Esamir National News Network

Astana.
In a sudden twist, this morning a spokesperson of the Council announced that Duke Bernhard Van Aardenne-Gliefen decided to officially step down from his role as Prime Minister of the Kingdom.
The decision, taken months after the political storm which hit the whole country following the war in New-Zealand, was the result of days of talks among the leaders of the main parties of the Tarajani Diet, under the King's personal supervision, in order to find a way out of the impasse which has affected the Tarajani political world. Although Van Aardenne-Gliefen had appeared, under request of the Diet, in front of a joint session of the two legislative bodies of the Kingdom, to justify his previous decisions and to set out the guidelines of a future policy, evidently this didn't allow him to escape the final solution.
"All political parties and the King believes this to be the best solution for the Kingdom" the spokesperson stated.


But if someone at the opposition hoped that the resignation of Van Aardenne-Gliefen would've meant new elections, this is clearly not the case.
Indeed, at his place, an appointment has been already made, and the choice is almost obvious: Ulrich De Witte-Beulen, margrave of Beulen, member of House De Witte, and deputy prime minister under Van Aardenne-Gliefen. The margrave has already received the official appointment by the King, after a brief meeting at the Royal Palace, while Van Aardenne-Gliefen will substitute him as deputy prime minister.
A minimal change, apparently. However, this could not be the case: De Witte-Beulen is already well known to political analysts and the Diet has one of the strongest advocators of the Liberal Project proposed by Friederick Wilhelm II, and of a more markedly diplomatic and soft approach to foreign policy.
"New Tarajan has a considerable amount of soft power" he said during his official inauguration speech at Palace Van Geldern this afternoon: "We cannot waste such a capital. It is our duty to do our best to preserve peace and stability in the international arena. But these goals can only be achieved through careful diplomacy, a flourishing trade, the strengthening of political, economic, and military ties between nations. Networking is the key."
"It is my intention to pursue this policy with all my energies, protecting Tarajani interests in the best way possible: by ensuring peace. We are a nation that can flourish only in peace." he said.
This doesn't mean a more passive attitude, or a decrease in military spending, but an overhaul of how investments will be made: "Power projection and deterrence are a guarantee for a strong foreign policy. We have no intention to embark ourselves in new arms races, nor to use our force to impose an hegemony, of any kind. From this moment on, our military will stand for what it really stands: peace and protection of our country and our allies." A statement which also means the beginning of a policy of closer and more loyal collaboration between the government and the armed forces, clearly enshrined by a strong will of the King, due the role of the federal army as the army of the Royal House (the military answers directly to the King, only indirectly to the government).
The new Prime Minister also had the opportunity to delineate some of the new policies which will be implemented on a domestic level: "We cannot stop the process of liberalization of our country and our society. Extending civil liberties and rights is key to the success of this mission: I'll personally work in cooperation with all state authorities inside the Kingdom to ensure the definite elimination of any remaining barrier against LGBT rights, free access to abortion and euthanasia in every corner of the Kingdom."
A reference also to the concerns recently raised by the Landsraad in a note, sent to the King and the Council, about the possible dangers of Achaian missionary activities inside the Kingdom's borders: "Our policy is of cooperation, with all countries outside our borders and all communities inside our society." he said "However, a true and loyal cooperation is based on mutual trust and respect: the government will not concede anything, if on the other side there isn't the clear and explicit will to concede something in return. Recognition of religious freedom on one side should mean tolerance and respect of the other's belief or non-belief on the other side."
Which is to say: the games are open; let us see who will play better.

Riesa, Montferrat: Achaians and Montferrati alike have reason to celebrate today as the Ducal Household in Riesa formally announced that Duchess Aikaterini Baumbach-Kallergis, wife to Duke Nico II Baumbach of Montferrat and Crown Princess of the Sultanate of Morea, has conceived. Duke’s Minister David Augustin announced the blessed event to the public and the press earlier today. “Our Duchy rejoices in the good fortune of our lord and lady,” the minister said—or perhaps instructed—in his statement. “With God’s help, the succession and the future of Montferrat is secure.”


The imminent birth of an heir to both the Baumbach and Kallergis lines also irreversibly ties the Duchy of Montferrat to the surprising new course begun in the summer of 2015, when Duke Nico wed Sultan Ioannis IX Kallergis’s only daughter in an agreement that saw the new Duchess displace her brothers Chrysanthos and Dimosthenis as her father’s heir to the throne of the Morea and the Achaian people. The distinction between the realms of Morea and Montferrat has grown very thin in recent months, especially as new Christian dioceses in Norda are established on the Duchy’s border and with the Duchy’s logistical and military assistance, but answer to Achaian prelates and, in the end, the Sultan of Morea. Similarly, Duchy military forces now aid Achaian soldiers in their duties in Morea, while further military cooperation is expected should any crisis abroad, particularly involving the New-Zealand issue, result in escalation and open fighting in or outside of Morea. To some, it is a very unequal relationship in which Montferrat, whose augmented military and less threatening geographical position make it by far the stronger of the two partners, has tirelessly answered Sultan Ioannis’s call time and again, and receives in return only complaints about its inferior religious convictions. Understandably, in both Montferrat and Morea, the arrangement has many critics.


From Morea, the primary critic is the Achaian Church and, particularly, Bishop Akakios IV Doukas of Mystras. Since Christmas, Bishop Akakios has been more congenial toward the Duchy of Montferrat, especially as the Duchy has been instrumental in establishing the Dioceses of Liguria, Aimilia, and Raitia, but he has continued to insist that the Duchy requires additional attention from Achaian proselytizers just as its pagan neighbors do. Today Bishop Akakios prayed before his congregation for the health of the Duke and Duchess, gave thanks to God for the imminent arrival of a new heir to Morea, and declared, “It is our duty as Achaians loyal to Christ to ensure that our Crown Princess may raise her children, however many there may someday be, in a land as devoted to Truth and Light as our own Morea. This above all must be our prayer to God, and our demand to our monarch and the Duke of Montferrat.”


Montferrati critics of the new relationship are also fueled by Achaian religion and the politics of intolerance. Duke’s Minister David Augustin, while not opposed to Montferrat’s relationship with the Sultanate, nonetheless made headlines this past month over his warning that Montferrati soldiers deployed in Morea would likely come into conflict with Achaian locals and troops over matters of religion. The minister has since been vindicated by the Achaian reaction to the three regiments deployed to Morea earlier this week, including several units whose very pagan identity and heritage has caused a storm of controversy in the Sultanate. For his part, Minister Augustin insists that he has no firm opinion on the relationship between Morea and Montferrat. “His Excellency the Duke is free to undertake diplomatic negotiations with any person or entity he so wishes,” the minister said yesterday to the Riesan press. “It is my duty only to examine the likely consequences of those decisions, advise His Excellency of what those consequences will be, and await his decision of whether or not he is prepared to go ahead with his earlier plans.” However, Minister Augustin has acknowledged that Montferrat’s “necessary” policies have been incompatible with Achaian expectations on occasion. “Montferrat has been the target of Achaian derision for some time now due to our policy of recruiting Nordans from outside our borders, often from pagan territories,” the minister said. “We cannot help but acknowledge the differences in our respective needs, abilities, and policies. It is because of their intolerance that the leaders of Morea have come to ask Montferrat for the use of their soldiers, and it is because of our much more tolerant viewpoint that we have the soldiers to spare for Morea’s use.”


The two most important proponents of the current situation, of course, are Sultan Ioannis and Duke Nico, but they have other supporters within their respective governments in the matter of Morean-Montferrati ties. Chamberlain Richard Brawn, who maintains the ducal household, is one such proponent. Speaking to the media in the immediate aftermath of Duke’s Minister Augustin’s announcement today, Chamberlain Brawn said, “This is a great moment for Montferrat and for Morea. Our nations are blessed to enjoy it together, as do our Duke and Duchess. The entire household is celebrating, and the Achaian ambassadors are certainly included in that number.” When asked if those ambassadors included any of the half-dozen priests that Bishop Akakios has assigned to Riesa’s religious instruction over the objections of local prelates, the chamberlain laughed and said, “Religious and political minds are one in Morea, and it is only right that the grandchild of the Sultan is welcomed—even well before birth—with voices singing the praises of God. No doubt Ioannis can only hope the child will listen.”


Brawn also responded to pointed criticism of the intense cooperation between Montferrat and Morea that has concerned so many people on both sides of the border. “Achaians living in Morea cannot see the progress that Montferrati soldiers and administrators have made in Norda to bring the heathens to Christ,” he said. “They should remember that only the cooperation between Morea and Montferrat has given us a chance to save these souls. Meanwhile, some Montferrati wonder why His Excellency is willing to put up with Achaian criticisms and still answers Sultan Ioannis’s requests time and again. I would like to point out to these people that Sultan Ioannis is not the one complaining, that his concerns are real, and that as of this morning threats to Morea are threats to His Excellency’s own lineage. Lest we forget, the Sultan rewrote Achaian inheritance law at His Excellency’s request. A threat to Morea is now a threat, literally, to His Excellency’s family, and especially a threat to the inheritance that His Excellency will pass on to his children.”

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IN OTHER NEWS:

Sultan Ioannis to New Tarajan: “Why Are You Worried About Us?”

Bishop Akakios to Sultan Ioannis: “No Reason, No Reason…”

Witteberg.
The Heerlijkheid Tribunaal (Lordship Court of Justice) of Witteberg released today what will surely become soon one of the most famous rulings in Tarajani history.
Judging upon the case of Margarethe De Leville, a 16-year old girl murdered in Leivhen (a village ten kilometers south of Witteberg), the court ruled against the thesis submitted by the defendant (Piet Gilsheim, 27-year old), which called for the exclusion of the evidence made up of the confession released by Gilsheim to his religious confessor, a catholic priest of the dioceses of Witteberg (one of the few catholic dioceses in the Kingdom). Judge Hilga Van Bouren ruled out that the confession "is permissible as evidence", as requested by the prosecution, despite the opposition of the lawyers hired by the diocesec, who defended the right to the privacy of religious confession.
Against this position, the judge (accepting the thesis of the prosecution) stated that "this supposed right goes against the fundamental rule of the separation of State and Church, making a clear and serious breach of the independence of the justice in this country." The ruling subsequently allowed the definite condemnation of Gilsheim to the death penalty (which will be executed next week).


The ruling already raised a storm: religious communities (particularly christian ones) have labelled the decision of judge Van Bouren as "very dangerous" and "a threat to freedom of religion". The dioceses of Witteberg, using the words of a spokesperson, "is considering to appeal" to the Court of Justice of the Prefecture or, alternatively, directly to the Court of the Five, the constitutional court of New Tarajan.
But it's unlikely that the situation would improve in either case: the Witteberg ruling goes in the same direction of most recent interventions of both the legislative and judicial branches of New Tarajan. The same Court of the Five is already busy debating a very similar issue: the Landsraad indeed requested its official opinion about the limits of religious interference in the political sphere under the wording of the Declaration of Regeneration, after the events in the Duchy of Gravan of few months ago. And rumors from the Court seem to point toward a probable ruling in favour of strict limits to any kind of religious intervention, even indirect one.
It is probably the dawn of a very difficult period for public religious manifestations.

Mystras, Morea: Readers of the Monitor, familiar with the words and opinions of Bishop Akakios IV Doukas, will find it no surprise that the bishop warned in today’s sermon about the corruptive influences of pagan and unchristian thought that are exposing themselves to Achaians throughout Morea. The bishop’s concerns rest on the influx of refugees coming into Morea from New-Zealand, Blukon, and Texania, and the arrival of Montferrati soldiers, including pagan ‘Makarians,’ brought at the request of Sultan Ioannis IX Kallergis to maintain calm and order as the immigrants and native Achaians interact for the first time under the vague threat of Eurasian aggression and Duresian abandonment. Sultan Ioannis and Bishop Akakios have clashed multiple times on both subjects, and the common ground the two found during the Christmas season over the progress of the Nordan Mission has dissolved as the Montferrati forces diffuse into Achaian society.


“When first our ancestors arrived in this place, we found it wasted from the passing of Eurasian legions, and empty of life,” the bishop said from the pulpit. “For uncountable generations, we alone have shaped this place into a home for our people, our civilization, and our God. Today the temptation to abandon these things surrounds us, while the Lord looks on in dismay. We must stand strong in the face of these blasphemies! Morea must always remain what our forefathers have made it!”

Political pressure in Mystras has been mounting against the Sultan’s open-border policy, and the reminder last month from Montferrati Duke’s Minister David Augustin that many of the Duchy’s defense forces were made up of pagan soldiers created another wave of discontent within the capital’s population. Now, as news continues to arrive from points abroad where Christian worship is persecuted by pagan rulers and atheist bureaucracies, Achaians in Mystras look to Bishop Akakios to lead them against the enemies of both Christ and Morea, while Sultan Ioannis is likely to be remembered as the fool responsible for the danger in the first place.

But Achaians outside of the capital, it seems, have different views on the matter. The population of Nafplio, on the southeast coast of Morea, shares a number of similarities with other Achaian towns outside of Mystras, especially in southern areas closer to the border with the Empire of Eurasia. Security concerns run high here, and the Sultanate’s commanders recognized their fact when assigning the Montferrati troops allotted to them earlier this month by designating Nafplio as a regional headquarters for several of the Montferrati units. However, the units selected to garrison this town generally adhere to the cult of Makarianism, as commanders under Sultan Ioannis’s direction attempted to move pagan troops closer to pagan borders to refrain from offending Christian Duresia any more than necessary. Ministers and other political observers in Mystras fully expected Nafplio to react to this ‘pagan invasion’ with fury.

Instead, Nafplians have taken to the newcomers as a sign of the Sultan’s concern for their safety and wellbeing. Anonymous sources within the town hall report a sense of relief amongst townsfolk living within sight of the Eurasian border, and the first arrival of the Montferrati Makarians was welcomed with public celebrations. Aristotelis Samaras, the mayor of this town, explained this reaction as well as he could: “We don’t care who defends us, as long as we are defended. For generations, we’ve looked to the south and seen a time bomb. Now we’ve got to worry about increased immigration from areas we know aren’t friendly to us. We’ve been asking His Anointed Majesty and others in the Blue Palace for help for a long time, and now, finally, we’ve got some.” Mayor Samaras added, “We know that this won’t solve all of our problems, but we at least know that we haven’t been forgotten by the government in Mystras. If anything, the idea of foreign troops is exciting to us, as it’s a reminder that our nation has new and capable friends.”

Father Antonis Ymittou, who leads the congregation of Nafplio from the local cathedral, is less pleased. But when interviewed, even he seemed resigned to the ‘pagan invasion’ that has occurred. “My predecessors could never have imagined a day like this,” he said, “and I think it is good that they did not live to see it. They would be heartbroken, not just because the pagans have come, but because the people have accepted them so quickly. They would be disappointed in me, too, for not doing more to prevent their arrival,” Father Ymittou admitted with a deep frown. “I could not protest their coming when Nafplio so obviously needs them and their like. Until—unless—we can defend ourselves, we are left to the mercy of what aid will come, and in this case the aid comes with a Makarian banner.” Out of respect for the Achaian Church, he added, the local commander has agreed to keep that banner furled while within Nafplio’s limits.


Northern areas of Morea are not quite as welcoming, but the town of Tiryntha, on the border of the Empire of Duresia, has accepted the presence of (Christian) Montferrati soldiers. One of these newcomers consented to answer questions from the Monitor, and spoke not only of his experience in Morea, but also of the news he had received from Makarian acquaintances stationed elsewhere. “There’s a common thread here,” he said. “As long as we don’t talk about religion, the Achaians are pleased to have us. But even our Christian forces get suspicious looks when we attend the local Mass. The bishop in Mystras has done his job very well as far as that goes.” When prompted, he clarified, “He thinks we’re not Christian enough, and most Achaians believe him. As far as I can tell, I could wave a Makarian banner myself right now and the people in Tiryntha wouldn’t notice the difference.” He added, “I’m honestly not sure if that’s because we’re Montferrati, or simply because we’re not Achaian. I’m tempted to ask if they would look at a Duresian the same way.”

Mayor Samaras in Nafplio agreed with the sentiment in his own way. “We’ve been taught that our culture is special and our religion is pure,” he said. “I think, after all this time, that we simply believe that these foreign influences are incapable of contaminating us. I think His Holiness would be better off supporting that view of things than focusing on the possibility of weakness,” the mayor added, “if he wants us to maintain that purity without falling into doubt.”

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IN OTHER NEWS:

Bishop Akakios to Tarajani Prime Minister De Witte-Beulen: “BWAHAHAHA!”

Bishop Gavriil of Raitia Congratulates Duke Nico, Duchess Aikaterini on Conception

Legions stationed in the northern Mediolanian Peninsula in Audrinium and Marianum are currently undergoing large scale war games exercises, some coming taking place very close to the Morean border. The war games, which were unannounced but were said to have been planned months in advance by the War Ministry, involve a total of three whole legions, and in the Sea of Latia two whole fleets, all of which are occurring simultaneously and many of which can be viewed by neighboring countries.

The war games themselves seem to involve both rural and urban fighting, from what has been seen by reporters and journalists. The navy has been conducting bombardments along the shore and along the water in an apparent simulation of practiced marine invasions of hostile territories. The legions have also been seen practicing in formations which apparently assume simultaneous fighting by the opposing force against an enemy at their rear. It is unknown what these war games signify, especially in light of the issues taking place in New Zealand, and could either signal the Military of Eurasia preparing for what they view as the approaching failure of the peace negotiations, in light of New Zealand's recent actions, or could be a harbinger of forthcoming conflicts alongside a currently unknown regional power. Or, it could merely be war games exercises as are annually practiced by the War Minsitry to ensure continual combat readiness.


The Eurasian Air Force has not been quiet during these occurrences, and several fighter planes have been seen shadowing the peripheries of Morean airspace, with this morning one armed fighter crossing into Morean airspace and shadowing a passenger plane for approximately thirty minutes before returning to Eurasia. The fighter is reported to have flown in such a way as to demonstrate that it carried armaments. This is not the first instance of Eurasian fighters intimidating Morean aircraft, with previously fighters flying over Morean naval vessels and violating its airspace with alarming frequency.
What this means is unknown, but it certainly marks a new and threatening stance being taken by Eurasia in the region, perhaps in response to Morean activity at the peace conference.

Eindhoven.
While storms are hovering over the international community and New Tarajan, the Tarajani aerospace industry doesn't stop itself.
At the 3rd Section of the Eindhoven Spaceport, Amjad-Heemskerk Aerospace and Defense and the Shalimar Design Bureau, two of the major Tarajani aerospace firms, presented in front of the government and representatives of many countries, the M-346 FT, new fighter trainer of its production.
The M-346 FT is designed as for the principal role of lead-in fighter trainer, in which capacity it is used to deliver pilot training for the latest generation of combat fighter aircraft. More interestingly, the AmHee-346 will also accommodate additional operational capabilities, including combat missions such as close air support and air police duties, making it a flexible and versatile choice for every air force.


"The 346 FT is a great step forward" Amjad-Heemskerk CEO Geraldine Van Reyven stated during the presentation "Being the most advanced/lead-in fighter trainer currently produced and the only new generation trainer optimized for the role, we are particularly proud of our achievements."
The M-346 FT is able to provide operational capabilities and training efficiency at very low operating costs, but what is most astounding is its technological level: the flight control system, incorporating a HOTAS design philosophy, is equipped with adjustable angle of attack and g-force limitations; when combined with its wide performance envelope, this allows the M-346 to effectively mimic the flight performance of various fighter aircraft operated by trainee pilots or to progressively increase difficulty levels, thus raising the training's effectiveness; also, a pilot activated recovery system is present which, when pressed, conducts an automatic recovery by returning the aircraft to a steady and level flight path; an embedded tactical training system is capable of emulating various equipment, such as radar, targeting pods, weapons, and electronic warfare systems and additionally it can interface with various munitions and other equipment actually being carried on board.
Combat missions can also be performed by the M-346, having been designed to be rapidly reconfigured in the field into a combat aircraft capable of performing ground attack, anti-shipping, and aerial combat missions, in a "home defense" capacity. Various munitions can be carried, including a 12.7mm gun pod, IRIS-T or AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, various air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, free-fall and laser-guided bombs and rockets, reconnaissance pods, and electronic warfare pods; weapon aiming is performed using the helmet mounted display and the multifunction displays. All main systems are duplicated, and the flight system reconfigurable, to increase survivability and functionality in the event of battle damage being sustained.
Although originally designed for use by the Tarajani military only (where it will replace the aging A11-Hushang), the project has been lately reconfigured in order to be suitable for export.
"This aircraft will become the spearhead of the return of Tarajani aerospace firms into the foreign market" Prime Minister De Witte-Beulen (who participate to the presentation before coming back to Astana) stated. The M-346 will be ready for export as soon as the first orders arrive.

Council of Bishops releases Year-End Review

UPPSALA — The governing Council of Bishops of the Church of Aloia has released their End-of-Year Review. The Review celebrated expansion of Lutheran ministry throughout Diamanto and the Achaian church’s Nordan Mission. The Review also lamented the persecution and deaths of many Christians in the Texanian Civil War and at the hands of West Texania's oppressive regime. The bishops also criticized and mourned the increasing persecution of Christians in Eurasia and New Tarajan. The council reiterated the Church’s conservative stance on most social issues, putting it at odds with most other countries and cultures.

The Church of Aloia’s close partner church, the Texanian Evangelical Lutheran Synod, suffered massively during the Texanian Civil War and in its aftermath. During the conflict, the Texania Synod had many properties destroyed. The Synod was also involved in a massive effort to evacuate vulnerable civilians from the West to East Texania and Aloia. Since the end of the war, the churches in West Texania have had their properties confiscated, their leaders imprisoned, and members fleeing east and north. The bishops encouraged the Texanian bishops to remain firm in their belief and continue doing good works, even in the face of severe persecution.

The bishops also mentioned the Gilsheim decision, mourning the loss of protection for priests. "We hold that confessions in the Sacrament of Reconciliation should be held in utmost privacy. However, in keeping with adherence to government, any priest should encourage their parishioners to turn themselves in to the police, in the event where they are guilty of a heinous crime," the bishops said. The council was not surprised by persecution in Eurasia, because Eurasia has been guilty of crimes against religious minorities for thousands of years. Nevertheless, Aloian priests and Christians continue to enter Eurasia to minister, at high risk to themselves.

The report concluded by reaffirming the Church of Aloia's opposition to abortion and euthanasia. "We stand against the culture of death. We oppose convenience abortion and assisted death. Each life is endowed with the image of God and comes with all the rights attached to that image," the council said. The council also mentioned their continued opposition to same-sex marriage and efforts to legalize same-sex marriage.

Eric Aurelius, Archbishop of Uppsala, concluded the review. Aurelius celebrated the expansion of the ministry of the Church of Aloia in Patagonia and the Argentine Evangelical Lutheran Church into surrounding nations. Aurelius closed the review with a benediction from the end of the Epistle to the Athenians, saying, "Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen."

Riesa, Montferrat: In the midst of refugee migrations, stalled peace negotiations, and Eurasian aggression, Morea will soon have yet another cause for concern. According to a statement from the Ministerial Palace in Riesa, Bishop Gavriil Ekklisias, who was appointed to lead the Diocese of Raitia and the Nordan Mission by Bishop Akakios IV Doukas of Mystras earlier this month, has recently sent an update on his progress since arriving in the city of Raitia, located in the heart of its namesake diocese, which is known to be a traditional stronghold for pagan, and specifically Makarian, worship. Matters in Raitia are not improving as previously thought, it appears. “Bishop Gavriil has confirmed that, with a few notable exceptions, the people of Raitia are content to ignore the presence and the authority of the Christian Church in their city and diocese,” a palace spokesman said to the press today. “The bishop’s report indicates that the pagans of Raitia are not hostile to Christianity, but they are not eager to listen to its representatives, either.”


Details of the report have not been released, but the specific quotes provided by the Ministerial Palace—such as the claim that Bishop Gavriil has been reduced to preaching in the streets to be heard by an uncaring populace—make it clear that the political and religious reorganization of the new dioceses in Norda has gotten off to a troubled start, echoing earlier reports from just before Christmas that suggested a hard road ahead for the Nordan Mission. Kallimarmaro Cathedral announced the investiture of Gavriil Ekklisias, a longtime associate of Bishop Akakios of Mystras, as Bishop of Raitia immediately thereafter, formally creating the dioceses that now surround the land boundaries of the Duchy of Montferrat and announcing in no uncertain terms that the people of these lands were ready for a Christian education. It now appears that the Mission’s initial concerns should have been taken more seriously.

The timing of these reports is particularly unfortunate, as the recent meeting of the Aloian Council of Bishops made mention of the Nordan Mission as an important success for the Christian world in an otherwise-unfortunate time for our faith. The news that this Achaian accomplishment has yet to actually be accomplished at all, and is perhaps less certain of success than ever, will only lower spirits throughout Christendom at a time when the Lord’s children can least afford to lose hope. Perhaps recognizing this, the statement from the Montferrati Ministerial Palace added, “Achaians in Morea and elsewhere should note that Bishop Gavriil’s report specifically makes note of his safety, and the safety of his incipient bishopric, in a land of pagan worship. The people of Raitia, and of the other Nordan dioceses, are not yet ready to hear the Word of God, but neither are they interested in rejecting it with violence. There remains time to save these souls from themselves before the End of Days.”

The Montferrati statement also said that the failures of the Nordan Mission could cause “the newly-introduced Cult of Makaria now residing in Morea” to come under increased scrutiny from Mystras, in the hopes that soldiers returning to their homes at the end of their tours of duty will bring the Christian faith to their homelands beyond the borders of Montferrat. “Such a course of action could negatively affect the Makarians’ willingness to defend Morea from attack, however, and could equally damage relations between the local Achaians and other foreign soldiers now sharing their soil, specifically the forces of the Federation of Antanares,” the statement concluded. As the Duchy of Montferrat continues to employ Makarian and other pagan soldiers, from both within and outside of its borders, without making any attempt to spread the Word among them, this last warning almost certainly comes from experience, and will ensure that Sultan Ioannis and his military advisors act very carefully toward their pagan guests regardless of Bishop Akakios’s likely response to today’s news.

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IN OTHER NEWS:

Morea and New Tarajan Negotiate Further Cooperative Efforts

What Next for New-Zealand, Texania, Blukon?

Mystras, Morea: Bishop Akakios IV Doukas of Mystras has once again turned his attention to the relationship between Morea and Montferrat with a warning to Duchess Aikaterini Baumbach-Kallergis, Crown Princess of Morea, to curb the growing Makarian influence in the Montferrati military and politics. Despite the Achaian people’s general, if grudging, acceptance of Makarian soldiers serving in Montferrati units defending Morea from foreign aggression, the head of the Achaian Church declared that the increasingly-close ties between the heir to the Christian Sultanate of Morea and the Makarian population in Montferrat and other parts of Norda, including the Achaian-led Dioceses of Raitia, Aimilia, and Liguria, have created a conflict of interest between the desires of the Makarians and the needs of the Achaian people over whom Duchess Aikaterini will eventually rule.


Regular readers will know that His Holiness has objected to several aspects of the Morean-Montferrati relationship in the past, but Montferrat’s vital role in establishing the new dioceses of Norda, combined with the evolving political situation between the Sultanate and its regional neighbors, have served to mellow the bishop’s outrage in recent weeks. As Montferrati soldiers were joined by Tarajani aircraft and an Antanaresian military base in response to Eurasian aggression on Morea’s southern borders, anonymous sources within the Blue Palace have stated that Sultan Ioannis IX Kallergis personally curtailed Bishop Akakios’s latitude to speak on matters outside the domestic Achaian Church, in order to avoid giving offense to those who were now engaged in defending Morean territory and Achaian lives from foreign aggressors. According to these sources, several intended sermons and announcements, including a declaration of beatification for convicted Tarajani Catholic Piet Gilsheim, were quietly discarded at the Sultan’s insistence.


Today’s sermon acted as a reminder that Bishop Akakios had not completely left the public eye, however. While the bishop touched on the good works done by Montferrati and other foreign and pagan forces now residing in Morea, whose duties include not only defending the country from enemies abroad but also peacefully integrating refugees from disaster areas around the world into Morean society, he focused his sermon on pagan influences in the Duchy of Montferrat, which, according to the bishop, worked on all levels of Montferrati bureaucracy as well as the military, reaching as high as the Duke and Duchess themselves. “Montferrat and its people profess the faith of Christ,” Bishop Akakios said, “and have done so for no fewer centuries than we in Morea can boast. We do not begrudge them their rightful pride in their adherence to the Word. But as matters stand, the worship of our Lord falters in the face of an insidious resistance from a determined and entrenched people, whose face of politeness asks us to lower our guards and take in the lies of the Enemy. The followers of this devil ‘Makaria’ have cleared the Diocese of Raitia of Christian worship, and now our faithful in Montferrat report that Makarians enter the Ministerial Palace and the House of Baumbach with impunity, whispering in the ears of His Excellency the Duke, the ministers who answer to him, and Her Highness, our own Princess Aikaterini, in whose care our own nation will one day reside.”


The bishop cited the report of Bishop Gavriil of Raitia, who recently visited Riesa in his efforts to shore up Montferrati support for the Nordan Mission, and his own Diocese of Raitia, in the aftermath of a news release stating that the Mission was going poorly in the newly-established dioceses of eastern Norda. “While our brother spoke with the leaders of this Christian realm, he found himself surrounded by the residue of paganism,” Bishop Akakios told parishioners in Kallimarmaro Cathedral. “Ministers and clerks begged him to leave off his requests in the name of political expediency, and indeed ‘necessity.’ This has been the cry of Montferrati ministers from the beginning: that the pagans of Norda are the root of Montferrat’s survival. Such is the excuse for grudging toleration, of which I cannot complain. However, that is no excuse for happy indulgence!”

According to Bishop Gavriil’s report, excerpts of which entered Bishop Akakios’s sermon today, representatives of the Makarian religion regularly presented themselves at the House of Baumbach, the residence of Duke Nico II and Duchess Aikaterini, in order to influence ducal opinions relating to religion in Montferrat and the Nordan Mission. While the new dioceses established by the Nordan Mission are led by Achaian prelates, their dependence on Montferrati logistics makes this pagan intrusion into Montferrati politics especially frightening, especially as the dioceses have had so little time to set down roots in Norda. Bishop Akakios reminded his parishioners that the challenges facing the Nordan Mission were in many ways greater than ever. “Our brothers in Christ struggle in Liguria, in Aimilia, and in Raitia,” he said, “because their brothers at home in Morea have forgotten them. So many of us believe that the Christianization of Norda is already complete. Nothing could be further from the truth! Our work—the work of all of us, not just a dedicated few—has only just begun! It will be the work of generations of Achaians to see the Truth revealed in all of its glory to the pagans and atheists of eastern Norda. We must take it up gladly if we are to succeed!”

While the bishop expressed concern regarding the fate of the Nordan Mission, however, his sermon described a much more pressing threat: pagan influence on the Crown Princess of Morea. “Her Highness gathers the love of all her people,” Bishop Akakios said. “In Morea she is honored as the daughter of His Anointed Majesty, the heir to our state, and the future ruler of our people. But in Montferrat, our brother Gavriil reports that the love of the people takes on the form of a most heinous blasphemy. For he says that they prostrate themselves before Her Highness and the crest of the Kallergis line, so as to declare their adoration of Makaria and the embodiment of her aspect in this world! Surely nothing can be more damning in the eyes of the Lord than to usurp his rightful worship! Highness, draw yourself away from such sin!”


For as long as they have been in the public eye, Makarians have had a strong affinity for the Kallergis family, due mainly to the similarities between the Kallergis family heraldry, an image of the Holy Grail, and the chalice often present on renditions of the so-called ‘Shield of Makaria,’ the pagan goddess’s most important symbol and attribute. Makarian soldiers in Morea, still technically under Montferrati command, have been quick to declare themselves the Sultan’s soldiers, purely on the basis of this similarity of imagery. Sultan Ioannis has already made efforts to distance himself from this superstitious veneration, but according to Bishop Akakios’s sermon, Duchess Aikaterini has yet to follow her father’s example.

And given that the Duchess is in line to inherit the throne of the Sultanate, Bishop Akakios’s concerns regarding her religious convictions must be shared by every Achaian who yearns for Heaven.

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IN OTHER NEWS:

Sultan Ioannis Extends Hand of Friendship to Arveyres

Coalition Withdraws from New-Zealand; Reactions from Around the World

BREAKING
A Superior Tribunal in Julium has convicted First Lady Elena of New Zealand of High Treason in absentia, following a trial which began after she renounced her Arveyran citizenship. The First Lady officially renounced her Arveyran citizenship following a series of confusing incidents, which began with her supposed kidnapping by Eurasian forces early in the Invasion of New Zealand. After it became apparent she had not been kidnapped but instead fled to Eurasia and later Arveyres, she eventually decided to side with her husband, President Garagen, and flee back to New Zealand. She announced her intention to void her citizenship with Arveyres, and returned to her husband in his country.

However, due to the Granadan Compromise which granted Arveyres autonomy as a Superior Province of Eurasia, all Arveyran citizens are granted Eurasian citizenship in recognition of their special, if somewhat peculiar, relationship with the Eurasian Empire. Under Eurasian citizenship law, which operates under strict jus sanguinis with very limited jus solis exemptions, a Eurasian citizen may not renounce their Eurasian citizenship without the assent of the Ministry of Culture. Moreover, those who possess Arveyran citizenship by jus sanguinis birth are automatically granted Eurasian citizenship. Eurasian citizenship may be revoked by a Tribunal ruling, but this is not common and happens rarely. As such, Elena still possesses Eurasian citizenship regardless of her rejection of Arveyran citizenship, and the Julian Superior Tribunal has ruled that her actions during the war constitute High Treason against the Empire.

Eurasian law mandates that those convicted of High Treason are immediately subject to execution, usually by crucifixion. High Treason has not been used as a conviction for several years, with the most recent case being against a hacker who released classified military information in 2006, the verdict of which was carried out under Emperor Augustus IV's father, Justinius. Given that Elena resides in New Zealand, with whom any form of extradition is very unlikely, the verdict effectively means that Elena can never again set foot on Eurasian soil, and if she were to do she she would be promptly arrested and executed for High Treason. As a Eurasian citizen, Elena can invoke her right to be tried by the highest magistrate in all Eurasia, Emperor Augustus IV. Eurasian law allows appeal as high as the Supreme Tribunal of Cassation, whose verdicts are almost always final, but a Eurasian citizen can attempt to appeal their case to the Emperor himself, who almost always rejects these appeals. However, given Elena's high profile status, were she to request appeal, it is unlikely Augustus would refuse, if only to further humiliate President Garagen.

Riesa, Montferrat: Bishop Gavriil Ekklisias of Raitia has returned to Baumbach House to reinforce the existing relationship between the Achaian dioceses of Norda and the Duchy of Montferrat. The Duchy has been intimately involved with the establishment of Christian authority in the pagan territories on its borders, but the early promise of the Nordan Mission has given way to frustration as the largely-Makarian population has not only ignored the religious aspects of the new government, but has made considerable inroads into the hearts and minds of the Montferrati population at home, even as the Ministerial Palace reaffirms its support for Bishop Gavriil’s efforts in Norda. This meeting also comes as Duke Nico II Baumbach and Bishop Akakios IV Doukas of Mystras enter into dispute, as the latter has called on Duchess Aikaterini, the Duke’s wife and Crown Princess of the Sultanate of Morea, to distance herself from Makarian interests that have recently associated themselves with her. The Duke of Montferrat has previously ignored any controversy surrounding the Bishop of Mystras, but in this case the Duke saw fit to censure the prelate on the grounds that his authority did not extend to making demands of a foreign ruler’s wife.


Today’s meeting was more productive, according to Duke’s Minister David Augustin, who released information to the media surrounding the event. “His Excellency is fully aware of the Achaian Church’s concern for its new Nordan dioceses,” the minister said, “and he knows how negatively the presence of Makarian worship has affected the Church’s establishment in Norda. He reminded the reverend bishop that the purpose of these dioceses is to turn these pagan lands into productive Christian centers, and that any bishop who sits in Raitia, Liguria, or Aimilia must be prepared for the struggle to accomplish this feat. Nonetheless, His Excellency acknowledges the new dioceses dependence on Montferrati aid at the present time, and has pledged to continue to provide it, as befits a fellow Christian state.”

Regarding Bishop Akakios’s message to Duchess Aikaterini, however, Duke’s Minister Augustin said only, “That is between His Holiness in Mystras and Her Excellency in Baumbach House. Government policy has no bearing on religious factionalism within the borders of Montferrat; that is a matter for every heart to take into consideration, Her Excellency’s no less than anyone else’s.”

---

IN OTHER NEWS:

Grand Ball Begins in New Tarajan; Princes Chrysanthos and Dimosthenis Meeting with the Royals of Esamir

Friendship with New-Zealand “All But Guaranteed,” Says the Blue Palace; Duresia Yet to Respond

Mystras, Morea: Officers among the Makarian soldiers stationed in the Sultanate of Morea have made an unprecedented appeal to the Blue Palace to end the Nordan Mission, the months-long attempt by Sultan Ioannis IX Kallergis and Bishop Akakios IV Doukas to Christianize the southeastern corner of the Nordan continent nearest to the borders of the Empire of Duresia and the Duchy of Montferrat. The Makarian soldiers in Morea, who arrived under the Montferrati banner to aid in defending Achaian territory from foreign threats, have up till now remained quiet in their dealings with the Morean government, allowing Montferrati representatives to speak on their behalf. However, in the wake of new reports from Norda indicating that Bishop Gavriil Ekklisias of Raitia has resorted to more questionable methods of reducing Makarian worship in his diocese, Makarian officers stationed in southern Morea have sent a formal petition to the Blue Palace to request Sultan Ioannis’s intervention on behalf of their fellow worshipers abroad.

“The people of Norda have revered a succession of deities throughout the recorded history of the continent,” the report reads in part. “There are very few cases in which a new religion has been spread to our ancestors by violence, and in no case has such violence been successful in the long term. Our brethren in Norda bow their heads to Makaria because they fully believe in our goddess’s protection and support; they might one day turn their worship toward another deity who can offer those same benefits, as your Christ professes to do, but neither they nor we will ever revere a being whose representatives bring violence to our homeland.”

The petition adds, “We have the utmost respect for the name and family of Kallergis. We, loyal to the Duke of Montferrat, nonetheless serve the Achaian people and the Sultan of Morea for as long as our responsibilities allow; and we are certain that the Makarians of Raitia, Liguria, and Aimilia, who truly live under the banner of Morea, are proud and loyal subjects of Your Majesty’s Sultanate. In time they may choose for themselves to worship the Christ in deference to you and your heirs, and leave Makaria behind for good. But they cannot be made to do so, and in the meantime the cause of Christianity can only be harmed by the violence Bishop Gavriil now inflicts upon the people of Norda.”


Bishop Akakios of Mystras, under whose authority Bishop Gavriil works in Raitia, has already condemned the Makarian petition. “Every action we take is governed by the Lord,” the bishop declared to the press earlier this afternoon. “No one can claim to be Achaian without devoting himself to Christ, and our brother Gavriil is no exception. It is our duty to bring the Gospel to all those who have ears to hear and eyes to read. No heathen can be allowed to dictate how we spread the Word of God—not when we work solely for the benefit of that same heathen and all he holds dear!”

On the other hand, the Montferrati officials to whom the Makarians answer have been slow to respond to the issue. Duke’s Minister David Augustin, speaking from the Ministerial Palace in Riesa, acknowledged the Makarian soldiers’ concerns and promised that the Montferrati government would investigate the claims made against Bishop Gavriil, but had nothing to say regarding any possible discipline aimed at the soldiers themselves, who have stepped outside of the chain of command in order to send this message to Sultan Ioannis on their own behalf. From Baumbach House, there has been no official response, though anonymous sources within the ducal residence suggest that Duke Nico II Baumbach is unconcerned with the possibility of tarnished relations between Montferrat and Morea as a result of the discussion. Likewise, neither the Duke nor Duchess Aikaterini has expressed an opinion on the religious practices in the Nordan dioceses. Montferrat has thus far entirely supported the establishment of Christian rule in the region, but Baumbach House has also hosted openly-Makarian visitors several times since the dioceses’ establishment. Political observers can only speculate about the discussions going on between the Duke and his advisors to determine which direction Montferrat’s policies will take from now on, and whether Montferrat’s Makarian immigrants and soldiers or Morea’s political establishment will come away disappointed.


Sultan Ioannis has likewise remained silent on this matter, but a spokesman for the Blue Palace has promised that the Sultan will provide an official response in the next couple of days. The representative added, “His Anointed Majesty fully supports the efforts of our Christian brethren to save the souls of our neighbors abroad. This is especially true of those whose brothers and sisters have come to Morea in defense of the Achaian people; to these people we owe a debt of gratitude, and it is only right that we do our utmost to bring salvation to those who seek to save us in turn.”

---

IN OTHER NEWS:

Commonwealth Games: Glasgow Bids Farewell, Looks Forward to Drakenburg 2022

Grand Ball of New Tarajan Continues in Fine Style

Astana.
While the Landsraad and most government's members are still at Vieneskel for the last days of the Grand Ball, the Royal Diet went back at work this morning, to discuss the most recent proposals after the traditional weekly-break.
Among the various proposals submitted by the parties, one particularly struck the Diet and public opinion alike: from the benches of the Tarajani Sociaal-Democratische Partij (TSDP), indeed, came the proposal for a law de facto banning the promotion of religion in public.
"Last year events in the County of Gravan, and the more recent events in Witteberg, demonstrated the damages that public promotion of religion still make in our progressive country." TSDP representative Wilhelmine Hoffman stated during her intervention: "Recently, here in our capital, the police has been forced to arrest three men because they had aggrieved a group of young students. The reason? Those men were attempting at proselytize Christianity, and thus discovered that those students were members of the Tarajani League of Atheists and Agnostics; thus, they were infidels. Is this reasonable in a civilized country?" Hoffman said.
Against the wild protests arousing from the chairs of the most conservative sections of the Diet, Hoffman replied: "Under Tarajani law, Jahanism is the religion of our State. And Jahanism is a non-proselytism-faith. We do not wish to ban religion. Religion is important for individuals, and we understand this. But religion is, indeed, a very private matter."
The proposal is not so revolutionary for New Tarajan: selective ban on public promotion of religion was already applied in the XVIII and XIX centuries against Christians, but it was recalled in 1946 by Conrad III. However, debate in the Diet is already hot.
If the bill will pass, it will be the Landsraad to have the last word on it. However, even after the eventual approval by the Landsraad, the States could still have the possibility not to adopt it, or to adopt it partially.
Religion is back at the center of political debate after the last year events in Gravan, when an anti-abortion rally turned violent, with the local Diet at Heinrichstadt being burned by protesters, and after a court in Witteberg de facto denounced the privacy of religious confession as illegal. Rumors from the TSDP and the Blue Party seem to point toward a more radical bill to be submitted as soon as the Grand Ball will end, although no detail has been yet revealed.

Council of Bishops protest Anti-Proselytizing Bill, ELCNT vows to challenge it

UPPSALA -- The Aloian Council of Bishops has openly challenged and protested the new bill introduced in New Tarajan that would ban proselytizing. "This bill would gut our very understanding of religious freedom and expression," Bishop Nadia Weber of Denver said. "This bill has no place in a democracy based on freedom of expression. New Tarajan shares our Aloian heritage of intellectual freedom and this bill seeks to rip the heart out of the freedom of expression that Tarajanis have enjoyed since 1946. It seeks to drag New Tarajan back to the dark days of religious oppression and intolerance."

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Tarajan reported that they have been in close contact with the Organization for International Religious Freedom. The OIRF is a Minneapolis-based organization that represents all religions in court and speaks up for religious freedom throughout the world. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Tarajan is the Church of Aloia's Tarajani partner church. The ELCNT plans to challenge the bill in court if it passes. The OIRF previously has worked with Tarajani Catholics to oppose the recent court ruling on religious confession. The OIRF releases an annual religious freedom report. New Tarajan has scored well for decades, but that status is at risk with this new bill.

Mystras, Morea: A week after receiving a petition on behalf of the Makarian soldiers now guarding Morea from foreign threats to its sovereignty and security, Sultan Ioannis IX Kallergis of Morea and the Achaian people has finally delivered the official response which we were promised by the Blue Palace in the immediate wake of the petition’s delivery. Like much of the Sultan’s political career, his presentation to the media earlier today leaned toward moderation, seemingly hoping to keep the peace between Morea’s Christian establishment and the Makarian influx that now claims a prominent part in protection the Sultanate from its enemies abroad. Nonetheless, His Anointed Majesty made his position clear within the first few sentences of his delivery, as he assured the Achaian Church of his full and unrestrained support. “When our reward is the praise of the Lord, all other considerations pale in comparison to our true and never-ending duty,” Sultan Ioannis said from his prepared notes. “While other nations may be content to save lives, Achaian Morea must strive to save souls. It is only right that our generosity in this matter extends first and foremost to those who preserve us just as we seek to preserve them.

“We recognize the reservations of the Makarian people of Norda, and those of the Makarian soldiers who have joined us in the defense of Morea,” the Sultan added. “But we recognize even more strongly the eternal punishment that awaits those who refuse to step into the Light. It is our duty as those privileged with the Truth to bring it to our fellows at home and abroad, to ensure that we can all enjoy the rewards that are due to the faithful. For the honor and glory not just of Morea and the Achaian people, but of Truth itself, we must continue in our quest to stifle ignorance and spread the Word of the Lord, and thereby grant all the people of Esamir the keys to Heaven.”


Sultan Ioannis’s statement in support of the current policy in Norda was praised by most official commentators, especially Bishop Akakios IV Doukas of Mystras. Bishop Akakios personally chose now-Bishop Gavriil Ekklisias to lead the Nordan Mission, and has done his utmost to support his fellow prelate’s efforts to proselytize the largely-Makarian population in the region. The Makarian petition in Morea directly accused Bishop Gavriil of violent and coercive activities, thereby implicating Bishop Akakios as Gavriil’s superior and the ultimate head of the Achaian Church. Today Bishop Akakios declared himself satisfied with the Sultan’s response to what he called “this blatant attempt to nurture the fog of ignorance in Norda.” Preaching from Kallimarmaro Cathedral, the bishop said, “Last week we were reminded of what is at stake, at home as well as abroad. We must guard again heathen belief at home as well as abroad, and be aware of the dangers we have allowed to dwell in our midst. His Anointed Majesty has made his position clear: The Light of the Lord shines on everyone, but it is up to us to ensure that everyone recognizes the glory under which they endure. For some time now, our borders have been open to refugees from across the world, and His Majesty has long sworn to aid these visitors in opening their eyes to the Truth. It is time that we begin this effort in earnest!”


Things are less clear in Norda itself, however. The Duchy of Montferrat, whose logistical aid was instrumental in establishing the Dioceses of Raitia, Liguria, and Aimilia, has a large minority of Makarian subjects, including the Makarian soldiers whose petition has been heard and rejected by Sultan Ioannis. Makarian representatives have been known to visit Baumbach House, the seat of Duke Nico II and Duchess Aikaterini Baumbach, and reports have long suggested that Makarians hold the Duchess of Montferrat, who is Sultan Ioannis’s daughter and heir, in the same high regard that they hold for the Sultan himself. As such, there appear to be conflicting interests in Montferrat that may cause trouble for the Nordan Mission regardless of Sultan Ioannis’s desires.

Duke’s Minister David Augustin spoke to the media in the immediate aftermath of Sultan Ioannis’s statement to give the Montferrati government’s view. “As ever, the people of Montferrat stand with our soldiers, whether they are posted at home or abroad,” he said. “I can furthermore assure the Makarians of Montferrat that His Excellency the Duke fully supports all that you do in peace and war, and desires only that our Duchy remain a safe and welcoming place for you, and for everyone. The Christian nature of our land does not prevent us from extending a hand in welcome to anyone who should desire to call Montferrat home; rather, our Christian teachings exhort us to extend the hand of friendship and charity to all people throughout Esamir.

“We therefore hear the complaints of our Makarian brethren, and have no intention of ignoring them. We must not forget, however, that the borders of our Duchy do not extend across the vast territories that are now contained within the dioceses of the Achaian prelates. These lands are held by the sovereign of Morea, the Sultan of the Achaians, and are beyond the authority of His Excellency the Duke to police or regulate. We must accept the rule of Mystras over the territories that are theirs, and seek only to improve and perfect our own policies for the sake of our subjects and those who may wish to come under our rule in the future.

“Nonetheless,” Minister Augustin added, “the Duchy of Montferrat is well placed to investigate the truth of the claims that have caused our Makarian subjects so much concern. Regardless of the authority that we may or may not wield abroad, the Montferrati government can at least confirm or put to rest the accusations that now plague the execution of the Nordan Mission.”


From Baumbach House itself, a more pointed message came from Chamberlain Richard Brawn, who has begun to attract public attention in recent days as a particular ally of Duchess Aikaterini in her opposition to Bishop Akakios of Mystras. “As Minister Augustin has already said, Montferrat will certainly conduct its own review into the Achaian administration of the dioceses to our north and east,” the Chamberlain said. “I am afraid to say that the initial estimation of things does not fall in Morea’s favor, but only a thorough check will determine if our first impressions are correct. Their Excellencies certainly hope that we are all mistaken in this case.”


When asked what such an investigation could mean for Morean-Montferrati relations, Chamberlain Brawn was less specific. “It will depend entirely on the results,” he said. “There may be changes in our approach. But I guarantee that the basic framework of our alliance will remain the same.”

---

IN OTHER NEWS:

New Tarajan: Anti-Proselytizing Legislation Garners Worldwide Condemnation

Princes Chrysanthos and Dimosthenis, Dukes of New Tarajan, Return from Grand Ball

Following the imposition of several anti-proselytizing laws in New Tarajan, Eurasian Christians have broken out in spontaneous demonstrations in protest. In Julium, large crowds from the Christian district appeared outside the Tarajani Embassy, and also appeared outside the Pantheon and Imperial Palace. In Arbor Felix, crowds formed outside the Deosian Temple of the One. All crowds at first peacefully protested the Tarajani laws as well as similarly restrictive Eurasian Imperial law. However, increased police attention saw the crowds begin to grow violent, and after the attempted breach of the Tarajani Embassy gates Eurasian police deployed tear gas and riot control measures to disperse the crowds, which have lead to a number of severe injuries.

In Julium, the protests outside the Embassy turned violent around 3:00 PM this afternoon, with the military cordon of the Tarajani Army in the Embassy being seen to don riot gear in preparation for a possible embassy breach. However, Eurasian police quickly deployed tear gas and other crowd control methods to disperse the crowd, including making dozens of arrests. One Christian protester was after being shot by a policeman during an attempted arrest. Outside the Pantheon, police forces took a similar approach when the crowds began an attempt to throw debris at the ancient temple, launching tear gas canisters as well as charging the crowd with batons, bloodying many but dispersing it within half an hour. Arbor Felix saw similar results outside the Temple of the One.

The Julian Palace, however, saw far greater bloodshed. Under Imperial Law, the Palace is not open to the public, and the Praetorian Guard consider any trespasser on the property to be a possible assassin towards the Emperor. As such, trespassers are often summarily shot by the Praetorian Guard, or severely beaten. Christian protesters outside the Palace were initially peaceful, however as the crowds grew and word spread of the police dispersal of the other protesters the crowd attempted to enter the grounds of the Julian Palace, which resulted in the Praetorian Guard opening fire. Around eight people are reported killed so far and dozens more are in critical condition. Further updates as events warrant.

Bishops call for peaceful protest

Archbishop Martin Noren of Helsingfors spoke for the Bishops' Council from St. Michael's Cathedral.

HELSINGFORS -- The Aloian Council of Bishops had to release another statement today, calling for Christian protesters all over the world to seek peace and respect the laws. This statement came after the killing of at least 8 Christians by Eurasian law enforcement in protests. This statement was delivered by Archbishop Martin Noren of Helsingfors.

"As Saint Paul says in the 13th chapter of his letter to Clervau, we are called to be subject to our government. As the Prophet Jeremiah said, we are to pray for our cities and states, to seek their welfare and their good. We hope our Christian brothers and sisters the world over will be reminded of these truths and amend their behavior accordingly," Archbishop Noren said. "There is nothing to be gained through violence and violation of laws. Fight according to your own laws and system of justice."

Small protests also gathered outside the Tarajani embassy in Zumbrota, in protest of the anti-evangelization laws. These protests were peaceful and had no conflict or escalation, in accordance with Christian values and behavior.

OOC: It's really fun when non-Christians RP Christians and the Christians do non-Christian things LOL

BREAKING
The Prime Minister of the Frumentarii, the secretive intelligence agency of the Eurasian Government, Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus, appeared on national television to address the Empire today, following the deaths of now thirteen Christian terrorists who attacked the Julian Palace. The attacks, which have been officially classified as acts of "spontaneous anti-Eurasian terrorism," resulted in the deaths of several terrorists who breached the grounds of the Julian Palace, as well as one individual who died after sustaining severe injuries during the riot outside the Pantheon.

Calvinus spoke at length, saying "The activities of these rogue terrorists were nothing less than the attempted destabilization of the Empire as a whole. We had hoped that these acts of Christian extremism were limited to states whose lack of internal stability permits their existence, however it appears we were unfortunately mistaken, something which will not happen again. The Frumentarii will be taking measures to ensure that radicalization of Christian groups cannot occur on Eurasian soil again. Further, the Frumentarii will ensure that the instigators of these heinous attacks on Eurasia's religious and cultural heritage will be found and brought to justice."

The Prime Minister and Legate went on to add that "The Ministry has reason to believe that these saboteurs and terrorist thugs may have been acting with the assistance of foreign organizations or governments. We are working to uncover more information in this regard, but it is a significant possibility."

OOC: It's even funnier when Christians conveniently forget 1,500 years of violent Christian oppression of every socio-religious group with which they disagreed. If I want my Christians to commit murder in the name of Christ I've got a pretty good historical leg to stand on. Bye.

Astana.
After days of hot debate, the Royal Diet has finally reached a definitive vote about the controversial law proposed by the Tarajani Sociaal-Democratische Partij (TSDP) on the restriction of the public promotion of religion. As its proposers said to the Diet and journalists alike, the law was the result of the serious concerns caused by acts of religious intolerance, mainly from Christians, in New Tarajan, which threatened the lives and properties of many citizens, particularly those labelled as infidels or non-believers.
The law, which restricts the possibilities for religious associations or individuals to publicly promote their faith (through the use of specifically-aimed manifestations, for example, or the sending of missionaries of any kind acting on Tarajani soil) particularly hits the political manifestations of religious belief, like the anti-abortist rallies which resulted in the destruction of the Diet of Heinrichstadt last year.
However, the law itself, thanks also to the personal intervention of Prime Minister De Witte-Beulen, under orders of the King, also presents a whole new set of religious rights, trying to define as accurately as possible the frontier between public and private freedom of religion. But, particularly, it protects the individual and private manifestations of religion, strengthening the already existing legislation about freedom of expression, officially extending it also to non-believers. In practice, the new law, far from being an "anti-proselytizing ban", as described by many foreign media, puts restrictions to the indiscriminate use of religion in the public sphere, attempting at building a delicate, but effective, balance between the needs and interests of believers, and those of non-believers (or believers of non-proselytizing, open faiths, such as the Tarajani State religion, Jahanism).
International news however surely influenced the result in the Diet, with many members of the Blue Party expressing their concerns about the possibility that such a law, if approved, could "seriously undermine the ground for religious peace in our country and abroad". Unwaivering support, instead, came from the few representatives of the most reactionary fringes of the Diet, who understood the law as aimed particularly against Christians. One of them even pointed out at "the terrible massacres made by Christians against Jahanists and believers of other faiths during the wars of conquest of the XVI and XVII centuries in these lands" as a justification for a strong policy of "control and surveillance" of the State on Christians and other monotheists.
The Diet session happened under the protection of a large police contingent, although no protest had been organized.
The law now passes into the hands of the Landsraad, which will have to choose if to approve or repel it.

OOC: Guys, guys, guys. Please. Don't start such a debate. We're simply playing. We already know what history tell us.

HORROR IN KONZA

Two gunmen enter rural Konza school, 13 dead, more wounded

Friday, 10 March 2017
SYLVIA, Konza -- Two gunmen, John Geraldi and Leonore Harris, both of St. George, Konza, are reported to have entered Enders Lake School in rural Sylvia, Konza, a community of 400, at approximately 12:15 this morning, shot and killed the secretary, proceeded to the cafeteria, and opened fire there. Police were called and were on the scene within 7 minutes. This began a afternoon-long standoff, ending with Geraldi shooting Harris and killing himself at approximately 2:45.

Reports say that 9 students have died, in addition to the secretary and 3 teachers who were in the cafeteria. An additional 24 other people, students and staff, are currently in Manhattan St. Andrew's Hospital. 4 others in more serious condition have been airlifted to Konza City.

Geraldi and Harris were from St. George but have been linked to the Temple of Mars, a Maiorist worship center in Konza City. The Temple of Mars previously made local news for another member, Alois Cleveland, being convicted of the rape and murder of 6 Konza City women. Some students reported hearing Geraldi shout something about Mars, the Eurasian god of war.

"We're currently looking into all possible motives," Manhattan Chief of Police Victor Mendoza said. "There is a possibility that it was religiously motivated."

The Liberty of Conscience Act of 1989 says that any house of worship that calls for violence against Aloians can be stripped of tax-exempt status or shut down by the state. The Temple was sued under this statute in the wake of the Cleveland murders, but the charges were dropped. If this attack can be directly linked to the Temple of Mars, it could mean the end of the Temple and Maiorism in the Konza City metro.

UPDATE, Saturday, 11 March 2017: St. George Police have released a report to media, mentioning a piece of paper found in Geraldi's pocket, outlining their motives for the attack. It's now clear that Geraldi and Harris carried out the attack as an offering to the Eurasian god Mars. The Konza Attorney General's Office has declared that they will take up the case against the Temple of Mars being in violation of Aloia's 1989 religious freedom law.

The Ministry of the Police announced today that, as part of an ongoing investigation following attacks by Christian mobs on many Eurasian cultural sites, several churches, both Protestant and Catholic, have been raided and their clergy arrested. The majority of the churches were Lutheran, in communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Aloia. The Ministry stated that they had reason to believe that the churches were involved in terrorist activity and that they had aided and encouraged the riotous protesters who attacked the Julian Palace, the Pantheon, and the Temple of the One.

There were two Catholic churches which were raided, with the Ministry reporting that they have no reason to believe they were receiving assistance from Clervau. However, the Lutheran churches which were raided have been accused of "troubling connections" with the terrorists. The Ministry has announced it will be opening an investigation into the role the churches played in the terrorist attacks, and will also be investigating what role the ELCA played in supporting these rogue, terrorist churches.

Eurasian law permits the establishment of other religious institutions and temples throughout the Empire, however the only temples which receive any form of religious protection are Maiorist temples, which includes Arveyran Aetherist temples as well, and Deosian temples, which also includes the Marquettien Orthodoxy. Christian churches are not granted these privileges and as such the police and the Frumentarii maintain the legal right to investigate and shut down churches deemed to act against the interests of the Eurasian state.

The Ministry of Culture also released brief comments on the recent, peculiar uptick in Christian violence, saying "the increase in breadth and scope of these atrocities is certainly surprising. However, given the nature of their barbaric faith, their propensity towards irrational violence isn't entirely unexpected." When pressed on the recent, supposedly Maiorist massacre in Aloia, the Ministry only said "Such actions sound more like Martin Luther than Mars."

The Changing Face of the Aloian Refugee

As religious persecution increases in developed nations and regional conflicts die down, Aloia receives refugees of a different kind.

ZUMBROTA -- The Ministry of the Interior has released a report on the last year's refugees and immigrants. The report shows more people coming to Aloia from Eurasia and New Tarajan than ever before, and less and less coming from Blukon and other trouble spots.

Eurasian persecution is much more intense than the inconveniences faced by Tarajani Christians, though both countries have seen an increase in migration to Aloia. At least 13 Christians were killed by the Eurasian government in an incident recently and many Lutheran congregations have had their churches closed.

In addition to Christians fleeing an increasingly hostile government, some Eurasians are coming to Aloia based solely on "conscientious objection." These immigrants are non-Christian Eurasians, mostly Aetherists, who are leaving Eurasia as a political statement. Most are coming from Castra Albana. These Aetherists are demonstrating solidarity with the persecuted Christians. Historically, Aetherism has been the most highly tolerated and accepted non-Christian religion in Aloia, with the Aetra Mountains and Iron Range being home to many sacred Aetherist locations.

Riesa, Montferrat: In what has become a usual and even unremarkable event, Baumbach House once again played host to a gathering of Makarian community leaders in an effort by the latter to improve Duke Nico II Baumbach’s official and personal opinion of their presence and worship in Montferrat, and to encourage the Duke to act on their behalf in regards to the Christianization of the Makarian homelands in Norda under Achaian authority. But while the refrain seems to go on unchanged, today’s meeting is the first between the two groups since Sultan Ioannis IX Kallergis of Morea released his unambiguously negative response to a petition asking him to put an end to the Nordan Mission, delivered by Makarian officers in the Montferrati military currently serving in Morea. These same Makarians, represented in Riesa by community organizers and ‘Shield Bearers,’ have now come to Duke Nico, their liege lord, in the expectation that the Duke of Montferrat will stand up for his own soldiers at the expense of his father-in-law, with whom he has thus far cooperated in full regarding the Nordan Mission.


Makarian leaders have expressed very firm opinions on the matter over the past several days. Shield Bearer Luca Todt, so called due to his familial claim of possessing one of the false goddess’s most famous relics, was quoted in the media yesterday as saying, “His Excellency commands more authority in Morea today than any Achaian besides his own wife. And it is in large part due to the Makarian presence in the Montferrati military that His Excellency holds that power, both at home and abroad. The Sultan’s regal title is nothing in real terms, which was made clear to him already when he acquiesced to making his daughter, our Duchess, Crown Princess of the Sultanate at Duke Nico’s insistence. Having bowed once, the Sultan should have no trouble doing so again when the matter is truly pressed.”


Achaian experts are less sure of the Makarian analysis, however. Apart from his military troubles, Sultan Ioannis has always contended with strong domestic pressures, particularly from the Achaian Church, which has long accused the Sultan of sacrificing religious scruples for worldly gain. The Sultan’s relationship with Bishop Akakios IV Doukas of Mystras has filled the pages of both scholarly journals and gossip magazines, following a long-established trend of conflict between Kallimarmaro Cathedral and the Blue Palace; successful rulers of the past have been able to achieve a balance between appeasing the Bishop of Mystras at home and accomplishing more secular goals abroad, but today’s conflict sees Bishop Akakios firmly planted in Sultan Ioannis’s foreign policy in the case of the Nordan Mission and furthermore attracting the ire of another important international partner for the Sultanate, the Federal Aristocratic Kingdom of New Tarajan. By earlier attempting to keep the peace with New Tarajan regardless of Bishop Akakios’s criticism, Sultan Ioannis has broken with the Achaian Church in a fundamental way. It is likely that his firm support of the Nordan Mission and the Achaian clergy that now govern the new dioceses in Norda was intended to refocus the relationship between Ioannis and Akakios on the one matter in which they have fully cooperated thus far.

The Sultan has accomplished his goal in that regard—Bishop Akakios’s criticisms of his government are still largely tempered with the knowledge that Ioannis is “a man full of love for the Lord”—but it is possible that he has miscalculated the extent of the reaction he would receive in Montferrat as a result. Duke Nico has supported the Nordan Mission from the beginning, having provided important logistical and military support for the new religious authorities as they established themselves in what remains largely Makarian territory, but his reasoning is likely less to do with his shared love of Christ and more to do with the agreement reached between himself and Sultan Ioannis upon his marriage to the Sultan’s daughter Aikaterini, which guaranteed that the new Duchess of Montferrat would succeed her father as Sultana upon Ioannis’s death. Duke Nico had every reason to support a policy that ensured that his wife, and eventually his children, would inherit even more land and power, especially land from which the Duchy of Montferrat has already been recruiting soldiers and mercenaries for centuries. Now, however, those same soldiers have demonstrated their anger at the new acquisition—and have not only reminded the Duke that he is militarily more powerful than Morea, but that the reason for that power lies in large part with a population that could just as easily turn against him as well if he does not acquiesce to the Makarians’ demands.

In essence, Duke Nico may be in a position where he must sacrifice the possible inheritance of the Achaian dioceses bordering Montferrat in order to preserve the more basic inheritance of Morea itself, or else lose control of the military power by which he acquired the friendship, and stands to acquire the birthright, of Sultan Ioannis.

Unsurprisingly, then, Baumbach House is keeping very quiet over the results of today’s meeting. The Makarian leaders have been less circumspect, with Shield Bearer Todt detailing the list of complaints he presented to Duke Nico at the outset of the meeting, but no one in the Makarian party would say whether or not the Duke was persuaded to act on any of those grievances, and if so how. The privacy of the meeting was such that even prominent government officials in Riesa, such as Duke’s Minister David Augustin, were barred from attending; the minister assured the media that this was less unusual than it appeared, but nonetheless admitted, “His Excellency normally depends on ministers such as myself for advice in troubling times, so purposely isolating himself in order to make a personal decision like this is rather different to what we are used to in Montferrati politics.”

According to Shield Bearer Todt, “We came before Their Excellencies in a private audience and presented our statement. More than that we cannot say, at the Duchess’s request.” Presumably Duke Nico agreed with his wife’s assessment.

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IN OTHER NEWS:

Eurasia: More Violence in City Streets; “God’s Will Be Done,” Says Akakios

Achaian and Tarajani Functionaries Begin Planning for Sultan’s Visit

Election Results:

As 6 states of the UKZ went to polls the race for the mid-term elections scheduled for October next year began. In the Zack system each union kingdom or commonwealth territory (state) has a set number of seats in the upper house of parliament The Commonwealth Council (CC), the members of these state's legislatures elect members to these seats by a single transferable vote. While the exact number of seats each party has been able to win in the upper house through these elections will only be determined when the time for the mid-term election arises. However, we can make a calculated guess.

Seeing as the ZNC has won a thumping majority in Augusta they should be able to elect all 16 ZNC MPs to the CC, with outside support from the Liberal Party in Lacostasia the ZNC should be able to take 3-4 seats while the Liberals will take 2-3. Speculations are however arising that the Liberal party agreed to support the ZNC First Minister only if the ZNC supports Liberal MPs to represent Lacostasia to the CC. This brings the ZNC tally anywhere in between 16-20 new seats in the upper house.

The Conservative party won a thumping victory in the East Plains and the key state of Kouty and hence will win all CC states from there. While in the tropical paradise of Goa, despite coming in second place the Conservatives along with the ZPP managed to garner the support of the 10 independents and regional party MLAs and will be able to manage 4-5 seats from Goa. Bringing their tally to around 28-29 new seats.

This is extremely important as the ZNC has only 70 seats in the upper house while the Opposition (CON+ZPP) have 69. These elections might be able to push the opposition and give them a majority in the upper house.

This will delay a lot of the PM's Policies including the Z-exit .