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Messages - DaveIronside

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1
International News Networks / Re: Northfort News
« on: March 25, 2024, 07:15:48 PM »




PRINCESS DEMANDS "CHIP ACT" KING KIND OF AGREES

A trip to a fast food restaurant is used by many parents as a reward for school success, good behaviour or a whole host of different reasons. The royal family is no different and with Princess Rhiannon recently scoring 100% in a school History test a trip to KFC was planned by her father. The trip however has sparked calls from the Princess for a change in legislation. The 11 year old Princess took a photo of her chips and posted it, with her father's permission, to Twitter with the caption "I work hard to get 100% but get 25% of the chips. Not fair. Dad needs to pass a law demanding better chip ratio" KFC later posted that the Princess was correct and that there should be more chips in a serving and would "remind our outlets of our standards." The incident was also referenced by the King himself when he visited the People's Council for an introduction of a proposed new law. The King spoke on what will be known as the "Microchip Security Act 2024" saying. "When I came here today I was under a great deal of pressure to put before you a very different chip act and while my daughter may be interested in the potato based ones I am much more concerned about the silicone ones but we both agree there needs to be more of them." The King went on to explain. "We've been amazed to see over the last decade that our nation has established ourselves as a leading high tech manufacturer and that requires microchips and other components. It is my intention that we will look to ensure that we have a reliable and secure supply of the required components. It is my intention that this law will make it a requirement that the Royal East Moreland Mineral Company (REMMC) be maintained in order to acquire the raw materials to manufacturer the components that we need , be that extracting them directly or by acquiring things such as mines or mining licences overseas. The nation will then maintain a set stockpile as a failsafe in case the need requires. So much of national security is now about cyber space and online that we must be as diligent securing it as we are the rest of our lands."

The People's Council seemed responsive to the proposal with Lucas Blakeslee, the Chief Councillor, saying "The act seems sensible and will promote our nations security, interests and economy. It will have my support in principle but naturally this is the first introduction of the proposal and we know that there will be many debates, discussions and meeting before any formal proposal is put before us for our advice." The Chief Councillor also spoke out on the Princess' proposal saying, "I would vote in favour of Princess Rhiannons proposal of course. I would also suggest that a trip to Annie's Burger Shack gives a much better chip to burger ratio."

Princess Rhiannon is due to head to Portworth for a week during the school holiday which begins on Friday. She is due to spend time with her mother Matilda Osman and has spoken of her excitement about learning to kite-surf. Restaurants across the Portworth region are keeping extra chips on standby.

2
Diplomacy and Events / Re: An Inquiry To King Aldwin VI of Weißenwald
« on: March 19, 2024, 09:24:01 PM »
Prince Bartholomew was not exactly used to diplomacy. His role in Semelberg was more akin to what many would describe as an estate manager. The small charter territory of the Reenburgs was not even 100,000 strong and he spent much of his day dealing with matters of accounting, infrastructure management and public relations. He'd only ever had one real diplomatic meeting before and that was with King David of East Moreland more concerned with simply a getting to know you. This was very different, for the first time in his 24 years of life he would be expected to make decisions with no safety net, so to speak. He had enjoyed a few days in Lodja visiting the Pelagiya family who had effectively become his small principalities patrons. Next he had flown down to Weissenwald and there had hitched a ride down to the frozen south. He had watched Avgusta and Aurora enter the research centre, he however opted to have a little walk around the outside. While he wasn't an engineer himself he'd always taken an interest in such things and he wanted to see what the base was like. As he began feeling the cold he headed inside and was thankful now to be in the warm. There he took off the multiple layers to stop himself from now being too warm and greeted the others who had already arrived.

3
Diplomacy and Events / Re: A War within a war (Borland Spat -Open RP)
« on: March 17, 2024, 07:25:07 PM »
After the scene at the supposed "coronation" Giles Gedding had called for various leading members of the Borlander network to meet with him. Giles sat at the head of the table with the Borlanders Chief Priestess of the Cult to his right. Mary looked down the table where four other people sat. Closest to her was Alice Wallis-Campbell, the mother of the seven year old King, she was here representing both the crown and one of the more influential families. Next there was Thomas Edward, the cousin of Kyle Barren who had been very vocal at the coronation, he was here as he carried a lot of support from the rank and file of the movement and many considered him perhaps the actual heir to the throne. Next there was Roger Allen, he'd been a trusted commander of units within East Moreland and was considered to be the field commander of their forces. Finally there was Leo Kensington who was best thought of as the Borlanders media manager. "I've gathered you here today" Giles began, "because we need to formulate the future of the Borlander movement. At the moment we're on the back foot and the recent loss of our King and his inability to leave us a proper heir has made our situation even worse. However not everything is on such a downer." He said as he distributed a folder to each of them. "You see while I was not involved perhaps with the movement on a day to day basis I've been busy. While the rest of Mundus may know me as Giles Cameron and that I am a wealthy man that is far from the truth." He could see each of them examining a series of accounts, "You'll see approximately $38million in cash " he said proudly. "That is the arms chest I bring back to the movement, each penny of it acquired fair and square through my IT companies and their various investments. We also however have this" he flicked to the next page, "That's a series of shares in various companies that are the equivalent of some $40million. Next we have the deeds to property across Mundus. These assets and these funds will be the basis of the future direction I will take us in so that by the time young William turns of an age to take the crown he will, assuming we've not been victorious, have a sizeable defence budget of sorts and a network across Mundus that will allow us to put the Morelanders to the sword. Now for the time being none of your are to do anything to cause a problem. What I intend is for young William to gain a decent education. Kyle, as intelligent as we may have considered him, lacked real knowledge of Mundus and in the 21st Century rulers must have that sense of place within the world. So we're going to pack him off somewhere safe and somewhere he can gain a good education."

"We need to protect him." Alice protested loudly. "If the Morelanders know where he is then he's as good as dead."

"I know" Giles said calmly placing a hand on her shoulder, "and I'm working on a plan that will ensure just that. I have a meeting arranged with Charlotte Reensburg, the leader of the Charterlands. For some time I've dropped enquiries about a little village on their coast where I own a small villa. I've asked several times about acquiring the whole village. If I can persuade her and cut a deal it shall become Cameronville, on paper my own person fifedom from which my IT companies can operate under rules I establish, so long as course as they are compatible with the Charterlands. One of the things we'll do is bring in some migrant workers to help with my next project, that will include several of you" he gestured to the table. "It will also include a school, a place where we can essentially borrow the Bene Gesserit ideas of teaching our next generation. Cameronville will basically be a new version of Kyles Zimalian attempts at a community. I've learned the lessons of that and I think we need follow the Bene Gesserit approach." There were a few nods of support around the group. "For now you are to head back to your homes, stay hidden, stay secret and let me be about business." while some didn't look too happy they each agreed and soon headed back to their homes in hiding.



Next Day on a plane towards the Charterlands.

Giles Cameron and his business secretary, Corinna Fields, had boarded a flight from Northfort early that morning. They would be flying out to the Charterlands where the authorities expected the duo to visit Giles' lovely seafront property for a few days. While there he'd a visit with the Charterlord pencilled in and was hopeful of a successful outcome. His private jet, while nothing as luxurious as a royal or presidential flight, was comfortable enough and he had found himself snoozing as the phone located in the arm of his reclined seat went off. "Good Afternoon Roger" he answered seeing the details of Roger Allen appear. "What do you mean they've not checked in? Who the hell even are they?" he listened as Roger explained that one of his teams within Zimalia had gone missing. To Giles they were not important, they were part of the old system which was largely now redundant for the next few years at least. Losing a team of people up to Helus knows what in the backwaters of Zimalia was not part of his planning and even if something terrible had happened he wouldn't let it derail his new direction. "Well good luck finding them, if you need anything let me know" he said only half meaning what he said. His biggest concern was that he get this deal with the Reensburg sorted.

It was 24 hours later that he had the meeting arranged. He'd made his way to he Charterlords official residence and presented his credentials at the gate.



"Well isn't this lovely" Kelly Matthewson said as she lead the team into the room. "Where the fuck are they" she added as Graham, Amir and Michelle, followed her in pistols at the ready.

"Good question" Amir asked as he scanned the room. All the intelligence they had suggested they'd have found at least four of the Borlanders here but that now wasn't the case. They double checked their details as Graham kept watch at the door but after double, then triple checking, they were sure they'd found the right place. They then found the beaker. "Acid" Amir said rather quizzically.

"I bet its the same guy" Michelle said referring to how in the past they'd mysteriously found someone else hitting their targets. The Nightwitches may be secret but many of the people they went after where not exactly well liked.

"Got to respect someone who tidies up neatly after themselves." Graham added as the group began considering their next move.

"Have HQ post a thank you on the usual page." There existed a "Community Support Group" page on facebook that several of the intelligence agencies from East Moreland used from time to time and it was suspected that the group they believed responsible would see it too.

"Sending appreciation to those who aren't afraid to handle the tough stuff, like Uncle Boris and his secret formula. Your dedication doesn't go unnoticed. #BorisSolution #ThankYou" appeared that evening and Kelly would watch to see if anyone responded.

4
International News Networks / Re: Northfort News
« on: March 17, 2024, 12:07:00 AM »




KING HONOURS NAVIES LONGEST SERVING MEMBER

King David and his sister Princess Freya have today travelled to Ostlake to honour the nations longest serving member of the Royal East Moreland Naval Service. Petty Officer Bryan Charles joined the navy  as an 18 year old in 1976 as an engineer and served aboard ships until 1996 at which point he became part of the training establishment at Ostlake training the next generation of naval recruits. In 2003 he became the leading rating for the Maritime Engineering School at Ostlake and was often seconded to Portworth Royal Dockyards to consult on naval projects. In 2015 he was due to retire however the honourary post of Chief Post Master of the Navy became available and with almost unanimous backing from the leading ratings aboard each of the navies ships he was offered the role. The honourary position sees the now 66 year old welcome each ship returning to homebase with its mail as historically the holder was responsible for ensuring all postal communication was accounted for. Now the role is generally held by a member of the Navy "held in high regard by their fellow ship-mates and who serves as a first class example of naval discipline and order.". While the role is mainly symbolic the holder is given a small cottage at Ostlake and paid a small pension in addition to any other income they may have. Petty Officer Charles today celebrated the beginning of his 48th year in the Navy, setting a new record for a rating. The two royals attended a parade at Ostlake East where the crew of REMNS King David I, Bryan Charles' former ship, paraded alongside this years engineering recruits. The King and Princess presented the new recruits with their certificates of proficency meaning they have completed this section of their training before presenting the guest of honour with a model of the REMNS King David I along with the Queen's Medal which is awarded for "services to the monarchy above and beyond that expected of a Morelander." In addition the Mess Hall of the Ratings Mess in the Engineering School will now be known as the Petty Officer Charles Mess. Speaking at the ceremony the King stated, "I'm exceptionally proud to be here and present Bryan with this. He is a wonderful example of service and dedication. I have been coming to Ostlake for almost forty years and Bryan has been a fixture of those times, it is wonderful to see someone like him who clearly loves the Navy and his nation."

Following the award Petty Officer Charles said, "I have never wanted a career outside the Navy and even though my role may be symbolic I take great pride in it. To get a chance to welcome back home everyone who has gone to sea and been willing to sacrifice time with their family in service of our homeland is a great feeling. I've done hundreds of welcome home ceremonies and I've loved everyone of them. My hope is they let me carry on for a good few years yet." The 66 year old is quiet often seen rowing out to meet vessels as they return to Ostlake and the King and Petty Officer Charles later went for a row out to REMNS Portworth which is preparing to head to Bakkermaya.

Princess Freya presented Petty Officer Charles with a replica of the ships bell from REMNS King David I and added, "People like the Chief Petty Officer are the backbone of our wonderful armed forces. I'm honoured to have served in the same military as someone willing to give close to their entire life to serve their nation. As far as I am concerned Bryan should be permitted to stay in the Navy until he chooses to retire and when he finally does I for one will be pushing for a ship to be named after him. I'd like to place on record my thanks and that of East Moreland." Petty Officer Charles was also honoured by his favourite rugby team, Ostlake RUFC, who will make him their guest of honour at tomorrows league game against Keepton.

5
Diplomacy and Events / A War within a war (Borland Spat -Open RP)
« on: March 11, 2024, 12:45:15 PM »
It had been two weeks since the assassination of "King" Kyle Barren, the figurehead of the Borlanders, the group committed to what they aw as the restoration of the official bloodline of the throne of Northfort and more importantly the truest heirs of Raimond Unasson the most beloved of Helus' humans. There had been tense meetings across the Alps between the various cells that Barren had so carefully arranged and managed over his time as their leader and while some living intermingled with the Morelanders the vast majority of Borlanders preferred to live in the cold Alps close to the border giving them an escape route made up of hundreds of zig zag alpine roads to escape on. Today though was special, today the group found itself at Maresbrook, a small village high up in the foothills beneath East Moreland's highest peak Highmoor. The large castle that was imposing on the hill over the village was owned, at least if you dug around, by a Charles Menworth, a businessman who owned several large properities across East Moreland that were holiday lets and spas. It was a useful front for meetings, just block out the ability to book for the general public and the Borlanders had a useful meeting place. They also had an income stream to help support their actions against the Morelanders. There today several of the high ranking Borlanders had already gathered and in the large dining room it was clear there were two factions forming as each huddled to their side of the large wooden panelled walls. At the head of one was Robert Wallis-Campbell the brother of Kyle Barrens third wife Alice. His sister was not there today preferring to mourn in her hiding in Zimalia. Across the room from him was Thomas Edward, a tall square shouldered man who was a cousin of Kyle Barren. As Borlander, and also ironically East Moeland tradition dictated at the death of a King an appointed Duke would ensure the coronation of the next King, in East Moreland this was the Duke of Ostlake, for the Borlanders this would be the Duke of Keepton (OOC- Borlanders maintain their own nobility and so for some places there will be a East Moreland (official) and a Borlander (secret) Duke/Duchess etc).

Today that job fell to Richard Hollins, the 70 year old had fulfilled this sacred duty on a previous occasion, today though was different to those as he had no Priestess here as so far the High Priestess of The Cult of Helus (OOC- Also different to the "official" one) had failed to arrive and any communication had to now been impossible. It was a situation though he had considered and now he was prepared to start without her which was already bringing protests from Thomas Edwards and his supporters. "No King may rule unless authorised by Helus, and that needs the Priestess." He yelled across the room to cheers.

"Needs must" Hollins said as he climbed the steps to what at one point, and soon would again, be where a throne would have sat. "I'm sorry but we must press ahead. Helus has more than enough power to stop us if what I do is not his will." He retorted which saw the Campbell-Wallis' nod their approval. "Today we must crown a new King to ensure the connection to our ancestors is kept unbroken. As the appointed Duke I name William Barren as the new King of Borland and the Borland Folk, Duke of Northfort and beloved of Helus."

"He's not a Barren" Edwards yelled. "He's a bastard". There was a smartly dressed 7 year old boy clinging to a womans hand, almost trying to hide behind her white skirt. "Look at the boy" Edwards continued, "He can't lead us and the Campbell-Wallis lot haven't picked up anything other than their skirts to help our cause in decades." Across the room the woman, Alice Campbell-Walls stepped in front of her son.

"He is the rightful heir" The room fell silent, it was Beatrice Barren, the first wife of Kyle Barren. She looked ill, her face was pale and there were large bags under her eyes. Since the news of her husbands death she had not been eating or sleeping well. While first the young girl Rebekah had become a wife also to her husband that was only ever to father an heir, after her execution by the Morlanders there had been Alice and that too had been nothing more than a loveless convenience. Beatrice though was a devout follower of their cause and knew the bloodline had to be preserved so had both relented to her husbands involvement with both women but also supported young Williams cliam. "The blood of Unasson flows through those veins full bodily, deep in the love of Helus. Yours..." she scowled at Edwards, "Is merely a poor polluted trickle" there was another chorus of shouting. This shouting however soon stopped when the sound of a bugle filled the air.

Mary Sutton, the lady whom the Borlanders considered the true High Priestess had entered the room backed by a group of around ten men wearing ceremonial uniform in Black. "This is why we lose." She pointed first at Edwards then at Beatrice. "When things go wrong we shirk away, we hide, we point fingers and we rebuild. Kyle knew that and did his best to create permanence for us, you failed him and now you fail Helus. Kyle will be watching us, once he has paid his penance for turning his back on some of our laws, alongside Helus united with Unasson and he will feel shame." The room this time did not erupt. It didn't matter what side of the metaphorical, and in this case actual, divide in the room you supported this was the High Priestess and her word in the absence of the King was enough for most. "Both of you are right, but for very different reasons" She walked forward dressed in a red dress a black shawl over it with the hood pushed back. She was just the wrong side of sixty but was still a woman you could say was beautiful. Her face carried a kind of stern elegance and her piercing pale blue eyes scanned the room. She walked slowly and deliberatley as though trying to make eye contact with everyone in the room at least once and in her wake came the Black jacketed men, each with a sword at their hip and an assault rifle on their backs. "I bring with me the Black Riders, the men most loyal to the Barren cause. Each has dedicated their life to the pursuit of getting the Morelanders to be nothing but history. Each of these ten men are more important to our cause than anyone in this room at this moment for they don't stand around talking, they take action. Just like Kyle did." Mary took the steps up to the awaiting throne and sat down. "Duke Richard" She said turning to Richard Hollins who was still in a state of uncertainty. "You're task is done, get down" she pointed to the floor and the man poddled down to stand with the Campbell-Wallis group. "My decision is this, while not a true heir in the sense of the word, William is of the bloodline. He however has no chance of being King while simply a child, and he certainly needs some toughening up looking at him" the boy was still peering out from behind his mother. "Therefore I will be ordering a regent until the boys turns 18 years of age. That regent will not be the Campbell-Wallis." her glare silenced the protests even before they began. "That regent shall be myself and Giles Gedding." The room began to murmour again but by raising a sword and clanging it on the throne the room once more fell silent. Giles Gedding was something of a myth among the Borlanders, he had once been inseperable from Kyle Barren but an arguement 15 years ago had seen him leave the group, only to resurface in Bakkermaya five years ago as Giles Cameron, a rich IT tycoon who was investing left, right and centre in business there. All filtering money back to fill the "royal treasury" In truth he had lead several hacking attempts and was linked to many of the major hacks of the 21st Century. The door opened and rather like a scene in a movie in walked the 40 year old setting foot in East Moreland for the first time in 15 years.

6
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Talk of Troyes (Semi-Open....Ask Aosta)
« on: February 28, 2024, 09:22:01 PM »
"While I'd be happy to have all the help we can get, within reason, I'm not about to agree to the support of people covertly unless I know what is happening and who is doing it. Can you tell me a little more? As for further discussions it will be my hope that once we get Troyes its freedom and independence that we can get yourselves and the government of Marseille around a table. So far you've been a rock in this cause and I'd like to see us have even greater interactions moving forward."

7
International News Networks / Re: Northfort News
« on: February 25, 2024, 06:27:58 PM »




KING AWARDS HIGHEST MEDAL TO LEGIONNAIRES IN HIT SQUAD

The Palace have confirmed that today King David has meet, in person, with the members of Red Legion who were responsible for the operation that killed terrorist Kyle Barren. The King meet the men of Red Legion at their units HQ in Aldfield and presented each of them with the nations highest military honour, the Kings Medal. The awarding of these four medals now mean that the King has awarded five King's Medals during his lifetime, all of them to anonymous members of Red Legion. It was also confirmed that several members of the National Intelligence Agency who had sourced the information which allowed the strike to take place have been awarded the Moreland Cross which is avaliable only the civilians who have done things considered "inspirational to Morelanders". In a statement released following the King's visit to Red Legion HQ the monarch said, "I am exceptionally proud of the Legionnaires who undertook this operation. They have demonstrated exceptional skills and courage and are an example to every member of the armed forces in terms of what a well trained and dedicated Morelander can achieve. They however are only as good as the intelligence they are given and our hats must be raised to those members of the Intelligence Agency who were able to put these men in a position to carry out their mission. This nation, and the rest of Mundus, owes everyone involved a debt of thanks."

The Palace have also confirmed that the body of Kyle Barren, the self proclaimed "King of the Borlanders", has been dropped from a naval maritime patrol aircraft into "the deep ocean" however say they will not confirm the exact location nor even the body of water. The bodies of the other Borlanders killed during the attack, another six individuals, have been similarly disposed of in unconfirmed locations. A spokesman for the High Priestess of the Cult of Helus stated, "The Cult of Helus is very clear that the deeds we do in life shall determine our place in the afterlife. I am firmly convinced that Barren and all those that follow him will have no afterlife of worth, just that they shall now know the eternal pain and torment that they have caused."


8
Vignettes / Operation Aerodrake
« on: February 24, 2024, 08:58:07 PM »
King David had enjoyed an evening in Portworth after visiting a factory that made some tidal energy platforms. The visit to the factory had been rather run of the mill, he'd meet with workers, spoken with bosses of some other local businesses about their ideas and concerns for the energy sector and then eaten some of the driest chicken known to man kind in the factory canteen with some of the young apprentice workers the company had hired. After he'd meet with some of the navies senior officers and thankfully had a much nicer dinner in the officers mess. He'd been happily asleep on a belly of fine venison and a few glasses of best Cenneg single malts when the phone in his room in the mess rang. "Your Majesty we're sorry to wake you but there is an urgent matter" The voice on the phone began to explain, it took him a few moments to recognise it was that of Quinn Germaine, his head of Royal Household.  "I've a Steward on his way up to escort you to the Naval Command Centre."

David had just swung his legs out of bed when there was a knock of the door that began delicately and then proceeded to increase in volume until the King opened the door. "Your Majesty" The man held a tray with a cup of coffee on it and a plate of toast. "I'll wait outside" he added once he had placed the tray on the table in the lounge area. The King checked the time 1:30am and sighed in the knowledge that if this was something that couldn't wait until his scheduled 6am wake up call then something major must be happening.

"A million pounds Rokkenjima have done something stupid" David said to himself as he took a quick bite of toast and a swig of the coffee as he proceeded to follow the Steward down the stairs and into a waiting SUV which his protection detail where already assembled in. The King took his appointed seat in the rear and as the car began to take them to the opposite side of the base where the Command Centre was Quinn turned round from her position in the front seat and began telling the King what was dragging him from his sleep. "I had a call from Brigadier Corey, they have what he called" She scanned her notes, "reliable, actionable intelligence that would give them a potential shot at Barren." The Kings eyes widened.

"Are we in a position to take action?" David asked.

"Corey thinks so Your Majesty" Quinn said optimistically.

"Well we better get this show on the road" David said feeling his pulse beginning to race. They pulled up at the Command Centre, a small squat whitewashed building that stood on a hill overlooking the dockyards where several of the Navies ships were bobbing away in the moonlight. The King was shown straight in and down to the bunker that was set up as a place from where the Admiral of the Fleet could conduct major operations, today though the seat at the head of the table was set up for David who could see banks of video screens showing various others and most surprisingly was a group of three Red Legionnaires sat making a brew on a hillside somewhere all David could see was feet as they stood around the little stove. "Whose on four?" David asked pointing to the numbered monitors.

"That'll be Major Redfern Your Majesty" Quinn said as she placed a hefty pack of documents down in front of the King who was busy getting settled.

"The Big Boss is on" David heard one of the Legionnaires say and then watched as the camera that was mounted on one of the Legionnaires helmets was lifted and spun round revealing Alex Redfern   "Good Morning Your Majesty" He said as he was clearly walking away from the others in his squad where he found a rock to use as his desk as he sat for the briefing.

"Good to see you Alex" the King said and was about to start a conversation with his friend when Grace Yacobs, one of the Kings most trusted intelligence analysts entered the room.

"Sorry to interupt" She said without no hint of real reluctance to halt the social occasion. She put down several folders and unrolled a map. "We're time critical on this one." She added and it seemed like everyone understood the urgency and so went silent, the King pulling his seat closer to the table. "The situation is that we've an asset entrenched with one of the anti-government milita units in Mersch. We've known for about six months that the group and the Borlanders have been exchanging weapons and we've had word that Barren himself has just visited to secure the sale of some missile systems for the Borlanders. Barren is expected to be heading back through the Alps in the next two hours and we've got the tip off of his route. He's coming through the Dalton Goat tracks, its a common route used by smugglers as its prone to rockfalls so most normal traffic avoids it. We've a genuine chance to get a shot on the guy."

"OK, then lets sanction an air-strike" David urgently spoke.

"Its not that simple" Alex said turning helmet cam so that the King and others could see the scenes, "Its gash weather up here. Visibility is a few hundred meters and we couldn't reliably call an air strike in, its a job for people on the ground and we just happen to be two passes east chasing down leads of a series of Borlander caches." Redferns camera showed a thick fog that was common in the Alps. "We've the gear to put a hit in but we need to be making a move. I'd also like the rapid action team from Keepton on standby."

"We don't need to discuss this" David said determinedly, "put the brew away, get your gear and get going. If we've a chance to get him then we take it. You need anything Alex then you call for it and it'll happen. Get hunting."

"Roger that" Alex said and as he donned his helmet the figures of Barks, Saxby and Rowe were already pulling their packs on steaming mugs being left behind. It would be touch and go but the boys were confident they could cover the distance required, especially because the majority of the tab would be done without the need for being tactical. The team were around an hour and a half of hard scurrying away from the Dalton Pass, giving them just half an hour to recce the area and set up their attack. The hike was done largely in silence, not for secrecy but just to allow each man to keep his breath for the fast paced hike. More or less bang on schedule the four men crested the ridge and could see the single track winding road beneath them. Redfern knew the path reasonably well having used it several times himself during the regency crisis. He knew there was another path around 2km further along that would have been the one they'd likely have turned off onto and Redfern was doing his best in the gloom to begin formulating a plan. He had contemplated putting something in the road but knowing their luck a poor farmer coming to feed his cattle would be the guy coming along and in this weather they'd never know and so they'd have to rely on the element of surprise and skilled marksmanship. "Rowe, you're a hundred yards up the road, you're our eyes. I need you to give us a go no go when they reach us. Take the grenade launcher and once you tell us to engage its likely they'll stop, if its one vehicle hit it, if its multiple hit the back one, lets try boxing them in. Saxby you take the sniper rifle. Aim for the engine, then the driver of the lead vehicle, then any poor sod you can. I'm going to stick a glow stick in that dry stone wall. When the lead vehicle gets level with it I'll call out, Saxby take your shots, me and Barks will be left and right flank respectively. Barks you take the GPMG and sweep from centre of the vehicle forwards, I'll sweep centre rearwards. Everyone good."

"Roger, lets kill the bastard" Barks said with genuine excitement in his voice.

The people hurried to their positions and got set up, Redfern placed a glow stick in the wall and from a position just about twenty meters away he could just about see it, luckily so could Saxby who had zeroed in on a patch of asphalt that seemed to stand out from the rest and would act as a nice sighter for him. Now it was just about waiting, they'd have fifteen minutes if everything they'd been told was correct.

Twenty five minutes later nothing had happened, there was the very first hint of light creeping into the world and the feint glow of headlights on fog indicated something was coming. "Two Landies, three up in the first, four up in the second" Rowe had spotted it coming and using a spotters scope had zoomed in. He was trying to spot Barren but there was no chance, he'd have to go with his gut. "GO!GO!GO!" he took a gamble knowing it would be worth it.

"Roger" three voices came back on the comms and then just a few seconds later a gunshot rang out and Rowe knew that Saxby had taken his first shot, Rowe posted up took aim at where he imagined the rear vehicle would be and hit the trigger on the grenade launcher. Already a second sniper rifle crack could be heard and then the sound of gunfire from the flanks. The sound of bullets bouncing off metal echoed off the steep valley walls. Rowe moved to approach the convoy from the rear, he peeked over the dry stone wall and seeing the vehicles beginning the get riddled he rolled over and took up a kneeling aim and poured fire into the rear vehicle which seemed like it had only been scorched by the grenade. The driver was now trying to inch it backwards with one tyre flopping about as its rubber had been shredded. Rowe aimed roughly for where he imagined the drivers head would be and squeezed the trigger on his assault rifle. The rear left door briefly swung open and he switched his bursts of fire from the imaginery head to the door and a figured flopped out onto the road seemingly hit by gunfire. The rear vehicle was stationary now and on the radio Saxby reported that the first one was likewise stopped. "Barks stay on overwatch, Rowe meet me rear vehicle. Saxby watch for anything coming" The others confirmed their receving of the orders and soon the steady gunfire was silent. The two men meet at the rear vehicle and Redfern opened the door as Rowe took up position to allow him to fire on anything that emerged. Nothing did, Redfern heard groans and grabbed the driver pulling him out the vehicle and dropping him onto the road. He then slid inside and looked at the passenger, he was clearly dead a pair of bullets had passed through his skull. In the rear Alex could see one dead and one moving but from his position couldn't see who it was. "Rowe get the X-Ray" The door swung open and Rowe dragged him out peering at the body a shake of the head indicating it wasn't Barren. The two men were left bleeding at the side of the road, they were weaponless and so with Saxby giving them cover they headed forward to the other praying to get something more. The driver and passenger in the front were dead, each with a bullet from Saxby lodged in their skull. In the back there was groans but no movement and with his heart pounding Redfern dragged the man out, he was covered in blood and three rounds had entered his torso, likely from Barks' machine gun. Redfern dumped him on the ground and pushed the hood on his parka back to reveal the mans face, Rowe saw his Majors face light up. "Got the fucker"

Rowe began removing a medi-pac from his belt kit. "What the hell you doing?" Barks asked now he'd come down and joined them.

"We need to take him in and put him on trial" Rowe idealistically stated.

"Now we need to end him." Barks began removing the pistol from his belt.

"Hold" Redfern stated as he walked a few steps away. He switched radio frequencies. "Operation Aerodrake is a success, we've got Barren in a bad way but salvagable. We can wait for the helicopter to get in now its getting light. Evac him to Keepton and then hand him over for trial." Alex waited but there was nothing but silence on the radio before David's voice came on the airways.

"We don't need a trial. Withhold medical care let the bastard bleed out" David said with a tone in his voice that made Alex think the King was envious that he wouldn't be there to watch it happen. Alex didn't bother to respond and merely walked back to the others and relayed the order.

Alex squated down next to the man, "Hey.....Your Majesty" he poked him with the end of his own rifle. "Look at me." They'd propped him up against the front vehicles rear wheel. "That's it sunshine" Barrens eyes barely opened and even that brought a groan. "Hey.....my names Alex Redfern and I've spent nearly half my life hunting arseholes like you across Mundus. You're dying here today because I wouldn't even waste a Micky Mouse elstaplast on you. So what is going to happen is I'm going to shoot you.....a lot....but not anywhere that'll kill you. We're then going to sit and wait for a helicopter while you leak. By the time it gets here you'll be dead because frankly I'm not hanging around all day wasting my time on you. So before I start shooting you I just want you to know, it was us who killed your kid, it was us who captured that wife of yours we hung and everyone of your buddies who died, it was us. Now if any tin pot wannabe King comes along after you he's going to meet us too and just like you end up nothing but a blood stain on a road." Alex fired a single shot at point blank range into Barrens right thigh and then stepped back. Barks and Saxby each fired shots into his torso while Rowe radioed for the helicopter. They waited for the call to end and then the four of them stood watching for a moment before each fired two more shots into Barren and then Rowe stooped and put some IV lines in as Barren lay there moaning as a pool of blood formed under him. At least this way the Air Force guys picking them up would at least think they'd tried saving the now slowly dying Borlander leader. The others who had been injured were dispatched with single gunshots and by the time the helicopter arrived Barren had seconds left. As the chopper touched down a team of Red Legionnaires piled out the back in a defensive circle. Among them was Captain Peacock who hurried over to Alex.

"Its true then" he said looking down at Barren who as if with perfect timing took his last breath.

"Yep" Alex said gleefully watching Barren shuffle off to spend eternity being punished by the Gods. The two officers shook hands on a job well done and then Peacock produced a body bag from his pouches. The two of them bundled him into the black bag as other Legionnaires began gathering the bodies of the others. Five minutes after the helicopter touched down it was gone leaving a team of four Reds watching the site from discreet positions until the clean up crews arrived from the Army. As they touched down in Keepton FOB it was clear word had got out and the bases garrison had seemingly come out to see the moment. As four of the Reds carried the first of the body bags out the helicopter cheers went round the aviation area as Legionnaires from various units alongside members of the Air Force found themselves high fiving and even hugging. Some closeby even spat towards the body bag. Barren's trip though was not over. From Keepton his body was put onto a plane and flown to Ostlake, by now the King himself had arrived.

Barrens body was taken into one of the medical rooms at the base and through a window the King watched while forensic teams took images and let facial recognition loose on them. Each ping of the computer that announced a finished comparison between videos released by Barren and the body before them indicated it was a match. Each ping was like a fresh wave of celebration inside King David who was watching. "That's the fifth match, I'm pretty sure its him." Three hours later the ultimate in confirmation came through, the DNA comparing the dead man and Kings own DNA showed distant relations but the DNA between the deadman and the child Barren had with his 2nd wife confirmed he was the father. "That's good enough for me." David said as he turned away from the room where Barrens body lay on a metal bed. "Take the body and dump it far out to sea, no grave, no location just get rid" David ordered before pausing just before leaving the room for a final look at his long time foe. "Under no circumstances burn it" He added knowing to the Cult cremation was thought to ensure the soul was released from the body. With that done he returned to his own suite of rooms at Ostlake HQ and there began to write something for real that he had written so many times in his mind before. 


9
Press Offices / Re: The Royal East Moreland Press Office
« on: February 23, 2024, 01:19:48 PM »


NOTICE OF MILITARY OPERATION ON FEAST OF HELUS

On the anniversary of February 22nd in the long distance past our beloved Helus, saviour of humanity, descened to Mundus from his heavenly home and turned the tide in mankinds battle for survival against the forces of darkness known as the Underlords. This battle had seen countless millions of humans over eons sacrifice their lives in order to serve a greater good, to make the world a better and safer place for their loved ones and for all mankind. Each year therefore we celebrate Helus' victory for in truth his victory is our victory. It is ours to treasure that when called upon mere mortals such as our fore-fathers showed no hesitation and no fear to stand toe to toe with entities far more powerful than themselves and allow us to be here today. It is there sacrifice as much as Helus' power that we give thanks for, and the two are connected for without Helus guidance, prescence and love they could not have achieved all that they did. In those long millenia since we too have called upon that same guidance and love to help those of us who follow his Cult to live our lives. It lead my great ancestor King Robert the Unifier to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of this beautiful land and shake off the chains of tyranny and oppression and since then down the centuries East Moreland has done its best to live in peace with the world and with the responsibility that it is us who must ensue Helus' will is done. There has however been a stain on this land and therefore upon Mundus, that stain today however has received a killer blow. It is therefore perhaps destiny that I can on this the Feast of Helus 2024 bring to the people of East Moreland, and to the wider community of Mundus the news that the self proclaimed King of the Borlanders, Kyle Barren is dead. In the early hours of this morning, 22nd February 2024, members of our nations Armed Forces acting on intelligence gathered and verified carried out an armed operation in the Alps as a convoy in which the terrorist was travelling crossed the border from Mersch. In the attack several vehicles were targetted and in the aftermath Barren was found injured and in need of extensive medical treatment. He was however pronounced dead upon his arrival at Keepton FOB just after 5am this morning. While I would like to say this death marks the end of the Borlanders and I am expecting it shall not be and I urge Mundus to be on guard for renewed Borlander activity. I am also both delighted and relieved to say that there were no East Moreland casualties in the operation.

I believe it is fitting that on this day where we celebrate the victory of good over evil, of love over hate and of humanity over tyranny that we can offer a prayer of thanks to our nations armed forces, intelligence services and anyone else who has played a roll in eliminating this enduring threat to our nation and our people. To those who are members of the Borlander movement today presents an opportunity to you. Just as the underlords did on the day Helus descended to Mundus you can give up your violence, give up your terror, lay down arms and never trouble humanity again. Take this opportunity as we shall never cease our vigilance nor shall we restrain our vengence.  Let today serve as that moment you choose to live rather than be hunted and die.

I wish each and every Cultist around the world a safe, peaceful and joyous feast day.

May The Gods Watch Over You and Your Family Know Joy

King David III of East Moreland

10
International News Networks / Re: Northfort News
« on: February 14, 2024, 08:45:40 PM »




OSMANTECH MAKE "MEATY" RICE

OsmanTech have today unveiled what they hope will be a new addition to "a toolkit that will allow us to tackle malnutrition globally in an innovative way." Dr. James Durham who has been leading the project began to explain the development to the media by describing the rice as "a potentially eco-friendly way of boosting protein intake at an affordable price. The rice is grown in special vats after going through a process where the grains are coated in fish gelatin and then exposed to beef cow cells. The rice then grows with a combination of rice and beef proteins growing in the grain. Once grown the rice can then be used in exactly the same way as traditional rice. "We believe that perhaps this rice can be grown and then stored for situations such as disaster relief or famine. In the right conditions the rice can be stored for around five years so we could seriously stockpile the stuff. We are still perfecting the process but so far research shows that the rice contains around 8-10% more protein than traditional rice and slightly lower increases in fat content. This could be important in helping people get a more balanced diet in times of hardship." The rice was tested by the assembled media teams and was said to taste more nutty and a little sweet compared to traditional white rice. The rice also had a kind of pink tinge to it which was unusual.

OsmanTech have plans to improve the process involved and the rice is added to their "Golden Rice" which has been shown to improve the amount of Vitamen A in diets. The company are hopeful that the new rice will also help in terms of environmental concerns. "Protein is something that we all need to grow" Dr.Durham explains. "Those of us who enjoy eating meat know that this can often draw criticism from environmentalists for being damaging in terms of its carbon footprint. Traditional beef farming produces 49.89kg of carbon dioxide to make 100g of protein. Our estimates are that this new process will take just 6.7kg of carbon dioxide to produce the same amount of protein. We're a greener alternative." The company hope that they can begin mass production of the new rice by the end of the year.

11
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Art and Diplomacy (Lodja and NU + maybe others)
« on: February 14, 2024, 08:25:56 PM »
"Join the Police Force they said....it'll be an adventure they said. I imagined myself chasing drug dealers around Silverhills not this" Aiden Murray had left the mainstream police force nearly a year ago after dislocating his knee chasing some moped gang stealing handbags. Since his return he'd been put onto a taskforce that seemed to spend all its time doing rubbish like this. Aiden parked his car up  in the big communal car park for Rockhampton market place. Twice a week the market set up in the old medieval square enticing the tourists who came to the historic city and quiet possibly if the royals were not in residence going up to the royal retreat on the pinnacle overlooking the city. He ambled into the market store and went looking for what the informant had told him. There on the edge of the market was a stall set up, like many others, selling objects related to the royal family. Here you could buy mini flags, plates with pictures of the Palaces, even teddy bears dressed as Red Legionnaires ceremonial guard. These items, while massively designed to rip of tourists was not his concern here today what he was looking at on this stall was its section that was dedicated to the Queen of East Moreland. Since her marriage to King David there had been a steady flow of Lodjains wanting to visit and then of course many young women followed her on social media and wanted to emmulate her. This had seen Aiden literally becoming what was jokingly called the "Queen Stasya Fashion Protection Agency" Every week they were finding counterfit goods ranging from fake "Pelafashion" handbags, to signed memoribellia and what he was here for today perfumes. There was a concern that many of those selling such items were selling fake fragrances which could either be dangerous to anyone silly enough to wear it or more to Aiden's concern funnelling money to organised crime or terrorism.

"Good Morning" Aiden said as he approached the stall and handed a business card over. It was one the stall owner had expected to see and immediately he told his partner to look after everything.

"Peter" The man began using the fake name Aiden had given him, "It'll take me another four days to get the remaining 10,000 units you wanted, we had a slight shipping issue."

"So Martin you're telling me I've wasted my time?" Aiden did his best to sound annoyed.

"Not at all. I've the first 10,000 ready for you and.....because I'm a nice guy and I want your repeat business we'll say the price on the next 10,000 is $3 a bottle not the $4 we originally agreed." It seemed that despite selling fake Pelafashion perfume at least this guy seemed to have some business ethics.

"That's very generous but it doesn't help me get it onto the boat I need it on. This is very inconvenient buddy." Aiden lied.

"All I can do is say I'm sorry. This fashion week thing means a demand I hadn't anticipated so their keeping more of it in house." That little gem may be useful.

"You mean keeping it in Neu Urburzis for the mugs over there for that bore-fest" Aiden hoped to get confirmation.

"Guess so. It doesn't need to move far, Niemeck can reverse engineer any fragrence for us, so if you think of any others you need let us know."

"I'll see if I can move these first, got to get them to Bakkermaya and out to our various outlets." They'd reached a box van that Aiden had dropped off at an agreed point for Martin two days earlier and dropped the keys into a waste bin. Now Peter triumphantly allowed the back door to roll up revealing the rear packed with cardboard boxes. "Nice" Aiden said and made a decision there and then that this was enough to get them onto the next rung of the ladder. "Sorry Martin but your under arrest for selling counterfeit goods" Aiden grabbed the man pinning him to the trucks size and slapping cuffs on him. Instantly two other police officers arrived and guy was taken away. Under fear of spending some time inside Martin was only too happy to give up his supply chain and a few days later they'd got the names of his supplier but more importantly the person he paid a cut of his money too.

"Leigh Mayweather" the name worried Aiden, "He's been under suspicion of being a kind of fixer for supplies of various things and while we've never managed to get him red handed with anything more serious than fake Honeybadger rugby shirts there have always been rumours he gets things for the Borlanders."

"Where is he?" Aiden's commanding officer asked.

"Not been seen for 18 months, was last seen heading to Vanora, we reckon he was in on a scam trading fake historic artefacts. My best suggestion is that we follow the labs that are reverse engineering the stuff, they likely know where Mayweather is." Aiden explained. It was therefore ageed to pass their folder onto the Neu Urburzis embassy and hope they could investigate the labs making the fake perfume and perhaps find Mayweather.

12
International News Networks / Re: Northfort News
« on: February 14, 2024, 12:57:04 AM »




FIRST TIDAL KITE INSTALLED

In what may be a world first the company SFR have successfully generated energy using a system known as a tidal kite. The company believe that they have successfully adapted a small scale wind turbine utilising a kite to work underwater. The device they have installed is located in a channel between rocks and the coast just to the east of Seabrooke. A mechanism weighing 28 tons and with a kite wingspan of around 12 meters has been installed onto the seabed. When the current running through the channel is correct the kite is released and using an automated steering pattern it goes into a figure of eight pattern turning a turbine and thus creating electricity. The company released the system just after 9am this morning and by 11am had reported that it was up to speed and generating around 1.2 megawatts, enough to power around a 1,000 homes. The project manager, Clare Laughton, explained that the device is likely to be rolled out in other areas in the near future. "Here at SFR we've been looking for innovative power solutions for a decade now. We've managed to input several hundreds of megawatts a day into the East Moreland grid utilising a range of green technologies including wind, solar and various other methods. Today we're adding to that offering. Its our hope sites can be found that ensure the safety of the maritime related industries while also giving cheap and green energy. The beauty of this tidal system is that the sea currents are much much more predictable than things such as the wind and sun and as a result we can ensure this system gives a regular input to our grid. We have a system of acoustic deterrants on the kite itself to mean that to marine life in the area its likely to be considered another big fish in a large ocean."

The system will now be monitored for six months and if successful other sites around the nation will be looked at. SFR have also recently won a contract to ensure that Northfort Palace is entirely energy independent and fully renewable by 2030.




QUEEN TO WALK AT FASHION WEEK

With Niameck Fashion week starting soon in Neu Urburzis it has been confirmed that the Queen's not for profit fashion label Pelafashion is to feature and in addition the Queen will be one of the featured models. The event is the highlight of the fashion calendar on Mundus and as such the Queen has been an attendee for many years. In a statement released by the Queen's Head of Household Alexandra Samual the Queen has said "From the age of about 12 I remember flicking through glossy fashion magazines to see what people where wearing at Niameck and trying to get my hands on the cool stuff. I first did a small show there when me and some friends at University did a small boutique and the same year I walked on a runway for the first time. I'm excited to use the fashion show as an opportunity to let Morelanders best young creatives flourish." It is expected that the Queen will showcase Pelafashions leading collection, "QS1" in a major show while several smaller shows will also take place for young up and coming designers. The Queen's statement said, "Every year we take some 14 students out of University who have come from disadvantaged backgrounds and give them two years of work experience before offering them support setting up their own fashion collections, brands or boutiques. We've decieded this year that the best of those students will get the opportunity to dress the Queen and hopefully some other VIPs." It is understood that Princess Adelheid, who is the patron of the shows, has also been invited to walk the show.

Pelafashion became a "Not for profit" in 2021 and has since used all its profits to fund projects that support charities such as the Global Childbirth Initiative while also supporting the next generation of creative people. One of those who has benefitted is Sarah Forsyth a 23 year old who last year opened her own small boutique in Silverhills. "I struggled to get through University as I came from a single parents family and Dad worked as a security guard so money was always tight. In my final year Pelafashion approached me after one of their team saw my work at a student fashion show. I was offered an apprenticeship with them, a scholarship to finish my studies and then two years later they believed in me so much that they gave me an investment to open Forsyight a small store where I sell my own designs and those of a few other local people. We do commissions too. We just finished our first 12 months and while we're not making enough to retire on I was pleased that I managed to finish year one in the black. Without the support of Pelafashion I'd have never been in the position I am."

Agnizka Tarak is the Lead Operating Officer of Pelafashion and a childhood friend of Queen Stasya and she said, "We're thrilled to help people like Sarah. We want to create a vibrant and creatively challenging community in the fashion world so the more success the better. We know Sarah has three members of staff helping her run her boutique and so we help create jobs in the industry beyond what we do here ourselves. It allows us to generate income that allows the Queen to do good works globally." The conditions of investment into stat ups is that the Pelafashion company get 5% of the businesses shares for the first three years or until the initial funding is paid back, whichever comes first. The Queen has also announced that in the coming days she is looking at making "significant updates" to her attendance to the fashion wek.





RHIANNON HAS "MEME" IN NOTEBOOK

Today King David responded to reports about his daughter, Princess Rhiannon, being caught up in some viral social media joke in Neu Urburzis. With reports of an image portraying her as a Viking screaming the words "Holmgang" being seen many had become concerned about the message it put out. The King when asked by the media said that the Princess was aware of the image and while "Not fully aware of what Holmgang means thinks the picture is great." The King went on to explain, "Rhiannon is someone who has found a deep interest in our nations martial culture of swordsmanship and in her younger days at the Festival of Sail was taken by the appearance of the Alander Vikings. She's read up on many aspects of Alander Viking culture and I have encouraged her to appreciate cultures from across Mundus. She has a deep respect for diverse faiths and finds the Odinic faith, like I do, one that has many similarities with the Cult of Helus." The King then announced that his daughter had printed a copy of the picture out and glued it to the inside front cover of her school notebook.

The King then spoke seriously about the situation in Nya Aland. "We are watching the situation with great interest. I've been in touch with our friends there and if required we will offer support. I can confirm Morelanders there have come under fire and responded in kind but with more success. We will not be withdrawing our forces and if required we will send more manpower if requested. Statements from the Gungnir for ritualistic combat is no way to run a nation and shows just how out of touch with reality they are. I'll be speaking with my daughter about the meaning of the word Holmgang and how it is a misuse of the skills that we teach her in swordsmanship lessons with Sir Charles Townshend. We believe firmly that these skills are for defending the weak not for giving yourself power as this Magnus Odinsson seems to want to."

The King then proudly confirmed that his daughter had been selected to compete for the Y8 Girls Swordsmanship Team in the City of Northfort Championships. "My daughter has started Y7 this year and is settling into her new school well. When the school coaches asked if I'd sign to let her compete against girls a year older than her I had no hesitation in saying yes. If she is successful its a great experience however if she loses then the lessons she'll have learned from fighting better competition will make her more determined. I don't want her having an easy path , I want her challeneged."

13
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Building the Rogues
« on: February 11, 2024, 06:17:17 PM »
It was clear to David and Sir Harry that the Emperor and his team had done their homework and that was something they could respect. "In regards to the free trial I believe that is something only Sir Richard can comment on, I however think it would be fair on condition that he is compensated in terms of travel, accommodation and equipment. Now in terms of your wish-list we can once the Uppsala situation is sorted make that happen. We'll make the arrangements with all the companies involved as that will streamline the process for you. Now should the price be as you say in the region of $1billion then I would be able to ensure that the spread over five years happens so long as for the next ten years we get an agreement that all maintainence, support, replacement parts etc that would be required to operate them are provided by East Moreland based companies." If need be the King would pay the East Moreland companies directly and then take the instalments back into the crowns treasury.  Again the officer exchange will rely on the situation of Uppsala. If you're able to bring yourselves to sign it then we can begin by saying ten officers who are expecting to reach the equivalent ranks of Captain and two who will reach Lt-Col will be exchanged for 12 months, if it works we can adjust the numbers accordingly. I would however insist that under no circumstances no the individuals see combat."

14
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Afolyan Invitation (Zimalia and Kermah)
« on: February 06, 2024, 11:07:38 PM »
Yengwayo was slightly in awe of the city of Dlamini. While the Afolyan may be the largest tribal group in Zimalia the constant wars there until around 40 years ago had done a great to destroy the influence of any tribe on the cities. It was clear that the "Zimalianisation" That had occured under Elwes had an even bigger impact than Yengwayo imagined. The various tribes influence had wained and now his role as Tribal Elder was nothing more than a symbolic position that mainly saw him carry out obsolete rituals, bless marriages and speak at funerals. He took a few moments to marvel at the walls and then the ancient texts written on the wall. He was introduced to Tepu and the two conversed for a moment in the Afolyan language before he was introduced formally to King Tshepo. "Your Majesty the city looks beautiful and I can not wait to see it. I hope you don't mind me getting a tour at some point?" He enquired. As the King offered the wax tablet he accepted the stylus. "Your Majesty I am deeply honoured by your invitation to walk your streets." He did his best to sign his name but in wax and unused to the strange surface he wasn't too sure his name was even legible. "What happens to the tablet now?" he asked wondering whether they were simply melted down and recycled. "I hope we can discuss many things, among them the idea of our people being able to find extended family members here. We've perhaps several hundred years of seperation but the Afolyan are taught that our tribe is more like a family and having cousins here that we do not know is important to us. I also want to see if we can fund a memorial here in the city for those who helped the initial Afolayan settle her once freed from their bonds? Is there perhaps a site we could purchase?"

15
It was not often that Cescedia played host to the Archbishop of the Blood, 72 year old Octavia could only remember perhaps two visits in her lifetime but now as she joined around 5,000 others outside the small Cathedral that was home to the Christian Prophet faith in the Allied States. The group had been waiting patiently to see their spiritual leader and pay their respects. The first to arrive however was not the Archbishop of the Blood but Julius Devaux, the Praetor or effective King, of the Allied States. His fleet of blacked out SUV's pulled up and he exited the vehicle making a hasty line towards Cassian Corti, the Chief Steward for the Christian Prophets, an effective civil servant for the religion. The Chief Steward bowed deeply and then shook his monarchs hand. "Your Majesty we did not expect you here.......not that you aren't welcome."

"Thank you" Devaux responded. "While I don't follow your faith I am keen to ensure that all religions are respected." He was more concerned with the photo oppurtunity than actually any real meaningful involvement. He made his way with Cassian over towards the crowd and spoke to some about how long they'd followed the faith and why they'd made the journey here today.

"It is my hope" Octavia said when the Head of State spoke to her, "That one day you will see the real way to God and join us in our worship Your Majesty" She told him before adding, "But we keep you and the States in our prayers always."

"Thank you" Devaux said shaking her hand. "And while I appreciate the invitation I will maintain my own faith and perhaps then between your prayers and mine we can both look after each other and the States." The crowd gave a small clap and then were informed that the Archbishop was on the way. He waited for the vehicle to stop and a small choir of students from one of the local youth groups began a song that Devaux only vaguely recognised. "Your Holiness" he said with no sense of conviction other than a friendly handshake. He then noticed Princess Helena. "Your Highness." he said more warmly, "We are delighted to have you here......if my memory serves you are the first royal from Hozland to visit in a very long time. I hope once matters of your religion have been concluded you'd consider coming over to the Palace and dining with us and if possible we can discuss a few matters." The Praetor exchanged a bit of small talk as he, Cassian and the other Priests present guided the Archbishop and Princess over to the crowd. Octavia found herself tearing up as she got a few seconds with the Archbishop and then the Princess. "Your Highness we're so grateful your family are with us today. I just hope you could convince our own monarch to join your family." She said before the Princess was moved along.

16
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Talk of Troyes (Real Marseille and Aosta)
« on: February 06, 2024, 10:20:01 PM »
Jean-Pierre had loved all the bells and whistles of a state visit yet on this occasion realised that he was neither entitled to such things nor would it be a good idea. He wanted this meeting to be discreet and it seemed that the Empress had ensured just that. He was happy to see Serena again, she's been a strong ally so far to Troyes and now he was about to put that to the test. He returned her traditional Marseillian greeting warmly and then took a seat. ""Thank you for agreeing to see me Your Imperial Majesty" he began before swirling the wine slightly in the glass and savouring the aroma. "Nice" he said to no one in particular before taking a sip of it and nodding agreeably. "An excellent choice" he added placing the glass on the table. "If we may turn towards my reason for coming. Its taken a long time to reach a point where Seaforth are under pressure and we have seen some movement but not much, it seems that without further pressure we will not see them leave. I therefore have two requests. The first is that you utilise whatever means you can to bring economic and political sanctions on Seaforth to end their occupation. The second is that if that fails Real Marseille shall once again consider the use of targeted physical resistance. Our aim would be essentially to cut off the base there from the rest of the city, destroy supply routes and stop things getting into our out of the military establishment. We could use help in terms of ensuring nothing from the oceans gets in as obviously we are merely a land based operation as our work in the Materna conflict showed. I know this is a lot to ask but can we consider any, some, all or none of these things."

17
Sporting Hub / Re: Cycling season 2024 OOC
« on: February 04, 2024, 09:20:31 PM »
On behalf of Daito

Team name: Hachinobu Suisei
Nation: Dai-Yamato Teikoku (Daitō)
Gender: Mens
Riders:
   1.) Hakaru Akiyama [Time-trialist]
   2.) Daisaku Fujimoto [Puncheur]
   3.) Kazushi Eto [Sprinter]
   4.) Masanao Hatsuda [Domestique]
   5.) Kōzō Egashira [GC rider]
   6.) Naozumi Iga [Climber]

Team name: Higanbana
Nation:  Dai-Yamato Teikoku (Daitō)
Gender: Womens
Riders:
   1.) Misato Futagawa [Sprinter]
   2.) Haida Toki [GC rider]
   3.) Tsuneko Hijikata [Sprinter]
   4.) Sanae Ōsumi [Climber]
   5.) Nanami Esashika [Time-trialist]
   6.) Aiko Gosanke [Domestique]

18
Sporting Hub / Re: Cycling season 2024 OOC
« on: February 04, 2024, 09:19:55 PM »
On behalf of Libby

Team name: Pelagiya-Semelberg (PelSem)
Nation:  Lodja
Gender: Womens
Riders:
   1.) Lidochka Fyodorov
   2.) Taisiya Sobol
   3.) Praskovya Mikhailov
   4.) Katerina Shvets
   5.) Daria Pasternak
   6.) Aleksandrina Chaykovsky

No idea about specialisms however the team is designed to be a development team for the national squad and as such all riders are aged under 23.

19
To:- His Holiness the Archbishop of the Blood

I am writing to you to inform you of the tragic death of Bishop Quintius Piovene, the leading Bishop of the Christian Prophets in the Allied States of Ardia. While our faith lacks the support of the vast majority of the people here our community is close knit and supportive of each other. While we number perhaps less than 70,000 individuals we are determined to continue to spread the truth of our faith and submit ourselves to the tradition that the holder of your title select the new Bishop to lead our nations true faithful. I am also writing to you to ask that you visit us in person and present the Bishop with his vestments thus giving our faith a much needed spiritual uplift while helping draw the media's eyes towards our Church family. It would mean a great deal to us here for you to visit in person and bless us with your guidance.

Your Servant in Faith
Cassian Corti
Chief Steward of the Christian Prophets in the ASA.

20
Diplomacy and Events / Talk of Troyes (Semi-Open....Ask Aosta)
« on: January 31, 2024, 09:46:23 PM »
To:- Her Imperial Majesty Empress Serena of Aosta

I am writing to you with no official capacity as such. It is safe to say you have done more than anyone to help push for the restoration of Troyes to the nation of Marseille however so far our joint efforts have yielded no results. I am therefore writing to you to inform you that many of us who carried the banner of Real Marseille throughout the conflict that ravaged here are determined that by the end of this year Troyes shall become free. While I am ready to dedicate myself fully to this goal no matter what personal cost I am also aware that the task before is monumental and we may lack the resources to see this task through. I would therefore be honoured if I can meet with you and discuss our plans and hopefully persuade you to continue your magnificent support for Troyes and the people there.

Deepest Respects
Jean-Pierre Cantona
Commander of Real Marseille.

21
Diplomacy and Events / Afolyan Invitation (Zimalia and Kermah)
« on: January 31, 2024, 09:35:09 PM »
To:- His Majesty King Tshepo

The people of the Afolayan tribe of Zimalia would like to ask for a meeting between our two people. Our tribe is the largest in the nation of Zimalia and we have several ties to your Kingdom as during the height of Seleucid slave trading many Zimalians who were liberated from captivity opted to find a home amongst your people in Kinjanja. While those ties between our people may have never become formal, nor can they now, we believe that it is important that we show both our gratitude and respect for those ancestors of ours your people so readily took in. We would like, if possible, to explore these connections and if possible establish cultural ties between us.

I hope that you will therefore permit me to visit your Kingdom and that we may meet to discuss these matters.

Yengwayo Thembelani
Elder of the Afolyan People.

22
Diplomacy and Events / The Council of the Gates (Vanora + Kodima)
« on: January 31, 2024, 09:23:46 PM »

To: His Majesty Emperor Malachi of Kodima

I am writing to you to seek a meeting regarding the continuing status of Kodiman troops within the Duchy.

I believe that it is important that we meet to discuss this arrangements future as over the last few years we have seen various changes to the geo-political nature of the region and our own nations own relationships.

It is my hope that we can meet in Jerusalem in the coming days.

Best Regards

Duke David Aragon

23
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Building the Rogues
« on: January 28, 2024, 01:03:14 PM »
David was hopeful that even though he had expected this meeting to yield primarily economic boosts to East Moreland he now could see a glimpse of perhaps some kind of diplomatic success as well. "I had anticipated that you would perhaps also need help with your unit learning about some of the ways we use that equipment. While I'd be happy to consider some form of officer exchange or something along those lines. I have for you a proposal of sorts." The King was always keen to help out East Moreland businesses and while there were some very obvious ones that would likely benefit from what the King was going to discuss here today there was one that he would like to see get a little boost. "Sir Richard here retired from military service last year after several decades in our military, a great deal of them in our elite Red Legion. Today he runs a company providing training to people aboard ships travelling through some of Mundus most dangerous water ways, I suspect we could persuade him to do some of the work training this new unit if we can find a mutually agreeable arrangement. As for now I think it best Sir Harry begins a sales pitch."

There was a clearing of throats and a sip of water from Sir Harry Samuelson. "Thank you. If I may Your Highness" He slid a large screen tablet over to Maximus. "East Moreland prides itself at being very innovative when it comes to military technology, as a result however some of the vehicles and platforms its attached to tend to maybe be a little older than many nations but we have proved time and again that its what you do with the kit that matters. We have a choice of three tanks, our first two are heavy platforms, the MBT-1 is the older of the two and has had significant amounts of upgrades and additions. There are a fair few older ones out there in mothballs that we can find if need be. The MBT-2 is our 2nd tank and despite them being of a similar age the MBT2 has had slightly less upgrades. As a result we've a few less technologically upgraded 2's knocking around or of course you can have Henley build you them from scratch. I'd say for training purposes you're likely to get more bang for your buck from the MBT2, its use of an autoloader means less training for your military and as your limiting the size of these Rogues by number of men it'll mean you can field more. We also utilise a lighter tank called the Chameleon. " HE allowed the Regent and his delegation to look at the various specs and images.

"Now in terms of other armour we field just one types of IFV and a lighter recon vehicle. Our troops move around in our shiny new Bison mobility vehicle and supported by our SPH-8, the advantage there would be the SPH-8 ad the MBT1 have the same chassis so that may help your maintainence bill. With those you should be able to field a 500 man unit relatively easily." Sir Harry took the tablet back and pressed a few other icons before returning it the Maximus.

"In terms of an air arm we'd suggest you're more likely to want close air support so we've the old Dragonbane which is being phased out eventually so we've already a few mothballed. There is a newer version but I think for cost reasons you'd likely go retro. Much of its close air support duty has been passed onto the Firestorm which is simply a converted Puffin so perhaps a combination of the two would help save money. Helicopter wise we use the Super Lifter and as an attack helicopter the Raccoon. Hopefully that has wetted the appetite." Sir Harry sat back down rather proud of the military he helped oversee.

"We'd also make an introduction to the companies involved to help you sort out supply of spare parts, maintainence and the like but you should also consider contacting SmartWar as they do some great work on our upgrades and while some of their work for us is of course classified they can do some work to make the military as close to what we have as possible." David explained.

"We can arrange for you to go see any of this stuff in action." Brigadier Correy of Red Legion added knowing he'd got some boys keen to play with some of the toys.

24
Convention Centre / Re: Uunveiling The Vale - CETO Festival 2024
« on: January 28, 2024, 11:44:20 AM »
David was a little disappointed. He saw CETO as his first baby and as a result had been keen to display the unique Moreland love of punctuality however being married to a Lodjain was probably not a good way of maintaining such a thing. He was a little annoyed therefore to see not one, but two, delegations had arrived before him. While the rest however had made their way to find Lady Aurora David hadn't, he instead left that job to Henrietta Quinn who was his now Prime Minister but who 10 years earlier had helped him pen the first draft of this treaty. Henrietta waited her turn in line and then bowed to Aurora "Your Grace" she said with a smile. "I am afraid that the alure of the festival grounds was a little too much for King David and he's gone to ensure that the Morelanders there are getting things perfect. I am afraid that I have brought no gift to this reception as a thank you as His Majesty has something for you at the festival grounds.....or at least I believe thats the case. I do though wish to thank you for hosting this. I hope this symbolic city of yours becomes the great cultural hub that you are hoping. Its certainly an impressive beginning." She said as she made her way to one side to allow the next group to arrive.



At the festival grounds there was of course one place David wanted to go. "Good morning Max" the King said as he approached the small portable forge set up by the Royal Smith.

"Good morning Your Majesty" the stout 70 year old Max said as he unrolled a leather roll of tools. "You well I hope?"

"Excited" the King said as he gave the bellows a few pumps seeing the fire beginning to lose some intensity.

"We're not starting yet" Max said remembering how the King as a little boy had a habit of getting a little carried away around the forge. "I've that thing you wanted" He said removing a wooden box that was of seemingly no great significance from under a bench. He flicked the lid open and allowed the King to peer inside. The King patted him on the shoulder and smiled approvingly.

"They look good" David said picking up a half finished sword that had been sat on a workbench. "Whose is this?" David asked giving it a close examination.

"Your uncle actually." Max waited for the King to finish his examination. The King was very much a sub par smith despite having had numerous lessons and spent a great deal of time as a youth watching him work. Max however knew there was perhaps no-one on Mundus who knew more about the history of swords or on how to judge them as a youth David had been obsessed and had even used his position as a Prince to spend hours at the Museum of Blades in Northfort handling historic blades throughout the Kingdom and Mundus history. "Its a 30th birthday present for young Theo."

The King gave it a few swings. "You adding some more weight in the hilt?" The King asked looking down the length once more.

"Aye" Max confirmed taking the blade off the King before he could begin with anymore suggestions. "I was hoping to get some time in on it while giving the demos." Max was here as the centrepiece of East Moreland's offerings to the cultural festival. Surrounding his portable forge was a sword square where several youngsters from Sir Charles Townshend's Swordsmanship School were practicing. It was there that Rhiannon and Stasya were watching with Rhiannon literally shadowing the moves of the students as they lightly sparred. "She not getting in there?" Max laughed pointing at her.

"She would if I'd let her." The King surveyed the rest of the Morelanders there. A small fire saw a deer slowly being roasted while he could already smell the potatoes roasting. A tent constructed by a team lead by Jocelyn Hopkins, the leading artist of the Royal Household contained a kind of exhibition of art works from East Moreland and a second tent housed a more child friendly tent with actors and musicians using song and drama to bring alive many of East Moreland's favourite children's folkstories. David had half expected Rhiannon to head there as when they'd arrived he had heard them singing a song of the great Queen Rhiannon the Fierce whom she was named after however the clang of swords had been a much better sound to the young Princess.


25
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Building the Rogues
« on: January 27, 2024, 01:01:23 PM »
David was a little disappointed to hear what Maximus had to say, "I'm going to have to be honest. I'm more than happy to work with you to come up with a plan to fulfil your needs in regards to this unit that you wish to put together. All arms sales from East Moreland based companies must have government approval. Last thing I want to see is an East Moreland Legionnaire coming up against the very weapons we sold someone. As a result Sir Harry here is under very strict instructions that approval will not be given to anyone who has failed to sign the Uppsala Convention. My approach to the document is that it won't ever have to be used against a Morelander as I would never give an order to contradict the principles of the convention and therefore any breach by a Legionnaire would be their doing and not the nations and as the document holds the perpetrator personally responsible then I would have zero concern, meanwhile my own nations military I would believe would handle his court case rendering intervention by any Uppsala mechanism irrelevant. Now on the proviso that this deal will not be completed until such a time as I see an Imperial signature on the document then we can continue. What exactly are you hoping to build in terms of this training unit?" 

26
Convention Centre / Re: Bride of the Emperor - IC Threat
« on: January 24, 2024, 10:48:01 PM »
Stasya had tagged along with Ophelie and her elder sister Jasmina because she thought it would be an interesting experience, plus it meant a chance to enjoy a few nights out with her Lodjain friends. The morning that the accompanied Ophelie to the drop off she had opted to wear a pretty yellow dress ensuring it was something eye catching enough to get the attention that she craved. Naturally she knew the media would be interested in seeing the girls arrive and so of course it was important to look the part too. As Jasmina and Ophelie said their goodbyes it didn't take Stasya long to find some media types keen to talk.

"Your Majesty" A reporter yelled. "Why have you come here today?"

"Good Morning" Stasya smiled at the media. "I'm just here to support family friends." came the calculated response.

"You mean Lady Ophielie Danilov?" The reported followed up.

"Her and Neu Urburzis. Ophelie is a friend of the Pelagiya family and Neu Urburzis a friend of my East Moreland family. I know I speak for all of East Moreland when I say we're very fond of our rather unqiue relationship with Neu Urburzis. We're not truly allies, not in the sense most recognise the word, but we're nations that have taken a great deal of care to help and support the causes we all agree are important. Therefore the Kingdom cares deeply that your Emperor gets as happy a marriage as mine and Davids. Now I'm obviously going to say that it would be Ophelie who would make that happen. She's a beautiful Lodjain lady who understands how royal courts work and has already made a great contribution to several good causes that I think your Emperor would be excited to support himself. They'd make a great team."

"Will you be following the contest closely then Your Majesty" A second report called out.

"Of course. I intend to be here a few times in the coming months, we've fashion shows and the like coming up. I'm hopeful Ophelie does well and Angelika too. I just hope the people of Neu Urburzis grow to like them as much as I do. Now I'm sorry I must be leaving. Myself and Lady Jasmina have a dinner appointment with some dear friends to discuss some fashion week things." With that the duo returned to the waiting car and left hoping that in some small way Stasya may have helped the cause.


27
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Building the Rogues
« on: January 24, 2024, 09:28:39 PM »
The letter was one that surprised King David, he was aware several nations around the world did such a thing but he had not expected his own Kingdom to be used as the model for one such "enemy" force. On one hand he was rather proud of the way the Regent had spoke of his nations own military, especially as he himself had served with pride within its ranks. Naturally at first he was a little concerned about the arrangement but after meeting with his Minister of Defence Sir Harry Samuelson a strategy that the King was happy with had been put together. Following the King's response arrangements had been made for the Tanith Empires Regent to make his way to Ostlake. The city, which shared the name of the imposing glimmery blue lake upon whose northern shore it sat. The lake was huge, and the rive Ost which flew into it was navigable by the navies large vessels for part of the year and had a skilled helmsmen. Each of the cardinal points boasted a military establishment of such and a network of underground rail tunnels connected them. It would be to Ostlake East that the guests would be guided, the base there had an airfield where Ironside One, the Kings personal transport, was maintained. As a result of this base being selected to host the meeting it would be members of the Royal East Moreland Air Force (REMAF) who would be providing an honour guard for the regent and whoever else he had deemed to bring with him. The Morelander delegation was of course headed by the King and Queen with Sir Harry Samuelson keen to also be involved, the heads of each of the three branches of services were there too along with Brigadier Jim Corey who commanded Red Legion and rather oddly for such an occasion Sir Richard Kelly who had proceeded Corey as commander of East Moreland's elite but who now ran a company providing training for security forces such as those who accompanied shipping. As the Tanith aircraft came into land the band struck up the guests national anthem, this was the part of the day that was very routine. The aircraft would be shown to a terminal style looking building that normally was used to send troops off on their way across Mundus. Once it had stopped steps were pushed into place and with the strains of the Tanith anthem in the air the guests would descend to take their first steps on Morelander soil. The King made his way forward meeting the Regent half way down the inward facing lines of Airmen providing an honour guard by presenting arms. "Prince Maximus I'd like to welcome you and your people to East Moreland." He extended his right hand towards the regent. "This is my wife Queen Stasya."

"Its wonderful to meet you." She said with a smile. "I hope you've had a pleasant trip so far." She added before David introduced everyone else.

"Please come this way." David gestured for the regent to climb onboard one of the waiting open topped vehicles that awaited them. David turned and helped Stasya before clambering onboard himself. The vehicle was more often used to ferry pilots to the hangers at the far end of the runway when needed but today would act as a royal transport taking the two delegations first off the airfield and then through to the bases more business like area where the REMAF's prestigious Officer Training College was located. The little electric buggies stopped outside and the delegation got down and made their way inside where the scene revealed a large rectangular foyer with steps at the far left and far right leading up to the 2nd floor and creating a balcony effect. The floor was polished dark wood except for a large patterned blue carpet that dominated 3/4 of the floor space of the foyer leaving a wood border between the carpet and the walls. "I would ask you to not walk on the carpet" David stopped and almost whispered to the Prince and his people. "There is a tradition that only Air Force officers may walk on it." The King walked round the edges of the carpet before climbing the far left stairs and entering into one of the rooms on the second floor which was set up with a series of chairs either side of a rectangular desk, Stasya had left them at this point being more keen to take part in some PR event with some new graduates of the College. "Now I do have to say before we begin. East Moreland has a strict rule about military equipment sales, that is that we don't sell to nations that have not signed the Uppsala Convention. You must forgive me but I'm of the understanding you have not signed that convention. Our policy is well known so perhaps we can clear up that situation first?"

28
Convention Centre / CETO Festival 2024 Scholars Meeting
« on: January 16, 2024, 10:04:24 PM »
Professor Marcus Merriman made his way into the conference centre put aside for the Scholars meeting. A chance for those professors and their teams appointed to represent their nation. This was a kind of passing of a torch, while Marcus had been perhaps the most respected of East Moreland scholars for the past few decades he was reaching 80 years of age this year and while his passion for study had not slacked one bit his body was becoming more frail. Dr.Maddie Howard, one of his young protege's was alongside hi, providing not just moral support but also what Marcus referred to as "Logistical" support that being opening doors for him as he plodded forward with his two walking sticks, each carved out of deep aged wood and adorned with small shields nailed to the sticks showing places he'd visited. Marcus took a seat and then waited for all the other scholars to arrive. Once everyone was seated he stood.

"My fellow history geeks" he began with a smile "I am delighted to once again see you all. I am excited to see what, if any, matters people have to bring before us this year be it the inclusion of new sites for the register, the presentation of new papers or any other such matters. I believe the first issue on the table is about sites. I'm grateful that our colleagues from Daito have forwarded two sites. We shall obviously take them a site at a time." He shuffled some papers until Maddie handed him the correct one. He kept two copies and then passed them to his right. "Just like being in class, take one and pass them on" he explained as he continued to talk. "The first site we have is Hatsukaichi Peace Memorial. I'll give you a moment or two to consider any questions we have." He paused and had a quick rescan of the information they'd been given. "Any questions?" he asked the assembled group giving them a chance to scrutinise the delegation from Daito before a vote.



OOC- I suggest we have 48 hours real time (so 10pm UK time on Thursday) for people to post any questions for Daito. Should there be any then Daito can answer them and then we can look at a vote.

29
Diplomacy and Events / Re: The Ironside-Rhodes Hotline
« on: January 14, 2024, 11:33:44 PM »
Freya waited for a few seconds. "I'll be asking Marissa to send her a speedy recovery." She paused once more. It was seemingly another example of how Rokkenjima wasn't truly itself anymore, while she understand Evanthe was essentially last Anselmo standing at this point in Freya's mind Evanthe was someone she associated more now with Seaforth than with Rokkenjima. Once you'd fought for another nation that would, as far as Freya believed anyway, be your homeland. "Lets be clear about something" Freya began "It should be sending some kind of alarm bell ringing the fact that within a short space of time after the Empress tried to end her life a delegation of Morelanders rock up at your Palace unannounced. Especially when that delegation is made up of me and a carefully selected entourage including the former C.O. of Red Legion" She glanced at Richard Kelly, formerly the Brigadier in charge of the nations elite. "Since when do I do embassy visits?" she shrugged her shoulders. "We knew something was happening with her, not exactly what, but we know. So perhaps lets drop all the pretence. I'm here because the Empress wants me here and I'm here to offer some time away from whatever it is she's dealing with. There is no accident in who I selected to accompany me, the boys here are as discreet as they come and we've Ironside One sat on a runway. No need for anyone other than our team. A few days of fresh Morelander air and an escape from the situation that exists here could do her wonders. My concern having gone first to your other home and discovered a justicar on gate duty is whose controlling the fall out." She paused for a few seconds and then having gauged the moment told Evanthe something she knew her brother would have volunteered himself.

"This is the first time someone outside high command has been told this. You'll remember the birth of Caspian and Rhiannon. In the days that followed Matilda was touch and go as to whether she would survive. My brother was heartbroken, add to that the fact that he'd just discovered his new born son was likely to die before his fifth birthday and that there was a chance that it was because of something in my brothers DNA. He had committed himself to raising the twins as much like a normal father as possible. It didn't go well. The worry about Matilda, the health of Caspian and the stress of being for that time a single father pushed him into a kind of isolation. What is also not public knowledge is he was for a time on medication for his mental health following the regency crisis. This was like the perfect storm and we actually had to stop him from trying to shoot himself. Tom there had to break down a door in Northfort Palace and he'll tell you himself that those things don't go down easily. In the days that followed he went off to the countryside and recovered with the help of a vast number of his friends.  I took the regency for two months. We've been here before. The best advice I can give you, don't hide her away from people who want to help. Not all help comes from experts and if you want to improve things then change needs to happen. We've a spot if she wants it." Freya concluded.

30
International Organisations / Re: Cultural Exchange Treaty Organisation
« on: January 05, 2024, 10:24:43 PM »
East Moreland seconds this application.

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