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Messages - KrisNord

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1
War and Conflict / Re: Holmgång
« on: February 12, 2024, 09:49:24 PM »
The nation was still coming to terms with the bomb attacks and the military had been placed on high alert. The Gungnir had already tried several other attacks on military instillations and now people feared to walk the streets incase a sniper or bomber was on the loose. The crew of ANS Hringhhorni were relatively confident that in the midst of Naval Establishment Malaren they were away from the chaos that the capital was seemingly becoming. The crew had been permitted to go visit family while the ship underwent routine resupply and only a skeleton crew remained behind, mainly counting boxes being loaded into the freezer onboard. "Did you feel that?" Santtu Bergström asked those helping him take inventory. With 15 years experience the self proclaimed "Head Chef" of the navies only and aging aircraft carrier was not someone to have imagined things but the three juniors shook their head and continued counting the tins of tomatoes. "There again" Santtu asked confident that he'd felt the ship moving but that was impossible, they were in dock and Malaren's harbour was like a millpond. The engines were silent and he couldn't think of any other explanation.

"You've been at the cooking sherry again" Milian, his "Commis Chef" jested as he ticked off the latest items on the list. The others laughed and continued the task at hand.

Up on the bridge the carriers captain Saku Sundberg was busy checking instruments, he too felt something wasn't right. All the read outs said nothing and an alarm would have blaring had even the slightest issue have been underway. Then it happened, there was a sudden jolt and the ship twisted to Port. Saku could see some of the deck crew outside stagger and then it was even more visible, they were listing. Saku picked up the intercom and called for one of the engineering team to check the ships systems but minute by minute the list began to worsen.

Below deck having ruled everything out Kauko who was manning the engineering control went down to check the ballast tanks. "Shit" he exclaimed and then called it in, "Sir, the three ballast tanks on that side have been opened. I don't know who by, better get the Marines to run security checks."

"Kauko get them closed, pump them out get us back level and then bring me someones head on a silver platter." The captain was reliefed that at least he wasn't imagining things. Below deck Kauko went to turn the first of the valves closed before turning on the pumps as he turned the valve the first of the required six twists to fully close it he had not enough time to register the strange object tucked behind it as it exploded throwing him across the room and destroying the valve ensuring it would now remain open. Alarms now rang out through the ship.

It took the crew nearly an hour to get the flooding stopped and fire the pumps up by which point the captain had evacuated everyone off the ship. Investigations began on how it had happened and Kauko was pronounced dead. The crew of leave having heard via the Navies jungle drums what was happening were lining the quayside to see what was happening to their second home. The investigation was also swift. The Navies investigation team spotted three individuals that Saku easily identified opening the valves and planting explosives behind them. Earlier in the day another individual had disabled the alarm systems and now Marines scoured the ship looking for them while others searched their lockers. The investigation team found footage of the four departing the ship in civilian clothing and driving away and now as their lockers were searched an envelope was found in each one with an identical letter inside.

Quote

We are the righteous warriors of the All Father.

We swore oaths to serve the Republic and the Gods, now the Republic is leaderless and our commanders dishonour Odin by their spineless inaction. We, the Gungnir, declare that Magnus Odinsson is the true Head Gothi. We placed our trust in democracy and the judicial system and this has been found to be misplaced. We therefore call on the ancient rite of Holmgång and thus challenge Stein Ulfsson and Olivia Robertsson to meet Magnus in single combat to determine the rightful leader of the only true Odinist nation on Mundus. If they have the courage of their convictions the Holmgång shall take place at the Sacred Grove of Uppsala in three days time.

 May the All-Father bless the righteous.




"They want what?" Stein Ulfsson bellowed as he was briefed on the situation. The heads of the armed forces had called him in and he had believed that this would send the nation the message that he was the rightful leader following the recent election fiasco. When he had seen Olivia Robertsson was already there he had thrown what could best be described as a tantrum and refused to come in until she had left, or would be briefed separately.  Admiral Jonas Stromberg was already in a mood following the news of the carrier disaster and he was not interested in dealing with political falling outs and so he had stated it clearly, Ulfsson could sit in the briefing or not be briefed and much to Olivia's amusement he had sat down but not before moving the seat to be further away from his opponent.

"Your a Gothi, you know very well what a Holmgång is." the Admiral mocked.

"There hasn't been one in about 600 years." Ulfsson explained

"Yes" Olivia recalled one of her high school history units that had been a study of the history of Crime and Punishment over the last 1000 years in her homeland. "But the problem was it was just removed as an option for the judicial system, technically if everyone is in agreement then have at it." Olvia shrugged. "I reckon I could take you" She mocked with a chuckle, "But this Magnus guy probably not."

"We're not considering it......are we?" Stein suddenly felt some panic.

"Of course we aren't" the Admiral screamed. "What kind of fucking precedent does it set that anyone with a sword can just claim control of our nation just because their a bit handy. We'd be balls deep in Morelanders by the end of the week. We're going to monitor the place incase this is some insane gesture and the moron turns up. Now as for the Gungnir in the military we've known its always been impossible to fully weed them out but the reassuring thing is those involved in this latest issue are in less than six months. Our plan is now to send a panel of five judges out the nation and have them make a decision on which of you two is going to be leader. Until then I'd ask you to put yourselves in our custody for protection."

"Agreed" Olivia said

"I suppose so." Stein grudgingly accepted.

"Excellent. We're sending you to the Isle of Tar in Lodja in the next twenty minutes. Get you out the way."

"At least its sunny" Olivia smiled, stood and shook the Admiral's hand, "Good luck sorting all this." She added as she left. Ulfsson meanwhile simply shook the Admirals hand and left.




2
Diplomacy and Events / Re: TOP SECRET - Pipes in the Highlands
« on: February 12, 2024, 08:59:15 PM »
Finley was pleased that he had 4 of the 5 major Celtic monarchs in the room, having King Andrew of Seaforth would have made it a clean sweep but Finley suspected that Troyes was taking up quiet a bit of his time. The idea of Pan-Celtic Monarchism was dear to Finley's heart and the fact it now seemed that he was making strides towards it. "Queen Aoife" Finley had been the only one given the slightest heads up to what was going to be proposed. "Whatever the result of the referendum you can be certain that Ui Cenneslaig will stand by its result. If your people choose to remain part of the Federation then we will seek to strengthen the ties that we have with them, should you win then we will do whatever is within our power to ensure the newly independent Kingdom's sovereignty is maintained. While I can not obviously answer on behalf of Queen's Talulah and Etienne I would hope they can see their way to helping us in these aims. Should you go on record as asking these forces that you're worried about to leave then we would be willing to send support. I would suggest that you all would add your names to the Treaty of Celtic Friendship here today, that way we can ensure that the Federations slow mechanisms of government mean they have not become members by the time of the referendum. That way should Macrae try anything we have the grounds to say we are supporting a nation we have treaty rights with, while this is short of mutual defence it would be expected of us to take a direct interest."

3
Diplomacy and Events / TOP SECRET - Pipes in the Highlands
« on: February 05, 2024, 09:45:52 AM »
Each of the ambassadors carried a letter for the monarch of each nation. Appointments had been made in order to ensure a face to face meeting with a request being sent directly from the desk of King Finley. Once in front of the monarch each ambassador had been briefed on what to say.

"His Majesty is hopeful that while not a formal member of this treaty and our neighbours you will heed to its call and more importantly its spirit."




Dear Cousins

It has been brought to my attention an important time in the Celtic world is approaching. It is a time that may see strife and difficulty for some whom we call our friends and therefore I wish to ensure that we as a community based largely in West Ardia are ready as the continent is not well known for its sanity or stability. I therefore would like to invite you to attend the Longmuire Loch Estate in the highlands of South Ui Cenneslaig to meet and discuss what I have rather cryptically discussed. I would value your discretion and therefore have arranged for a concert of pipes and drums to take place the evening of our talks featuring bands from each of your nation.

I am hopeful of your attendance.

In hope

King Finley of Ui Cenneslaig

4
International News Networks / Re: Nya Åland News
« on: February 05, 2024, 09:37:01 AM »


]

FUTURE CICRULAR COLLIDER PROJECT GIVEN PROVISIONAL OK

It was confirmed today that the local council of the Uppsala region has given the OK for the Large Hadron Collider to be extended with a 2nd collider which will dwarf the first. The Future Circular Collider will be housed deep undergound and run in a tunnel some 90-100km in circumfrance. This compares to the LHC which is 27km long. The LHC has over the past decade helped physicists gain a deeper understanding of the way atoms and particles work however it has yet to fully explain several other theories. As such the team at the Uppsala LHC hope that this new set up will help understand that. Speaking to the media Professor Joachim Bjorklund stated "The field of physics has enjoyed lots of data from the LHC and we believe that this flow will continue for a good while yet but what has become clear is that we will eventually reach the pinnacle of what the LHC can teach us and therefore we need to be ready to move onto the next phase. The Future Circular Collider is clearly a major project that will take around a decade to construct if all goes to plan and lets face it no science project on this scale ever rarely does. The first hurdle was to get permission from the local council and then traditionally the national government have always given such matters the green light. On this occasion though we face the nation being in some kind of political limbo meaning that we have to wait for the Head Gothi position to be resolved. We have though various members of the Odinic Council telling us they will campaign on our behalf which gives us cause to believe this will happen."

One of those council members is Monia Plosja, herself a former physics teacher, who said, "Over the years the people of our nation have rightly earned a reputation as being at the forefront of scientific research. The LHC has done a great deal to ensure that not just Nords but also our partners have had access to one of the most sophisticated machines ever built. Like any positive reputation once won they can be easily lost and are hard to maintain this project will ensure that for the coming decades we stand as one of, if not the, leading supporters of ground breaking global research." Not all Council members though are as positive. Markus Stromberg explained "This project is going to cost billions to learn very little of practical use. It is my belief that the project funds could be better used tackling some of Mundus more immediate problems." The project however will receive much of its funding from contributions from private donations and learning institutes. One such sponser is Akentech, the nations largest provider of Geothermal energy and whose founder and owner Lukas Akenberg is said to have provided funding of $5million a year for the next ten years. The 52 year old businessman told us, "Science is wonderful and fascinating but also expensive. The money I donate will not fully build the project and will likely be a drop in the ocean but it will mean I'll have the satisfaction of knowing that in some microscopic way I've helped support break throughs in science that let us understand the Universe just a little bit better."

Work will begin once the new Head Gothi is in place which considering the recent outbreaks of violence and bomb attacks is likely to take much longer than anticipated.

5
War and Conflict / Holmgång
« on: December 17, 2023, 09:12:23 PM »
OOC- Thanks to Dave for the loan of his people.

17th December 2023

It had been just over a week since the three person committee of General Tobias Dahlsson, Admiral Jonas Stromberg and Air Commodore Timothy Ravenburg had been forced to all but declare martial law on Nya Åland. In that time there had been sporadic violence across the nation but following the Gungnir being driven out of Uppsala yesterday things had been pretty quiet. The three men were due to meet at the Longhouse  with Andrea Jacobsson who as leader of the Odinic Rite had informed them that she had secured more than 50% of the Odinic Councils seats thus making her the Allsherjargoði in waiting. Each travelled in their own vehicle with a guard drawn from their men. With the Gungnir active it was not out the realms of possibility that they may be targeted. Each arrived at a staggered interval with a heavy military presence around them. Only once all of them had arrived did Andrea arrive in her own vehicle protected by members of the Mjolnir Special Forces. Thankfully for all concerned they had all arrived safe and sound.

"Mrs Jacobsson" General Dahlsson greeted her. "Welcome, we want to meet you as we don't want our military trio to become the defacto government of the Republic. We need a representative of the people and we see no real option other than that being you. Its clear you are going to be Allsherjargoði so for now that makes you our option for their representative. Now just to be clear we will brief you on all matters except any relating to the decision of the Head Gothi situation. I hope you understand?" Dahlsson said showing her to the forth chair round their square table.

"I understand" Andrea replied, "What I however don't see is why you are not ordering people to get this sorted, our nation is in limbo and you need to fix tha...." the words never were finished as a large explosion over the river ended their conversation. "What was that?" Andrea asked as the windows in the Longhouse building shook.

Three men appeared quickly in the room dressed in khaki with rifles across their backs "The Civil Service buildings just had a car bomb go off outside" the Sergeant of the guard informed them. "Follow me." The Sergeant walked them out the room and four teams of soldiers waited at the foot of the door each taking responsibility for one of the senior leaders and the future Allsherjargoði. There was a bunker in the basement and each were taken there. As they reached the door another boom could be heard and a corporal carrying a radio back pack pressed a finger into his ear. "Outside the Central Police station" he informed them.

"Don't worry" Captain Tuure Petersson of the Mjolnir informed them. "We've this building well locked down and this place is perfectly safe" Already as Petersson was talking armoured units were scrambling out of the barracks on the edge of the city.



The Mjolnir were the nations special forces, commandos who undertook some of the more complex operations the nation required. It was though the Huscarls who were the elite of the Mjolnir. "You're to take the kayaks to this point, from there find the target and take it out" Noak Heikke briefed the four men in front of him.

"Its a bloody Moose" Lt.Rowe of East Moreland's Red Legion explained. "You're briefing us like its a damn Borlander or something." he shook his head disapprovingly.

"Listen Rowe" Heikke continued, "This may not be the typical cowboy shit they let you do in East Moreland but the things caused thousands of krona of damage to the village and we're the closest people."

"Thousands of Krona......thats about five quid right?" Saxby made a play of doing sums on his fingers making the two Morelanders laugh. It was moments like this that frustrated Heikke about the Morelanders at times. They were great soldiers but they never seemed to take anything serious. Red Base out in the wilds of the north was a shared facility to give the Ålanders a chance to work alongside another elite while it gave the Morelanders chance to experience conditions very different to their homeland, but every now and again they got some interesting jobs helping control wildlife but even that could serve a useful purpose. Today Rowe and Saxby joined by two Huscarls were going hunting for a nuisance Moose. "Question skip!" Saxby asked "If we get it can we eat it. I mean there has to be a tonne of meat on a Moose." Once it was confirmed that they could indeed butcher the animal and bring some of its meat back the two foreigners seemed far happier about their expedition. The foursome headed off to draw supplies from the quartermaster when all of a sudden Rowe heard a tale tell whistle. It was almost instinct as he pushed the other three off the track as a "BOOM!" filled the air. "Mortar round" he explained as two more hit in quick succession. Alarms began blaring out across the base and soldiers, only around half clad in uniforms hurried out of buildings. Gun shots could be heard as the distant crack of rifles suggested a more sustained attack. In the radio shack by the waterside Sergeant Kimi Alfredsson began putting out a distress call. Sentries on the fence had begun searching for where the gunfire was coming from.

Rowe and Saxby managed to get to the armoury and found several of the Huscarls, including Heikke grabbing weapons and ammo. "Missions changed" the Huscarl said as he clipped up his webbing. "Still hunting though."

"We're not eating them, even we draw the line" Saxby said as he told the armourer which number his rifle was. It was handed over in quick time and more and more men were arriving. By the time Saxby had grabbed his rifle, three mags of ammo and a set of webbing around ten guys, a mixture of Morelanders and Ålanders were ready to get to work. "We got any eyes on." Saxby checked his comms.

"The guys in the boat house got a small UAV up. Spotted what looks like three mortar teams to the South, few marksman dotted around, then someone took a pot shot at the UAV and clipped it." Heikke glanced around the door, no clear target he burst out and slid behind a utility vehicle. Nothing happened. Soon others followed all taking up positions and examining the ground before them. "We're going to advance on the positions of the mortars, keep your eyes open."

"No need"  Sergeant Kimi Alfredsson had grabbed his radio pack and was with them, a rifle slung across his back. "Anvil 2-1 this is Red One we have target"

"Roger" that crackled over the radio, "Send grid when ready."

"Anvil 2-1 grid is 4-2-4-8-3-3. Five meters south of tree line." A Tuker trainer plane had been out using the targets off the coast but now its live ammo was being utilised for something else. The student on board may not have gained his wings yet but today his instructor was about to give a real life demonstration of strafing.

"Roger, beginning run" The buzz of the planes engine could be heard over the gunshots and mortar rounds and as the planes machine guns raked the tree line the ground teams moved up. Anvil 2-1 found itself getting a few holes but nothing too major and now the pilot performed a beautiful turn and passed a second time before declaring itself out the fight and poddling off back to base. It took five minutes before the ground teams reached the mortar positions and the teams had bugged out leaving behind three dead and one wounded. There was no sign of any of the gunman and despite an evening spent patrolling the woods and UAV's scanning the area nothing was found except a few blood trails that ran to a road. "Trails dead" Heikke informed them. The sneak attack had left two members of the Mjolnir dead and one Red Legionnaire being airlifted to hospital.



"We've a problem"  General Tobias Dahlsson informed Admiral Jonas Stromberg and Air Commodore Timothy Ravenburg alongside Andreas Jacobsson. "Thirteen strikes against government targets within the last two hours, and Red Base amongst them. We're going to have to get their ambassador up to speed and let Northfort know." The others agreed.

"Do we know who has done this" Jacobsson asked.

"I'd say it would likely be the Gungnir but who knows. What we do know is we've a total of 62 dead and triple that roughly injured"







OVER 60 DEAD IN DAY OF TERROR

As of going to press 67 members of the civil service, government security and the press have been killed in terror attacks mainly focused on the capital. A series of car bombs rocked the city of Krokom and Red Base has come under attack. As a result the capital is now going into lock down. Ambassadors of East Moreland have been informed and a spokesman for the Army has said Red Legion operatives were involved in the reaction to the attack. More news will follow as we get it.

6
International News Networks / Re: Nya Åland News
« on: December 03, 2023, 07:27:06 PM »




UPPSALA SEE'S STREET FIGHT

Following an attack earlier this week on the Longhouse defences in Krokom have been bolstered however yesterday the city of Uppsala, the once capital of the Union of Nordic Peoples, saw a gun battle between members of the Armed Forces and an armed group who tried to seize control of the town hall. The incident started just after midday when a group of six men armed with assault rifles walked into the town hall and took the mayor and several other local politicans hostage. They declared that they were members of the Gungnir Hearthguard Regiment and that Magnus Odinsson is the Head Gothi of the Odinist Republic. Shortly after there were reports of sniper fire at several police stations in nearby areas while in Ronstan, a main train crossroads, the local train station was captured. Shortly after helicopters containing members of the Mjolnir Special Forces were seen on site in most of these locations and just after 2pm gunfire could be heard in Uppsala. While initially they believed the Gungnir were just in the town hall it soon appeared groups had taken various office buildings in the area. Eventually heavy armour arrived and by 6pm the area was back under the control of the armed forces. It was confirmed 22 members of the Gungnir were dead while another six were captured. Meanwhile three members of the armed forces have been confirmed as dead with another two in critical condition. The Gungnir released a statement saying, "What we have attempted to do today is for the good of the nation. It is clear that the mechanisms we have in place are weak. We have two weak individuals unable to proceed in running our nation. We have though seen that we are ready to take hard action to ensure the continuation of this nations governance. We now have seen the military declare themselves essentially the government and we the peoples true champions can not abide watching them steal the nation."

General Tobias Dahlsson, Admiral Jonas Stromberg and Air Commodore Timothy Ravenburg have declared themselves currently as a form of caretaker government until a solution to the problem has been resolved. Under this agreement two of the three must approve any decision. They have however stated that they are considering adding the Allsherjargoði as it appears that the Odinic Rite and Nords First Parties may have agreed a coalition which would give them control of the Odinic Council. As a result the military command have said it would make sense to include the voice of the general public in their decision making on "all matters save the Head Gothi question, on grounds of bias".


7
International News Networks / Re: Nya Åland News
« on: November 27, 2023, 08:37:26 PM »




SHOTS FIRED AT LONGHOUSE

As the confusion over the future of the position of Head Gothi enters its second week there has today been a worrying development. With the Armed Forces effectively taking control of the day to day business of government members of the military have been maintaining a kind of no go area around the government buildings denying both Stein Ulfsson and Dr.Olivia Robertsson access to the facility. This morning a group of around 200 supporters of Dr.Robertsson and her Liberal Odinic Rite arrived at the Longhouse and set up a static protest just outside the area established by the military. While initially things were peaceful at around midday two shots rang out sending the assembled crowd into panic. One protestor, 21 year old Miks Vasillson was shot in the stomach while the second shot luckily missed everyone. The Marine Commando soldiers who were on duty managed to reach the injured youngster and a smear of blood was left on the white marble stones as he was dragged to cover. The Commando searched the surrounding area however with exception of a single bullet casing from the roof of a nearby apartment block discovered nothing. A spokesman for the military have since announced that they are reveiwing security camera footage in the area in attempts to trace the shooter. Lt-Col Brigsmann of the Commando stated, "The distance and the nature of the shot leaves us to believe that this was someone with a significant skill and knowledge of firearms and marksmanship. We do not believe Miks was targeted for any reason beyond being there and as of yet we have no motivation that presents itself beyond the idea that this was politically motivated."

Miks Vasillson was evacuated to Krokom Infirmary using the helicopter kept on standby for medical evacuations from the Longhouse complex and was operated on upon arrival. His condition has been described as "Poorly but stable" Police have mounted an armed guard at his bedside however a spokesman for the police stated "This is a precaution taken in many shooting cases where we do not know the reason for someone being targeted nor have any idea who did this. At the moment this is a basic precaution in a live ongoing case."

As a result of the ongoing crisis over the future of the nations leadership a three person panel made up of General Tobias Dahlsson, Admiral Jonas Stromberg and Air Commodore Timothy Ravenburg have taken on day to day management of the nation. This has allowed payments to be made to public service workers which would normally be needed to be approved by the Head Gothi. The three person committee have said they intend to meet with judges tomorrow to discuss options on how to resolve the issue. Despite Stein Ulfsson still claiming the be Commander in Chief of the Armed forces the three men have released a statement saying "Stein Ulfsson's term is over. He does not command us, at the moment we answer directly to Odin and the people."


8
TV Shows / Rosendahl Report - Neu Urburzis Special
« on: November 26, 2023, 10:10:05 PM »



Anyone with more than a slight interest in social media won't have failed to notice hashtags connected to an upcoming competition like no other. As is inkeeping with Neu Urburzis tradition the bride of the Emperor will be chosen following a competition which has seen significant international interest ranging from relatives of the Empress of Rokkenjima to members of the Lodjain extended court and even a Truthsayer of the Bene Gesserit faith. Over the coming months ladies from across the globe will take part in a contest that will ultimately be determined by the citizens of Neu Urburzis who will have a chance to pick their Empress, and Gods willing, the mother of the next Empress. It is perhaps a rather unique contest and I am very happy to say the groom to be has agreed to speak with us regarding the competition. My guest tonight is His Imperial Majesty Emperor Orion. Your Majesty its an honour to be here with you tonight.

KR -  If I can begin by getting some background for our viewers. The media have begun speculation about the contest that takes place to name your future bride. For our international viewers could you describe what will take place and your role in it?

Emperor Orion - “The contest could be described as the Mundus Games for the Uburzians, and was the most important contest for decades, especially before we came out of isolation. The exact way the contest is held tends to change according to a committee appointed by the elder senate. Though it always features physical, diplomatic and etiquette based contests. My own role in it is usually limited to showing my approval or lack there off to the candidates.”

KR - You've already attracted several foreign contenders. Do you think this will be an advantage or disadvantage for them in this competition?

EO - “It will change the way the contest work, so the answer is hard to predict for now. I do believe the fact most of them are high profile will give them an initial edge, though.”


KR -  You're nation has many religious cults within it and so far very few of the contenders share that religion.  What impact will that have on the competition?

EO - “Ah, our believe is very open in that regard, though most of them don't believe in gods as people or even having an agenda to start with, they are the very forces of nature. Giving them a name and humanizing them is just seen as somewhat backwards but not too much of an issue. It might give them a disadvantage if they are too zealous, though.”

KR - There are several countries competing with whom Neu Uburzis have strong diplomatic ties. To what extent is this going to help the candidates from those nations, and for the candidates from nations you don't share much diplomacy with will this play a role.

EO - “It will depend on them, the contest is coming down to my People voting for the the next empress, so having an established profile and more visibility will naturally garner more attention right away, and improve your chances to pass the first rounds.”


KR - Why do you think so many foreign contenders have entered the competition and what impact do you think this will have on the competition in the future?

EO - “The Senates had long discussions about it. It came down to the desire to have the option to vote change in if we so desire, and that requires new viewpoints to enter the competition. As for why they have entered? Some probably for glory, others for duty, some might believe they can fix me. ”

KR - You say that contestants may feel they can fix you? What would they need to fix in your, or your people's view?

EO - It's no secret i'm Gay. And it's also common place in many religions to believe we need to be fixed onto the right path or salvated from our so called sins. The Uburzians have been far more pragmatic on the topic, many having even long held the believe true love only to be possible between same sex couples, while procreation being the duty of every human. Not an unproblematic view either, admittedly, but that's how my people are."

KR  Can you describe what you think the perfect Empress of Neu Uburzis would be like?

EO - “A Mother that listens and is there for her Children, that supports and loves them. That will not raise her hand against them unfairly.”

KR - If we assume a foreigner became Empress what role in Neu Uburzis society would she likely have?

EO - “The Empress, or the Emperor if I was a woman, is not necessarily politically active, though  it has happened before. She'd be a candidate to become a regent if one is necessary, but her role is for the most part expected to raise and prepare the next Emperor or Empress. Seeing how many children my mother had, you can imagine that it's a full time job in and off itself.”


KR Do you have any particular opinions about the field of candidates at the moment?

EO - Due to the Nature of the Contest and to give all candidates a fair chance, I will refrain from answering at this point in time. My opinion on the Candidates will have an impact after all.”


KR What advantages and disadvantages do you think this system has over such other monarchies where the monarch is free to pick their own consort?


EO - “The Idea behind it is to ensure that all who sit upon the Throne are prepared for the task and the Empire gets to have a say in who they are and what they value. I'm a Failsafe in Case our vast Senate system is too slow to react or cannot find consents. And with my vast powers, one of the things I have to give up in return is this choice. We aren't as much a traditional monarchy as we are a democracy to our core with a hereditary failsafe. The comparison simply doesn't work.”

KR - If we can turn away from the contest for a moment or two. As Emperor you've been pretty focused on your education. Where does that stand at the moment and what are your plans once you're done with schooling?

EO - "I'm currently finishing my last year at the Academy. I was crowned when just thirteen, and as cynical as it sounds, i think the Emperor should at least have finished basic education with a degree. If I'll be able to continue from there on is rather doubtful though, as even a bachelors degree would take time i might not have already being the Emperor

KR -  While the competition is running you'll be busy with the day to day running of the Empire. What should our viewers expect to see over the coming few months?

"Most of the day to day works are currently still done by my Cousin and Regent Prince Albrecht. I'll share the Plight of every student and have to ready myself for the finals. I expect a lot of fighting between the candidates, and historically the competition gets more, excuse me the word, ugly the smaller the field. There's already a lot of explosive potential. A Soap Opera, but this time a very real one i'm afraid

Sadly this is all we have time for tonight. I'm very grateful for the Emperor giving up his precious time and I'm sure my viewers will join me in wishing you all the best for your upcoming exams and your future wedding. Your Majesty we are extremely grateful and hope we can perhaps speak with you and your new wife in the future. For now this has been Krista Rosendahl in Neu Urburzis.


9
International News Networks / Re: Nya Åland News
« on: November 20, 2023, 08:25:53 PM »




ARMY TAKE CONTROL OF LONGHOUSE

In a surprising twist to the ongoing saga over the disputed election results General Tobias Dahlsson has ordered the army to seize control of the Longhouse. The move came after the chiefs of the armed forces had their weekly meeting on Sunday and it was reported that they had denied incumbent Head Gothi, Stein Ulfsson, from entering meaning that it was the first time that no politician had been present during the meeting. Earlier in the day Dr.Olivia Robertsson, who many claim is the Head Gothi, had attempted to enter the meeting building only to be stopped by members of the Naval Guard who were on duty. Dr.Robertsson was joined by several hundred students from the National Union of Students who called upon Dr.Robertsson being recognised as the Head Gothi. Early this morning camoflauge clad soldiers of the The Republic Guard, an infantry unit who are more commonly seen guarding government facilities, seized key parts of Krokom. They were seen setting up positions in and around the Longhouse and the various Council buildings, they also took control of the train station, airport and dock yards. Shortly after a joint statement was televised from the General, Admiral Jonas Stromberg and Air Commodore Timothy Ravenburg. "We have seen that the courts have failed to settle this arguement. While the National Centre of Mediation (NCM) have begun offering to settle the dispute that is a process which can take weeks if not months. Tomorrow is a difficult deadline for the nation as with no Head Gothi to authorise the release of funds our public sector workers can not get paid. There is provision in the Disaster Management Act that states that if communication is lost with the government then the heads of the armed forces may act in the stead of government until such a time as communication is re-established. Consulting with our own legal teams we are now past the time when a Head Gothi should be in post, therefore I can not as leader of the military contact the Head Gothi, as such myself, Jonas and Tim are going to act as a triumvirate until this matter is solved. We will ensure the public sector gets paid tomorrow and we will keep the nation running. We give our word that we will enact no new laws or policies."

Throughout the day the Republic Guard were supplemented by extra members of the Marine Commando, Air Force Security Regiment and Army Engineering Corps who have hastily constructed metal barriers around the government complex. It was witnessed that the military denied all political representatives access to the complex however civil servants were permitted entry. A large group of students arrived shortly after midday calling for the military to recognise Dr.Robertsson as Head Gothi, a simultaneous and much smaller group gathered at the opposite end of the plaza in front of the complex supporting Ulfsson. There was a brief confrontation between a few of the two groups however members of the Air Force intervened and both returned to their places of protest.

In a statement Dr.Robertsson stated, "The military I hope are pushing this matter to a swift conclusion, however not only do we need a swift conclusion we also need the correct conclusion. The armed forces should not run our nation and the sooner we can send them back to their usal duties the better." Meanwhile Stein Ulfsson stated "The military now need to bring this matter to a close. I remain their commander in chief and they now need to clear the plaza of these borderline rebels and allow me to get back to the business of running the nation."

10
International News Networks / Re: Nya Åland News
« on: November 15, 2023, 10:25:59 PM »




UNIONS BEGIN TO DRAW LINES

This morning at its annual congress the National Union of Students voted 78-2 in favour of supporting a campaign to show support to Dr.Olivia Robertsson in becoming Head Gothi. The body which represents students at Universities and affiliated Colleges saw a last minute motion filed and after a brief discussion a vote was called. Only two of the 80 institutions which are members of the NUS voted against the Union making their voice heard. Those who voted against where Krokom Institute of Sciences and Edelmead University. Klara Gessler of the Krokom Insititute stated "I voted against as this was a matter we had not considered coming up here and as such I felt it morally wrong to cast a vote without gauging the opinion of my fellow students. I personally voted for Robertsson but in my position of our Union Rep I should consider a bigger picture." Meanwhile Bjorn Timosson of Edelmead stated, "I think where the nation has a mechanism to make a decision we should allow that to play out, trust the process and then make decisions if we feel its been unfair, I think this may just be jumping the gun." With the motion passed the Union is sending a letter to Stein Ulfsson on behalf of its membership asking for him to concede defeat in the recent elections and if he does not then the Students will begin a "campaign of protest against an illegitimate Head of State."

Several hours later the National Alliance of Cargo Workers (NACW) which represents those who work in dockyards handling all manner of cargo also released a statement on the recent election. Their spokesman stated, "We have held since, the announcement that a court case would be had, a poll amongst our members. 72% have backed us taking a stance to support Dr.Robertsson. We believe that with another term in office under Ulfsson our export and import industry would be harmed and of course this would then hurt our members jobs. As a result we are calling on Ulfsson to stand aside by Sunday or we will be considering strikes to show our support. Naturally we will be watching the Supreme Court with interest."

The Supreme Court has ruled that they are unable to reach a decision as yet with the panel split between the idea that there should be a run off election and those who believe Dr.Olivia Robertsson should take the position of Head Gothi. Today the Supreme Court however have issued an advisery ruling that the National Centre of Mediation (NCM), a body set up to mediate in employment disputes, should be asked to work with both parties in order to find a solution. Dr.Robertsson's spokesperson has today said, "The NCM would have one purpose, make Mr.Ulfsson step aside. We have clearly won this election and as such we should be three days into the Robertsson administration, however we now sit in political limbo with some very worrying deadlines approaching." Meanwhile Ulfsson's camp have stated that the NCM should be tasked with establishing the framework for a run off and that Ulfsson should remain as Head Gothi until this has been resolved."

Several other Unions have announced that they are meeting with memberships over the next 24 hours to determine what stance their members would like them to take. This evening there is also a meeting of the Joint Command Committee, the panel made up of the heads of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Special Forces. This military meeting has been called "illegal" by Dr.Robertsson who has stated, "As the rightfully elected leader of the nation I should be present at the Joint Command Committee however I will be sat outside this illegal meeting while an invitation is still extended to Stein Ulfsson." We have contacted the military but as of yet they have not commented.

11
International News Networks / Re: Nya Åland News
« on: November 13, 2023, 09:03:34 PM »




CHAOS CONTINUES

The seven person Supreme Court meet today in Krokom to determine the result of the recent election for Head Gothi. It was expected that the matter would be cleared up and the swearing in of the Head Gothi taking place later in the evening. This however has not been the case as a rather unique situation has occurred. The Supreme Court is made up of seven judges appointed by the Head Gothi and currently all those in position were appointed by either Daniel Stenberg or Stein Ulfsson. At the beginning of proceedings judge Lennart Omdahl recused themselves from proceedings saying "As someone who was appointed to office by Stein Ulfsson and therefore owing my career to the man's decision making I feel that it would be very easy for someone to look at me and should I support him in the decision then I am favouring him through bias. I therefore believe the only safe course of action is to not be part of the panel."

The court then heard arguements from the legal representatives of both the Odinic Rite and the Liberal Odinic Rite about the decision over who should be the Head Gothi, and therefore Head of State of the Nation, with the power to appoint the Allsherjargoði. The Odinic Rite argued that as the constitution states "The candidate who receives the greatest support of the people shall be elected." It requires an individual to have a minimum of 50% plus one vote to become Head Gothi and that if no individual has that then there should be a run off election. They cited that there are various precedents in other nations with similar arrangements. This was then followed by the legal representatives of the Liberal Odinic Rite who argued that the terms stated in the constitution amount to a simple case of whoever gets the most votes wins and like their opposition provided various examples of where that is the case. The judges went and deliberated for several hours after they confirmed that they would announce their decision verbally with a more precise written decision made available in the morning. They returned just after 6pm and announced that they had been unable to reach a clear decision with a 3-3 split. This has then plunged the nation into continued chaos as there is apparently no clear way forward. The decision was left that the judges would publish their written decisions in the morning at which time they would be given to the two potential Head Gothi's who would then consider whether they still maintained their positions.

Speaking after the hearing Stein Ulfsson indicated that he had no plans to concede saying "I believe that if the vote came down to a one on one between myself and Robertsson then I would emerge the clear winner as such it is my sacred duty to maintain the position of Head Gothi until the courts make the appropriate decision that ensures that the position has the fullest support in the nation." Meanwhile Dr.Robertsson stated, "I am hoping tomorrow this matter is concluded formally. We already know that I am the true Head Gothi and I fully expect to be in my office soon and getting down to work." While awaiting the decision Dr.Oliva Robertsson had visited the building belonging to the Head Gothi and sought to gain entrance stating that the guardsman "work for me now" when they prevented her going inside. The Head of the Guard, Major General Gerhard Jönsson, stated "The Republic Guard are in a difficult position. As a result we have made a decision that we will maintain the status quo until the court tells us the result."

Meanwhile some political commentators say that situation could soon become difficult as one expert told us. "On the 21st of every month those who work for the government get paid. That payment is technically authorised by the Head Gothi. If we have none in place then I wonder will these people get paid?"

Discussions in the Odinic Council have however been slightly more productive. It was confirmed that there had been discussions between Birgid Strand, the leader of the Liberal Odinic Rite in the Council, and Karina Ottosson who is the leader of the Liberal Alliance. Miss Ottosson confirmed that "if requsted" she would add her parties vote to the Liberal Odinic Rite meaning that party would enjoy 47.6% of the vote within the Council, 2.4% shy of being able to be the majority party. Meanwhile it is thought that Andrea Jacobsson, the leader of the Councils bloc of Odinic Rite members has been meeting with Astrid Stigsson of the Nords First Party which if the two made a deal would see them have an unassailable 51.8% of the vote. 

12
Diplomacy and Events / Re: A Repsonse to Rokkenjima
« on: November 11, 2023, 11:10:05 PM »
Finley went and changed slightly. The kilt was changed to one of the family tartan and of course he had to pick up his wife Riona who had opted for a black trouser suit hemmed in the green and gold pattern of the Ó Séaghdha tartan.

As they arrived Finley guided his wife carefully up the walkway and onto the deck accompanied by some army uniformed aides. "Thank you for your hospitality" Riona said, "We've customs that if someone invites you to their home you bring drink, something growing and something you've made." With that one by one she handed over a bottle of whiskey, "My husband tells me that he picked one aged in old rum barrels, a kind of combining of Celtic and Naval tradition." She explained. Next there was a sapling, "The Rowan tree marks protection from evil spirits, no idea why but legends tells us they won't pass one by, the Claith estate we call home is actually ringed in them." She waited for the aid to put the cloth wrapped sappling down carefully. Finally there was a silver tray full of what at first glance appeared to be perfectly cut yellow rectangular blocks looking like fugde, then on closer inspection there were the odd shard of tablet dotted around. "And we've some tablet, its basically diabetes in snack form." Riona explained with a smile.

Upon meeting the captain Finley remembered the Empress speaking of the Blue Men, "I hear you're interested in the Blue Men, if I may offer some advice to avoid the rotters." Finley smiled, "Rowan wood, they hate the stuff....or at least I'm told that. Every captain in the Cenneg navy has a piece of the wood worked into their desk in their cabin as a kind of tradition. I've heard of some even having chairs made from the stuff to keep them at bay. Failing that just throw silver coins at them." I would think however their confined largely to The Minch (some part of water off the celtic coast of Ardia) as the name suggests. As a member of the Cenneg Airborne he'd never really enjoyed ships but he had to admit to the captain he had a rather impressive vessel.

The dining room was a little large for the small group but no less impressive. He helped his wife take her seat then his own. As the Empress told him of the chefs preparring several dishes he felt an urge to first talk about wasting food, he may be a King but he was still conscious of wasted food as it just never sat right with him. Growing up on estates with their own farms and woodland stocked with wild food and game also many had rivers stocked full of fish meaning you could literally tuck into a meal that was running around the forest just a few hours earlier. "Well Empress we don't do fine dining in that well. We're a land that serves hearty food designed to warm you in winter and stick meat on those ribs. We eat lots of stews and things most people turn their nose up at, I mean haggis literally frightens everyone as its the heart, lungs, liver, kidney and often brain of a sheep minced up, mixed with herbs,  oatmeal, suet, and spices and boiled practically to death in the stomach lining of a sheep. Serve it with a load of neeps (turnips) and tatties (mashed potato) but again its not that delicate a dish. For something as delicate as these surroundings you need a dish thats name is perhaps not so elegant. Cullen Skink, its a delicate soup made with flaky smoked haddock, cream, potatos, onion and milk.....and lashings of buttered bread."

"My husband would like to consider himself a chef" Riona interjected, "Truth is though he tends to just sit and watch the palace kitchen staff prepare the stuff he brings in from the estate."


 

 

13
International News Networks / Re: Nya Åland News
« on: November 10, 2023, 11:56:24 PM »




"WE WILL DEFEND DEMOCRACY" SAY GUNGNIR

Following the recent legal challenge on the recent election results the spectre of the nations most worrisome terrorist group has emerged. A post has appeared on several social media platforms that has since been verified by several media outlets claiming to be from the Gungnir. The Gungnir have been active on several occasions most recently having briefly attempted to damage radio and broadcast signals across Mundus. The groups stated aim is "to drive the foreign faiths out of Albion and return the land to the All-Father." In addition they have stated that "Christianity has driven a wedge deep into the heart of Albion and that insult to our Holy Land must be avenged." In the past the group have even taken responsibility for attacks on sacred sites in Vanora. On this occasion though their statement has been particularly vague. The video shows groups of men training in military tactics somewhere in the forests of the interior on the nation. It then shows a man using the name Magnus Odinsson who claims to be the leader of the Gungnir Hearthguard Regiment. In the video Odinsson states, "The recent election results have not yielded a result that shows we have a strong leader. We now rely on the honour of our nations judges to do the right thing. We ask the All-Father to bless the judges with the wisdom to make sure that the true will of the faithful people of our nation is permitted to manifest. Should they fail to do so we will defend democracy and ensure that the government is just, pious and determined to ensure the Nords prosper above all." Security forces have moved to high alert.

Dr.Olivia Robertsson won the highest number of votes however incumbent Head Gothi, Stein Ulfsson, has asked the Supreme Court to rule whether the fact she did not get more than 50% should mean a run off election is needed. Dr.Robertsson has today called Ulfsson and the Odinic Rite Party "a group seemingly trying to cling to power. The courts are being involved when there is no need. On Monday I intend to walk into my new office, sit down and begin making the change we have promised the people of our nation. It is my hope Mr.Ulfsson will have packed up by that time."

Meanwhile Stein Ulfsson has said "The election should see the Head Gothi command the support of the majority of the nation. Dr.Robertsson has not done that and so as such until she actually defeats me then she is not able to run this nation." The statement from the Gungnir does not however state which of the two leaders they are calling for to be named the winner. The Supreme Court have convened a special weekend session in order to begin discussions on the matter at hand.

14
International News Networks / Re: Nya Åland News
« on: November 06, 2023, 10:37:37 PM »


]

ELECTION MAYBE NOT "DONE DEAL"

With the polls closed and results counted it would seem Nya Åland is set to have a change of leadership however as of yet incumbent Head Gothi, Stein Ulfsson, has said "the result is not a done deal.". When all results declared Dr.Olivia Robertsson had scored 43% of the vote, meanwhile Stein Ulfsson had scored 40%. This saw Astrid Stigsson of the Nords First Party (8%) and Lucas Jakobsen (9%) of Conservative Futures sharing the remaining votes. As the results stand this officially would mean Dr.Robertsson will on 13th November be sworn in as the new Head Gothi of  Nya Åland however in a shock move Stein Ulfsson has asked the Supreme Court to rule that the election should be re-run as a head to head, something that has never happened before. The constitution states "The candidate who receives the greatest support of the people shall be elected." and Stein Ulfsson believes this means that an individual would require at least 50% of the vote to take the position of Head Gothi, this however is countered by Dr.Robertsson whose team have stated, "It is clear out of the four candidates Olivia has the greatest amount of support. Its therefore straight forward that she is Head Gothi in a weeks time."

The Nya Åland News' legal expert is Karston Frohm who stated, "Many of us in the legal profession have known, since its introduction, that there were weaknesses in the constitution. We advised at the time that these needed closing and it was also agreed that the chaos of the formation of the constitution following the absorption of the UNP required something in place speedily. Daniel Stenburg always said their would be a revision and review process of it in time, that never came and now we face a potential political limbo. The courts will now be asked to interpret the constitution but my concern is if the court rules in favour of Steinsson that Dr.Robertsson will likely be able to suggest that as all members of the Supreme Court have been appointed by Head Gothi's from the Odinic Rite they could be bias. The crux of the argument is the  17% who voted for the other candidates. I would like to see in future years either a transferable vote system, which I think will be quicker, or a run off election."

Meanwhile the elections for the Odinic Council have been no less significant. With 500 seats up for grabs and a new political heavyweight party in the guise of the Liberal Odinic Rite arriving on the scene it was always likely to see radical changes. With 500 seats up for grabs the Odinic Rite managed to retain their status as the largest party in the council winning 181 seats, down from 219 in the last elections. They lost seats in the heavily student dominated areas close to Universities and colleges. The Nords First Party saw victory in 78 seats down from 101 in 2018 most significantly losing the seat of Mikswald an ultra religious region of in the west, that seat was won by Viktoria Silsgard from the Liberal Odinic Rite. Conservative Future saw major loses with almost half their seats disappearing as many saw them as the most direct competition beyond the Odinic Rite for the newly formed Liberal Odinic Rite. With 40 seats they are likely however to hold a significant say in the future of the nation. It was mainly parties on the left that saw significant loses, Liberal Alliance slipped from 39 seats to 15 while the Socialist Party fell from 36 to 11 seats making them the smallest in the Council. The People's Right Party are the second smallest with 12 seats a loss of 22 seats. The nights biggest winners, as expected, were the Liberal Odinic Rite contesting their first election which picked up 163 seats making them the 2nd largest party in the Council.  The result now see's the Odinic Rite holding 36.2% of the vote while the Liberal Odinic Rite hold 32.6%. The party able to command the support of the Council is able to appoint the Allsherjargoði and control the legislative agenda of the Council. While this decision can not be made until the Head Gothi is in place there are likely to be several days of political manovering as the two lead parties seek to strike deals to form a coalition. Naturally the Nord First party would seem like a strong match for the Odinic Rite, a deal would see the two parties control 51.8%. Meanwhile the Liberal Odinic Rite would likely need the support of all other parties to gain control.

In conclusion it would, if things go as predicted, see a first for the nation. We will likely end up with a Head Gothi and Allsherjargoði representing different political parties meaning there is a chance that the nation could face some form of political limbo for the near future.

15
International News Networks / Re: Nya Åland News
« on: November 05, 2023, 04:27:16 PM »


]

EXPERTS PREDICT CLOSE RUN ELECTIONS

With elections for the Odinic Council and Head Gothi running today political experts are divided on their predictions for the final results. There are four candidates running for the position of Head Gothi however all believe that it will be a two horse race between incumbent Stein Ulfsson and the Odinic Rite party and political newcomer Dr.Oliva Robertsson who is leader of the newly formed Liberal Odinic Rite. It is thought that Astrid Stigsson of the Nords First Party and    Lucas Jakobsen of Conservative Futures are unlikely to worry bookmakers and there odds of 150/1 and 200/1 respectively reflect that. One expert is the Professor of Politics at Krokom University, Dr.Theo Larsson, he believes that in fact votes for Stigsson and Jakobsen are likely to be ones to help Dr.Robertsson. "The traditional power in Åland has sat with the parties right of centre. The Odinic Rite, Nords First and Conservative Future all often agree on matters within the Council however it is this block that have fielded in effect three candidates. Meanwhile the centre ground and the left have only got Dr.Robertsson to vote for with neither the Peoples Rights Party, Socialist Party nor Liberal Rights Alliance seeing their candidates for Head Gothi gain enough support in hustings. As a result its likely right leaning voters will see that their votes are split between three candidates while the centre and left between just one. The sad fact of the matter though is that could damage Dr.Robertsson's chances is that some on the left may feel no one fully represents their views and as a result may not vote at all." Turnout however by mid afternoon was described by observers as "higher than normal" and in particular the youth vote was "considerable". Many believe that this youth mobilisation will be the key to any victory by Dr.Robertsson as Dr.Larsson explained. " Since the independence of Nya Åland and then the disaster that saw the merger of the UNP young people have believed that they are not acturatley represented in politics. The arrival of the new Liberal Odinic Rite party has fed into this political homelessness. Its given the youth a way of expressing their love of their Norse culture while also being rather more globalist in outlook. I believe they could be a real threat."

Meanwhile elections for the Odinic Council are more problematic. Martja Larsson, formerly Minister of Defence and now member of the Norse Albion think tank explains, "We've gone from a system with six parties to a system with seven. The Liberal Odinic Rite have been very savvy. They've taken a position very central with a slight right wing lean. They are great at using modern communication and have been shown to be able to get people, particularly those under 30, many who have never voted in an Åland election before , to get excited about the change they propose. They speak of opportunities at a time when the nation has stagnated meanwhile Ulfsson has been talking about doing things which he's had several years to do and failed. This election has boiled down to a decision between the status quo or change. I think we'll see the new party take votes from some of the centre left who see a chance to get a tiny bit of what they want and I think the Conservative Future Party is in trouble as the Liberal Odinic Rite share a fair few policy ideas. I think the Council is likely to be very split between the traditional Odinic Rite and the Liberal Odinic Rite. If I was to put money down I think for the first time we'll have a Head Gothi from a different party than the Allsherjargoði.

Should the Liberal Odinic Rite succeed in becoming the most supported party in the Council it will be Birgid Strand, assuming she wins her seat, that would become Allsherjargoði. She spoke this morning as she cast her vote, "Naturally I'm voting for Olivia, she is the person who will actually make us a nation that doesn't self isolate. We're a nation that has the potential to lead the world in thing like science but we don't capitalise. If we can sweep both positions then we stand a fantastic chance of making our homeland the envy of Mundus."

Meanwhile Stein Ulfsson cast his own vote and said "I have every confidence that Odin will help guide people to making the right decision. As a nation we stand as the last of the Holy lands of Odinism, pure uncorrupted and strong. We have walked this path and I believe that it is right that we continue to do so. I am confident that once the election is done we can get on with building a strong economy built on good honest hard working people's commitment to the Gods."

Polls close this evening at 9pm and a winner is expected to be announced early tomorrow morning.


16
International News Networks / Re: Gairm Nan Gaidheal
« on: November 01, 2023, 11:31:52 PM »




SAMHAIN CELEBRATIONS

The nation has today been recovering from the hangovers acquired on Samhain. Preparations for Samhain began weeks in advance, with towns and villages bustling with activity as they readied themselves for this extraordinary night. The annual festival marks the day in the year when the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is at its thinnest. As a result communities across the nation prepared to welcome the spirits of their beloved ancestors while also protecting themselves against evil spirits. As a result, towns and villages took steps to protect themselves from malevolent spirits, such as wearing costumes and masks, lighting bonfires, and leaving offerings of food and drink for to welcome their dead ancestors. Earlier in the day fire places had been allowed to burn out and were swept afterward, they were thoroughly swept and cleaned in a symbolic act to rid households of any lingering negativity. As darkness fell bonfires across the nation were lit including a huge one in the grounds of the royal palace at Claith were the King welcomed hundreds of guests from the nobility to enjoy a Samhain party. The royal palace was adorned with ornate decorations, and the aroma of traditional food filled the air. Musicians played traditional Celtic tunes, and laughter and dancing could be heard echoing through the night until the early hours of the morning. King Finley also gave a short speech to the public via radio saying  "We are here today to honor those who came before us and to pay tribute to the spirits of our beloved ancestors. Samhain is a time to strengthen our connections with the past and to protect ourselves from malevolent forces. It's a night for celebration, reflection, and unity. On nights such as tonight we light the darkness to help guide us into a brighter future. In the year ahead we face a great number of oppurtunities and I am excited for each of them."

The Royals also gave thanks for the harvest which this year has been described as "ample" by experts. As a result experts believe that there will be a reduced need to import food stuffs, in particular wheat this year. As a result there has already been suggestions that certain processed foods such as dried pasta could see a fall in price.

17
Diplomacy and Events / Re: A Repsonse to Rokkenjima
« on: October 29, 2023, 11:18:37 PM »
Finley thought for a second or two, he may be willing to offer a metaphorical olive branch but he didn't fully trust the Rokkenjimans yet. As such he was not willing to put all three of them onboard a ship controlled by the Rokkenjimans. "Unfortunately my sister and son have prior arrangements. Keane has I believe a night on the tiles in Northfort. He spent some time here as part of the CNN's attempts at ensuring our royal families are well connected and well now he's of an age to enjoy a beer or two he's meeting some old friends." The King explained, "After all we had no expected such an invitation and he's about to loose his chance to get of the 'sesh for a time." He smiled at his son before turning to his sister. "Meanwhile Una is scheduled to get back this evening, she's a few matters to attend to in Scordisci. However if it is acceptable I'd like my wife Riona to join us, she's currently out visiting the shops of Portworth with our daughter Isobel. If thats acceptable shall I see you at 6pm?"

18
Character Guides / Re: The Cenneg
« on: October 24, 2023, 11:59:13 PM »

Crown Prince Keane Ó Séaghdha
AI generated place holder

Born in 2005 he is the eldest son of King Finley and Queen Riona.

He was tutored a home until the age of 10 where he was enrolled in Tywysog Grammar School. He was a year too young but his father used his influence to get him in early and had him do an extra year of the Higher Diploma, the plan being that the Prince would gain a broader higher education experience. The Prince however was not a gifted academic and having failed maths spent a year retaking that and spreading the four subject higher diploma over three rather than two years. He left with a Diploma entitled "Human Sciences" made up of Biology, Psychology, Sports Science and Sociology. He averaged a grade C.

While at school he was a keen sportsman and represented the School Gaelic Football first team by the age of 16. He also represented the school in Hurling and rugby. In his final year of Under 18's he topped the Under 18 National League goalscoring chart in Gaelic Football playing for Claith Stags and was offered papers to play for their Mens Team however realising he was going to have royal expectations he declined the offer but has been playing for Claith Palace, a team made up of staff from the royal estates who play in the sixth tier of the national system.

Since leaving school his father agreed to give him some time to work out his future plan but placed a condition on it that it must benefit the nation in some way. While working out whether he wants to try and go to University or follow his father into the Royal Airborne Commando he has worked as a National Park Ranger helping to take care of the countryside. The Ó Séaghdha family have always spent lots of time in the great outdoors and this has been passed onto Keane who has spent his year out until November 2023 helping repair drainage systems, undertaking forestry work and helping reintroduce injured wildlife back to nature.

At the age of 14 it was agreed that he would marry his cousin Esmerelda when she turns 18 in 2025. This will effectively mean that one day he will be the King of both Ui Cenneslaig and Cantabria effectively merging the two Kingdoms under one crown. The two young royals have said they initially found the idea a "bit weird" however have effectively been coached into being happy about the impending marriage despite not actually having spent a great deal of time in each others company.



19
Diplomacy and Events / Re: A Repsonse to Rokkenjima
« on: October 24, 2023, 11:28:54 PM »
"Well I'm glad you've been open to the truth" Finley said placing his hands on his knees, "Seems the jobs done, much shorter than the last time I meet a Rokkenjiman Empress" he pretended to stand and then smiled and sat down. "Sorry but couldn't resist" he said as he settled the folds of his kilt. "Look while I'm thankful it seems we've avoided the issue of sanctions the idea of waving magic diplomatic wands is not something I'm comfortable with" he reached into his sporon and removed a long green thread that he threw onto the table between them. On closer inspection it was actually wool wound into a long repeating pattern "Its called a sailors knot. Its one of many variations of Celtic knots" He arranged it so it was straight. "It has no beginning and no end just like the waves on a sea. Legend says sailors and their friends exchanged them before each voyage as a symbol that no matter what happened they'd be friends forever." He pulled another single red thread out of his sporran and began manipulating it while still looking at the Empress. "Like most kids in Ui Cenneslaig you make these growing up and share them with your friends, I never got really good at it, that one there was made by my daughter Isobel. Some kids can make them in pretty patterns but I never could master that." He finished after making just two loops leaving the knot incomplete. "That's where we are at the moment" he pointed to the bracelet he'd just begun "That's where people like me and East Moreland are" he pointed to the perfect one made by Isobel. "You don't get to jump from one to the other just by hopes and wishes." He leaned back for a moment as though pondering whether he actually wanted to make the next decision. He looked at the Empress then at Keane before giving a small nod, more to himself than anyone else, "A true friend is a rare gem, worth more than gold. But like a gem, they must be found in the dark" he said looking at McKenna to see if he recognised the old wife's saying. "I'm willing to take a punt in the dark to add another loop to the bracelet. You made the first loop by reaching out rather than following through with the sanctions so I guess its only fair I do the next. You see when you issued your sanctions I already gave orders for our ambassador to leave Rokkenjima, that means his accreditation is cancelled under traditions of such a role." Finley reached back into the tardis like sporon and removed a piece of creamy coloured paper before reaching inside his pocket and scribbling.

"You're handwritings still like a spider crawling across the page" his sister mocked him as the short note was finished and signed before being almost casually slid over to the Empress. Finley just ignored his sister.

Quote from: Scrawled note

I hearby declare on this date that Prince Keane Ó Séaghdha shall, until further notice, be the official ambassador for the Kingdom of Ui Cenneslaig.

King Finley Ó Séaghdha

"Three months, you've my son sat in your capital for three months." He replied "That gives you the speediest line of communication to me that any ambassador on Mundus has. At the end of those three months the lad has to drag his arse back to Claith to either go to University or go to the Army. I'm effectively giving you my heir as a kind of trust fall. Beside if anything happens to him we do have a spare." He turned to Keane and winked. "So do you want him or not?"

20
Diplomacy and Events / Re: A Repsonse to Rokkenjima
« on: October 24, 2023, 10:29:02 AM »
OOC- Dave wrote/agreed to bits of this.

The East Moreland Naval College was on paper the HQ of the Royal East Moreland Naval Service however for the past two decades every major decision had come down from the dockyards at Ostlake West. The College however still served as the centre of officer training and from time to time held conferences and the like. Today Admiral James Thompson had been given very clear instructions, welcome both guests then get the hell out of the way. To facilitate this he'd first sent an escort to the airport to pick up King Finley, Princess Una and the heir to the Cenneg throne the 18 year old Prince Keane. Their drive through Portworth would have taken much more time, meanwhile the Empresses ship was free to utilise one of the berths normally reserved for the REMNS King Robert when it was in town. As the car returned from the airport the timing was nearly perfect. At the Northern end of the College Finley was greeted by a detachment of Royal Marines while an honour guard of sailors meet the Empress. Both were escorted into the Royal Mess, what was more like a medium sized lounge designed for use on occasions the royal family or some other VIP attended. Admiral Thompson waited and ensured both parties were settled before heading off. "If you hear screaming just make sure we don't have a regicide on our hands ok boys" he jokingly told the Marines on guard at the door as he closed the old oak ones behind him.

Finley was a tall man with broad shoulders, his thinning red hair was showing signs of white here and there and his son often joked he'd soon be hunted down as a fox. He wore a red and white tartan, one he'd commissioned the day after the founding of the CNN, called Morelander, there was one for each of the CNN members, Lodja and the Iwi. Above that was a crisp white shirt with black bow tie and a short waist length black jacket. Tucked into his long white socks was a Sgian-dubh, a bone handled knife, its handle visible and inlaid with a silver family crest. Keane was dressed almost identically except he had opted for no bow tie. Una meanwhile wore a traditional white blouse over a black skirt but wrapped in a shawl of the Morelander tartan. The trio took a seat opposite the Rokkenjimans after the greetings.

Finley leaned back in the sofa and began "Once you'd declared sanctions I suspect a meeting was always on the cards. I had intended to come today and be rather upset. We've , as you're no doubt aware, a rather sketchy past with Rokkenjima. However when a Celt asks a fellow Celt, especially one from such a respected clan as the McKenna's, to basically do them a favour you listen." Finley turned towards McKenna "Our relationship with Seaforth is a dear one and so Mr.McKenna you've got your favour. I'm here and I'm open minded but be warned I'm not buying the whole "the Empress is young" deal much longer. I've no idea what went down at the ADSN but we've seen monarchs across Mundus similar ages do great things. The Veiled One of Gusano is I believe 18, Viktoria Tar was beginning reforms in Lodja, and I've seen countless 18 year olds sent into combat having to make life and death decisions in a blink of the eye. Some of which you lassie will be sending to have to make those decisions." he turned back to the Empress. "If you're going to sit in the big chair then make sure you're ready." He concluded. "Now I'll like my sister here talk about Scordisci" He sat back as Una leaned forward.

"Since 2017 I've served as Royal Governor of Scordisci. In 2020 I was elected to run that position again. I don't get to make day to day decisions about the nation, I sign off on any legislation from the Seanadh, what you'd maybe call a Parliament. I can't block legislation but I can delay it in two ways. The first is by sending it to a judge to see if it is compatible with existing legislation and the second is to propose amendments and this then sends it back to Seanadh where they either accept my amendments or send it back. The only role I have to make serious change is to manage security, ensure various elections are held and to manage a budget. We've elections next year and I've determined I will not stand so the future of the province is up for grabs."

"Now allow me to explain this so called Imperialism" Finley took over "Its no secret, my dream is that one day we have a super-Celtic nation, a united land ruled by a Celtic monarch, preferably an Ó Séaghdha. I also dream that I can fly and drink whiskey by the lake full but those don't happen either. What I believe realistically can be achieved is a grand Celtic Alliance, think the CNN but in kilts and lots of bagpipes. Now King David, King Piripi and Queen Natalya know that if that was achievable but meant leaving the CNN then we'd depart as friends. The reason I have this dream is I don't see Celts as really being nations, we're clans. McKenna here will recognise that. We're clans working together within a geographical region with one guy, in our case me, driving the bus. So when the Scordisci have allowed for decades attacks on our border you act. The problem is while your Empire had to recently deal with a conflict with a neighbour or enemy was not so obvious. You had direct avenues towards peace, we didn't. So when you see a bus of children set on fire and their government don't make a single arrest or take any action you sort it yourself. In that moment of seeing that bus fire I would have gladly wiped every Scordiscan from the face of Mundus, but did we? No we did not. We invaded to secure our border, to capture those responsible. In return we saw a government use chemical weapons, banned chemical weapons.......at least six canisters of which are still missing somewhere on Mundus. We therefore we not going to allow a criminal government to stand. The provisional one was weak and so when Jacobson hit what were we to do? Watch a neighbour suffer? Watch the SFR take advantage and take control of the land? No we went back in and we have established a system there that serves the people far better than the old government did. Scordisci's economy is growing, its agricultural output is going up and its got access to a wider range of markets than it ever had. If I was a Scordiscan I'd be thanking my lucky stars and why has there been no rebellion, no attacks? Because the Scordiscans are our clansman, just as McKenna will have clansman in Claith, in Eigg, in Cantabria and beyond. So perhaps answer me this. Why when we go and establish a new government, one that is working, in a neighbouring land ruined by disease and chemicals we're imperialists, when the Ålanders annex what remained of the Union of Nordic Peoples, basically Uppsala, they're not Imperialists?"

21
Diplomacy and Events / A Repsonse to Rokkenjima
« on: October 23, 2023, 07:21:50 PM »

Following the suspension of Rokkenjiman sanctions we will obviously follow suit. We however will not be accepting the invitation of the Empress. In the past monarchs of Rokkenjima have accused both our nation and myself criminals. Having seen diplomacy between our nations fail in the past I believe neutral territory is the only fair compromise. With the Empress being currently aboard her vessel I have put forward the following two options. The first is Portworth in East Moreland. The second in Abertone City as I intend to visit for the World Cup.[1]. Should this be acceptable then I shall meet with the Empress shortly.

Signed

King Finley

 1. Assuming the voting has closed as I'm writing this past 7pm UK time

22
International News Networks / Re: Nya Åland News
« on: October 22, 2023, 07:01:47 PM »


]

HEAD GOTHI "SHOWCASE" TAKE PLACE

Last night national TV aired a pair of interviews with the leading candidates for the position of Head Gothi. As people are just two weeks away from the polls opening it was a chance to see how each stood up to scrutiny from the media and assembled audience. Dr.Olivia Robertsson and current Head Gothi Stein Ulfsson were both interview by Krista Rosendahl and asked the same questions before random questions taken from a box provided by the audience were addressed.

If elected what would be your top priority?

SU - The Theocracy needs to begin establishing a wider network of friendship. There are several nations such as Marseille and East Moreland that we consider close friends, to some extent Achkaerin too. Our problem has been a the way some of the former CSTO have sought to make us outcasts. If I am re-elected my first foreign policy move would be to seek membership of the Sovereign Union of Nations, a group that have tried to stand against those imposing an agenda on the world. Once we've forged membership of S.U.N we'll seek to become active in growing their science section and becoming a valued member of an interesting organisation.

DOR - Its simple I want to show people of our faith they've been tricked. Nya Åland became independent because it viewed itself as a strong nation free from control by others. No sooner had it gained that than it began to show fear of the wider world. Odin is a God that wants us couragous, self reliant and disciplined, he is not a God that fears religions I would consider false. You want to be a Christian, fine be a Christain, but when you meet the All-Father that becomes a you problem. If elected the idea of us hiding away behind the Gods will end. We will send missionaries across the world to promote our faith and while Odinist teaching will be at the centre of everything we do it won't be because of fear. 

How would you grow the economy?

SU Assuming we're members of S.U.N that will bring with it closer trading links. If we are not then I'll be looking to move our nation towards better utilising our access to the Alucard. There is a thriving market there and I want us to grab as large a slice of that as possible. I want us to be one of the largest economies in terms of size of population on Mundus and we'll need to begin exporting and that requires networks.

DOR There would be a two prong approach. Stage one takes care of itself. We'd relax the religious laws and thus, I hope, end the sanctions against us. This will in itself help create new growth. Then secondly we'd look to promote what Nords do best, we innovate. We've a thriving science sector of our economic landscape and by investing in that I believe strongly we can become world leaders. If we improve the way we monetise our science know how that boosts everything else too.

If you had to pick one nation to sign a treaty with in the next twelve months who would it be?

SU That is relatively easy. Holmvik. They share around 90% of our faith and I believe we at heart are kindred spirits. We are natural partners and as such I think we have a lot to offer each other. I would love to conclude some arrangement with them as our culture, history and faith is so closely enshrined.

DOR  First of all I wouldn't be silly enough to limit ourselves to just one. I would be interested though in making arrangements with local Alucard nations. I've got experience of working with Lodjians through various agencies I've been part of and so perhaps that might be a logical first step but if elected my plane will be getting in the air miles and my door will be open.

What do you think is the biggest weakness of your opponent?

SU - Let me begin by saying Dr. Robertsson is someone I'm proud to say is an Ålander. Under my time as Head Gothi we introduced a system of new Jarls and Thanes and she was one of the first names put forward. She is though very young and as a result has very little experience as a Gothi. She is not equipped to lead a nation dedicated to the Gods and as such I fear that she is incapable of leading in such a way as the All-Father would desire. A vote for the good doctor is a vote to turn away from the tradition and values that have held our communities strong through all manner of disasters.

DOR  - He's weak. There is no kind way of putting it. I believe he is a nice guy but he is blind to the world outside our homeland. He has made very few overseas visits and we can't live in a village. Our ancestors raided the coasts of Mundus and while I am not advocating we return to Viking ways I do think we need to stop looking inwards. Another term in office by Ulfsson will see us become even more stagnated and out of touch with the world.

What makes you the best candidate?

SU - Out of the two of us it is clear I have the best theological knowledge and the most experience in government. I am capable of ensuring our nation runs smoothly and continues to be the Holy Land of our faith. No one else in this race is capable of doing this. I know the people of our country better than any candidate and I believe that none of them love the Gods as much as me. I have wisdom the other candidates don't and I have the backing of the Odinic Rite.

DOR - I don't quit. Throughout my life I've faced challenges beyond any of the others. When the disaster hit the UNP I was in the midst of it and hiked out. When Uppsala became chaos I was a trainee doctor who manned medical centres. Then when the gas disaster happened I, like so many other medics, refused to leave the contaminated zone. Like them I have the scars of refusing to quit (she shows camera scars on her hands from chemical burns). I've ran medical centres out the back of flatbed trucks, I've brought medical care to places in Zimalia that hadn't seen doctors for years. I've been in J.E.T operations on several continents. I don't have political experience but if you need a Nord to get a job done in hard circumstances I'm your girl.

Following the shared questions it was revealed that Stein Ulfsson wants to make reforms to the nations environmental policies. "I believe we have the capability to over produce energy. If thats the case then we could easily export our surplus to places like Vynlandia or even the Lodjain islands." He also stated that he would increase the amount of whaling that the nation takes part in.

Meanwhile Dr.Robertsson explained that she intends to reform education to make it ensure that all students gain neither 100% academic nor vocational qualifications. "We'd bring in a new diploma, students will be expected to learn at least one practical skill such as carpentry if their academic or if they're more practical they'd be required to study at least one academic subject." She also explained that schools would be free to set their own policy on religious education and whether to teach faiths other than Odinism.

The election is 14 days away however Monday marks the final chance to register to vote. To vote a person must be registered with their local Odinic Order[1] and forms can be found both online or at your local office.
 1. Think of this as like your local council, despite it having Odinic in the name membership is open to people of any or no faiths

23
Press Offices / Re: The Official Cenneg Press Office
« on: October 22, 2023, 05:47:19 PM »

Following the imposition of sanctions upon the nation by the Empire of Rokkenjima it is our sad necessity to impose tit for tat sanctions. As Empress Serenity of Achkaerin has so comprehensively explained This was no way an act of Imperialism. As a nation we reacted first to terrorism, then to crimes against the Uppsala Convention which are still supporting terrorism and then a humanitarian crisis. Scordisci made its choice to become a special province of Ui Cenneslaig and has since flourished. In their elections to choose a Royal Governor and in 2024 the four year election cycle for this will take place again. Should the people wish a "independence" candidate then they can stand effectively making it a referendum.

With immediate effect the same sanctions as placed on ourselves by Rokkenjima shall be placed on them with one exception. We shall not be demanding diplomatic staff leave as we believe embassies are a vital route for all forms of diplomacy and should any Rokkenjimans visiting our nation require their homelands support we will not deny them that access.

We also request CNN nations extend services to any Cenneg citizen within Rokkenjima.

Signed

King Finley

24
Sporting Hub / Re: MFA World Cups 2023 - OOC/Sign Ups
« on: October 11, 2023, 09:38:03 PM »
NA and UC for all
If extra teams needed feel free to include Cantabria.

25
International News Networks / Re: Gairm Nan Gaidheal
« on: September 20, 2023, 10:08:47 PM »




SCORDISCI ECONOMY HITS HISTORIC HIGH

Following the referendum in Scordisci in 2017 that saw the region vote to merge with Ui Cenneslaig the economy in the region has taken a positive upturn. With various border clashes having dominated the early 2010's the situation came to a head when the Scordisci government failed to stop a series of cross border raids that saw children abducted and livestock slaughtered. The abduction of a Gaelic Football junior teams mini bus that was later set ablaze with 13 year old Kieran McClusky onboard saw the first cross border retaliation which soon spilled over into a short lived but controversial conflict which saw members of the now destroyed terrorist group the SFU link up with Scordisci government forces. In the closing days of the conflict the government of Scordisci unleashed chemical weapons on Cenneg forces before finally surrendering. Even in the aftermath the region suffered as soon after an outbreak of Jacobson Virus saw mass migrations away from Scordisci. In late 2017 the former Republic became an official part of Ui Cennesliag and todays published economic figures show that the economy there has flourished.

Normally nations can expected to see a 2-3% increase in GDP per capita per year, as has happened in the original borders of Ui Cennesliag however in Scordisci the economy prior to 2017 had been slowly shrinking, largely due to an over reliance on agriculture and poor infrastructure. Since 2017 however the economy has shown increases by as much as 8% GDP per capita and this year has broken through the $15,000 barrier. The increase has been put down by economists to two leading factors. The first is the vast improvements in transportation. Once the Scordisci territory came under the same Kingdom as Ui Cenneslaig there was investment to connect the two transport networks. This has seen Scordisci become part of various rail projects linking across the continenant of Ardia including into Lijiang and the Northern Celtic nations. Even a high speed link between Cantabria and Scordisci has become possible ensuring a better market access for businesses in Scordisci. This access to market was increased even more so as the second reason for the rapid increase can be put down to the Scordiscians being able to access Ui Cenneslaigs deals with the CNN, TUNA and various other treaties that the former Republic of Scordisci lacked. In addition the investment into modernising power system by utilising hyrdo-electricity and fraking have also helped the people enjoy lower energy bills. The Cenneg Minister for Economic Affairs is Campbell Harris who today said, "We're proud that the projects we've put in place have had a real visible outcome. The people of the Duchy of Scordisci (as the region became known in 2019) have now got access to world class transport and energy which is a back bone of creating a thriving economy. Wages and levels of employment have never been higher and as we continue to look at ways to further support the blossoming modernisation of agriculture we expect that trend to continue. While we still have a significant gap between the Duchy and the rest of Ui Cenneslaig the data is clearly showing we are closing the gap."

The "Joining Up" of Celtic nations is a key priority of King Finley who has gone on record as saying he believes that an "Economically hard working Celtic heart-land joined by a common cultural bond can be a world powerhouse in economic growth." The King will see foundations for a new generation of joining up take place around this time next year when Prince Keane will marry Princess Esmerelda of Cantabria. The Princess is due to turn 16 in the summer and an arranged marriage has been on the cards for several years. The Princess is the heir to the throne of Cantabria which is currently held in regency by Queen Cait, who is the widow of King Comegen who died after being in a vegetive state for almost a year in 2021 following a car accident. When Esmerelda becomes 18 she will inherit the throne in her own right and Prince Keane shall become King of Cantabria which will mean when King Finley passes away the two Kingdoms will share a monarchy as Prince Keane shall also inherit the Cenneg throne. Cantabria currently boasts a GDP per capita of around $11,000 and will no doubt be hopeful that a more formal joining will see their economy boost in a similar way as Scordisci's. The process of Cantabria and Ui Cenneslaig co-operating economically had been drawing close however the death of King Comegen's father and then his own accident meant that Queen Cait, King Finley's sister, has had to rely heavily on the Dáil to approve changes she wished to make and this has been ponderously slow. Prince Keane is currently taking some time away from education following completion of his Highers where he achieved Grade B in Biology, Psychology and Sports Science and a Grade C in Sociology. He is currently working as a member of the National Park Rangers caring for the forests in Calod Vale however he has stated that in January he will formally apply to attempt Royal Airborne Commando entry and do three years within the military.

26
International News Networks / Re: Nya Åland News
« on: August 25, 2023, 09:44:59 PM »


]

SPECIAL FORCES RAID "MEDICINE FARM"

The Ministry of Defence have announced today that the nations Special Forces until known as the Mjölnir have conducted a raid just outside the village of Mikswald. The Mjölnir had been told by law enforcement that it was believed that a criminal gang had established a facility there for smuggling narcotics and potentially also weapons. The Mjölnir raided the facility this morning and discovered that the intelligence was not accurate and rather than it being a facility for drugs and firearms it was discovered that six swimming pools had been created and that Dolphins  were being stored there. Several arrests were made including one who was a Lijiang citizen. As well as the dolphins illegally in captivity several freezers were found containing dolphin skin and vials of various oils. The seized items are reportedly used in a variety of medicines traditionally used in Lijiang medicine. There were in total 12 Dolphins in captivity, thought being houses ready for their flesh to be removed and oils extracted. Vetenary practiners were called and despite their efforts only 8 of the animals are being prepared for release back into the wild while four of the animals have had to be euthanised. Those arrested have been charged with animal cruelty, various wildlife offenses and smuggling.

Head Gothi Stein Ulfsson said "We will be contacting authorities in Lijiang to work out whether this is part of a wider operation and to ensure that we have captured everyone involved. Some may say it strange that we take an approach to try and prevent farms such as these, this is now the second we've found in four years. We as a nation consume whale and dolphin however only in two small settlements where it is as much a necessity as it is a tradition. There animals are taken quickly and painlessly from the wild, however these people have inflicted lengthy captivity in horrendous conditions and that is unacceptable."

Head Gothi candidate Dr.Olivia Robertsson also spoke about Ulfsson's statement saying "There is no place in our nation for two things. First is cruelty to animals. The second is to apologise for the traditions of our people. The Gods are clear animals are sacred creatures, and that they were closely connected to the gods. It is important to hunt respectfully, and to avoid taking more than was needed. When those two settlements hunt they do so with that in mind, there is no need to explain to the world why we do it."

Those arrested will appear in court on Monday.

27
International Organisations / Re: CNN Terrorism Talks (Closed)
« on: August 23, 2023, 06:30:27 PM »
"The Cenneg military shall begin deployments in the next 48 hours"

28
International News Networks / Re: Nya Åland News
« on: August 23, 2023, 05:27:21 PM »




ROBERTSSON AND STRAND ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

With the elections a month away the Liberal Odinic Rite have announced an official leadership partnership. The parties founder and leader, Dr.Olivia Robertsson, confirmed at the parties rally in Uppsala that one of their candidates in the upcoming election will be former foreign minister Brigid Strand and that if the party is successful in taking control of both the position of Head Gothi and a majority in the Odinic Council that she would become Allsherjargoði. The Party are standing on a platform designed to give the nation less of a theocratic controlled way of life while simultaniously ensuring the Odinist faith remains an important part of the nations identity. The party have been successful in local municipal council elections with the party now controlling 35 out of the 58 within the nation. The party have also enjoyed a huge amount of support from the younger demographic with a massive 82% of those aged between 18 and 30 polled saying they would vote for the party. In the 20% of the Ålander population who describe themselves as "Nords" rather than Ålanders the party currently poll around 60% of the vote. These two statistics mean the party stand in a strong position heading into the nation elections which have for close to a decade been considered a one horse race. Even when Nya Åland was part of the Union of Nordic Peoples the Odinic Rite Party always won elections within the nation however since the referendum under which Åland left the Union that parties grasp has gradually weakened.

At Uppsala Indoor Sports Arena the medic, who is also one of the non-heriditary Jarls of the nation, addressed a crowd of around 38,000 people. She was joined on stage by Birgid Strand. During the speech she laid out the policies of the party. "If elected our course of action is clear. Live out the nine noble virtues. Under our programme the nation would have the courage to intervene at times of crisis across the world just as we needed people to do on our behalf. We would expose the truth that following the path of closeting ourselves away has cost us in terms of economic opportunities lost, in terms of friends lost. Our faith talks about the importance of honour and to enhance it the need to do good deeds, when truly was the last time we as a nation did anything good for the world, Marseille? And then were have we been on the recent Troyes situation. It can be argued that shoulder to shoulder with Real Marseille the Ålander forces we sent into Marseille created the road-map for that nations freedom from evil. But since then what? Nothing. We are expected to show discipline, self discipline, yet as a nation we have allowed Stein Ulfsson to control our morality, we are not his children. We are to be self-reliant, we have the ability to stand as a nation alone, yes but self-reliant means we equip our young to face Mundus and be confident in their own skills and knowledge. How many of us have truly seen our nation equip us with the ability to navigate a life on Mundus, a handful of us who have partaken in the More and Mundus project have ever truly known a life without religious rules dominating our lives. Our faith teaches us to be industrious but what oppurtunities have Ulfsson extended to us to fulfil this? We are supposed to perservere in the face of hardship, but how have we really tested ourselves. Finally to me the most significant of these virtues is hospitality, how do we make guests to our nation feel? I would say not welcome. If we are elected we shall make these virtues central to everything we do. If you elect Ulfsson you elect a nation of fear. Fear of the outside world, fear of other Gods, fear of failure. Elect us and we show the world that Odin has nothing to fear from Mundus and guided by his wisdom we shall resume a place of respect and co-operation with the world."

Following Dr.Robertsson's speech Strand addressed the crowd briefly saying, "Nya Åland stands at a cross roads. We turn one way and we remain the same. A nation speaking of its love and devotion to Odin. We turn the other and we become the living, breathing embodyment of the All-Fathers word, a nation living without fear and a nation not willing to take a backwards step. Make your decisions."

Stein Ulfsson's Odinic Rite Party responded to the speeches saying, "The Liberal Odinic Rite are a party with no track record of international politics. They are unaware of what it takes to keep a nation safe and secure and rebuild after one of the worlds largest disasters. We have turned places like Uppsala from a wasteland back into a thriving city in just a short space of time." This comment however was rubbished by many on social media as one user pointed out "No track record of international politics? Strand ran the CTO! Strand helped draft the Uppsala Convention! Ulfssons a clown."

29
Convention Centre / Re: Glasto-Mundus 2023
« on: August 17, 2023, 09:26:45 PM »
Name of Band - Junkyard Drive
Nation: NA
Song 1  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlenRVK105c - Geordie
Song 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEfcnbj5HyA - Mama
Song 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXTtm-u0uyk - Mr.Rock n Roll
Song 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bKEtqB90nQ - B.A.D.

Name of Band Real McKeznies
Nation: UC
Song 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJiINGZQC1A - The Tempest
Song 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bACj9F00l3s - To the Battle
Song 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OwvOmdOTDM - Drink Some More
Song 4 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKnWG5YwAXg - Yes

Name of Band Aurora/Wardruna
Nation:NA
Song 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnkTuHP9q3o - Runaway
Song 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2AqeH1GPs4 - I Went to Far
Song 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6RCY-G-NlA - Fehu
Song 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnkTuHP9q3o - Helvgen

Name of Band - U2
Nation: UC
Song 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N2HpLWYBOA Beautiful Day
Song 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlLIO2lZ-dA Still Haven't Found
Song 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7p4BjD7wb8 With or Without You
Song 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3CLBIL1J7o Where the Streets Have No Name

30
International Organisations / Re: CNN Terrorism Talks (Closed)
« on: August 05, 2023, 10:04:32 PM »
With the Cenneg having the benefit of the HQ being in their homeland they had slightly more flexibility with their delegate. On this matter it was the duty of Prince Lennox to attend. "Good Morning" he greeted everyone as he took the assigned seat and then listened first to Sir Jacob, Baron Roman and then finally Tangaroa. "I agree with almost everything that has been suggested, could I therefore suggest this updated version of Sir Jacob's plan."

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

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

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

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

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

6. We form a CNN Squadron in the Commonwealth made up of maritime patrol aircraft, air defence capable fighters and strike aircraft.

7. The CNN Squadron will undertake defensive actions.

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