolises the constant war between good and evil and also the need for being ready for battle against evil.

TBC

19% CULT OF HELUS

Historians believe that the Cult of Helus arrived with merchants from East Moreland at some point in the 9th Century. The Cults belief in a battle between the Gods and the Underlords was something that many followers of Labrysism could associate with and so the faith found a foothill and began to grow.

15% CHRISTIANITY (Mainly Catholic)

In the 11th Century missionaries arrived in the region and managed to begin conversions. Saint Adjutor is widely respected in the nation due to his connection with being the patron saint of swimmers, boaters, and drowning victims, all things connected to the Lake that is central to the Four Kingdoms.

10% DUALITY

While the Cult of Helus came with traders and found very little issue being incorporated into the nation it took much longer for the Duality Faith. It came with merchants from Heimney at a similar time to the Cult of Helus however its insistance that the monarchs of Heimney represent the Gods choosen representative caused issues of loyalty and so the faith did not grow as well as the Cult.

6% ISLAM

With the nation having taken part in a type of slave trade until the early 1700's many Zimalians were purchased from their families or from warring tribes and brought to Mersch as servants to wealthy families. Today many of their descendants have reconnected with their ancestors religion. In addition the border town of Zarabe had a rather large trading outpost run by one of the tribes that makes up Zimalia and these rich merchants built large mosques and plazas to allow the faith to be practiced easily.

2% OTHERS

As the nation has no subscribed religion there are a wide number of other faiths practiced within the Four Kingdoms.

30
International News Networks / Re: Mersch - National Gazette
« on: August 09, 2022, 10:55:20 PM »




HIGH QUEEN OPENS HER FIRST COMBINED COUNCIL

It is tradition that upon ascending to the throne or every June the monarch addresses the Combined Council, the nations elected body with members from all four Kingdoms. This year with High Queen Philippina having just turned 18 and assuming all her royal powers it was determined that she would under take the opening as her first real official duty. The day began with the High Queen posting a rather cryptic message on social media which increased interest in the speech that would be given. The High Queen was accompanied to the Combined Council Hall by members of the Marine Guard as is tradition however she declined to wear the crown of state. Upon arrival she was presented with a gift by the youngest member of the Council, 23 year old Mikhael Aichner. Councillman Aichner presented the High Queen with a brooch of silver in the shape of an oak tree. The High Queen presented the Council with the traditional gift of a barrell of ale before taking her place in the Council speakers chair. The details of the Queen's speech are reproducted below.

Quote from: Speech

Since 2012 our nation has been in a kind of hibernation. When my father died the crown passed to an eight year old children whose mother whisked her away from the world and spun her up in bubble wrap. I've spent the last ten years quiet literally watching the world through my window. The problem is that while I was sat in the family home in the woods outside Wahlstadt as a nation we did likewise. We sat in our province of North Alba Karinya watching the world go by. This was because my mother was scared that a wrong move would mean she would lose her daughter. I should have been inconsequentle. What is good for the Kingdoms comes first and always should. We can always get a new monarch, and in some ways despite me being on your stamps, your coins and your bank notes for the last decade today marks the real start of the reign of a new monarch. Therefore there has to be changes, some you will like and some you will hate.

To start with there will be one that you hate. Those involved have been informed by me in person today and I thank them for their service. Starting tomorrow I shall be appointing a totally new cabinet. We have always had a law that the monarch may pick any individual who could be a member of the Combined Council to be a Minister. That though has meant that for about the last hundred years monarchs have always picked Councilman. I will not, at least not for now. I shall be picking experts in their field to be Ministers. Currently Mr. Jacques Denberth serves as Minister of Education, he has tried hard and I respect him, but he has never had to stand in front of a class and teach. If we are asking people to run parts of our nation they need to be experts. I will ensure the best and brightest in each role are appointed, if at some point down the road an amazing teacher enters the Council then I will naturally pick them but for now there is nobody who I believe fulfills the criteria.

My second change is that I am implementing a change to the way tax money is distributed to the four Kingdoms. Currently they are paid an annual amount to run infastructure projects and to invest in their communities. This will continue however at present we have a 10% sales tax across the Kingdoms. I am now stating that this will be split, 7.5% will go to central funds while the 2.5% will go to the Kingdom in which it was collected. It is fair that the Kingdoms that contribute the most tax get the most to invest. Local communities know best which streets need repaving, they know best which villages need new swings for their childrens parks and they know best which high streets need investment. It is my hope this measure will the Fürst of each Kingdom a boost in their spending.

Thirdly I want to start work on strengthening relationships with our neighbours. We recently saw the nations of the Illumic meet in East Moreland to reaffirm their co-operation. My mother is her wisdom believed that as East Moreland has issues with terrorism our representative would be in danger. As a result we've missed out. I intend to catch up. I am not yet sure whether we shall go and become a full member of something like MICA but we can't afford to never leave our homeland. We have two of the more politically active nations on our continent and I want to meet with them, and everyone else soon. East Moreland and Heyra must be nations we work with on a huge manner of tasks. I am also grateful to the royal familes of Rokkenjima and Daito for their well wishes on my birthday and while diplomacy may traditionally be conducted informally I am of the younger generation and social media is a useful tool, if someone invites me then I'll accept whether its a Tweet or a wax sealed envelope.

My final thought I want to share with you is a promise. Mersch currently is a tiny acorn in terms of how the world sees us. It takes many years, centuries sometimes, for the biggest oaks to grow. We don't have that time. My promise is by the time I'm 21 that our nation will not be isolated, we will not be that eight year old girl sat at her bedroom window watching other boys and girls playing in the woods. We can not and we will not be frightened of the world and I will not be frightened of leaving the Palace.

Over the next 12 months I intend to ask you to work very hard. I expect you to step up and if you can't then step aside. I wish all of us good luck.

Following the end of the speech it was revealed that the High Queen has already moved out of the Palace and has purchased her own house in Wahlstadt. The High Queen has spoke several times of regretting missing out on lots of things young girls have and seems intent on making up for lost time.


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