Show Posts

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.


Topics - DaveIronside

Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 9
1
Diplomacy and Events / A War within a war (Borland Spat -Open RP)
« on: March 11, 2024, 12:45:15 PM »
It had been two weeks since the assassination of "King" Kyle Barren, the figurehead of the Borlanders, the group committed to what they aw as the restoration of the official bloodline of the throne of Northfort and more importantly the truest heirs of Raimond Unasson the most beloved of Helus' humans. There had been tense meetings across the Alps between the various cells that Barren had so carefully arranged and managed over his time as their leader and while some living intermingled with the Morelanders the vast majority of Borlanders preferred to live in the cold Alps close to the border giving them an escape route made up of hundreds of zig zag alpine roads to escape on. Today though was special, today the group found itself at Maresbrook, a small village high up in the foothills beneath East Moreland's highest peak Highmoor. The large castle that was imposing on the hill over the village was owned, at least if you dug around, by a Charles Menworth, a businessman who owned several large properities across East Moreland that were holiday lets and spas. It was a useful front for meetings, just block out the ability to book for the general public and the Borlanders had a useful meeting place. They also had an income stream to help support their actions against the Morelanders. There today several of the high ranking Borlanders had already gathered and in the large dining room it was clear there were two factions forming as each huddled to their side of the large wooden panelled walls. At the head of one was Robert Wallis-Campbell the brother of Kyle Barrens third wife Alice. His sister was not there today preferring to mourn in her hiding in Zimalia. Across the room from him was Thomas Edward, a tall square shouldered man who was a cousin of Kyle Barren. As Borlander, and also ironically East Moeland tradition dictated at the death of a King an appointed Duke would ensure the coronation of the next King, in East Moreland this was the Duke of Ostlake, for the Borlanders this would be the Duke of Keepton (OOC- Borlanders maintain their own nobility and so for some places there will be a East Moreland (official) and a Borlander (secret) Duke/Duchess etc).

Today that job fell to Richard Hollins, the 70 year old had fulfilled this sacred duty on a previous occasion, today though was different to those as he had no Priestess here as so far the High Priestess of The Cult of Helus (OOC- Also different to the "official" one) had failed to arrive and any communication had to now been impossible. It was a situation though he had considered and now he was prepared to start without her which was already bringing protests from Thomas Edwards and his supporters. "No King may rule unless authorised by Helus, and that needs the Priestess." He yelled across the room to cheers.

"Needs must" Hollins said as he climbed the steps to what at one point, and soon would again, be where a throne would have sat. "I'm sorry but we must press ahead. Helus has more than enough power to stop us if what I do is not his will." He retorted which saw the Campbell-Wallis' nod their approval. "Today we must crown a new King to ensure the connection to our ancestors is kept unbroken. As the appointed Duke I name William Barren as the new King of Borland and the Borland Folk, Duke of Northfort and beloved of Helus."

"He's not a Barren" Edwards yelled. "He's a bastard". There was a smartly dressed 7 year old boy clinging to a womans hand, almost trying to hide behind her white skirt. "Look at the boy" Edwards continued, "He can't lead us and the Campbell-Wallis lot haven't picked up anything other than their skirts to help our cause in decades." Across the room the woman, Alice Campbell-Walls stepped in front of her son.

"He is the rightful heir" The room fell silent, it was Beatrice Barren, the first wife of Kyle Barren. She looked ill, her face was pale and there were large bags under her eyes. Since the news of her husbands death she had not been eating or sleeping well. While first the young girl Rebekah had become a wife also to her husband that was only ever to father an heir, after her execution by the Morlanders there had been Alice and that too had been nothing more than a loveless convenience. Beatrice though was a devout follower of their cause and knew the bloodline had to be preserved so had both relented to her husbands involvement with both women but also supported young Williams cliam. "The blood of Unasson flows through those veins full bodily, deep in the love of Helus. Yours..." she scowled at Edwards, "Is merely a poor polluted trickle" there was another chorus of shouting. This shouting however soon stopped when the sound of a bugle filled the air.

Mary Sutton, the lady whom the Borlanders considered the true High Priestess had entered the room backed by a group of around ten men wearing ceremonial uniform in Black. "This is why we lose." She pointed first at Edwards then at Beatrice. "When things go wrong we shirk away, we hide, we point fingers and we rebuild. Kyle knew that and did his best to create permanence for us, you failed him and now you fail Helus. Kyle will be watching us, once he has paid his penance for turning his back on some of our laws, alongside Helus united with Unasson and he will feel shame." The room this time did not erupt. It didn't matter what side of the metaphorical, and in this case actual, divide in the room you supported this was the High Priestess and her word in the absence of the King was enough for most. "Both of you are right, but for very different reasons" She walked forward dressed in a red dress a black shawl over it with the hood pushed back. She was just the wrong side of sixty but was still a woman you could say was beautiful. Her face carried a kind of stern elegance and her piercing pale blue eyes scanned the room. She walked slowly and deliberatley as though trying to make eye contact with everyone in the room at least once and in her wake came the Black jacketed men, each with a sword at their hip and an assault rifle on their backs. "I bring with me the Black Riders, the men most loyal to the Barren cause. Each has dedicated their life to the pursuit of getting the Morelanders to be nothing but history. Each of these ten men are more important to our cause than anyone in this room at this moment for they don't stand around talking, they take action. Just like Kyle did." Mary took the steps up to the awaiting throne and sat down. "Duke Richard" She said turning to Richard Hollins who was still in a state of uncertainty. "You're task is done, get down" she pointed to the floor and the man poddled down to stand with the Campbell-Wallis group. "My decision is this, while not a true heir in the sense of the word, William is of the bloodline. He however has no chance of being King while simply a child, and he certainly needs some toughening up looking at him" the boy was still peering out from behind his mother. "Therefore I will be ordering a regent until the boys turns 18 years of age. That regent will not be the Campbell-Wallis." her glare silenced the protests even before they began. "That regent shall be myself and Giles Gedding." The room began to murmour again but by raising a sword and clanging it on the throne the room once more fell silent. Giles Gedding was something of a myth among the Borlanders, he had once been inseperable from Kyle Barren but an arguement 15 years ago had seen him leave the group, only to resurface in Bakkermaya five years ago as Giles Cameron, a rich IT tycoon who was investing left, right and centre in business there. All filtering money back to fill the "royal treasury" In truth he had lead several hacking attempts and was linked to many of the major hacks of the 21st Century. The door opened and rather like a scene in a movie in walked the 40 year old setting foot in East Moreland for the first time in 15 years.

2
Vignettes / Operation Aerodrake
« on: February 24, 2024, 08:58:07 PM »
King David had enjoyed an evening in Portworth after visiting a factory that made some tidal energy platforms. The visit to the factory had been rather run of the mill, he'd meet with workers, spoken with bosses of some other local businesses about their ideas and concerns for the energy sector and then eaten some of the driest chicken known to man kind in the factory canteen with some of the young apprentice workers the company had hired. After he'd meet with some of the navies senior officers and thankfully had a much nicer dinner in the officers mess. He'd been happily asleep on a belly of fine venison and a few glasses of best Cenneg single malts when the phone in his room in the mess rang. "Your Majesty we're sorry to wake you but there is an urgent matter" The voice on the phone began to explain, it took him a few moments to recognise it was that of Quinn Germaine, his head of Royal Household.  "I've a Steward on his way up to escort you to the Naval Command Centre."

David had just swung his legs out of bed when there was a knock of the door that began delicately and then proceeded to increase in volume until the King opened the door. "Your Majesty" The man held a tray with a cup of coffee on it and a plate of toast. "I'll wait outside" he added once he had placed the tray on the table in the lounge area. The King checked the time 1:30am and sighed in the knowledge that if this was something that couldn't wait until his scheduled 6am wake up call then something major must be happening.

"A million pounds Rokkenjima have done something stupid" David said to himself as he took a quick bite of toast and a swig of the coffee as he proceeded to follow the Steward down the stairs and into a waiting SUV which his protection detail where already assembled in. The King took his appointed seat in the rear and as the car began to take them to the opposite side of the base where the Command Centre was Quinn turned round from her position in the front seat and began telling the King what was dragging him from his sleep. "I had a call from Brigadier Corey, they have what he called" She scanned her notes, "reliable, actionable intelligence that would give them a potential shot at Barren." The Kings eyes widened.

"Are we in a position to take action?" David asked.

"Corey thinks so Your Majesty" Quinn said optimistically.

"Well we better get this show on the road" David said feeling his pulse beginning to race. They pulled up at the Command Centre, a small squat whitewashed building that stood on a hill overlooking the dockyards where several of the Navies ships were bobbing away in the moonlight. The King was shown straight in and down to the bunker that was set up as a place from where the Admiral of the Fleet could conduct major operations, today though the seat at the head of the table was set up for David who could see banks of video screens showing various others and most surprisingly was a group of three Red Legionnaires sat making a brew on a hillside somewhere all David could see was feet as they stood around the little stove. "Whose on four?" David asked pointing to the numbered monitors.

"That'll be Major Redfern Your Majesty" Quinn said as she placed a hefty pack of documents down in front of the King who was busy getting settled.

"The Big Boss is on" David heard one of the Legionnaires say and then watched as the camera that was mounted on one of the Legionnaires helmets was lifted and spun round revealing Alex Redfern   "Good Morning Your Majesty" He said as he was clearly walking away from the others in his squad where he found a rock to use as his desk as he sat for the briefing.

"Good to see you Alex" the King said and was about to start a conversation with his friend when Grace Yacobs, one of the Kings most trusted intelligence analysts entered the room.

"Sorry to interupt" She said without no hint of real reluctance to halt the social occasion. She put down several folders and unrolled a map. "We're time critical on this one." She added and it seemed like everyone understood the urgency and so went silent, the King pulling his seat closer to the table. "The situation is that we've an asset entrenched with one of the anti-government milita units in Mersch. We've known for about six months that the group and the Borlanders have been exchanging weapons and we've had word that Barren himself has just visited to secure the sale of some missile systems for the Borlanders. Barren is expected to be heading back through the Alps in the next two hours and we've got the tip off of his route. He's coming through the Dalton Goat tracks, its a common route used by smugglers as its prone to rockfalls so most normal traffic avoids it. We've a genuine chance to get a shot on the guy."

"OK, then lets sanction an air-strike" David urgently spoke.

"Its not that simple" Alex said turning helmet cam so that the King and others could see the scenes, "Its gash weather up here. Visibility is a few hundred meters and we couldn't reliably call an air strike in, its a job for people on the ground and we just happen to be two passes east chasing down leads of a series of Borlander caches." Redferns camera showed a thick fog that was common in the Alps. "We've the gear to put a hit in but we need to be making a move. I'd also like the rapid action team from Keepton on standby."

"We don't need to discuss this" David said determinedly, "put the brew away, get your gear and get going. If we've a chance to get him then we take it. You need anything Alex then you call for it and it'll happen. Get hunting."

"Roger that" Alex said and as he donned his helmet the figures of Barks, Saxby and Rowe were already pulling their packs on steaming mugs being left behind. It would be touch and go but the boys were confident they could cover the distance required, especially because the majority of the tab would be done without the need for being tactical. The team were around an hour and a half of hard scurrying away from the Dalton Pass, giving them just half an hour to recce the area and set up their attack. The hike was done largely in silence, not for secrecy but just to allow each man to keep his breath for the fast paced hike. More or less bang on schedule the four men crested the ridge and could see the single track winding road beneath them. Redfern knew the path reasonably well having used it several times himself during the regency crisis. He knew there was another path around 2km further along that would have been the one they'd likely have turned off onto and Redfern was doing his best in the gloom to begin formulating a plan. He had contemplated putting something in the road but knowing their luck a poor farmer coming to feed his cattle would be the guy coming along and in this weather they'd never know and so they'd have to rely on the element of surprise and skilled marksmanship. "Rowe, you're a hundred yards up the road, you're our eyes. I need you to give us a go no go when they reach us. Take the grenade launcher and once you tell us to engage its likely they'll stop, if its one vehicle hit it, if its multiple hit the back one, lets try boxing them in. Saxby you take the sniper rifle. Aim for the engine, then the driver of the lead vehicle, then any poor sod you can. I'm going to stick a glow stick in that dry stone wall. When the lead vehicle gets level with it I'll call out, Saxby take your shots, me and Barks will be left and right flank respectively. Barks you take the GPMG and sweep from centre of the vehicle forwards, I'll sweep centre rearwards. Everyone good."

"Roger, lets kill the bastard" Barks said with genuine excitement in his voice.

The people hurried to their positions and got set up, Redfern placed a glow stick in the wall and from a position just about twenty meters away he could just about see it, luckily so could Saxby who had zeroed in on a patch of asphalt that seemed to stand out from the rest and would act as a nice sighter for him. Now it was just about waiting, they'd have fifteen minutes if everything they'd been told was correct.

Twenty five minutes later nothing had happened, there was the very first hint of light creeping into the world and the feint glow of headlights on fog indicated something was coming. "Two Landies, three up in the first, four up in the second" Rowe had spotted it coming and using a spotters scope had zoomed in. He was trying to spot Barren but there was no chance, he'd have to go with his gut. "GO!GO!GO!" he took a gamble knowing it would be worth it.

"Roger" three voices came back on the comms and then just a few seconds later a gunshot rang out and Rowe knew that Saxby had taken his first shot, Rowe posted up took aim at where he imagined the rear vehicle would be and hit the trigger on the grenade launcher. Already a second sniper rifle crack could be heard and then the sound of gunfire from the flanks. The sound of bullets bouncing off metal echoed off the steep valley walls. Rowe moved to approach the convoy from the rear, he peeked over the dry stone wall and seeing the vehicles beginning the get riddled he rolled over and took up a kneeling aim and poured fire into the rear vehicle which seemed like it had only been scorched by the grenade. The driver was now trying to inch it backwards with one tyre flopping about as its rubber had been shredded. Rowe aimed roughly for where he imagined the drivers head would be and squeezed the trigger on his assault rifle. The rear left door briefly swung open and he switched his bursts of fire from the imaginery head to the door and a figured flopped out onto the road seemingly hit by gunfire. The rear vehicle was stationary now and on the radio Saxby reported that the first one was likewise stopped. "Barks stay on overwatch, Rowe meet me rear vehicle. Saxby watch for anything coming" The others confirmed their receving of the orders and soon the steady gunfire was silent. The two men meet at the rear vehicle and Redfern opened the door as Rowe took up position to allow him to fire on anything that emerged. Nothing did, Redfern heard groans and grabbed the driver pulling him out the vehicle and dropping him onto the road. He then slid inside and looked at the passenger, he was clearly dead a pair of bullets had passed through his skull. In the rear Alex could see one dead and one moving but from his position couldn't see who it was. "Rowe get the X-Ray" The door swung open and Rowe dragged him out peering at the body a shake of the head indicating it wasn't Barren. The two men were left bleeding at the side of the road, they were weaponless and so with Saxby giving them cover they headed forward to the other praying to get something more. The driver and passenger in the front were dead, each with a bullet from Saxby lodged in their skull. In the back there was groans but no movement and with his heart pounding Redfern dragged the man out, he was covered in blood and three rounds had entered his torso, likely from Barks' machine gun. Redfern dumped him on the ground and pushed the hood on his parka back to reveal the mans face, Rowe saw his Majors face light up. "Got the fucker"

Rowe began removing a medi-pac from his belt kit. "What the hell you doing?" Barks asked now he'd come down and joined them.

"We need to take him in and put him on trial" Rowe idealistically stated.

"Now we need to end him." Barks began removing the pistol from his belt.

"Hold" Redfern stated as he walked a few steps away. He switched radio frequencies. "Operation Aerodrake is a success, we've got Barren in a bad way but salvagable. We can wait for the helicopter to get in now its getting light. Evac him to Keepton and then hand him over for trial." Alex waited but there was nothing but silence on the radio before David's voice came on the airways.

"We don't need a trial. Withhold medical care let the bastard bleed out" David said with a tone in his voice that made Alex think the King was envious that he wouldn't be there to watch it happen. Alex didn't bother to respond and merely walked back to the others and relayed the order.

Alex squated down next to the man, "Hey.....Your Majesty" he poked him with the end of his own rifle. "Look at me." They'd propped him up against the front vehicles rear wheel. "That's it sunshine" Barrens eyes barely opened and even that brought a groan. "Hey.....my names Alex Redfern and I've spent nearly half my life hunting arseholes like you across Mundus. You're dying here today because I wouldn't even waste a Micky Mouse elstaplast on you. So what is going to happen is I'm going to shoot you.....a lot....but not anywhere that'll kill you. We're then going to sit and wait for a helicopter while you leak. By the time it gets here you'll be dead because frankly I'm not hanging around all day wasting my time on you. So before I start shooting you I just want you to know, it was us who killed your kid, it was us who captured that wife of yours we hung and everyone of your buddies who died, it was us. Now if any tin pot wannabe King comes along after you he's going to meet us too and just like you end up nothing but a blood stain on a road." Alex fired a single shot at point blank range into Barrens right thigh and then stepped back. Barks and Saxby each fired shots into his torso while Rowe radioed for the helicopter. They waited for the call to end and then the four of them stood watching for a moment before each fired two more shots into Barren and then Rowe stooped and put some IV lines in as Barren lay there moaning as a pool of blood formed under him. At least this way the Air Force guys picking them up would at least think they'd tried saving the now slowly dying Borlander leader. The others who had been injured were dispatched with single gunshots and by the time the helicopter arrived Barren had seconds left. As the chopper touched down a team of Red Legionnaires piled out the back in a defensive circle. Among them was Captain Peacock who hurried over to Alex.

"Its true then" he said looking down at Barren who as if with perfect timing took his last breath.

"Yep" Alex said gleefully watching Barren shuffle off to spend eternity being punished by the Gods. The two officers shook hands on a job well done and then Peacock produced a body bag from his pouches. The two of them bundled him into the black bag as other Legionnaires began gathering the bodies of the others. Five minutes after the helicopter touched down it was gone leaving a team of four Reds watching the site from discreet positions until the clean up crews arrived from the Army. As they touched down in Keepton FOB it was clear word had got out and the bases garrison had seemingly come out to see the moment. As four of the Reds carried the first of the body bags out the helicopter cheers went round the aviation area as Legionnaires from various units alongside members of the Air Force found themselves high fiving and even hugging. Some closeby even spat towards the body bag. Barren's trip though was not over. From Keepton his body was put onto a plane and flown to Ostlake, by now the King himself had arrived.

Barrens body was taken into one of the medical rooms at the base and through a window the King watched while forensic teams took images and let facial recognition loose on them. Each ping of the computer that announced a finished comparison between videos released by Barren and the body before them indicated it was a match. Each ping was like a fresh wave of celebration inside King David who was watching. "That's the fifth match, I'm pretty sure its him." Three hours later the ultimate in confirmation came through, the DNA comparing the dead man and Kings own DNA showed distant relations but the DNA between the deadman and the child Barren had with his 2nd wife confirmed he was the father. "That's good enough for me." David said as he turned away from the room where Barrens body lay on a metal bed. "Take the body and dump it far out to sea, no grave, no location just get rid" David ordered before pausing just before leaving the room for a final look at his long time foe. "Under no circumstances burn it" He added knowing to the Cult cremation was thought to ensure the soul was released from the body. With that done he returned to his own suite of rooms at Ostlake HQ and there began to write something for real that he had written so many times in his mind before. 


3
To:- His Holiness the Archbishop of the Blood

I am writing to you to inform you of the tragic death of Bishop Quintius Piovene, the leading Bishop of the Christian Prophets in the Allied States of Ardia. While our faith lacks the support of the vast majority of the people here our community is close knit and supportive of each other. While we number perhaps less than 70,000 individuals we are determined to continue to spread the truth of our faith and submit ourselves to the tradition that the holder of your title select the new Bishop to lead our nations true faithful. I am also writing to you to ask that you visit us in person and present the Bishop with his vestments thus giving our faith a much needed spiritual uplift while helping draw the media's eyes towards our Church family. It would mean a great deal to us here for you to visit in person and bless us with your guidance.

Your Servant in Faith
Cassian Corti
Chief Steward of the Christian Prophets in the ASA.

4
Diplomacy and Events / Talk of Troyes (Semi-Open....Ask Aosta)
« on: January 31, 2024, 09:46:23 PM »
To:- Her Imperial Majesty Empress Serena of Aosta

I am writing to you with no official capacity as such. It is safe to say you have done more than anyone to help push for the restoration of Troyes to the nation of Marseille however so far our joint efforts have yielded no results. I am therefore writing to you to inform you that many of us who carried the banner of Real Marseille throughout the conflict that ravaged here are determined that by the end of this year Troyes shall become free. While I am ready to dedicate myself fully to this goal no matter what personal cost I am also aware that the task before is monumental and we may lack the resources to see this task through. I would therefore be honoured if I can meet with you and discuss our plans and hopefully persuade you to continue your magnificent support for Troyes and the people there.

Deepest Respects
Jean-Pierre Cantona
Commander of Real Marseille.

5
Diplomacy and Events / Afolyan Invitation (Zimalia and Kermah)
« on: January 31, 2024, 09:35:09 PM »
To:- His Majesty King Tshepo

The people of the Afolayan tribe of Zimalia would like to ask for a meeting between our two people. Our tribe is the largest in the nation of Zimalia and we have several ties to your Kingdom as during the height of Seleucid slave trading many Zimalians who were liberated from captivity opted to find a home amongst your people in Kinjanja. While those ties between our people may have never become formal, nor can they now, we believe that it is important that we show both our gratitude and respect for those ancestors of ours your people so readily took in. We would like, if possible, to explore these connections and if possible establish cultural ties between us.

I hope that you will therefore permit me to visit your Kingdom and that we may meet to discuss these matters.

Yengwayo Thembelani
Elder of the Afolyan People.

6
Diplomacy and Events / The Council of the Gates (Vanora + Kodima)
« on: January 31, 2024, 09:23:46 PM »

To: His Majesty Emperor Malachi of Kodima

I am writing to you to seek a meeting regarding the continuing status of Kodiman troops within the Duchy.

I believe that it is important that we meet to discuss this arrangements future as over the last few years we have seen various changes to the geo-political nature of the region and our own nations own relationships.

It is my hope that we can meet in Jerusalem in the coming days.

Best Regards

Duke David Aragon

7
Convention Centre / CETO Festival 2024 Scholars Meeting
« on: January 16, 2024, 10:04:24 PM »
Professor Marcus Merriman made his way into the conference centre put aside for the Scholars meeting. A chance for those professors and their teams appointed to represent their nation. This was a kind of passing of a torch, while Marcus had been perhaps the most respected of East Moreland scholars for the past few decades he was reaching 80 years of age this year and while his passion for study had not slacked one bit his body was becoming more frail. Dr.Maddie Howard, one of his young protege's was alongside hi, providing not just moral support but also what Marcus referred to as "Logistical" support that being opening doors for him as he plodded forward with his two walking sticks, each carved out of deep aged wood and adorned with small shields nailed to the sticks showing places he'd visited. Marcus took a seat and then waited for all the other scholars to arrive. Once everyone was seated he stood.

"My fellow history geeks" he began with a smile "I am delighted to once again see you all. I am excited to see what, if any, matters people have to bring before us this year be it the inclusion of new sites for the register, the presentation of new papers or any other such matters. I believe the first issue on the table is about sites. I'm grateful that our colleagues from Daito have forwarded two sites. We shall obviously take them a site at a time." He shuffled some papers until Maddie handed him the correct one. He kept two copies and then passed them to his right. "Just like being in class, take one and pass them on" he explained as he continued to talk. "The first site we have is Hatsukaichi Peace Memorial. I'll give you a moment or two to consider any questions we have." He paused and had a quick rescan of the information they'd been given. "Any questions?" he asked the assembled group giving them a chance to scrutinise the delegation from Daito before a vote.



OOC- I suggest we have 48 hours real time (so 10pm UK time on Thursday) for people to post any questions for Daito. Should there be any then Daito can answer them and then we can look at a vote.

8
Diplomacy and Events / The Ironside-Rhodes Hotline
« on: December 18, 2023, 09:55:55 AM »
To:- Empress Emerita Evanthe

I am writing with my concerns regarding the recent media statements regarding our nation that have originated in Rokkenjima.

First the language used by the young Empress is insulting to our nation. To claim some so called "Northfort Experiment" has lead to lose of life unseen before the Commonwealth period is ludicrous. Since becoming King my nation has always gone above and beyond in terms of preserving life. A fact the Empress should remember only too well considering her own captivity at the hands of the Borlanders. There we placed the good of the international community above our own ends and as a result are still paying in lost Morelander lives today. There are literally millions of people alive on Mundus today who were it not for the actions of my armed forces, dedicated volunteers and aid organisations established here would otherwise be dead.
 
Under the reigns of previous Empresses it was always seemingly a competition in international affairs. Rokkenjima needed to be seen as the global elite. CTOMM was commanded by a Rokkenjiman. For many Morelanders, and I suspect others around the world who lost loved ones in that conflict, this is a hard pill to swallow. Hundreds of Moreland Legionnaires died freeing Marseille while following the orders of a Rokkenjiman who never committed forces from his own nation. When Lijiang sought to become the HQ of the MAEA you yourself stated in a response that they are a nation with "potential capacity for human suffering" all in an attempt to earn the right to host the organisation. We see this again in the language used by the Empress stating they'll give us "a run for their money". Nothing would please me more than seeing a Rokkenjima active in being good partners on the global stage once more however rather than seeing it as a competition I would urge the Empress to make use of oppurtunities we have created. I note she recently attended our Festival of Sail and while she is always more than welcome I note that there were at least four other heads of state present (Emperor Marco of Abertone, The Veiled One of Gusano, Queen Natalya of Lodja and Empress Serenity of Achkaerin) yet no attempts to meet with any of them were made, meanwhile representatives of my government meet with all four. In January we shall be supporting Gusano in their admission to the CETO and in keeping with the establishment of their newest city helping them host a cultural extravaganza, it would be my hope that the Empress attend that with a more sociable frame of mind in regard of diplomacy.

We are with this Imperial Address repeating many of the patterns of old. While the rift between East Moreland and Rokkenjima was I believed closing we are seeing it now re-open. We see the Empress talking about the creation of what will be a forth attempt at some kind of global body in less than ten years. Each have failed and no lessons have been learned as to why. Meanwhile we have seen regional co-operation flourish. We have seen the nations of Ardia use their body to mediate a flashpoint, we have seen the creation of a Krimeon anti-piracy force and we have seen TUNA put in place measures to support a marginalised people in the form of the Water Nomads. These bodies have achieved a great deal and this regional determinism should be supported. Add to this we once again are seeing your nation literally throwing money at nations on the criteria of "Democracy". I remind you this word was stricken from the MCUR as many nations, my own included, would not likely fulfil the criteria of being a fully fledged democracy. I suspect the vast majority of your $1billion is going to sit in a Rokkenjiman bank whereas it could easily support people on the ground in nations like Kermah where education is hard to come by for some and can be supported without the need to add conditions. The women of remote Lijiang struggle to access health care so the Global Childbirth Initiative work hard to try and change this, yet Lijiang would not be permitted to access these funds and so women continue to die in childbirth from treatable conditions. We see time and again what could best be described as "hoop jumping" by Rokkenjima to gain diplomatic traction. Most nations simply want a friend not a banker.

As the Empress explains the situations are QAMB and the recent issues with Daito are complex. While this is true the same is true that members of the Rokkenjiman armed forces have been involved in both. Decision making and chains of command have clearly fallen apart during these moments resulting in damage caused by your nation. This also creates a lack of trust. Elements of the Rokkenjiman military are clearly not fit for purpose. For several years now Achkaerin Justicars and various intelligence officials have worked alongside your military in order to try and solve this situation and yet we still see scenarios where whole hosts of your forces were involved in a political plot. We inherited a similar situation of mass corruption, outdated command structures, disloyalty and political backstabbing in Lodja and have now turned their armed forces into a steady reliable tool for the crown there post civil war and have now, save for joint exercises, removed our training teams. Only once the Achkaerin forces hand back total control of information, command and control will your nations forces be seen as reliable to many in the world. 

I note both yourself and the Empress make use of the motif of "open doors" and people being welcome to walk through them. Such statements are used a lot by a string of Rokkenjimans and have seen the once lorded Rokkenjiman Diplomatic Corps fail to maintain itself as what it was once perceived as. There was a time myself as a new King I accepted such an invite because I believed it was one that would be important for my nation. Were I crowned today I am not so sure I would have walked through that door so readily. I was fortunate enough to be tutored by Dr.Marcus Merriman who as well as teaching medieval Morelander history taught his students several important life lessons. The first of these is that a persons perception of the world is their reality. If people perceive you as being one way then to them that is how they will treat you. It is my hope the world perceives East Moreland as a nation steadfast in its commitment to make Mundus better and that we are a nation that is a reliable and dependable friend that will always show up and do the right thing. If you are being honest with yourself what do you believe is the perception of Rokkenjima these past few years? The second thing he taught me was that rereading ancient stories will not bring about new endings. We are, I fear, beginning to see a reply of the situation between myself and the Empresses mother. I would urge her not to do this.

On Wednesday I will go before the Representative Assembly as I do every week and I will answer their questions that are likely to come on the relationship between Rokkenjima and East Moreland. This letter is likely to give you a flavour of what will be said. You know only too well we in East Moreland place a greater emphasis on deeds than words. As such this will be born out in my statements before my Assembly.

Should you wish to contact me regarding this matter before Wednesday you are more than welcome.

May The Gods Watch Over You and Your Nation Know Peace.

King David of East Moreland.

9
Vignettes / The Rhiannon Chronicles
« on: November 20, 2023, 11:26:54 PM »
There were many day to day things that King David had staff for but as far as possible he had always ensured he packed his daughters bag for school and despite having told her most evenings since the school year began in September she had failed to empty it. David had picked up the backpack next to the door that lead to their rooms within the palace at Northfort and headed towards the kitchen, no doubt Rhiannon would have stuffed her half eaten bag of oatcakes into a pocket into which they would have disintegrated into crumbs over the course of the rest of the day. David unzipped the side pocket and the offending crumbs tumbled onto the kitchen floor, today they had been particularly squished into nothingness. He cleaned them out and was thankful they'd opted for a backpack that had an easy clean interior. He went through the other pockets and found the detritus of the day, a Capri-Sun packet, three pencil crayons and a battered and torn envelope. It wasn't uncommon for his daughter to be given letters for trips, reports or even for school events but normally the assigned Security Detail would make sure word got back to David that such a message had been handed out. The King looked at the envelope and immediately realised it wasn't any of those. On the front of the white envelope was his own handwriting, "Shelly Madden" written onto it. The name didn't mean anything to David, nor did he remember writing on the envelope but he opened it anyway. It was an invite, David had written them for all forty of the girls at the school who were members of the Swordsmanship Club. For the New Years celebrations they'd planned a small tournament in the Palace grounds and David had invited the club members and their families to come as his guests. He'd told Rhiannon to hand them out and it appeared she'd done so, all with one exception. The way it had been crammed at the bottom of her bag though had surprised him and so after he'd finished chopping the carrot sticks for tomorrows snacks and then packed the bag ready for the morning he'd made his way into his daughters bedroom with the letter in hand. His daughter was laying on her bed as her small pet Fennec Fox, Goldie, was curled up next to her. Rhiannon gently petted her as the fox contendly munched away on pieces of boiled egg it was offered periodically. Rhiannon was focusing on a book she'd brought from the school library.

"What you reading?" David asked as he sat down on the edge of the bed and gave Goldie a gentle head rub much to the foxes delight.

"I got a book about Neu Urburzis." The Princess said, "I know Augustin told me about some thing with his uncle but it didn't make sense to me. I then heard Stasya talking about the same thing on the web with someone. I got even more confused. So I got this." She rolled onto her back showing her father the glossy front cover of a popular book series called "Young Traveller" which was designed to teach youngsters about foreign culture. Rhiannon enjoyed reading and knew that when she asked questions about other countries more often than not her father would just give her a book. The King was happy his daughter had been trying to find out about the upcoming bride competition herself but sensed he'd have to explain it himself to her, but that was for another day.

"Well once you've finished the book we'll explain anything you still don't understand" He smiled at his daughter who remained on her back so she could see her father. Goldie left her spot and went and sat on Rhiannons stomach curling into a warm ball of fuzz that Rhiannon ran a gentle hand through. "I found this in your bag." David held up the letter and saw his daughters eyes look away slightly nervously. "Was..." David had to look at the name again to refresh his memory, "Shelly not at school today?" he asked. He noticed his daughter didn't answer straight away and seemed to shift uneasy on her bed. "Rhiannon, why did you not hand out the invite to this girl?" He sensed something was not quiet right.

"I didn't see her at practice" She lied. Shelly had been there and in the changing rooms after Rhiannon had almost taken delight handing out the invites to everyone else, even the girls she didn't really know that well, and almost skipped her way past Shelly empty handed. Rhiannon had been pleased that it looked like Shelly was upset because she'd been left out of something and as the other girls opened their envelopes and then talked excitedly about the invite to see a big competition in the Palace grounds Rhiannon saw Shelly look at her forlornly in the hope that Rhiannon was rummaging around in her bag to find the obviously missing invite. Instead the Princess produced a silver packet of Capri Sun, threw her kit into the bag and almost triumphantly thrust the orange straw into the packet before striding out. The invite now lay crumpled under her blazaar and skirt, left there until discovered by her father now. She'd actually considered ripping the envelope up in front of Shelly as revenge for her managing to steal one of Rhiannons strawberry laces as they'd been sat in the bag next to her on the bench she liked to sit and read on under the tree. Shelly had made a grab for the whole bag but Rhiannons attention had been off the Neu Urburzis book just long enough for her to spot and with speedy reflexes from several years of sword training she'd managed to grab the bag and save all but one lace which was protruding from the bag and taken as a kind of spoil of war by the victorious Shelly. Rhiannon had yelled after her drawing the attention of one of the security detail who, wearing a high-vis jacket to blend in with the break time duty teachers glanced over. Seeing the Princess was not in any actual physical harm they let the matter slide, their instructions were to let Rhiannon be as normal a student as possible.

"So if I go and see your security detail they'll tell me the same right?" David asked sensing Rhiannon was not being entirely honest.

"I...maybe" Rhiannon squirmmed. She sighed and put Goldie on the floor. The fox sensed its comfy time with Rhiannon was over and so trotted over to its crate where it slurrped at the water bowl before snuggling into its bedding disappearing beneath the folds of a warm blanket. Rhiannon sat facing her Dad crossed legged. "She's mean Dad." Rhiannon almost pleaded as though the explanation would make her father agree and bin the envelope.

"Thats not fair" David explained. He shook his head wondering exactly what he should say next. "Look, I'm not saying you have to like everyone. You don't even have to be friends with everyone, but it would be good to. Sometimes in life there are people that we just won't get along well with and thats OK. Just because you don't like someone though doesn't mean its OK to be disrespectful to people. This girl is part of your team and that means you need to stick together and help each other. You can train together, you can compete together but then just go seperate ways but it doesn't help the team if you leave someone behind. I need you to give her this tomorrow." David held the envelope out towards Rhiannon who looked glum.

"But she doesn't respect us" Rhiannon said, "Today at practice she took Millie's chalk bag without asking, she hid Alana's gloves so she was late getting out the changing room and had to run laps and every single break time she tries to steal my strawberry laces." Rhiannon sounded extremely angry at the thought of the beloved confectionary being stolen.

"Is this the same girl you got detention for kicking last month?"

"Yes" Rhiannon admitted but leaving out the fact that the swift kick to the shin had seen Shelly all but double over and Rhiannon was about to reign an absolute haymaker of a backhand across her face before she was stopped by a teacher yelling at her. "I'm just fed up of it Dad." Rhiannon began to cry. "She's a bully and always stealing people's things but she gets away with it because she's sneaky and never gets caught." Even though David should probably be reprimanding his daughter he in a way felt a little bit of pride that she was standing up for people and couldn't resist giving her a hug.

"You have to remember sweetheart that one day you're going to be a Queen dealing with real bullies. Shelly stealing strawberry laces is nothing compared to Stalin invading Safraen and even though I'd have loved to send my army into Rodinha and destroy him I knew it was the wrong thing to do because it would have caused so many more problems. We have to do the right thing, not the thing that we think will make us happy. For the sake of my soldiers I didn't send them to Rodinha, for the sake of your team you can't leave someone out." Rhiannon pulled away and looked up at her Dad.

"But you do those sancty things when people upset you. Like you did that time you told everyone they can't buy stuff from like Smellycuid because they'd hurt our religion." David couldn't help but smile at the way his daughter had used her nickname for Royal Seleucid after she'd learned a little about the genocide attempt there. "This is my sancty.....no strawberry lace thieves shall set foot on royal palace grounds" She said rather regally making her father chuckle.

"Sometimes bridges need to be built and that means someone has to make the first move. You are a Princess, you are a noble and nobles act nobly that means they do what is best for the most people. The team would be a happier place to be if everyone came to the party." He was about to unleash his secret weapon, his daughters own competitive streak. "Look, if Shelly feels she's not part of the team you're going to have someone in your melee team that feels like they aren't part of the team, a shield wall needs to act like one living being. You don't make that leaving her out." Once more he held the envelope towards his daughter and this time as she used one hand to wipe away her tears she took the envelope. "Thank you" he kissed her on the top of her blonde head.

"But she doesn't get to sit near me!" Rhiannon said adamantly. "She can come but she stays away from me and Millie." David nodded that he would concede to these terms. He looked at the large clock on her bedroom wall.

"Its getting close to bedtime. Twenty more minutes with your book, put Goldie to bed, brush your teeth and then come and say goodnight. OK?" Rhiannon got back to book reading position as her father headed towards the door leaving the envelope on the bed, Rhiannon was in half a mind to just slide it into the folds of her book and forget about it but she knew her father would check up on it and so resisted the urge. Just before her Dad left he stopped and turned back. "And tomorrow try not to leave half eaten oat cakes in your bag." His daughter cracked a smile.

"I'm hoping if I half eat them you'll give me some of that chocolate flapjack instead" Her father simply shook his head and made his way out the room. He gave her bag a final once over, slid a new pen into her pencil case which was as well stocked as any in the Kingdom, and then went to the fridge and broke off a small slice of the flapjack and put it into the plastic lunch box. His fatherly duty done for the evening David made his way to the lounge. Stasya was sat on the sofa her feet half up on the black leather flicking through a book of various designs, already picking out her outfit for the party from those various designers had offered her. A baby monitor sat on the table next to her the other end in the happily sleeping Llewellyns room. David sat down and picked up his wife's feet placing them on his lap eliciting a satisfying purr as he gave them a gentle rub.

"Rhiannon OK?" Stasya asked turning her gaze away from fashion.

"Yes" David said, "I think she may have her first enemy" chuckling.

"Girls schools can be like that sometime. Unless she's trying to send Red Legion in just let them get on with it." Stasya offered her advice. "Beside I can't see Rhiannon not being very popular. The girls just jealous." The Lodjain side of his wife clearly coming out.

"I think it'll be sorted tomorrow but just do me a favour, next time you go shopping don't bring her any of those laces." David asked, "Think of it as a peace strategy."   

10
Convention Centre / Glasto-Mundus 2023
« on: August 16, 2023, 10:14:56 PM »

The largest rock based live music festival on Mundus is back. Situated in the countryside just outside Silverhills the festival lasts three days across close to a dozen venues on the Marshall families farm. Every year (sometimes) the family use the three main stages to showcase the best in live rock, punk, metal, indie and various other epic art forms.

2020 Bands
2019 Bands
2017 Bands
2016 Bands
2015 Bands

In terms of signing up the Marshall family will have the final say, "guitar based" acts are generally given priority with a few quirky (code for Achkaerin) acts included to break it up. I'd love it if people could try and keep it semi-connected to their nation, so for example I would expect Bob Marley to come from East Moreland, which explains why he's probably from Paracambi. If someone has already claimed an act in previous years its still theirs, there are exceptions so for example me and Tytor have done some swaps in the past. If someone uses a band and you've used them elsewhere outside Glastomundus please just drop a message with the link so we know their off the table.

Sign ups until the 28th. Simply give names of the bands your using , nation their from and no more than four preferably youtube links to live performances of the songs. Then I'll post the line ups and make YouTube playlists of the running order. I'll also, if possible, make a Spotify play list this year and share the links.

The three stages are Main Stage (The biggest section of the festival), Pyramid Stage (Tends to be more dedicated to rock), The Big Top (indoor venue for more acoustic, alternative stuff). The Marshall family will determine what stage you're on. Word of warning a Morelander band always headlines the Main Stage on the Friday night, a foreign band the Saturday and then pot luck Sunday.


Quote
Name of Band
Nation:
Song 1
Song 2
Song 3
Song 4

11
Factbooks and Maps / Seaforth NPC Factbook
« on: August 12, 2023, 08:00:56 PM »

Flag of Seaforth

The Crimson Tide
The Royal Seal




The Kingdom of Seaforth is a country in north eastern Cotf Aranye.  The Kingdom is divided into six provinces. The coastal provinces of Caledonia, Northumbria, Seaforth and Scotia and the interior provinces of Strathcona and Arc-Royal.
World Data:
Kingdom Of Seaforth
Capital: Eventide
Largest City: Eventide
Official Languages: Gaelic
Demonym: Seaforthian
Government: Monarchy
Sovereign: King Andrew III
Population: 100,000,000
GDP Per Capita: 40k
Unemployment: 5.6%
Literacy: 98.6%
Defense Spending As GDP: 3.3%
Land Area: 2,832,593 km2
Water %: 8.2 (232,272 Km2)
Currency: Crown
Seaforth National Anthem




Etymology And History
The Kingdom of Seaforth is named after Seaforth Castle, located in the capital city of Eventide in the province of Seaforth. The people of Seaforth are descendants of the people known as the Scoti and refer to themselves a Seaforthians. The Scoti themselves were a sept of Celts originating from Ui Ceinnselaig. These seafaring Celts raided and traded their way north eventually landing in what is now called Seaforth. These Celts continued to raid and pushed east from the shores, driving out the native tribes and permanently settling the area. Little remains of the original tribes, not even their names. The Celts were made up of clans and eventually organized into 6 Kingdoms. The Kingdom of Eventide, The Kingdom of Scotia, The Kingdom of Northumbria, The Kingdom of Caledon, The Kingdom of Arc-Royal and the Kingdom of Strathcona. In the early to mid 1100's, The Knights Hospitaller arrived in the Illumic. Refugee's fleeing their destruction at the end of the Vanoran Crusades. These Knights, led by Jocelyn of Rhodes, settled on the wild and uninhabited Island of Somerset. Just across from Somerset was Halifax Bay and the city of Halifax. From there ruled Ulric, King of Caledon. The King and his son, Prince Owen eventually befriended the knights and together, through war, diplomacy and marriage they united the six Kingdoms into the Kingdom of Seaforth. The former Six Kingdoms are still existing today represented by provinces of Seaforth.

Geography
The coastal mountains dominate the western edge of the kingdom. A solid wall of rock towering above the sea, only 2 natural breaks occur in the mountain chain. The northern break is located in the Bay of Eventide, where the capital city of Eventide is located. The southern break is located in a natural harbor in the province of Caledonia and where the provincial capital of Halifax sits. The area accounts for 25% of the kingdoms landmass.

Spoiler: Coastal Mountains • show





East of the Coast Mountains are the foothills. Also known as the Ranchlands, these rolling hills stretch out from the Coast Mountains and are home to most of the livestock in the kingdom. These are also the original tribal lands of the Scoti people and account for 50% of the landmass in the kingdom.

Spoiler: Ranchlands • show





At the far eastern end of the kingdom are the plains and farmlands which provide much of the agricultural produce in the kingdom and account for the remaining 25% of the landmass.

Spoiler: Praries • show




The Kingdom of Seaforth contains 8.2 % water which is made up of mountain rivers running to the sea and the foothills where it empties into a series of small lakes. Few rivers flow into the plains and the farmland is maintained by a series of irrigation canals.

Spoiler: Island Of Somerset, AKA Hetral/Rishi • show

PICTURE COMING


The Island of Somerset is the traditional holdings of the Rhodes family, stretching back to the time of Jocelyn of Rhodes. The Seaforth section on the island contains the City of Bethesda and a joint service naval base. The eastern area of the island is leased long-term to Rokkenjima and consists of Urakawa City (Civilian) and Elpidiana a city for military personnel and dependents while the Office for Illumic and Tripartite Affairs sits semi between them. Somerset is an autonomous zone under the sole control and possession of House Rhodes. Somerset remains a part of the Kingdom of Seaforth.

The Rokkenjiman portion would then simply be known as the Rishiri Imperial Overseas Dependency.



LANDMARKS

Spoiler: Seaforth Castle • show




Spoiler: Arc-Royal Standing Stones • show




12
International Organisations / CNN Terrorism Talks (Closed)
« on: July 29, 2023, 09:36:21 PM »

CNN HQ, Ui Cenneselaig

It was down to Sir Jacob Longe to begin the proceedings on what was becoming a rather dark few days. First they'd seen Daito pushed towards war, then Mersch attacked in an amazingly co-ordinated attack that took out three candidates to the throne of Mersch, then finally Rokkenjima and now seemingly shipping in the Matildas. The CNN had already been moving some assets towards the Commonwealth of the Iwi, it was summertime and an annual CNN naval exercise took place, there had also been recently ships returning from Lodja and others in the region for the recent Rokkenjima-Daito spat. There had been offers of aid for the missile attack made by East Moreland but as of yet that had not been utilised. As such Jacob believed the CNN would be positioned to potentially make an impact in the region if needs must.

"Good Morning everyone" Jacob began. "As you're all aware we have what in effect is two major incidents. One in the Matildas which is seeing everyman and his dog approaching and a second in Mersch. We had been sending assets to the Matildas and will continue to do so, however I think the issue there is likely to be well in hand by those closest. As such though with the Iwi having a stake in the southern of the channels I think we need to ensure extra security there. As such should King Piripi require it we'll be putting our ships there under their command to help ensure the security of shipping following the recent strike by the supposed separatists terrorist group. I have a proposal therefore from our government."


1. A "Ring of Steel" is placed in a position of defence around the Commonwealth. Utilising ships we have in the region and sending Jekars Shield systems we wish to ensure that the Commonwealth is safe from missile strikes.

2. We place a team of CNN administrators under the leadership of Melissa Lusk in the Commonwealth in order to, if required, set up evacuations from a warzone.

3. Ourselves and Lodja place assets in the Alba Karinya region to intervene in Mersch if required.

4. Ui Cenneslaig and the Iwi take responsibility for leading operations in the Matildas.

5. The CNN stand up as potential mediators in the situation in the Matildas.


13
Convention Centre / Festival of Sail 2023 IC Thread
« on: July 10, 2023, 09:49:47 PM »
As a little boy David had hated the festival. To him it was pointless, Morelanders hardly went anywhere and boats were pretty boring, they just bobbed about and were slow. While he still didn't get the excitement of them the grown up David had grown to love the festival and that growth was reflected in the public too. Tickets for the showgrounds were getting harder and harder to come by and despite pressure from the local council the King had refused to charge more for the tickets, this was a celebration for all Morelanders not just the wealthy. The showgrounds had changed too, the confines of Portworth Naval Base and the nearby Royal Marina could no longer contain the festival but thankfully keenly sensed developers had built newer Marina's in David's 30 years and more of life. Even the neighbouring town of Seabrooke had begun to see some overspill and that was great for the local economy. It was though the last three or four years that had seen a huge boost globally and in some ways David put that down to his wife. She had brought the young keen eyes of the fashionable crowds on Portworth and now the marina was already filling with a variety of rich and celebrity owned yachts, a good number considering the now Queen Stasya a friend.

This morning as the festival was preparing to get underway it was pretty routine. The white water front house with the clock tower that for the rest of the year served as the Commander of the Navies home was handed over to the royals. Admiral James Thompson had instead been spending his nights tucked up onboards the REMNS King Robert as the flagship of the navy. David liked the Admirals House, the doors of the 2nd floor balcony leading directly onto a dockside which was now filling with Royal Marines who would be a large part of the days activities. While today dressed in the black tunics and red trimmed trousers they looked perfect parade ground soldiers however beneath each white peaked cap was a commando proud to serve in the Navy and looking forward to their day. The King woke when the snap of hundreds of feet coming to attention indicated that it was time to get up. He leaned over and gently kissed the shoulder of Stasya, "Time to wake up" he whispered to her and even though she said nothing he could sense she was awake. "I'll get sorted and grab the kids. We'll see you downstairs." He swung himself out of bed and into the shower before dressing in his Alpine Cadre uniform. It was not his normal festival of sail attire but today there were a few things that would be different and a more formal approach would be required in his mind. His advisers had said he should wear his own Admiral of the Fleet uniform but there was just something wrong in his eyes about wearing a uniform he hadn't fought for beside he couldn't ever imagine wearing a uniform other than the black jacket and trousers of the Alpines, he adjusted his cross belt so the rather odd locking cartridge box sat in the middle of his back. Satisfied he donned the white beret.

"Very handsome" Stasya smiled at him from the bathroom door, she crossed and straightened his epulettes before kissing him. "I'll be twenty minutes" she told him. David would have liked the believe that but knew it was much more likely to be 30. He didn't argue and instead made his way down and found Rhiannon already up and about. She was ten years old now and David knew she would have outgrown her love for the Vikings boat but she still seemed excited for the day. She gave her father a good morning hug, she was dressed less casually than she had been in previous years, even she knew today would mark something important. Llewellyn arrived being carried by her auntie, Princess Freya, who like her brother had dressed in military attire which in her case was the 2nd Light Scouts. David smiled and snapped her a salute, he himself wore the rank of a mere Captain today while his sister held Major.

"Good Morning Captain Ironside. I have a Prince for you." She handed Llewellyn over to his father and snapped a salute back. The group stood chatting until Stasya joined them. At first David had concerns about her choice of attire, which was not unusual for the Queen. Today rather than it being the rather risqué nature of the outfit it was the colour scheme. She had opted for a pale blue dress with golden stitching around the neck and sleeves. To the unfamiliar it was just a nice dress however it was similar in palette to that traditionally worn by the Queen of Lodja, Stasya's own native homeland. David knew better than to critique his wife when it came to fashion and so instead complimented on her attire and once Rhiannon had taken hold of her step-mothers hand the family exited onto the quayside. A large crowd had gathered but was kept well back by a security barrier and the parading Marines would have formed a further barrier. The King had no need to tell Stasya to wait for the press to get their shot for tomorrows front covers as she was already ensuring she had spotted the best photographers and made sure to smile directly down their camera. The Marines paid their respects which David returned with a salute and then the family walked down the quayside. At the end of the Admirals garden that ran down the quayside a series of large white marquee tents had been set up, it was here the various VIP's could get breakfast and the royals sat and waited for the REMNS Mess Stewards to take their orders and bring coffee and juices. Even Rhiannon knew today was going to be busy and eagerly tucked into her Rice Crispies, it was going to be such a busy day her father even had given her permission for Coco Pops, a treat for only the most tiring of days. While others filtered into the tent for their own breakfasts the King exchanged only polite waves and nods, there would be a chance for more in depth meetings but there was a sense of nerves in the King.

Once the Rice Crispies had been consumed and David drained the last of his Green Tea it was time to get into position. Along the opposite quayside a large grandstand had been set up, effectively turning it into a kind of makeshift arena. The seats were already filling up and unlike everyone else who had to get past a Red Legion security check, masquerading as Royal Marines much to Sgt.Olly Thomas annoyance, before they could take a seat. It was a blessed day, the sun was up and not much wind and while that could be a problem for some of the sail boats the King was confident that Port Master Timothy Doben would have everything in order. Quiet likely even now out at the rendevous point out in the Mhorish he would be moving hundreds of ships ranging from large historical sail boats to modern day aircraft carriers into position. The parade of boats was a highlight for many and while it would still be around half an hour before the ships reached the sight of those attending the ceremony people sat on the approach beaches would already be waving at the passing ships.

The sight of tall ships like RNS Aggressor and Kaiwo-maru where the audiences first clue that the ships were close. Their masts visible above some of the more modern ships like the IMS Jehoiakim gave a real sense of just how much change had taken place. Doben had placed the replica of the HIMS Insolent at the lead of the tall masted ships, he knew King David's love of history and the romantic legend that went with it would be something that would please the King. Once the historic vessels, some needing a bit of held from tugs or local trawlers, had passed the various military ships came along. For many seeing Achkaerin's INS Rhyth Icerider brought back memories of the Lodjain conflict, a ship similar in shape, the Lodjain "Morelander" had gone rogue and been one of the first Moreland built ships in many decades to sink. A few who had been there in the Alucard for that battle muttered prayers of sorts wishing the Achkaerin sailors onboard better luck. The civilian ships were headed by the twin Rokkenjiman vessels, the HMY Austrana and United States while the final ship in that section was what Rhiannon called a rather "sweet looking" Akatatsu-maru. There was one final vessel. Traditionally the last ship in the parade hung a red lantern across its stern, today however there was no need. Apollo's Beacon shone its own inbuilt red light that even in the sun of the morning light could still be seen blinking steadily on and off. As the ships got closer to shore several kayakers and entusiastic locals in their own small sail boats got close and one or two nearly came to mischief when not heeding the calls of the marshals, especially when it came to the nimble vessels of Achkaerin's Mermaids who had been given permission to ride as almost outriders doing dives and leaps like dolphins alongside the parade. As the ships made the turn towards land they formed two columns, one heading for each arm of the large naval base. Only three ships proceeded towards the centre. REMNS King Robert as the nations flagship was in the centre of the three while to its starboard the "mega-yacht", Iskorian owned by the Pelagiya family, to the portside a sight that brought delight to the King, a river steamer from Ostlake. The King had been told it would only be here if the sea was calm and even now with the help of being slightly ahead of the other two it was not looking the most comfortable of rides. The three ships were able to tie up and a single figure appeared off each. A whistle blew a series of notes indicating they could approach. The three figures moved forward and meet just in front of the grandstand, in a dress almost matching Stasya's own was Queen Natalya of Lodja, in the centre a uniformed Alex Redfern in Red Legion dress attire and the final in a a smart suit but dirty leather apron Maxwell Power, the Royal Smith. The King stood and gave Natalya a bow, she had kindly agreed to be part of this slightly adapted opening. David waited for his press secretary Malcolm Tucker to check the microphone before he could address the crowd.

"I would normally begin today by saying welcome to the many hundred and something version of the Festival of Sail. Today though is for me something much more special. Today I am able to turn the tables on Lodja. I am fortunate, not also saddened, to have been part of three coronations in Lodja, this is an honour not before extended to a foreigner and while I wish I had only once undertaken this solemn but special duty I am delighted to welcome Queen Natalya here. Today she is helping us mark a special occasion in the life of my own family. Prince Llewellyn is now 18 months old which means I have just six months to ensure my duties as a father are completed in preparing him for his childhood. To a Morelander that means having a sword, something to practice and grow with when the time is right. Llewellyn though is a first for East Moreland, he is a child born of two lands. While he is a Morelander Prince he is also tied forever to Lodja and the Queen and myself want him to know both lands, both people and both cultures. We are therefore proud to hand the proceedings to Queen Natalya." The Lodjain monarch came forward and at the foot on the steps to the grandstand took a small purple cushion off of one of her strategically placed Ladies in Waiting. The Queen ascended to grandstand stage and approached the microphone.

"The ties between East Moreland and Lodja are stronger in my mind than any on Mundus. They are ties not built by diplomacy, by politics or money, they are ties built by love. That love is symbolised by the union of King David and one of my greatest friends Queen Stasya. That bond recently played out that our forces, for the first time in history, fought side by side to defeat an evil facing my people. During that time Lodjains knew our friends in East Moreland, as well as those of our CNN friends, Achkaerin and our new friends in Aosta would not allow evil to win and we are grateful for that. This is why I was so happy to be asked to do this. In Lodja a noble child becomes upon their birth a Patrician, an individual marked by our Gods and expected to lead those in their care to a better life. Our faith may differ but that duty is one Sessifet and Helus value. Prince Llewellyn may well be a Prince of East Moreland but he is also a Patrician of Lodja and today I present him with a symbol of that rank." The cushion had a silver bracelet, much too big for the child, in its centre. A pair of small red stones were placed in its band worked to sit as eyes upon a outline of a Honeybadger. The Queen gently took Llewellyn arms and slid the bracelet on making sure it didn't fall of. She placed a brushing kiss on the childs head as David held him. The King and Queen exchanged words and then David handed her the child as she made her way to stand next to Stasya.

David returned to the microphone. "The ceremony begins with me accepting my sword, today though I will be joined by my daughter for the first time." Rhiannon almost skipped forward to stand beside her father. "She one day will stand here in my place and take her own sword. Today though she will be acting as the Protector of the Sword, a position held by someone who will care for the sword of a child until they are ready to wield it themselves. My daughter has shown she's a fine swords woman herself and is an incredible big sister. When the time comes I know she will also be a great teacher for her brother." The crowd cheered loudly, Rhiannon was beloved by the people, partly because of the tragedy of her twin brother Caspian but also because of the fact she and Prince Augustin of Neu Urburzis had, at the age of six, "fought" Crocodiles in an aquarium to save Augustins pet rabbit Snufflechen. On cue Redfern and Maxwell headed towards the King with Redfern holding the Kings, a large straight edged cavalry sword ahead of him unsheathed. Max held on the flat of his palms a small sword, it would never do for an adult but that wasn't the point. The King had collected the raw materials himself from the Gods Forge here in Portworth and to the King this presentation was almost the sword returning home. Redfern offered the King his own sword and David accepted it, gave his friend a sweeping salute with it before ritualistically replacing it in the scabbard on his hip. At the same time Rhiannon took the sword from Maxwell and unsheathed it, she held it up the light inspecting it. Like her own blade had the date of birth was etched onto the blade which ran into a dark blue handle. The sword would likely last Llewellyn until he was a teenager and then like Rhiannon would soon he'd choose his own blade. Rhiannon checked the area around and her and sure no ones was closeby gave it a few swipes and swings. She then loudly spoke. "The sword is more than fitting for a Prince" Maxwell smiled acknowledging the words. Rhiannon sheathed the sword, turned and presented it to her father who attached it to his own belt and handed Rhiannon a small leather pouch which she couriered to Maxwell. "Payment in full for the work of a smith fit for Jekar" she declared and handed him the 112 silver coins.

"Thank you Your Highness" Maxwell winked at Rhiannon who had spent several hours watching him make the sword.

The crowd once again applauded and David spoke. "All that is left is for me to thank the men and women who serve in our Navy for their duty. I also want us to thank those who stood alongside them in Lodja and anyone who serves in the navies of the world ensuring the safety of the innocent on the seas. Today marks a day we celebrate the seas, for Morelanders they once stood as a barrier, a defence to keep out an imagined evil. Today they stand as a roadway leading old friends and new to join us as we try and build a better future not just for Morelanders but for the world. I wish each of you a happy Festival and fair seas." The King breathed a sigh of relief as his first task was done, the Festival was done and now he could enjoy himself a little. The family made their way back to the large tent, no doubt his Head of Household would have meetings and the like to keep him busy but that was usually more relaxed. As they returned to the tent Matilda Osman, the Kings divorced wife and mother of Rhiannon was waiting. As agreed she'd get day one of the festival this year with their daughter now that her own duties were over. The step-brother of Rhiannon, Oliver, was propped up in a wheel chair because of his Hunter Syndrome, his eyes though lit up when he saw his big sister who hugged him and begged her father to let her show him Llewellyn sword. David agreed and handed her the blade keeping careful watch as he and Matilda discussed parental matters for a few minutes, David would return to the Festival grounds each day and tomorrow he would be here with her so it was more a case of who was taking her to what, naturally as King it was David who could get access to some of the more unique parts and so Matilda was going to head to the Viking ship as Rhiannon wanted to discuss Axe V's Sword fighting but then she wanted to see Akatatsu-maru up close. Matilda first though wanted to get them drinks as she knew it could be a long day. They sat at the table next to David, Stasya and the other Ironsides and David smiled as he could hear Rhiannon gently explaining the story of Jekar making the first sword to the four year old Oliver.

The tables began to fill with various members of the East Moreland nobility, government and business worlds. It was a great chance to network but also for Sir Harry Samuelson to have his Hobbit like 2nd breakfast of grilled Mackrel on toast. On the table next to him Jocelyn Hopkins sat with a plate of toast and a sketch book in which she gently shaded a sketch as "Royal Artist in Residence" she would try and produce something for todays unique ceremony and for now was in her own little world. David would enjoy a 2nd Green Tea, wait for Rhiannon to go see her Vikings and then be about his own day, he had a feeling it was going to be a busy but rewarding day.

14
Diplomacy and Events / Jewel of the Desert 2023
« on: June 25, 2023, 11:20:13 PM »

The Jewel of the Desert Festival was King Heydar's favourite time of year. The entire Soter family decamped from Ipsus and headed into the desert. There around an oasis had been constructed a Palace that sat partly underground and partly like a tent. It was a reminder of the days long consigned to the past when people had roamed the land rather than lived in cities. It was a time that was, at least to Heydar, more romantic to the nations heritage. For a week each year the oasis and sands around it bustled with activity. Hundreds of tented stores had been set up ranging from great marquees to tiny little fabric shacks. Each of them had flags fluttering in the gentle breeze, each store with at least two, one showing the makers mark, the other showing what exactly they sold. Some had just one flag, that of a diamond, other several, a watch, a ring to symbolise jewellry. While the festival organisers did their best to organise the grounds into groups it was never possible, thanks in part to the diversity of the festival and because some people just turned up. Members of the Kings household dressed in pale green robes tied with a golden belt wandered the grounds carrying out checks at random stalls, was their produce legit, were they measuring and weighing correctly and most importantly checking those with the Soter's coat of arms flying. These were merchants who had supplied the royal family in the past and been given a seal of approval. Already today one stall had been flying one when they shouldn't and now its properter was sat in a truck waiting to be driven to a jail in Ipsus.

Next to the stalls selling all manner of jewels and jewellrey, some even custom making commissions for people who had the money, was food stalls, stalls selling rugs, even one with birds of prey sat on little stands outside watching the world walk by. It was in front of this that Prince Aali Akakois was mesmerised.  "Its pretty bird" a young Saker Falcon sat looking back at the young Prince. "Is it that one you like?" his father, King Heydar bent down next to him. He remembered his own father, King Akakois, bringing him to the stalls at a similar age to pick out his first Falconry bird. He had gone for a shaheen falcon, it had been with him 25 years and even now he smiled when he remembered learning the skills with the bird.

"Yes Daddy" the young Prince said turning his head this way and that mimicing the movements of the birds head. Heydar stood and looked at the stall owner who had been standing by.

"We'll take him, also a full set of harness, gloves, hoods, you know all the things. I also want that desert owl." He pointed where in the tent a small owl sat munching on what was probably once a mouse. Heydar liked owls and this particular one had seemed rather inquisitive when they'd explored the tent before Heydar had determined this dealer was acceptable to provide his son with his first bird.

"As Your Majesty requests" The man turned and softly ordered his own son, his assistant to make the birds ready and then turned back to haggle on the price. Clearly the King could afford the animals at the price advertised but that was beside the point, it was rude not to haggle and so the King began at a price that was insanely low, borderline insulting. The merchant made a play of being appalled and even yelled at his son to wait as they might not be selling, the King of course increased his offering and then man lowered his. This back and forth went on until the King threatened to walk away and then the man, as was always going to happen accepted and shook the Kings hand on the deal. Heydar though stopped and knelt to his son, "Aali, the bird is yours because me and the kind man here have done a deal, when men makes deals it does not matter if your a Prince or the poorest man on Mundus, you make a deal you shake hands." he gently took hold of the Princes tiny hand and extended it towards the man and with his eyes indicated that the man should shake the young Princes hand. With a little hesitation he did and the man thanked the Prince for the purchase and wished him a good day. The first deal of the Princes life complete the King was happy.

Over the far side of the grounds Queen Haniyah, the Kings 2nd and youngest wife, sat on a pile of cushions as two young girls ground petals and spices occasionally offering the evolving mixture to her to smell. She was constructing a new perfume and on her knee was two year old Princess Katayun whose face said a thousand words at the smells they tried. Seemingly pleased with the results the Princess smiled and giggled indicating that she was satisfied, or at least that was Haniyahs interpretation. More gentle haggling than with the men and 20 litres of the stuff was ordered.

Hameed Karimi sat on the top of the five row temporary grandstand. It only seated a few hundred people but that was more than enough. As Finance Minister he was expected to be prudent with money but so far his fortunes on the betting was lacking. He watched as his best camel rounded the final bend into the home straight. It was neck and neck with the one in first and perhaps this would be his first win of the Festival. It wasn't to be though as with just thirty meters to go the other jockey opened up a lead and powered through the line. Hameed threw his hands up in despair. It just wasn't his lucky day.

Katerina might have been a Wilhom Queen, a wife of the deceased King Akakois, but she was still active in the family and its diplomacy. With Wilhom Queen Samira now getting on in years she hadn't travelled to the Desert Palace, she didn't handle the heat too well, and meanwhile Akakois 2nd wife, Yanna, had become a political marriage having married Tamoran business magnate and nobleman Thanasis Polakis. That left Katerina as in some ways a matriach of the Soters. It was therefore her turn to man the Palace lounge, a sprawling mass of cushions, low couches and tables with musicians playing merrily away. It would be here that the various VIP's would gather if they wished to pay their respects to the family. Katerina sat chatting with her ten year old son Prince Shahin.



OOC - Feel free to rock up as a member of your government, a tourist or anything else.

15
Convention Centre / Festival of Sail Sign Ups 2023
« on: June 25, 2023, 06:46:29 PM »


I am excited to once again extend an invitation to the governments of Mundus to join us for the annual Festival of Sail. The Festival has been an international event now for many years and we have been delighted to welcome vessels from across the world, both allies and new friends. This year the festival will once again open its doors to the world and we invite nations to display as wide a variety of sea going craft as possible so that we may come together and celebrate the skill, ingenuity and creativity of those who travel the oceans. As usual the festival shall begin with a huge floating parade from the town of Seabrooke, down the Mhorish coast and enter the ports, harbours and marinas of Portworth. Vessels will then be assigned a berth somewhere according to whether you wish the vessel to be accessible to the public. In the past we have been able to accomodate vessels which vendors wish to showcase to potential markets while simulationously allowing top security for those here merely to bring foreign naval service men and women to the festival.

In addition to the Festival member of the East Moreland government will be on hand should anyone wish to discuss matters of a more formal nature and as always there shall the Royal Banquet on the final evening. This year this shall take place just down the coast from Seabrooke in the Ducal Palace which since my wife and myself have restored will host its first formal event.

Should your nation wish to attend and showcase vessels please let us know.

May The Gods Watch Over You and Your Seas Be Calm

King David III of East Moreland.

OOC - As always anyone is free to come along, just would be nice to be able to have a heads up as to what is coming so I can work it into the initial posts and of course if anyone wants to meet King David or some other East Moreland person. You don't have to write a formal reply unless you want to.

16
Convention Centre / Voting - Best Animated Short Film
« on: February 27, 2023, 11:18:08 PM »
You may vote for one film. Winner is the one with most votes. In event of a draw East Moreland shall cast the determining vote.

Poll is open for 6 Days

1. Save Ralph - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G393z8s8nFY - Altona

2. Attached - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzczBYpLaZY - Achkaerin

3. Lego Bank Robbery - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFigkqH0k1s - Achkaerin (The Award Panel made the unilateral decision to also consider this for Best animated short as it used stop motion animation and therefore fulfils criteria for this category)

Full details of nominations can be found here

17
Convention Centre / Best Documentary 2023
« on: February 27, 2023, 11:12:23 PM »
You may vote for one film. Winner is the one with most votes. In event of a draw East Moreland shall cast the determining vote.

Poll is open for 6 Days

1. How Humans became Right Handed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb11oOHYNXM - An anthropological and genetic study into human habits - Altona

2. The Discoveries of the Oracle Space Telescope - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP42FVvp5Ac - A scientific examination of discoveries from the Oracle Space Telescopes time in space (RL-James Webb Telescope)

Full details of nominations can be found here

18
You may vote for one song . Winner is the one with most votes. In event of a draw East Moreland shall cast the determining vote.

Poll is open for 6 Days

1. Who Wants to Live Forever (Highlander) performed by Queen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYOE_b4aYD0 - Eigg

2. Devil Town (Megan) performed by Cavetown - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvaxYUfGHnk - Altona

3. The Leshan Buddha (Abominable) performed by Rupert Gregson-Williams - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB5b2s42ltE - Achkaerin

Full details of nominations can be found here

19
Convention Centre / Voting Best International Short Film 2023
« on: February 27, 2023, 10:56:52 PM »
You may vote for two films. Winner is the one with most votes. In event of a draw East Moreland shall cast the determining vote.

Poll is open for 6 Days

1. Man Getting Hit By Football - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpLcJ-tRSbY - Preore

2. Lie Detector - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjVVNuraly8 - Altona

3. Lego Bank Robbery - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFigkqH0k1s - Achkaerin

4. Dark Nebula - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNcws-p08VU - Achkaerin

5. The Box - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20evunLzSgk- Achakerin

Full details of nominations can be found here

20
Convention Centre / VOTING - Best International Film 2023
« on: February 27, 2023, 10:50:01 PM »
You may vote for two films. Winner is the one with most votes. In event of a draw East Moreland shall cast the determining vote.

Poll is open for 6 Days

1. Dis Two (A TIO Original, I would recommend checking out this vignette series - Holmvik

2. Jurassic World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFinNxS5KN4 - Preoria

3. A Quiet Place https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR7cc5t7tv8 -Preoria

4. Symphony of Violence (John Wick 4) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBk4sgwC_jE - Vinitsia

5. Glass Onion -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj5ibYSz8C0 - Heyra

6. Highlander - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omOZyLmNMJs - Eigg

7. Best Guy-Odyssey (Top Gun-Maverick) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSqVVswa420 - Daito

8. Lead Emeralds A TIO Original. Eleven women found suffocated to death in a shipping crate bound for Abydos, chests covered in ritualistic tattoos. Blinded, hands partially turned to living, growing tree branches.

9. The Rampant - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJi3nYrXtv8 - Djabidjan

10. Queen of the Mountains - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIjhRQUsj_8 - Mktvartvelo

11. Abominable - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrgVtuDRBjM - Achkaerin

12. Six Days - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KYroBErj1g - Achkaerin

Full details of the nominations can be found here

21
Convention Centre / Ostlake Movie Awards 2023
« on: February 20, 2023, 09:00:12 PM »
THE OSTLAKE FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS 2023

The Ostlake Film Awards now mark the 6th year of international involvement. 

As with last year nominations will be open until the 27th of Febuary at which point voting will begin with the winner announced on the 6th of March in a glittering award ceremony hosted in Ostlake.

We look forward to welcoming you all soon

Jocelyn Hopkins
Hostess of the "Ossies" 2023


OOC - OK This is how it works there are various categories that people can enter with rules for each. You fill in your form, post your nominations and then a poll will be created to determine the winner of each category. Try and keep your nominations culturally relevant, so for example I wouldn't expect Nya Aland to be nominating a Bollywood film or soundtrack. I may have also missed some past nominations where people have claimed things. Also don't think about claiming whole studios.

BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM

You can nominate any film from the last 10 years or one you have created yourself (but not like Fast & Furious 72 or Titanic 2:Return of Jack) .It can be in any language, genre etc. You may not claim whole movie studios but you may claim a single franchise, so in the past I believe Dartfordia had one of the Harry Potter films meaning the whole Harry Potter franchise is Dartfordian, this however doesn't mean they own the whole of Warner Brother. In terms of cross over stuff like Marvel by claiming say Iron Man, you don't then get the whole Marvel world, I'd personally stick clear of such "Universe" films.

Each nation may nominate two films using the form below, please check what was claimed last year (if the person nominating has since left I'm freeing up the stuff they claimed), also if in terms of news posts someone has claimed a film that someone nominates could they please POLITELY tell them and post a link to where. I've also updated the "What's Gone" list and removed those who have left. Thank you.

What's Gone

Achkaerin - Avengers
Achkaerin - LaLa Land
Achkaerin - Hunger Games
Achkaerin - Star Trek
Achkaerin - James Bond
Achkaerin - X-Men
Achkaerin - Peter Pan and therefore also Tinkerbell
Achkaerin - Lord of The Rings and therefore also The Hobbit
Achkaerin - Pokemon
Achkaerin - The Matrix
Dartfordia -Frozen
Dartfordia - Harry Potter
East Moreland - Star Wars I inadvertently claimed it here however I think, but have not been able to find otherwise that someone pre-dates that claim, if someone can find it I'll relinquish the claim otherwise WOOHOO!!!
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood - Tytor
Little Women - Tytor
The Truman Show - Tytor
Gravity - Tytor
The Incredibles - Tytor
Zootopia - Tytor
Hotel Rwanda (as "Hotel Ubakasa") - Tytor
The Lego Movie - Tytor
How to Train Your Dragon - Tytor
Au revoir là-haut - Heyra
Free Guy - Tytor
Jumanji - Tytor
Man Standing Next -  Djabidjan
The Guardian - Djabidjan
Death of stalin - Nis
Cool Runnings - Paracambi

If I've missed any someone let me know

Name of Film
Genre
Nation
Brief Outline
Link to the trailer


In terms of trailers please use legal ones.


BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM

Time to randomly watch YouTube Stuff. You may nominate any Short Film (classed as less than 7 minutes), by that I mean the whole film, it can't be a kickass six minute section from a longer film. It must be legally viewable on YouTube.

You may nominate up to three films. I'm also aware we have a few YouTube video makers in the region and there would be no barrier to you nominating your own stuff or making something for this, in fact in my opinion I'd be voting for you for sure.


Name of Film
Genre
Nation
Brief Outline
Link to the trailer


BEST INTERNATIONAL SONG FEATURED IN A MOTION PICTURE


Basically you may nominate one song from a motion picture. It can even be from a film claimed by another nation because I mean in RL you get people from outside America doing stuff for Disney, what I will say however is if the artists has already been claimed then its off limits and I'll rely on people POLITELY pointing it out. So for example if The Who had done a song for say James Bond as I've claimed The Who no one other than me could use them. I hope that makes sense. Usual rules about posting YouTube applies. Instrumentals are permitted


Name of Artist
Nation Nominating
Song
From the Film
YouTube link



BEST INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY

Essentially it could be anything from a historical documentary to a science talk. If it's factual, cool or interesting then it can be entered. Only two rules 1) No longer than 15 minutes 2) Must not break YouTube terms and conditions.


Name of Documentary
Nation Nominating
Topic Covered
From the Film
YouTube link

BEST ANIMATED SHORT

Can be any type of animation but may not last longer than 5mins.

Name of Animated Short
Nation Nominating
YouTube link



22
International Organisations / CNN Security Meeting Jan 2023
« on: January 27, 2023, 09:38:33 AM »


As the designated Chair of the CNN until 31st of March I am informing the membership of the need for a meeting of importance relating to the changing situation within Rokkenjima and intelligence we have to share. The meeting will be open to all those cleared for Classified briefings and shall be hosted by  East Moreland Special Military Envoy Duke Richard Kelly, former commander of Red Legion. We would ask for you all to attend at 8am prompt.

May The Gods Watch Over You and Your Nation Know Peace

King David III



It had been a rather unexpected phone call when Richard Kelly had received the phone call from the King. He'd been "retired" just a few months but never a man to be idle he'd busied himself with his new business, Red-e Security Consultancy, it had so far been active in Heyra and also handled a few close protection jobs and a lot of training roles. Now though the King had asked him to return to the fold in a sense and so the former Brigadier had, like a good soldier, packed his gear and headed to Ui Cenneslaig.

He entered the conference room having expected not to be in such a place again but wasted no time in setting himself up, folders of information, various maps and of course his mug which he now filled with tea. He had brought with him a few members of staff. Following King David's call he had made a few of his own and assembled a team to help him in his new position. First there was Dom Evanson, he had been a quartermaster up at Aldcliffe for the past decade. He'd been a Red Legionnaire who had lost a leg in the Alps fighting the Borlanders and rather than being discharged he had, as many injured Red Legionnaires seemed to, found a role in the Legions day to day staff. Now he was Kelly's aide de camp charged with getting him to where he needs to be and keeping his mug topped up. Next there was Cara Fairchild, she had been one of the many Naval liason officers Richard had dealt with in his career and their mutual support of Northfort Royals rugby team had made them friends. She now helped at his consultancy company and would be serving as his liaison officer. Finally Joel May, a youngster who had been kicked out of the Cyber Legion for punching his commanding officer after he had discovered the officer had been too hands on with some of the new female recruits. After he'd finished serving time in Northfort Military Barracks Richard had offered him a job and now he handled all the tasks modern technology required that Richard couldn't be bothered with. The four of them waited for the others to file in and then Richard stood to signal the meeting was beginning.

"Ladies and Gentleman thank you for your attendance. I never expected to back in this kind of saddle at this level but time waits for no man so lets get this show on the road." He casually flung some documents around the table like dealing cards. "That" he flung open his own copy and held up a photo "Is Arisa Mizuno, at one time a member of Rokkenjima's Intelligence community, now dead. She was found to have had dealings with some rather unpleasant characters in Zimalia. Those included suspected links with the Borlanders based there. Now this sounds rather bad that we have a member of the Rokk intel family working with terrorists, but its going to get worse before it gets better. In that folder you'll find evidence connecting her with a certain Mr.Charles Ofdensen, the same snake who just may have pulled off some kind of election win back home. Now it does get better because in 2018 Miss Mizuno was found dead." He picked up another photo "Misako Anno, another Rok agent, more evidence of connections to Ofdensen. We have several more examples I could give but we get the picture." He closed his own folders. "I've been asked to call this meeting because my King wants us to, with immediate effect, drop all intelligence sharing with Rokkenjima. The exception being if you're sat on information that would save civilian lives. We do not want to risk information getting to Ofdensen and through him to the Borlanders or Helus knows who else. As far as East Moreland is concerned Rokkenjima is now a security risk. I believe none of you have any actual diplomatic, economic or security links to Rokkenjima so in that regards we have nothing to concern ourselves about. King David is going to examine the impact on those in the coming days. So in effect our meeting is simple. Are we having a CNN Cut Rok off party?"

23
Diplomacy and Events / The Semelberg Situation
« on: January 15, 2023, 10:37:41 PM »
The news of the attack on the construction site in Semelberg belonging to the Sisterhood of Helus reached the King. "Quinn can you get me Redfern, both the Yacobs, Sir Harry and my cousin Orlaith please. Its high priority" he buzzed on the intercom to his outer office. Almost instantly his Head of Household buzzed back informing him she'd get on it. The King spun in his chair and peered out across the parkland and lake. This winter morning their was just the hint of a frost across the grass and a mist hung over the lake on which the swans still glided. He savoured the view for a moment or two and then swung himself back to his desk to focus his attention on some proposals from his Prime Minister for tweeks to legislation on internet safety, if he was honest he didn't understand a lot of it so he'd have Olivia Cole his Minister for Science and Technology prepare a brief for him. As he'd finished highlighting the document for the bits he needed more detail on Quinn informed him the people he requested would be here at 2pm and that she'd put two hours aside, she'd had to cancel his visit to an art gallery and a meeting with the Chef about a menu for a banquet would now take place with Princess Freya, something David knew she'd be thrilled about.

At 2pm there was a knock on his office door and the five guests walked in. Major Alex Redfern was David's closest friend and a valued source of military wisdom for the crown having served in the military and the intelligence communities. His protege at one point had been Grace Yacobs who while still a relative unsenior member of the National Intelligence Agency was heavily trusted by David because of Redfern's recommendations. Her mother Katie was the most senior officer in the Army and another well trusted friend. Sir Harry followed them in, the Minister of Defence and a man David knew likely to tell him things he didn't want to hear, his advice over the years had always been valuable. Finally his cousin, Duchess Orlaith Kade, his foreign minister arrived. "Thank you all for coming."

"Freya says your toast" Alex said as he took a seat on one of the leather sofas surrounding a glass topped table made from a jet engine used in the SSC Honeybadger. She hated the more formal elements of royalty and couldn't imagine anything worse than banquet preparations.

"Tell her I'll make it up to her, infact you may have something in a few minutes" David said as the others actually waited to be motioned to sit. David took a seat at the head of the table in an arm chair made from others parts of the SSC Honeybadger. "I've asked you to come here as I want us to try and get ahead of something, and frankly I don't like it." He passed each of them a map of the Charterlands. "Like it or not we've found ourselves tied to a patch of dirt in the Charterlands called Semelberg." It was clear they all knew that much but it didn't hurt to go over things. "I'm not thrilled and would have happily sat back and let my in-laws at the Pelagiya family manage the situation, at least until Llewellyn got a little older in the hopes they'd get bored and we'd be shut. Problem is this anti-Sisterhood movement seems to be spreading. While they may not be the Cult they worship the same God....kind of." David wasn't fond of the Sisterhood, mainly because of bumping heads with the leader Jinny Denman in the past, but his wife was a devotee and so that meant he had to take an interest. "We've made a point that we will not accept Cultists being victimised, and I suppose now by extension this has to be applied to the Sisterhood." Alex and the Yacobs nodded in agreement, Sir Harry couldn't care less while Orlaith looked concerned.

"I'm worried that protecting the Sisterhood could piss off the Cult." Orlaith said, "We've always relied on their backing and while your popular you aren't Helus popular. Shouldn't we talk to the High Priestess about this?"

"No." David said firmly, "We've got seperation between Cult and State for reasons, our creed is to defend those who can't defend themselves and it doesn't state only Cultists. Beside at the moment I sense terrorist not rebellion." Orlaith conceeded and the King prepared to inform them of why he called them. "I've been checking things out and the Cult and the Sisterhood have no real presence in Semelberg. Their Norse Pagan, while that faith has its extremists in the Gungnir I know that these attacks where going on here long before my wife essentially created our mini-Empire. I have two things I want to happen. First is I want us and the Alanders to pay Semelberg a visit for military manouvers. Low numbers, spec op type stuff. This will help us test the waters of what the locals will think of us being more directly involved. The Principality has a small militia, some 600 or so men, I want them included." The King turned to Alex, "This is where you and Freya come in. I want to make sure these 600 men are good. If the Sisterhood thing turns into something more I want people I can rely on, and I want them to be damn good at their job. We're creating the Semelberg Legion, name pending." The King smiled, "We'll ship in older stocks of equipment and I want a training programme that makes them more of a Commando force than a militia. I want them to fulfil two criteria, priority one is to be able to respond to attacks like the one on say Princess Asuna, without losing a Princess. The second is I want them to work seamlessly with our forces if the situation ever requires a Seleucid scenario."

"I can do that." Alex nodded, "Freya will be pleased that having planned your menu she doesn't get to eat it. I've a few lads I'll take with me. We'll need 48 hours minimum but we'll wait for your green light."

"Your Majesty" Grace sat forward. "We've no idea who are behind these attacks, while I like the idea of ensuring we've people on the spot to stem the tide in the worst case situation. Well shouldn't we speak to the Reenburg's?" She quizzed.

"That is next on my agenda. I just wanted to know whether its feasible first." The King looked around the table with each nodding until he reached Sir Harry.

"I'm of a mind to say yes but I think we should be spreading the Cult much more than we are anyway. I know you believe we are the Holy Land and that's all we need but I've always believed the world would be a better place with more Cultists, at a push I'd take the Sisterhood. If we can have influence in this Charterlands system we should embrace it. I'd call them the Semelberg Legion and I'd make it like a Foreign Legion, pack it with ex-Legionnaires from here, make it the best militia force in the Charterlands. I know I'll not change your mind but I'm for this if you don't think we can go as far as I'd like." David nodded his acknowledgement, he was well aware of Sir Harry's views on the faith and while they disagreed he knew Harry would never disagree with the King in public.

"Very well, begin the preparations. I'll summon their ambassador"



The invite to the Reenburgs representative was dispatched and the next morning David waited eagerly in the office. "Welcome Ambassador. I have a few questions I need some help with." The King briefed the ambassador on the talks yesterday as much as he could. "What I need to know is two things, first is their any legal reason I can't do what I'm hoping to do. The second question is what do you think the reaction would be?"

24
OOC Socialisation / TIO Annual Christmas Card 2022
« on: December 06, 2022, 06:35:40 PM »
For those that haven't partaken in the past this is our Christmas Tree. You may decorate it but may only add one thing at a time. You may add multiple times but only after someone else has added something. Merry Christmas you flilthy animals.


25
Diplomacy and Events / The Robin Hood Internet Gang (Open To All)
« on: November 25, 2022, 10:38:14 PM »
4pm Silverhills Zoological Gardens

Tomiko sat neck deep in a pile of lush green bamboo merrily munching away on the grass. In a smaller pile just a few feet away little baby Jen rolled back and forth on her bamboo more interested in trying to do a backwards roll than eating. The enclosure had a small raised platform where Gary, Jen's father, lay snoozing as he often liked to in the afternoon. A group of schoolkids sat sketching the monocrome creatures as their art teacher wander behind them peering at their clipboards and offering suggestions on how to improve their drawings. It was a common sight for the family of pandas and little Jen would often go over to the windows in the enclosure and people watch, it was one of her favourite things apart from when the large green suited thing came in carrying fresh food and then there would be a gush of fresh air and a glimpse of something beyond the heavy computer controlled gate. That though usually came as the sun rose and not as it seemingly did now. Jen hopped up and hurried over to the gate expecting the green booted one to come through but no one did even though the gate was open. Bit by bit Jen pushed her nose through the gap and soon found herself hearing screams and the sound of running feet. Across the zoo the computerised gates swung open and now everything from baby pandas to meerkats began wandering the park. It was just a stroke of luck that the zoo had large ditches as well as fences containing some of the more dangerous animals. Keepers rushed to their staff areas and grabbed whatever they could, some found long hooped leads that could snare the creatures exploring the world beyond their usual homes, some though found tranquiliers and even a few rifles. Within minutes the call had gone out to the Armies rapid reaction team for the city and Sgt Olly Thomas and his Red Legionnaires were rushing en route to the zoo. "well this is bloody different" Cpl Barks was in the back of their vehicle breaking out some of the less lethal equipment that they carried. As they pulled away from some traffic lights Thomas slammed on the brakes as a car ran through a red light.

"Twat" Olly yelled but then noticed all the lights were on green. "Lights are buggered" he commented as he flicked a switch and put the units red and green lights on indicating they were a military unit reacting to an emergency. The intersection cleared and after Thomas struggled to get the old SUV into gear the grinding sound subsided and they were on their way.

"I've worked it out." Saxby announced from the passenger seat, "Big cats get 100 points, any apes 80, little monkies 50, the King of the animals the majestic Honeybadger gets 1000. You lose that many points if you kill them though. 50 quid in each, winner takes all." The team confirmed they were in on the wager as they pulled up to the zoo entrance. Visitors were streaming out as the Legionnaires headed in. They found the zoo manager in the control centre which was without power except for one monitor which simply showed a green clad pixel figure firing a bow and arrow across the screen. The arrow slammed into the side of the screen and then a scroll unrolled.

Quote from: Text on Scroll
We are the Robin Hood Gang. We have control of your networks. If you want them back click on the link below and transfer us $3million.



10pm the Palm Hotel, Ipsus, Royal Seleucid

The east wing of the luxurious palm hotel featured a rather lavish entertainment centre. Casino games, TV lounges showing sports events, slot machines and even floor shows featuring some of Mundus biggest names. At this time of night many people began to flock in as the hotel was getting ready for its final evening performance. Its five restaurants were finishing off their pre-show service and getting ready for turning tables for their supper service. Junaid Akber was sat with a cup full of small Drachmaes slowly feeding a slot machine. He was down to his two or three coins when a pretty young server passed by. They'd been watching Junaid fill the machine over the last few hours and as the casino often did they brought him a complimentary drink. Junaid stopped playing for a moment as he chatted with the server and accepted the drink slipping her a crisp note as a thank you. He placed his drink in the holder attached to the machine and reached towards the bottom of his coin cup hoping the next coin would get him something back. Before he could insert the coin the reels spun forward and back and then stopped. "JACKPOT" it announced and began spitting out high denomination notes. Junaid was shocked. Less then five seconds later the machine next to him, which was empty, began the same thing and Junaid did his best to snatch the notes of that too, then the next machine and another began to pay out as the slot machine hall filled with the sound.

Upstairs in their office the casino director slumped in his chair. "What the hell is happening?" he screamed as he watched on CCTV people filling their pockets with notes as his staff did their best to handle the situation. He opened his laptop to see if he could access the systems and turn everything off but all he found was a picture of a green clothed archer pinging an arrow across the screen, a golden arrow punching its way into the side of the screen before a scroll unravelled.

 
Quote from: Text on Scroll
We are the Robin Hood Gang. We have control of your casino. If you want them back click on the link below and transfer us $20million.

26
Diplomacy and Events / Aid for Djabidjan
« on: September 27, 2022, 10:04:58 PM »

To - President Min Tae-joo

Having seen recent reports of the flooding and associated issues in Djabidjan I am contacting you to offer the following support from the Kingdom of East Moreland.

1. We have a system of Global Pre-Positioning Ships (GPPS). Part of their duty is to store supplies of fresh water, bottled water, ration packs, medical supplies and various other item needed should East Moreland troops need to operate anywhere in the world. We have one in the Krimeon region which could divert to your nation. We would make all food, water and medical supplies onboard avaliable to your relief effort as soon as they could be off loaded.

2. Also onboard the ships are the Watly Water filter and energy generation systems that are usually deployed as part of military forward operation bases. We would like to also offer these to your nation. Currently there are ten onboard the GPPS however we can have a further forty in your nation within 24 hours if permitted to fly in.

3. We are members of the Joint Emergency Team, a multi-national NGO established to deal with natural disasters and humanitarian operations. We will divert our J.E.T. resources to you immediately. This includes around 800 aid workers and associated equipment. We believe we could have these underway within 48 hours. Also with your permission we would ask for a mobilisation of all member nations assets to deal with these floods.

4. I understand you are seeking to establish learning centres. I would like to extend an invite to Melissa Lusk to extend the Refugee University network to your nation for the considerable future. This is a network of online learning and pre-taped lectures in various languages that allow registered students to submit coursework to an accredited institute. While this may be only able to cover Higher Education we believe that the network could be a useful resource for some.

5. Should the need arise I would be happy for the Royal East Moreland Air Force to operate medical aid flights to East Moreland. We have a facility known as Hunters Vale which is a converted former Air Force base that has a history of housing large numbers of refugees. The facility includes a hospital and we would be willing to take any requiring serious medical care there, along with their families.

6. Finally should you feel the need for extra boots on the ground I would be willing to put the Rapid Reaction Force from Duke Legion at your disposal. Around 6,500 Legionnaires are currently in this force and could be used to conduct a variety of operations from helping to reopen roads, distribute supplies and other associated roles. We would also be able to send their various support assets such as helicopters and transport aircraft.

We place all these options at your disposal and standby ready to help however we can,

May the Gods Watch Over You and Your Nation Know Peace.

King David III of East Moreland.

27
Diplomacy and Events / Nuclear Terrorism??? An offer
« on: September 15, 2022, 10:04:05 AM »
To Her Majesty Pharoah of Clysperis

The Kingdom of East Moreland along with our CNN allies developed a system of portable battlefield VLS missile launchers. These systems have in conflict in Lodja proven to be useful for counter artillery operations and close support. Should they be required to deal with the artillery shelling near the nuclear power plant we are able to loan twenty of these systems and the required missiles almost immediately. With the system being palletised it can be loaded almost as soon as we receive word and need only be loaded onto a standard truck to operate.

East Moreland has shown its commitment to nuclear security both in dealing with our own spectre of nuclear terrorism and decommissioning operations. As such we once again will stand ready to offer support with the plant itself.

May The Gods Watch Over You and Your Nation Know Peace.

King David of East Moreland

28
Roleplay Moderator's Office / Notice of new RP Manager
« on: August 04, 2022, 11:23:24 PM »
Following Tytors resignation of the post of RP Manager the vacant spot will be filled by Daito. Good luck.

29
Diplomacy and Events / An offer to Kizad
« on: August 02, 2022, 05:03:37 PM »

To The Emir of Kizad

I have recently read that your nation is likely to currently be experiencing an outbreak of Yellow-Tongue. This animal virus has the potential to cause great harm for your farming sector and furthermore increases the risk of mutation and potential human outbreaks. Ourselves and the Pasteur company based in Vinitsia did a great deal to develop a vaccination for the virus and now with the disease on the back foot we would like to work to provide the vaccination to farmers within your nation. Both ourselves and the Pasteur Company have put aside what we believe would be enough vacine to stop the current outbreak.

We would be glad to make arrangements to get the vaccine to you as soon as possible and would stand ready to provide support to put in place a vaccination programme.

Should you wish to discuss this then naturally we would be open to doing so.

May The Gods Watch Over You and Your Nation Know Peace

King David III of East Moreland.

30
The afternoon saw some crowds beginning to leave the dockyard as the family day out had exhausted most of the children. Rhiannon was somewhere now with the Osman Clan enjoying her afternoon, no doubt she'd have some tales to tell David that evening. He had agreed once his talks with Holmvik were over that he, his ex-wife Matilda and Rhiannon and her half-brother Oliver meet and had a dinner together. The King felt it important to show Rhiannon that even if he and her mother where no longer married that they still had Rhiannon's interests at heart. Before then though David had his second big meeting to attend.

"Yes I know who he is" David informed Quinn Germaine his Head of Royal Household as she tried handing him some intelligence documents on the Holmvik President. "You forget I'm a history nerd and I enjoy an action film or two." David had in addition to the briefing papers watched the film that no doubt glamourised the Holmvik revolution and the role their now President Sigmund Haugen had played. The meeting was taking place at the triangular Maritime Registory Building, just another of Portworth's historic buildings near the Dockyard that had been converted. In this case into a series of conference rooms, suites and dining rooms. David had reserved the front points highest tower, a circular room that served as a private bar. Its white marble floor was polished and walls made of dark wood gave an inviting warmth. The Registories bar staff had been replaced with an Air Force Steward who had been ensuring the Holmvik delegation had been kept refreshed while the King made his way over. Keeping them "warmed up" had been Chief Councillor Lucas Blakeslee and his niece Archduchess Sophie. David arrived and approached the President (OOC- Assuming its him if not assume its the leader of the delegation). "Please accept my apologise, days like today have a nasty habit of messing up schedules but I am sure you're no stranger to that." David introduced himself. "Please take a seat, you've all got drinks?" he asked before asking the barmen to fix him an orange juice as he settled down. "Today I'm delighted that we get a chance to talk. Your request to meet is one that excites me. You're nation and ours are very different in the way that we operate but I hope that won't cause any issues between us. Now" David unfolded the letter he'd received from the President and carefully placed it on the table. You must forgive this question. You see I like to think of myself as a bit of a history nerd. I'm fascinated by it and I wonder if it may have some significance, your coat of arms..." he pointed at it, "It appears to have a brick missing. Now is that significant or am I just reading more into it than I should?" he asked leaving the letter between them.

Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 9