The son of King Philip Thiessan and his former Queen, Anna Verchek, will reach the age of 18 soon. It is tradition in Hassfurt that the young Prince Jonas undergo the Day of Blood Ceremony. This will see the celebrant take part in a parade of others celebrating their 18th birthday the same week. At the Temple of the Two Gods Prince Jonas will undergo a form of ordeal by combat and if found worthy permitted to carry out his first blood sacrifice to the Gods. This is a momentous day in the life of any Dualist and as such we wish to open ourselves to the world to help form closer relations.

It must be noted that no exception to our faiths rules can be permitted. Those entering the temple must conform to our rules of belonging to the Ermwhal[1] or Tyranha Strata[2].

We look forward to hosting this event.

King Philip Thiessan & Queen Karin Biermann

---

The Palace of the Two sat on the edge of the "Old Town" of Codilla, the capital of the Diarchy. It was the day before the ceremony and in one of the ample courtyard of the Palace the recently turned 18 year old Prince Jonas was busy training with his father King Philip. The King stood holding punch pads on his hands having his son hit them in combination that he called out. The Prince was being criticised for his lack of power. "Boy tomorrow if you hit like this it will be embarassing" he informed his eldest son as they finished that round. "Come on" he waved his head towards the archway and began jogging his son, a tall boy, not as filled out as his father but his body leanly muscled followed. They ran up the hill towards the spire at the top. His father called this "The Gauntlet" and had made Jonas run it everyday for the last three years. His younger brother Stefan was also made to do the same and their security agent doubled as personal trainers ensuring it was done, today though Philip oversaw Jonas' final run. As they reached the next courtyard two wooden staffs waited and the two began sparring with them using as spears or long swords. The whole "Gauntlet" took close to an hour to run and by the end both were shined with sweat. "Get some rest now. Tomorrow I expect you to put on a show for the world. Now go change, your Mother is waiting"

"Yes father." Jonas turned bowed to his father and headed up he steps towards the interior of the Palace. His Mother Anna Verchek, the former Queen of Hassfurt had been watching them finish. Jonas saw her and smiled, "Mother" he said as he headed inside following his fathers orders. A few steps behind Anna was Queen Karin also technically his mother since she had become Queen following defeating Anna in a challenge. Jonas stopped and as expected bowed to Karin, "Mother" he said to her before heading off to change.

"So Philip how will our boy do?" Anna called down to Philip in the yard beneath.

"He should make a good show. He's a strong boy, his wrestling is good. His striking lacks power but hit often you maybe need to be less strong." Philip embraced Anna and kissed her on the cheek before hugging Karin.

"Yuk" Karin exclaimed, "You're covered in sweat" she protesed as she pulled herself back from him. "Get showered. We have family dinner in half an hour" she informed him. While Anna took her son for dinner in the capital the rest of the family would dine in the Palace."

That night Jonas slept in phases. His mind considering what tomorrow would be like. He had witnessed friends ceremonies and seen a few end up with broken noses, split lips and blackened eyes and wondered what would happen with him. His father was a good fighter and it helped having private tutors for wrestling, boxing and MMA drawn from the best of the military but as his father often said in fights luck is just as important as skill. Would he be lucky.

---

The next morning Karin placed out the black hooded robe that Jonas would wear on his parade through the streets. Beneath it she placed a gift, wrapped in red paper. He was in his bathroom singing along with some rock band as he showered. She listened for a moment hopeful his combat would be an improvement on his voice. She left quietly, she and her King agreed that Hassfurt must be more active globalwise and so had agreed to let the world witness this event. Naturally they had to ensure the purity of the Temple so with Jonas being Ermwhal he would ceremony alongside his own Strata and those of the slightly lesser Tyranha. The temple must only contain such people.

His shower complete he exited to find the robe. He held it up, just plain black, some had drawstring for the hood in colours, some occasionally had hems embroider with a feint pattern but his was just plain, a slight disappointment.  He slipped it on tied the belt around his waist. It gave a look like some film monk. He then saw the red paper package and looked at the tag. "Love from Mother Karin" it said and he unwrapped it. Inside was a black box which he opened and found a small silver badge. He knew the story. It was worn by Karin when she had challenged Jonas' birth mother Anna for the throne, it was not uncommon to pin lucky charmings on the inside of robes. He placed it carefully and headed down for breakfast. The Palace courtyard was filling. Normally on the weekly ceremony of Day of Blood people gathered at the sports arena close to the Temple. It was about a 400m procession but with today presenting a Prince the Palace would be used meaning around 1km to be covered. Families were grateful to be inside the Palace for their family special day and black jacketed soldiers checked ID against list and then guided each Strata to their own courtyard. Today around 30 people would be taking part, some even from other cities had asked to share the day with the Prince. Six others shared the Prince's courtyard and while they did not dislike each other people eyed each other with eyes like a boxer eying an opponent before a match. "He's a long set of legs. I bet he kicks." Princess Agatha, Jonas 12 year old sister advised pointing at the boy talking with his family opposite.

At the Palace gate 71 year old Prince Marcel Bartial waited. He was Prince by stint of being a former King. He had been an over-confident 52 year old who had thought he could still fight younger men. Philip Thiessan had knocked him out in around 30 seconds taking the throne. He bore Philip no ill will, and knew one day Philip would likely feel the same shame and embarrassment he had felt. It was the way of Hassfurt monarchs and  a necessity. He would be responsible for meeting those foreign guests who would be driven from the airport, along the new modern highway which Marcel hated. Then through the "Old Town" mighty stone wall and up to the courtyard entrance where Prince Marcel waited.

1.	Blonde hair and blue eyes
2.	Blonde hair

The judgement would be made based on the ambassador. So yes Zimalia sending a white person would be better than a black person.

Libby has told me it is normal for nations to assume that they have embassy in each others nation unless there is a reason not to.

Hassfurt is a nation that places great emphasis on race and physical characteristics. For example an ambassador for say Zimalia is likely to get very little from Hassfurt where as an ambassador of blonde hair and blue eyes is likely to be well respected. As such I know some nation may have therefore reason to not have embassies in Hassfurt. If people do not mind I will assume people have embassies unless they say otherwise. I imagine some nations like The Maori Iwi may not want/desire an embassy with a nation that is rather racist. Please just let me know if you prefer me to not have embassies between our nations.

If people want to RP setting up embassies I am more than happy to do so.

Full Name of Country/Region: Dirachy of Hassfurt
Representative Signing: Queen Karin Biermann & King Philip Thiessan
First Language: German
Second Language:
Additional Languages:

Please consider the Diarchy as a member.

Full Name of Country/Region: The Diarchy of Hassfurt
Representative Signing: Queen Karin Biermann & King Philip Thiessan
Continent: Aranye
First Language: German
Second Language:
Additional Languages:

Full Name of Country/Region: The Diarchy of Hassfurt
Representative Signing: Queen Karin Biermann & King Philip Thiessan
Continent: Aranye
First Language: German
Second Language:
Additional Languages:

Following a week of discussions in the Strata Council the Guine Reform Law has been rejected by the monarchs. The new law would mean that those committing crime enough to be consider a major sin of the laws of the faith would not be marked upon the forehead. At present time the guilty are either given a tattoo or burn scar of two arrows pointing in opposites. Under the new proposal the mark would be made on the back of the shoulder. The veto announce was made by King Philip Theissen who declared the following:- "The mark of a non-born Guine are a punishment for offence towards the Gods. These must be seen by the faithful so we know this sinner must not be trusted. Myself and my Queen shall not go back upon the word of the Gods." The proposal had just narrowly passed the Strata Council voting with 121 voting for the new law and 119 voting against. The news has been welcomed by the Priest classes who said the following:- "The Champions of the Gods know most what the Dual Gods require from us. They do what is right to conserve the natural order of the world of Mundus. We support their actions."

The tattooing and burning process was put into suspension while the proposed legal change was being debated. Tomorrow now the rejection veto has come 8 people will be given their tattoo in Frikenberg Prison. The tattoo is made when inmates leave. Those getting a tattoo include a rapist who has served a total of 15 years, a man who tried to interfere in Queen Karin Biermann's challenge in 2015 and a woman who was caught selling cocaine in 2001. All have broken the Dual Gods standards and are being punished for them.

Nation Name: The Diarchy of Hassfurt

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

Provinces you wish to claim:
1: R64
2: R63
3: R62
4: P37
5: P40
6: P39

Proposed colour of your nation on the map: Some shade of blue

I, Hassfurt, have read the rules set down above, and agree to follow them.

Unlike many nations with monarchs the Hassfurt monarchs do not come from a single bloodline. They are selected at set periods and must fulfil certain criteria to become the monarch. The Queen is refered as the Champion of Sandraudiga and wears a crown with red stones. The King is called the Champion of Heremod and wears a crown with blue stones. The King or Queen may be replaced either at death, end of ruling term or if four individuals drawn from the following believe they are no longer blessed to be Champion, the other monarch (so King may declare Queen unblessed), the two Consuls, The Spokesman of the Stratha Council and the leading Priest and Priestess. Essentially a 2/3 majority of leading figures.

A normal term is ten years. Kings are elected in years ending in 0, Queens elected in years ending in 5. There is no guarantee of being able to serve more than a single term. Once a monarch is elected at the conclude of their term any individual who fits the criteria of the title may apply to challenge them.

[The Criteria is as below.

King	Queen
Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be of the Ermwhal Strata Must be unmarried Must be from a family with no Guine in for three generations Must be able to hold the Axe of the King (4.4 lb) horizontally for a minute Must be deemed physically intact	Must be at least 16 years of age Must be of the Ermwhal Strata Must be unmarried Must be from a family with no Guine in for four generations. Must be capable of producing children Must be deemed physically intact. Must be deemed beautiful (judged by King)

Should someone, or multiples, apply to challenge the expiring monarch then the remaining monarch may set a task to prove the applicant is worthy to challenge. Generally if multiple people apply some kind of competition challenge is set, an example of this would be such as over 48 hours who can hunt the most animals and skin them, or completing a race on foot for Kings, for Queen's it may be to make items or race. The task should reflect the gender role and relevant God. If the challenge or qualification is passed that person may challenge the monarch. This sees the current monarch and the challenger engage in unarmed combat until a clear winner. In history there are examples of this fight causing deaths but this today is very rare.

To not be excluded from remaining in post a monarch must still be deemed capable of fulfilling the criteria of their role. Often no challenge is made if it is believed the monarch is doing a good job and enjoys support of the God they Champion.

The monarchs are classed as being married while ruling. They are also expected to produce children as this is one of the rules given by the Gods.

In terms of power the two are able to veto legislation drawn up the the Strata Council as long as both agree. They may also make any agreement with foreign nations without consulting the Strata Council however if they can't agree the Council have the determining vote. The King commands the Armed Forces but may not have them leave the nation without the Queen's permission. They appoint the leading Priest/Priestess for their God. They call for elections to the Strata. They may individually pardon criminals or commute their sentence. They are the religious leader of their God.


[The Consuls are selected by the monarch they represent and must be of the same gender. They may not be related, can not have served as King or Queen and serve at the delight of the monarch who appointed them. They must be either Ermwhal or Tyranha by birth. The Consuls have the first chance each day to propose business to the Strata Council. The Consul of the King may do so on days being an even number date, the Consul of the Queen on days being an odd number date. They are responsible for guiding the Council as the King and Queen may not set foot in the Council itself. The Consul proposing legislation may not vote on it while their opposite may only vote if numbers are tied.[


This is voted for by every citizen of the nation except anyone created a Guine during their life time. At election time the number of delegates from each Strata are predetermined.

Ermwhal - 50 seats
Tyranha - 40 seats
Antaray - 30 seats
Thrus - 20 seats
Guine - 10 seats.

Only people from the first three Strata may stand as candidates. To be a candidate you must also be over the age of 21, have never been monarch or Consul and have no criminal record. The nation is split into ten geographic areas. Each person may vote for one person running for each Strata. Political parties tend to draw up lists of candidates for each Strata with more experienced candidates being put on the Ermwhal list while often those new to politics are put on the Guine list.

Elections take place every five years. The Council debate and vote of legislation proposed by the Consuls. They may add business to the Council's list but this is heard only after the Consuls proposals are dealt with that day.

Originally the Universe had many Gods and Goddesses. Each of these had their own favoured race or tribe. The Gods derived their prestige from the number of beings who worshipped them. Jealous of the power of each other a mighty Galactic War began. At first humans and the other beings were unaware of this going yet the growing number of natural disaster and symbol in the skies slowly gave clues. Humanity formed itself into sects supporting different of the Gods and Goddesses. Backed by the Ermwhal people the pairing of Sandraudiga and her lover Heremod emerged victorious. They gave power on Earth to their Champion and believe that the person most capability of defending the Earth should rule. They set a series of rules for their children the humanity.

1. Pray to the Dual Gods three time daily, upon waking, when the sun is highest and before sleeping.
2. Multiply to ensure power of prayer grows.
3. Carry out sacrifice of other species to honour the Gods victory.
4. Maintain the human body in a state of strength.
5. Show love to all of the Dual Gods creation.
6. Show love to the Dual Gods Champions for their word is backed by the Gods.
7. The Dual Gods have created perfect order. Do not seek to break what Gods create.
8. A person must lead a good productive life to ensure perfect rebirth.
9.
10.

The faithful believe that it is important to conform to the social roles as identified by the Gods. A man must seek to be like Heremod, a good soldier, physically strong, able to hunt well and a skilled craftsman. Meanwhile a woman must seek to be like Sandraudiga, a caring mother, able to defend her family, intelligent and beautiful.

To maintain to the rules of their faith a Duality follower will raise early and carry out physical exercise after committing prayer. Next they shall place gifts of flowers and food at statues of the Gods. A Dualist will refrain from smoking, will drink alcohol only ritually, will seek to maintain their weight, will learn martial arts of some variety and will refuse drugs unless medical. Once a week Dualists will carry out sacrifice of an animal to the Gods and appoint the statues in the family home with blood.

Dualists believe that different humans supported different Gods in the Galactic War but following victory Sandraudiga and Heremod showed mercy to all. They however have blessed the Ermwhal tribe with most strength and powerful.

The faith is run by the Dual Temples on a day to day basis. The Temple of Sandraudiga is run by female priestesses who ensure ritual and rules are maintained. The Temple of Heremod is run by male Priests who do the same for their side of the faith.

The Preisthoods main purpose is to perform the Strata at a childs 12th birthday. Here a child is placed into one of five groups within society, known as Strata. These are determined by the Dual Gods and determine life chances moving forward. The Strata are a hierarchy and if a Ermwhal lives a perfect life they are permitted to go and live with Sandraudiga and Heremod.

1st Strata - Ermwhal - Defined as being blonde hair and blue eyed. They are considered to be the most loved and mirrors of the Dual Gods. They are permitted to hold all jobs within society and may be Champions of the Gods. The Ermwhal appoint 50 members of the Strata Council.

2nd Strata - Tyranha - Defined as being blonde haired but not blue eyed. They are considered almost good enough to be Ermwhal but have disappointed the Gods in a past life. They are permitted to hold all jobs within society and may be Consul's but not Champions. The Tyranha appoint 40 members of the Strata Council.

3rd Strata - Antaray - Defined as having dark hair. They are the middle rank of the Strata's and seen as almost the foot-soliders of the Gods. They are permitted to hold any job in society but may not serve as a Consul or Champion. The Antaray appoint 30 members of the Strata Council.

4th Strata - Thrus - Defined as having red hair. They are considered to have done something so terrible in a past life that they were punished by fire, which is why they have red hair. They may not serve in a position giving them authority over a Tyranha or Ermwhal so as such in the military for example they may not serve as officers. They appoint 20 members of the Strata Council.

5th Strata - Guine - Means that they are "Sinners" they fall into two groups, those who are born as Guine, these are marked by being of an ethnicity other than white. The other group are those who are created Guine, these are people sinning in this life so bad that they are cast out of their Strata. They are marked with a tattoo or burn on the forehead in the shape of two arrows, one points up the other pointed down. They are not permitted to hold jobs with any authority, are banned from the military. They appoint 10 members of the Strata Council, however created Guine can not be voting. 

Hello

Been guided here by Libby. We have RP'd for around twelve months in other place. That Sadly is no more so I shall hopefully find my nation a home with The Order.