«12. . .8,1678,1688,1698,1708,1718,1728,173. . .8,2698,270»
To Mr. Arne Grenville
It is with great regret that the Palatinate looks upon the chaos and violence in Talarus with growing concern. It is the utmost hope of Her Excellency, Palatine Honoriæ Demetriou, that the Palatinate can help to quicken the end to the senseless conflict that has emerged in the wake of the demise of it's wicked dictator. For this, the Palatinate seeks an ally in the mighty Empire of Artarum in aiding an appropriate faction or factions in ensuring a swift victory. It is the utmost hope that the Palatinate and the Empire can come together in cooperation for a united goal in order to ensure greater friendship in the future. The Palatinate, likewise, wishes to see peace and stability returned to the great nation of Talarus in the earnest hopes that ensures stronger ties with the international community for the sake of it's own prosperity and the betterment of it's people. Her Excellency, therefor, wishes to encourage a joint-effort to ensure that only an open-minded regime friendly to the world at large shall take the reigns of the Rushen future.
It is with earnest hope that we can procure a strong relationship between our nations while also securing a greater livelihood for the Rushen people to the benefit of all.
With regards,
Kæssindria Inatoliou
Mistress of the Exterior
Grossschwaben and Artarum
"I guess we can start with a national hero." Sonre said, leading the foreign monarch over to a grouping of veradacian military brass. "Colonel N'sul." she stated confidently. A man turned sharply to face the two, bowing to the Deputy Prime Minister and Honoriae.
"To what do I owe the honor, madame?" N'sul was a large, imposing figure, formed by military training and dreadful combat. He had a somber air around him. And in the tradition of actively serving military commanders of Veradax, he wore his hair long and tied up in the traditional manner.
"I'd like you to meet one of our guests here tonight, Palatine Honoriae of Umbraen." Sonre said, gesturing to the drow noble.
N'sul bowed again. "It is an honor. I am Colonel Thaddeus N'sul, formerly of the 23rd Brigade of the Veradacian Army, we where known as the Burrowers before the war."
Sonre explained "The Colonel served during the Last Crusade of Hate, his unit was instrumental in repelling the invading forces during the Battle of Xoysa. Serving as a Lieutenant Colonel, N'sul led his men and combat engineers and defended a key point while severely outnumbered, and payed dearly. Most of the unit was killed."
N'sul nodded solemnly. "The 31st armored brigade managed to back us up, we were lucky to make it out at all, almost the entire brigade dead or wounded."
"They were all awarded for their valor, especially the Colonel, who saved several wounded soldiers at great personal risk." Sonre continued.
"Any of my men would've done the same." N'sul responded dutifully.
Sonre looked over to her guest. "Sorry, that was rude of me, didn't give you a chance to speak." it was an actual apology. The Colonel was watching with a certain degree of interest, it was clear he had heard about the Palatine, but wanted to see what she was like himself.
To Ms Inatoliou,
The Artarumen Empire observes the ongoing turmoil and chaos in Talarus with an equal concern as Umbræn. It is indeed distressing that a country should fall to such chaos, and risk not only disrupting its own way of life, economy, and security, but also that of the world at large, were certain factions to end up dominating the country in the end. Therefore, we are in concurrance that something must be done to secure a stable and reliable order in Talarus for the sake of the future.
It is the Empire's belief that a liberal democratic order being established in Talarus would be most conducive to both regional stability and world peace. To that end, it is the priority of the Empire, for the time being, to ensure that the democratic factions in Talarus are sustained, through both institutional means and non-institutional means. While we are hesitant to recognise one of the factions as the official body governing Talarus at this time due to the uncertain circumstances, incorporating a unified, liberal democratic claimant to the government into the international institutional framework we are creating would both legitimise their existence, and open additional pathways to assistance which need not be military.
The Artarumen Empire is hesitant to apply armed force to the conflict at this moment, however, we are certainly open to various means of support, such as financial and economic aid to the areas controlled by the liberal democratic factions. The Empire will continue to observe the situation, and act accordingly, but it should be made it clear that Umbræn's support is greatly welcomed, appreciated, and helpful. Therefore, in what we can consider a reciprocation of Umbræn's approach, the Artarumen Empire will consistently endeavour to work in unison with and co-operate with Umbræn throughout this process. It is our dearest hope that by gathering a coalition of like-minded countries, Talarus can be saved from the grips of tyranny and darkness by the forces of freedom and light.
Regards,
Anthony Bishop
Prime Minister
Grossschwaben and Umbraen
"My question to you, Mr Speaker, is why the Prime Minister sees it fit to respond to foreign correspondance, especially regarding such an important topic which I am better advised to not mention in a public session of this Parliament, without consulting his Cabinet members? How can he step into the territory of the Foreign Secretary and think that there will be no consequences from such?"
The Labour MP's in the House of Commons cheered and booed in combination as Arne Grenville, their leader, lambasted the Prime Minister on his response to Umbraen. The National Coalition group, already a practical rump group as half the MP's had rebelled against their leader, could not put forth an effective response to the Labour deputies. Grenville continued.
"This is but one of the incompetencies and overreaches of the Prime Minister, Mr Speaker. Therefore, we cannot, in good faith, remain in coalition with Mr Bishop and National Coalition. To that end, I shall be calling for a motion of no confidence in this government, and leave it to the Artarumen people to decide if they wish to continue with this incompetence for the next five years, or to elect a government which will be responsible, which will not entangle us in foreign affairs, and one that will put the interests of its citizens as opposed to other peoples' to the forefront."
"Mr Grenville, for the purposes of clarity, is that a motion for a vote of no confidence?"
"Yes, Mr Speaker, a motion for a vote of no confidence in the government."
"Very well. Those who are confident of the government?"
Some hands shot up, with a somewhat muted shouts of "aye" and "yea".
"And those who are not confident of the government?"
This time, an onslaught of booing and heckling arose, with the occasional "nay" and "no" being audible through the cacophony, with a considerable number of National Coalition MP's joining the "no" vote.
"The 'no's have it!"
Anthony Bishop sank back in his seat, groaning silently. He would need to tender his resignation to the Emperor, then, being granted the honour of being, possibly, the most ineffectual Prime Minister of the Empire. Grenville no doubt was eager to increase his seats in Parliament through an early election, but was he accounting for the geometrically growing popularity of Lambert Faulkner and his National Party? As the MP's began to file out of the chamber, Bishop remained seated, the stress of the last few months evident on his face.
Intervention in Talarus
Shortly after the silence in Talarus passed and the many claimants in the power vacuum made themselves known to the wide, wide world, the Swabian Ministry of Foreign Relations would open communications with the Rushen Reykh in Glavnigrad, sending the following message:
To the esteemed Marshal Vasily Yegorov,
It has come to his majesty's attention, that the late Fyurer, Sergey Nevsky, has passed away. In the name of his majesty, we offer our condolences for your nation's loss. We mourn his passing just as much as you do.
However, it has also come to his majesty's attention, that there are elements within Talarus which do not share our grief but instead appear to be intent on spitting on the late Fyurer's image and destroying all he has worked to achieve. Filthy reds, undisciplined, uneducated, unorganized. Weakly, cowtowing liberals and democrats who would only lead Talarus into an age of servitude to other, greater powers. And even monarchists, proclaiming their divine right to rule as though secularisation has been undone yet again.
Both his majesty and the late Fyurer knew just how important it was for the stability of a nation and her people, to keep the power within the hands of a few select, trustworthy and strong-willed individuals. Men and women whose loyalty to the cause was unquestionable and whose ability to maintain order was absolute. Both his majesty and the late Fyurer understood perfectly the necessity of sacrifices to maintain such order, the necessity to weed out the weak, the impure and the illoyal. However, it is an endless battle against these foes and it seems the Fyurer has lost his life before achieving victory and now these rebellious elements dare to tear the rusheni nation apart!
Recognizing that letting this rebellion take hold could seriously destabilize the world and wishing to return to the previous status of stability, as well as intending to ensure that no unwelcome precedent of the disposal and replacement of strong regimes in favour of spineless, democratic vassals exists, his majesty thus offers the Rushen Reykh full support, diplomatically in the form of Grosschwäbisches backing on the world stage, economically in the form of arms and machinery shipments and militarily in the form of volunteers and advisors.
In order to specify the quantities of the Grand Duchy's involvement in this civil war as well as the Reykh's gratitude, we of the Ministry of Foreign Relations would very much like to send a diplomat to negotiate and conclude a formal treaty between our respective states.
Sincerely.
Minister of Foreign Relations
Baron Friedrich zu Ulm
"Not a problem!" Honoriæ stated happily. The Palatine turned to the colonel. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Colonel. Your tale of heroism is surely an inspiration to your people. I applaud your courage and tenacity. Sometimes just a single soldier is enough to turn the tide of a battle. You do your country proud, I am sure." she did a slight curtsy. These weren't empty platitudes, either. Honoriæ was genuinely impressed by war heroes. She could always respect someone who fought for what they believed in.
'The Decree Against Carytonism'
The existence of the broadcast came as some surprise to the Reisch government, who had up until now been content with being selectively oblivious to the Gospel Church and allowing relations with the Spiritual Republic to be more or less cordial, the Ministry of Truth having selectively portrayed them as spiritual and political allies of Germania when necessary. However, with the broadcast coinciding with the annual convening of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Welthauptstadt Berlin, the matter of the Gospel Church had been put to the fore under circumstances the government might have otherwise been more willing to ignore. With thirty regional members in attendance along with twenty-seven canon lawyers and thirty-five lay theologians, and overseen by the Congress of Cardinals and His Imperial Majesty, new laws were promulgated that strengthened the position of the Imperial Church against what it termed as 'Carytonism', a unanimous condemnation against the nontrinitarianism of the Gospel Church as well what it believes to be wrongfully given divine honor to Cary. This was further reinforced by an invocation of 'Imperial infallibility' by Reinhardt von Witzland, declaring 'Carytonism' as a form of heresy; the reasons given were listed in a question-and-answer format in the official gazette of the Imperial Church. Listed was the following:
"I. Is it licit to join or show favor to the Gospel Church of Caryton? - No.
II. Is it licit to publish, distribute, or read publications that support the Gospel Church of Caryton, or to write for them? - No.
III. May Christians who knowingly and freely commit the acts in parts I and II be given the sacraments? - No.
IV. Do Christians who profess, defend or promote Carytonism incur the penalty of excommunication as apostates from the Christian faith, with the penalty reserved so that it may only be lifted by the Imperial Church? - Yes."
The theocratic nature of the ruling government meant that the decree effectively proscribed the Gospel Church as illegal within the boundaries of the Holy Reisch. Overnight, diplomatic channels had become eerily quiet and it was safe to say that -- whilst the Spiritual Republic had not been directly targeted in any official response -- relations were on very thin ice right now. The Ministry of Truth was ready at anytime to whip the people up into a frenzy if no corrections were immediately made.
Grossschwaben, Artarum, Spiritual Republic of Caryton, and Zhongwangguo
"It is the duty of a soldier madame, a somber one that leaves it's mark on you." He pulled up the sleeve of his dress uniform and revealed a pale blue line snaking around his arm. It blended in fairly well, yet was distinct enough to spot. Small lines, like spines, extended from the line on both sides at even intervals. One side was pale green, the other pale orange. Sometimes there were more green than orange, other times, more orange than red. They were only interrupted by a jade green triangle, or a small red square. Though they were unevenly placed. And the pale blue line began just below the wrist with the black outline of a pentagon . "As a military commander I have certain traditions to observe and responsibilities. The marks have been around for as long as the nation itself, steeped in Alynite tradition." N'sul hide his arm beneath his sleeve again, undoubtably the marks extended up the entirety of his arm. "I shall delay you two ladies no further, I'm sure you have matters to attend to that should not be impeded by a lowly Colonel."
Sonre was looking a bit down herself. "Military men can get like this, though N'sul's been through more than most. He's handling it pretty well." she remarked. "We could pay a visit to one of the alynites, or rather, one of the more devout servicemen if you want to know the deeper meaning of N'sul's tattoos. I'm not even completely sure as to what they are, the military doesn't openly advertise their traditions."
The Palatine brought a hand to her chin as she pondered the Prime Minister's suggestion. "Why not both? A chance to learn should never be passed up." Honoriæ said, again gesturing for Sonre to lead the way. "Out of personal preference, I'd like to investigate the Alynites first. I am eager to learn more about your native religion."
She took a sip of her drink. "Well, I think one of Azahar's Priests will work. They should know, priests of the knowledge god and all." It took a few minutes, but they were able to find one such Alynite. An elderly man in simple robes, a man who had devoted his whole life to the spiritual world. In other words, a monk.
"Ah, Ms. Sonre, what brings you here?" he remarked, separating himself from the few drow he had been talking with previously.
Sonre was quick to answer. "My friend here was interesting in the tattoos worn on the arms of military commanders, we were hoping you could help us as we knew it originates from Alynite faith."
The old monk gave a kindly smile. "You've come to the right place, I do know the purpose of the marks." He cleared his throat and the background noise seemed to dim. "The art of combat itself is firmly the domain of Kovros. However, the great god Azahar holds dominion over planning, strategy, and military intelligence. From this we derive the basis of the traditions, only military commanders are bound by them. Generals and commanders do not cut their hair while on active duty as a sign of how long they have served, in the days of Eldisis it more firmly represented the time spent away from the household. Though, the tattoos are another story. They are a physical reminder of the burdens commanders carry, for all to see. There is one blue coil around each arm, each beginning with the black pentagon. The pentagon represents the five dieties of warfare, Kovros, Thipiar, Azahar, Cenaxis, and Alyna herself. The blue lines, the strength and will of the warrior bearing them. After each battle was completed, and the dead and wounded tallied, perpendicular bars will be added to either side, pale green on the left side for casualties, and pale orange on the right for the fallen. The jade triangle is added at the top of the new rows of bars if the outcome was victory, the triangle represents the three dieties Azahar, Kovros, and Thipiar. The red square is added if it was a defeat, the square representing the same three dieties as before, but with the edition of Cenaxis. For an army in retreat can only hope that she will take care of their dead. Once there is no more space on the spirals, traditionally the commander retires as the spirals also represent the maximum burden one man can be made to undertake. They are sacred monuments to fallen warriors, and it is the highest of sacrilege to copy them. It makes a mockery of the commander's burden and of those lost in the field of battle. In the days of Eldisis, it was common for commanders to personally execute anyone that copied the spirals."
The monk paused for a few moments. "Sadly, this particular tradition seems to be falling out of favor. Fewer commanders elect to follow it, and most that do are Alynites. Never the less, it is part of our culture. It is said that Azahar himself burned the blue coils into the arms of the first Eldian General, and gave him the knowledge to use the system."
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Emperor dissolves Imperial Parliament upon request of Prime Minister, elections scheduled for 29th October 2020
LIUDAN — Prime Minister Anthony Bishop formally requested His Imperial Majesty Lothar I to dissolve the Imperial Parliament as he could not secure the confidence of the House of Commons, and no other person within the chamber could be nominated for a majority, with Union leader Sigismund Hirdman falling short of the necessary 326 votes by 27 votes. The five-week campaigning process is slated to begin, and the parties are gearing up for a new election where the voters are likely to be suffering from voter fatigue.
Mr Bishop had no comments, but insider sources within National Coalition are indicating that the party is fracturing, with numerous resignations taking place in the party's provincial and ward branches. Mr Hirdman stated that "our alliance—Union, as we called it—was a temporary measure intended to allow for the right-wing to be represented in this Empire's legislature, and it has succeeded in doing so. However, going forwards, our party will be heading off into its own direction, understanding the desires of the Artarumen nation, and the Conservative Party will form the government once again, and lead Artarum into the future it deserves." Labour leader Arne Grenville declared that the left-wing would rise to power in Artarum through democratic elections and peaceful reform, stating "a Labour government will improve the lives of not only working-class Artarumen, but also the middle-class and perhaps even the wealthy".
On the other hand, National Party leader Lambert Faulkner took the election decision with great hopes, expressing his aims to "create a true Artarumen government, where all segments of Artarumen society, not only the privileged and the wealthy, would be represented and cared for". Upon being asked for further details, Mr Faulkner stated that he would outline his future Government within the following weeks, with a belief that "a government nor an election should solely be about who is going to be the Prime Minister, but also about who that Prime Minister is going to be surrounded by, and I believe that the Artarumen nation should also be informed of those people when casting their votes". Mr Faulkner had earlier mentioned a massive overhaul of the administration and governance system in Artarum, and today he revealed that he intended to have a total of twenty-seven Cabinet Ministers, though "not all of them would be entitled to government subsidies and salaries", and "some would be there ex officio, that is, due to the belief me and my colleagues have that their presence would either give us an informed opinion about certain issues, or otherwise influence the work of the Cabinet in a positive manner".
In Artarum, the Cabinet rarely meets with all of its members, with meetings mostly being held with the Ministers of State or other members which are deemed relevant to the topic at hand.
"Fascinating." the Palatine said. The look on her face coupled with the tone of her voice suggested it was a genuine interest. "Our faiths aren't so different, though we have less gods than you do. In Arsæti the Goddess of War is Andræda who possesses two natures: Irga - the violent warrior, matron of the rank-and-file, and Actorgos - the scheming strategist, matron of tacticians and commanders. We also have military tattoos with religious significance, though these are normally limited to crusaders; the militant arm of the Temple of the Crescent moon. They are traditionally applied to the upper back and consist of two variants: moon and star. The star begins as a white or yellow circle with no points. It represents a crusader dedicated to combat on the battlefield and with each victorious battle a new point is added to the star. It is rare for a crusade to complete the star, which traditionally ends with eight points. The moon, on the other hand, represents an officer - typically one commanding from off the battlefield. It begins as a white or blue waxing crescent but is gradually filled in with each successful campaign until it becomes a full moon. This, too, is also rare to complete as a failed campaign can result in the moon being 'reset' to the previous phase. There are other less traditional tattoos used by both crusaders and regular soldiers; Arsæti symbology and iconography, depictions of the Triumvirs, verses or phrases from scripture, and other theological concepts."
Honoriæ cleared her throat. "But I'm sure that was rude of me. You didn't ask, after all. My apologies. I simply found the topic interesting I couldn't hope but provide my own perspective on the matter." It was true, and she was a bit embarrassed her nerdier side was showing. "I... studied theology in university. The subject fascinates me. You understand, I'm sure."
The monk looked intrigued. After all, he was a servant of Azahar, and cultivated knowledge as a gardener cultivated a royal garden. "Most interesting, in ancient times the only ones who bore the mark of the moon were the imperial mages. Some called it a blessing, most knew it as a curse. For anyone who had been touched so by the heat god Thipiar contained within them power not of this earth. The Moon controls the ocean in a manner exceeding the best puppeteer, and everyone knew that the ocean was a brutal and unforgiving place that would snuff you life out in an instant without so much as a thought if you weren't careful. The ordinary man feared what a fully initiated follower of Thipiar could do. So they were marked by the sign of the present moon by the right eye. Only fully fledged mages needed to worry, for those who did not rely on sorcery so were allowed to walk unmarked. Though this was in the days of the Eldian Empire, before them."
Honoriæ was skeptical when he started talking about magic, but she decided to humor him. "Fascinating." she said. It wasn't a lie, it was fascinating even with her doubts. "Tell me more about your pantheon and what these gods represent."
An Open Address from Dorothy Shirleyton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GV6RM5opbo
A short video would be broadcasted, the fuzzy 80s camera nostalgically passing by the baroque-style town square of Georgine where the Central Cathedral laid in its splendor, a brass statue of Cary shining in the afternoon sunlight, a conservatively-dressed family holding hands and basking in the warm light as they passed the statue. The camera zoomed into the doors and faded to what was effectively a brass and crystal throne room, a golden retriever laying above it in a lavishly suspended platform. The dog had what was effectively a diamond laurel on her velvety bed upon which she slept. Her "robes" were angelic and in the yellowed stain glass light, made the pooch look ethereally beautiful. A frail old woman came into view, her humble eyes sparkling in the lemon-toned light as she shakily sat upon the throne, the dark mahogany desk before it elegant and simple. Two flags hung limply behind the robed reverend and the areally-suspended prophet-- one of the Spiritual Republic of Caryton, and the other the universal christian flag.
"Good day to the goodly and God-fearing citizens of this nation and abroad." Dorothy Shirleyton began in her soft, regal, and grandmotherly tone, bowing her head slightly to the camera. "This is not my usual postcard, but a rather live-action speech. For simplicity and brevity, I am to keep it short. Let's allow the Lord to fill in the blanks, shall we?" She shuffled a few yellowed papers and began, reading from line to line of words that she had written in a colonial-style cursive.
There is a saying in our great and blessed land, that is, 'If ye are to deliver news, make it in the form of a sandwich nice and proper. Allow the good to be the bread, placed at beginning and end, and leave the meat of the bad to the middle.' It is not my job to leave my people feeling hopeless, in this land of perpetual faith and prayer. Therefore, let us enjoy this strategically placed optimism and receive divine energy to get through these days. It is thine will, and by thine will we doeth the things which our Almighty set us to do.
What doth we begin with? Why, when I read these things I write, my mind is a perpetual perfectionist-- always altering and faltering, they say. Very well, in regards to something good- the diplomatic relations with Mlg gaming have been cordial and benevolent. Embassies have been constructed, trade has begun, and the drugs on gamings' indirect behalf have been slowed down a remarkable bit, making our success in regards to the Prohibition Act's implementation on naval and land customs and border protection absolutely exponential. A country we were once at moral odds with has now been transitioned into a respectable position in our eyes, even if the things they allow are detrimental in our eyes.
These past few months have been times of diplomatic, societal, infrastructural, and religious growth. The Gospel Church of Caryton and its associated government had seen net positive events continue until now, including but not limited to the continued development of agriculture, the establishment of solid relations with Zhongwangguo as well as 
Artarum with both having embassies in Georgine, and a position as one of the most-- if not the most-- religiously adherent countries on this planet with regular multi-denominational church attendance rates at 97.4 percent, and a steady net growth of the Gospel Church of Caryton at home, estimated to continue to grow at almost 2.5% a year, projected to compound as time goes on. Foreign conversions are also expected in the near future, as our GCC missionary program has finally been consolidated and generously funded by the tithes of the people. The following locations are bound to see well-dressed adolescents, men, women, and seniors in their proud yellow sweater vests will be dispatched to the world with only a form of consent away! The word of God, the story of Cary, and even the Book of Cary's Example will become a beacon of goodness to the world.
Zhongwangguo
Mlg gaming (to the few remnants of pre-gaming traditionalism there are lol)Artarum
Still, in times of positive outcomes there must also be moments of sorrow. A civilian exercising his constitutionally-derived and God-given rights became the subject of a sickening international assault on the Spiritual Republic of Caryton's character on the parts of Immortal kriegizstan, 
Westbeech, 
Grossschwaben, and to a significantly lesser extent, Collectivist germania. This brutal over-reaction to a civilian using equipment he had lawfully purchased himself to exercise his rights as a citizen to free speech and religion in order to spread a good message of hope has been perceived as a sinister ploy on our behalf. To the governments abroad, I ask you: Have ye no shame? Have ye no dignity? The Spiritual Republic of Caryton may go to extensive lengths to protect its religious identity, but it has never attacked another sovereign government-- literally or figuratively-- for exercising basic human rights, which these nations certainly do not have. That sinful music had the same devastating effect as the unforgivable harbor attack that killed hundreds and maimed thousands-- yet your governments virtually applaud this display of Satanry. The Germanians dare call us apostates, when agents of Lucifer on behalf of 3 other nations have played their hands at turning what was a simple civilian ministry into an attack on Caryton. Thusly, I call shame on each and every nation involved in this. I call shame, for the respect of 81 million people has been lost. To the terrorists-- I can assure you retaliation may come. It will come either from the missiles attached to our UAV's, or it will come from the divine hand of God on judgement day. What their nation does in this moment will certainly define when and by what means it is brought before the Lord.
I did not endure 70 years under a brutal stalinist regime, to have my religion slandered. I did not endure the sight of Christians in mass graves, and nor did I endure the sight of Alta's relentless poverty and civil turmoil to have such afflictions cast upon me and my clergy by self-righteous sinners, terrorists, and the misguided clergy from Germania who I might have otherwise called dear friends and compatriots. The prospect of Cary may be offputting to more traditional Christians, but it is our belief that she saved us, so let it be. It will be up to God and his son, who shall have mercy on people who earnestly follow him. In the year of our Lord, 2020 AD, I declare an "annus fluctuatus", a fluctuating year.
To end this state of the church and nation on a positive note as I alluded to earlier, let us remember in kindred that all Carytonic people are enduring in and of the same struggles, afflictions are family, and family is what awaits in Heaven above. The attacks of September the Twelfth in the year of our Lord 2020, have armed and united our people, grown our military, and established ourselves as a nation that will defend itself, this day and forevermore. Two million active and reservist soldiers, and more than 625,000 members of our largest civil defense militia as well as many, many more individual gun owners have taken up arms in some capacity and have been inspired by the martyrs of old. With foreign help, we are rebuilding the Rainfall City Harbor, and by the rifle we will perpetually adhere to the Lord's will. The Caryton before these events was weak and decentralized, quiet and short-sighted. The Caryton of today is weaponized, strong, and will be bent on divine vindication and the safety of its citizens and all believers of the GCC abroad, by default.
The era of passive submission ends today. Thank you."
Collectivist germania, Grossschwaben, Artarum, and Zhongwangguo
The Reykh was nearly ecstatic at the news of them being contacted by a similar state, perhaps this could be the start of a new relationship between their nations? Maybe even a joint-nuclear program? The Marshal did his best to contain his inner joy that someone out there aligned with the late Fyurer's views and wanted to assist them in their great crusade. Perhaps not all Germanics were evil.
To the illustrious Minister Baron Friedrich zu Ulm,
Your words of condolences for the great Fyurer's passing has been well received by the Marshal. We wish that his legacy will last across Talarus forevermore, and we aim to make it so.
Yet, as you state, Talarus is invested with the vermin which wish to snuff out the fire of the wonderful works which the Fyurer had bestowed upon us. They shun the Spartanist lifestyle that we have so cultivated for their own benefit, they are nothing but the greedy parasitic elements we have been warned about. The people who have stolen the sacred land where we once dwelled in peace and harmony, the Holy Land of the ancient Rushen, now lost to time immortal. However, together we can continue to to cleanse Talarus of both these vermin, and the ones who will hold us back from Utopian progress.
The only ones who oppose us are the weak-minded and sickly we wished to relieve from the pain of living, for their lives were forfeit from their birth. If God above wanted them to live, he would have made them normal. The unorganized reds, and monarchist usurpers, and the democratic scum all wish to see Talarus burn. We will not let than happen! We will make every blockhouse a fortress, every street a killing field, and we will not rest until Talarus is purified.
All we ask for is materiel and weapons to be flown in at the Glavnigrad International Airport, although it was closed down to foreign flights for a few years it will be opened up once more to allow for those who wish to aid us in our holy struggle to touch down safely. Perhaps, in the future when all of this is settled, our two great states can discuss a more permanent friendship.
Cordially,
Minister of the Foreign Office
Valery Shostakovich
The South Is Red
The prospect of a new ideological ally was too exciting to pass up, especially in a world where Antipodea stood alone in its commitment to the Socialist ideal. The now experienced and capable comrade Elsie Murphy was to be recalled from her more peaceful projects -- what has now evolved to become the Friends of Antipodea Workingmen's Society in Artarum -- and due to be covertly flown along with political and military advisors into Talarus where the seeds of a true revolutionary struggle were soon to be sown. The real support from the People's Social Republic would arrive in ample and public measure soon enough, but what was required first and foremost was a rousing of the proletariat from their slumber, and the complete armament of the working class whatever the cost.
Chinese Businesses Push for Democratic Solidarity
[The eurasian steppes]
Chinese businesses continue their push to unite the Democratic League of Talarus and the Rushen Federation hoping to create a free and democratic Talarus.
The consortium of Chinese businesses, calling themselves the International Trading Alliance (ITA), sent representatives to both the Democratic League of Talarus and the Rushen Federation to better understand how they can best support the two factions’ reconciliation process and their struggle against the far-left, the monarchist and the tyrannical factions.
In a bid to open up an ongoing dialogue between the Democratic League of Talarus and the Rushen Federation, the ITA promised considerable material, economic and humanitarian aid to both if they promised to attend a series of time-sensitive diplomatic exchange events held by the ITA and to agree to an immediate and complete ceasefire.
The ITA understood that the longer it took for the two democratic factions to begin on a path of dialogue and negotiations, the likelier it was for open, widespread conflict to erupt between them, and the likelier it was for the other factions to consolidate their forces and move against them. It was essential, then, that the ITA moved swiftly to bring both the Democratic League of Talarus and the Rushen Federation to the roundtable.
The ITA was open to hearing any plan that would see both the Democratic League of Talarus and the Rushen Federation confederating. However, the consortium also understood that it would be helpful to propose a basis for what the negotiations would entail. As such, the ITA proposed that the Democratic League of Talarus and the Rushen Federation agree to:
1. Legislative
A. Create a lower legislative body that is made up of elected representatives.
B. Create a higher legislative body that is made up of representatives elected from a pool of noteworthy and accomplished citizens suggested by the executive branch.
2. Executive
A. The Lider would be the party leader of the political party with the most seats in the lower legislative body.
B. The Lider appoints all cabinet members.
C. The Lider has a vote in both the lower and higher legislature chambers.
D. The Lider stays in power until they die in office, they resign or their party loses the majority of seats in the lower chamber.
3. Judiciary
A. A politically independent court system upholding the law fairly is established.
B. A supreme court is established to decide on any controversial legal disputes that may arise in the process of a lower court administering justice.
C. The court system is supported by the executive in enforcing the law, particularly corporate law.
Simultaneously as starting both democratic factions off in a lasting confederation, the ITA also sought to increase its political and economical influence in Talarus. It recognised the need to guide the warring country to peace and stability. The consortium, therefore, proposed low-interest loans to well-established Rushen businesses with potential for sustained growth in the Liberal Democracy Front that were only now struggling because of the civil war. Where preferred, the consortium would purchase equity in firms it believed could benefit the ITA members’ business interests.
As an example, the ITA sought to purchase controlling stakes in several strategic information technologies and telecommunication companies in the Liberal Democracy Theatre. The ITA, representing several prominent Chinese information technologies and telecommunications companies, was interested in acquiring technologies as part of their members' business interests. But beyond that, the data that could be collected from a war-torn country would be valuable to any data analytics firm. The ITA saw a rare opportunity to collect and analyse data that data and put it into practical use.
The ITA also financed schools and universities. It also donated computers and other technologies that would help improve the learning process.
Recognising that the Rushen leaders of tomorrow needed a good education and excellent networking opportunities, the ITA was quick to coordinate networking events with local universities. Rushen speakers and business recruiters were invited to attend to help connect businesses with upcoming brilliant Rushen minds. Chinese company recruiters would also attend to offer scholarships and a brighter career future to highly remarkable pupils in the Middle Kingdom.
Umbraen, The eurasian steppes, and Artarum
Artarumen Empire Forays into Talarus
[The eurasian steppes, Zhongwangguo, Umbraen]
Following the push by the Middle Kingdom and its businesses into Talarus, the Artarumen Empire has also formally and institutionally joined in, though not through businessmen like the Chinese did. Instead, it was far more official: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office put out a statement, declaring its support for a democratic and open order in Talarus:
"It is the belief of the Artarumen Empire that for the future prosperity and integrity of Talarus and the safety of the world, the long-term security of the Rushen, and stability in the immediate region, that a liberal democratic order be constituted in Talarus as soon as possible, with as many safeguards as possible.
To that end, the Artarumen Empire is willing to contribute its efforts towards the consolidation of a strong liberal democratic order in Talarus.
In order to do so, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has put forth the following pathway to peace, in priority order.
The start of negotiations between the Democratic League of Talarus and the Rushen Federation: In order to present a united front against the anti-democratic factions, a comprehensive negotiation between the splintered democratic factions is of utmost importance. An eventual agreement on power-sharing, and political unification, is necessary for the long-term viability of a democratic state in Talarus. Divided, the democratic factions face a very real threat of defeat and destruction. The Artarumen Empire is more than willing to provide the diplomatic and other forms of infrastructure for the negotiations, as well as provide economic incentives for the participants.
The entrance of the democratic factions, or a unified democratic state, into the international order foreseen by the International Assembly, the International Bank for Development, and the International Monetary Fund: The admission of these states, preferably a united liberal democratic state, into the new world order will both grant it international legitimacy and provide the means for the provision of urgent financial and economic aid to the liberal democratic state in Talarus when necessary. This will also provide the means for a unified international front to support democratic Rushen factions in a co-ordinated manner, ensuring efficiency and a lack of waste, which is something that cannot be tolerated in such a time of crisis.
The formation of an international coalition to support the liberal democratic state on Talarus, through economic, diplomatic, and if need be, military means: The long-term viability of a democratic state in Talarus is of utmost importance for the long-term stability of the world. Therefore, the Artarumen Empire is of the belief that the countries who believe in the liberal democratic vision are required to confront this challenge together, and to consolidate the seeds of a strong democracy in Talarus so that democracy worldwide can prosper.
The immediate provision of formal diplomatic relations with a unified democratic state in Talarus: In order to ensure legitimacy of the democratic order in Talarus and to prevent anti-democratic forces from triumphing, which is recognised as a real but preventable possibility in the situation as it stands, the Artarumen Empire believes that the democratic front foreseen in the previous point should recognise the democratic state and the democratic state only, and use, if need be, its economic and political weight as a unified whole in order to back the future of the democratic state in Talarus for the foreseeable future. Therefore, this includes the establishment of mutual embassies with the democratic factions in Talarus, preferably a united one, in order to allow them easier access to the political officials of the member states of the coalition.
The accomplishment of these initial priority targets will establish a strong foundation for further consolidation of the democratic order in Talarus and the world in general."
Questioned about the declaration on the eve of a general election, Prime Minister Anthony Bishop spoke as follows:
"We have no intentions to drag Artarum into a war where it will be bogged down for decades, as was the case in Beyt. We cannot allow the sons of Artarumen mothers die in far away lands, far from the bosoms of their mothers and fathers. However, I should also underline that our policy is not of old Artarum, shut out of the world and uncaring of the other countries it shares the world with. We simply do not wish to see our sons die. Therefore, we recognise the severity of the situation, and our responsibility as the Artarumen Empire, in assisting and preserving the well-being of those who think and act along similar lines to us. It should be underlined that while Talarus may be a far-off place, what happens over there matters over here. The world is no longer made up of isolated islands, unconnected and uninhibited by one another.
Indeed, we recognise that the Artarumen Empire is in a unique position to assist the Rushen people in their rightful struggle. We are willing to put forth our resources, along with our partners in the international arena in a unified coalition of a democratic and prosperous future, in order to allow the Rushen people to emancipate themselves from the forces of darkness and tyranny, not by the hand-holding of foreign powers, but through their own force of will, their own desire, and their of right to take their own fate into their own hands, as opposed to the hands of a small nomenklatura of those who propose to represent labour, or those who concentrate power in the few."
Umbræn to Join International Coalition
[Artarum, The eurasian steppes, Zhongwangguo]
Inspired by the foresight of the Artarumen Empire and the Middle Kingdom the Palatinate of Umbræn has pledged it's support for the democratic factions currently embroiled in the Rushen Civil War. The Palatine has cited Verse 3:7 of the holy Graftum as her reason for the involvement in the war. She has reassured worried parties that the Palatinate will not be deploying ground forces but will instead be supplying material and aerial support for the Democratic League of Talarus and the Rushen Federation. The Palatinate believes that, together, the three nations can ensure a coalition victory for the benefit of all - but especially of the Rushen people.
"And thus you must, with all you power, come upon those in need and give unto them your aid. For this is good and righteous, and Dikasynita smiles on you for doing so. Be it friend or foe; stranger or neighbor; Drow or Man. Your aid you must give, for they have earned it through the grace of their breath. Turn away no life that comes unto harm and misery but show them compassion and mercy. Let no man nor woman call themselves Drow who would turn away the weak, the sick, and the oppressed who yearn for better days. Give unto them your aid in their time of need and you shall have theirs in your own."
Verse 3:7, Graftum
"Dikasynita calls us to aid those in need, to show them Her mercy and compassion. Verse 3:7. We must oblige Her in this. The tyrannical dictator of Talarus has soiled his country with the blood of his people. Now that he has fallen, his vile Reykh must fall with him. It is our earnest hope to ensure a better future for the Rushen people through our endeavors; we hope only that these pro-democracy elements can win out in the end, for of all forces in this terrible war they show the most promise. As Drow we cannot look the other way as others suffer, be it here in Umbræn or abroad. It is not my wish to invade Talarus, of course. I have no interest in sending our brave women and men to die in foreign wars. But thanks to modern technology we can ensure that we do not need to. The Palatinate will be supplying the Democratic League of Talarus and the Rushen Federation with weapons, medicine, food and water, equipment, vehicles, and training. They will be doing the fighting for their homeland, to liberate it from oppression. At most we will be providing aerial support. Air strikes and drone strikes, mostly, from the carrier Væriss. Our hope is that together with Artarum and China that we can bring peace to Talarus, for the sake of the suffering Rushen people."
Honoriæ Demetriou, Palatine of Umbræn
The eurasian steppes, Artarum, and Zhongwangguo
Westbeechian civilians could be heard laughing about the broadcast all across Westbeech. Not even officials could take it seriously, no matter how much it meant for other nations. From among the laughter, other comments could be heard. "The size of their military. Now that, we must take as a joke. I mean, really, this must all be a big joke! They mention the size of their military as if it's something to be proud of! I'd like to see them take on one of our army groups. I suppose we'll just have to wait for their 'divine vindication.'"
No action was done in response by the government directly. Many secret police members were seen and fewer citizens were in the streets later, but a miniscule few would not return to the streets.
"Cheers to another age without religious zealots!" - Maxene Korban.
OOC: No one crusades quite like Religious Zealots of the Hater variety.
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