I will go ahead and be the first to start. I joined TIO almost five years ago by Dave’s invitation and only care about the RPing aspect of the region. I wasn’t even aware for most of my time in TIO that the region had a government or something. Since I care almost exclusively about RPing it is why I generally leave the forum/Discord sever if I am no longer interested in RPing.

I personally see RPing somewhat like a simulation. By that I mean that i lay out the nation and then I try to think how would people in that nation react to (international) events, how they would interpret them (via their biases and their personal agendas) and how would they be affected by events. I obviously have my personal biases but that is usually the starting position when writing posts. I always enjoy fleshing out different organizations and characters not related to the government of the nationt.  I like my nation to be more organic and fleshed out rather than be represented only by a couple of government characters.

I also (usually) make an effort to write posts in a way or about stuff that is also interesting to at least one other player. So I generally stay away from posts that don’t reference any current or past international events, reference other player nations or that do not provide at least a hook for other players. It also why I make an effort to add hyperlinks to my post that reference other players work. This goes in line with my philosophy that RPing is not a single player game so to speak.

Oh yeah, and I enjoy nations that just like in RL have political systems which are flawed to say the least and have different issues ranging from poverty, totalitarianism, historical grievances etc. I stay away from utopian nations.

As far as questions go, I will ask Beatrice the following:

1.   How would you describe the present day situation of TIO in terms or RPing activity (number of posts, threads started, new members joining etc) ?
2.   How would you describe the present relation between members? Do you think TIO is in a better position than during the events of last year ( by the events of last year I mean those here https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=2611.0 )
3.   Do you feel that something should be done to improve the current state of affairs (TIO RPIng activity and relations between players) or are you pleased with how things are going?
4.   As a RPer do you have any grievances when it comes to RPing in TIO and with TIO members? Does anything bother you or are you generally pleased? 
5.   How do you see RPing and TIO? Is it a discord community with an optional forum for RPing, a community of RPers that also have a discord server or something else?

Thanks in advance.   

Name: Elbrus Mountains Classic
Location: Holy Kingdom of Samantra
Gender: Both
Season: Winter
Terrain: Mountainous region
More info: -

Samantra supports the application.

Team name: Sebastian's
Nation: Joint Zaporozh and Samantra
Gender: Men
Riders: (Name of the riders, six riders per team - see above category)
1. Fedot Smirnov (Z)
2. Vadik Kovalchuk (Z)
3. Kyrylo Sokolov (Z)
4. Yuli Melnik (S)
5. Dima Bogdanov (S)
6. Aleksandr Borisov (S)

---

Team name: Sebastian's
Nation: Joint Zaporozh and Samantra
Gender: Womens
Riders: (Name of the riders, six riders per team - see above category)
1. Vladyslava Yakovlev (S)
2. Olha Mikhailov (S)
3. Patritsiya Sobol (S)
4. Vitaliya Vinogradov (Z)
5. Praskovya Sobol (Z)
6. Uliana Utkin (Z)

If I understand correctly, we need to specify which are under 25. So for Samantra it's Aleksandr Borisov ( man) and Patritsiya Sobol.

From: Anton Balabanov, CEO of Rus’ International Bank

To: To Whom It May Concern representing the financial interests of Mrs. Son Ji-hye

    I am writing on behalf of Rus’ International Bank (RIB), the largest financial institution in the Holy Kingdom of Samantra. RIB has been a leader in banking services in Samantra for more than a decade, has a presence in the kingdom of Clysperis and is listed on the Petrograd Stock Exchange (PSE).

   We offer our clients a wide range of services including wealth management for ultra-high net individuals. Mrs. Son Ji-hye is not just the richest individual in the Djabidjan Republic but also one of the richest on the Ardian continent and as such we believe she would be a good fit for the services we provide and I like to see if we can arrangement a meeting, in the Republic, the Holy Kingdom or any other third country, to talk more at length about what services we can provide for Mrs. Son Ji-hye and the potential partnership we might engage in. I know Mrs. Son Ji-hye is the CEO of Djabidjan Investment Fund and a member of the national government's advisory board on finance and economic affairs so I believe we have common interests.

   I look forward to your reply.

Yours respectfully,
Anton Balabanov
CEO of Rus’ International Bank 

Addressed to: Her Holiness Reverend Mother Erin McGregor
From: His Holiness Alexy, Patriarch of Rus and all the Slavs


I would like to begin by expressing much belated congratulations for emerging victorious in your righteous struggle against the godless forces of Soviet communism. The faithful of Samantra saw your struggle as one of David against Goliath and eventually the whole of Mundus saw that your forces emerged victorious regardless of the might the Soviets pushed against you.

I do not presume to know the Lord’s plans nor do I claim that I always understand His will but what I do understand is that the foundation on which your people have won a great struggle against the Soviets is your faith, the faith that your lead. A religious leader who has played such a great role in fighting Soviet communism is worthy not just of respect from the Holy Kingdom but I dare say the whole of Mundus.

I understand your nation is taking its first steps in the long process to rebuild it and while you already have other great partners, like the Kingdom of Chistopol, to help you in your journey I nevertheless would like to invite you for talks in Novyy Rim, the spiritual capital of the Holy Kingdom, to see how we can work together for betterment of our flocks here and in the afterlife.

May the Lord bless your brave people!
Alexy
Patriarch of Rus and all the Slavs

The President of the Duma, Yeva Litvin, extended a formal invitation to the Nisavan House of Barons to hold a joint session. Should the legislature of the Kingdom of Nis accept the invitation, it will be the first time since end of the monarchy and the emergence of the Holy Kingdom when the state Duma holds a joint session with the a foreign legislature.

The formal invitation mentions among others:

“The state Duma of the Holy Kingdom of Samantra has entrusted me to formally invite the honorable members of the House of Barons to Petrograd to hold a joint session about the issues concerning both our nations, to learn and understand about the legislative processes of each other’s nations and to exchange information so that we may better serve the Lord and our peoples.”
 
According to press office of the Duma, should the Nissavan counterparts agree, among the issues discussed between the members of the two legislature are: cross border cooperation, environmental issues regarding the Rus’s sea (ooc: Rodinian sea) and regional issues regarding the Rus’s sea countries.





Following the ratification of the Emerald Concord, the bilateral treaty with Nis, which provides for cultural exchange programs between the two nations, Samantran universities have been quick to make arrangements so that Samantran students have the opportunity to study in Nis. The spokesman for the Royal University of Petrograd, the first to take advantage of the program, has said that the student demand was high with many students citing cultural and religious affinities as main reasons for wanting to study in Nis. Other cited reasons were affordability since prices in Nis tend to be lower than in Petrograd.

Other universities in the nation have announced that they will soon offer the same opportunities to their students to study in Nis and are making preparations to receive students from Nis.

I am impressed by the size of your planned investments and the Holy Kingdom would like see those investments come to fruition. I firmly believe Samantra is a market that provides opportunities and adequately rewards investors for their commitments. The Holy Kingdom aims to become the most competitive and developed market in the Rus’ world and having Abstergo as partner will help towards that goal. 

That being said, the will of the people of Samantra, as expressed by the Duma, is a decision the executive is bound to respect and implement. Of course, Abstergo can, like any other company, make the case to members of the Duma. Our legislature values dialogue, exchange of ideas and consensus decisions. I believe the legislative proposals submitted by our banks are reasonable and are not hampering competition on the Samantran market but I understand your perspective. My office can provide support should you choose to present your case to the members Duma.

I propose that a member of our staff meet with one of your representatives to talk at length about the needs, both spiritual and material, of various local communities and how Abstergo can use its expertise and fundraising ability to help those communities for the betterment of all sides. (OOC: that meeting will not be role-played).
 
Respectfully yours,
Stas Petrov
Minister for Trade, Economy and Finance


OOC: Please confirm (here or via PM) that the objective of the Abstergo lobbying is to kill the “data bill” and also please provide an approximate amount for funds used in the lobbying process. I will factor that in and write a newspost this weekend (unless RL happens, of course) about the outcome.     

I have just finished the meeting with representatives of our largest banks where we discussed their legitimate concerns regarding Abstergo’s entry into the Samantran market.

As Minister for Trade, Economy and Finance it is my job to mediate conflicting interests in the economic sphere, to listen and identify where competition might be stifled, to help foster the conditions for fair competition so that all parties, companies and consumers, stand to gain. The financial sector is one of the most important sectors of the Samantran economy employing around half a million people and naturally the concerns they express must be listened to by me and the administration I serve. However, it is also my job to represent the interests of foreign companies that invest in the holy kingdom. During the talks I explained that current Samantran legislation allows for companies such as the one you represent to invest in the holy kingdom and that the government has no intention of blocking your investment by invoking national security laws. I also explained that, in the future, should Abstergo gain a large enough share in Samantra, it will most likely come under scrutiny of antitrust regulations but that I have every confidence that our financial sector will be able to compete so that that point is never reached. Lastly, on the issue of Samantran data remaining in Samantra, I have not been able to convince bank representatives that a gentlemen’s agreement with Abstergo will suffice and they have said they will lobby the Duma to have the “100% of Samantran data remain in Samantra” become the law of the land. Lobbying is a legal and regulated activity in Samantra and it is my assessment that their proposal will be adopted by the Duma with or without my consent. The legislature is the supreme branch of the secular government and the secular executive cannot override it. I am sure you understand that since the First Empire has a strong democratic tradition.

Should you have any question or any other feedback please feel free to contact my office. I wish Abstergo the best in its endeavors in Samantra and Mundus in general.   

Respectfully yours,
Stas Petrov
Minister for Trade, Economy and Finance

Umarov Real Estate Trust (URET), company listed on the Petrograd Stock Exchange (PSE), issues the following public statement to its shareholders:

We will like to inform our shareholders that we have reached an agreement with local authorities in Tartu, the kingdom of Chistopol for building a residential complex in the city of Tartu. The investment worth an estimated 100 million roubles/USD  will see the construction of a neighborhood developed over 2 hectares of land which will provide 15 thousand square meters of office space, 63 thousand square meters of living space in 850 apartments, underground parking and over 6 thousand square meters of green space. The tallest building will have 20 floors (aside from the ground floor).

The investment will benefit the local community as the project will be built on the site of a former soviet industrial complex with URET being responsible of removing the damaging pollutants in the area. We estimate the total construction time to be less than 18 months without taking into consideration the time allocated for the necessary permits from the local authorities and the central government.

We are excited for this opportunity and look forward to completing the project for the benefit of our clients, shareholders and the local community in Tartu.   

Following the inflammatory statements made by the Clysperi Queen which attacked the faith of Emir Sulaiman Samar El-Amin and the Abrahamic faiths in general by implying they are a thousand years behind in terms of morality, the Oak Palace has announced they are recalling his Excellency Ambassador Yuli Isaev to Petrograd to brief him on the change of policy regarding the kingdom of Clysperis. Recalling an ambassador is a rare gesture used by the Samantran secular government to show a high degree of discontent over the actions of the host country. The move is symbolic as diplomatic activity continues in the embassy as before.

According to sources the Oak Palace shares the discontent of the Samantran public and is furious that after supporting alongside the Kingdom of Nis the Clysperi bid, it has seen the Christian faith snubbed in such a manner by the Clysperi Queen. 
 



The Duma has ratified the Emerald Concord, the bilateral treaty with the kingdom of Nis. The treaty formalizes the good relations between the two countries and opens the door for future cooperation in the future.
The agreement touches many aspects but the main ones are:

-lowering tariffs between the two nations
-the merger between of the two nations’ national railways to create a regional player Nissam Railway Company
- an agreement to construct the Nemanjić/Vladmir the Great Bridge across the Emerald Strait
- cultural student exchange programs between the universities of the two nations
- Kingdom of Nis will join the Holy Kingdom as founding member of the Institute for the Desovietization of the Rodinian Sea Countries
- Joint patrols of the Emerald Strait

Already representatives of the trade union of Samatran National Railways ( SNR) have raised concerns over the merger fearing potential layoffs as a result of the merger. Stas Petrov Minister for trade, economy and finance has announced that he will be meeting with the leadership of SNR and representatives of the trade union for talks and gave public assurances that no layoffs have been discussed.
The Nemanjić/Vladmir the Great Bridge project which is projected to cost 20 billion roubles/USD over the course of a decade was perhaps the biggest surprise of the agreement. The massive project will be a boon for the construction sector creating thousands of jobs and once completed will create greater integration between the two countries.

The treaty by the Duma was ratified 90-10 with large bipartisan support.
   

Maria smiled at the comment about Rus’ being strong:

“A glass of Lodjain Вон-Романи, Искар области, would be great. It’s only fair to the Lodjans that I also try it” she added jokingly.

Maria was amused about the calculations Anginer made about the bridge and its economic viability:

“The economic viability of the bridge is a secondary concern. Its purpose is to please the public, to show them that Samantra is in a position to build things that mirror the great wonders of the Rus’ Empire” and <<to win reelection>> she said to herself. “As a politician you have to consider more than mere economic concerns. I am sure you understand that.

It also creates opportunities for cooperation.  Since you mentioned funding, we are interested in raising funds from as many sources as possible. We need 10 billion roubles/USD for just our half of the bridge. It is the concern of our northern neighbors to raise funds for the other half. So if Heyran financial institutions are willing to provide part of the funding that is something we can work out. “

Maria decided to take the opportunity to provide an update on where they stood from Samantra’s perspective:

“A lot has changed since our last meeting. We have seen investments in Samantra from individuals associated with Heyra, we have received support for the Dezovietization Institute and many other initiatives but more importantly the economic and ideological jihad the Rokkenjimans have launched against us have made our government rethink its priorities.  We suspect that the Unholy Empire (ooc: Achkaerin) is behind the bizarre decisions of the Rokkenjiman government but we have no proof of that and in the end it does not matter. What matters is that we seem to have a common adversary just as we did in the Great War Era and it would be unwise for us to not close ranks in the face of a common threat.

So for our part there is willingness to cooperate to see the threat contained.”

Maria gave time to Anginer to reply before addressing another concern that the Samantran government had:

“Allow me to address this head on and save time. What can you tell me about Elysium and slavery that I cannot already find in previous public addresses? I don’t think there is any doubt that in the future this topic will come under international scrutiny again and the Samantran government wants to know more regarding the matter.” 

“I am glad we are on the same side then” said Yeva while smiling. “I think cooperation on the matter between our two agencies is in our mutual interest so please do, Your Majesty”

“Your dedication to the faith is exemplary, Your Majesty.  When you succeed, because I have no doubt that will happen, Samantra will gladly join Nis in the effort.”

With that the Samantran delegation was done with their agenda.

OOC: I have covered everything I had for the meeting. If there is anything else we can continue otherwise it’s one more RP you completed, Geo.   

Addressed to: President Iseri Norio
From: Stas Petrov Minister for Trade, Economy and Finance


   Please allow me to begin by thanking you for your interest to invest in Samantra. As minister for trade, economy and finance my first concern is to foster a climate where business can be conducted in a manner that is as little affected as possible by non-financial aspects.

   The Samantran government is pleased that the Rokkenjiman government has decide to remove restrictions on Rokkenjiman companies to invest in the Holy Kingdom. We believe it is a decision that is in the interest of both countries.

   Abstergo is a conglomerate whose size and connections to the Rokkenjiman government creates concerns for us. We have large companies in the Holy Kingdom but none in the range of 900 billion roubles/USD. And to my understanding that is just one branch or division of your huge conglomerate. That level of success if of course something to admire and aspire to but it is also reason of concern that competition would be harmed by the sheer size of the company and presumed advantage of having the Royal Family of Rokkenjima as a major shareholder. Samantran laws on the matter are very strict and safeguard that business interests remain subservient to the Samantran public and its government. Therefore having such a massive corporation entering our market, it having access to sensible data (financial transactions etc) and its obvious connections to the Anselmo Royal Family is something we would rather avoid. The Samantran laws as they stand cannot stop you from entering the market and our government will not deny your company access for national security concerns because we do not wish to jeopardize the efforts made by both Her Highness Princess Kyōko and Holy Kingdom to mend relations. That being said, we strongly recommend that to find a local partner in Samantra for a joint venture or joint ownership with a specific agreement for sensitive data to be stored in Samantra. I remain available and willing to provide such partners should you so desire. 
     
    For the establishment of an assembly line to produce Abstergo electronics we have no concerns and can even recommend a great site for investment - the port city of Lirom which will provide you great access to the Karifan Ocean, a skilled work force and a local government that is fully committed to a pro-business agenda. The city has an industrial park which still has room for further facilities. Companies that open manufacturing facilities in the industrial park have the following facilities: no property tax and licensing fees for any needed permits. The law states that these facilities have to be given for a minimum of ten years afterward it is for the local government to decide whether to extend them or not. Furthermore, companies in Samantra pay a flat tax on profits of 16% but are able to deduct any losses they incur at the end of the fiscal from the profits of the next seven years. Any reinvested profit is not taxed. The city already has seen investment by Lodja via Samantra Electronic Manufacture which produces chips, processing units, semiconductors, circuits and processors. That allows you to use them as a supplier as they would be based in the same city. Of course, the decision is yours to make according to your needs.

   Please note that Samantra has a strong trade union culture and as such, employees at the manufacturing facility will likely unionize. While negotiations will not involve the Samantran government you will most likely have to provide the following benefits to employees: lump sum bonuses for Christmas and Easter, 5 days paid vacation days for events like: marriage, death of a close relative, the equivalent one month’s average wage for such events as well as a minimum wage for the company employees. That is above what the national laws require. Furthermore, you might perhaps be aware that Samantra has signed and will soon ratify the Abrahamic Declaration of Rights. While in Samantra we respect the opinion of companies including foreign owned ones about Samantra’s laws protecting and preserving the moral fabric of society, we expect them to express them only when asked by the government.   

   Please let me know of your decision or if you need further information.
Respectfully yours,
Stas Petrov
Minister for Trade, Economy and Finance