The Queen was impressed that the Morelander had obviously done his homework or at least had someone else do it for him. "Thank you" The Queen was already picking out a place in her office for the ship in the bottle and could see a few places it would look good. "In terms of things I'd like to see while I'm in Northfort I'd like to see your Temple of Helus. It's a religion I know little about but from what I do know you have a similar concept to our 12 Olympians." She hoped her words hadn't offended the King. "After that if possible I'd like to learn a little more about your culture and people so anything you have in mind for that would be great. Sadly though that perhaps may not leave time for ice cream" The Queen smiled at Rhiannon. Atalanta guessed that the glace towards Stasya was a hint about time keeping, she herself was often the odd minute late for state functions but the Realm had such strict protocols for matters such as omens being right or Oracles finishing prayers that this was often not within her control. "I always thought it was a ladies prerogative to be a little late but rest assured I shall have my people ready by 7pm. May I enquire as to the menu?" 

To:- His Majesty King Piripi

While we were naturally disappointed to have no received an ambassador from the Commonwealth of the Iwi we are excited to hear of your desire to meet in person. Naturally we are more than happy to grant your request and would suggest that we meet at the Cassiopeian town of Xōkklḗsi as it sits just a few kilometers inside our border meaning neither of us would have to travel far. It would also give those living in Xōkklḗsi a chance to witness the building of a friendship with their Northern neighbors.

We hope this is acceptable.

Blessings of The 12

Queen Atalanta II

It is with seeming regret that the plans I had initially envisaged are not feasible as key partners are either unwilling or unable to be part of the project. As such I withdraw formally the invitation to meet regarding this project. I would however urge Kodumaa to push ahead with its plan to extend the existing line by working with the Southern Line partnership. For my part the Realm shall continue to attempt to improve our own rail infrastructure in hopes that key nations will one day become part of the project extended access to ourselves. I thank everyone for the positive feedback and hope that we can use this spirit of co-operation to build other meaningful partnerships in the future.

Blessings of The 12.

Queen Atalanta II

Queen Atalanta II today visited an old Temple of Athena in the capital of Golgagra and took the occasion to announce a significant project aimed at restoring the nations heritage sites. The old Temple has been damaged by centuries of earthquakes, fires and neglect once a new Temple had been built, today it stands in virtual ruins and is used more for a tourist backdrop than anything meaningful. The Queen laid an offering of a bronze axe at the temples old alter before speaking with the press to announce the funding stream. "Our nation has a history and mythology that capture the imagination of the world. As such we hold a sacred trust to look after sites such as the Complex of the Gods and even small rural temples. Alongside our religious sites are places of great cultural significance such as the Complex of the Queen and various old theaters and old towns. Over the last twenty years or so these have in many cases been neglected. This is something we should hold our heads in shame for allowing to happen. Today I have issued instructions that $400million is to be made accessible for projects which will restore and protect heritage sites. The funding will be considered on a case by case basis and will be given to any project which seeks to either protect or restore a site that is over 150 years of age. It will only be given to projects that will allow the public to enjoy access to the site. The funds will not be used to help restore private estates of the nobility unless they of course make significant commitments to allowing the public and even tourists access to their estate. It is my hope this will boost work in three sectors of our economy. First we will create a huge amount of work for our craftsman, the stonemasons, the carpenters and countless other trades. It will create work in the tourist sector as I anticipate a large number of people will seek to come and visit our sites. Finally I think we will see a boost to the communities around those sites helped as they invigerate themselves to take advantage of increased footfall. The application process will begin shortly."

There have already been around 150 sites that have announced an intention to request funds.

---

With the Queen's proposed Humanity Bill receiving largely positive reviews from the Provinces Queen Atalanta II has taken the decision to place it before a "Citizens Senate" before putting it before Celestial Council or National Assembly. The Queen will invite a total of 2,500 individuals drawn at random to take a seat on the "Citizens Senate" which will give their own interpretation and suggestions on the proposed bill. This is the first time the "Citizens Senate" has been utilized in the last 120 years. Historically they were used when a monarch tried to change duties of the various parts of government or to change rules around the Celestial Family. There had been the expectation that one would be convened once the Junta was defeated however that was not the case and instead a nationwide referendum was held instead.

The Humanity Bill is likely to be the Realm's own version of the Mundus Convention of Universal Rights as the Queen refuses to sign the international treaty stating, "It is merely virtue signalling. Few nations on Mundus have signed it than have not and frankly it means little even to those who have. If they placed it in such high regard it would feature much more prominently in their decisions on international diplomacy and I think it is evident that is not the case. Nations are judged on what they actually do rather than what they actually sign. Cassiopeia will clearly hold ourselves to account with the very highest of moral expectations. We have gone through a decade of horror and injustice and that shall never be permitted under my reign. If nations fail to recognize that about us then they are nations we can not deal with."

It is hoped the process to bring in the Humanity Bill can be completed by the end of the month.

Queen to purchase new "Celestial One" aircraft----Chersonis earthquake damage to Zeus repairable-----Leda introduce lethal injection as means of execution-----Province Cup Football begins next week.

1998 - Born in the mountain town of Emponas. His father was Duke Pavlos Michelakos and his mother Pandora. His father was the Duke of Skepari where legend has it Cassiopeia threw herself into the ocean to save the nation.

2002 - Was subject to an attempted kidnapping by a group of criminals who wanted to ransom him to his father. Luckily the attempt was foiled by members of the police.

2005- Was enrolled at the National Academy for Boys where he resided as a boarder.

2007 - Was on a school visit to Vanora when the military Junta took over the nation. As a result his parents told him to seek asylum in that nation. His father was arrested by the Junta and executed two days later. His Mother and younger sister avoided capture and headed to the Allied States of Ardia.

2008 - Vangelis was named the new Duke of Skepari but was not recognised as such by the Junta. He rejoined his mother and sister in the ASA.

2009 - Vangelis was sent to a private school within the ASA.

2016 - Graduated from school and requested to join the guerilla forces operating in Cassiopeia clandestinly. Was denied a chance to and offered to volunteer to join the ASA military to gain experience hoping this would allow him to help free his homeland. He was however rejected. Instead he began work for the Cassiopeian Office of Exiles (COE) and organization that worked with nations across Mundus to support citizens of Cassiopeia in exile.

2018 - Returned to Cassiopeia following the collapse of the Junta. Is officially named as Duke of Skepari and sets about attempting to restore his family home that overlooks the town. Continues working for COE as they seek to reunite people with family. This puts him in contact with several governments across Mundus.

2019 - Is made Director of Returning Orphans at COE which see's him seeking to bring back Cassiopeians who were moved overseas as children and lost parents. His role is helping them find distant family willing to take them in or find them appropriate care situations.

2020 - With COE's work abroad largely finished he is approached by the Queen to join the diplomatic team she is assembling. He is assigned to Tytor

With the first three ambassadors seen the Queen felt a little less nervous now. What she hadn't expected though was people bringing gifts. The presentation of the wreath was not a present to the ambassadors as it was a sign of their rank as an ambassador. While Atalanta had no intention of enforcing the old tradition of wearing the wreath on ceremonial days she hoped that perhaps these new residents of her Realm would indulge in the custom.  She made sure though to thank each of them for the gift and wondered exactly what she would do with them all.  The Morelanders book would naturally go into the library here in the complex as one of many "Honoured Books", these were rare editions or beautifully made versions of books common across the realm, the works of old philosophers, early scientists, playwrights and now one given to them by the King of East Moreland. The Achkaerin chess set was indeed beautiful and while she knew how to play she hadn't played a game since her time in the navy when it was one of the ways of whiling away the boredom on their long voyages. She did remember though losing quiet often, perhaps like the Morelander book this could find a special place in the library and allow the more skilled chess players in the Complex of the Queen to enjoy the craftsmanship. The gifts from Fleur were easier to work out their future. The necklace, which she took from the box and made a show of examining it before carefully replacing it, she would make a note that if ever to host someone from Fleur or even visit there the necklace must be worn. As for the wine it would sit in her private cellar awaiting a chance to share it with someone from the host nation. As the third set of ambassadors had vacated the steps she waited for the next person to arrive.

Meanwhile at the foot of the steps each of the newly accepted ambassadors found themselves being approached.

Carpenter and  Lady Rochelle Forbes were approached by a rather stern faced blonde woman. A smart white suit decorated only with a pair of small gold aviators wings pinned onto the lapel. "Good Morning, I am Angeliki Papadimitriou" she extended a hand first to Rochelle and then Tim. "I'll in essence be swapping with you. In two days time I'm heading to East Moreland. I wonder Mr.Carpenter if I may ask a favour. You see I'm an ex-member of our Air Force" she pointed to the wings with a sense of pride, "Naturally I've heard a great deal about EMAC and their heritage. I was wondering if perhaps you knew whether they'd be willing to give me a tour of their facilities. Maybe even let me have a flight in a prototype or two." She cracked a smile momentarily almost confirming that it was a rare event.

Diomidis Pachis was a reasonably tall man and softly spoken meaning it nearly always sounded like he was whispering. He approached the Achkaerin delegation. "Good Morning" he gave a small bowing gesture before extending a hand to Sakura first, "Congratulations on your position although I understand that you won't be here that long. I do hope though in that time you'll explore a great deal." He turned next to Judith and her daughters, "If I am not mistaken you will be the future Ambassadors family." He extended a gentle hand to each of them. "I am sure your family will find the nation an exciting one. A time of rebuilding and a time of us kind of rediscovering ourselves. I hope you'll soon consider this a home."

It had been nine years since Amalia Andreas had used French on a regular basis but she hoped her grasp hadn't slipped too much. "Welcome to the Complex of the Queen." she first extended a hand to Maréchal who was holding the wreath, "Congratulations on your appointment." She turned to Debeauson next, "Thank you for coming" she nodded respectfully. "While I know you'll be taking up a building in the city itself I do hope you'll take some time to get to know the Complex here, its a rather interesting place just try and not get lost." She had played many games of hide and seek here as a child that had gone on hours as the sprawling mass of buildings spread out across the landscape creating alleyways and hiding holes. "It may look like someone simply plonked all the buildings down wherever they fell but apparently it was all carefully placed to allow Hoplites to defend the place like a fortress." She gave a shrug of her shoulders as though she wasn't sure she believed such a thing herself. "Do you have any plans for your stay at all?" She asked Maréchal as she watched her distant cousin the Queen wait for any others to arrive.

The "Temple of Amphitrite" was no temple in the generally accepted sense of the word. It was a dark musty cave situated near the coastal city town of Peraia and for a half of the hours each day the sea let its grasp over the cave split and then it revealed a small table carved from the very floor of the cave. It was a miracle, known only to a handful of people, that people had somehow managed to get into the cave between tides and by hacking and digging lower the floor to permit an alter to be made. There in the centre of the alter was a metallic ring which was coated in rust and barnacles.

Today a small boat was inside the cave and its passengers were busy wrestling with a figure wrapped in chains. The figure was a young boy, no older than 12 years of age and he kicked out with her legs and thrashed with his arms as much as the chains would allow. "No....no" the boy screamed as the four burly men hefted him above their heads. It took only a few minutes for them to run another chain through a loop in the chain wrapped around his neck. It was then lead down to the alters loop and locked in place. A old woman was helped from the boat and staying just out of reach of the crying child. "Oh Goddess Amphitrite hear our words. Our nation's matriach did you great wrong. We, the people of Cassiopeia, do not follow her ways. Poisedian is your husband and Andromeda stole him from you. Accept this offering as your new companion. May they bring you happiness. Spare our people from your wrath" With that the group returned to the boat leaving the child alone on the alter. Without a word the boats engine fired up and dragged them backwards to the open sea and away to their homes leaving the boy to his fate at the hands of the Goddess.

---

24 hours later the CNS Caeneus moored some 2km away from the coast. The crew onboard were all members of the Doru Hoplite, a special forces unit tasked with conducting some of the nations more secretive operations. "This is the fifth cave today." Lt.Vasilis Samaras complained as they lowered the Rubber Craft.

"yes and there may be seven more by my reckoning." Major Stephanidis" responded looking at the map, "so quicker you get in there, the quicker we get home." The Major pointed to the cliffs at where an opening was just about visible. "You know the score by now Lieutenant."

"Yes Sir" Samaras nodded as he and the two others lowered themselves down into the small boat. "Back in five minutes." the engine was switched on and the small craft made its way towards the rocky grey shoreline. They found the cave opening with ease and already in the gloom Samaras could sense something was different. The small sub=machine gun around his body was held ready even though they'd been told to expect very little opposition if any. "There" he pointed and the Corporal over his shoulder shone the search light and immediately their hearts sank. They could see floating thethered to a block a body. "Shit" Samaras lowered his weapon and reached into the water grabbing the body. "Only a kid" he said to himself more than anything and attempted to haul the body into the boat. It only half ended up in the full transfer being stopped by something. "Bastards must have chained him here and left him for the tide." There was an anger the officer hadn't felt before in his life and as the Corporal exited to try and free the chain he held the bloated fish pecked body. "Poor thing" The Corporal was wrestling with the chain and now in the dark water he found the padlock that had secured the boy to his fate. A swift few twists with his bayonet forced the lock open and the boy was dragged aboard and in silence the craft made its way back to the  Caenus. "We were too late sir." Samaras explained as he carefully passed the boy up onto the deck. "Should we check the others?" Samaras meant the caves they'd identified as a potential location.

"We will, but I our intelligence suggests that it was just a single boy." Major Stephanidis had retrieved a body bag from the store locker and now delicately placed the boy inside and zipped it up. "I think we need to have a word with command, if they'd given us this yesterday we could have saved him." There was genuine sadness in the crew as they checked the other potential sites, all of which were empty. It was a long silent trip back to the docks in Peraia where they handed the body over to the waiting police investigators and gave their statements. One of the officers unzipped the bag and took a few photos of the face and then tried his best to take fingerprints. They'd do their best to identify the boy but everything they'd gathered from their informer suggested this would be a foreigner, less likely to raise an alarm and giving the life of a non-believer would be more acceptable than one who believed in the Goddess.   

1980 - Born to a father who was an Air Force NCO and a Mother who was a factory worker. She grew up near the Air Force base at Charaki.

1991 - Was rejected from taking a place at the National Academy for Girls. She scored 1 mark below the threshold to gain a place there.

1993- Enrols in the national Air Cadets, an organization teaching young people about aviation and the Air Force.

1998 - Wins a prestigious Flying Scholarship from Air Cadets meaning she gained her pilots license. She was also able to go to the National University of Aeronautics and enrolled in a course on Aeronautical Engineering. She also served as a reservist in the Air Force as a guard for the bases.

2000 - Having proven that she was skilled enough to complete her University education the Air Force change her specialization to pilot.

2001 - She graduates from University as well as earning her commission. She was assigned to a squadron flying F-34 Eriniyes.

2003 - Is awarded the Pegasus Wreath, an annual award presented to Air Force Officers determined to be exceptionally skilled. She became the first female pilot to win the award.

2007 - Was part of a group of 20 pilots who stole their aircraft and headed for the Allied States of Ardia, she was however shot down by disloyal forces and ended up evading capture until sneaking through Novinica to the ASA to join her colleagues.

2009 - Offered her services to the Allied States of Ardian Air Force, was permitted to help train their new pilots.

2010 - Married Aridan Air Force officer Appius Farro.

2013 - Gave birth to her son Tancredi.

2017 - Hearing reports that loyalists had gathered in Drenovia she left her husband and son behind and headed to that nation.

2018 - On  10th May she infiltrated back into Cassiopeia and using a light aircraft conducted several over flights of key sights to gain aerial photography for the upcoming strike. On the evening of 16th May when the strike to remove the Junta took place she was acting as a spotter over Metaxochori as the CNS Okeanos entered the port city. Following the removal of the Junta she returned to active military duty flying  F-34 Eriniyes to strike forces holding out from surrendering. On 18th December she was awarded the Aviation Cross for her actions against the Junta, the nations 2nd highest award for the Air Force.

2019 - Her family move to Cassiopeia and her husband opens his own flying school. Meanwhile she retires from fast jet flying and is made liaison to the Queen for the Air Force.

2020 - Appointed as Ambassador to East Moreland.

2000 - Born in the Complex of the Queen to Princess Clytia Andreas and  Xanthos Samaras, she is the youngest of their six children. Her father asks the Oracle of Demeter to take omens.

2002 - Diagnosed with the condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa, a condition that will eventually lead to blindness.

2004 - Is enrolled in the National Academy for the Deaf and Blind in order to begin preparing her for the future.

2007 - When the military junta takes control of the nation half the Andreas line head to Marseille the other half, including Filippa head to The Allied States of Ardia.

2009 - Fillipa is assessed as being a gifted child and is given entry to a prestigious private school in Cescedia.

2012 - Assessed as having lost around 50% of her vision.

2013 -  Family ask Oracles in exile about having her certified as a potential member of the Celestial Family and are advised against this as one of the qualifying criteria is interpreted as needing to be able to offer military service and due to her medical condition that is an impossibility. As a result she has never asked to be Certified.

2014 -Wins a national Allied States of Ardia competition for Literature Essays for youngsters.

2016 - Vision has degraded to a point where she is registered as blind.

2017 - Graduates from Secondary School a year early due to exceptional performance and immediately begins University in Cescedia.

2018 - Following the collapse of the Junta transfers her degree to the University of Galeni in Cassiopeia. The University is famed for being in the home city of many famed philosophers.

2019 - Fillipa graduates with a 1st class honours in Literature and Philosophy. She begins undertaking ambassadorial work on behalf of various youth organizations.

2020 - Is appointed ambassador to Chistopol. She had asked to work for the Realm in some capacity and with Queen Atalanta wanting a "young and vibrant" Diplomatic Corps was picked out and given a choice of where to go from those who indicated interest in having an embassy. She elected to go to Chistopol as it was a nation she claimed "I know little about and that will motivate me to become the expert our nation both needs and deserves in our ambassadors." She will be accompanied on her move to Chistopol by her seeing eye dog Kipar.

Autumn in the Realm was a joy to behold. The hot dry summers were giving way to cooler days with splashes of rain. The scruffy rough brown grasses that grew in the countryside were now refreshed by infrequent but hearty drinks of rain as autumn showers rejuvenated everything. While the leaves may be progressing from green to brown the grass was heading the other way. It was the perfect time for lengthy walks around the Complex of the Queen, a sprawling maze of rooms, offices and suites that the Celestial Family called home. Now was the "Golden Hour" that time of day that Queen Atalanta II loved this time of year. The sun was beginning its climb to the heavens and had just poked its head above the horizon to greet the day causings its rays to extend out towards where the Queen now sat enjoying the spectacle from the rooftop terrace of her own suite. The sun began to illuminate the pure white series of buildings off to the Queen's right where the Complex of the Gods sat, the spiritual and governmental centres of the nation within a lovely stroll of each other. Some days the Queen would begin the day by walking down the Celestial Way, a white stone road linking the venues, to offer her prayers at whichever God the day specified she honour. She sipped her black coffee as she took in the morning light that never failed to warm her soul.

"Arise oh bright sun, at the Dawn of the Day,
Enlighten the path now ahead of my way,
Praise to Apollo, oh Lord of my Life,
For thee and thy blessing I always will strife.

The new day you grant us as gracious gift,
I relish thy sunlight now soaring so swift.
Discard, Oh Apollo the Shadows of Night,
Deliver to us thy benevolent Light!

So hail to Apollon this morning anew,
As thou risest above heavenly blue,
Of all that is good the herald thou art,
Awaken the light anew in mine heart."

She had been made to learn the poem by her own mother, as had all her siblings, and now the words seemed particularly significant. By now the sun had assumed its full ball shape and the warmth was making the morning dew on the grass into a mist now as it began its evaporation that probably tomorrow would make a shower to refresh the grass once more. Life was stirring now below her as the Complex began to spring to life. The white painted buildings ringed with a single band of colour just below their roof seemed to the unaccustomed a haphazard maze of buildings a testiment to nearly 2000 or so years worth of building, destruction, rebuilding and expansion. Atalanta wasn't entirely sure how many rooms the Complex had but between those above ground and below she had once been told that through its buildings, estates and farmland around 18,000 people were employed here. To her it was like an extended family and even though she was a Manolas she had no issue sharing her home with three other families known as Celestial, the Metaxas, Floros and Andreas families helping swell the representation of the bloodline tracing back to Poseidon and Andromeda's affair.

"Good morning Your Majesty" a call came from the square below, one of many that existed at the Complex. The voice belonged to Tagmatarchis[1]  Dimos Michelakis one of the group of soldiers known as the Argyraspides who were tasked with overseeing the security of sites like the Complex of the Queen. He had been a young officer when the Military Junta took over and immediately headed off to Aosta to avoid serving it. He had returned three years later and worked gathering evidence of the Junta's atrocities hoping to get information out to those who could perhaps take action. "I trust you're prepared?"

"Of course Dimos" the Queen called down, "I thought it only proper to meet the new ambassadors in a fluffy dressing gown and my hair a mess." She responded causing the pair to share a laugh. "I shall be though, just enjoying the calm before the storm.....so to speak." Dimos bowed and headed off, no doubt checking on his own men positioned around the Complex on various duties. The Queen took the exchange as her time to actually get herself ready and so reluctantly headed back indoors to subject herself to preparation, first a brisk shower followed by allowing one of her maids to sort her hair out and then the black flowing sleaveless dress tied about the middle with a belt designed to look like it was wound from strands of golden rope. Atop her head was the crown of the Queen. She knew it was not as grand as some she had seen of other monarchs but the simple gold coloured laurel wreath was dignified in its simplicity and she liked that. Several strategically placed hair pins held it in place among her hair worn up. She thanked her maids and then headed out into the plaza below. As happened most mornings there was the smart tap of four feet coming to attention as the Argyraspides guardsman for the day snapped to attention. The Queen stood in the centre of a hollow square made by them. "Good Morning gentleman" she glanced around checking who was there. "Nikos" she addressed one of the soldiers, the youngest of the Argyraspides, a 23 year old called Nikos Kontos who was among the newest of the men assigned to her security. "I trust your mother's better?" He had returned form a week away visiting his mother who had managed to fall out of an orange tree.

"She's well thank you Your Majesty. She just won't be climbing trees for a while." The Queen had sent her flowers and a get well soon card and had called for prayers to be said at the Temple of Apollo on her behalf. "She is making you a batch of Portokali to say thank you. I must warn Your Majesty she makes it rather on the strong side."

"Good" The Queen responded, "No point drinking Portokali unless you get drunk, and tell her she need not have troubled herself." The Queen had the belief if these men were going to be the ones to protect her then she needed to look after them in return and she was rather happier when surrounded by them. She herself had served in the Navy and was proud of her service. Had it not been for the omens naming her Queen she would probably have had her own ship by now and so the connection she had with the military was strong.

---

As the Queen made her way to the Central Plaza which sat beneath the throne room various cars carrying the guests were arriving. In a nod to the special occasion the cars were permitted to drive down the Celestial Way, the huge Complex of the Gods on their left as they made the final turn on the 30minute or so journey from the airport. As each car stopped a member of the Navy provided an escort to the where the throne room was located. It was up a set of 30 rather steep stairs and was rather less grand than the name probably suggested. Once you crested the final step a platform with a kind of white marble building that although appearing to be perhaps three stories high was just one with super high ceilings. Two narrow doorways lead inside each with a heavy oak door which today with the nice weather was pushed open. Windows to the left and right allowed light to shine in and illuminate a huge mural that sat behind a simple wooden throne. The mural displayed the scene of the God Poseidon raising Cassiopeia to Mount Olympus to live among the Gods, a reminder of the nations mythological past. For today Aristeidis Michelakos, the Queen's brother-in-law, was serving as a kind of usher, checking the names of those arriving off and preparing them for the occasion.

As the first person arrived and was escorted through the complex with no hope of finding their way out unaided the Naval officer handed them over the Aristeidis. "Its wonderful to meet you." The greying man with a bright black beard extended a hand. "Its tradition that an ambassador present themselves to the Queen, I'm not sure if your nation still do such things but it was customary long ago to have credentials to present......I'm not sure if you still do but that is of lesser concern than you simply being here." He seemed nervous, he hoped that the more of these he did the smoother his spiel would become. He was charged with organising formal events in the Complex and his paperwork was far more confident than his presentation here today. "I'll give you the nod." He demonstrated what a nod looked like as though it was some revelation to the guest. "And then please ascend the steps......you can manage can't you. Gods we didn't consider that." He was concerned now, what if someone in a wheel chair turned up? It was too late now and he hoped to Zeus everyone could manage the 30 steps up and down. "Once your up there go in through the left door, it brings good fortune. Introduce yourself to the Queen, if you have credentials to present then please do so. The Queen will then present you with the regalia of an ambassador here, don't worry its only if you ever select to get involved in any of our many ceremonial events." He turned and took from an aide a bronze laurel wreath very similar to the Queens, "Here the Queen wears a gold one, members of the Celestial Family silver and our nobility and ambassadors bronze ones." He let the guest examine it and then returned it to the aide. "Once you've the wreath then pop back down and once everyone's been through we can have a drink together and perhaps I can introduce you to who we are sending over to your nation, be a good chance for them to get some inside information perhaps." His explanation done he climbed the steps himself, he wondered how many times that day he would be up and down these. At the top he briefly explained to the Queen who was below as she was unsighted and then theatrically nodded down to the waiting ambassador and anyone else with them.

Queen Atalanta II waited for them to appear and stood to greet them. Once inside the building she waited for them to approach and formally introduce themselves and hand over any credentials. "I am honoured as Queen of Cassiopeia to welcome you to my realm. As a descendant of Poiseidan I hope the seas are kind to your homeland. I am delighted to accept you as an ambassador to my realm and hopefully a friend to our people." She took the bronze wreath and gently placed it on the new ambassador's head. "I look forward to speaking with you more later and once again please relay my thanks to your government for allowing us this oppurtunity." The Queen waited for the first person to descend before turning to Nikos Kontos who was stood to the left of her throne. "How do you think that went?" she asked giving a sigh of relief.

"Smooth Your Majesty....very smooth." He replied his eyes kept to the front as they awaited the next person to arrive.

1.	military rank equivalent of a Major

With the upcoming expected return of ambassadors to my Realm I am delighted to have received so many responses. With the appointed day for their arrival and celebration at hand we thought it sensible to produce a list of those ambassadors who will be, following the conclusion of the event in our Realm, heading to your respective nation. While we are excited to send ambassadors to your nation please keep in mind that following close to a decade of a corrupt military junta running our nation much of our diplomatic corps was disbanded. It is my hope to rebuild this with those who I am confident will be energetically engaged with both your own governments and their local community. As a result many of them may appear inexperienced however with a strong support team I am certain they will be a credit to my Realm and a asset in diplomacy between us. We are all looking forward to welcoming you in two days time.

We have attached to this message details of the ambassadors we have appointed so far however these are subject to change until the 24th October.

Blessings of the Twelve
Her Celestial Majesty Queen Atalanta II
Phylarch of Golgagra
Oracle of the Martyr Cassiopeia

Embassy	Ambassador	Details
East Moreland	Angeliki Papadimitriou	A former Air Force officer who deserted during the Military Junta. At the age of 40 she has now joined the diplomatic corps. Enjoys hiking and camping.
Paracambi	Lady Anthousa Andreas	Very Distant cousin of Queen Atalanta II. Is 32 years of age. Trained briefly as Priestess of Ares. Has a large collection of tapestries.
Ackaerin	Diomidis Pachis	A former University Professor of Linguistics. At the age of 41 he was persuaded to help reform University policy under Queen Atalanta II. An avid collector of coins and stamps.
Izhitsa	Pavlos Katsaros	A graduate of the National University of Philosophy. He was the former Head of the National Student Union. Now aged 25 he was recruited to join as an ambassador. He is a keen footballer and had trials for one of the nations top teams when younger.
Waddan	Duke Epaphras Megalos	Became Duke of a town called Avra 18 months ago. He is 26 years of age. He acted as a courier during the Military Junta taking information to the royalists in exile. He is known to enjoy riding and hunting.
Kopsje	Paraskevoula Antonis	A graduate of the National Academy of the Arts. At the age of 23 she was recruited to the diplomatic corps after working to encourage young people to be politically active through organising musical events.
Fleur	Lady Amalia Andreas	Very Distant cousin of Queen Atalanta II. 30 years of age and former journalist for Hermes. Is a good polo player.
Ikhan	Agathinos Antonis	A former merchant navy officer who captained specialist cargo ships for 20 years. At the age of 60 he is one of the older recruits into the diplomatic corps having spent the period of the Military Junta trying to work with those in exile to gain access to Ports.
Tytor	Duke Vangelis Michelakos	The Duke of a town on the Northern coast called Skepari. His father was killed by the Military Junta and he fled with his mother into exile in the Ardian States. He is 22 years of age and a petrolhead.
Centralia	Nomiki Stavros	Is rather a well known political activist in Cassiopeia. As a student she protested the Military Junta and spent four years in prison before being released in 2018 by Queen Atalanta II. She is 30 years old and a rather good chef.
Chistopol	Lady Fillipa Andreas	The cousin of Queen Atalanta II and at the age of 20 already a University graduate. Is blind due to a incurable genetic condition. Is extremely interested in literature and philosophy.

The Queen has today issued each of the Realms provinces with copies of what is to be called at this point the "Humanity Bill". Following the seizure of power in 2010 by the military the nations laws regarding individual rights were suspended effectively meaning the military could act as they saw fit. Queen Atalanta II has stated that while she fully supports the concept of human rights she believes the nation should have a say on whether the old "Citizens Rights Act (1962)" is still valid in the 21st Century. As such she has released the draft of the document to the Provinces to allow it to be reviewed and suggestions taken. It is expected that the Queen will take the step of presenting the National Assembly with a final draft of the document in early November however she has already stated, "I imagine the new document to mirror the old very closely. It is my intent that until the new one is brought into effect in whatever form the National Assembly and myself end up agreeing on that the old laws of 1962 will be utilised."

Be it known that all those who are present in any of the realms of Cassiopeia fall under the jurisdiction of the Queen of Cassiopeia and her laws without prejudice to nationality, race, gender, class, sexuality or faith.

1. No one shall have their life taken away except following an authorized trial and in accordance with the nations laws.

2. No one may be held in servitude. Any person held in servitude reaching the Realm shall at that point be considered free.

3. No one shall be subject to torture.

4. All are equal before the law.

5. No one may be arrested without articulated grounds for suspicion.

6. Anyone arrested must be charged with their crime or released within 72 hours save for in cases where a Prytanei[1] has granted an extension of up to a further 72 hours.

7. Anyone charged with a crime must have the chance to state their plea within 48 hours of a charge being made.

8. Everyone is entitled to a hearing in public save for cases where doing so would endanger national security.

9. Everyone has the right to freedom of movement within the realm.

10. No Cassiopeian may hold more than one nationality.

11. Any man and woman who having reached their 16th birthday may marry if they have their families blessings. Any man and woman having reached their 18th birthday may marry regardless of their families blessings.

12. Couples of the same gender having reached their 18th birthdays may enter into a legal contract known as a Civil Union.

13. Individuals may own property alone or in association with others. No one may be denied their property unless specified by a court.

14. Everyone has the right to follow a religion and express that religion openly so far as they do not threaten or endanger others or the good order of the realm.

15. Everyone has the right to express their ideas and opinions so far as they do not threaten or endanger others.

16. Everyone has the right to assemble with others freely.

17. No one may be forced to join an organisation.

18. Everyone over the age of 18 and who holds Cassiopeian citizenship may vote and take part in government regardless of where on Mundus they live.

20. Publically provided services must treat individuals equally regardless of background.

21. Everyone has the right to work and operate a business.

22. Workers have a right to expect equal pay for equal work.

23. Everyone has the right to an education funded by the government if under the age of 18.

24. Everyone has the right to peaceful protest.

25. Everyone has the right to utilize the courts if they feel their rights are being infringed.

1.	like a UK Magistrate but more qualified

The Armed Forces of Cassiopeia have a long history that in recent times have been plunged into disgrace. Before 2010 a career in the military was one that carried great prestige however following the military high command becoming disillusioned with Queen Phaedra they had her assassinated and essentially forced the Oracles to elect Cassandra as Queen. Cassandra was married to a high ranking General and along with his friends in high command they imposed what was effectively Marshall Law on the nation. It is estimated that around a third of the military at this time deserted and fled to neighbouring nations in the hopes of causing an uprising later. With a significant number of the Realm's military being conscripts undertaking national service it was easy for this emerging Junta to ensure those remaining loyal were well rewarded and as such no uprising came until 2018. On the 17th March 2018 a group of special forces soldiers from the elite Doru Hoplite infiltrated the nation and in a co-ordinated attack assassinated half the Junta and lead a Palace coup to replace Queen Cassandra. In the coming days brief skirmishes took place across the nation however it was soon clear people wished an end to military rule.

As one of her first acts on becoming Queen, Hanlia Manolas who was to become Queen Atalanta II, ended the practice of national service and effectively cut out the disloyal elements of the military. Since then though the military while being shown respect by the Celestial Family has struggled to reach the targets required for its full strength. As such while the nations military spending under the Junta increased and state of the art equipment was acquired much of it has since not been utilised fully and much has been mothballed.

The military is broken into four elements.

The Celestial Navy -
The Cassiopeian Army -
The Celestial Air Force -
The Special Brigades -

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The Navy is a service currently in great favor in the nation. Many ships became devoid of crews as many deserted under the Junta. Three ships even sailed to Marseille where the crews claimed asylum before the Sorority of Materna rose to prominence and with an impending CTO invasion the three ships once more sought a safe haven and ended up in Runavik. One of those ships was the CNS Okeanos which included what would become Queen Atalanta II among the crew. The nation also has a rich tie to the ocean with the Realm's folklore claiming their Queen is descended from the God of the Seas Poisiedan.

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The Army are perhaps the least popular branch of service at the moment as many of them failed to stand against the corrupt Junta. The Army is currently experiencing a recruitment problem. The Army retains a system harking back to Ancient times where all soldiers are placed in units belonging to the Hoplites (Infantry), Hippeis (Cavalry), Toxotai (Artillery) or Companions (units not falling into the other categories) each of these groups retains its own unique rank structure.

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The Air Force has enjoyed something of a revival in the last two years thanks largely to the younger members of the Celestial Family voicing their intention to serve within it for a time. The Air Force also operate a fleet of aircraft for the Celestial Family as well as a aerobatic display team known as Pegasus Flight.

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The Special Brigades are three small units utilised for special operations.

1. Doru Hoplite's - The nations most elite fighting force. They are a combination of Marines, Paratroopers and Light Infantry. Their primary form of operation is covert infiltration, target destruction and exfiltration.

2. Hypaspists - A specialist reconnaissance unit designed to be able to operate for prolonged periods isolated from the rest of the army.

3. Argyraspides - A specialist unit tasked with providing close security, tackling terrorism and counter-espionage. 

The Cassiopeian Celestial Family is what many other monarchies would consider a "Royal" Family however it differs because an individual can not be a member of it simply by accident of birth. Upon being born to a parent who is a member of the Celestial Family a child begins a process of "Certification". This goes through three steps.

STEP 1- The Birth Omens

On the day of the childs birth the father must formally ask the Oracle of one of the 12 Olympian Gods to record the omens that they witness that day. These omens are inscribed on stone and placed in the Temples vault and are unseen by anyone other than the Oracle. Omens such as the position of the planets, sightings of certain animals, wind direction and various other elements connected to the God the father has asked to take the Omens. Often the stone tablets that have recorded the omens have become collectors items for collectors of antiquities and a great many have entered museums across the nation.

STEP 2 - The Certification

At any point after the child's 13th birthday the child may request to be certified as a member of the Celestial Family. Once they have asked to be certified they meet with the Oracle of the Temple where their stone tablet with their birth omens is stored. The Oracle will interview the child to ensure that they have a sound knowledge of the faith of the Olympian Gods, they have learned of the responsibilities of being in the Celestial Family and can recite from memory various oaths they are required to take during rituals. Once the Oracle is confident that the candidate has reached the necessary standard they meet on the following Saturday at the Temple of Zeus in Golgagra where the stone tablet is unveiled to Oracles of each of the 12 Olympian Gods. In addition the candidate is expected to present the Oracles with evidence, usually in the form of a family tree, that shows they have a direct connection to the first Queen of Cassiopeia who is believed to have been the child of Andromeda and Poseidon. In secret the Oracles vote on whether to issue a certificate of membership of the Celestial Family.

There is only one chance to become certified and if this is rejected then an individual can never be admitted into the Celestial Family.

STEP 3 - The Day of Oaths.

Exactly two years after being certified the individual is permitted to claim the title of Prince or Princess. They must on that day travel to Golgagra and visit a Temple dedicated to each of the 12 Olympian Gods and make an offering of a specially commissioned gold coin at each Temple.  At each Temple they also make an oath specific to that God and receive a blessing and a gift from the Oracle there. They always finish at the Temple of Poseidon where the gift given to them is a crown made of bronze in the shape of a laurel wreath. From that day on they are permitted to use the term Prince or Princess and inherit a certain rights and responsibilities. Should any member of the Celestial Family wish to give up these they can do so at any point by simply going to the Temple of Poseidon in Golgagra and returning their crown. Any female member of the Celestial Family can be considered for the position of Queen upon the death of the previous one.

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Rights	Responsibilities
*May offer live animal sacrifices to the Gods *May commission the construction of Temples *May claim an annual pension from the state "sufficient to their rank" *May enroll children in any military academy *May claim rooms at the Queen's Complex	*Must be if aged between 16-40 ready to serve in the military *Must be able to provide "board and lodging" for representatives of the Queen travelling near their properties *Must provide annually either the financial means or crops to feed 100 soldiers *Must "undertake duties directed by the Queen" for at least 20 days a year *Must have marriages approved by the Queen.

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LIST OF CURRENT ROYALS

The Manolas Line
Queen Atalanta II (birth name Hanlia Manolas) - Unmarried with no children, born 1980
Princess Aleka - Queen Atalanta II's sister - born 1984, married to  Aristeidis Michelakos. Has two children Prince Yanis (b. 2003) and Lady Dimi (b.2010)
Prince Grigoris - Queen Atalanta II's brother - born 1986, married to  Natalia Stefanidis . Has one child Lord Yiannis (b.2011)
Princess (TBC) Lena - Queen Atalanta II's sister - born 2003.

The Metaxas Line
Princess Fotini Metaxas - Queen Atalanta II's cousin (b.1978) - married to Duke  Theofanis Stefanidis. Has two children Princess Margarita (b.2001) and Lord Aristokles (b.2009)
Prince Aeson Metaxas - Queen Atalanta II's cousin (b.1983) - married to  Ligeia Pachis. Has three children Prince Ambrosios (b. 2003), Lord Zenon (b.2010) and Lady Galene (b.2012)

The Floros Line
Prince Kreios Floros - Queen Atalanta II's cousin (b.1975) - married to Duchess  Paraskevoula Michelakos. Has four children, Prince Theocritus (b. 1998), Princess Lachesis (b.2000), Lord Lysimachos (b.2004), Lady Pherenike (b.2008)
Princess Tasoula - Queen Atalanta II's cousin (b.1983) - widowed but previously married to  Dimitrios Stavros (2004-2012). Has two children Lady Evangelia(b.2007) and Lord Lycurgus (b.2010)

The Andreas Line
Princess Clytia Andreas - Queen Atalanta's distant cousin (b.1960) married to  Xanthos Samaras. Has six children.
(b.1981) Prince Cronus - Son of Clytia married to  Aigle Kokkinos. Has two children Lord Kallikrates (b.2008) and Lord Spiridon (b. 2011)
(b.1983) Princess Klotho - Daughter of Clytia married to  Herakleios Katsaros . Has one child Lord Alcides (b. 2006)
(b.1988) Prince Ariston - Son of Clytia married to  Maria Papadimitriou . Has three children Lord Irenaeus (b. 2011), Lord Iason (b.2014) and Lord Eutychius (b.2017)
(b.1991) Princess Tasia - Daughter of Clytia married to  Morpheus Michelakakis . Have one child Lady Diana (b.2015)
(b.1993) Princess Ligeia - Daughter of Clytia engaged to  Vlassis Stavros
(b.2000) Lady Filippa - Daughter of Clytia. (Lady Filippa suffers from progressive blindness and at age 14 went totally blind. As such she can not fulfill the oath to undertake the responsibilities of the title Prince or Princess however should she have children they will be eligible for entry into the Celestial Family)

Almost a decade ago the weakness of the Priesthood at that time and the niavity of my cousin, Queen Cassandra, allowed a handful of corrupt generals and other senior offices to usurp the authority of the government and impose on the Realm of Cassiopeia an eight year period of isolation. These dark days saw foreign diplomats expelled from the nation save for a select few. As such there now exists no embassies in our nation and this is something we wish to put right. In days of antiquity an ambassador from foreign lands was granted great respect and their arrival in the realm was a time of celebration and welcoming. I see their return as being exactly that today thousands of years later.

With this all said I therefore invite all nations of Mundus to come to the Queen's Complex in our capital province on the 24th October and install a new ambassador for their nation. Currently former embassies are being reacquired, repaired and refurbished to permit them to once more take their rightful place in our capital of Golgagra. I look forward to personally welcoming the new ambassadors, their families and any other official from your nation that wishes to attend.

Blessings of the Twelve

Her Celestial Majesty Queen Atalanta II
Phylarch of Golgagra
Oracle of the Martyr Cassiopeia