SNN-Seaforth News Network

[Rhodes]

King Andrew Presides Over First Feast Of Helus

King Andrew III of Seaforth preformed the rituals commemorating the Feast Of Helus for the first time. At the Temple of Helus in Eventide he was joined once again by Dr. Camryn Hopkins of East Moreland, granddaughter of Sir Charles Townsend and Priestess Jennifer Skye of the Temple of Helus. The feast, closing resembling the East Moreland celebrations for obvious reasons, included offering by the three branches of the Seaforth Armed Forces, the children and people of Seaforth.

Following the ceremony, King Andrew had a few words for the Seaforth people.

"My brothers and sisters. Today I was blessed to preform the rituals newly come to our shores, as my cousin Joshua did before me. We Seaforthian's are a people of faith. We believe hard. What we belive has changed over time. There was a time in our history when we gathered round to hear the Druids speak. We gathered round the Standing Stones of Arc-Royal. Many centuries after that and many centuries ago, Jocelyn Of Rhodes brought Catholicism to our lands from Vanora. That belief served us well for many years as a source of strength and humility. We all know how that ended. Now what is a faithful people to do when thier faith fails them? A worthy people needs something worthy to believe in. Now, maybe we were never meant for the christian faith. Maybe the Pantheon of Helus rings more true in our gaelic blood than the Holy Trinity ever did. When he converted, I asked Joshua why. His answer was that the Gods talked to him. I never knew whether he meant that figuratively or literally, but I do know he has been blessed by the Gods...and so have we all. When the Seaforth Catholic Church betrayed us, Jekar and Frossaj went to war with us. When Joshua went missing, Rolaf threw him back from the bowels of the earth. When Seaforth went dark, Melanar watched over us...

Andrew glances sideways at Camryn

...even Marissa has been known to show up from time to time. In all these things the Gods have given to us and it is time for the People of Seaforth to give back, to provide a place that the faithful may offer thanks and prayers to the Gods. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that the Kingdom of Seaforth, under the direction of Preistess Skye, will be contructing seven temples for the remaining principal Gods to join with the Temple of Helus."

The crowd erupts in applause. Andrew lets it carry on for a few seconds before raising his hands to quiet the crowd once again.


"As we look within, we must also look without. My thoughts are drawn daily to the Midaranye...more so since Duke Joshua published his analysis in the Free Mundus Network. The Kingdom of Seaforth has already established severe sanctions against the Tamoran Empire including freezing of assets. We will now be extending these sanctions to MCUR signatory nations that continue to do business with Tamora without the benefit of a Freestone Mark. Should the Tamoran empire cease to use slaves, The Kingdom of Seaforth is prepared to immediately lift these sanctions and invest in the Tamoran Empire. Similar sanctions now apply to Slava Lavosk until such time it is proven they do not possess or are attempting to develop nuclear weapons. I fully support President Kravec's desire to bring this matter before the General Assembly of the CTO."


"Today Seaforth is strong, in no small part due to the quality of it's friendships and the assistance we have received in our time of need. Today we find ourselves standing not a part of any alliance but on our own. We make treaties and build friendships with nations worthy of our efforts. We join organisations such as the Illumic Council, MICA and the CTO so that our voice may be heard and we can foster relations with those of a similar voice and bridge the gaps with nations who's voice is different. Today I hope to join one more organization. Though we have worked with them before, we have never been a member of the Joint Emergency Team. It is time to change that. I wish Seaforth to give more back to those truly in need. To that end, The Kingdoms of Seaforth will be officially applying for membership in JET. Should that application find acceptance, I will decommission the RSS Aid Ollain in the Seaforth Royal Navy and provide it, it's maintenance and payroll as part of Seaforth's permanent contribution to that organization. Lastly, but certainly not least, it is my pleasure to announce the 'Fill The Boat' campaign. In conjunction with Illumic Shipping and the United Farmers of Seaforth on this Feast Day we will be launching a campaign to fill a bulk carrier with food and supplies destined for Royal Seleucid, Socram and the Celtic Protectorate. The Fill The Boat Campaign website has a list of items desired for donation. Donations of cash will also be accepted and used to purchase undonated items, grain and seed grain."


"My final thoughts for the day are to spend them with your families. Thanks the Gods for the blessing in your lives and offer prayers for those going through difficulties. This feast day I will be praying for my friend King David and my Sword Daughter Princess Rhiannon as they once again face hardship and for the health and well being of all my brothers and sisters in Seaforth."


"The Gods Bless you and keep you safe."

Feast Of Helus in Wellow

At the same time that King Andrew was giving his Feast of Helus Address, as part of his first duties as Governor Of Wellow, Joshua Rhodes participated in the Feast of Helus on the Island Duchy of Wellow. Joined by his son, Josiah Raiden Rhodes, the two preformed several of the rituals. Later, Joshua spoke on his great pleasure to be Governor of Wellow and good he hopes to accomplish here. Joshua's wife Evanthe was in attendance but did not participate as she remains a follower of Rosari.

[Rhodes]

Queen Adriana Military Base Closing Ceremony

To mark the momentous occasion of the closing of Queen Adriana Military Base, King Andrew will be partaking in ceremonies with both his closest ally, King David III of East Moreland and the Empress Beatrice as the final Rokkenjiman personnel perform their own closing ceremonies...a nod to the ghost of the former Tripartite Alliance.

Earlier today at a point in the middle of the Illumic the East Moreland flagship (REMNS King Robert) and Seaforthian carrier RSS Red Crown joined up as part of a show of Illumic Unity. June 1st marks the official closing of the QAMB military base and therefore the first time in around a decade that the Illumic is policed exclusively by forces from Illumic nations. This policy of "Illumic Determination" has been a corner stone of both the reigns of King David and King Joshua Rhodes, and was carried on by his successor King Andrew. In a show of solidarity King David has flown to the King Robert by the Ekrabadger, while King Andrew made a landing on the Red Crown via helicopter. The two took brief tours of their respective vessel before at midday swapping vessels having agreed to be simultanously Highline transfered the two meet midpoint to exchange handshakes before being safely deposited on the opposite deck. The two monarchs then had lunch with the crew of the opposite nations ship. During the early afternoon various dignatries were shuttled out to the ships and a short ceremony held on the deck of the King Robert presided over by High Priestess Skye Maddix.

"We ask Helus and Jekar to bless these ships and all those that now guard the Illumic and the nations that border it. We ask the Gods to grant the men and women of our nations navies bravery to do their duty, wisdom to make the right decisions and a long and happy life. We give thanks to those from Rokkenjima who when our nations stood in isolation policed these waters and wish Helus to give them a safe voyage home. Today we see two nations, devoted to Helus, ready to stand and do what is required to ensure the security and safety of a region and as both nations have shown repeatedly we are more than willing, perfectly capable and equipped to do such a thing."

Both King then gave a short speech, King David saying, "Under the reign of my father we had a navy that while capable was not permitted to venture far from shore, it was what I call a "just in case" navy, driven by paranoia it was bigger than we truly needed while hidden in our isolation.At that time we permitted Rokkenjima to venture into the Illumic to support nations we should have done and that lead to the awkward situation of when I became King and wished us to police our own backyard the Rokkenjimans no longer needed to fulfil the role they had under my father. We have shown repeatedly that we are willing to work with all Illumic nations to make this region one of, if not the, most secure, peaceful and co-operative regions on Mundus. Today that truly can be said that the Illumic is run by the Illumic nations and while the long standing East Moreland and Seaforth patrols and operations shall continue I invite the nations of Zimalia, Cyprix, Valokchia and Heyra to work with us to ensure the spectre of foreign intervention in our homes is never needed again."

It was then King Andrews turn who said. "The Seaforthian and East Moreland navies ten years ago or so allowed outside influences to create an atmosphere and situation in the Illumic that was not of our choosing. Since becoming allies, brothers in arms and brothers in Helus, we have discovered our true strength. Unity. That unity has seen us rid the Illumic of pirates several times, co-operate to keep the USR out of the Illumic on a permanent basis, fight the SCC at sea and possibly most impressively capture an enemy carrier. Our actions show we are people who will protect our yard, we will not allow ourselves to falter in this and today marks a new era in the history of the Illumic. The times of the great garbage fleet are over, today marks the start of the Illumic being run for and by the Illumic totally."


 The two monarchs then signed a joint declaration addressed to Rokkenjima.

Declaration wrote:

 To the People and Government of Rokkenjima

 Today marks the official ending of QAMB. While the more recent years in the Illumic may not have always been the smoothest the region is now in a strong place.

We wish to place on record the respect and admiration we have for all Rokkenjiman sailors who have served in the Illumic through the history of QAMB. While East Moreland and Seaforth grew to what we today are   QAMB fulfilled a significant role in the region but today those sailors may lay down this duty far from home and return to their home waters with our best wishes for a long, peaceful and happy life.

 May the Gods watch over them and their seas be calm.

 King Andrew and King David.

With the first ceremony over, King Andrew took the declaration signed by himself and King David and presented it himself to Empress Beatrice as well as awarding Cross of Valour, Seaforth's highest decoration for valour, to the Rokkenjiman Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in recognition of Rokkenjiman Armed Forces personnel that gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the Illumic. There the King and Empress observed the marshaling out ceremony and the official transition of QAMB to the Seaforth Armed Forces.

There will remain a Rokkenjiman presence on Somerset however. The twin cities of Urakawa and Elpidiana, collectively known as Rishiri, will remain Rokkenjiman under a 100 year lease as per the Treaty

OOC:
 Post mostly done by Dave with slight edit by me.
 Big thanks to Dave for helping me out while I'm still crazy busy

[Rhodes]

Naval Drones Enter Sea Trials

The Royal Navy has moved ahead with sea trials of it's newest innovation, the military application of armed underwater autonomous vehicles. Created by a partnership between several Seaforthian companies, the AUAV currently known as SMX-31, will be fitted to Exodus and Sovereign Class submersibles. The SMX-31 will employ various sensor and detection capabilities including active/passive ability, a towed array, deployable sensor pods and will be equipped with 4 Kestrel submarine launched missiles capable of targeting aircraft, ships and land based targets as well 2 Orca supercavitating torpedos. The SMX-31 will be able to coordinate targeting data with it's mothership and other vessels, fire on a target and allowing the mothership to remain hidden, deploy an active/passive sensor net and act as active/passive countermeasures and mimic the sonar profile of known vessels.

Should sea trials prove to be successful, the Royal Navy has plans to expand the program throughout the navy, including the possibility of commissioning a submersible drone carrier.

Elections Results Are In

The long awaited elections for the provincial legislature have come and gone and left a decidedly conservative mandate. Prior to the return of Seaforth the provincial legislature was fairly balanced with a centralist government and included the two extremes of Kayru Iksur representing the Socialist Party and Major (Ret.) Constantine Brady representing the far right. During The Fall, Kayru Iksur abandoned his post and fled back to his native Slava Lavosk. Major Brady remained and survived The Fall, though he later attempted to secede his Arc-Royal Province from the kingdom. Major Brady was killed during a speech by an unknown sniper from a considerable distance, later calculated and conformed to be 3540m.

Seaforth Province:

Rachael Notley went missing during The Fall. Her replacement nominee in the Loyalist Party (Center-Right), Andrew Scheer, was elected as Premier.

Scotia Province:

The former Premiership of Kayru Iksur, this provinces left was dealt a heavy blow with the election of Loyalist Party Nominee Rachael Harder.

Northumbria Province:

Jim Flaherty crossed the floor to the Progressive Party (Center-Left) and was re-elected largely based on his track record as the longest serving Premier and his personal integrity. Premier Flaherty acknowledged that The Fall had fundamentally changed his worldview and that he would continue to represent his constituents to the best of his ability while serving as the de facto head of the opposition.

Caledonia Province:

Naheed Nenshi of the Loyalist Party was re-elected in a landslide.


Strathcona Province:

Peter McKay of the Loyalist Party fell significantly in the polls from last election and barely managed to hang onto his seat.

Arc-Royal Province:

Though soured by the actions of Major Brady, Arc-Royal stayed true to it's long standing tradition of electing veterans. Loyalist Party Nominee Commander (Ret) Daniel Shaw won the Premiership of Arc-Royal.

[Rhodes]

Volbeat Announces World Tour

Hailing from Somerset, the Seaforthian heavy rock band Volbeat has announced it's going on a World Tour to celebrate the release of their 7th studio albumn Rewind, Replay, Rebound featuring the first single Leviathan. Expected to strike a balance of old favourites and new freshness, Volbeat has inherited the title of "Seaforth's Greatest Band" from former title holders Rage Against The Machine. Guitarist Tom Morello was reached from Glastomundus for  a comment.

"I wish them all the best. It's lonely at the top, but Volbeat is a great band and I'm a huge fan myself. For me personally, I look forward to stepping back a bit. Spending time with my family and spending some time in the studio. No pressure, just creating music and loving life. But, don't worry...there will be a worthy cause soon enough and the world will see us front in and center wherever that is, rebelling as only Seaforth can."

[Rhodes]

King Andrew Censures Clysperis

"Following the recent proclamation by Pharaoh Bektaten the ugly specter of slavery once again rears it's head. Now, not only is the Pharaoh of Clysperis endorsing slavery, but arbitrarily sentencing people to slavery for apparent crimes of their ancestors. These are blatant violations of basic human rights and a gross miscarriage of justice. As a result, The Kingdom of Seaforth requests that Pharaoh Bektaten reconsider her stance. Until such time, The Kingdom of Seaforth shall employ a series of ever-strengthening sanctions against Clysperis and encourage our friends and allies to do likewise. Citizens of Clysperis seeking refuge and asylum from such arbitrary brutality will find aid in any Seaforth embassy, station, mission or enclave and will be placed in a fast track for asylum application and refugee status."

Andrew III
King of Seaforth and the Trojan March

[Rhodes]

Sanctions Lifted

In a speech made early this morning, King Andrew, officially ended the sanctions against Clysperis.

"I am pleased that Pharaoh Bektaten has seen reason. Such egregious crimes against humanity needed to be stood against, and so Seaforth stands. The speed in which Pharaoh Bektaten reversed her decision illustrates the fact that she knew how wrong her stance was from the outset. I am of course saddened that she resorted to insults and slander against the Seaforthian people. The people of Seaforth are not her enemy nor the enemy of her people. Much like a teenager entering adulthood, a nation just recently ending it's isolation will often misstep or offer words designed to incite. I believe this to be the case in Clysperis and will act so. If Pharaoh Bektaten desires a relationship of some kind with Seaforth, we are prepared to move forward in good faith and with an open hand."