The Oracle of Heremod has asked for a private meeting with King Philip. The news is following two members of those able to call for the replacement of the monarchs calling for the King to stand aside. Both Oracles and the Queen may also ask for such a situation but two more signatures from those three are required. Oracle Fritz Mounce has stated he has concerns that only the King can sooth. "The King has a long history of being a good man. His recent actions breeding with a Thrus (4th Strata) show a lack of poor judgement. The powers of the Dual Monarchs is such a man with poor judgement can not be on the throne. This means then that unless he can explain a reason for this disgrace I must add my name to those of Consul's Pfaaf and Feld." The King has yet to speak upon the situation but is listed as about to visit Bakkermaya with the Queen. It is understand that Queen Karin has however meet with Oracle Fritz already. The nature of their discussion has not been revealed but the meeting on offical business between Champion of Sandraudiga and the Oracle of Heremod is extremely rare and outside of protocol.

The meeting with Bakkermaya is viewed as the King and Queen's first official state visit to a foreign land. Some believe that it may be a chance for the King to convince a Queen who may be considering calling for the King's replacement to support him. The King is due to be re-elected in the new year. There have already been one candidate who has put his name forward, businessman Sven Junge who has openly criticised the King.

"You'll have to perhaps help me here." The Queen spoke, "My understanding is your recent period of military unrest in the North of your nation saw various foreign nations involved. East Moreland, Seasforth, Achkaerin and Rokkenjima by my knowledge, which I admit is not perhaps concrete. Is this arrangement with Rokkenjima one of your choice or is it one similar to the Cenneg involvement in Seleucid? My fear is we have a nation in Rokkenjima that uses phrasing to call itself a Mhorish or Illumic power, yet they are not native waters. Is this agreement you have with them just really the spread to attempt Peniche Power? These are issues I would need addressing before I could give statements supporting us taking the rights of control for the bay."

Prince Jonas has today returned home to Hassfurt. He has spent the last 10 days in Royal Seleucid making the tour of the nation. The Prince was nominated to represent the Diarchy in order to inspect conditions within the Celtic Protectorate. The invitation to inspect the Protectorate had been made by King Heydar of the Seleucid some time ago but until now no one has taken up the request. The Dual Monarchs assigned the Prince following his 18th birthday ceremony of the Day of Blood.

The decision to publish the report independently of Royal Seleucid was taken to show the neutral nature of the Diarchy in this matter. The whole reports is some 120 pages long however the Prince and his team have also released a summary of the key points.

The visit to the  region of Royal Seleucid known as the Celtic Protectorate was undertaken to review a number of key factors.

1. Is the area secure enough to give local people of a minority religious group the confidence to remain.

2. Are members of the minority religion freely able to practice their own religion.

3. Are the economic conditions of the minority religious group at least equal to that of the religious majority.

4. Are laws enforced equally across all sections of the population.

5. Are the rights of the religious minority at least equal to that of the religious majority.

6. Do the religious minority feel safe and part of Royal Seleucid.

With these issues in mind the inspectors found the following.

1. Is the area secure enough to give local people of a minority religious group the confidence to remain.

During our visit the streets of every major Celtic Protectorate settlement were patrolled by members of the Ui Cenneslaig military. While these foreign troops are not occupiers it was clear that they are undertaking a more visible patrol than normal Police Officers. When we compared the experience of walking around a Protectorate town to one in the rest of Royal Seleucid it was evident that a higher visibility of law enforcement was taking place in the Protectorate. The Cenneg military did themselves proud by patrolling in a relaxed and approachable way while actively engaging in the local communities. Speaking to members of the Cultist minority it was clear that they did not resent the Cenneg and seemed to actually like having them there. Speaking to the people of the Protectorate we got the impression that they do not fully believe that a Cenneg withdrawal would be in their interests however very few said that they would feel less safe. We witnessed several empty homes left by the genocide that have yet to be filled yet were told the owners were not killed leaving us to believe that Cultist refugees across the region and wider world may feel unsafe to return.

2. Are members of the minority religion freely able to practice their own religion.

Every settlement we visited in the Celtic Protectorate had at least one Temple or shrine dedicated to the Cultist gods and goddesses. Many of them had several showing that the faith seemed able to carry out their practices. We noted that many of the Temples were damaged but were reassured by locals that this had come about during the genocide. In some cases there had been attempts to repair them but this seemed a little poorly done. It was clear that the Temples lacked sufficent funding to carry out some of the major works required. We ventured into many cafes and restaurants for our evening meals believing this was a good way to gauge the local atmosphere. We saw Cultists at tables carrying out their prayers. We witnessed well attended weekly prayers in the Temple of Helus. When speaking to locals they said they had no obsticles to carrying out their rituals. One concern was raised and that was that during the recent food crisis many Cultists had their ceremonial swords confiscated and that these have not been returned. We witnessed one sword ceremony of a young woman however rather than a full sized sword she was presented with a small dagger. We were informed that this is because laws in place over the size of blades permitted to be kept at home have not been restored to their pre-food crisis stances.

3. Are the economic conditions of the minority religious group at least equal to that of the religious majority.


Having visited areas both in the Protectorate and around the Seleucid capital of Ipsus it was clear to say an economic disparity. The people living outside the Protectorate were clearly wealthier. We spoke with those in the Protectorate and they faced no additional stumbling blocks to economic success compared to those in Ipsus. We placed the disparity down to two factors. The first being that many of those in the Protectorate lost many valuables and had great damage to homes and businesses during the genocide and then food crisis. As such they are essentially playing catch up meaning that they may appear to be economically behind. The second factor is that upon returning home following the genocide many at first began to seek seperation economically, politically and socially from the rest of their Seleucid neighbours. As such this made it harder for businesses to trade and thrive. Over the last two months these things have eased and it is clear that with support from the Cenneg military the service and hospitality industries are beginning to thrive and are acting as a kind of catalyst for further economic reintegration.

4. Are laws enforced equally across all sections of the population.

From the court cases we saw taking place it is clear that a persons religious background plays no part in the legal process or outcomes. We believe that the laws are actually being less strictly enforced in the Protectorate compared to the rest of the nation. We saw many Cenneg soldiers turning blind eyes to some of the more recently introduced environmentally focused laws. In Ipsus markets for example we saw people having utilising old fashioned liquid fuel stoves in the marketplaces being fined for breaching recent laws. These same laws however were ignored in the Protectorate. When we questioned patrolling soldiers they stated that they did not wish to damage local businesses and that they felt it more important to look for crimes causing physical or mental harm.

5. Are the rights of the religious minority at least equal to that of the religious majority.

We found some slight disparity in terms of rights however we believe these are caused by circumstance and not intention. One such example was the recently passed legislation surrounding elections. With the Seleucid introducing a system of "Liquid Geniusocracy" it was clear that compared to the rest of Royal Seleucid the people of the Celtic Protectorate were registered to vote in a much lower proportion. Around 6% of the non-Protectorate voting eligible population are qualified to do so compared with just 2% of the Celtic Protectorate. We put this down to two factors. The first is that with no upcoming elections on the horizon many in the Protectorate have yet to attempt to register. The second is that with institutes of higher education being assigned to run the required IQ tests and there being less of these in the Protectorate it is physically harder for them to register. We saw no barrier to prevent someone who wished to attempt to register to vote from doing so, however we also saw no government encouragement to register to vote as opposed to Ipsus where posters at bus stops advertised IQ testing.

6. Do the religious minority feel safe and part of Royal Seleucid.


We asked approximately 2,500 Cultists their opinion and 76% agreed that they do feel safe. We must point out that during many of these discussions a member of the Seleucid government staff was present however based on informal interviews and also with gauging the local atmosphere we believe the number to be reliable. Many of the Cultists we spoke to informally gave the impression they see themselves as Cultists first and Seleucid second. The vast majority of those we spoke to both formally and informally said they believed King Heydar was more "pro-Cultist" than his father.

The young Prince spoke of how he enjoyed his time in Royal Seleucid. "The people have been very friendly. This was my first overseas visit as a royal or just as a boy. I have now great memories of the visit. I wish to thank the people of Royal Seleucid for making us welcome, filling us with minted tea and sweet cakes. I have no idea what will happen now. That is for the Cenneg and Seleucid government to work out. I believe the treaty in place has a clause to fulfill. I hope though we have reassured the world of the stance there.

"I think this may be impossible at present" Queen Karin replied.

"The statement of the security responsibility I have no issue with. The exclusion zone however I believe could be awkward with the FSC. It is also a worry that your agreement with Rokkenjima already violates this. You agree with Empress Beatrice to grant them use of military bases. You have also an agreement to host military exercise with them from time to time. I assume then when it rotates to Lakhzovia that will see the Bay used. I think therefore while this treaty stands between Rokkenjima and you that we can not make a joint statement about what you wish. Naturally should you want to stand beside your treaty with Rokkenjima that is your business. We have no quarrel with them and have met Empress Beatrice once briefly but on unofficially. Just to have this treaty in place would then prevent us doing the same thing with say Neu Urburzis, Achkaerin or Bakkermaya for example. May I enquire the position of this accord with Rokkenjima? Is it still valid, is it being revoked?"

Following successful completion of the Day of Blood ceremony Prince Jonas is set to perform his first official royal duty. The 18 year old Prince has been named as leader of an overseas visit. For months the King of Royal Seleucid, Heydar Soter, had called for foreign nations to investigate the safety of Helus Cult members in a region referred to as the Celtic Protectorate. The move comes despite Hassfurt having no real connection to Royal Seleucid. It was left to King Philip to explain the situation. "It is a long standing custom that royals undertake some key act of duty as soon as they can after the Day of Blood. An oppurtunity to visit another land and do something not just national but international is something we must begin to do." The Seleucid king has called on several occasion for a foreign inspection but has been ignored. "The Seleucid are a people we share no bond with. This is a chance for us to do so but also effect some real change on the future of people." The King added.

It is expect that Jonas will be joined by several senior officers from the military along with some key religious figures. The Prince is expected to finish his education in January and is destined to be given more royal duties. The Prince spoke with the media stating. "It is exciting to be the first Hassfurt royal in living memory to conduct an overseas visit. Seleucid is a land I know little about. I know some of the Helus faith though. I hope to enjoy meeting locals there and seeing the truth of the situation. We shall stay several days and move around before making a formal written report after we return to Hassfurt. It is our hope that it shall help Ui Cenneslaig and Seleucid come to terms over the future of this Protectorate." When the Prince was quizzed about the Midaranye situation he stated "That is not our concern. That is for the Iwi and the Seleucid to solve. We are just determining how people that have history wise been mistreated are now being treated."

The visit is expected to start on Saturday.

Karin knew that some day the issue of the Strata would be addressed. " The Guine are those who have done one of three things in a prior life. They have repeatedly displeased the Gods over a number of lifetimes. They have committed an horrific act of evil in their past life or they are a freshly created soul. The Strata system is kinder than many faiths. You see Christianity you get created by a God, live one life and are either punished or rewarded for how you did it, despite not always being given chances. In Duality you are given many chances until you get things correct. We do not see life as a single experience. So we see it as a Guine is someone who must earn a betterment in life.  They are not mistreated, they are not  victimised. They just are not given the same rewards as those who have pleased the Dual Gods." She hoped she had made herself clear. "If all Strata were treated the same what incentive would there be for bettering yourself and doing good?" she asked.

Over the last three years there has been a growth in the number of Hassfurtians undergoing a kind of therapy called Past Life Regretion. This process uses a combination of prayer, hypnotherapy and psychology to try and discover a persons past. Many believe the process allows a follower of Duality to connect with hidden memories of their past lives. The process was made popular after a TV Show featured some social media celebrities trying it. The majority of those undergoing the process are aged under 30. The process though has been criticised by some leading Priesthood members.

One of the leading practioners is Ursulla Andersson, a 54 year old former theology lecturer. She began doing PLR sessions around five years ago and has become a popular celebrity consultant. We spoke with her about the process. "Reading scripture it is clear that the soul contains memories. Think of it like a download. When a persons physical body shuts down it dumps its data from that life into its soul. The last download determines our Strata when we reboot. The problem is the soul has a series of firewalls. In some ways I do the work of a hacker seeking ways to find a route through these firewalls. Some people it is easy but others have dark secrets that they strive to hide." The process see's her undertake three steps, "First I interview the person to build up a picture of their emotional and psychological state. If I think here they could not handle dark news I do not proceed. If they make step two I hypnotise them and we can then essentially walk backwards through their rebirths. Sometimes this step can take many sessions depending on how many rebirths they have had. Lastly we work on learning from the lessons we discover so their life this time around can lead them to a higher Strata or home to the Two Gods." She estimates that she has carried out over 200 PLR's.

One of those she has worked with is model Katarina Heinze who posted one of her sessions on the internet. "I was fascinated at how I had reached were I was. I am an Ermwahl, but what had I done that made me worthy. I believe if I did the same again then perhaps I could reach the Gods. I heard of Ursulla so booked a session. WHile I was under her care I discovered that in my previous life I had been a father to three children, working hard as a steel factory worker. It took five years for me to be reborn but I have found that family, they are real people. Out of respect for them though I have and will not contact them. That is not the point of this process and I know some doubt it and I wish not to cause negative energy in a family. I have at times though been Guine, I am ashamed to say that during one life time I worked for a corrupt King of Hassfurt as one of their torturers. I saw horrid things in those memories but Ursualla talked me through them." Katarina is still meeting with Ursualla every few months as she believes that there are still doors closed to her. "When your under her care its like walking down a corridor with doors either side. For some reason you skip doors while others you freely opened. I want to make sure all my doors become open and I learn from past lives, after all experience can make us better and stronger people."

Some however believe this is nothing other than a scam. One of those is the well respected Priestess of Sandraudiga, Tabitha Ormendz. "The whole PLR is nothing but a scam. The Gods do not down load us. Our soul does contain memories of the past lives as the Gods discuss this with us when we die to determine how we are reborn. That though is the test. No two lives can be the same, so copying what you did with one life is not going to work again. People like Andersson are praying on the gullible and those who accept the influence of celebrity. If we could access all the memories of our past lives we will all have done things so horrible they would send us insane. The Gods protect us from this by giving us a fresh start each time. Thinking like Katerina does that you have families still out there from past lives could lead to very serious rifts within families. Personally I would ban the practice and charge Andersson with fraud."

The Ministry of Health has said though that while they recognise hypnotherapy as an alternative and "often useful" treatment they do not recommend or support PLR. A spokesman said, "We've seen around 500 more requests for PLR each year over the last three years. This year that has seen over 3,000 requests. We have not accepted a single one. Its a process I believe is expensive. (Andersson charges around $200 for a hour long session) It also has no recognised psychological value and so as a result we can not sanction the use of tax payers money. I personally have no issue with people taking an interest in the past but that's why we have history books. I suspect if we talk to people undertake the process many have connections with famous past figures. If people are only farmers, factory workers and the like they lose interest and Andersson will not get repeat custom."

Queen Karin also has in the past weighed in on the subject when contacted by a person saying they were her deceased aunt. "The message through the office came hesitantly as they were unsure whether to pass it on. It was an 18 year old girl. She was clearly being scammed, my aunt died only 16 years ago. I had my secretary write to apologise that she had been misled. It shows the lack of sincerity in this practice."

Andersson though defends herself saying. "In any profession their are those who scam and seek advancement the wrong way. Speak with my clients. Many of them have undertaken research and found the things I say can be verified. I also urge my clients to never contact family from past lives as they should focus on their new families, the people the Gods have given them now. We shall all be reborn so often we shall all one day be family with the Gods anyway." 

King Philip and Princess Anna's youngest child was today named an Ermwahl in her Joining the Strata ritual. The 12 year old Princess was escorted by her family to the River Nassach where she ritually washed. She was then dressed in a white robe symbolic of belonging to no Strata. At the temple the Oracle of Sandraudiga examined the Princess before endorsing her robe with the letters ER indicating she was joining the highest Strata. Following the event she was introduced to the citizens of the capital Codilla who had gathered to see her. It was no surprise that the Princess was named Ermwahl. The Princess attends the Codilla Girls Academy and is regularly seen commuting through the city.  Following the ceremony the Royal Family attended a restaurant in the city for a meal with around ten of the Princesses classmates. The Joining of the Strata ritual is the most important in a citizens life as it defines their life choices for the remainder of their life. The ceremony was attended by Queen Karin who has been the Princesses guardian since 2015. After the ceremony the Queen spoke saying. "We did consider inviting the world to see Agatha join the Ermwahl. The event though comes soon after her brothers Day of Blood which we invited the world to. Sadly two nations attended. We did not believe it fair to build so much around the Princesses day for it to attract so little."

The Princess spoke briefly with the media saying. "I'm proud that the Gods have rewarded the deeds of my past and given me a chance to join them if I do well. I know I have many difficult life choices before me and I hope they help me pick the right course. At the moment I just want to do well in school and help my father, my mother and my guardian." The Princess is a keen horse rider and is a member of the Girl Guides Association. She has also spoken of wanting to serve in the Woman's Combat Corps for at least a few years.

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The Ministry of Science has today announced the plan to build the Hrothgar Science Station (HSS). The station will provide the Diarchy with a science facility in the worlds most Northern landmass. The station is to be constructed first in Hassfurt and assembled into kit form. The kits will then be transported to Hrothgar and rebuilt ready for permanent settlement by research science teams. The base is expected to provide a team of 25 with state of the art facilities. It is expected that the first scientists will explore changes to ice shelves over time. The news marks the nations first steps into large scale international research.

Philip looked King David over. He was smaller than he had expected and despite seeing pictures of the man he was still disappointed he was a Antaray (3rd Rank Strata). "Your Majesty" he gave a respectful nod in position of a bow before squeezing the King's hand tightly. "I have read much of your nations interest in Swordsmanship. It is a martial skill I am yet to try my hand it but that armoured MMA of yours does interest me. Perhaps one day you may be able to let me have a lesson?" It may have been beyond living memory that Hassfurt had engaged with diplomacy with other nations but Philip had heard getting on personable terms with other monarchs was a good way of making friends. It was then that Philip saw that Empress Beatrice was with the Morelander, she was clearly a Guine (5th rank Strata) but the blonde hair a mockery of the Gods. Not doubt trying to fool people into thinking she was of a higher Strata but failing miserably. Philip could hear his boyhood priest in his ear "The Gods see through fakery." but knew  that at times the Strata may need to be put aside for the benefit of the nation. "Empress Beatrice" the King greeted her. "My advisers had told me that the King of East Moreland and Empress of Rokkenjima were not friends, in one way I am pleased to see two mighty monarchs together in friendship, it gives me hope for this organisation. On the other hand it makes me sad, as I now need to sack some advisers" He smiled his tone to strangers being hard to fathom whether he was jesting or not.

 

Following an announcement from Tytor that the Diarchy is a nation Tytor citizens are "Somewhat Discouraged" from visiting Prince Abraham Saller, a Priest of Heremod has spoken out. "I believe that Tytor are doing its people a diservice. We sit on their travel advice list at the higher level as Royal Seleucid, a nation that has carried out a genocide and narrowly avoided another during the food crisis. The government of Tytor believe it is safer to visit Zimalia, a nation riddled with HIV/AIDS and ethnic violence between its government and Afolayans. It is according to the government of Tytor safer to visit the Unified Iwi where people are clubbed to death and their bodies disolved in acid than it is to visit our nation." The Tytorian government travel advisery see's Six categories and Hassfurt sits in category give alongside Nya Aland. It is well documented that Nya Aland denies people the right to openly worship faiths other than the native Odinism. Only Kaitaine, a nation in the midst of a civil war, and Slava Lavosk a nation currently ostricised by the international community because of developing nuclear weapons sit higher.

Prince Abraham continued, "We sit on the list  because their government state  "There is and can be no acceptable justification for the abridgment of a human being's rights and privileges on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, or appearance." I believe the Tytorians lack a knowledge of our nation and that we are vastly misunderstood. Yes different Strata get treated in different ways, but this in no way is due to their race, ethnicity, religion, sex or appearence, it is due to their individual history. As a person dies their life is judged. Those who have done as the Gods wish is reborn as a higher Strata those who have failed the Gods a lower Strata. The aim is to become an Ermwahl who lives a perfect life and thus stop the rebirth cycle and ascend to a life beside the Gods. We do not discriminate against the lower Strata, we put in place systems that make decisions in their life simpler, as such they can focus on the Gods and as such increase their chances of being reborn closer to the Gods. Take the stance on abortion, we permit the lower Strata to have it as by not having the pressure of caring for a child can help some focus on the Gods work. Gun ownership is restricted to the top three Strata as those who have committed evils in prior lives may have memory of their past evils within their souls, this may tempt them to commit horrendous acts of evil and so we remove the temptation. This status in our society is therefore not an act of prejudice but an act of love."

The Diarchy has only recently seen fit to begin international exchanges. Recently King Philip and Queen Karin have visited the Lodjain Council of Crowns meeting. It marks the first time the monarchs have meet foreign leaders. Prince Abraham explains how this is not an issue as many believe. "While all the world are placed in Strata by the Gods only we recognise them. Those from other lands have yet to embrace what we know is the truth. That does not make them bad people, it merely means they have been given an oppurtunity by the Gods. No one says we must work through the Strata sequentially. Take Emperor Benson of Paracambi, in our eyes he is clearly of the Guine Strata. A position given by the Gods because of his past lives, however the Gods must have seen something redeeming in him as they have placed him in a position of great power. I suspect if he embraced the Duality faith he would be reborn as a Ermwahl. As such we must trust the Gods and see the best in the people placed in responsibility. It is all part of Sandraudiga and Heremod's plan."

It is not expected that Tytor's government will change Hassfurt's status anytime soon but Prince Abraham is hopeful. "All nations have Strata but may not realise it. That may be like Zimalia with their tribal groups or even Tytor herself with rich and poor, the royal family born to a position of privilege through blind luck with those beneath them unable to climb to the same heights. Here every soul could one day be King or Queen. It is my hope the government of Tytor will visit Hassfurt first hand and see we are not the people they think we are."

Jonas was surprised to find a Head Gothi coming for a talk. "Thank you Your Holiness" he gripped the man's hand firmly. "He recognised the emblem and gratefully took it. The emblem may mean little to his faith but he knew it was used by the culture of the Nordics as a sign of a warrior and he liked that. He had naturally like many of his teenage colleagues he had of course seen the Marvel films. He rather enjoyed them. He knew the Nya people had banned those with Thor in, but he liked the man. He may not have the politics experience of his father but he knew better. " Ah yes, the fairy stories of cinema" he said. "I'm thankful for your kind gift sir. Perhaps soon I can visit your nation" he added before bidding the Gothi farewell.

As Philip meet the Gothi he had expected some business to be discussed. "Well we have a small party back at the castle, Jonas will have his friends over, their parents of course. People will mingle and the youth will be a little.....crazy. I remember my own event was empty of my elders by 10pm. I think my parents actually just sat in the garden of our estate with their friends." He had challenged for King just 9 months later and the course of his life changed forever. "Perhaps then we can talk business. You would however need the Queen's attendance. Any agreements the Diarchy make must have the approval of both monarchs. So for as long as you don't mind Karin's attendance that should be possible. For now though we should be moving back to the Palace."

The group made their way downstairs. From the lower floors others were moving out. Some bloodied and bruised faces. Some with bandages. Each making their way back into the city. Some would no doubt be of friends with each other and as such would be having joint celebrations. All the Ermwahl would make a journey back home, change and then reappear at the Palace ready to share their evening with the Prince and the royals. The King headed to a car and waited for Stein to join him. " I must say the Vikings of your homeland they are a people I like to read about. I think it is "Saga's" that you call them. I've read a handful and they are inspiring stuff. How do they play as part of your faith." He asked.

Karin had taken a separate car with Princess Elisabeth of Montagnes. "Now we can put the fighting to one side. Tonight shall be about celebration. Enjoying nice food, nice wine and good company. I think you'll hopefully find Hassfurt is a nation that works hard, fights hard and plays hard." She smiled. "May I ask how significant is your monarchy? I mean no offence just I know nation such as Tytor they have monarch of zero real power where as here our word is significant. I ask because evenings such as this can be the start of national relations."

The cars arrived at the Palace. The sound of a band warm up could be heard as staff rushed to make the final touch for the evenings event. Banners were hung of the two families, the Thiessan and Biermann families who were the current monarchs. Then those of former still living monarchs like Marcel and Jonas' own mother Anna. As they exited the cars the King lead Stein while Karin Elisabeth to the lounge between their two offices. "I wonder do you know each other?" Philip said as he showed people to a seat.

The two joint rulers of Hassfurt had been outside during the council. They were unsure whether this organisation was for them. The idea though of meeting other monarchs at least means they would understand the Hassfurtian way of business. This was that the word of the monarchs was as good as the word of a God. Karin was the more nervous of the pair. The Red Crown of the Queen was a little too much she realised as the others emerged and the Queen took it off handing it to a staff person. Philip meanwhile elected to keep the Blue Crown of the King on. He enjoyed wearing it and enjoyed an opportunity to do so. They had watched the day as the food was prepared, Philip was essentially interested in the venison being roasted. He was a man who enjoyed to hunt but that tended to be pheasants and ducks. The rich succulent pate of home was often produced from his own ventures.

The pair waited for the gaggle of the monarchs to appear and wondered whether they should approach as a group or wait for them to disperse and pick targets. The duo breathed a sigh of relief when Queen Klara approached. It saved them navigating the situation but also meant they were being accepted by at least one nation. It was helpful that Queen Klara was probably Ermwahl, it was hard to tell with Lodjains being so decrotive with their hair and make up. It had been discussed at home that they must at least abroad be polite to these lesser races and so first Karin and then Philip accepted the greeting. "Thank you for hosting us" Karin took over, "We have so far enjoyed watching your chef's and they're pate is rather tasty." the Queen admitted.

"As for mingling I'd appreciate at some point an introduction to King David" Philip asked. "The Morelanders and their swords interest me and I believe the King was some kind of soldier until quiet recently." Philip himself was a serving Naval officer and the Morelander may belong to the Antaray (Third) Strata but he was a man of influence. "As for questions perhaps you could explain to us whom may oppose us joining your club so to say. I'd like a chance to persuade them otherwise."

To:- The Membership of the CNN

We recently witnessed the ability of the CNN Supereye satellite system. The images produced were impressive and as such the Diarchy of Hassfurt believe we would have use for such a system to help monitor shipping in the region we inhabit as well as for use by our science commune for research on various matters. As such we would be interested in purchasing a pair of satellites and having the CNN Space Programme launch them for us. If this is possible we look towards talks to determine a price, schedule and contracts.

Regards

King Phillip Thiessan
Queen Karin Biermann

The Armed Forces of Hassfurt are divided into five sections.

1. The Army - Commanded by the King and made up of approx 98,000 soldiers.

2. The Air Force - Commanded by the King and made up of approx 43,000 airmen.

3. The Navy - Commanded by the King and made up of approx 31,000 sailors

The above three branches also contain individuals conducting their compulsary military service.

4. The Ermwhal Guard Corps - A semi-elite unit commanded by the King. A kind of self contained military that undertake both combat and policing roles. There is approx 19,000 of these individuals.

5. The Women's Combat Corps - A force made up exclusively of women. hey are commanded by the Queen and act as her militia and a kind of national self defence force. They are approx 10,500 of these.

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Building	Details
Palace of the Two	The Palace is the official home of the King and Queen of Hassfurt. It is also the home of the children of the King and Queen. The Palace is in the capital of Codilla and sits on the Eastern edge of the Old Town which essentially is still the late Medieval period section of the city.
Palace of the Queen	The Palace of the Queen is located on Peniche Bay in the town of Finsing.
Palace of the King	The Palace of the King is located next to the town of Eitting close to the border with Neu Urburzis
Temple of the Two Gods	The most important Temple in the Dualist faith. It has been rebuilt many times following natural disasters and fires. The last time was in the 18th Century. Today it has a complex built around it where a school of the priesthood is based as well as an archive and museum.