Helgara Broadcasting Network (HBN)

[Helgara]

Avatar Hira Chosen As Next God-Emperor

With the 13 months of mourning after the loss of God-Emperor Valik ending last week, the Council of 13 has announced that Avatar Hira will succeed Valik. Hira is one of the youngest of the Avatars, only 23 years old, and only having served on the Council for 6 months before Valik's death. Despite this many are hopeful that Hira will usher in a new age for the nation. Hira is said to be forward thinking and a great compromiser. He has gained a sinister reputation due to being the Avatar of Rage, but his political career has shown him to be anything but. Many political commentators believe that Hira's first push once ascending to the throne will be to seek more international ties. Helgara has mostly chosen to remain neutral and isolationist in the modern era, its only real interaction with its neighbors being the exporting of the rich Helgaran oil and minerals.

The Council of 13 will be traveling to the historical capital of Helgara, Guardian's Rest, next week in order to preform the rituals and purifications for Hira to ascend to God-Emperor. The trip will last 6 days and 7 nights. What exactly these rituals and purifications are is one of the great mysteries of the Church of Crissaar, only the Avatars and the Grand Clerics of Guardian's Rest are allowed to attend and participate in them. Duke Thaine will be joining towards the end of the trip in order to discuss with the new God-Emperor the governance of the Ionia mainland territory.

In addition, the Council has also announced Hira's successor- an unknown Acolyte named Harper Violet. Harper reportedly belongs to the Path of Shadows, just like Hira. Harper is also rumored to have been studying to join the infamous Night Sisters. There has been no word on what the new Ascendant Face of Crissaar will be, and likely there will be none until Hira officially raises Harper to the position of Avatar.   

[Helgara]

Massive Coordinated Nir'Shado Night Bombings Devastate Hamantra

Last night between the hours of 2AM and 4AM over 30 bombs were detonated across the city of Hamantra. The terrorist group known as the Nir'Shado almost immediately took credit. The bombs were of all different makes and sizes, ranging from homemade explosive belts to car bombs, and even a couple of military grade explosives. There are various reports that some of the suicide bombers swore their allegiance to the Nir'Shado before detonating. While the police are investigating, no suspects were arrested, all either successfully fleeing the scene or dying in the blast.

Various new stations received copies of a letter from the Nir'Shado claiming responsibility for the attacks. In the letter the Nir'Shado state that until the traitor Xia is either delivered to the Nir'Shado or executed the attacks will continue. Since Xia's departure from the terrorist group and rejoining the Church of Crissaar, the Nir'Shado have become more violent and reckless in their terror campaign. No doubt these attacks were specifically timed with the Council of 13 in isolation at Guardian's Rest as the new God-Emperor is crowned.

Xia leaving the movement sparked a major shift in Nir'Shado leadership and ideology. Xia was pushing for church and government reforms, mainly focused on what he called the "Helgaran imperial dominance of the Ionia mainland." The new Nir'Shado leaders are a mystery, but seem much more focused on the complete destruction of the Church of Crissaar and the establishment of a new reformed institution in it's place.

Perhaps the two most important targets of these attacks was the Hamantra industrial shipping port and the National Hamantra Oil Refinery. Both are extremely important parts of the Helgaran economy and will have long term economic consequences. While the Council of 13 is unable to act until Hira has ascended, the other Church of Crissaar officials have dispatched a massive number of Blade Masters and Night Sister into the Ionia mainland to work with local law enforcement to hunt down the Nir'Shado. This will likely mark a second wave of increased violence across Ionia, the last one when Xia and the Nir'Shado first made their appearance.

The Nir'Shado are responsible for the bombing last night in Hamantra. These attacks will continue and only increase until our demands are met. Firstly we want the life of the traitor Xia. We do not care how, but if the Church lacks the strength to do it itself, we ask that Xia be given to us so that we may kill him ourselves. Once this is done, a message with the next demand will be given. Until then the Nir'Shado will continue to raise our banners and fight this war. Our soldiers are prepared to give themselves in our holy cause. Our will is unbreakable, we know that Crissaar is watching and has blessed us. Can the pawns of the Church say the same?

With the traitor gone, the Nir'Shado have seen the truth of the duty Crissaar requires of us. The Church of Crissaar is a relic of the past. We see now that reform is not possible. In addition, its role in the imperialist seizer of Ionia is unforgivable. Helgara as a nation must destroy the parasite known as the Church that has sunk it claws and teeth into our weak vulnerable flesh. From the ashes, like a phoenix, a new greater Helgara will rise.

Signed,
The Blood Sisters

[Helgara]

The Matriarchal Order of Black's Ionian Expeditionary Force Begins to Arrive in Ionia

As a combat mission, the Order has traded their black robes for red ones.

Following the decree of the Church of Crissaar, a number of Blade Masters and Night Sisters are set to arrive in Ionia to help deal with the Nir'Shado threat. Today the first of these warriors arrive in the port of Hamantra. The Ionian Expeditionary Force was just created by the Matriarchal Order of Black with the sole purpose of "ensuring Ionia stability and peace." While the Expeditionary Force includes a number of Night Sisters, the majority of the force is support staff- women from the Matriarchal Order, the bloc the Sisters belong to. The Matriarchal Order is one of the most powerful blocs in the Church of Crissaar and is famed for being made up of exclusively women. The majority of the non-combat forces of the Order are from the Harpy and Siren branches. The Harpies' duty is to oversee other members of the Order and ensure that all rules and regulations are followed. Mistress Laurel (pictured above) has been appointed to oversee the entire Matriarchal Order's Ionia mission.

The Sirens are the missionary arm of the Matriarchal Order. Because the Church of Crissaar holds dominance in Helgara, the Sirens have mostly fallen out of use. Many speculators believe that if Avatar Hira truly does open Helgara on the international stage after ascending to the throne, the Sirens will be sent on missionary missions across Mundus. As to why Sirens would be necessary in Ionia, it is likely there are Inquisitors among their ranks. Inquisitors are infamous, it is their duty to wipe out any hearsay. In the past, Inquisitors have favored unsavory tactics to this goal.

A number of young girls are also part of the Matriarchal's Expeditionary Force. Most of these girls are pledged to one of the three sects that are part of the force, and are traveling to observe and learn. When they come-of-age, and pass the necessary trials, they will be admitted to the Order as full-fledged members. Some have called for the removal of children from mission, saying that the Order is putting these girls directly in harm's way. The Nir'Shado have proven they are without moral code or conduct, and many fear they will not hesitate to kill these girls if the opportunity should arise. When Mistress Laurel was asked about this, she responded, "If Crissaar wills it, I will not stand in the way."

[Helgara]

Holy Shakespeare Company's Historic Production of Hamlet Brings In Massive Crowds

The first of the HSC's new series- Hamlet

The Holy Shakespeare Company continues the tradition of one of the most influential Helgaran playwright's William Shakespeare. Despite this the HSC has been facing declining audience sizes, last season for the first time ever they didn't make a net profit on their season. This lead to the old artistic director being fired, and Reese Hightower being hired. While Reese is a veteran actor of the HSC, cast in a handful of productions, he is mostly known for his own production company known as the Ionian Contemporary, noted for its commitment to modern experimental theatre. Reese' announced a hallmark season for the HSC, and each production will feature a new twist. The female-led Hamlet is the first of this new season, and opened this weekend. Hamlet was set to run til the end of September, but has already been extended two more weekend, due to already being completely sold-out. This is already the HSC's most profitable production in recent history, and given the early ticket sales of the shows later in the season, this trend is only set to continue.

Artistic critics are in a bit of a disagreement over the production.The Ionian Artistic Journal said the gender-bending of the titular role has "breathed new life into one of the oldest still produced plays." While the Helgara Observer claimed that "the casting of Hamlet bended, although never truly broke, the story, a bit a little too much at points." Despite this, almost all are in agreement that the production is extremely well done, and as our own Helen Viso, said in her review, "the HSC has stuck gold. This production of Hamlet is a benchmark for what skilled artists are capable of, and once again shows why Helgara is the capital of theatre in Mundus. Reese Hightower has proven that his youth and daring to re-invent the Holy Shakespeare Company are well-placed. And, I for one, am already extremely excited to see the next production."

But not only the high class will get to enjoy Hamlet. Given the finical success, the HSC has announced a number of free performances for entire season that will show to the less finically stable and the youth. In the announcement, Reese stated, "Art is not, and should never be, only for those that can afford it. Our commitment is to support, entertain, and challenge people in all walks of life, be they old, young, rich, poor, Ionian, or Helgaran. With these showings, we hope to inspire a new group of theatre goers, as well as the next generation of artists."

Not everyone is happy though. A number of conservatives are calling for a boycott of the HSC, mostly focused on the fact that Reese is a trans man. Despite this, the boycott has gained little traction. The Church's acceptance of transgender issues has made Helgara one of the forerunners when it comes to trans rights. As Avatar Octavia has said many times, "The gender-fluidity of Crissaar is well-documented, and celebrated. Why should we as a nation not celebrate individuals who, are not only living their most authentic lives, but also are following in the footsteps of the most holy? Helgara as a nation has already fought these issues, and the acceptance of Crissaar is clear."

The next show of the HSC's season is Julius Caesar. The production will not feature a single HSC company member, and is instead a co-production with the Native Ionian Theatre Institute (NITI), known for it's commitment to casting and telling the stories of the Native Ionians.

[Helgara]

First Major Shake-up of God-Emperor Hira's reign

Avatar Octavia Announces Massive Increase In Oversee Church Presence

Last night, Avatar Octavia held a press conference in the Court of Blades. The press conference was called to outline the first of the what the government is calling the New Order. Octavia explained vaguely that the New Order was the God-Emperor's promise to reform the Church of Crissaar and expand its international presence. She promised that in the coming days more information about the New Order would be detailed, but that the first of these would be what is being termed the Mundus Salvation- a massive increase in missionaries overseas.

Avatar Octavia was chosen to oversee this new effort due to her own missionary work in addition to her close relationship with the Matriarchal Order of Black. She will work as the go between the Order and the God-Emperor to ensure that his will is carefully followed. The Sirens being chosen to undertake this historic assignment are the best of the Order. In addition the Order is beginning a new wave of Proselytizer recruitment- non-church members that participate in missionary work. Proselytizers have mostly fallen out of use, but the Church is hoping that the promise of seeing Mundus will entice young and passionate believers.

With the Ascension of a new God, the Hallowed Dominion of Crissaar enters a new age. Our God, Hira, has been appointed by Crissaar to lead us. It is Crissaar's will that this new age of the Dominion not only by symbolic, but come with great change. A New Order shall rise in the Church of Crissaar.

The Church is facing new crisis and obstacles. The resurgence of the Nir'Shado shows that the age of peace our nation has enjoyed is threatened by heretics. The time of division between Helgara and the Ionia mainland must come to an end. And blasphemy must be wiped out. Already Church members have been dispatched to deal with the Nir'Shado, and these Blood Sisters that lead them. It is true that Inquisitors have also been sent to Ionia. But true believers of Crissaar have no need to fear, it is only the heretics that should worry. This heresy will be wiped out, and the Nir'Shado will once again take their rightful place, in history books.   

Our God-Emperor has spoken, and by the end of his reign, the Dominion shall be a leader in the international community, willing to work alongside our neighbors. We are all children of Mundus, and it is long past time that we acted like it. For too long have Crissaar's chosen hide themselves from the world. For too long have we ignored the troubles outside our borders. No longer. If the Church does not adapt to the modern world, it will die.

For too long have the Helgarans hoarded our place as Crissaar's chosen people. This will no longer be true. Our Sirens shall travel to every corner of Mundus to ensure that word of Crissaar is heard far and wide. It is time the world turned to the Black Prison and bowed to the most holy. Our Emperor, in his infinite wisdom, has chosen me to lead this new effort. This will be the first of the New Order. Alongside the Matriarchal Order of Black, I will ensure that the sight of our robed missionaries is commonplace in every nation.

The wheels of time are spinning and our God has spoken. The old Church will burn to light our prayer fires, and from it's hallowed remains, a New Order rises.