As the various guests relaxed in the gardens of the Lodge Emperor Benson proceeded to, along with his family,  give blessings to those with passes to allow them access to the Lodge to see its opening, meanwhile the rest of large gathering crowd around the building were blessed by a large number of Hougon and Mamba happy to take bowls of the deep red blood with them to anoint the heads of the faithful. As the last of the guests entered the lodges green gardens Benson appeared his family fanned out behind him. It would have appeared Benson had changed into a reddish pink set of clothing however on closer inspection it was only the slick red blood that had dyed his outfit. He seemed unfazed by the feeling of the thick cold blood on the clothing making it cling to his legs and arms and made his way happily through the crowds. "Please follow us up." He gestured to the foreign guests. "You'll forgive me but ladies please ensure your head is covered before we enter." They had made their way through the gardens and now reached a doorway which featured no actual door within it. "The home of the Loa is open at all times, they must be permitted to come and go as they see fit, the faithful must be able to visit whenever they wish too." Benson explained and watched as two reed clad Zangbeto stood either side of the door inspected Princess Sophia to ensure she had properly affixed her head scarf. Benson had ensured he had explained to these religious enforcers the importance of today and while he didn't want them to forgo their duty to the spirits he also didn't want them to offend the guests from overseas and so the women within the group were given just a casual glance over and so long as their head seemed covered the two men stood in silence.

The inside of the Lodge was in some ways not as impressive as the outside. It was rather dimly lit and had very few seats and those it did have appeared more like long benches than anything else. They were arranged in a kind of diamond shape leaving a large open space in the Lodge's main chamber. The main chamber itself was diamond in outline with the roof looming high above them creating a vast open space decorated with richly coloured wood carvings in the form of masks representing the different Loa. It seemed like to the uneducated eye the masks were haphazardly placed along the walls but each of the four walls represented one of the seasons and the Loa on that wall were at their most comfortable during those periods. For example in the spring there was Ayida-Weddo her mask a writihing mass a brightly coloured snakes for she was of course the "Rainbow Serpant". Arranged around her mask were images of flames, phallic and yonic symbols and farm tools representing her role as the Loa mainly responsible for fertility, fire and the harvest. Prince Christian helped the visitors find a seat. "Its likely to get a little chaotic" the Emperors brother seemed to relish that but pointed to a large table at the side of the hall opposite where they had come in. "That is the alter table that gets used for certain ceremonies, its unlikely to get used today. Next to it you'll see a door. It leads into a walled garden outside, we've instructed the Zangbeto to only allow you guests into it. Should things get too wild then please feel free to have a moment or two." The Prince watched as the chamber began to fill up until finally one of the Zangbeto by the door raised a hand as a signal.

Emperor Benson had gone and stood in the middle of the room a circle of people pressing close around him so that had he reached out a hand he would have touched those on all sides of him. A simple wooden chair was passed over the crowds head and soon Bensen appeared above the crowd standing on the chair. Without any warning to those watching Bensen sang a few words in Paracambian. "Since I was small, I have been singing for the Loa" No sooner had he sung the words than drums were rattled and rather haphazardly the crowd sang back the words. "Oh it wasn’t a little guy who showed me how to sing" Bensen's voiced boomed and echoed around the hall and once more but more unified this time the faithful sang the words back. Bottles of the nations favourite dark rum were already being passed around the Lodge floor as people began to drink. "Oh friends, let me teach the Loa’s songs!" The crowd applauded and then repeated the line back in the same tune the Emperor had. Between him and the assembled masses they were gathering the attention of the Loa ready for the ceremonies. "Ever since my mother’s womb" someone had handed Bensen a bottle of Rum and he took a great swig from it as the crowd sang his own words back to him. From across the room the guests would have seen him then pour a large stream of the thick brown liquid into his son's mouth as he sang the next line. "the great Loa have claimed me. Rejoice." He jumped from the chair and embraced his family as the crowd repeated the final line before the space in the centre became a heaving mass of dancing and drumming. Bensen put an arm around the shoulders of his son Marcus walking him through the crowd towards the area the visitors had been gathered. The Emperor was now looking far from royal, his clothing was stained with the blood from earlier and soaked in rum. The two royals arrived before the guests. "We have greeted the Loa and now we watch and wait" Bensen explained. "The Loa are now according to our faith all around us and if they wish to speak with us they will, when the right question is asked or the right person offers themselves take possession of someone, maybe multiple people at one time." Little pockets of people formed now each with their own chair at the centre and one at a time people climbed onto the chair and sang in the same manner as the Emperor had, those gathered around being friends, neighbours and family sang back as each gave thanks or asked for blessings to individual Loa. Closest to the visitors a young woman of about 20 had climbed up and now sang.

"Father Larak[1], I’m thanking you,
it’s not about the money you gave me.
I came to thank you.
It’s true the yard gave me the calling of the Loa.
When I call the Loa, the Loa hear me.
When I speak to the Loa,
they take care of my problems"

The crowd around her cheered her song as they repeated it and Bensen applauded at the end with them. "I don't know that you girl." he began to explain, "Her outfit though is that of a new Mamba, she's giving thanks for becoming essentially a Priestess." Out of nowhere there was a sudden rush as a group of worshippers split apart there in the centre was a young boy dancing wildly his arms and legs a blur he would freeze momentarily and adopt some kind of pose before becoming a blur once more. Bensen took hold of Princess Una's hand and guided her to get a better view before turning to address everyone behind him. "That boy.....he's been possessed by Father Larak. We can tell by the poses." Bensen pointed to a mask on the wall and almost immediately two Zangbeto appeared with a ladder and took the mask off the wall rushing it through the crowd above their head a passage opened among the dancers allowing them through and they carefully placed the mask on the boys face while he seemingly ignored them and carried on. Soon crowds gathered around him each trying desperately to touch him as he seemingly was possessed by the Loa. "People will be speaking with the Loa now." He moved Besarian's future wife Isidora slightly closer, "Do you hear him." even with Bensen translating for the group what was being said was nonsense. "People will ask their question, but with so many asking at once things get lost and people will hear a message from within the boy's voice and the sound around which answers there question. This is because the Loa guide the words, the sound waves even, to our ears to help us." Across the large room Bensen could see other ladders gathering masks off the wall and for the next hour or so the room became a mess of drum circles, possessed, unpossesed and then reposseded faithful all mixing together in the room filling with the smell of rum, stale blood and sweat. It was perhaps a rather unregal ceremony compared to many but it was clear that the people felt a strong connection to the Loa. It was time though to bring the ceremony to an end and so Benson made his way to the alter table and clambered onto it. It was clear he was no longer totally sober by his climb but he was still more than in control of himself. "PEOPLE!" he yelled and like an army listening to orders then drumming stopped instantly and the dancing and singing stopped except for those who were in the midst of the Loa who even without the rhytmic beat of the drums continued their random dancing. Zangbeto moved close to these people to help ensure they didn't accidently hurt anyone in the midst of their actions. "The Loa have come, they have come and rejoyced with us. They love their new home and they love us. This is the first of a new wave of Lodges I plan to build, first one for each island, then more and more. We have been today so happy to welcome those from East Moreland, Achakerin, Ui Cenneslaig, Lodja, Bakkermaya and Aosta to witness the day. They are the first from outside our homeland to see such a ceremony and from the bottom of our hearts I thank them for not believing so many awful movies about Vodou Dolls and Zombies.......we save them purely for Tamora......" the Emperor grinned and the crowd laughed enjoying his jab at the slavers. "I hope our guests will take the knowledge that our faith brings all together equally, happily and rejoycefully to their homes and here and now officially on record I ask those of you who can to speak to your Heads of Government, to your Heads of State to allow us, at the Empire's expense, to construct a Lodge in your capital. I ask that you permit a delegation of those here today to come and welcome the Loa to your nations. You have each today meet the Loa and seen them and I know that even though they know you are yet to take them to your heart you came in honest friendship so they will watch over you and your people." The crowd applauded and as the noise still echoed a young boy in a mask oblivious to where he was in his trance came close. Zangbeto didn't stop him but kept a close watch to make sure he didn't trouble the guests too much. The boy was in his early teens and wearing the mask of a female Loa, a Loa dedicated to love and happiness. He seemed to make gestures in his dance towards Besarian and then Isidora. Benson as a trained Hougon watched on interpreting the motions along with several others gathered. Before Benson could explain the crowd began singing and dancing again. Benson was forced to move close to the couple and speaking loud enough for everyone to hear explained what was happening. "Gerau is an Loa of long marriages. She is preparing great happiness for you two. She says even when this world falls apart the bond of yours will not. Its a very very promising and happy blessing." He shook Besarains hand and then kissed Isidora on the cheek. Benson once more jumped onto the alter table landing slightly awkwardly. " Tonight we celebrate all the blessings we have received. TO THE BEACH" He pointed towards the door and people began hurrying towards the door.

Christian waited for the locals to leave and then marvelled at the Lodge, what had been a pristine chamber was now a mess, broken bottles, rivers of rum and some blood from sacrifices people had brought, there were even items of clothing littering the floor. The Zangbeto were already getting busy with brooms brushing out the reeds they'd put on the floor to soak up the inevitable booze. As each person left the Lodge though they placed something, be it money or an item in one of several buckets by the door. "We are a passionate but messy faith" the Prince laughed as he helped guide Sir Jacob and Rosa Ayanami between a mound of what looked like a pair of trousers, a wooden mask and crate of now empty rum bottles. "I think someone is going to have a tough morning tomorrow" Christian said more to himself than anyone as he reached the buckets and removed from his trouser pocket a envelope which he deposited in one of the buckets. The envelope spilled a bundle of banknotes as it hit, Prince Marcus and Princess Sophia were doing likewise in different buckets while Benson brought up the rear with a golden necklace and several rings which he placed in the buckets. "Each bucket represents a group the Loa should help, the Old, the sick, the young and the poor" Christian began to explain. "Any cash goes to charities to help those causes, any items are used as is best seen." Each bucket had a Zangbeto watching over it and as the royals left they began the process of taking them to somewhere secure.

"Now." the Emperor took a large intake of the fresh air outside. In the garden some people were clearly enjoying the sunshine and a few more drinks continuing their singing in praise while others began the move through the gates they'd entered through and turning left down towards the road that would take them to the beach about 1km away. "You have a choice" he addressed his invited guests. "I clearly need a shower and a new suit" He held his arms wide showing the state his own clothing, now stained, stinking and ripped, had been reduced to. "I however would love to speak with you all properly. So if you wish to freshen up yourself we can have cars take you to your accommodation, naturally if we wish to see the celebrations continue then we can have you escorted to the beach, sadly that's a walk though. There you'll find the Paracambians starting their own beach parties but we have a nice venue for a bite to eat there which will allow us to see the celebrations but have some privacy. I will see you there in an hour, assuming I can get the smell of rum out of my beard." He bowed to his guests as he excused himself leaving several smartly dressed aides to help the guests with whatever they wanted to do or see.

1.	Loa often linked to health and good fortune

The government have today confirmed that no Paracambian athlete will compete in this years Mundus Games. The Emperor explained the decision stating, "Other nations have, perhaps understandably, stated that they will allow all athletes to make up their own mind and avoid staying in Tamora. This is a decision that each nation must make on their own merits. Paracambi meanwhile has a unique history with these nations as we actively faught and sought out slavery to eradicate it. Our nations heritage is proudly built upon our anti-slavery action and not a single Paracambian is untouched in their ancestry by the institution of slavery. Some of us will have lost ancestors to the war on slavery, some will have been captured, others will have been granted their freedom and brought to the safe arms of the Empire. We can never turn our back on this heritage." It was explained that the Emperor has the agreement of all national governing bodies that they will not be sending competitors to the games and even went further that he has their agreement that any Paracambian who competes under the Mundus Games banner will never compete for the National Team again.

The Head of the Paracambian Mundus Games Committee, James Amway, announced that TV coverage of the games would not be taken up by the national broadcaster as has been the case in other years and to date no independent media outlet in Paracambi has announced that they have gained permission to broadcast the Games. The Head of the Committee though did announce that during the dates of the Mundus Games the Empire Games would take place with all the same sports as the Mundus Games. Mr.Amway also confirmed that while the Paracambian athletes would be taking part representing their Principality not the Empire they had also issued invitations to the Dukedoms of Bakkermaya and the Islands of Lodja. "While I understand Lodjains and Bakkermayans may go to the games we can still celebrate the true Mundus Games spirit that does not downgrade human beings by surrounding arenas with slavery. In Aluhampton we shall have our own events, broadcast across the Empire and celebrate the way sport can unite people."

With the old HIMS Insolent leaving service in 2017 following a massive fire on board the aging Destroyer the name sake replacement had not been determined. Today though at Alemba Dockyards an announcement was made that the 6th reincarnation of the HIMS Insolent would be a Helicopter Cruiser, half Destroyer and half Helicopter Carrier. The ship baring the name Insolent is seen as the flagship of the Imperial Navy after it's first incarnation under famed commander Jebadiah Braithwaite rose to national prominence because of the national legend of the Minstrel Boy. The Emperor's brother, Prince Christian, was at the dockyards to see the design unveiled. The Prince stated "The new ship is something our Navy has never had. It will be the 6th ship to bare the legendary name Insolent and looks just as impressive as the first to have that name. As a former Marine I think the new Insolent is an asset that I wish we had in our day as it packs a useful amount of firepower into something highly mobile. Keeping a close to 300 year old tradition alive is important and that is why the construction was brought to Alemba, the place the original Insolent was finally retired."

A second Helicopter Cruiser is also going to begin construction at Aluhampton in mid September. It is estimated that each of the ships will cost $750million however several more will need to be spent acquiring more helicopters to operate off them. Upon completion the new HIMS Insolent will tour each of the provinces of the Empire. Its crew will be determined by applications from those whose family have served on past incarnations of the vessel. The second Helicopter Cruiser has yet to be given a name and several people are already suggesting it should be named HIMS Braithwaite or HIMS Jebadiah after the Insolents original captain.

---

Princess Sophia was brought up for 16 of her 18 years of age as a member of the Rastafarian faith as is tradition among the Imperial Family for females to be brought up in the minority faith of the Empire. Around a year ago though Emperor Benson passed a law stating that it was no longer a requirement for any Empress of Paracambi to be a Rastafarian. Since the death by assassination of her mother Empress Madeline however the Princess has been rarely seen as Rastafarian gathering and yesterday confirmed she had indeed adopted the Vodou faith.

Today the Princess explained her decision. "When I was a little girl the Rastafarian faith seemed like a duty I had to be part of. I loved going to the services, the rituals. People were so friendly and the atmosphere was always fun. One thing however that I never really liked the idea of was the way women were seen as being subordinate to men. Some of the rules just seemed unfitting for the fact that as soon as I turned 18 I became a Duchess in my own right. The Rastafarian way for the Imperials just can not work out. I'm a Princess by birth and if I marry it would be someone of a lesser rank, however suddenly under Rastafarianism I would be expected to do what he instructed. I also did not like the way that Marijuana was a necessity to be close to God. The more I learned the more I felt it was un-Paracambian too, its a faith based on Christianity a faith foreign to our shores and one that didn't even originate in Albion, if I'm an Imperial Princess of Paracambi I should be the embodiment of all that is Paracambi."

The Princess explained how the family reacted, "My father showed no concern at all. He has always held the belief that a person should be free to be whatever faith they wanted. He was naturally in love with my mother but he always found her faith a little divisive. My brother Marcus was happy as I think he knew I'd been unhappy attending the Rastafarian services once mother was murdered."

Many citizens in Aluhampton celebrated the news calling the Princesses announcement her "rebirth" or "awakening". One senior Mambo Priestess stated, "The Empire is overseen by the Loa, today we've one more soul accepting their guidance and the fact she is a Princess seeing the light after nearly two decades of misguided education speaks to the Loa's power. We move ever closer to a time all Paracambians accept the true faith of our people and our race." Meanwhile prominent Rastafarian figure Ayotunde Clement who was once spiritual adviser to Empress Madeline has spoken of it being a "Betrayal of the Rastafarians of the Empire. Today we have no one in the Imperial Family fighting our cause, we run the risk of becoming an enslaved group once more, we escaped opression, served the Empire against the Seleucid slavers and now the Emperors own blood betrays us. Laws need to be in place meaning the Imperial family represent all Paracambians. With the Emperor taking the role of Head Hougon of the Vodou Faith and then stating he will not be committing to marrying a Rastafarian if he ever remarries it is clear we run the risk of the Empire becoming an Alander style nation where those of minority faiths are punished."

The Palace released a statement saying that Mr.Clement's words were "non-sense. Religious freedom is enshrined in law in the Empire and despite his wife's death the Emperor has stated several times how he felt supported by the Rastafarian's of Paracambi. Even if no member of the Imperial Family attends Rastafarian services the Emperor hopes he will still be welcome to come and pay his respects to the faithful at times of significance for their faith." Emperor Benson also pointed out while on his way to a cabinet meeting, "I have always allowed the Principalities of the Empire to set their own rules on things that have an impact on religion. No Principality so far bans marijuana, no Principality has an established religion and all Principalities teach Rastafarianism, Vodouism and even the ancient faith of Tekuism in schools. We are an Empire open and protective of all."

If you had the misfortune of being in Aluhampton for any reason other than the opening of the "Vodou Vatican" then today was not your lucky day. The streets began to fill up with people from about 4am and where the Paracambians went and a celebration was happening steel drums came along too. By 4:30am there was no chance that anyone in central Aluhampton was still asleep, what had been isolated little bands from local community clubs had merged as they had made their way towards the Lodge of the Loa and now it was like one huge band were playing with the sounds drifting over the city as the sun began its ascent to start another warm day. Among the crowd little groups were carrying effigies of the Loa decorated by schools, sports teams, youth groups or even just small groups of friends. Every now and again pairs of effigies of the same Loa would meet and the people crowded around them would momentarily burst into a spontaneous song in praise of that Loa before exchanging hugs and handshakes before dancing off again. Naturally large quantities of rum were already being passed around along with quiet a bit of weed, contributed by a fair few of the Rastafarians who despite not sharing the faith were happy to just enjoy the day. This was the cause of a few problems as among the crowd the Zangbeto wandered, the defenders of the Vodou faith, a kind of multi-coloured religious police force. For the followers of the Vodou faith the smoking of cannabis was a no no and the Zangbeto confiscated a fair few spliffs and threatened to punish those with it if they caught them again. This intervention however wasn't stopping the atmosphere.

Up at the Palace in Aluhampton the Emperor was getting ready. Today would be the first day the international community would see him not as an Emperor but as the Chief Hougan, the most highest ranking priest of the Vodou faith. Out had gone the sharp designer suit, in had come the lose fitting white trousers and a simple v neck white shirt, around his waist he had a simple long piece of white cloth had been tied with a long knife with no sheath was tucked into it. This would be the only thing considered a weapon allowed during the ceremony to open the Lodge. He could hear the music from the city drifting into the Palace grounds and the joyous nature of the music was already making some of his guardsman smile and dance a little at their posts. The Emperor didn't mind the men having some fun but he knew they would be disciplined enough to not get that distracted. Satisfied that he was prepared the Emperor made his way downstairs and found his son Prince Marcus and his daughter Princess Sophia were waiting. They were both wearing beautifully bright coloured clothing similar in style to their father however Sophia has a head scarf of red and blues tied around her head. There had long been a tradition that the men in the Imperial family followed the Vodou faith while the woman the Rastafarian, so much so that the Emperors arranged marriage to his now deceased wife had ensure he married a Rasta. Sophia however had always leaned more towards her father's faith and when her mother was killed two years ago she had taken the opportunity to persuade her father, who in truth took like persuading, to drop that law.  The children each embraced their father. "Your knife sharp?" Marcus asked his father. Benson drew the knife and gently ran a thumb down the blade.

"Sharp enough." Benson said as he let Marcus inspect the knife before putting it back in his belt. "Kids, I need you today to do several things First be good hosts, while not as many nations are coming as we had hoped they are here as friends. The second thing is to be pious, make sure you are an example to our people. Especially you Sophia." He took hold of her hand, "You're the Princess who has changed our Empire forever and this will be the first time in public you've shown your true self." Sophia nodded feeling a little emotional as though the Loa Anaisa Pye was embracing her. "Finally, I want you to enjoy yourself. We're not Christians singing sad songs about God, we're not bloody Cultists banging on about Underlords and battles, nor are we Manists proud to enslave. We're Vodouists, we celebrate life, we celebrate everything. You must look like your enjoying yourself......" he pulled Marcus aside a little , "Just not too much ok." His son had a repuatation for being a frequenter of many of Aluhampton's beach bars and clubs but the father and son knew this was a jest and smiled.

The three of them walked out the Palace and into the open top car which had given the Emperors security guards nightmares but the Emperor had insisted, if the Loa wanted the family gone then they'd get rid of them so whatever was to happen today was going to happen. No sooner had the gates opened for the two mile journey to the Lodge in the city itself a crowd began cheering and waving throwing flowers at the royals. "Sophia! Shopia!" they chanted happy to see the Princess in the car as many had speculated she would be largely absent today. The Princess waved back and took some of the flowers that had entered the car and put them into the head scarf she was wearing.

In the centre of Aluhampton sits The Minstrals Gate a place where legend has it a young boy called Thomas went off to war in the 1700s against the Seleucid his father's sword and his harp being his only possessions. Just three years later the same boy died refusing to surrender to the Seleucid and become a slave, his last act of defiance being  to smash his own harp before igniting a barrel of gunpowder aboard the Seleucid ship his boarding party had been cut off on. It was a story that had inspired the nation even so far as his crew mates who had survived writing a song in his honour, the song later became the national anthem and it was the words from the song "No chains shall sully thee, Thou soul of love and bravery" that were inscribed on the archway that would have at one time marked the entrance to the city. It was here that  Christian Soloman, the Emperors younger brother was waiting in the small room above that archway in a bright yellow building. He was half hanging out of the window watching the crowd beneath them already partying. "Prince Chris" several men yelled up. He looked down and recognised them as men he had served in the Marines with and waved back. "Ya coming for a drop" one help a large clay bottle, no doubt full of dark rum.

"Nah man" Christian responded with a smile, "Sun ain't o'er yardarm." he pointed only half seriously to the monument to the Minstrel Boys ship, The Insolent which was made of a mound of stones from each part of the Empire topped with a ships mast. "I've some bigwigs to look after. Walk Good bro." He waved goodbye as his comrades headed off towards where the Lodge would be opened. Christian waited patiently for the sound of footsteps on the wooden spiral staircase that came up into the the old guardroom.

Since becoming the Head Hougon the Emperor of Paracambi has sought to raise the profile of Vodou as an important religion. He has carried out many ceremonial duties himself, established stricter rules on who can be a Mambo or Hougon as well as setting up a Headquarters of the world Vodou movement. The faith has always taken its leadership from Paracambian Hougon's however two years ago all Paracambian Hougon's agreed that the Emepror should be the head of the faith in a similar way to how the Pope is head of the Catholic Church. One of the problems the Emperor identified however was that the faith lacked a real home. In December the Emperor moved a team into the old Cathedral of the Catholic Church in Aluhampton, a building that was built following a brief attempt at missionaries bringing the faith to the Empire however for the last 100 years it has largely been unused until the Emperor established it as a centre for the administration of the Vodou faith.

Since it was established in December the administration set up a system to properly select, licence and empower Zangbeto to ensure Vodou rituals and sites were being used correctly. The Emperor also ordered construction of the Lodge of the Ioa, a construction that he confirmed would be the "Vodou Vatican" which he explained by saying, "We want a centre piece for our faith, an iconic building that shows people that we are not some religion only of the people of Paracambi. The Ioa wander the whole of Mundus and the sooner that people accept and realise this the better. Religions such as Catholicism, Islam and even the Bene Gesserit have a spiritual home, a place established after maybe centuries of history. We sadly do not have that, until now. The Lodge of the Ioa will be the largest Vodou Temple in the world by a long way, we need to take the faith out of the backyards of the local Hougon and into glorious public view. The Lodge will be visible across all of Aluhampton I hope and will seat around 1,000 individuals for rituals and prayer. It will feature outdoor pools for ceremonies, a library and a small administrative centre. It is my hope that once open for visitors, which will be soon, we can also establish a centre to train and educate the Hougon and Mambo of the future."

The Lodge of the Ioa is set to open in around a weeks time.

"If we are having a problem with the various Merinan groups accepting the CoA as observers, or their friends." Roger Hastings the Paracambian representative began. "I suggest we perhaps look for nations that may fill the void, we have seen for example Aosta declare to purely take action defending their own territory from incursions otherwise they have taken no stance on the crisis. Perhaps they are a nation we should look at in terms of them taking on the peacekeeping role, I can think perhaps of other nations such as those who are members of SANE or even someone like Hassfurt who has so far shunned any international organisation yet has promised to honour the Uppsala Convention." 

The bigger issue for me is the fact that I don't think the majority of the nations in RP are signatories of the major treaties (Uppsala, MCUR, FSC, Space, Hygelac, etc) if that is the case then I don't see how a body can be said to be dealing with these issues. So for example how can a body try and enforce some resolution when its got no basis in laws/rules/treaties etc. The only way I can think of is that membership of an organisation means you actually have agreed to abide by the treaties needed to essentially formulate some kind of international law.

Following an announcement in the press of Soleimani we encourage their High Council to not commit to supporting any faction in the Merina Civil War. As has been announced the Council of Albion have secured talks attended by every faction. These talks are our best chance for a peaceful conclusion to the conflict and an end to loss of innocent life. As we have already seen Fleur are also considering involvement and as we have already stated should they supply any materials or support then sanctions would be put in place against them. Should Soleimani also offer support to any faction we will level sanctions at them too. We would also urge the Council of Albion members to do like wise.

Songs to follow

Bob Marley and the Wailers
Rihanna
Fugees
A Tribe Called Quest

Paracambi approves

Benson spoke next. "I think we broadly agree with what is put here except that 3 and 4 should contain wording to not tie nations to the proposal if not financially viable. Not all TUNA nations have the same amount in their bank accounts and as such we should not seek to place any unexpected financial commitment on nations before knowing the full extent to what it could mean for them. As for Article 6 I think it should be removed as it is not about this current crisis however I do think it is perhaps something worth visiting once we have our satellite systems back in hand."

The Emperor was rather impressed with the Palace, it was much grander than one back home but then again Northfort didn't have the weather. The Emperor waited for his daughter to exit the car before following and warmly accepted the King's handshake. "Thank you for your hospitality. Your people have taken very good care of us and its certainly been eye opening at some of the things you've got going on here. Very different to back home there we're focused on our agricultural and tourism industries where as here, well swarm robots and space travel. Very different." He placed his tea down on the table. "If we can I'd like to get the unpleasant business done with first. The operation, strike, whatever you want to call it in the Alucard is a worry for us. Its an area that ourselves and the others in TUNA have worked hard to try and protect. The Alucard clean up is a project like none other on Mundus and our nation has invested a lot of time and money into driving it forward and making it a success. The operation that you carried out is I believe something that could have been a threat to all that work and investment. I would appreciate knowing whether you informed Lodja before carrying out the operation and where they specifically told not to pass information on to us. You do have a trade agreement with TUNA and so I would have expected the same courtesies be given to us as to them, furthermore I want to know what precautions you took to ensure there was not an environmental disaster. If we are to be partners through your deal with TUNA then a level of respect and co-operation has to be established."

On behalf of the people of Paracambi I wish to extend my best wishes for this happy occasion and confirm my attendance along with my daughter. I would however like to request permission to come and visit several sites, instututions in East Moreland as soon as possible before the wedding on a fact finding mission to our trade partners via TUNA. There are also some matters of concern I have following incidents that recently took place in the ALucard, if possible I would appreciate a moment of your time prior to the wedding day to discuss these. I realise this is short notice but would like to get things cleared prior to the celebration.

With Ioa Blessings

Emperor Benson of Paracambi.

Paracambi support this charter.

The nations of the Alucard recognise that they face unique and common difficulties. These nations further recognise that by working together they are more likely to overcome these problems. Additionally the nations realise that when one of them prospers so can the others and that through mutual co-operation in certain fields all nations may prosper.

In order to achieve this the nations of TUNA agree to the following.

1. That any nation with  territory in the Sea of Alucard may affirm this Treaty and receive the full benefits so long as they accept the responsibilities outlined.

2. All signatories recognise the territorial waters of the others as determined by the Free Seas Concordt.

2.1 Nations agree to not build artificial islands for the purpose of expanding their territorial waters or EEZ's.

2.2 Nations may construct said islands but recognise that they shall not be included in waters as directed by the FSC.

3. Any waters outside the Exclusive Economic Zone of signatory nations shall be divided into Patrol Areas, one for each nation. Within these Patrol Areas the Navy of the allocated nation shall assume control of co-ordinating the following operations.

a) Anti-Piracy Operations
b) Anti-Smuggling Operations
c) Search and Rescue Operations

4. Signatory nations shall share information regarding criminal and terrorist activity so long as the sharing of that information does not endanger the nations national security.

5. Signatory nations shall seek to work together to reduce pollution in the Sea of Alucard. All member nations will be required to fund an equal share of the Alucard Plastic Clean up system (Approx $60million a year for the project)

6. Signatory nations shall seek to work together to reduce climate change as we recognise that our homes are among the most threatened areas of Mundus in this regard. In order to do this the signatory nations shall seek to co-operate in international organisations to influence global or regional legislation.

7. Signatory nations agree to ensure port fees for other signatory nations are equal to or lower than non signatory nations.

8. Signatory nations agree to reduce tariffs between each other to levels lower than non signatory nations excluding those covered by specific treaties.

9. Signatory nations meet once a year as a minimum to discuss issues of concern to each nation.

10. The nations of this treaty agree to live peacefully with each other and use international organisations to arbitrate any disputes between them.

11. Nations agree to establish an embassy in each of the others. Should the Head of State of a signatory nation request it the Ambassador must present themselves within 24 hours.

12. Nations agree to respect the free movement of the Water Nomads so far as they comply with the FSC and national laws regarding the use of a nations EEZ. Water Nomads may apply for citizenship in any nation who is a member of TUNA with island territories so far as they have spent at least 12 months continiously inhabiting the waters of the nation they wish to apply for.  Paracambi does not agree fully with this article put forward. We agree the Water Nomads should have free movement so long as they comply with the FSC and national laws regarding the use of the nations EEZ. However we oppose the granting of citizenship unless this article is worded in such a way as to those seeking/gaining citizenship are planning permanent residency in the nations territory or waters.


12. A nation may withdraw from this treaty after 60 days written notice.