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Topics - DaveIronside

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181
Non Fiction / Cultural Exchange Treaty Guidebook
« on: July 01, 2018, 10:09:05 PM »
INDEX

This volume contains information about historic sites of Mundus which have been granted recognised status as culturally or historically significant. The Cultural Exchange Treaty Organisation has meet to consider each of the sites and their significance not just to the nation in which they are held but to the whole of Mundus. The locations in this journal are presented in no particular order.

INDEX

1. Gods Forge - East Moreland
2. Old City of Tidar - Lakhzovia
3. Sky Temple of Stoneton - East Moreland
4. Luna Isle, Achkaerin
5. Valkyrian Orrery, Achkaerin
6. Wellow Ark Park, Bakkermaya




OOC- If you want to get something on the list please post it to the CETO HQ (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=85.0) where DaveIronside will manage its consideration.

182
Diplomacy and Events / The Return Leg-Sirinisi visits EM
« on: June 24, 2018, 12:24:22 AM »
The King had extended the invite to Sirinisi during his visit there and now it was time to honour that commitment. The King knew that the emerging nations government had been undertaking a whole variety of diplomatic visits and so had his own staff make arrangements a little out of the ordinary for a state visit. Of course there was the obligatory military band on standby to play the guests national anthem, a guard of honour this time drawn from the Air Force and the black SUV's. The city of Aldcliffe wasn't usually one that hosted state visits, its old medieval streets more accustomed to tourists keen to experience the perception of going back in time, something that the constant costumed street performers added to. This meant that the nearby Air Force base on the edge of town was hosting its first diplomatic landing and had rather enjoyed having the King come and spend some time on the base.

The King was joined on this occasion by his cousin Lily Ironside fresh from her University graduation.  She was due to go and start a placement with the Air Force in the next few weeks and her cousin the King was keen to get her some diplomatic experience. He was unsure exactly who Sirinisi would send but he was determined to enjoy the occasion as much as he could. The pair of Ironside's stood chatting as they waited for the Sirinisi plane to touch down, the notes of the guests national anthem filling the air as they prepared to welcome them.

183
Roleplay Moderator's Office / Realism Rulings
« on: June 17, 2018, 12:53:49 PM »
Yesterday on our Discord we had a discussion among a few of us about maintaining realism in some technology. As a result I'd like to clarify my stance as RP Mod.

I see the issue come in three parts.

1. Prototype Tech.
2. Fictional Tech
3. Theoretical Tech


1. Prototype Tech

I have always stood with the idea that any prototype tech we want to use should be able to go into production tomorrow. So for example the Northrop Grumman X-47 is still not in service however it has completed a large number of test flights and its testing programme was completed. Therefore the model could have entered service probably sometime this year, the only reason it hasn't is because of budget reasons etc. So it shall forever probably remain as a prototype. This is acceptable as technology to be used in our region.



On the other hand the AVIC AG600 has completed one flight ever, therefore to have it in full production would be unreasonable. The aircraft could have a whole range of serious issues we don't know about. As a result nations are more than welcome to RP its development but full production would not be permitted. This is a case of what I would call a borderline case.



On the other hand, things like railguns are a LOOOOoooonnnggg way from being serviceable, the most effective one at the moment is one that no RL ship could use in a battle situation as it takes far too long to recharge based on the ships powerplant. Therefore again this is something that can be developed but can not be in service.

2. Fictional Tech

What I mean by this is things that are not present in our world but don't look out of place. For example using this;



But with the stats of the F-22 Raptor would be permitted. I am always more than happy to check whether tech fits realism if people wish.

What I also don't mean by fictional tech is stuff like for example nuclear powered assault rifles (I've seen them in other regions). That wouldn't get past the checks at all.

3. Theoretical Tech

This is things like for example Rods From Gods (I'll let Kris do the Math). They are not classed as realism and as such until you can provide me actual reputable evidence that they would work, and by that I mean an article from a good source (not wikipedia) where somebody with a knowledge of the subject categorically says its doable.


I hope this clarifies the stance. Please feel free to use this thread to ask any questions about tech you think may be an issue.

184
Vignettes / To Replace A Traitor
« on: June 14, 2018, 11:17:50 PM »
It had been several months since Alex Redfern had been at Red Legion's HQ, his unit had been involved in a few "discreet" operations on behalf of Rokkenjiman intelligence but it seemed that was now over and so Redfern had been rotated back to Aldfield along with his Hunter Team. The Hunter's were the base units of the elite Legion, Alex's was made up of his faithful Sergeant Olly Thomas one of the most experienced operators in Red Legion, and therefore as far as Redfern was concerned one of the best on Mundus. There was then Corporal Thomas Barks, a man who firmly believed there was no problem on Mundus that could not be solved by the correct application of High Explosives, and he'd solved many a problem in exactly that way. The final member of the team was Legionnaire Tom Saxby something of an oddity in Red Legion that he had at one point been an Airmen in the Air Force rather than taking the usual Red Legionnaire route of Army or Marine service. The problem was they were a man down, James Gillespie the lieutenant that Redfern had firmly believed would one day fill his shoes had turned out to be a Bene Gesserit, a traitor who had probably helped those Truthsayers attack East Moreland. He'd not been seen in months now and his name had just a week ago been removed from the roll of honour listing those who had passed what was considered Mundus' most challenging Special Forces Selection test. Brigadier Kelly had called Alex into his office as he'd seen him stroll through the gate, his customary duffle bag slung over his shoulder. "Prince Alex," the Brigadier teased using the fake title his colleagues gave him since marrying the King's sister. "Office"

"Yes boss" Alex dropped his bag in with the guys on the front desk and made his way through to the Commanding Officers realm. He took the low seat opposite the grizzled old veteran without being asked and waited for Kelly to hand him the cup of coffee that always came with these chats.

"We've binned Gill....he never existed, he never will exist if I get my blood hands on him." the Brigadier had, just as Alex had, believed that Gillespie would be a future leader of the unit, the man had won medals for bravery for Helus sake so how could he have been such a traitor. It was a matter that had provoked a lot of soul searching among many in the Legion's ranks. "So you're a man light, you've also been busy so I know you need to get your shit back together. As it stands then I'm making your team the oversight for the next round of selection, as you know its a double edged sword, it'll mean a lot of physical stuff, but frankly you're looking a little more tubby....all that married Palace living taking its toll?" Kelly was in on the joke the men where that since being married Alex was getting soft, following Freya around to royal functions. In truth Alex looked as fit as he had ever done. "So you'll get chance to get back in shape, and you get the pick of the litter.....well from the officers anyway."

"Oh thanks" Alex knew Selection Oversight was an important role but he didn't particularly like it as it meant sitting around and missing out on lots of potential action. Yes you were the standby unit for any emergency or things like hostage rescues but it meant no day to day deployments. "We got any good ones coming in?" Alex asked knowing the Brigadier would have scanned the applications himself.

"A couple at least." He said dropping a sugar cube into his coffee adding some cream and then swirling his spoon to mix them. Alex leaned for the sugar bowl and found the old man's surprisingly quick reactions slid it just out of reach, "You need to cut down on sweet stuff.....its not done you any favours" he shook his head disapprovingly. "I've taken the liberty of having Thomas, Barks and Saxby assigned to help you out, figure they can help you get in the gym a little" Alex was about to protest but bit his tongue, he knew raising to the bait would only egg the lads on more but he was surprised that Kelly was in on it he generally rose above such childish mockery. The pair chatted about a few of the candidates and then Alex headed back towards his room, he passed one of the mirrors up in the halls to allow Legionnaires to check their uniform and found himself stood side on checking his profile, had he put weight on? He couldn't tell but heard sniggering from the far end of the hall and spotted Barks and Saxby, knowing what lay ahead he walked across the parade square to avoid them.

"YES....THE ANSWER IS YOUR ASS DOES LOOK BIG IN THAT......COS IT'S FUCKING HUGE!!!" He heard Barks yell from a window, Redfern carried on walking and just flicked the V's over his shoulder as he entered the corridor on the far side. "LOVE YOU TOO SIR" Barks voice drifted across through an open window. Alex unpacked his gear, put his picture of himself, Freya and their hopefully soon to be adopted little girl Evie on the wall before settling down to look through a selection of the officer candidates. It was getting dark by the time he'd finished and as he was considering what to do he heard a gentle knock on his door.

"Evening Al" Robbie Peacock one of his fellow officers was stood there, spotted you were back, fancy a beer" he asked. Alex indeed did and the two men headed back towards the gatehouse to sign out and stroll the short distance to the small towns local pub. It was a regular hang out for all the Legion and the owner, a sixty year old bald man, was a former Red Legionnaire himself who'd lost a leg to the Borlanders, on particularly rowdy nights he'd even challenge people to neck a leg full of beer but tonight the pub was quiet. "Howdy Tom" Robbie slid into a bar stool and began to order as the proprieter walked over only a slight limp giving away his injury. Robbie ordered a couple of beers and was informed that two of the customers sat by the fire place where heading for Selection the next day. All new recruits were ever told was that the Red Legion Barracks was in Aldfield, its exact location never given out, it was in essence the first test of a recruits skills of intelligence gathering. The locals of Aldfield, all of whom were fiercly proud to be the home of the unit and many of whom were veterans or widows, never gave the location out either.

"It's ok" Tom whispered leaning over the bar, "I told them its hidden away on that new industrial estate." the new industrial estate to the town did indeed look like a military complex, that was because at one time there had been talk of establishing a regular army training centre here that could also make use of the facilities in the local area Red Legion had but the plan had been scrapped and the site turned into small industrial units. The three men chuckled wondering whether the two men would indeed make it by the 8am deadline to be inside the base. Every selection a handful didn't make it, some missed trains, some got lost, one year they even had a lad who had turned up three minutes late because he'd been helping with a car accident, all of them were denied entry and sent home. After a few cheeky beers Robbie and Alex made their way back to the barracks. As they approached the guard house there was a shape slumped by the first guard post.

"Evening gents" the Legionnaire on guard duty grinned, "Keen and eager to join your merry band in the morning" the Lance Corporal pointed to the shape which was a man wrapped up in a sleeping bag on a camping matt. "Turned up about an hour ago, presented his joining instructions and was told he's too early and to piss off until tomorrow, proceeds to say he doesn't want to be late and so curls up here."

Alex poked the man with a boot. "Piss off" was all that came back, followed by an intake of breath as the cocoonesque shape slithered round, "Oh shit" the face showing in the bags hood exclaimed recognising Redfern. "Sorry Sir" he said. Alex squatted down to be at the same level.

"Name?" Alex asked in a rather stern tone.

"2nd Lt Joe Wolfe...Sir" the man was trying to undo the drawstrings of his sleeping bag to get out. "Sorry sir" he apologised again as Alex waved a hand telling him to not bother.

"You coming on selection? Your a little old for an officer" Alex observed

"I'm joining Red Legion yes sir" he said rather more confidently than he felt, "Was frightened I'd be late, or overlay or something so guessed if I was on your front door step then I'd got woken up by people coming past and wouldn't miss the deadline." he explained his situation. "And as for being old sir, thats because I worked my way up from the ranks so to speak. Was a little dumb in Seaforth and well, found myself at Officer Training, did good so figured why not see just how good I am." A broad grin spread across the mans face. "I can go away if this isn't allowed" he added sheepishly not wanting to make a poor impression.

"Nah" Alex stood up again. "Let him in" Alex instructed, "He can sleep in the brig" the Legions jail cells had never been used, except for when drunk officers not scheduled to be on base had turned up and needed somewhere to crash. The man followed Alex and Robbie inside and was shown one of the cells, they were old fashioned, still bars rather than a solid door, a wooden bench attached to the wall with a gym mat for a mattress, a silver metallic toilet in the corner. "It's not the Hilton but it's better than outside, you'll get a good nights sleep and you'll need it." Alex flicked the light off for the man as he settled down. "Well if we get a batch like him then I just may have something to work with. " He mused to Robbie as they headed back to their own rooms.

"Yeah....it'll be good you doing selection, safe pair of eyes.....and the exercise will do you good" he playfully tapped Alex in the stomach as he shut the door to his own room leaving Alex feeling once more a little self conscious.

185
Diplomacy and Events / Ostlake Military Games Spectators View
« on: June 04, 2018, 10:01:28 PM »

BACKGROUND

Ostlake is a word that causes confusion for non-Morelanders, it is a lake, a city and a complex of four military bases connected by tunnels and waterways across the Lake. It is the central hub for the East Moreland military as the lake connects to the sea by the river Ost which is navigable by river even by aircraft carrier. Every year it hosts a kind of inter-military Olympic Games, known as the Ostlake Military Games, this sees teams drawn from the five East Moreland Army Legions (Royal, People, Duke, Pegasus & Hunter), the Air Force, the Navy, Cyber Legion and Red Legion. In recent years these teams have been joined by visiting teams, this year Neu Uburzis, Seaforth and Nya Aland join the games.

The Games sell tickets to all events and as well as the sporting events themselves the city hosts nightly entertainment in addition to the many bars, cafes and clubs that exist. The competitors stay at Ostlake South, the largest of the bases in a mixture of barrack blocks and tents, no spectators are permitted at Ostlake South unless invited by an officer from one of the competing forces.



It was for the Morelanders a familiar walk, the small cross lake Ferry station to Ostlake old market square, take the right back to the lakeside and into the Ostlake West barracks where the majority of the Games would take place. A large grandstand had been erected at the base at their rugby pitch which would later in the day host the Rugby 7's. The 12 teams began amassing themselves in what was usually the large car park and down the road, the competitors each arranged behind their units standard and then behind various regimental banners from within the Legions. Red Legion as always would lead the way being the oldest of the East Moreland units, the legion wasn't usually represented by serving members but rather those who had left within the last five years and where technically still liable to be called up, there were a handful of "desk pilots" too, Red Legionnaires who had been injured and told their front line days where done. Among them was Cpl. Paul Abrahams, first he'd damaged his throat on active duty in the Alps all but losing his voice, that hadn't stopped him serving a further three years until he lost his lower leg in the Eugenics War, now he was in an armourer and shooting instructor. He checked his famous Red jacket and removed a small feather that had drifted down in the wind.

"PARADE!" A loud voice filled the air as a tall flame haired Sergeant Major yelled. Instinctively thousands of ears listened for the next order, "PARADE 'SHUN" he yelled and with one loud sound that echoed off the hills everyone came to attention. He issued a series of instructions and in no time 12 squads of around 150 people each where formed up. "PARADE! BY THE RIGHT, QUICK....MARCH" The parade began to move off down the road passing the various crowds that had gathered to greet the teams, many spectators wore off duty items of regimental attire showing their support for their mates competing. The Combined Forces band played a variety of marching tunes as they wound their way through the city streets and past the market square. There in the centre was a giant statue of Jekar, each unit gave an eyes right as they passed and one representative from each Morelander unit smartly placed a wreath in their units colours at its feet. As the gates of the base came into view some of the crowds where left behind as only those with tickets and invites could pass beyond this point.

Once on the base they filed into the Rugby arena and formed up. In the VIP box the King would normally have accepted the general salute but he was with Pegasus Legion as he was representing them in the Legionnaire Legacy events, that would mean Princess Freya would fill in, but she was two ranks behind her big brother. That would leave Archduchess Sophie to represent them, but in the second to last Morelander unit the Air Force Pilot Officer was marching with her new friends. That then meant Prime Minister Henrietta Quinn was left to accompany Princess Rhiannon who accepted the salute with well rehearsed slow bow which once completed turned into a wave as she spotted her father.

Various other VIP's from across Mundus had arrived to watch the games which were a major event in the East Moreland calender and as soon as the parade was over and the games declared open people began to mingle. Morelanders looked for old friends among the Alanders and Seaforthians as the team from Neu Uburzis gained their bearings. Some of the competitors with no events that day made their way towards the nearest beer tent while others headed back into town. King David made his way to his daughter as he planned on taking her to watch the football, a sport not massively popular in East Moreland but one she seemed to have some interest in at least. Within the hour the rugby arena was full of fans as the first game got underway.



186
Sporting Hub / Ostlake Military Games 2018
« on: June 04, 2018, 08:00:23 PM »
The Games are East Moreland's annual inter-military sporting event featuring both military skills and sporting events. This year the three visiting teams are Seaforth, Neu Urbuzis and Nya Aland.

For team events nations enter one team. For individual events nations enter three athletes. Points are awarded for where you finish in each event ranging from 12 for those that win, to 1 to 12th place.

DAY ONE RESULTS

Spoiler: Mens Rugby Sevens • show


Four Groups of three teams play a round robin.

Win = 3pts
Draw =1 pts
Loss = 0pts

Top team in each group qualify for the Cup, 2nd place teams the Bowl, 3rd place teams the Dish.

Group One

Red Legion 31 V's 20 Seaforth
Red Legion 24 V's 17 Duke Legion
Seaforth 40 V's 20 Duke Legion

Final Standings

1. Red Legion
2. Seaforth
3. Duke Legion

Group Two

Cyber Legion 26 V's 39 Neu Uburzis
Cyber Legions 42 V's 7 Royal Legion
Neu Uburzis 37 V's 23 Royal Legion

Final Standings

1. Neu Uburzis
2. Cyber Legion
3. Royal Legion

Group Three

Air Force 28 V's 32 Nya Aland
Air Force 20 V's 33 People Legion
Nya Aland 29 V's 16 People Legion

Final Standings

1. Nya Aland
2. People Legion
3. Air Force

Group Four

Navy 42 V's 13 Pegasus Legion
Navy 18 V's 8 Hunter Legion
Pegasus Legion 10 V's 18 Hunter Legion

Final Standings

1. Navy
2. Hunter Legion
3. Pegasus Legion.

Final Games will be played tomorrow


Spoiler: Womens Five-A-Side • show


Four Groups of Three play a round robin. 3 pts for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss. Top team from each group play in the Cup, 2nd play for the Shield, 3rd for the Bowl.

Group 1

Red 0 - 0 Nya Aland
Red 1- 3 Cyber
Nyal Aland 2 - 2 Cyber

Final Standings

1. Cyber
2. Nya Aland
3. Red

Group 2

Navy 0 - 4 Neu Uburzis
Navy 0 - 4 Pegasus
Neu Uburzis 1 - 4 Pegasus

Final Standings

1. Pegasus
2. Neu Uburzis
3. Navy

Group 3

Air Force 0 - 3 Seaforth
Air Force 4 - 1 Hunter
Seaforth 3 - 1 Hunter

Final Standings

1. Seaforth
2. Air Force
3. Hunter

Group 4

Duke 3 - 0 Royal
Duke 3 - 3 People
Royal 1 - 3 People

Final Standings

1. Duke
2. People
3. Royal


Spoiler:  10km Cross Country Men • show


1. Royal
2. Duke
3. Duke
4. Neu Uburzis
5. Seaforth
6. Duke
7. Cyber
8. Pegasus
9. Neu Uburzis
10. Cyber
11. Air Force
12. Navy



Spoiler: Womens Cross Country • show


1. People
2. People
3. Air Force
4. People
5. Navy
6. Hunter
7. Seaforth
8. Duke
9. Nya Aland
10. Royal
11. Air Force
12. Red



Spoiler:  Drill Competition • show


Top Three Teams Qualify for the final.

1. Hunter
2. Cyber
3. Nya Aland
4. Air Force
5. Royal
6. Seaforth
7. Neu Uburzis
8. Navy
9. People
10. Duke
11. Pegasus
12. Red

Spoiler: Drum Corps Performance[/b • show

Top Three Teams Qualify for the Final

1. Pegasus
2. Seaforth
3. People
4. Air Force
5. Hunter
6. Nya Aland
7. Duke
8. Royal
9. Navy
10. Neu Uburzis
11. Cyber
12. Red

Spoiler: Rifle Shooting • show


1. Neu Uburzis
2. People
3. Neu Uburzis
4. Hunter
5. Pegasus
6. Pegasus
7. Hunter
8. Royal
9. Neu Uburzis
10. People
11. Seaforth
12. Red


CURRENT POINTS STANDING[/u]

1. People - 46pts
2. Neu Uburzis - 39pts
3. Duke - 33pts
4. Hunter - 22 pts
5. Pegasus - 20pts
5=Royal - 20pts
7. Seaforth - 16pts
8. Air Force - 14 pts
9. Navy - 9 pts
9=Cyber - 9pts
11. Nya Aland - 4 pts
12. Red - 2 pts

 

187
Press Offices / The Royal East Moreland Press Office
« on: May 28, 2018, 07:46:06 PM »

The Royal East Moreland Press Office is headed by Royal Press Secretary Malcolm Tucker who is responsible for fielding all initial enquires by the press as well as releasing all official royal statements. All enquires should be sent to Mr.Tucker in the first instance.

188
Vignettes / Thick of It - Mundus Edition
« on: May 24, 2018, 11:43:31 PM »

Malcolm Tucker, Royal Press Secretary

It was a typical quiet day in the Royal Events office, the King was off at a cabinet meeting all day so there was nothing to really organise apart from making sure he finished in time to get to his daughters end of year school performance at 4pm. The main focus was on the Ostlake Games, invites to events hosted by King David and Princess Freya were being checked and double checked before being sent and the three office staff where focused on checking lists of names when the door burst open. "Who the hell let this crazy bitch in" he had four copies of Gossip Daily tucked under his arm and proceeded to throw them at the unsuspecting office staff. "Do any of you morons remember who the hell Erin Osman is?" he looked around before throwing his final copy hard at the nearest of the office staff. "Allow me to remind you....she's the personification of a leak....mainly because she can't keep her legs shut but that's beside the point. You literally may as well have just opened the Palace gates to every news rag on Mundus as invite that bitch" he was yelling. "I'm now going to have to spend the day mopping up literally a hurricane of piss."

"Does that mean we should take her off the Military Games Ball guest list" one of the aides asked nervous.

"Holy shite" Malcolm exclaimed spinning on his heels as he had been preparing to leave. "Who the hell is drawing up these lists, the bloody Barrens?" he asked rhetorically referring to the Borlanders so called royal family. "Don't you think the King's had enough grief from these religious fruitcakes of the Sisterhood....I mean what is that, sounds like an orgy club for lesbians or something" he noticed one of the events staff chuckle. "It's not funny, you try spending an hour listening to the media literally going through every mammal with a face the Kings meet in the last twelve months and asking if he's shagged it" he snapped yelling at the chuckler. "Now you are going to look at every list and remove her, you are then going to double check the lists and remove anyone she's even a tiny bit pally with and should she somehow get through or someone gives her any details on the events, even if its what colour socks the King wears then all of you are for the chop......and I don't mean the sack I mean I will literally chop your lady bollocks off" he glared at them. "Now get it done." He turned and headed out back towards his own office his phone going as he did so, in a well practiced motion he flicked the button to answer it "Tucker" he said sternly. "Oh piss off" he yelled into the phone before hanging up on Gossip Daily once more.

"Going well then Dad" his daughter Erin was waiting by the entrance to his own office. Instantly Malcolm's demener changed and he hugged his eldest daughter warmly.

"Oh you know, surrounded by retards" he put an arm around her and guided her into his office two doors down from the King. "When did you get into town?" he asked her as he sat her down and headed to his own seat with its back to the Palace's lake. Erin Tucker had been named one of the embassy team for Lodja and while Sir Simon Hall lived on the Isle of the Goddess it was Erin who was left at the embassy in Gaia. She rather enjoyed Lodja, it was an interesting place to live and rather lively, unlike Sir Simon she wasn't automatically involved in the high class end of society, after all her father was just a press secretary and carried no noble blood, but even as a Pleb in Lodja it was a fun city to live in and her embassy role gave her significant privilege that few doors were closed to her.

"So what you telling the press?" Erin asked as she waited for her Dad to pour her that wine she knew was coming despite it being early in the morning. As the glass of red was slide across the desktop she took it and raised a glass in his direction as he did likewise.

"Usual flannel. We've bigger fish to fry than this nothing." Malcolm swung his feet up to place them on the edge of the desk. His phone rang again, he checked the number, recognised it as a trash journalist and muted it. "Give it a week and they'll have the King shagging someone else whose the flavour on the month"

"It true" Erin said confidently and noticed a raised eyebrow from her father. "Oh yeah, every time he visits Lodja they are always together, she's seen coming and going from his room. Line of women a mile long waiting to dance with him at the coronation but only dances with Stasya. It's one of the most open secrets in the Lodjain court." she chuckled, it wasn't often her father wasn't first to know something.

"Sly bastard" was all Malcolm could say almost admiringly, "Well he's done well for himself. So guess we better prepare for more of this." he picked up his phone, cancelled the in coming call and tapped away. "Aye Steve" he was on the phone to his deputies, "Tell the media the next twat he prints about the festival rumours wins a prize.......they win a big barrel of never getting past the palace gates again......I don't know tell them the King doesn't like the way they invade Rhiannon's privacy that usually works short of that just tell them I would make it a point to destroy them......that'll do Steve. That'll do." He was confident his ever dangling hook of access to the royal family would, for the time being, get the media to take the rumour off the front pages for a week or two. "Now, do you think I could shoot Erin Osman?" he asked his daughter who just smiled along with her father at the thought of the simple solution that was clearly beyond his means. "Do me a favour" Malcolm said as after twenty minutes of catch up with his daughter she headed for the door. "Davey boy gets randy in Lodja again you give me a heads up?" his daughter nodded and left heading to find her driver to head back to Lodja to resume her duties and her new ones as a spy for her father.

189
Non Fiction / Our Solar System
« on: May 18, 2018, 11:29:44 AM »
In our world the planets are named as follows.


Mercury: Nabu
Venus: Ishtar
Earth: Mundus
Mars: Nergal
Jupiter: Marduk
Saturn: Ninurta
Uranus: Anshar
Neptune: Kishar
Pluto: Ninlil

190

To:- All nations signatory to the Uppsala Convention

It has been brought to our attention that forces calling themselves "The Truthsayers", a paramilitary section of the Bene Gesserit faith, an organisation classed as terrorist by East Moreland yet recognised by many globally, have taken control of the city of Seitch in Kaitaine.

Furthermore it has been brought to our attention that among them are many young women aged around 18 years old who have graduated from Chapterhouse schools in Mountjoy, Achkaerin, Ui Cenneslaig and Himeyama in the last two years. This essentially means that they have been trained in military tactics by this institute, who recruits girls from the age of 4. It is therefore our determination that a breach of the Uppsala Convention has taken place, namely

Quote
2.1 No child shall be permitted to be a member of The Armed Forces (for the purpose of this document a Child is defined as someone being under the age at which voting is permitted, if voting is not permitted in a signatory nation it is the age at which someone can marry without parental consent)

Furthermore attention is drawn to the following article

Quote
3.1 Members of Militias shall be bound by the same Articles as Members of The Armed Forces.

We therefore conclude that by permitting "Truthsayers" to be educated in institutions within their country the Bene Gesserit faith are in effect training child soldiers in Achkaerin, Ui Cennesliag, Mountjoy and Himeyama. With this in mind we would request these nations shut down the Chapterhouse schools with immediate effect to ensure no more young girls are forced into a world of illegal action. Furthemore we request other nations to stop any Bene Gesserit female aged under 18 to not travel to these nation, nor to Kaitaine, in order to stop further Child Soldiers being prepared for this organisation.

We believe members of the Bene Gesserit faith's leadership, such as the self proclaimed "Duke" Niklaus Corrino be arrested for breaching the Uppsala Convention in the use of child soldiers.

May The Gods Watch Over You and Your Children Be Safe.
Darren Bone
East Moreland Minister of Justice.

192
The Other World / Mundus 2068 - Non Canon
« on: April 12, 2018, 01:00:41 AM »
OOC- Consider this vignettes of Mundus in 50 years time. You need not stick to canon, tech levels are kind of aribatory and you may include information from other nations unless they ask you not too.



Princess Freya sat around the bed of her grandfather, tears in her eyes and a death grip on his grey clamy hand. The Ironside gathering around the hospital bed signified the end of an era, and one the soon to be Queen Rhiannon was likely to miss. Much had changed under King David's time, East Moreland had grown from a Kingdom to an Empire, first absorbing Alba Karinya City in 2019 following a violent terrorist uprising. David had orderered Morelander troops in to stop the bloodshed and soon after the people had choosen to align themselves with East Moreland, weeks later to destroy a Borlander threat the Morelander military had ploughed into Zimalia and after much CNN negotiation had become the Empire of East Moreland. It was then only a matter of weeks until the soon to be Emperor David Ironside had taken Queen Cait of Cantabria as his 2nd wife, thanks largely to King Finley's meddling, but little had he expected his little sister to merge her Celtic kingdom with her new husbands homeland further expanding the fledgling Moreland Empire. It was now surrounded by his children and grandchildren that time had caught up with Emperor David I of the East Moreland and Her Territories.

Two years ago he'd been diagnosed with a brain tumour and given little chance to see out the year, the moment he'd been given the diagnosis he'd tried to hand over the crown but Rhiannon had refused, her father had already handed over his powers on two occasions during his reign and she would not permit a third, and so despite his ever increasing confused state he had remained as Emperor, with Rhiannon ever present in his stead, a convieniant excuse always found for his abscence.

"Freya" King David croaked, refering to his grand-daughter, his sister had died in a Borlander attack some twenty years earlier, leaving David, his daughter and niece as the last Ironsides. That hadn't seen the end of his dynasty, Rhiannon had married a noble man and produced two daughters, Freya and Alexandria, both of whom worshiped their grand-father. "Is your mother here" he asked despartley. Sadly Crown Princess Rhiannon was busy dealing with business with Lodja, a nation they shared bonds with thanks to her fathers acceptance of a Lodjian noblewoman, Stasya Pelagiya, as his mistress, the pair even had a child together who was currently being considered as a potential future Lady in Waiting, much like her mother had once been when she meet David. A REMAF jet was racing back from Gaia with the future Empress in the passenger seat, a valiant attempt to allow her to see her dying father one last time.

"She's coming gramps" Freya, a young Princess named for Rhiannons beloved aunt replied as she squeezed David's hand. "She loves you so much" she said with tears rolling down her eyes. She had always shared a bond closer than her sister Joanna with her grand-father, some put it down to the fact that her great-aunt whom she never meet had inspired the young lady to greatness, the closeness between David and his sibling meaning he couldn't help but recognised the bond between them. Now Joanna, three years younger than Freya sat at the back of the hospital room daring not move as she watched the scene unfold.

"What will she tell the Gods?" David blubbed, the first indication that he knew his fate. He'd spent the last few days in confusion, believing his sister was still with him, calling for his deceased 2nd wife Cait and his long dead mistress Stasya, next he'd spent time chatting with his friend Alex Redfern, killed by Borlanders twenty years ago but never lost from David's heart, all signals the Emperors mind was failing, the tumour in his brain slowly eroding what capacity he had left.

"Oh gramps" Freya felt tears in her eyes as her fiance squeezed her shoulder supportingly, "The Gods will tell tales of how you took what they gave us, made it greater and never forgot the Code, how when all forgot the way the Gods wanted us to live you stood by our way of life, made it stronger and made us better than we ever could be." she said, conveniently ignoring his infidelity with Stasyia, even eyeing her half brother Joseph with acknowledgement as she spoke those words. Despite these weaknesses though the younger Freya was sure her father would arrive with Helus in the afterlife.She kissed his forehead, "We love you" she whispered to him as she regained her seat.

"I'll see Caspian?" the dying David asked, a broad smile on his sightless face.

"Of course" Freya held herself together as she spoke, praying her mother would walk through the door any moment on her dash home. "And the two of you will sword fight until your arms get tired." Of course she'd never meet her long deceased uncle but she knew how  desperately he'd wanted a son, and while he'd fathered Joseph with Stasya he'd only had legitimate daughters. He'd been a good father to all his children, Rhiannon, his eldest daughter, then Joanna and Henry with Cait, followed by Anna and Joseph with Stasya. His heart had burst when Rhiannon gave birth to Freya and then later when Sven had arrived, he'd spent every hour avaliable with his grand-children, refusing to let his failing unhealthly back stop him teach them swordmanship.

Freya recognised the moment was at hand, her grand-fathers mind and body parting at an ever rapid pace. She had assumed command of his departure from this life, that being more to her closeness than decision. She stood and reached down to her hip, unsheathing her sword, her grand-father had forged it for her, and while the blade had a slight kink in it she was proud to wear it. The sound of metal scrapping on leather filled the room as she placed the hilt in her grand-fathers hand. "It's Ok" she placed her mouth next to his ear. "Jekar is waiting, Great-Aunt Freya and Joanna are there too. They'll be so happy to see you, hold tight to this" With every ounce of effort she could muster she wrapped his hand around the handle of her sword. "We love you so much" she kissed his cheek, sunken and grey compared to the handsome vibrant features of his younger days. "Rest easy Captain Ironside, your duty is done, your watch is over" she stumbled on the words, well known to her as a Liutenant in his beloved Alpine Cadre. She'd pushed for acceptance in the unit just because of her grand-fathers devotion to it, her hands becoming just as calused as his due to the climbing, something she wore as badge of honour. "Helus Gird me with the strength of Thy steadfast hills, The speed of Thy streams give me! In the spirit that calms, with the life that thrills, I would stand or run for Thee. Let me be Thy voice, or Thy silent power" She sensed her grand-fathers heart slowing, his time on Mundus edging away.

"Thy Steadfast hills" David said automatically as his vaccant eyes stared at the ceiling, Freya was trying hard not to cry but her cheeks where a river of tears and her family squeezed her tight acknowledging the way she was stoicly helping the senior member of their family depart this world. The words of his regimental prayer uttered he smiled. "I would have liked to see Rhiannon one last time" he said before his eyes closed, his breath rattled and the grip on the sword weakened. The family watched as a doctor entered, checked for signs of life and then offering their own words of sadness left. No sooner had this medic departed a frantic thunder of feet echoed down the corridor and Rhiannon literally slid around the door.

"Vavma" she said, using the Morelandish word for father as she crossed to his bed.

"Mum.....he's gone" Freya said as she embraced her mother, her mind wondering if there had been something she could have said or done to keep the Emperor alive just a moment of two longer allowing Rhiannon to be here. "He knew we loved him" Freya wept as the her Mother held her the eldest of his children grasping his lifeless hand.

"I know" Rhiannon sat by his bed-side, her eyes closed as she stroked his grey hair from his face. She sat in silence before kissing his forehead, "I promise Helus I shall not forget what you taught me" her eyes red with tears she stood. "Tell Mundus Emperor David of East Moreland has taken his rightful place beside Helus" she commanded Chief of Royal Household Melissa Lusk, who weeping simply nodded and left. It was the end of an era, the reign of David was over, his place in history set for guiding East Moreland from an isolated nation of paranoid isolationists to one of a benevolent empire. The family sat for what seemed like ages before Rhiannons, half brother, the son of David and his Mistress Stasyia stood. "The Emperor is dead, long live the Empress" he said through his own sadness as he knelt symbolically.

"Brother, you need never kneel" Rhiannon helped him back to his feet. "Together us Ironside's shall make the Empire even greater." Rhiannon hugged him as the rest of her family lined up to offer their own support for Empress Rhiannon I of the Moreland Empire.


193
Vignettes / The Flying Can Openers
« on: April 06, 2018, 12:05:19 AM »

The wind whipped across the expanse of grey concrete, the figures stood stock still like blue statues the only sound being the occasional jingle and snap coming from the flickering flag on the pole. As the 36 members of B Squadron kept their focus on the task at hand the sound of music could be heard above the flag, it drifted on the breeze gradually filling the air as the Royal East Moreland Air Force's School of Music band came closer. Archduchess Sophie Harrison-Ironside, the King of East Moreland's niece took a quick sideways glance as the drummers entered the parade square and marched over to stand between the two graduating squadrons. Knowing that the focus of the families and friends gathered in the grandstand behind the Officer Training College Commanders plinth would be on the band for the moment a few of the soon to be officers flexed their knees slightly trying to get the blood circulating around their lower bodies. It had been their training Sergeant who had advised them to make the most of the tiniest movement, Sophie couldn't imagine anything more embarrassing after 21 weeks of training than feinting at your passing out parade. The band stopped playing and a flutter of applause rippled through the crowd in attendance. There had been a media scrum to try and send photographers and her uncle had ensured that only one photographer was in attendance, and that was Abigail Tucker, the daughter of the King's Royal Press Secretary, she was careful enough to not get in the way but still ensure the press would get their shots of the latest royal to join the military. The King had however done everything to ensure that this day was not about the Ironside's, he recalled his own passing out parade fondly and remembered the sense of pride him, Alex Redfern and Danny Frost had all shared gaining their commission and how he'd felt his day had been ruined by the media being invited, Freya who was sat next to her brother in the stands had felt likewise and so they had ensured Sophie wouldn't have to experience it the way they had. The two royal siblings sat on the back row of the temporary seating, both in their own military uniform, as were many of the other guests, proudly watching loved ones gain their commission. Rollo MacAllister, Sophie's boyfriend sat next to the King dressed in a smart suit, a kilt a nod to his ancestral home of Somerset, a East Moreland rugby team blazer showing his divided loyalties, at 6ft 8 he had been sat at the back to ensure he didn't block the view of anyone and truth be told he had managed to steal half of David's leg room too.

The Air Commodore had now arrived and was walking down the rows of A Squadron chatting to a handful of the men and women soon to be under his command, once they'd completed their trade training that was. He returned the salute of A Squadrons training Sergeant and made his way over to B Squadron moving down the ranks, each Officer Cadet stating their name as he stood in front of them. "Acting Pilot Officer Harrison-Ironside Sir" Sophie said loudly as the senior officer in her service appeared.

"How did you find your training Miss Harrison-Ironside" the Air Com asked making no reference to her royal title.

"It was challenging Sir, but I found it useful Sir" she said nervously despite having attended some high flying diplomatic meetings, she'd even technically been ruler of East Moreland for 24 hours during her life but that had never seemed real.

"Good....good" the Air Com moved on, passing by several Cadets with nothing more than a cheerful nod of the head and a glance at their uniform. The last to be inspected was Hope Meadows, a 21 year old from a rather poor area of Roberton. "Acting Pilot Officer Meadows Sir" she said without her eyes moving from the point she'd picked just above his head.

"Roberton, I know Roberton well, whereabouts Miss Meadows." Hope hesitated, anyone who knew Roberton knew that those from her particular area tended to be those inclined to be well known to the Police, drug dealers and gangs, not something an officer was supposed to have any idea of .

"Merryton Sir" she said finally.

"Ah..." was all the Air Commodore said a rather surprised expression on his face, "We tend not to get many officers from that neck of the woods" he said with a smile but a tone that seemed disapproving.

"I know Sir, I think the last one was probably Major Redfern" Hope didn't hesitate, to her Alex Redfern was a role model, a kid who grew up in the old mining community of Merryton, had used soldiering as a way of improving his life and was now probably one of the most respected military men in the Kingdom, Hope realised her comments where boarding on insolence now but she continued, "I grew up two doors down from his father Sir" she said rather proudly.

"Well if your half as good an officer as him then we'll be in good hands." the Air Commodore simply turned, thanked the Sergeant and went back to his stage. He took his position behind the plinth and began the graduation properly. After thanking the families and friends of those graduating he gave a small speech designed to inspire the next generation of East Moreland's military leaders, Sophie could feel her knees seizing up by the time he'd finished. Next would come the presentations of the commissions, each granting them command of the King's forces, the only acknowledgement of the King's prescence had been him sitting in the Mess Hall this morning signing each of the commissions personally rather than using pre-printed ones. One by one the cadets names were called out and the Cadet marched forward, handed their rifle to their Sergeant and then smartly made their way up onto the stage, they saluted the Air Commodore who first handed them a cavalry sword, it wasn't theirs to keep unless they had already somehow earned the right to carry a sword of their own through the Cult of Helus, this evening those who had yet not earned that right would relinquish their sword, it being put into storage for them until the day they earned that right, however an officer on duty was permitted to wear a sword and so the next part of the ceremony required the blade. A Flight Lt. helped them attach the sword to their cross belt and then the Air Commodore presented them with their commission scroll. This time the newly created officer saluted with their shiny new blade before marching away. Several of the cadets recieved more than these two items, there were other certificates and trophies presented for those with top test scores and a variety of other honours.

"Acting Pilot Officer Harrison-Ironside" the name was called, "Also being presented the Trophy for best Combat Run time, and a new Air Force record" it was hardly surprising but Rollo, Freya and David still applauded loudly. Sophie felt a little embarrassed as she accepted first the sword, which was heavy than she'd expected, next was her scroll, her heart leapt with pride, and then finally once she had put away her sword the small trophy of a running soldier. "Pilot Officer Harrison-Ironside will be deploying to the Force Protection Training College along with her K9 for further training" the Air Commodore  announced her next posting, for Sophie it was obvious, certain trades had only limited pathways once you were past initial officer training. For Sophie that meant 16 more weeks in Keepton with her dog Bandit, they'd spent a few sessions together already but nothing as serious as it would be at FPTC."

Ten cadets remained to be presented their commissions and a handful of awards remained. "Acting Pilot Officer Maddison" Hope snapped to attention and began heading towards the stage now releaved of her rifle. "Also being presented the Commodore's Medal" Hope nearly stopped marching, the Commodore's medal was awarded to the Cadet who had achieved the highest scores throughout training and Hope felta tear of pride roll down her cheek as she saw her Mother and Father standing clapping, her fathers threadbare suit looking out of place among the smart uniforms and pin stripe suits of those around him, but as a school caretaker he had little need for a suit. Hope's mother was clapping so energetically that her already slightly battered hat fell off. Hope thanked the Air Commodore as he pinned the medal to her chest. "Pilot Officer Meadows will be deploying to Flight School here at Ostlake and then onto 6 Squadon." Hope could have hugged him but kept her composure the only reaction visible being her mouthing the words "The Flying Can Openers", the affectionate nickname for the unit as she marched off stage.

Ten minutes later the parade was over and the cadets, now all brandishing swords, marched back towards the College, they took a long indirect route passing the Junior Ranks Mess, not all the traditions of the day over. As the newly commissioned officers passed the assembled airmen and NCO's, all dressed in their best blues, a large moustached Flight Sergeant yelled at the onlookers. "Junior Ranks" the men and women snapped to attention, "Officer passing the front, to the front salute" in one syncronised move over 100 airmen saluted, the new officers giving them an eyes right in return. As Hope in the rear rank passed them by she heard the Flight Sergeant give a rather less formal order, "OK, job done, get inside get that bull off, lets get pissed." the training base would shut down for a few weeks to give everyone time to prepare for the next intake and so the passing out parade symbolised a party for those of all ranks.

There was a second reason for taking the circular route, it allowed the guests to have made their way into the main college building, a beautiful 19th century hall, its entrance hall wide and vast it had staircases at each edge sweeping up to a balcony overlooking the giant blue square carpet bearing the Winged Propellor emblem of the Air Force. Despite living in the main college building for the last six weeks of training not a single cadet was allowed to walk on the blue carpet, instead having to walk around the edge of the entrance hall on the red strip of plain carpet barely wide enough for two to walk side by side. Only those with a commission could walk on it and that included the guests who now watched from the balcony. Instead of falling out in front of the college and walking in they began marking time at the foot of the white stone steps that lead to the two polished oak front doors, a rank at a time they were ordered to march forward once more, their route taking them into the college and directly over the carpet. The families applauded as they welcomed each new group who marched directly into the ball room. Once the last rank was inside the guests made their way into the ballroom's 2nd floor looking down on their children or friends. "PARADE!" the Flight Sergeant yelled, he took a quick glance up towards the balcony and spotted the King, while he knew David wished no fuss for being here the Flight Sergeant was a stickler for regulations, "Three Cheers For His Majesty King David", the group turned to face the King and in time with the Flight Sergeant gave three "Hip, Hip, Huzzahs" while waving their white banded officers caps in the air, "PARADE" he snapped again, "Fall Out!" the group snapped 45 degrees to the right, paused, took three steps forward and then in one voice cheered finally free to express their happiness, several had already begun looking for families who were now hurrying down the steps to hug their loved ones, others hugged their friends who they graduated with, while some couldn't wait any longer, slid the white band from their peaked cap and stuffed it in their pocket, the final symbol of them being Officer Cadets gone. Sophie had found Rollo easily, he was quiet literally head and shoulders above everyone else in the room, he scooped her up in a bearhug as he kissed her. David was next to find them and he hugged Sophie and told her how proud he was of her.

"Your Majesty" Freya said rather formally as she approached the group, "I think your a moron" she said matter of factly Sophie and Rollo looking puzzled, David turned on his sister.

"Freya Ironside I am demoting you to Legionnaire for insolence" the King said trying despertaly to keep a straight face. He removed the velcro captain rank tabs on his sisters uniform.

"Yes sir" Freya stepped past her brother. "Ma'am" she addressed Sophie, "This Legionnaire requests permission to deliver this officers first salute" it made sense now, to an officer the tradition of recieving their first formal salute was a big deal, and many often had loved ones who had retired as NCO's who would take the oppurtunity, around the room Sophie could spot similar things with families who had other children who were on national service rather than officers saluting their siblings and then hugging. Sophie didn't have that, until now.

"You may Legionnaire" Sophie said as watched as Freya snapped the smartest salute she had probably ever managed to her niece, Sophie returned it, thanked the Legionnaire as she did so and then hugged Freya. "Now may I have my pips back now" she said turning to David.

"Erm....no" David teased before Freya balled up a fist, her brother tossed the rank boards back as he kissed her on the cheek. Freya replaced them, it was tricky as it was hard to spot the exact position out the corner of your eyes, "They look ok" she asked her brother who just shrugged and suggested she find a mirror. This being an officers ballroom they weren't in short supply and Freya huffed off to check, last thing she wanted was to look ill dressed, "Wait for it" David said as he took hold of Sophie's hand as she was about to follow and sort them out for her auntie. Freya leaned forward checking in a mirror, something wasn't right and she removed one of the patches and checked it. The three pips had gone and a crown sat there, she turned and saw her brother smiling, she returned to him about to give him a ticking off, "Your promotion was approved by General Yacobs yesterday, I asked if I could present them, Major Ironside" the King in his Captain of the Alpine Cadre uniform saluted her, she didn't bother returning it and just hugged her big brother whom she now technically outranked.

Across the room Hope had taken a little longer to find her family, her Dad was fidgetting nervously as his daughter approached them at a half brisk walk half run. Hope wrapped her arms tightly around both her parents. "Thank you" she said as tears flowed. She'd been the first of their family to get to University thanks to a combination of her parents working all the hours Helus sent to earn the money to pay for her to go to Royal Northfort University and her hard work to get a degree in Physics. "Thank you so much" she blubbed as he Dad freed himself from his daughters embrace. He reached inside his blazer pocket and removed his old white beret, now greying in age. As a veteran he was still entitled to wear the trappings of his former life as a member of the Alpine Cadre and he'd never replaced his old issue one. He donned it and Hope knew what was coming and a simple nod between the two wet eyed relatives set the first salute tradition into motion followed by a hug. Stewards had begun circulating the room to pass out drinks and food as the room began to take on a less formal feel, a party about to begin.

Back across the room the King was already being approached to have photos taken with the new officers, each asking if they could have a photo of the King and them holding their commission, it was something the King was glad to do remembering how his own commission was now in a musuem and feeling a little sad it wasn't on his wall at home as he knew many of these would be. His eyes however were attracted across the room to one of the shabbiest looking berets he had ever seen, it was the same cap badge as his own, but his was as white as the fresh snow of the Alps his beloved Alpine Cadre called home. "Excuse me" David walked over towards the man who seemed to be lost in his surroundings, the King remembered the face of the girl he was with, she'd been the one winning the Commodores award. David approached, "Pilot Officer Meadows I believe" he extended a hand, "Congratulations. Is this your father?" he asked and the surprised girl nodded. "Mr.Meadows, your an Alpine?" he asked.

"Indeed Your Majesty" the man seemed embarassed.

"I noticed the beret" the King pointed.

"I'm sorry Your Majesty, it's seen better days. I'll take it off" he reached up and the King stopped him.

"It is a privilege to wear the beret of the Alpine Cadre regardless of its condition" the King said reassuringly, he was trying to gauge the man's age, he'd probably be in his early 50's, a generation before the King's own service. "I'd like a drink with my brother in arms and his family if thats ok" The King collected glasses from a passing steward as his own family joined him. "A toast, to two fine additions to our military." he raised a glass towards Sophie and Hope. "Helus Gird me with the strength of Thy steadfast hills, The speed of Thy streams give me! In the spirit that calms, with the life that thrills, I would stand or run for Thee. Let me be Thy voice, or Thy silent power" he recited a blessing used by his old Regiment.

"Thy Steadfast hills" Mr.Meadows saluted the King with his own glass and the two drank.

The King turned towards the new Pilot Officer Meadows, "So I think I remember you being posted to the 6th?"

"Yes Your Majesty, the Flying Can Openers, they were my first choice, I can't wait to get behind the controls of a Dragonbane 2." the anticipation was clear, "I hear they are incredible....but just to get a chance to fly will be a dream come true. I did some with Cadets as a child but this will be different."

Freya was smiling, she'd been an Air Cadet when younger and had considered a career in the Air Force, she'd opted instead for the Army but had served her secondment as a pilot with the Dragonhearts before returning to the Army, she never had got rid of that longing for the skies though. "You'll love it" Freya winked, "What was your aptitude score?" It was a typical pilots question when a new recruit arrived at the Squadron, Hope proudly revealed her score making Freya's eyes bulge, "A 92," she repeated what she'd just been told, "David, meet the future best pilot in our Air Force, no one scores more than 90" she had thought her own score of 86 was impressive. Hope was blushing.

"I will be watching your career with great interest" David was impressed, "I believe you said you were from the same neck of the woods as my Brother-in-law?" the King asked in regards to her comments about Redfern earlier.

"Yes Your Majesty, we know his father."

"I'm going to have to start sending more recruiters to that neck of the woods, seems they turn out some decent officers every now and again." the King extended a hand to Hope, "I wish you luck in your future career, I'll be keeping an eye out for you." he wished the family well, made a mental note to have a new beret delivered to her father and then headed off to enjoy his evening.

194
In regards to this RP I've felt the need to clear a few things up as having spoken to Nova & Tama they are feeling this RP (which can be very interesting) is in danger of being railroaded. There is also some confusion surrounding things.

1. Despite the constant use of the term Barnacle Island it is not a single island but rather a grouping of smaller islands (Think similar to Fiji). It is called Barnacle by Heyra and Nurashima by Himeyama. At present only a tiny Northern island in the chain is occupied by Heyra but they believe they have the right to them all. The remaining islands are occupied by Himeyama.

2. In 1414 the island was colonized by Heyra. In 1456, Heyra was running out of finances, the island was left alone a few years without real care, and so was colonised by Himeyama. In 1746 during a trade war it becomes Heyran again. In 1808, as Heyra suffered a great civil war, Himeyama retook it in order to seize the strategic position of the island, something which Heyra has never recognised as legitimate. In 1940 the Ardian Empire launched an attack (like Pearl Harbor) against Himeyama on the island and invaded it. The Heyrans were allied to Ardia before the conflict aiming to get the islands back (Heyra remained neutral the first few days of the conflict, before having Himeyan forces attacking them at their turn as they hosted Ardians troops).

3. In 1963, there was still no legally Heyran recognised Himeyan authority over the island (having signed no treaty in 1808), a group of “civilians” from Heyra reach the island with the aim of colonising it again with Heyran rules. Himeyama being in a civil war at the time, little attention is given to this situation, as a result  the Heyran Government backed what they called a  peaceful “reconquest” and once Himeyan civil war is ended, it is too late as Heyran Forces are well established

4. Today Heyra and Himeyama dispute the arrangement over the island because Heyra haven’t legal given up its claim in 1808, and Himeyama owning the island since that long consider it as its.

I would like to ask the region to allow this to develop as so far we've had one real diplomatic mention of it during the AKO talks.

Thank you please.

Your Friendly RP Mod.

195
Vignettes / Thinning The Field
« on: February 22, 2018, 11:00:52 PM »
It wasn't exactly the reason why Redfern had set up the Nightwitches but the group where off the radar, they'd all disappeared several years ago from public view, officially their ID's had been erased and anyone searching them up would find a series of people who had died in various wars of East Moreland. Now they'd been given the responsibility of wiping out as many members of the Rokkenjiman intelligence service as possible. It wasn't the target they'd imagined, that was Borlanders, but after the betrayal by Rokkenjiman assets in terms of helping the terrorists it made them just as bad in the eyes of the team.

The first name on the list hadn't been too hard to track down Arisa Mizuno, she'd been moved to Zimalia, the group suspected it would have been because of the fact the Borlanders still had a small settlement there, perhaps she was there to be a conduit with Kyle Barren. The end result was thanks to the file that Redfern had given them and a few bits of digging around the local areas, after all an asian women in Zimalia didn't exactly blend in easily. The team had been watching her for a week now, they'd found it much easier to blend in, lots of tourists came on safari to Zimalia and then there was a herd of charity do gooders from the various nations of Alba Karinya. The woman had a rather irregular routine during the day, it cut down chances of any attacks on her but there was one thing that she did everyday without fail and that was her morning routine. She woke up at 6:30 am, went for a run, got in back to her apartment, showered and then brushed her teeth, it was a small window of opportunity but it was all they needed.

The next day as she went for a run Graham Upson managed to get into the appartment, it wasn't exactly difficult for a man of his skill set. While he was doing that his partners Kelly Matthewson and Adam Marsham broke into the appartments either side, they'd been empty for days and belonged to some rich business types who normally used them only at weekends. While Graham went about his work the two other Nightwitches ransacked the neighbouring appartments while the rest of the team kept watch. It didn't take Graham long, the apartment was neat and tidy and the fibre optics they'd set up outside the bathroom window had given them a glimpse of the target. Graham donned his latex gloves lifted the toothpaste tube up and examined it, he took the other one from his jacket pocket and did his best to carefully make it look like the other with a squeeze here and there. Satisfied that it was as good a match as he could make it he placed it down and walked into the living room, Kelly was busy throwing draws on the floor, she found a watch and took it, a bundle of bank notes too. Ten minutes after entering they left.

As expected their target appeared exactly when expected, there had been an hour or so of her standing around waiting for the Police and then beginning to tidy up. The team sat watching on the small screen that connected o their fibre optic passed into the window frame. They spotted her walk into the bathroom and they leaned forward in anticipation, as expected she showered before wrapping a towel around herself, "Any minute" Graham grinned as she picked up the tooth brush followed by the toothpaste tube. As she squeezed the tube there was a momentary second where the target looked puzzled as nothing came out and she squeezed harder. There was a boom and the camera went off, the TATP powder contained inside the tube had been activated by the hard squeeze and detonated in a deadly fireball parrallel to her chest, the explosion punctured her chest cavity sending her flying across the small bathroom slamming into the wall before sliding down it lifeless and her heart split in two. "Chalk that up" Graham flipped the computer screen closed as he stood up. "Next stop, Claith"

196
Press Offices / Royal Press Office of the Kingdom of East Moreland
« on: February 17, 2018, 04:25:06 PM »


Quote from: Statement regarding the Heyra/ Himeyan Mhorish Situation

It is well documented that the two nations on Heyra and Himeyama have long disputed the network of Islands in the Mhroish Sea, known to some as Barnacle Island and to others as Nurashima.

We are concerned regarding a recent report about the state of various air and sea patrols in the region, especially the impact this could have on global trade. With this in mind, and our nations friendship with both, through either attempts at creating the AKO or MICA, the Kingdom of East Moreland respectfully urges caution in these matters. Furthermore should both nations be willing East Moreland would be more than happy to look at ways that the three of us could find to ensure this matter is resolved as peacefully and amicably as possible.

In the mean time we will be stationing our Ekra-Badger 15km outside the EEZ of the Barnacle / Nurashima island chain in order to monitor the situation and assit both sides in anti-piracy patrols if required. It is our hope that by working together a peaceful future, acceptable to all can be found.


197
Economics and Industry / OPEN to Foxtrove
« on: February 13, 2018, 05:19:58 PM »
To King Graham

As two oil producing nations I believe we need to begin investigating wider international co-operation. In recent weeks we have seen your nation try and use oil as a leverage to gain international standing, something that sadly for you did not work because of my nations own stance to take advantage of this. While I will never apologise for seeking to better my nation I do apologise for not offering our co-operation earlier. Therefore I would ask that you meet with me at the Palace on the Lake in order for us to become the founding members of OPEN, the Oil Producing Economic Network. It is my hope that as two large oil producers working together we can ensure the industrialised world do not take advantage of our generosity. Once we have established this organisation I feel we should pursue membership from other like minded nations and bring about greater economic stability for Mundus as well as ourselves.

It is my hope to meet with you soon.

Best Regards

King Akakois of Royal Seleucid



198
Convention Centre / Best International Short Film 2018
« on: February 12, 2018, 10:51:58 PM »
And the nominations are

One Minute Time Machine


In A Heartbeat


SHE


HOW TO VOTE -

ANY one can vote, they may select only one film.

You can not vote for your own.

PM me your vote or via discord

Voting Closes on Friday 10pm UK time.

199
Convention Centre / Best International Song from a Motion Picture 2018
« on: February 12, 2018, 10:41:18 PM »
AND THE NOMINATIONS ARE

Here Comes the Sun- Wasp Movie


Sulataan - Anushika Jayewardene


Fort Battle - Trevor Jones

Don't Cry for Me Rokkenjima - Renee Sandiego

Cometh The Hour - Original Score


Bon voyage, soldat Maillard

HOW TO VOTE - If you have nominated a song you may vote.

You may not vote for any of your songs

To vote PM me either on here or Discord

You can award one song 5pts, one song 3 points and one song 1 point.

Voting Closes on Friday 10pm UK time.

200
Convention Centre / Best International Film 2018
« on: February 12, 2018, 10:34:46 PM »
And the nominations are,

The Wasp Movie -  Willy the Wasp is fresh out of Waspville Workers University in the People's Republic of Wasptopia. He realizes that his fellow wasps are being expolited and turned into malicious creatures by the evil bee leaders in charge of the Waspford Workers' Party. He sets out on a mission to save the Wasps of Waspford and restore their pride in being wasps. This movie is fun for all the family to watch and will teach your kids not to wander into the honey trap that the evil communist bees have set out. Starring Wojtek Pokorny as Willy the Wasp.

Nuveena - Take a journey back in time to an island shrouded in mystery for centuries. The Ancient Queen of Palanka, Nuveena, is a devoted wife and dedicated follower of the traditions of the Palankan people. For years her husband, King Dimuthu, has been away on the front line of the battle of her Kingdom against the Muslim dominated Samobir Sultanate, the largest Kingdom in the region. Dimuthu returns with terrible news that the Samobir are closing in the on the Kingdom and that he has invited the Samobir Sultan, Jayangir, to try and save the Kingdom from complete destruction at the hands of the unstoppable Samobir Kingdom. Upon Sultan Jayangir's arrival Nuveena instantly sets about trying to impress him in hopes that he will spare the Kingdom her husbands dynasty had spent hundreds of years building. However, this only motivates him to invade the Kingdom and capture the beautiful Queen as his own. Nuveena also falls for him and on the night before he departs home to plan his invasion she commits the most dishonourable crime of all, adultery. The Samobir invasion begins and Nuveena clings on to the hope that her love for Jayangir will make him save her people. Months pass by and the armies of the Samobiur close in on the city and Nuveena loses her husband in battle. The fateful day finally arrives when the Samobir enter the city and Nuveena orders her soldiers to stand down as she welcomes the new ruler of her peoples land into the Palace. Nuveena shares a final moment with the Sultan who she is deeply in love in before herself and her maidens self-immolate themselves to escape the embarrassment of losing the war. Starring Anushika Jayewardene as Nuveena and Amithnal Samaranayake as Jayangir.

Tiempo de Valientes - In 1885, The Ecclesiastical State under the leadership of Pope Leo XIII sends a military squad to the town of Borgio, Quintelia, to protect one of the last colonies of the Ecclesiastical Empire, to avoid rebellious natives from recovering its ancient territories. Lead by Captain Juan Manuel Pardo and Lieutenant Sánchez, proud military men, the soldiers are stalked by night by the rebels, and are forced to seek refuge in the church run by Fray Isaac, Borgio's priest. Turning the church into a military fort, the unrelenting heat and malaria starts to sweep across the men. After the Captain's death by a disease called beriberi, Sánchez steps in as the new leader of the squad, faced with a constant power struggle with Camilo, a soldier from the previous squad annihilated by the rebels. Becoming more and more paranoid and obsessive with the victory and the glory of the Ecclesiastical Empire, the rebels close to Sánchez explain that the Pope had already signed a peace treaty with the Quintelians, giving them independence, and that the war is over. But Sánchez does not believe in the newspapers given by the rebels and is still obsessed to win at all cost. He makes a last stand in the church with his men, prolonging the battle to several months where one of the soldiers, Nicolás, who falls victim to opium, searches a way to end the conflict, suspecting that all is lost, and wanting to prevent the death of his comrades...

...This is an epic story about soldiers trapped inside a church as last refugee. A fight that no one couldn't win. A war that no one wanted to lose.


Trust - Fiona North's directorial debut film stars Renee Sandiego as Beatrice Anselmo and Alchemy Naismith as Serenity Azurewind  in a film that combines courtroom drama with flashbacks to the events concerned that really make the viewer think they were there, to tell the story of the Andean Genocide, what happened both publicly and behind the scenes, taking the basis of the plot from eyewitness accounts, court transcripts, available data and interviews with those involved. The films centrepiece is the relationship between the two leading characters and the lack of trust from one of them towards the other, how this lack of trust nearly destroys one woman's name and her nations reputation and how when things look lost together they bring out the truth of what happened to allow the genocide to happen when it should not have. Also featuring a dynamic score from Becky Leighton in her first feature film.

Vagabonds 2 - Payment Day - After the three Spacefaring Vagabonds Gaius, Serena and Eitri had asked Godfather Hans for Information to get the Republican guards of their track, they knew his Family would soon come knocking on their Door for a favor in Return.

When the mission briefing they got said it was a suicide mission on an Jungle Planet, infiltrating a an abandoned Republican Black Ops Science facility with one of Hans best Killers, they did not expect the Hitman tagging along to be a stoic methodical kid called Yukio.
Only as they meet unexpected survivors, fight Security Systems and local Fauna, the vagabonds realize this Mission is more Personal to Yukio than the seemingly Cold Blood Killer told them.

Au revoir- In 1917, Édouard Péricourt (son of high bourgeoisie, fantasque, drawer, homosexual, rejected by his father) volunteering himself to join the front forces against the Ardian Forces on the Ardia Continent. He would there, meet other volunteers, Albert Maillard, which he would become best friend with during the conflict. During an assault, Édouard would save Albert over his own safety, and be gravely injured. Following the terrible damages mades to him, Édouard having lose the possibility to fully speak and become what is now known as “gueules cassées”, convince Albert to make him dead on the paper and to his family, as he would secretly head back to Némérie, making their adventure start as Édouard would move deep down into his world of imagination and creativity, of fantasque as we say.

- Also his last movie His Majesty Prince Souverain Charles VII would participate to





HOW TO VOTE - If you have nominated a film you may vote.

You may not vote for any of your films

To vote PM me either on here or Discord

You can award one film 5pts, one film 3 points and one film 1 point.

Voting Closes on Friday 10pm UK time.

201
Diplomacy and Events / Alba Karinya City
« on: February 06, 2018, 12:01:00 AM »
OOC - About a year ago I was left with the task of disolving a nation a user who may or may not come back called Academica had. Me, Yolotan, and to some extent Nova and KasierAdolf did so, the users request was that one province be left and called Alba Karinya City, this was a project the nation had built intending it to become like a hub for the continent. Essentially a four way civil war broke out with the "Good guys" being AK City, another faction of an ethnic group standing by AK City in the face of extremist religious types (some fictonal Academica hippy style religion) was granted independence, while the two "Evil Provinces" got bitch slapped. As a result all that is left is AK City, its sat there doing nothing as so in an attempt to bring it into significance I present you this.



It had been almost a year, the 15th April 2017, the day the war was lost their Empress captured and the political types had handed their Empire over to foreigners who were moulding their nation into something they had no desire for. Richard Barton stood outside the cities gaol looking up at the barred windows, he knew behind one would languish Clarissa Martindale, their inspiration, the 25 year old had gathered them into a small army, which had grown and taken over two provinces, she was a beacon of sense and had a dream of uniting all people of Alba Karinya into a mighty Empire, but then the Morelanders and Vaguzians had come. Now she was serving life in prison for executing POW's. Richard came here often and watched those bars hoping for a glimpse of her. It was unfair, that Shrine Maiden of her nutjob religious cult had killed just as many people as Clarissa as she had lead her religious extremists against the weak Academican government, but that 13 year old witch now sat in some private school somewhere given a new identity having gone through drug rehab after the torment her parents had put her through force feeding her a cocktail of drugs to induce her religious visions. It wasn't fair.

An East Moreland landrover approached the prison gates, probably carrying one more of Barton's comrades they'd tried to disrupt the process of forming AK City into its own nation, they'd been banned from the process because of their past, and now they saw it likely a weak state built upon liberal ideals would be born. It was something he wouldn't accept lying down and he was determined to do whatever he could to halt the process. He stood once more watching the windows hoping to see his Empress, but as always nothing appeared. He pulled his coat up about his neck and trudged back towards the train station, it would be a short hop into the main train station in the city centre and that was where he'd make his point. He sat quietly watching the city scape pass outside the window as the train flicked in and out of tunnels, the only person he spoke to was a ticket inspector. Like always the train station was a hive of activity, all part of the provisional governments push to make AK City a central transport hub for the continent, he saw Morelanders, Zimalians, Balticumites all mingling happily heading for the offices that dominated the skyline. He spotted the person he'd been looking for, it was every Monday at this time without fail, the smart blue uniform of the Royal East Moreland Air Force a beacon for him. He put his hands in his pocket and strode purposely towards the man taking a deep breath. He swung his backpack off his shoulder and took out the tupperware container, it had taken various contacts and months of planning to get this from Albanus Aries but the man had done well. Richard feigned tripping and landed at the feet of the Royal East Moreland Group Captain James Micklewhite, the contents of the box spraying everywhere, jam, bright red strawberry jam. The officer jumped back shocked as Richard apologised and got to his feet, Micklewhite, somewhat flustered tried to brush the jam off his uniform but it only made it worse especially as the feeling of the tiny insects within the sticky substance shocked him, their almost invisible teeth biting his flesh, something he wouldn't feel for days. Richard gave him a business card and offered to pay for dry cleaning and the two men parted ways, the Group Captain now covered in fleas stuck to the jam heading to his top level meeting with the Provisional government while Richard Barton went to dose himself up with antibiotics just in case.

202
Diplomacy and Events / Random World Events Explanation
« on: January 31, 2018, 10:02:13 PM »
Having consulted with the membership via here and Discord it was determined that people wanted more RP that linked us globally, a little similar to the old events run back in the day. The difference being however this are not optional, they will impact your nation in some way. I'm happy to accept suggestions via PM here or on Discord, they will not run at regular intervals and their location will be randomly selected.

Good luck


203
Convention Centre / The Ostlake Film Awards 2018 - The Nominations
« on: January 30, 2018, 09:16:03 PM »

The 2018 version of the Ostlake Film Awards, also known as the Ozzies is set for Friday 11th February 2018 and will take place at the Ostlake Royal Theatre. As usual it will honour the best and brightest in the East Moreland film industry and beyond.

This year there will be four categories open to foreign films

1. Best International Film (Two nominations per nation)
2. Best International Short Film (One nomination per nation)
3. Best International Song (One nomination per nation)
4. Best International Documentary (One nomination per nation)

NOMINATION RULES

1. Best International Film

No "claiming films" I've included the list of previously claimed films only as a guide to what has been used before.

For each film write a brief synopsis of the film giving the plot etc. This can't be more than 500 words, it can be inspired by a real film, but you need a unique title. Try and sell the film as though your advertising it.

Winner will be determined from a vote by all those entering, by PM you will be able to award 5,3 and 1 point to other nations nominees. You may not vote for your own nation.

Spoiler: Films used in the past • show

Achkaerin - Hunger Games
Achkaerin - Star Trek
Achkaerin - James Bond
Achkaerin - X-Men
Achkaerin - Peter Pan
Achkaerin - Lord of The Rings and therefore also The Hobbit
Dartfordia -Frozen
Dartfordia - Harry Potter
East Moreland - Star Wars I inadvertently claimed it
Achkaerin -  The Avengers
Achkaerin - Lala Land
East Moreland - The Hurt Locker


2. Best International Short Film

Any genre, any style but no longer than 5 mins 30 secs (strictly enforced).
Post the Youtube link.
Each nation who nominates may vote. You three votes worth 5pts, 3 pts and 1 pt via PM.

3. Best International Song

Any genre be it a musical score or a song used in a film.
You may nominate any film so long as it was used in a RL film.
Post the YouTube link, which film it was in reality used for.
All nominating nations may cast a vote for their favourite via PM

4. Best International Documentary

Any topic may be covered
Post a YouTube link to an informative non-fiction film no longer than 15 mins in length.
Each nominating nation receives one vote and may not vote for themselves. Votes cast via PM.


204
War and Conflict / Fit to Strike
« on: January 29, 2018, 08:45:52 PM »
Grace Yacobs had spent the last two hours frantically searching every piece of the new data, it had arrived out of the blue at around 6am, and they had no idea how long it would be avaliable before the owners pulled it from the public domain, and that would make their life a lot more difficult. Around her teams of analysts rushed between their own cubicles and the more higher up ones offices, calls of who was covering each area went over Grace's head as she sat in the dark of her own office the feint glow of two computer screens illuminating her face as she gazed between the two.

"Grace, you seen the Swanwick area?" a relatively junior member of the team stuck his head around the door.

"Looking now, we could be on to something.....I'll keep looking, you make sure we get double copies of everything." Her phone buzzed next to her and she picked them up and glanced at the screen before casually putting it aside, there was nothing she could do about the message, all of that was too late but what she could get from the screens in front of her would make up for any of the bad news they'd just received. Thirty minutes later the tall blonde intelligence agent stood and leaving her shoes behind under the desk scurried out her office, along the corridor and straight into her commanders office. "Steve, I think I've got it."

Steve Askew, the Deputy Chief of the National Intelligence Agency had several junior agents around him each attaching labels to maps and drawing his attention to various aerial photographs. "Grace, I'm a little busy, the Lakhzovia stuff has just come in." he gestured to the map in front of him.

"Screw that, wait til you see what I've got" she brushed the map casually aside and placed her own document on the table, a colour print of the screens back in her office.

"What the hell is it?" Steve picked the first up and examined it, a series of lines making a kind of star shape from a central point, the red wasn't uniform, and in places appeared to be, the one next to it was an old aerial photo dated to 2012. "Grace you better start filling me in on what has you so excited." he slumped in his chair wheeling himself closer as he motioned for the various juniors to leave, they gathered their maps, labels and coffee cups before heading out.

"You see those fitness tracker companies have released heat maps of the world based on people's movements, we started checking them as we figured they could show military base layout, they did but nothing compromising, it was patrol patterns however in the Alps that became obvious. I've phoned Mum...I mean General Yacobs and their issuing a general order banning fitness trackers, nothing we can do about that now, but we can change the routes and things......but that gave me an idea, if the Borlanders could potentially trace our patrols then we can trace them."

"So that's this map?" he tapped on the black and red map, suddenly it began making sense, at least a little more to him. "What you find?" he inched closer to the table and examined the second image of the Alps taken by one of their regular aerial photography runs of the area. 

"Well we began running heavy duty uses in the Alps, at first we got lots of the popular ski and hiking runs, next we got some of the mines and bigger farms, but then we got that. It's the old Chaom Mining Company HQ, it's got similar patterns to the operations bases in the Alps used by our patrols." she waited a moment and the news seemed to please her boss as Steve leaned back in his chair a smile on his face. "Steve....I need a Sentinel and a Red Legion team."

"Oh, you'll get it alright" Steve reached towards the phone on his desk and within an hour a high flying sentinel overflew the site at high altitude its optical systems revealing the old mining operation beneath them. The hills around the place became home to eight Red Legionnaires who, using sophisticated optical equipment where watching people move backwards and forewards between the buildings, each with an assault rifle over their shoulders. Several pick up trucks, their rears containing various pieces of equipment clearly visible came and went from the site. After an hour of observing the sound of gunfire could be heard and the tell tale flash of muzzle fire could be seen in one of the old tunnels, clearly an improvised firing range.

By midday they had all the information they needed and back in Northfort Grace, Steve and Minister of Defence Harry Samuelson sat watching the images on a slideshow, Grace narrating the scene before them. "I know that guy" Harry pointed to the screen, names Giles Heywood, he was a guy we once caught in the Alps trading with the Borlanders, investigations revealed he'd been allowing them to store weapons at his property and he used his position as a farmer to buy them large amounts of fertiliser that was used to make bombs. When they went to arrest him he'd disappeared. A search of his house saw a variety of comms equipment and code books, bastards a Borlander."

"Well that saves me a job" Grace grinned, she had planned to start running the various face through recognition software but this gentleman, who seemed to be constantly surrounded by the others as though dishing out orders was the one she was most interested in. "So, what do we do?" Grace asked.

The reply came at just after 3pm, a single Jekars Chariot Bomber picked up confirmation of its targets being illuminated by the Red Legionnaires, one by one in quick succession the various bombs were deployed, each riding a different laser beam to their target. The staff back in Grace's office watched as the impacts caused bright flashes on their viewing screen as the images relayed back by a EMAC AutoDragon provided a live feed. Suddenly a massive flash showed where a fuel depot went up, the room cheered, all but Grace who watched the IR Strobes of the Red Legionnaires move in as the last bomb went off. They now had audio as the team began describing what they found, it took them a good hour to recce the sight taking pictures and feeding them back in real time, by then Steve had returned to his office and Grace joined him. "Operation Running Strike was a complete success, we've about fifteen dead Borlanders, another four in custody although not likely to make the transfer to a medical centre, and put around ten vehicles out of service. All in all a good days work."

"Well done Grace, guess we have to take the gifts when they come." The whole fitness tracker data was creating controversy, was it a breach of privacy or did the company own the data, that debate was no concern of Grace's as she'd got everything she needed.

"Well, I have a few more tricks up my sleeve, what would you say if I could tell you I've found the routes of four more Borlanders on their run..." before she could continue Steve interupted.

"If we've spotted the data and pulled our patrols, chances are the Borlanders know this can be a problem and they've done likewise." Steve explained.

"Your right, problem is they don't know that we know their Borlanders and I reckon I may even have home addresses." Grace was pretty confident that the new data sifting that was going on would mean they could get these people and if they could, well a real message could be sent.

205
Roleplay Moderator's Office / Regional Roulette
« on: January 21, 2018, 08:18:39 PM »
An idea that sprang from Gad/Satan via Discord after talking about another region.

Currently we have few incidents that involve the whole of Mundus and when we do they tend to be diplomatic or conflict in nature. What I propose is that at random intervals I will create a random event, ranging from things like mega-storms, tsunami's, disease outbreaks, plague of locust, plague of boils, rivers turning to blood etc. These will have to have an impact on nations where they happen near.

What do people think?

206
OOC Socialisation / The Empires sort out
« on: January 16, 2018, 10:41:29 PM »
In an attempt to try and finally sort out the state of Ardia, I've spoke to various people and come up with this.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VbYK21CSAK1CBVSDtr8LvcJwuIqzrhRW5aGJWbww-Ao/edit?usp=sharing

You should all be able to see it. What I propose is to give people til Sunday to make suggestions etc. Then get it made into a proper post and it becomes canon unless someone has a very good point on a major issue.

I've purposely left things vague enough so people can work out their own personal ins and outs while at the same time making it detailed enough that we don't have a coherent history. Also the people at the top of each column are the ones I'll give preference to in terms of their opinions, they are the ones more directly effected and so its fair their history is shaped by them.

207
International Organisations / Alba Karinya Organisation
« on: January 14, 2018, 09:57:15 PM »

The A.K.O. (Alba Karinya Organisation) is an Alba Karinyan diplomatic, trade and defensive organisation pushing forward international cooperation on multiples matters (such as tourism, travelling regulations, defense, tarification), alongside regional integration among the Member States, founded on 2016 at Northfort Palace, under the initiative of King David III of East Moreland, King Leonard Delacroix II of Vaguzia and Lord Protector of Alba Karinya City State.

The A.K.O. current flag have a certain symbolism, representing the 10 nations of the continent, with the continent geography itself being represented, as it is on what rest the entirety of the organisation.





The current Charter of the A.K.O..



Current Members:

The Kingdom of East Moreland
The Kingdom of Vaguzia
Heyra
Zimalia

Former Members:

208
Factbooks and Maps / The Federal Republic of Estriula
« on: January 10, 2018, 10:57:41 AM »
The Federal Republic of Estriula


Motto:- Unidos en Destino (United in Destiny)

BACKGROUND


Government Type:- Federal Republic
Population:-:- 5 million
Capital City:- Concordia (pop.: 492,850)
Demonym:- Estrioles (male) or Estriolas (female)


ECONOMY

Currency:- esquina
GDP per Capita:- 8,901.44Es
Unemployment Rate:- 8.93%
Main Industries:- Trout farming


PEOPLE

Ethnicity:- Mainly Black African, a few Europeans.
Languages:- Spanish (official) + other regional languages
Religions:- Majority Roman Catholic, other regional religions too.
Average Life Expectancy:- Approx 70


GOVERNMENT

Head of State:- Juan Pablo Thembelani, President
Head of Government:- Esteban Fernández de León, Prime Minister
Name of Legislative Body:- the Government; National Congress and Senate of the Republic

209
Vignettes / Lockdown Season 4 - The continuing adventures of a Dickhead
« on: December 26, 2017, 04:46:41 PM »
The sound of Christmas songs outside drifted into the bedsits tiny room creating a contrast of feelings, the joyful and upbeat sounds of children celebrating the fact that "Santa Clause is coming to town" amid the bare walls of peeling plaster. A can of soup was being gently heated on the one working gas hob of the tiny stove, he knew that across the capital of Mountjoy families would be preparing feasts of roasted meat, fresh vegetables and creamy deserts, the very thought made his stomach growl. There had been a time when at this time of year he'd have been in the bossom of his family back home looking forward not to Christmas but to the end of year when followers of the Cult of Helus celebrated the new year to come. He'd been here in Moutjoy for six months now, ever since he'd managed to get out of Seleucid following the Cultist genocide there. It had taken him a few months to trek through the hills and plains that seperated Mountjoy from Seleucid, getting what help from the kindness of strangers that he could. Having arrived in Mountjoy he'd struggled to find somewhere to live and had spent a few weeks living under a bridge in the capital, his life was about as far away from his youth as a Prince. As winter came he was  fortunate enough to find a job in a Mushroom factory, the work was simple enough and it bored him. He spent his days collecting trays of soil, sifting through finding the Mushrooms and then putting them into nice neat boxes before cling filming them. The pay was garbage but it covered the cost of his tiny bedsit just a few hundred meters from work.

Some days he thought perhaps he'd be better off back in prison in East Moreland, he even spent one day sat on a wall staring at the East Moreland embassy and considered just walking in and telling them who he was. At least back in the military prison he'd be warm and feed three times a day. He'd have no friends, but that wasn't unusual, ever since he'd betrayed his cousin King David he'd only ever had one friend, that was Charlotte, the sweet girl from a religious community in the hills near Freestone he'd meet while on the run. They'd become lovers and he knew he had a two year old son, James Junior, who he'd never meet. That was another reason why he'd thought of handing himself in, at least he'd maybe get to see his boy. He had a younger sister too, Lily, but he knew that she's disowned him, he'd read in the paper about how King David had relented and forgiven her assured she knew nothing about his plotting. He was pleased she was successful now, she'd always been a nice girl, not devious like him.

At the end of the day however James knew that if he ever went home he'd never see freedom again, he'd be sent into the depths of Northfort Military Prison and in all liklihood be shanked by some soldier who had lost a friend or loved one in the Regency Crisis. That wasn't something he was able to accept as a fate and so he was resigned to this life, still it wasn't without hope, there was a chance of a promotion at work, to that of "Chief Packing Supervisor" and who knew he may even be able to afford to have his heating on. The soup was ready, he took the pan from the stove and crossed to his window which was next to the head of his small single bed, be sat with his back to the wall looking out the window at the groups out celebrating Christmas. He allowed the warmth of the pan to be used to help warm his body before he began taking small spoonfuls of the thin soup. He longed even for a piece of bread to soak up his meal and fill his stomach but he had none, maybe after pay day. He finished his small meal and washing his pan putting it back in his one cupboard where his three more tins of soup, his meals for the rest of the week, were stored.  As he moved his belongings from the bed to the floor so he could lay down and read in bed for a while he heard something slide under his door. He looked down, no one knew him, he had no friends and socialised with no one, but here a thick white envelope lay. He nervously opened his door looking down the corridor, it was empty without any signs of life, he shut the door and opened the envelope, inside was a Christmas card, he opened it and his eyes widened as he read the words.

"Merry Christmas Dickhead"

210
Vignettes / Ironside Tales
« on: December 26, 2017, 09:26:49 AM »
The King knew that he was a lucky man, here he was lying beside a beautiful young woman who had beguiled him since their first meeting. Stasya Pelagyia was all he could think about at times, the way he soft skin felt against his, the touch of her lips, even the way her hair smelt, It was true to say David was falling for her, but that was the problem. The Lodjain Lady in Waiting, while freely returning the King's affection hadn't perhaps fallen quiet so hard as her lover. David had now twice told her that he loved her, and both times she had deflected any response, admittedly the first time they had been mid throws of passion and the second at a concert and so David put it down to bad timing rather than anything else. The problem was how to be together, Stasya's family were not even aware of her being a Cultist and to be openly a worshipper of anyone but Sessifet would lose her the positition she had within the royal household, something her family were exceptionally proud of, David imagined Stasya telling her parents of her deceit would upset them just as much as their family losing its influence. So instead the pair kept up what relationship they could, while the King visited Lodja she would act as his local aide , as was tradtion in Lodja, and that of course meant sharing his bed. It was probably an open secret in the Palace of the Goddess but he knew such news wasn't even worthy of the lowest gssip magaizne in Lodja. Stasya knew too that the King would have many suitors, it didn't bother her, the Lodjain mindset after all saw sex as nothing to be precious about and what did it matter to her if David took a Morelander lover, he was telling her he loved her and so she knew she had him under her spell.

The King was lying awake his mind thinking of the smooth tanned flesh of Stasya when he felt something brush against his back. "You awake?" the gentle female voice asked. The King rolled over to face Professor Maddie Howard, she draped a hand around his neck. "I'll take that as a yes then" she kissed him as she entwined her long legs with the Kings. "I want to thank you for last night" she felt the Kings hand on her hip, "Throwing that party for the dig team was lovely, they've all worked so hard." The King had invited the staff and students who'd been taking part on the Greenflowers dig to a party at the Palace, it had been rather last minute and far more casual than one would probably expect, during the evening the KIng and the Professor had spent quiet a bit of time chatting, they were friends and had even been on a few dates, all before Maddie had deceided that seeing as the King was technically one of her students it wasn't appropriate, but the King had graduated with his Masters now and so that hurdle could be overcome. A few bottles of wine later and the pair had made their excuses and left the party seperately only to meet up at the Palces backdoor. David had felt like a teenagers sneaking her into the Palace and to his rooms, not that he had ever done anything like that, when it came to the girls David had always been popular, he was charming, handsome and thanks to his love of sport had a body women admired, yet even with all that David had always been worried about what his father and mother would say if he dated the wrong girl. They'd have liked Matilda, he often thought but that marriage had ended in disaster, so perhaps his parents wouldn't have been the best judge of character. As soon as the pair had reached the King's suite David put thoughts of his ex-wife to one side as Maddie dragged him to the couch where within minutes the pair were making love.

This morning though as he caressed her he couldn't help but feel guilty, Stasya was thousands of kilometers aways in Lodja , probably distraught at the death of her Queen and here David was bedding another woman. He thought for a moment that perhaps he could excuse it that Moreland would no day need a new Queen, and so long as Stasya was a secret Cultist it couldn't be her. His historcial education meant he knew many Kings of East Moreland would never have loved their Queen, but instead have been captivated by a secret mistress or two , but that didn't help salve his conscience. "Do you have to rush off?" Maddie asked breaking his train of thought.

"No" the King replied, he had no official functions that day and Rhiannon was spending time with Matilda.

"Good" Maddie pressed her lips to his as she pulled him close to her, he responded but that thought of betrayal of Stasya lingered.

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