The Herald of the Nether

[Persephone]

Consecrated Diet Overturns Solillel Doctrine; Future of the Nation Uncertain

Across the Imperium, citizens are waking up to historic news- the Consecrated Diet has voted an end to the Solillel Doctrine. Last week, a special closed door session of the Diet was called by Suzerain Wrex. The Assembly has been in session for almost the entire week. Food was delivered directly to the meeting floor, and daily recesses were only called for short bathroom breaks and late into the night. No topic for the agenda was given to the public, nor any explanation. Because of this, speculation has been rampant.

Political analysts and sources close to the Assembly over the last week have offered a variety of ideas. These have ranged from the creation of a new ten year economic plan to a restructuring of the Consecrated Diet. But none guessed that it would be the calling of the Solillel Doctrine into question. For decades, Nyx has been unconcerned with any and all actions that occur outside of its borders. With the exception of economic ties and trading, the nation has been purposely absent from the world stage. This has allowed the Imperium to flourish, maintaining a golden age of peace and prosperity.

Now the future of Nyx is in flux. The long-held Solillel Doctrine has been a policy of political isolation and a focusing on internal affairs. Few are sure what exactly an end to isolation will mean or even what it will look like. The Suzerain released a statement early this morning shortly after the announcement.

The Imperium stands as one of the single greatest nations on the face of Mundus. We are the largest of nations and wield a massive and growing economy. Our people live full and wonderful lives. We are united in our love of the Goddess and we eagerly await to feel her embrace. But this has come as at a cost. We have ignored the rampant chaos outside of our ivory walls. We have ignored our sisters and brothers as they are crushed underfoot by the horrors of the modern age. Is this any way to act? For too long we have been content to sit at the dinner table and eat more than our fair share while those next to us are starving.

The modern world is a harsh master. Cultural Imperialism, Superpowers, Internationalism, Regional Power Blocs. It is a difficult world to navigate. And outsiders now wield the power to decide the fate of internal national matters. Look to the ongoing situation in Clysperis. A Pharaoh backed by outsiders and a rebel calling for his own international support. To our sensibilities this is no way to act. We have always thought to stand on your own is the greatest of achievements. But perhaps we are wrong.

If we continue to uphold the Solillel Doctrine, one day they will come calling and we will have to answer to foreigners on their terms, a position I will never allow Nyx to enter. We enter the world stage with no allegiances nor ancient connections or grudges. As such, we are not tied to the old world politics. East Moreland currently means the same thing to us that Quintelia currently does. Or Tamora and Toshikawa.

The outside world appears to be full of hypocrisy and morally bankrupt[1]. We shall examine and probe the nations of Mundus and judge accordingly. The Imperium will be the reckoning they deserve. The cataclysm[2] they have earned. We will stand firm on our principles and we will never back down, we will never surrender. The apocalypse has come and there is no middle ground left to flounder on.

1.	Note that the Nythymn have an extremely unique idea of ethics and morality
2.	In context of the Necrova, this means that the deserving shall be rewarded and the undeserving punished.

[Persephone]

Jerlic Districts Prepare for Another Massive Christmas Holiday

Christmas Eve is only a day away, and that means the across the Imperium, the Jerlic are preparing for their most joyous days of the year. The Jerlic Districts, the urban centers for the unbelievers, every winter are decorated to the brim with Christmas joy. There will be ice skating, carriage rides, and hot chocolate served late until the night on Christmas Eve. In addition to a Christmas tradition that only takes place in Nyx. Numerous Jerlic stores will be open all Christmas Eve, including all night. But any and all items purchased are not for personal use, but rather donated to the less fortunate in celebration of the holiday. In is one of the most important business days (or nights) for Jerlic owned businesses across the nation, as people from all stratums stay up to participate.

Despite the fact that Christians in Nyx only make up a small part of the Jerlic minority, Christmas has become a flagship holiday for the entire stratum. Other religious groups rather than celebrate their own winter holidays separate have found ways to combined and adapt Christmas traditions to their own. As such, Christmas is less of a Christian holiday in Nyx, but rather a holiday for all not belonging to the Necrova.

This can be seen in a number of Nythymn Christmas traditions. Across the Jerlic, at the head of the dinner table is roast turkey rather than ham to accommodate for Jewish and Muslim dinner guests. The Prime Minister, head of the Jerlic Government, even goes so far as to yearly pardon two of the three turkeys presented for his own state dinner, all of which is either kosher or halal. The twenty representatives that form the Jerlic voice in the Imperial Assembly, spend the day volunteering at various Agni kitchens. Early Christmas morning, almost all Jerlic can be found in churchs attending non-religiously discriminatory Christmas mass. Several of these masses are even led by religious leaders not belonging to the respected church they are preaching in. Last year, the Grand Catholic Church of Erebyx' (the largest church in Nyx) Christmas mass was led by Rabbi David Feinman. Almost immediately after mass, all Nythymn take to the streets to watch the Jerlic Winter Parade, a celebration of the unique cultural identity the members of the nonbeliever stratum have in the Imperium. Finally, Jerlic retire to their homes to spend the rest of the day with family and friends.

Christmas has become such an important holiday in Nyx, that even many non-Jerlic stores and restaurants are closed on December 25th, to give both the Jeric and Agni workers a day off. The amount of donations and volunteering in Agni support charities reach their peak during the winter season, meaning this tends to be a great time for the lower stratum as well. As can be seen, the affects of the Christmas spirit have a far reaching touch across the Imperium, making this one of the most wonderful parts of the year.

[Persephone]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Established

The Synod has issued an Imperial Decree establishing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cementing the end of the Solillel Doctrine. The Ministry's official objective is to "observe the international community across Mundus, monitor international relations, and offer advice to the Imperial Diet in diplomatic matters and posturing." The Ministry will be head in the newly opened Hall of Knowledge in the governmental city of Terminus. The city of Terminus houses a number of important government institutions, including but not limited to, the Summer Home of the Imperial Bloodline, the Black Monastery, the Academia Vur Nurcatra, the Erebyx branch of the Vom Chancellory, and the Ministry of the Jerlic.

Many government official are calling the creation of the Ministry an appropriate measure that should have been done years ago. Prime Minister Zash, head of the Jerlic Ministry, had this to say: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is something the Imperium has needed for a long time. Even during our isolation, a branch of the government to report on the international community is something that is always necessarily. While I commend the Synod on finally taking this step in modernizing our nation, the Ministry will have its work cut out trying to catch up on the information and records housed by our contemporaries."

While most in the government are excited by the prospects of the new ministry, there is growing unhappiness in part of the Vi and Agni stratums. This displeasure is mostly centered around the fact that the creation of the Ministry means thousands of new positions among the Azrul must be filled. This is causing a major reshuffling of local clergy across the Imperium. Whole districts are being redrawn and even combined to accommodate for the changes in bureaucracy. 

One Vi mother had this to say, "The Black Crypt has blessed my district with one of the most compassionate and eloquent Chaplains. My children love her and look forward to our weekly prayer. But because of the changes in the bureaucratic structure, she being reassigned to a new district across the Imperium. Frankly, I find this whole thing ridiculous. Why can't we keep our Chaplain? And I'm sure we aren't the only ones being affected in this way. I don't care about the need for a new Ministry, what I care about is my children learning about Necra's love. I've already lodged my complaint with the Black Crypt and I will continue making noise until this is solved."

[Persephone]

Ascendant Xirk Laid To Rest

Ascendant Xirk succumbed to Necra's Call late last night. Reports from those close to the Ascendant say he died peacefully in his sleep of natural causes. The Ascendant would have been 102 next week. The Ascendant has ruled the Imperium as Necra's mouthpiece since he was 29 years old. His rule lasted for 73 years, meaning he is the longest ruling Ascendant in history. His body has already been laid within the underground Necropolis, and the traditional funeral processions will begin tomorrow in observance to Christmas.

Xirk's funeral will start with a national parade in celebration to his life and achievements. After that the majority of the ceremonies will be handle by the Black Crypt and will mostly be for the Highborn and Azrul. His successor will be named as the Risen towards the end of these traditions, about a month from now. The Risen will end the mourning with a 12-hour silent Spirit Watch, where Xirk's spirit will finally leave Mundus to join Necra in the afterlife. It won't be until a full year after the Ascendant's death that the Risen will be able to ascend and become the new Ascendant.

Xirk joins a small list of important political figures who have been called by Necra this Christmas. Suzerain Wrex gave this words in support of Achkaerin and Euirasia, "Our support and condolences go out to the nations of Achkaerin and Euriasia, especially to the Azurewind and Ventham families. We understand that while Xirk's death is a time for celebration and joy across the Imperium, this is not the case for these two nations. Especially given the circumstances. Both were murdered in cold and violent deaths, they were taken before their time. I wish for Necra's wrath on the monsters responsible in this life and the next. If there is anything the Imperium could do to ease the pain, you had need only call on us."

[Persephone]

The Blooded Lily By Michelarex

The Battlefield of the Assault of the Lily Unearthed

An archeological team commissioned by the University of the Erebyx has found the site of perhaps the most famous Nythymn Renaissance battle, the Assault of the Lily. With the discovery of the battlefield, the team is hopeful that the legendary blade, Caliburn could also be found. Already the Black Crypt has declared the sword a holy relic, meaning that if found, the diggers must immediately turn it over to the Black Crypt. The sword's holy status steps from the one who wielded it- Joanith Romeenael.

A Sanctified Avatar of Necra, Romeenael is one of the most well-known and famous Avatars in history. Born to Agni parents, she spent her childhood as a serf. But this was a time of war and violence in the Imperium, as the ever expanding Ardian Empire was constantly launching invasions into Nyx. One of the most successful and deadly of these was called the Invasion of the Lilium. Much of this Invasion has been shrouded in myth, legend and religious dogma. The Ardian Legions appeared to be unstoppable, marching straight into the heart of the Imperium, no army capable of even slowing them down. But Joanith, or, as she came to be known as, the White Lily, was able to amass a resistance made from the commonfolk. She proved to be an effective and brilliant military strategist, pushing back the Legions. She was undefeated until the Assault of the Lily. 

The Assault of the Lily was a great to defeat to the resistance and marked the beginning of the end of the Invasion. After the battle, Romeenael left her blade, Caliburn, among the dead, saying she was no longer worth of it. She would go on to fight one more battle where she was captured by the Ardians, tried as a witch and burned at the stake. The team is hopeful that with the discovery of battlefield more historical truths about the Avatar can be established. While it is known she existed, was a military leader and burned by the Ardians, not much else is known. Hopefully, in the coming weeks more truth on this beloved historical figure can be uncovered.

[Persephone]

Royal Nyx Ballet Company to Go On World Tour

The Royal Nyx Ballet Company, the undisputed greatest of the Nythymn classical Ballet troupes, is about to begin a historic world tour. They will visit all four continents and over 12 countries. The tour will start in East Moreland and end in Achkaerin, visiting all sorts of nations in-between. Top leaders in the Consecrated Assembly have referred to the tour as a sort of "soft diplomatic" mission. The goal is to introduce various peoples across Mundus to the culture of the Imperium, and hopefully add some friendly faces to the once isolationists. The all female tour will include 8 dancers, including the nation's pride- Civakri, and 2 understudies along with a tour manager. Due to the small number of dancers on the tour, they will be preforming a rep of reduced versions of some of Nyx' most famous and historical ballets.

The Royal Nyx Ballet Company is patron directly by the Imperial Bloodline. 29 year old Civarki, who will be the tour's principle dancer, said that this is a bittersweet moment. "On one hand, this is such a great honor and opportunity. We will get to see Mundus in a way few Nythymn ever have. But also, we will be gone for half a year, meaning we will not be able to perform in some of more traditional performances the company does. The one I think that stings the most for all of us is the Empress' birthday performance."

The tour will be doing a short performance for the rest of the company and the Imperial Bloodline tonight before departing for Ostlake to take part in the East Moreland Dance Festival.

[Persephone]

Suzerain Calls Foreign Action in Neuva Ardia "Woefully Misguided or...Silent"

Suzerain Wrex has decided that the time for the Imperium to begin flexing its international muscles has come. The situation at hand, the growing crisis in Neuva Ardia. The Suzerain released a historic statement, the first to ever comment directly and solely on an issue of a foreign nation.

The people of Neuva Ardia are facing an increasingly fractured political landscape. You have the NAF (National Alliance of Farmers) and NFC (National Fishing Council) fighting against former President Melos. I say former, because Melos has somehow managed to remain in office, despite the constitution clearly stating that the president serves in terms of 4 years. Of course, there was a referendum held to increase the term length to 7 years. But how much can we trust this referendum? Multiple individuals and groups across Neuva Ardia are calling into question the validity of this so called referendum. And instead of an investigation into the validity of these claims, President Melos, the man who got exactly what he wanted from the referendum, has instead insisted on the unbiasedness of the National Election Agency that ran this so called referendum. How can we trust this single source of information? What reason do we have to trust the word of one against the word of many? And yet, has any nations stepped forward to ask these questions? To sponsor truth and the will of the people? No.

Instead, the Kingdom of Quintelia seeks to intervene and break the methods the people have taken to defend their right to protest the actions of their government. Actions that could in-fact disgrace this center of democracy. The will of the people is being threatened. Quintelia sends food and agricultural equipment to a nation where there is no shortage of food, there is no famine. Not for the individuals. But it is the voice of the farmers that is being threatened, being starved. The international community's actions toward Neuva Ardia have been woefully misguided, or even worse, silent.

It is to this end, that the Imperium will offer our assistance, one in favor of the people and self-governance. As a neutral party, the Imperium has been absent from world politics for almost the entirety of our existence, we would like to investigate the claims made against the fairness of the referendum. Our finding will be completely transparent and published for all of Mundus to witness. If these claims are unfound, then Melos has nothing to fear, and his powerbase will be strengthened and the Imperium will denounce the NAF and NFC. In addition to taking actions to end this political fracturing. But if the referendum was not fair and just, if it was biased, then we will oversee a neutral and fair vote so the will of the people may resume.

We extend this offer to President Melos, to the NAF, to the NFC, and to the people of Neuva Ardia.

Sources close to the Consecrated Diet say that this is the first step by the Synod, lead by Suzerain Wrex, to increase Imperium involvement in East/Northeastern Ardia. Many speculators are saying that the situation in Euirasia is next on the Consecrated Diet's agenda.