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21
Vignettes / Re: Mktvartvelo: Blood, Soul, and Power
« Last post by paralipomena on March 25, 2024, 10:41:18 AM »
Shoreuli Sakhli Palace, Ktsatskuri


"Your Most High Majesty", Eka Chkhartishvili said as she encountered the Brzdmtsveli in the wide gardens of the palace.

"Eka!", Ketevan exclaimed. "I'm glad to finally see you face to face once again".

"It is always a pleasure", Eka replied. "I had never imagined I'd walk through these garden in such circumstances".

"Neither I did!", Ketevan replied. "Would you like to have anything?", she asked.

"No, thank you", Eka answered. "I come from a business lunch, and I had enough".

"Yes, I imagine you have been busy lately", Ketevan replied.

"Indeed, indeed", Eka replied with a smile. "This whole situation has postponed some of our plans. I hope that, fortunately, it is only an isolated incident".

"It is likely the third time I was most solicited since I move here", Ketevan replied. "As the other times, it was difficult to say where their intentions and hopes were really at".

"Yes, of course", Eka said. "One should judge advice as much as actions. No, I do no think it is wise for you to be involved, even less in this context. Everything is uncertain, and once you do a move, it will be difficult to go back. No, it is better to take a distance".

"I feel that is sincere because that is something you seemed good at", Ketevan replied with a wry expression.

"Maybe", Eka replied with a smile. "I heard your daughters were in Azavrelia".

"Indeed", Ketevan replied. "I'm not glad about it, but I felt they would have a calm that they will not have here, even when they are really left out of all the daily business. And it will be a great chance for them, after all".

"Certainly", Eka replied, "they couldn't complain of the chance you have given then. I heard that Marlena is in charge of the school now. How times passes!".

"Indeed", Ketevan said with a smile, as she looked back in her mind to some decades back. She had just joined as a teacher in my last year there. Even so, she was still something different to the other teachers".

"I imagine it would have been much more amusing to meet her when she was barely experienced, indeed", Eka replied. "Anyway, you can't complain. My father would could only dream about us being there without paying a penny!".

"Come on! It was your mother who paid it", Ketevan replied.

"Indeed, indeed", Eka replied. "But he always took seriously his role".

"As it should be", Ketevan quickly replied. "How is he nowadays?".

"He is fine of course", Eka answered. "He is, of course, a bit spiritless since he retired. I feel he got used to that frenzied lifestyle. But he's healthy enough and it's only a matter of time he gets used to it".

"Glad to hear", Ketevan replied. "Let's continue inside", she added. "I always feel the urge of a tea at this time of the day".

"Excellent", Eka added, nodding and following the Brzdmtsveli.



22
International News Networks / Re: Rokkenjima Broadcasting Corporation (RBC)
« Last post by Beatrice on March 25, 2024, 01:16:27 AM »


Empress, Grand Duchess Host Charity Gala


The Empress finds her attention captured by the Earl of Eastwood whilst Grand Duchess Sophia enjoys a dance with Chen-ri, royal head of the erstwhile Kaeje state which once existed upon Fukadomari.

Kajūkuri served as the backdrop for the first annual Charity Gala, gathering influential individuals from across the Empire in addition to guests from foreign nations. Benefiting ongoing aid efforts to war torn Kalasin and the Azukishima Prefecture Orphanage, causes close to the hearts of the Imperial Family, an estimated र10.9m ($20.2m) from ticket sales, sponsorships from Abstergo Industries, Rosa Shipyards, Imperial Standard Energy and Crystal Mountain Records, live auction and donations. Artists from Rokkenjima and Dartfordia provided a variety of live entertainment, while the Ashinxao Symphony Orchestra performed live for the ball itself. Both the Empress and the Grand Duchess were in attendance, with the Empress being joined by the Earl of Eastwood, Tytor, and the Grand Duchess being joined by the royal head of the erstwhile Kaeje state which once governed Fukadomari. Following the fall of the Kaeje state his family navigated the following circumstances to remain a wealthy and influential family within the Empire.

Joining the party of the Empress was Hal Morgan (the richest man in Tytor) and the Duke and Duchess of Vigil, parents of Thomas, the Earl of Eastwood.

An extensive list of Fusanese attended the Charity Gala including Chikao Rokuda (Chairman of the Zayasu Corporation, which is the largest trading company in Fusan), Hironori Okuno, Group President of Zayasu UFF Financial Group, Fumio Oketani, President of Isuzu Motors (a major automotive manufacturer), Baron Haruki Shinohara, President of Arasaka (an electronics manufacturer), Yukari Sato, Chairwoman of Ito-Yokado (a major retailer in Fusan), and Haruo Mizutani, a prominent Fusanese art collector. Corporate sponsors from Fusan include Zayasu, Ito-Yokado, Isuzu Motors and Nakamura Trading Company.

The slate of artists from Rokkenjima included Babymetal, Hatsune Miku, YOASOBI and Queens of the Stone Age. Dartfordian stalwarts Muse were joined by a few special guests following them on a personal request from the Empress which saw Paul McCartney and Ringo Star, the surviving members of the Beatles, to join Julian Lennon and Dhani Harrison, sons of John Lennon and George Harrison, receptively, unite to play a selection of songs as The Beatles for one, final, time. Speaking with the RBC McCartney stated "it was never our intention, never, to do something like this, trust me we'd been approached before for such reunion ideas but we always said no because the magic can never be re-bottled. However for the causes in mind, it would have been difficult for us to say no to something like this, I'd like to think John and George are out there somewhere smiling over it, so we did it, and that the effort is helping people in need made it all the more easier for Ringo and I to say yes."

In addition to funds raised by the Charity Gala itself the Empress pledged to personally match the funds raised, bringing the total figure raised to र21.8m ($40.4m). "I understand that I, and those like me, are fortunate and that there are so many out there that lack the advantages I've had my entire life. What use is a fortune if it is not used to make the world around you a better place? As Empress I have every want and need fulfilled before I even know what they are, yet there are those abroad and, indeed, those within my borders who face hardships I couldn't begin to imagine the toll and impact they would mark my life with. All of us can make more money, we can't make more love, more time nor more precious moments than those which are granted to us by our Gods, Goddesses and creators. We're also all here only for a brief moment in time, a twinkling in the vast history of the cosmos we call home, and while I recognize few can drop millions toward any cause before them, we all have the power to effect positive change in the world we all share, even if it's something as simple as putting a smile on the face of another, donating time, blood or food to those less fortunate, it's the act, certainly, not the quantity which ultimately tips the scales," the Empress shared with the RBC.

For her part the Grand Duchess echoed the comments of the Empress. "Everyone living is empowered to make the world around them better, whether it be as a diplomat in the cause for peace, or one making a donation toward a cause which lessens suffering upon Mundus. While the news is filled with contests between nations, at the end of the day, whether we're Rokkenjiman, Kalasinese, Fusanese...none of that matters, truly. We're all people, seeking to make the best of our lives, to see that those in our lives are looked after well; we all have families, loved ones, friends and ourselves. We've made an impact here tonight but that accomplishment is nothing in the face of what every person who lives on Mundus can do if they seek to make Mundus a better place for all. All and each of us can make an impactful difference on the world around us, we only need to choose to do so."
23
International News Networks / Re: Lodja Times
« Last post by Libby on March 24, 2024, 10:37:15 PM »




QUEEN TO PROPOSE TIZER AGREEMENT

Queen Natalya is due to travel to Bakkermaya in the coming week in order to meet with representatives of Bakkermaya and Paracambi in order to formulate what she is called the TIZER agreement. The Queen hopes that the agreement will allow the islands of the Northern Alucard to work together to boost each nations economy as well as support the growth of Water Nomad engagement in the region. "The Tri-Island Zone for Economic Relations will be primarily aimed at working together to ensure we can sustainably use the resources of the region to help all three of us. One issue that we have is that the involvement of the Water Nomad within the region can often make the situation regarding the movement of goods and safety of the environment an issue. So far we've largely turned a blind eye to working together and now we need to start making changes. If I get the deal I would like then I will be pushing to make it easier for business owners to move between the islands and also maximise the way these mainly small businesses can work."

The Queen is also expected to try and get a visit to Lymm into the coming weeks saying, "Lymm sits on the opposite coast of the Alucard and is a nation of great potential. I want to see if we can find ways of encouraging them to become an economic partner in the region and I intend to formally invite them to become a part of TUNA. I also desperately want to view more of Mundus and intend to in the coming months." The Queen is expected to also host one of the summer balls this year outside of Lodja. The Queen explained. "We have seen other nations have great success with diplomacy utilising what could be considered cultural exchanges as a way of forging friendships. I think our ball season is exceptionally well positioned to allow us to do this and while nations we've a friendship with like East Moreland, Neu Urburzis and Ui Cenneslaig it makes sense to try and take the experience to new nations therefore I would like to perhaps go to Tanith or Eborcium. Both are continental neighbours whom we have yet to become close friends."

The Queen is currently in the midst of drafting new legislation which, if it goes ahead, would change the nations education system. "We've allowed standards to be too low for too long and we've placed in the past far too much emphasis on nepotism. This is going to change if our economy is to keep growing. Currently we're seeing it slow as we have a shortage of high end skilled workers. " The Queen has yet to reveal any information on what changes she imagines are needed.
24
Diplomacy and Events / Re: Art and Diplomacy (Lodja and NU + maybe others)
« Last post by Libby on March 24, 2024, 09:53:28 PM »
Elena, or as she was calling herself for this little task "Lara" , agreed that they'd need someone watching from the river and while she'd have loved some more manpower available it was probably for the best that they handle this with a little more discretion. She had gone out to a local store selling brewing equipment and picked up some of the tools of the wine trade, test equipment for pH balances, alcohol levels and various other things. A nice neat briefcase was a must have in her line of work and so these were now placed into the briefcase which had a small camera stored in the handle. At least she'd look the part. Meeting with Kurt she headed towards the target and hoped the royal would be able to handle the formalities of getting them a look inside, at which point her eyes and the camera could deal with the rest.
25
Convention Centre / Re: Bride of the Emperor - IC Thread
« Last post by Libby on March 24, 2024, 08:13:58 PM »
Angelika had some time on her hands between events. Between making Tik-Toks, going to the gym and generally just taking part in the day to day social life of the camp. She did however find time to get the Kubik family enterprises onto a little task for her. Seeing that one of her rivals was offering people something for free it was time to unleash the hordes. With careful phone calls placed across Mundus as many of the plebs relying on Kubik patronage that had contacts abroad went onto Poppy's website and began ordering the watch. The aim was that the sheer weight of the number needed and the skill required to build them would sap as much of Poppy's time as possible and then put her at a disadvantage, maybe make the world see her as anti-social or even better if she failed to keep to her promise then it would make a poor example. Either way the mischief amused Angelika a little as she saw the Lodjain patronage system swing into overdrive ensuring they did their best to help out their "Lord".
26
War and Conflict / Re: A Storm in the Channels (IC Thread)
« Last post by Daitō on March 24, 2024, 04:02:49 PM »
Mepale, Kalasin
72 km Northwest of Ayothaya
20 March, 2024
2200 Hours

   The town of Mepale was quiet, the nearly-full moon hanging overhead. Off in the distance, a dog was barking, and there was the occasional rumble of an engine which passed through onto parts unknown. It had been a few months since major combat operations had ended on the part of the Fusanese, but the war was hardly over. Nintau would be sure of that. This war would not end until either men like him were dead or Kalasin was free. Free of exploitation, of domination by foreign powers, of a so-called "democracy" which represented only the interests of shareholders and the one percent. Free of foreign lapdogs like Kaikaew and Montri, yes, but also self-serving butchers like Rangsitpol. To think Prateung would ally with him, even after all of that... It was unconscionable, but at the same time, they had a shared enemy, one which now occupied this sacred land. Eventually, the middle-aged Kalasinese found his way to grate, entering the town's sewers through it before reaching the hideout. To the outside world, it would've been as though he had simply disappeared.

   Inside, the hideout was abuzz with activity, even at this hour. The contrast was like night and day, truth be told, and it was clear that something was up. What it was, however, eluded Nintau, though he ignored it for a moment, instead pulling out a map from his bag before walking over to his commander, Parat Anand.
   "Sir." He spoke up, "I have the map you asked for." He added before placing it on a table. The map, which showed the local area, charted out what appeared to be supply lines for the enemy forces, with several of them converging on a bridge not too far outside of town. "If I may make a suggestion, we should hit them this week, blow the bridge over the Ping, and cut their supply lines up to Lamphun. I-"
   "We will do no such thing, Vipavakit." Parat cut him off. "I appreciate the work you've done, but... For now, our orders are to stand by. Prateung's got something big in the works, and he wants us all ready."
   "Big, sir?" Nintau asked. "What do you mean?"
   "I don't have the details, but whatever it is, it's going to send a serious message to the Fusanese."
Nagatoro, Shinkyo Metropolis
16km East of Shinkyo
21 March, 2024
0430 Hours

   Another long night at the office, Jiro thought as he poured over documents. He didn't like being kept this late, not being home to see his kids head off to school, or even just getting to sleep in his own bed. But alas, fate seemed to have different plans for him. Fate, or the orders of his superiors. He might've complained, but the truth was, there was scarcely a nobler job than furthering the security of his nation. It's why he'd been so eager to go to work for CIRA, now nearly a decade ago, and it was a job which he took much pride in, even if it had its drawbacks. "Military Analyst." That was what his title was, and it was a role he personally thought he excelled at. But this morning had been filled with dull work, just reviewing files and dossiers about Kalasin, the PAFK, and other groups operating in the region. Compared to a few months ago, just after the attack on Awara—an attack he felt in some way culpable for not finding out sooner—it had been awfully quiet these days. No word about Prateung, no signs of any major offensives brewing, nothing. That was, at least, until a few hours ago, when he found something.

   It might've seemed like a good thing, having a large number of PAFK cells in Kalasin had go dark and leaders go into hiding, but it seemed too sudden, too organized to simply be a response to the continued peacekeeping mission. But in his line of work, it paid to be vigilant, and so, over the last few hours, everything seemed to be falling into place. It seemed, at least in his eyes anyways, that the PAFK was preparing for something big. If he was wrong—and he hoped he was—then this was nothing and the war might be over sooner rather than later. But if he was right, then Fusan was going to be struck hard and a lot of people were going to die as a result. By the gods, he hoped he was wrong.
27
Press Offices / Re: Press Office of Social Media
« Last post by Beatrice on March 23, 2024, 10:57:39 PM »
28
International News Networks / Re: Rokkenjima Broadcasting Corporation (RBC)
« Last post by Beatrice on March 23, 2024, 09:02:32 PM »


Proposal For Grand Duchy To Expand Considered


The move would see the Grand Duchy encompass Fukadomari, with the later becoming the Duchy itself.

Grand Duchess Sophia has been involved in a series of talks with the Fukadomari Administration starting a process which would see the Grand Duchy of Josai become the Grand Duchy of Fukadomari. Support for the move is popular with citizens of Fukadomari, who believe that their position within the First Empire would be elevated to a level beyond even that which is held by the Rishiri Imperial Overseas Dependency. "Josai on its own is an economic powerhouse within Rokkenjima, yet we believe that combining Josai and Fukadomari into one entity, the proposed Grand Duchy of Fukadomari, we may see that position strengthened yet further. With the port capacity of Fukadomari, essentially serving as a gateway to the broader Empire, we believe that a Grand Duchy of Fukadomari can stand on equal footing with the Tri-City Megalopolis (Ashinxao, Exuperia and Pyrettania) as an engine of economic growth and opportunity for the Rokkenjiman People," Administrator Arima Mitsuharu shared with the RBC.

The Grand Duchess shared the position of Administrator Arima, stating that "for long Josai has held a special status, yet it would not be maintained without the links and cooperation which have long existed between the Grand Duchy and the Fukadomari Administrative Region. Despite being essentially one city amongst many on our shared island the Grand Duchy holds representation in the Imperial Diet where, as a Administrative Region, Fukadomari holds only a non-voting voice in the Imperial Diet. While we have maintained a cooperative agreement with Fukadomari to see Josai use its voice in the Imperial Diet for the benefit of all who call our island home I do not feel this arrangement is ideal, nor is it one which is sustainable over the long-term. In the coming days I understand that the People of Fukadomari will vote on a measure of incorporation, one which would see Fukadomari incorporate itself into the Grand Duchy, after which we would move to see the Grand Duchy of Josai essentially "reverse incorporate" into Fukadomari to become the Grand Duchy of Fukadomari. I have spoken with the Empress on this proposal and, after a series of talks with her, she has stated that the First Empire would not insert itself in this process and that the Crown would respect the will of the People, whatever they should choose."


Grand Duchess Sophia, Princess of Estvua, was approached by the Fukadomari Administrative Region considering a proposed change to the status of the region.

"Naturally, should this plan be selected by our respective Peoples, Kajūkuri would be maintained as the capital of the new Grand Duchy, with Josai maintaining its status as a holding of the Anselmo Family," the Grand Duchess continued. "Upon the successful conclusion of this process I, myself, would look forward to being a voice for the People of Fukadomari, ensuring that the interests of all on our island are known and acted upon in Pyrettania, while seeing that our position as the gateway to Rokkenjima is something we capitalize on moving forward. I would also seek to take advantage of our relative proximity to Abertone, Floodwater and Tsukishima while introducing a package which would see increased utilization of rail links between the ports and cities of Fukadomari to create an integrated, competitive and profitable Fukadomarian market. For example, we could utilize the Idaina Yama, which is the site of some excavations, for naturally cooled data centres to be established, linked to the broader global economy via our fibre optic connection to Estvua Prefecture. We will have to see how the votes go naturally, however, I promise the People of Josai and those of Fukadomari, I will be ready from day one to lead and utilize our advantages for the benefit of all who call Fukadomari home."
29
Factbooks and Maps / Kingdom of Renaku
« Last post by Renaku on March 23, 2024, 08:57:09 PM »
THE KINGDOM OF RENAKU


"Ren" translates to "clean" or "pure," and "Aku" could be associated with "Ak" meaning "white." The name of the nation is taken from the snow capped mountains that dominate part of the nation from where it is believed the nation originated. It is believed the Renaku "civilisation" began from the unification of several hill tribes who seemingly began unifying in the centuries that ended the Ice Age. It is at this time that it is believed a ceremonial centre was constructed at Çördük and today this stands as the capital of the nation. The nation has two definite identities. The hills feature hundreds of tribes arranged into a system of Beylik's which are like extended family groups. The second is the more modern plains which feature modern cities with smatterings of historic cities dated to the 5th Century BC when the nation began to establish itself first as a series of small Kingdoms before finally united in the 10th Century.

Today the nation is a monarchy with several, rather ineffective, checks and balances on the monarchs power.


Natural Resources

coal, iron ore, copper, chromium, antimony, mercury, gold, barite, borate, celestite (strontium), emery, feldspar, limestone, magnesite, marble, perlite, pumice, pyrites (sulfur), clay, arable land, hydropower



Land Use

agricultural land: 49.7%
arable land: 26.7%
permanent crops: 4%
permanent pasture: 19%
forest: 14.9%
other: 35.4%



Population: 92,823,221

Nationality-  Renakuan

Ethnic Groups - Renakuan 50%, Hill Tribes 35%, 15% Other

Languages - Renakuan (official language (Turkish), there are around 30 other tribal languages that are extremely similar allowing many of the people to understand the vast majority of each others.

Religions - Field Gods (62%), Tribal Faiths (25%) 13% others



Government
 
The nation is run by the monarch supported by a King's Council. There are however a series of agreements that act as a small level check and balanace on their power. The King's Council must approve all changes to taxation and should 2/3 of the Council oppose legislation from the King then it is blocked. In addition there is the Beylik Divan which is a council made up of the various leaders, known as Masters, of the various hill tribes. The Beylik Divan has the power to veto infastructure projects within the hills they oversee.

The Kings Council is made up of 61 individuals. The King appoints 30, the people elect 31.

Laws are passed in the following manner.

1. The King issues a Partial Decree. This is then discussed by the Beylik Divan and the Kings Council and each may give feedback on it with suggestions for amendments. The King is then free to utilise or ignore the proposals.
 
2. The King arranges a reading of the Decree before the Kings Council either the King or his appointed individual must answer questions put to them by the Council who then vote for it.

3. Should 2/3 of the Council oppose the Decree then it must be either amended or scrapped. Should it not be opposed it then becomes law.

4. Once every two weeks the King attends a meeting where the Kings Council and five delegates from the Beylik Divan may present proposals for new laws. Should the King approve of them he takes over the process as stated above.

In terms of the passing of the crown it must pass down the male bloodline and passes in order of children, siblings, cousins, uncles etc.

The Current King is Timur III of the Peynirci dynasty.
30
Vignettes / From The Big House to the Royal House
« Last post by Renaku on March 23, 2024, 06:36:46 PM »
Timur Peynirci may have been a Prince but for 104 weeks he was to be a private soldier. That at least was the plan, as it had been for every royal since anyone could remember. "We all serve among the people we rule over" his father, King Kubilay IV had told him as he had posed for the photos taken at Çamlıca Barracks. The media had been keen to get the photos of the 18 year old royal being dropped off by his parents and given his black beret symbolising he was now just a mere conscript within his fathers army. The first four weeks flew by as his days were filled with drill, exercise and lessons on everything from shooting to map reading and to first aid. The Prince was an athletic young man and actually found he was enjoying much of the action while maybe not equally enjoying the drill sergeants constant yelling and screaming. It was something he could do without and in his mind it showed very little respect. He knew that it was all about duty to complete these two years of training and show the general public that like the rest of the Peynirci dysnasty he was devoted to service of the country and the people who lived there. While the coastline may be made up of beautiful cities combining the very best in modern archetecture with stunning historic buildings that showcased the nations proud heritage there was also the tribes who lived in the snow topped hills that gave the nation of Renaku its name. It was those in the tribes who would have the higher expectations of the Prince to do his duty, despite the 21st Century having arrived two decades ago these hill tribes still saw themselves as warriors despite it being a long time since any real war had come to the shores in Renaku. They still demanded that their rulers were people who had been willing to fight and shed blood for the good of the community.

Things had been great for the first four weeks until the trainees had been granted a weekend pass and while the Prince could very easily have gone back to the luxury of his families palaces he had opted not to. Instead he had headed into Çamlıca with a group of his fellow recruits. That wasn't the issue, infact his father would encourage such a thing as it would further demonstrate to the people that he was a man of the people, that he stood shoulder to shoulder with the common folk. The problem though was the morning after. As Sergeant Major Aksoy had swung by each of rooms the soldiers called home he discovered the Prince was not alone, instead the Sergeant Major caught a glimpse of a raven haired woman diving under the covers. From that point the Prince's life took a radical turn and even his royal status wasn't going to help him. Aksoy grabbed him by the foot and dragged him out of bed. The Prince protested by trying to remind Aksoy that he was a Prince and therefore couldn't be treated this way but as he was thrown into the corridor naked the tall NCO continued to push, kick and otherwise cajole Timur the length of the blockhouse as his comrades sniggered watching him go. At the far end of the corridor the Prince found Captain Mataracı had appeared from his own room and without any hesitation of showing fear or favor the Military Police had been called. First the young beauty found in the Princes room was escorted from the base, a round of applause being given in comedical fashion by those watching her blushingly leave. Next the Prince, a pair of fatigues having been handed to him, was escorted from the block in cuffs.

Two days later the Prince found himself in front of a court martial who within just thirty minutes found him guilty of a variety of offences and sentenced him to four weeks in a military prison. There had been the hope for Timur that his father would intervene and indeed he had but instead of arranging for his sons sentence to be commuted or served in some kind of easy establishment he had found himself sent to the hard labour camp at Çınarcık. For four long weeks the Prince was forced to raise at 5am each morning, shower in rain water stored in an tank on the roof of the prison block which in truth was just a series of concrete cubes with beds bolted to the floor. Each cube had no window even the plaster on the roof was peeling badly but barely visible by the single bulb that looked like it was on its last legs. From there he would be taken into the large yard which housed a variety of tasks for the inmates. There was a series of rocks that would be broken down to provide shale for construction. There was a large metal tank that required filling with water each day to top up the water supply of the prison complex, buckets from a well providing the top up. The job Timur hated most however was the wheel. A large ancient pair of mill stones on which the wheat needed to make the flour for the prison kitchen was milled. A large wooden handle protruded from one of the stones that allowed it to be pushed round in a large circle grinding the wheat into a powder which would then be placed into sacks and carried away. It was back breaking work and boring as hell wlaking in an endless circle. It was during one of these long boring sessions that it was apparent today would be no normal day. As Timur began to feel his ankles ache from pushing the wheel he noticed the various guards talking and gathering in groups before walking off to speak with another guard. Every now and again he would spot a few glancing over his way. It wasn't until sunset and the relief of his freedom from the wheel that he learned the news, his father had died. As the heir though there was a problem, there had never been a Prince to inherit the throne without his military service, nor had there been a Prince who had been serving time for military crimes. Things began to happen quickly after that.

That evening there was a commotion outside the cell block, Timur could hear things getting louder and louder and then gun shots and explosions. Without the aid of a window he couldn't hear what was happening properly but it seemed like things were getting closer and closer. Unable to sleep he pushed his ear towards a wall and hoped to hear something more clearly but instead he could feel the wall rumble with explosions. Then the sound of gunfire just outside the door and yelling. He could just about recognise the voice of one of the guards yelling to "just let me do it" but then more bursts of gunfire. Timur began to feel sick as he feared what would happen next but there was silence for what seemed an age. There was then the metallic scrape of the key in the lock. Timur didn't know why but he grabbed his blanket from his bed and held it before him, almost as though it had somehow magically become bullet proof. The top lock was unlocked now and he could hear the bottom one turning. He began saying prayers to the Gods, to those of the rivers, those who guarded the mountains and most importantly to the God of Death asking him to not take him today. The door was now swinging open. "Friends Sir! Friends" the heavily accented voice came from the other side of the door as it slowly was pushed open. The man spoke Renakuian as though it was not native to him, that was not a surprise though in Renaku as many of the tribes maintained their own language and spoke Renaku only on official business which many tried to avoid as much as possible. "We take and help" the man said as he entered the room, an AK-47 held low by his side. "I name Ramazan Solak, Master of Solak Beylik." The Prince relaxed a little, the Beylik's were a series of provinces in the mountains,  Çınarcık sat on the edge of the Solak one, and it appeared now that Ramazan was the leader of the region, but what was he doing here?

"Whats happening?" Timur asked nervously.

Ramazan pointed at the Prince, "Father he die but now cousin Ziya claim throne. We not allow him to execute." The way Ramazan pointed at the Prince while saying "execute" was a concern.

"So my cousin is trying to take the throne?" Timur asked nervously. He though found an almost immediate reassurance by the way Ramazan laughed and smiled.

"The Beylik Divan agree he not allowed" The Beylik Divan was the council made up of the leaders of each of the various hill tribes and while it was not the most powerful body in the Kingdom, that was reserved for the Kings Council, it had a massive amount of influence. Its members were not afraid to get their hands dirty and if they supported you then it meant you had access to essentially the nations "Muscle" and seemingly Ramazan was a rescue mission. The man took the Prince to a little village nearby where for the first time in weeks Timur was able to have a warm shower and was served a beautifully cooked lamb stew. He thanked the wife of Ramazan who had presented it to him and she seemed very pleased with his praise. The next morning a procession of pick ups arrived during the day, some carrying machine guns mounted on the back and others just packed with men carrying a variety of rifles. "We have army if need to make you King." Ramazan explained as the group moved to a large barn. With men sat on bales and the various Masters of the different Beylik's stood in a huddle it seemed it would be in this tiny village the fate of the Kingdom would be determined. Timur struggled to understand the language being spoken, he knew a few bits and pieces of the "Hill Languages" of which there were about ten, many of them related, but the speed at which the men spoke it meant he was often clueless about what was being discussed. Finally with a loud chorus of laughter and several warm hugs among the Masters Ramazan returned to the Prince. "We will take you to the city, there we make King." he said as though simply by saying it the deed was done.

"But I am not able to be King yet" The Prince said, the law was clear and Timur suspected many wouldn't accept it.

"Cousin is a bad man, he already trying to sell land here in mountains. Gods made you Prince so Gods want you on throne. It is the will" The room echoed the sentiment and so that evening Timur found himself dressed in warm tirbesman clothing as the convoy of pick ups made their way down towards the lowlands where villages gave way to towns and cities and there at the coast, some 36 hours later they meet the Army about 50km outside Çördük. Four tanks and a group of soldiers blocked the roadway. Timur shifted uneasily in the passenger seat of the truck that Ramazan drove. The man seemed confident and despite the language barrier Timur was growing to like him. As they neared the Prince had expected either bullets to rip through the windshield or to screech to a halt prompting a stand off but instead the tanks rolled aside and simply allowed the convoy with flags flying through. as Timur glanced backwards he could see soldiers piling onto the tanks and following in their wake. He could just about make out one soldier unfurl a flag of a tribe as the tanks joined the journey south. "They are brothers" Timur breathed a sigh of relief as his new guardian chuckled. There were more members of the military joining at each town they passed, seemingly members of the hill tribes who had joined up themselves, probably looking for a better life away from the snowy mountains and now showing their loyalty to the tribes decisions. By the time they got Çördük they had a large convoy. This time a group of the Army did block their path and their was a stand off for around thirty minutes before an officer carrying a white flag approached walking step in step with Ramazan.

"I am General Poyraz Küçük" the man said with a bow, "First allow me to extend my condolences for the death of your father." Timur thanked him. "I speak on behalf of the army, your cousin is not of the blood, he is not pure and therefore when we have a pureblooded Prince avaliable to us he can not sit on the throne. You though can not either at present. I am proposing to you a route that will see you take the throne with military approval."

"I'm listening" Timur said happy that it seemed things were working themselves out.

"You will take the crown and the power of King. You will remain in the military for the remainder of your time and we shall assign you the rank of Lt-Col in the Royal Structural Engineers Corps, the assignment you will be given will be the maintenance of the Royal Palaces. This should be simple enough for us to say you have a commitment to the honour of the military. In addition I want two seats of the Kings Council, one for me and one for my brother. Do we have an agreement?"

Timur extended his hand, "General I look forward to my new posting as a Lt-Col" the Prince smiled. As the two shook hands the tribesman and the Generals men errupted in cheers and side by side the two convoys entered the capital where the only resistance was at the royal Palace. Seeing the ragged tribesman and the General side by side it was clear any last stand was doomed to fail and only the most full hardy gave any resistance. Within an hour Timur was in the throne room, his cousin lying dead on the throne room floor. Two tribesman had strangled him to death with a lamps extension cord. Timur hadn't expected it to end this way but Ramazan and the General had taken the decision out of his hands saying it would be "cleaner" if the cousin was gone. Now he sat on the throne, the weight of the future hit him. He would be King and now he owed a few favours but that was often the nature of life in Renaku.
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