Recent Posts

Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 10
1
Press Offices / Re: Imperial Rokkenjiman Office of the Press
« Last post by Beatrice on March 28, 2024, 11:15:32 PM »
Pyrena Castle
Office of the Imperial Media Liaison

For Immediate Release
March 28, 2024

The Imperial Government, acting in coordination with the Imperial Rokkenjiman Naval Intelligence Service and Rokkenjiman regulatory officials, has banned the importation of computers and consumer electronics from the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo, as well as any products which contain hardware originating from the Unitary State and those which operate utilizing software designed in the Unitary State. In a joint effort it has been found that these products do not meet the requirements as mandated by the Consumer Privacy and Protections Act of 2017 and present a real and present danger to Rokkenjiman consumers utilizing products which either originate, or utilize components or software which originates, within the Unitary State. The Imperial Government recommends that Rokkenjiman consumers immediately cease conducting data sensitive tasks on such devices and replace them with a CPAP-complient device at their earliest convenience. Several such devices are available from Rokkenjiman, Achkaerinese, Dartfordian, Morelander, Fusanese and other foreign firms.

This ban on the importation of devices from the Unitary State is effective at 12:00 AM AST this evening, which includes sales on third-party sites between individuals within the First Empire and the Unitary State. Devices sold in such a manner will be blocked from import once they reach Rokkenjiman shores and will be seized for analysis by Rokkenjiman authorities in the pursuit of ongoing investigations. We further recommend that Rokkenjiman consumers cease the utilization of any such products they may already own. We will continue to keep the Rokkenjiman People updated as our investigation proceeds.
2
International News Networks / Re: Rokkenjima Broadcasting Corporation (RBC)
« Last post by Beatrice on March 28, 2024, 11:01:07 PM »


Imperial Diet Considers Changes To Arms Sales Policy


Under new legislation being considered by the Imperial Diet Rokkenjima will allow the sale of export versions of certain military hardware to a broader audience. Ships such as the Caroline Class Corvette, as well as other non-capital ships, aircraft and small arms are being considered in the proposal for such export versions.

An Act proposed to the Imperial Diet restrictions against the development of export versions of Rokkenjiman military equipment for sale to nations which are not a part of the Cross-Straits System, or are otherwise considered Major Non-CSTO Allies, is being considered. If passed, the Act would allow for the development of export versions of non-capital ships in the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy, export versions of certain aircraft and a lifting of the ban on small arms sales to nations which are not in the CSTO or are not Major Non-CSTO Allies of the First Empire. "Rokkenjiman shipyards produce some fine ships, and what this Act allows is for the ability of Rokkenjiman firms to produce versions which may be sold to foreign nations without violating current standing law," Speaker Katsuhiko Sugano shared with the RBC. "We should not hold back Rokkenjiman firms from expanding the business opportunities which other nations fully encourage; now we're not going to be selling Excalibur or Class Carriers, let me be clear, but certain other vessels could be of effective use to foreign navies and, so long as they are sold in a responsible manner I feel the benefits are plain for any to see," he continued.

Abstergo Industries has confirmed that work has been started on providing means to provide non-ICON software and equipment suites for the vessels and aircraft in question, whilst Rosa Shipyards has stated it is capable of building ships "while taking into consideration foreign needs for systems which best integrate with their national security needs. We can build any ship around any system with confidence," a spokesperson for Rosa Shipyards shared with the RBC. Some lawmakers, however, have shared their reservations at the development, stating that no matter the compromises involved Rokkenjima should maintain its reluctance to sell weapons systems merely to the highest bidder.

"There was a reason the Saisei Empress limited Rokkenjiman systems to only our closest allies; because we would not wish to see a Rokkenjiman weapons system employed in a manner which stands in contrast to our values," Councillor Koizumi spake on the floor of the House of Councillors. "While this Act opens new avenues for Rokkenjiman firms to increase sales it also opens the box of Pandora for those weapons to be used in ways they never would be used under Rokkenjiman, or Rokkenjiman-allied, control; essentially, once we give them the training and the keys whatever happens next is outside of our control. I, and the Centre Party, will urge caution and great reservation as this Act is considered by the Imperial Diet."

Speaker Katsuhiko Sugano countered the position of Councillor Koizumi, stating, "I don't believe anyone considers where a weapon utilized against them is made and, naturally, we will be seeking some sense of standards for who we sell to outside of the CSTO and our Major Non-CSTO Allies; states like Kusan or Centralia won't be benefiting from this shift in policy I promise my colleague. At present Rokkenjiman firms are precluded from considering continental neighbours for sales as well as responsible states such as Abertone, Paracambi and even the Fusanese. The world has changed since our initial policy on this matter was introduced, and we should evolve our position, not remain stuck in a mindset of the preceding decade."

Self Driving Truck Lanes To Be Employed Within Rokkenjima


An autonomous, futuristic truck with a trailer drives upon a 4-lane highway at night. Both the truck and the road contain a suite of sensors that communitcate with each other in real time to allow the truck to drive safely.

Roadways across the Empire will soon lend some space to a fleet of autonomous vehicles traveling upon them. Following up on an initiative started in 2003, dedicated highway lanes between the Tri-City Megalopolis will host self driving semi-trucks during overnight hours in a comprehensive real life test for such systems moving forward.

Whilst the self-driving vehicle industry continues to promise systems capable of independent navigation in real-world environments, vehicle to everything systems offer a level of safety and efficiency beyond what onboard systems alone are capable of providing. On such roadways information from roadside infrastructure and other vehicles will augment what any individual vehicle can see on its own. The lane in question will span roughly 200km of highway within the Tri-City Megalopolis, a length which will be outfitted with roadside sensors that form a communications network which self driving trucks and centralized human road managers look after for the duration of the pilot program. These sensors will detect other vehicles on the freeway to assist with merging as well as any fallen objects to maintain safety. Should construction zones be required on the route they will be dispatched to the trucks ahead of time.

It is expected that the lanes are to open before early April.
3
International News Networks / Re: News from the Empire of Tanith (multi-source)
« Last post by GiseleAstra on March 28, 2024, 09:55:13 PM »

In the 1024th year of the Emperor's Reign
Brought to you by the Office for Media Affairs


DUE FOUND GUILTY. EXECUTION APPROVED

The two individuals who had been caught breaking into the Shrine of the Emperor have been found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. Avitus Seneca and Ulysses Tatius were found guilty after just three hours of the jury deliberation. The Shrine of the Emperor is the most sacred site in the Empire and any non-Inquisition sanctioned individual entering, or attempting to, is committing the crime of "Disturbing the Emperors slumber" which is is considered treason. The two men stated in court that they had both served in the nations military as volunteers and now run a website dedicated to "non-mainstream news". As part of this website they have been accused of "Borderline heresey" by the Inquisition in the past for their attempts to show that the Divinatus faith is not real. The two men now have seven days to appeal their sentence with execution by garrote scheduled to take place on the 6th April should the appeal be unsuccessful. Legal experts believe that the men's best hopes now lie with the Regent who has the power to commute the sentence either to that of death by firing squad or life imprisonment.
4
International News Networks / Re: Juglander Review
« Last post by paralipomena on March 28, 2024, 05:01:45 PM »

Juglander Review

Mktvartvelo: Infrastructure Plan announced by national government



Malkhaz Ochkhikidze, Minister of Economic Development, has announced the launching of a "National Development Plan", with an initial cost of 1.6 billion USD, aimed to fund infrastructure projects.

The Plan will be administered and reviewed through an interministerial commission between the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Ministry of the Treasury, and the Ministry of the State. "We are hopeful to increase the span of this plan once a national budget is finally passed in the parliament", Ochkhikidze declared.

The minister has declared that one of the aims of the plan would be to reduce the gap between the top and lowest provinces and regions, as well as stimulate economic growth and employment.

Ochkhikidze also confirmed that the new announced spending will not include the Social Housing Project already announced by the Ministry of Housing and Social Policy. "Both plans have some obvious share aims, of course", Ochkhikidze argued, "under a comprehensive national vision, but they will have also some differences in their goals and focus, as it is natural".




5
Convention Centre / Re: Bride of the Emperor - IC Thread
« Last post by paralipomena on March 28, 2024, 04:37:01 PM »
Tinatin had not shared the obvious disappointment of the other contenders. The whole affair had stopped to be that amusing for her, even after the entertaining news of Irene's depart. She simply shrugged when she read the announcement. She wondered if the rest of the process would offer something useful for her.

Noble Lady Shin, instead, had taken the time after the last test for some self-examination, despite her overtly positive result. Every morning, she woke up early, lighted a candle, washed her face and arms, and meditated before a brief walk through the space around the camp. After their lunch, she carefully wrote about her own thoughts about the contests and the other contestants. She attempted to find if there was any system behind what the contestants had offered in the previous tests and their results. The message surprised her. She wondered if she had overlooked the differences between her own expectations and the demands of their hosts. She had been surprised that they were not demanded to express their own thoughts and their communication skills, or inquire on their personal and world views.
6
Convention Centre / Re: Bride of the Emperor - IC Socialisation Thread
« Last post by Beatrice on March 27, 2024, 09:45:57 PM »
7
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Plot To Destroy Rokkenjiman Democracy
« Last post by Beatrice on March 27, 2024, 09:28:22 PM »
"It also sends a message that can't be confused, doesn't it?" he said as he employed the tactic upon Howard Bailey who in his present state offered no response. "A pity, at least a flinch would've been rewarding, bu...hold on," Kado said as his ear piece shrieked. "Oh that dumb bastard," he said as he shared a view of his screen with Rion, "someone attempted a hit on Lucinda, those poor bastards won't last but a season in a Rokkenjiman prison. I'd leave here now but," he said looking down on Howard, "I've work to do before me. But when I get my hands on him, I imagine it'll only be right to give him an ounce of what she experienced. I must add," Kado paused, "she's different, you know, these days? I still don't know what do do with that, an emotional and feeling Lucinda isn't anything I ever imagined, but something's awakened in her and, I don't know if any of us are equipped for that."

"I see," she said as she retired into her seat. "We'll have troubled waters to navigate, but navigate them we will, Rokkenjimans do not retreat from such waters, we push through them," Asuna said with a reassuring smile. "At the end of the day she's sacrificed so much to protect me so," she said as she looked out the window, "I will sacrifice all I must to protect her, damn the consequences when you stand on principle. You betray your beliefs and principles when it matters most and those same principles are meaningless. Even if it means I have to stand up to the Morelanders, I'm ready, I promise."

"But of course," Beatrice would say, before hugging Lucinda. When alone with Peter Lucinda offered a confused expression, "What possibly could you hope to garner from me in conversation?" she asked as she reverted to her more understood and recognizable emotionless persona. "I was but a mere servant of the Empress, now a friend of the Empress being relieved of my previous constraints. I'm sorry, Sir, I don't know if I'm worth your time in this moment," she continued with a monotone voice.
8
International News Networks / Re: Rokkenjima Broadcasting Corporation (RBC)
« Last post by Beatrice on March 27, 2024, 09:12:18 PM »


Grand Duchy Of Fukadomari Is Official


The Grand Duchess addressed Fukadomari upon the results of the votes.

With votes in Josai and Fukadomari returning results of 75% and 69%, respectfully, the Grand Duchy of Fukadomari is set to replace the Grand Duchy of Josai. "The People of Fukadomari have spoken with a determined and undeniable voice," the Grand Duchess shared with the RBC, "that the present arrangement is not working, and that all who call Fukadomari home deserve an equal voice in the Imperial Diet. Upon the successful conclusions of our respective votes I informed the Empress of the will of the People and she has recognized our decisions, granting the green light for Josai to reverse incorporate into Fukadomari and formally establish the Grand Duchy of Fukadomari. I am proud of the result we have reached, just as much as I am hesitant as while I have ruled Josai, I've many, many more millions of voices to consider as we move forward together into the future."

The Grand Duchess confirmed that, just as Rishiri, the Grand Duchy would enjoy full autonomy over its foreign affairs, "opening doors for Fukadomari to engage with the world in a way which benefits us and our unique position in the Dauntel Sea. Here we sit between four nations, those being Rokkenjima, Tytor, Fusan and Abertone, a position I feel which can be naturally levied to enrich the lives of Fukadomarians and Rokkenjimans alike; Sentāpōto is already the busiest port throughout Rokkenjima due to its natural position as a key transit point between Rokkenjiman shipping and the northern hemisphere. If we enhance that position by offering incentives, including discounted rates for shipping from Sentāpōto not only to Rokkenjima but to Fusan as well, I firmly believe we can increase traffic through Sentāpōto by at least 50% within the current year."

The discussion with the press soon turned to the competition the Grand Duchess exited and posted about recently, to which the Grand Duchess offered a shrug. "We'll see where they stand, in some aspects I'm not fully in control of regarding my future, you see," she shared with our reporter. "It remains a fact that I have experience any potential competitor doesn't have, in a sense I'm battle tested there, and with each day I'll gain more experience which would be valuable to a foreign suitor. Still, it remains within the remit of the competition itself whether that venture moves forward or not. In the mean time, I'll be at work for the People of Rokkenjima as Princess, and the People of Fukadomari as their Grand Duchess, and I won't waste one moment in either pursuit."
9
Vignettes / Re: Mktvartvelo: Blood, Soul, and Power
« Last post by paralipomena on March 27, 2024, 09:07:37 PM »

Okros Baghebi Villa, Ktsatskuri


Orivegza Mgaloblishvili arrived to the mountainous style palace. A young woman welcomed him. "Good afternoon, Your Excellency. Madame is awaiting in the Autumn greenhouse. If you don't mind, I will take you there".

"Sure", Orivegza replied. He silently observed the gardens, the architecture of the place, including the solitary tower, as they walked through the stone pavement which led there.

When they arrived, the doors of the Autumn greenhouse were open. Inside, there were stone columns and walls, inside the glass structure, with a large number of flowers and small plants. Finally, they arrived at the center, where there was a wide space, in a circle. There, sat down in a comfortable chair along a metallic table was the host, Ketilshobili Shengelaia, considered the matriarch of the Ertviani clan.

How are you, spokesman?", Shengelaia welcomed him. "I hope you don't mind to receive you here. However, I find this place very comfy, particularly in sunny days at this time of the year, even more than my best hall inside. If one doesn't mind the humidity, of course".

"No, it's fine", Orivegza replied.

"Excellent!", Shengelaia said. "Would you like to drink anything? Maybe a hot and sweet tea? Those are at least my favourite at this hour. Sopho, why wouldn't you bring a selection from this home?".

"Yes, thank you", Orivegza replied. The young woman left, leaving them alone.

"It was pleased when I heard the news about your election", Shengelaia said. "It was disappointed that it didn't result in a real understanding and a better outcome, of course".

"It was not easy", Orivegza replied. "We were willing to make a compromise but the offer of the Conservative Party was not simply realistic. At the end, it came too early. Once it was too late for an agreement for the presidency, we were in a dead end".

"You seem to have a longer path in mind", Shengelaia added. "I was never, of course, interested in politics. It is not clearly my field. However, such failure, or if you prefer, lack of initiative, is already having an effect on all of us".

"It is complicated to reach an agreement against the clock when they, as we can see now", Orivegza continued, "were still doubting as they were pondering what they can obtain in both direction. I was also, of course, under pressure by my own side. It was a new scenario for all of us and therefore it was difficult to predict. I am confident that things will move to our direction, and we will move so the damage can be reduced in the meantime".

"I'm afraid it already started", Shengelaia said with a bitter smile as they were served their team. "I am having the black with berries today", she demanded.

"I will follow then", Orivegza said.

"Still, I found as amusing as offensive that the Rokkenjimans thought they could find my in the ranks of the government than being declared their official enemy", Shengelaia added. "I sm not so confident as yourself. Many share the concern that this could easily spread too quickly and dissolve everything we have build and connect through so many years. But I have to trust your initiative. I am not planning, of course, to be involved personally, that has never been our style, but I can recognize which card we have left".

"I'm glad and honoured to hear that", Orivegza replied. "I did not, of course, expect otherwise. It is better to keep a distance, but it will be helpful that it will be an understanding on what really matters".

"I am hopeful that is the case", Shengelaia said. "Let's hope we are not all wrong".


10
Convention Centre / Re: Bride of the Emperor - IC Thread
« Last post by Norgeras on March 27, 2024, 02:54:12 PM »
"The Test has been ongoing since the other Candidates left."

was all the news that everyone talked about the Camp that day. The Message suddenly appeared on the Infoscreesn everywhere, and to put it mildy, quite a few where Panicking. Only the Cabin with the Hopefuls seemed quiet so far.
Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 10