Things are heating up quickly. Cover-ups, guild rebranding, resurgent religions and now this.
-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
To be clear, the player orchestrated his own suicide. Nobody else thought it would be a good idea
Event: Welcome to Prafopolis (continuation of the Prafist attack)event
This little short story is the continuation of the "Prafist attack" story line as far as the public is concerned 
Sean has been member of the IIA spec ops division for ten years now. When his unit got mobilized to support an ongoing classified investigation, it was nothing uncommon. What was uncommon however was what they were tasked to do.
During his briefing he and his squad were told, that the culprits, responsible for the attack on the ruins of the Great Temple of Praf have been tracked to a canyon about 250 miles south of Al-Sharit, by closer inspection scanners found a massive underground complex underneath a cavern system which lies beneath the canyon. His squad has been chosen to lead an expedition down the cave system to find out what lies beneath.
When the expedition started it was nothing out of the ordinary, simple rocky caves, common in the deserts surrounding Al-Sharit, what however was not common was the massive underground city which they found at the end of the maze like caves!
He was briefed, that the scans were inconclusive due to the mineral composition in the canyon, but how could they miss something big like this!
What is even more disturbing is that people live there. One of them spotted Sean’s squad as they emerged from the entrance and screamed something in vostokian, which Sean couldn’t understand. But several moments later he could guess what it meant, when several armed squadrons of soldiers appeared and started shooting at him and his comrades, while shouting: “за Зкфа!” (“For Praf!”)
“Retreat, formation Alpha-Nine!!!”, he shouted. His squad falling into a “V”-shaped formation as they moved backwards and returned fire. When they reached the entrance, through which they came, his squad covered him, as he put down some small explosive charges, normally supposed to be used to clear rubble, not create it.
“Fire in the hole!”, Sean screamed as he made his way to his comrades. The tunnels would shook as the charges did their work. “Let’s get back to the surface and inform HQ, they will need to know about this. It’s a city full of heretics!”
Welcome to Prafopolis!
Sean has been member of the IIA spec ops division for ten years now. When his unit got mobilized to support an ongoing classified investigation, it was nothing uncommon. What was uncommon however was what they were tasked to do.
During his briefing he and his squad were told, that the culprits, responsible for the attack on the ruins of the Great Temple of Praf have been tracked to a canyon about 250 miles south of Al-Sharit, by closer inspection scanners found a massive underground complex underneath a cavern system which lies beneath the canyon. His squad has been chosen to lead an expedition down the cave system to find out what lies beneath.
When the expedition started it was nothing out of the ordinary, simple rocky caves, common in the deserts surrounding Al-Sharit, what however was not common was the massive underground city which they found at the end of the maze like caves!
He was briefed, that the scans were inconclusive due to the mineral composition in the canyon, but how could they miss something big like this!
What is even more disturbing is that people live there. One of them spotted Sean’s squad as they emerged from the entrance and screamed something in vostokian, which Sean couldn’t understand. But several moments later he could guess what it meant, when several armed squadrons of soldiers appeared and started shooting at him and his comrades, while shouting: “за Зкфа!” (“For Praf!”)
“Retreat, formation Alpha-Nine!!!”, he shouted. His squad falling into a “V”-shaped formation as they moved backwards and returned fire. When they reached the entrance, through which they came, his squad covered him, as he put down some small explosive charges, normally supposed to be used to clear rubble, not create it.
“Fire in the hole!”, Sean screamed as he made his way to his comrades. The tunnels would shook as the charges did their work. “Let’s get back to the surface and inform HQ, they will need to know about this. It’s a city full of heretics!”
OOC: Encyclopaedia Vaeriana (compilation of info for users and readers)
Ok, this is something for every person, which is only watching the events in the Holy Vaerian Empire unfold on the PDX Forum and not on our Discord server, where all of the Role-play is happening.
This is the Encyclopedia Vaeriana a collection of every short story every piece of legislation, every character biography and every noble family, guild, institution and company description made by our participants and us admins.
The perfect tool to keep you up to date on the developments of the Empire or to catch up on them!
Click on the picture below if you like to know more!
This is the Encyclopedia Vaeriana a collection of every short story every piece of legislation, every character biography and every noble family, guild, institution and company description made by our participants and us admins.
The perfect tool to keep you up to date on the developments of the Empire or to catch up on them!
Click on the picture below if you like to know more!
"if you like to know more!"
This line gave me shades of the Starship Troopers film, which is perhaps not an inapt analogy all things considered
This line gave me shades of the Starship Troopers film, which is perhaps not an inapt analogy all things considered
Diet Session of 2210-2215
For the first time, the Diet came alive for the 2210-2215 Session. Unlike past session when no more that 2-3 bills were being debated, this cycle 9 bills were proposed and 6 of them were passed. This is most likely due in part to a few changes made to the system making the Diet much more fun and interactive
Lets Move on to the bills.
Bills Passed in the Imperial Diet of 2210 to 2215, as compiled by the Office of the Lady Speaker
Didecist Workers Bill-
Writer- Samuel H.
Written in Assembly
Supported by- VLG, Maria Von Friedenwald
Description:This Bill is to Create the Didecist Arbeitskräfte Gewerkschaft (Didecist Workers Union, DWU) To Promote Workers Safety and Didecist Values in the Workplace. Vaerian Workers in the Union may seek help and Guidance from Priest and Other Officials who Run the Union. The Head of the Union or the princeps auctoritati (The Current Emperor) The Second Head of the Union shall be the Current Pontifex Maximus. Workers may Also ask the Union to help Improve Worker Conditions and Wages ( Any Illegal Activity done in the Union will be reported to the authorities) A chair of the Union shall Be Elected by the Union Member to be the head, It can be Anyone in the Union ( Who has a Good Legal Record of Course) Any Member of the Union may Lobby to a Member of the assembly to propose laws. In addition, they union get to appoint one non voting member of the Assembly to make their voice heard, but not take away from the democratic process. The Union will also have the power to collectively negotiate with companies to ensure fair treatment. The Budget of the Union shall be managed by the Emperor and the Pontifex Maximus."
This bill was opposed by the United Guild for Democracy, based on the grounds it would diminish the influence of the already established Guilds. It was also opposed by the Prince Law-Lord Von Blüchner, for reason unknown.
Parliamentary Privilege Amendment
Writer: Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte
It is essential that the Members of the Imperial Diet, be it the elected officials in the Assembly or the nobility and clergy in the Estates Chamber, are free to speak their mind and vote on bills and legislation. To guarantee such a right of freedom of speech is paramount to the survival of our system, be it under threat of outside lobbying or the threat of legal action for speaking one's mind. This Amendment therefore proposes to add the following Article to the Constitution: "No member of either of the two Houses can be prosecuted or pursued with regard to opinions and votes given by him or her in the exercise of his or her duties as Member of the Imperial Diet. This means that the Members of the Diet cannot be arrested for statements made or acts undertaken as a Member of the Diet within the grounds of the Imperial Diet, on the condition that such statements or acts occur as part of a proceeding in the Diet. This Amendment does not extend immunity to Members of the Diet who try to abuse this right to break their oath of loyalty to the Emperor or the Empire, commit acts of murder or other violent criminal acts on the grounds of the Imperial Diet."
Opposed by no one it flew through its numerous readings.
New Freedom Amendment
Written by: Samuel H. of the Vaerian Liberal Guild (VLG)
Sponsored by: Samuel Wallace,
Proposed: Assembly
Description: The Diet shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances of all Vaerians. The Government and Emperor of Vaeria will have to Guarantee the Rights of Freedom of speech free exercise thereof, and guarantee freedom of the press,and the rights for the people to peacefully assemble and petition the Government for a redress of Grievances.
This bill will not protect:
-Threats of any kind (The IAA will be permitted to Investigate Threats, But jokes shall not count as threats and a difference shall be made by the Instigator or an Investigator)
-Religious Extremist and Heretics shall still be arrested for Treason (the Pontifex shall have authority over this part)
-Violent Political Extremist will not be protected and shall be arrested Security Leaks from Classified sources shall still be arrestable offenses
-The military shall still be able to give orders without Question and refusal may lead to Charges against you.
-Must have a Permit That is Accepted by Local and Central Government to Protest
It passes through the Assembly with no contest from any party. However in the Estates Chamber it was opposed by
High Priest Hermann Gelleboeling for reasons unknown
Primitive Observance Act-
Written by Samuel Hollerzollen
Supporters- VLG,
Proposed in the Assembly
Description: The Primitive Observance Act wants the Building Ships to Expand to the Discida System and build an Observation post to Peacefully Observe The Primitive Locals and study their Culture.The Act will also Allow the Survey Corp to Build Additional Observation stations if More Primitive Worlds are found.
Ingame Effects- Build a Station in Discida System and Build an Observation Post set to Passive Observation on the Primitive Planet and Build Observation Post in General around Primitive Worlds.
Completely Unopposed, it flew the through the Diet
Imperial Wellness and Leisure Bill
Written by Lillia Valois Draskar
Proposed in the Estate Chamber
Description: The Empire is seeing an age of unprecedented prosperity and growth, but it’s important that we also look after the people's emotional health. As our economy expands it’s only right that we also raise the living standards of our people, so that everyone can enjoy leisure activities once reserved only for the richest. In recent years there have been major innovations in holo-technology, and with the right funding large theater complexes could be built in every major city to help enrich the lives of our citizens. This bill proposes that funding be unlocked and plans drawn up to build these complexes over the next couple of years, as an investment in our people.
Ingame Effects (A Holo-Theatre is built as soon as our population grows to 30 Pop’s)
Completely Unopposed, it flew the through the Diet
Solidification of Our Borders Or:
A Bill to Rectify our Uncertain Policies Pertaining to First Contact Protocol and Border Policies
Written and Submitted by the United Guilds for Democracy in 2210
Preamble
Our policies around border protection and first contact protocol are outdated and somewhat contradictory, clearly indicative of a time when we were not one planet and left unchanged. With the discovery of alien life, in the form of the Vivisandia of Discida, it is clear we must redefine our borders and what may be allowed through them.
Our current Open Borders policy should be abolished and made Closed Borders; we do not know the intentions of sentient species nor if they are deceptive as a Prafist or honest as a priest and, as such, we should only give Open Borders to those we come to trust. Our aggressive response to foreign beings is also setting us up for failure; we must study them first, understand their purpose, and perhaps even language long before we should fire a single shot. If these beings are sentient then they will be understanding in our desire to keep our borders closed and, if they are not, then they are animals that should be allowed to roam until we can find a better purpose for them (although be certain, they will never be allowed too close to civilized space should they be aggressive in nature).
In Action
Naturally, changing our in-game policies around; Open Borders to Closed Borders and First Contact Protocol from Aggressive to Passive.
Completely Unopposed, it flew the through the Diet
Bills the Failed to Pass in the 2210-2215 Diet
Reformation of the People’s Assembly
Or:
The Institution of a Constitutional Amendment to Reform the Current Laws Regarding the Formation of a Proper Government in the Hopes of Representing the People Completely and Fairly
Written and Submitted by the United Guilds for Democracy in 2210
Preamble
This bill acts in conjunction to the Meiji Corporation’s article called, “The Worries,” which outlines their, and their constituents, belief that two major constitutional ideals keep the Citizenry from being properly represented within the current Imperial Diet.
This amendment to the constitution is in regards to the former of the two and hopes to achieve most of the goals laid out whilst also leaving room for compromise and change later down the line.
The purpose of this particular bill is to ensure proper representation of smaller parties and minority groups within the People’s Assembly. The current law, which demands the creation of a coalition which encompasses the majority of the chamber’s population, is an affront to this goal and must be amended to ensure that all voices are heard equally rather than suppressed by the tyranny of the majority.
In Action
The constitution shall be amended to remove the need for a majority coalition, instead replaced with a necessary oath to be taken by all Assembly members during the first gathering and one additional to be made in witness of the Emperor, as done by all party leaders. Parties may still form informal coalitions as they please, this bill is not proposed to restrict political alliances.
This bill will also ensure that, should no majority coalition be formed, that the government may still function. This is to fix a mistake made in the constitution that makes the majority coalition rule, in and of itself, unconstitutional due to the breach of three clauses, within our Imperial Constitution, underneath the section pertaining to the representation of the citizenry:
1.The citizenry has the right to elect representatives at their local noblemen and at the Imperial Court to aid their lieges in the process of governing.
2.The representatives of the citizenry have the right to be heard in the legislative process.
3.The representatives of the citizenry have the right to propose laws to the Imperial Diet.
Should this majority coalition rule stay in place, the constitution itself will be shown to be nothing more than a piece of paper with a series of wise advice, rather than an actual governing body of our land.
In regards to the Grand Magister position, it shall be decided by the plurality rather than any coalition until further notice.
Sum of All Changes
Edits:
What must be edited in order for the proposed amendment to work:
Part IV, Section “Grand Magister,” Preamble shall be edited to properly represent the new system:
“After each election a Grand Magister is chosen by the party with the highest number of members; the plurality party. If no single Guild can secure a total majority coalition must be built to obtain it. This coalition may then put forward one of its members as Grand Magister. The Grand Magister is the voice of the people and has therefore special privileges.”
The Bill was widely opposed in the Chamber and the Assembly, only the United Guild for Democracy voted in favor it in the Assembly and Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte in the Estates Supported it
Xeno Research Initiative
Written by: Void Craft Guild
Assembly
Our scientific exploration teams have encountered several potentially space capable entities. Beyond a few preliminary reports our Civil, Military and Spiritual leaders have no viable intelligence with which to make informed policy. To solve this problem, this bill will allocate funds to provide for grants to further research these space capable entities and make the research available to our leaders.
in game effects:
We start research the unknown aliens to make them know. Prioritized by the person doing the play through
The Surprise of the night, the bill sailed through the assembly, but in the Chamber it was blocked
Prince Law-Lord von Blüchner who opposed the bill, his arguments convince the chamber to vote the bill down.
Economic Growth Initiative 3
Writer- Samuel Hollerzollen (VLG)
Supporters- VLG,
Description - The empire Of Vaeria is Expanding and so will its people and their needs.
To fulfill these needs we need to help business with producing goods for our citizens.
We should build more consumer goods factories to fulfill these needs and keep our citizens happy.
To do this we should give out tax Incentives.
1.Offer tax incentives of 5% for 15 years to companies who are expanding or developing mining operations. (5% as their already getting incentives)
2. Offer tax incentives of 10 % for 15 years to companies who are expanding or developing Civilian Industries
3. Offer more Tax Incentives of 15% for 15 years for companies increasing Energy Production
Ingame effects- Build one consumer goods factory to increase Production,
Enough mineral production to maintain at least a monthly surplus of 40 minerals. Also attempt to maintain an energy surplus of at least 15. (Use amenities planetary edict
Riding the popular support that got Economic Growth Initiative 1 and 2 passed, Samuel Hollerzollen hoped that this bill would pass with flying colors as well. However he quickly ran into a roadblock when the Lady Speaker let the Chief Coordinator of the Surveyor Corps give a brief statement regarding bill. The Chief Coordinator had already made his displeasure known in a few interviews when the bill was announced. Due to pressure from the Opposition and the Chief Coordinator, the bill was withdrawn before the Coordinator was able to speak. But with permission from the Lady Speaker, who also voice a little opposition Chief Coordinator David Dotson gave this statement on the floor
Chief Coordinator Dotson
“That would be correct and well I came all the way down here to spark debate over the outrageous Economic Initiative 3 bill but it seems that the VLG has simply chickened out after I sent word to the assembly. None-the-less I have made the trip down here and would like to urge the assembly to pay more attention to the bills it writes. As someone who has to follow the will of these bills I do not want to see the Empire in shambles because politicians don’t pay attention to their actions.” Dotson would glare at the VLG section of the assembly
(Hollerzollen was given the opportunity to reply the statement)
Grandmagister Hollerzollen
“I withdrawed the bill as I saw what was wrong with the bill and saw that it would of lead to a downfall of the economy, wanting to fix a mistake is NOT chickening out as I saw what some of the economic experts said and I listened to them and stopped the bill,I listened to some Opinions and I agree it was a bad idea and not thought of very well”
“I thank you for your concerns Mr Dotson”
(Dotson quickly replied)
Chief Coordinator Dotson
"Ah yes I’m sure you and your ‘economic advisors’ had a nice chat here in the assembly halls on my way here. Perhaps next time you can consult these advisors prior to making an entire bill. Consider the future of the Empire when making bills and how you will effect the lives of our people, next time you’re sitting in your office Grandmagister. I would urge your party and all parties of the assembly to remember that.” (Muttering under his breath he comments how ridiculous it is that the VLG even has power). “I have voiced my concerns Lady Speaker, and I hope the assembly has learned something from this mistake of the VLG.”
(He would move to gallery after this)
There would be no more responses after this, but the Grandmagister did give a sharp glare to the Chief Coordinator and Meiji of the UGD laughed at the scene
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That is all for the 2210-2215 Diet, hopefully a sign of what is come, a preview for the gameplay to come:
"Attention all you fantastic little chaos monkeys! Its time the empire picks its first ASCENSION PERK!"
-Wzard
Lets Move on to the bills.
Bills Passed in the Imperial Diet of 2210 to 2215, as compiled by the Office of the Lady Speaker
Didecist Workers Bill-
Writer- Samuel H.
Written in Assembly
Supported by- VLG, Maria Von Friedenwald
Description:This Bill is to Create the Didecist Arbeitskräfte Gewerkschaft (Didecist Workers Union, DWU) To Promote Workers Safety and Didecist Values in the Workplace. Vaerian Workers in the Union may seek help and Guidance from Priest and Other Officials who Run the Union. The Head of the Union or the princeps auctoritati (The Current Emperor) The Second Head of the Union shall be the Current Pontifex Maximus. Workers may Also ask the Union to help Improve Worker Conditions and Wages ( Any Illegal Activity done in the Union will be reported to the authorities) A chair of the Union shall Be Elected by the Union Member to be the head, It can be Anyone in the Union ( Who has a Good Legal Record of Course) Any Member of the Union may Lobby to a Member of the assembly to propose laws. In addition, they union get to appoint one non voting member of the Assembly to make their voice heard, but not take away from the democratic process. The Union will also have the power to collectively negotiate with companies to ensure fair treatment. The Budget of the Union shall be managed by the Emperor and the Pontifex Maximus."
This bill was opposed by the United Guild for Democracy, based on the grounds it would diminish the influence of the already established Guilds. It was also opposed by the Prince Law-Lord Von Blüchner, for reason unknown.
Parliamentary Privilege Amendment
Writer: Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte
It is essential that the Members of the Imperial Diet, be it the elected officials in the Assembly or the nobility and clergy in the Estates Chamber, are free to speak their mind and vote on bills and legislation. To guarantee such a right of freedom of speech is paramount to the survival of our system, be it under threat of outside lobbying or the threat of legal action for speaking one's mind. This Amendment therefore proposes to add the following Article to the Constitution: "No member of either of the two Houses can be prosecuted or pursued with regard to opinions and votes given by him or her in the exercise of his or her duties as Member of the Imperial Diet. This means that the Members of the Diet cannot be arrested for statements made or acts undertaken as a Member of the Diet within the grounds of the Imperial Diet, on the condition that such statements or acts occur as part of a proceeding in the Diet. This Amendment does not extend immunity to Members of the Diet who try to abuse this right to break their oath of loyalty to the Emperor or the Empire, commit acts of murder or other violent criminal acts on the grounds of the Imperial Diet."
Opposed by no one it flew through its numerous readings.
New Freedom Amendment
Written by: Samuel H. of the Vaerian Liberal Guild (VLG)
Sponsored by: Samuel Wallace,
Proposed: Assembly
Description: The Diet shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances of all Vaerians. The Government and Emperor of Vaeria will have to Guarantee the Rights of Freedom of speech free exercise thereof, and guarantee freedom of the press,and the rights for the people to peacefully assemble and petition the Government for a redress of Grievances.
This bill will not protect:
-Threats of any kind (The IAA will be permitted to Investigate Threats, But jokes shall not count as threats and a difference shall be made by the Instigator or an Investigator)
-Religious Extremist and Heretics shall still be arrested for Treason (the Pontifex shall have authority over this part)
-Violent Political Extremist will not be protected and shall be arrested Security Leaks from Classified sources shall still be arrestable offenses
-The military shall still be able to give orders without Question and refusal may lead to Charges against you.
-Must have a Permit That is Accepted by Local and Central Government to Protest
It passes through the Assembly with no contest from any party. However in the Estates Chamber it was opposed by
High Priest Hermann Gelleboeling for reasons unknown
Primitive Observance Act-
Written by Samuel Hollerzollen
Supporters- VLG,
Proposed in the Assembly
Description: The Primitive Observance Act wants the Building Ships to Expand to the Discida System and build an Observation post to Peacefully Observe The Primitive Locals and study their Culture.The Act will also Allow the Survey Corp to Build Additional Observation stations if More Primitive Worlds are found.
Ingame Effects- Build a Station in Discida System and Build an Observation Post set to Passive Observation on the Primitive Planet and Build Observation Post in General around Primitive Worlds.
Completely Unopposed, it flew the through the Diet
Imperial Wellness and Leisure Bill
Written by Lillia Valois Draskar
Proposed in the Estate Chamber
Description: The Empire is seeing an age of unprecedented prosperity and growth, but it’s important that we also look after the people's emotional health. As our economy expands it’s only right that we also raise the living standards of our people, so that everyone can enjoy leisure activities once reserved only for the richest. In recent years there have been major innovations in holo-technology, and with the right funding large theater complexes could be built in every major city to help enrich the lives of our citizens. This bill proposes that funding be unlocked and plans drawn up to build these complexes over the next couple of years, as an investment in our people.
Ingame Effects (A Holo-Theatre is built as soon as our population grows to 30 Pop’s)
Completely Unopposed, it flew the through the Diet
Solidification of Our Borders Or:
A Bill to Rectify our Uncertain Policies Pertaining to First Contact Protocol and Border Policies
Written and Submitted by the United Guilds for Democracy in 2210
Preamble
Our policies around border protection and first contact protocol are outdated and somewhat contradictory, clearly indicative of a time when we were not one planet and left unchanged. With the discovery of alien life, in the form of the Vivisandia of Discida, it is clear we must redefine our borders and what may be allowed through them.
Our current Open Borders policy should be abolished and made Closed Borders; we do not know the intentions of sentient species nor if they are deceptive as a Prafist or honest as a priest and, as such, we should only give Open Borders to those we come to trust. Our aggressive response to foreign beings is also setting us up for failure; we must study them first, understand their purpose, and perhaps even language long before we should fire a single shot. If these beings are sentient then they will be understanding in our desire to keep our borders closed and, if they are not, then they are animals that should be allowed to roam until we can find a better purpose for them (although be certain, they will never be allowed too close to civilized space should they be aggressive in nature).
In Action
Naturally, changing our in-game policies around; Open Borders to Closed Borders and First Contact Protocol from Aggressive to Passive.
Completely Unopposed, it flew the through the Diet
Bills the Failed to Pass in the 2210-2215 Diet
Reformation of the People’s Assembly
Or:
The Institution of a Constitutional Amendment to Reform the Current Laws Regarding the Formation of a Proper Government in the Hopes of Representing the People Completely and Fairly
Written and Submitted by the United Guilds for Democracy in 2210
Preamble
This bill acts in conjunction to the Meiji Corporation’s article called, “The Worries,” which outlines their, and their constituents, belief that two major constitutional ideals keep the Citizenry from being properly represented within the current Imperial Diet.
This amendment to the constitution is in regards to the former of the two and hopes to achieve most of the goals laid out whilst also leaving room for compromise and change later down the line.
The purpose of this particular bill is to ensure proper representation of smaller parties and minority groups within the People’s Assembly. The current law, which demands the creation of a coalition which encompasses the majority of the chamber’s population, is an affront to this goal and must be amended to ensure that all voices are heard equally rather than suppressed by the tyranny of the majority.
In Action
The constitution shall be amended to remove the need for a majority coalition, instead replaced with a necessary oath to be taken by all Assembly members during the first gathering and one additional to be made in witness of the Emperor, as done by all party leaders. Parties may still form informal coalitions as they please, this bill is not proposed to restrict political alliances.
This bill will also ensure that, should no majority coalition be formed, that the government may still function. This is to fix a mistake made in the constitution that makes the majority coalition rule, in and of itself, unconstitutional due to the breach of three clauses, within our Imperial Constitution, underneath the section pertaining to the representation of the citizenry:
1.The citizenry has the right to elect representatives at their local noblemen and at the Imperial Court to aid their lieges in the process of governing.
2.The representatives of the citizenry have the right to be heard in the legislative process.
3.The representatives of the citizenry have the right to propose laws to the Imperial Diet.
Should this majority coalition rule stay in place, the constitution itself will be shown to be nothing more than a piece of paper with a series of wise advice, rather than an actual governing body of our land.
In regards to the Grand Magister position, it shall be decided by the plurality rather than any coalition until further notice.
Sum of All Changes
Edits:
What must be edited in order for the proposed amendment to work:
Part IV, Section “Grand Magister,” Preamble shall be edited to properly represent the new system:
“After each election a Grand Magister is chosen by the party with the highest number of members; the plurality party. If no single Guild can secure a total majority coalition must be built to obtain it. This coalition may then put forward one of its members as Grand Magister. The Grand Magister is the voice of the people and has therefore special privileges.”
The Bill was widely opposed in the Chamber and the Assembly, only the United Guild for Democracy voted in favor it in the Assembly and Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte in the Estates Supported it
Xeno Research Initiative
Written by: Void Craft Guild
Assembly
Our scientific exploration teams have encountered several potentially space capable entities. Beyond a few preliminary reports our Civil, Military and Spiritual leaders have no viable intelligence with which to make informed policy. To solve this problem, this bill will allocate funds to provide for grants to further research these space capable entities and make the research available to our leaders.
in game effects:
We start research the unknown aliens to make them know. Prioritized by the person doing the play through
The Surprise of the night, the bill sailed through the assembly, but in the Chamber it was blocked
Prince Law-Lord von Blüchner who opposed the bill, his arguments convince the chamber to vote the bill down.
Economic Growth Initiative 3
Writer- Samuel Hollerzollen (VLG)
Supporters- VLG,
Description - The empire Of Vaeria is Expanding and so will its people and their needs.
To fulfill these needs we need to help business with producing goods for our citizens.
We should build more consumer goods factories to fulfill these needs and keep our citizens happy.
To do this we should give out tax Incentives.
1.Offer tax incentives of 5% for 15 years to companies who are expanding or developing mining operations. (5% as their already getting incentives)
2. Offer tax incentives of 10 % for 15 years to companies who are expanding or developing Civilian Industries
3. Offer more Tax Incentives of 15% for 15 years for companies increasing Energy Production
Ingame effects- Build one consumer goods factory to increase Production,
Enough mineral production to maintain at least a monthly surplus of 40 minerals. Also attempt to maintain an energy surplus of at least 15. (Use amenities planetary edict
Riding the popular support that got Economic Growth Initiative 1 and 2 passed, Samuel Hollerzollen hoped that this bill would pass with flying colors as well. However he quickly ran into a roadblock when the Lady Speaker let the Chief Coordinator of the Surveyor Corps give a brief statement regarding bill. The Chief Coordinator had already made his displeasure known in a few interviews when the bill was announced. Due to pressure from the Opposition and the Chief Coordinator, the bill was withdrawn before the Coordinator was able to speak. But with permission from the Lady Speaker, who also voice a little opposition Chief Coordinator David Dotson gave this statement on the floor
Chief Coordinator Dotson
“That would be correct and well I came all the way down here to spark debate over the outrageous Economic Initiative 3 bill but it seems that the VLG has simply chickened out after I sent word to the assembly. None-the-less I have made the trip down here and would like to urge the assembly to pay more attention to the bills it writes. As someone who has to follow the will of these bills I do not want to see the Empire in shambles because politicians don’t pay attention to their actions.” Dotson would glare at the VLG section of the assembly
(Hollerzollen was given the opportunity to reply the statement)
Grandmagister Hollerzollen
“I withdrawed the bill as I saw what was wrong with the bill and saw that it would of lead to a downfall of the economy, wanting to fix a mistake is NOT chickening out as I saw what some of the economic experts said and I listened to them and stopped the bill,I listened to some Opinions and I agree it was a bad idea and not thought of very well”
“I thank you for your concerns Mr Dotson”
(Dotson quickly replied)
Chief Coordinator Dotson
"Ah yes I’m sure you and your ‘economic advisors’ had a nice chat here in the assembly halls on my way here. Perhaps next time you can consult these advisors prior to making an entire bill. Consider the future of the Empire when making bills and how you will effect the lives of our people, next time you’re sitting in your office Grandmagister. I would urge your party and all parties of the assembly to remember that.” (Muttering under his breath he comments how ridiculous it is that the VLG even has power). “I have voiced my concerns Lady Speaker, and I hope the assembly has learned something from this mistake of the VLG.”
(He would move to gallery after this)
There would be no more responses after this, but the Grandmagister did give a sharp glare to the Chief Coordinator and Meiji of the UGD laughed at the scene
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That is all for the 2210-2215 Diet, hopefully a sign of what is come, a preview for the gameplay to come:
"Attention all you fantastic little chaos monkeys! Its time the empire picks its first ASCENSION PERK!"
-Wzard
Gameplay Report of 2211-2215
Imperial Survey Corps Report
Years 2211-2215
Chief Coordinator Dotson
New Imperial Policies
As per the Solidification of Our Borders Act, the Empire has decided to keep our borders clear of potentially dangerous aliens. Imperial Space is now closed to any and all unknown space craft that could be a danger to the Empire. Also, in the event that we should come into contact with aliens with a higher degree of intelligence, we shall approach them peacefully rather than with aggression.
News on Scientific Advancements
The Imperial Laboratories continue to advance our glorious Empire, through new technological breakthroughs! Here are the new technologies at the disposal of our nation.
A New Age of Space Travel
A bill proposed by Emperor Fionn himself has granted space travel to civilian and commercial use which has brought upon a new wave of excitement among both the nobility and the common folk. New businesses and private explorers have set out to take advantage of the stars! Once the proper permits have been acquired from the Survey Corps, everyone is allowed to explore the stars within Imperial Space. A list of planets and systems that are considered dangerous has been posted and are off limits to anyone who is not Survey Corps Personnel. Everyone is encouraged to explore and profit off the stars, nobles and rich guilds have already started bidding on new lands and space zones.
(One of the new businesses that seeks to launch a cruise-ship into the stars this 2217)
The Crashed Starship
Captain Kruger has reported in the log of the crashed alien ship in the Takhvan System.
"The Fortress"
Thanks to our increased senor range a disaster was prevented in the Bitrius System, Captain Goto noticed something explainable on the sensor screen. The object is massive and foreign, scans show clear signs of active high tech weapon systems but the sheet number of them makes it impossible to determine the strength of the object. Captain Goto simply called it, "The Fortress".
The Survey Corps Security Task Force
With all the threats the Empire is encountering in space, the Survey Corps has created its very own task force in order to better defend its personnel aboard science vessels and out post stations. Thanks to Stockwell Arms, the men and women in this task force are equipped with zero-g armored suits and pressurized rifles loaded with armor piercing rounds. While these troops won't stand up against massive ships they are able to fend off smaller threats to the crews as well as protect explorers on unknown worlds. Some have even been stationed with the colonist of Takhvan Prime to help ensure the colonists' safety.
(Images of the Task Force testing their suits on the Jondus IX Frozen Planet)
Update on Takhvan Prime
The Colony Ship is all settled down and the colonist have exited cryo-sleep, Takhvan Prime is ready to begin serving the Empire! The new colony is a hub of people staking their claims hoping to make it rich on this new planet. We are sure to see a new wave of success for the people of the Empire.
New Ideas of Foundation
The Foundation Tradition that the Empire has been steadily progressing on is finally complete! The plans of the central government are sure to benefit the Empire. A small expansion of our Imperial Navy capacity has occurred as well as how many districts can be established on our worlds. A glorious choice was made with foundation.
Comet Sighted Passing the Hecor System
A sign from the gods has been seen at the end of 2215! A comet being called Arius's Blessing passed our home system on 11.25.2215. The comet is widely believed to be a sign that we are on the path to a glorious and successful future out in the stars, and that the gods are watching over us in the unknown.
Imperial Reserves as of 01.01.2216
Imperial Borders
The Empire is slowly expanding her influence. Yet unopposed by xenos. But for how long?
It's a wonder we are still operating, I think the worst enemy for the Empire is not something outside of it but rather inside of it
.
Pffff..... Nonsense. Everything is a-okay.It's a wonder we are still operating, I think the worst enemy for the Empire is not something outside of it but rather inside of it
I do rather approve of the "Imperial Wellness and Leisure " bill.
I wonder how long before we get a Tirpitz style Fleet Law though or Two Power Standard, or something like that. By which I mean, how long after one establishes say a half-dozen foreign relations does this society start to indulge its native jingoism.
I wonder how long before we get a Tirpitz style Fleet Law though or Two Power Standard, or something like that. By which I mean, how long after one establishes say a half-dozen foreign relations does this society start to indulge its native jingoism.
Short Story: Thunder in a Clear Sky
This story acts as a sort of follow up to several story lines currently going on in the Empire.
The streets of Arcadié were filled with people. Red, white and blue flags could be seen everywhere, hanging from the windows of apartment buildings or being waved in the air by enthusiastic citizens. The air smelled like Arcadian fries, sugar-coated waffles and chocolate. Carousels and ferris wheels dotted the city’s streets and children’s laughter could be heard everywhere. The elderly had left their houses to get a glimpse of the notable guests, while the young had come out to enjoy some beer or wine. The city’s council and the Archduchy’s local government had spared no expense to celebrate the 450th anniversary of rule under the House de Mérode. The highlight of the festivities were of course the air show provided by the Imperial Navy and the Arcadian Aeronautic Academy, the unveiling of the statue of Carolus de Mérode and the blessing of His Holiness the Pontifex Maximus himself.
The air show went entirely according to plan. The fighter jets which were provided by Head Admiral Oppenheimer were joined by training crafts of the Aeronautic Academy and gave the Arcadian people a taste of their skills, performing several manoeuvres to show the Empire that the best pilots do indeed come from Arcadié. After the air show was over, the people were treated with a theatre piece on the Place de la Constitution, depicting the history of the Archduchy. The piece ended with the coronation of Tacchius de Mérode, the first of his House to hold the title of Archduke of Arcadié. Under a thunderous applause, the actors left the stage and a slender figure replaced them. When the cameras zoomed in on the figure, the face of Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte appeared on screens all over the city. Soon, her soft voice filled the air of Arcadié.
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
“Mes chers compatriotes, Arcadians abroad and at home. I stand before you today as your Lady-Regent, not in a time of mourning, but in a time of hope and celebration. Even though our dear Archduke has not been here with us for five years now already, his spirit still lives on in each one of us, from the poorest beggar to the richest investor. In his spirit, and in those of his ancestors, we celebrate a great occasion today. Today marks the 450th anniversary of rule by the House de Mérode. For over four centuries, de Mérodes have guided Arcadié to the place it is today; a place where every voice counts, a place where the nobility cooperates with the commonry on equal footing and a place which acts like a beacon for liberty on Vaeria. The late Emperor was always proud of his roots and carried them with him in every action he took. Despite the headwind he often received, Carolus de Mérode stood firmly by his values, for that he will be remembered.
Our Empire has changed a lot since we lost our Archduke. Even our Archduchy is not immune to this change. Feelings of fear are increasingly common amongst even the noblest of men. Let me just say one thing, for as long as Arcadié holds true to its history, we do not have to fear anything. Our strength lays in our ability as a people to agree on so many fundamental things. It is not a coincidence that we stand here today on the Place de la Constitution. Our common values are enshrined in the Constitution, our rights are guaranteed by it. It is the single most important collection of words and sentences ever to be created by the minds of men. We ought to protect it with our lives, just like we ought to protect the Emperor and the Empire with our lives. It is why I chant these words. L’union fait la force! Vive l’Arcadié, vive de Mérode, vive l’Empereur et vive l’Empire!”
After the Lady-Regent’s speech, the people repeated after her. “Vive l’Arcadié” “Vive de Mérode” “ Vive l’Empereur” and some even chanted “Vive Napolitana”. The Lady-Regent and some other important Arcadian political figures descended from the stage and headed to the military convoy which was waiting on them. Guided by the Arcadian Gendarmerie and their blue and white vehicles, the cutting-edge in police vehicle technology, the convoy made their way to the Cathédral d’Arise, where the Pontifex Maximus would lead a ceremony to enshrine Carolus de Mérode between his predecessors in the Cathédral.
After the ceremony was over, the Pontifex, the Lady-Regent and the Archducal family came out of the Cathedral and greeted the people who awaited them there. Thousands of faces filled the square, each one of them displaying a similar emotion of joy and curiosity. To see the Pontifex Maximus in person was a rare occasion, so when the news was made public that His Holiness would give a public mass on the square, the people flocked to Arcadié from even the smallest of towns in the Archduchy. Farmers in blue jeans stood between lawyers in tailor-made suits. Loud-speakers had been mounted all over the square, and in fact much of the city, so that the Holy Man’s words were omnipresent. The Pontifex Maximus stood behind a lectern, with the Lady-Regent Buenoparte, Archduchess de la Fayette and her two children all behind him. The Pontifex Maximus cleared his throat and started speaking, his words echoing through the streets of Arcadié and being broadcasted to the rest of the Empire, millions of people, if not billions, hearing his sermon echo through their living rooms.
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
“We are here today on a marvelous occasion, to celebrate the 450th year of rule of the benevolent Mérode dynasty. The dynasty has lost a great member 5 years ago, which still saddens me and us till this day. Carolus de Mérode was a generous ruler, who had the unfortunate fate that he came across disgruntled nobles who could not cope with an Emperor that wanted to adapt to new times. Change is coming nonetheless and we must be sure to head towards the unknown safe and strong. The latest event in Al-Sharit has shown how volatile and unstable the Empire still is. We need to tackle these dangers to our society and extinguish them with holy fire, for when the fury of the Empire and the Church is unleashed, no-one can stand strong against it. The enemies who attack our way of life will be hunted down and defeated, just like the people responsible for Carolus de Mérode's bad health which led to his inevitable death. The Gods will it!”
While thunderous applause swept through the crowd below, Napolitana Buenoparte got a message on her phone. One of the guards on the outer perimeter had not made contact as scheduled. The Lady-Regent looked up and noticed a flash coming from one of the buildings on the square. She jumped up and yelled: “Sniper! Everybody get down!” She ran to the Pontifex, tackling him just as a shot could be heard in the distance. The crowd started to panic, the Gendarmerie’s horses pranced. Napolitana looked at her arm. She had been grazed by the bullet. “Get an armoured vehicle between the stage and the Metropolitan Hotel as quickly as possible”, she shouted to her guards. A child screamed. Napolitana looked over her shoulder, pain taking over her mind. The Archduchess had been hit in the chest, her eyes void of emotions. Another shot could be heard, a hole appearing on the wooden floor of the stage a meter away from the Pontifex’ head. An armoured vehicle pulled up and blocked the sniper’s sight on the stage. Children of Arius finally reached the Pontifex and escorted him back into the Cathédral. “Take them inside!”, Napolitana shouted at her guards while pointing at the Archduchess’ children. She took out her phone and pressed a number. “There has been a terrible attack, get your ships in the air and inform the Director of the IIA, he will know what to do.” Another shot, this time more confusion in the VIP-area. The sniper had shifted his attention to the guests who had come from all over the Empire. Another shot, another cry. Gunfire rang across the square, people now fleeing inside to avoid getting shot. More armoured vehicles arrived on the square, now almost empty. Sirens could be heard in the distance. As the shooting stopped, the Lady-Regent made her way to the VIP-stand to make sure her guests were alright. Both Arch-Chancellor Meiji and Duchess Draskar had been hit, while the sniper had missed the Head Admiral Oppenheimer and the Lady Speaker. Ambulances arrived from the sky and took the wounded to the nearest hospital. Not much later, the IIA arrived by dropships and took over the manhunt operation.
The festivities had ended on a down note. Instead of celebrating, Arcadié found itself mourning again. Five years ago they had lost their Archduke to a heart attack, now they had lost their Archduchess to a terrorist attack. Arcadia’s Defence Forces, locally known as the Gendarmerie, had scrambled their fleet and were now scanning the city for any sign of the attacker. Little was known about the shooter at this point. Local police had already established that the hotel room from which he shot at the Pontifex was registered under a fake name. The Director of the IIA and Lady-Regent Buenoparte arrived at the old hotel, where the shooter shot from, the Gendarmerie had secured the building and there was no sign of the shooter.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"By my estimate, the shooter must have been on the fourth floor to be able to see us on the square."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Agreed, let's see if we can identify which room he used" They headed to the stairs, the owner of the motel not being of any help as most people here pay cash in advance.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"We have to call ourselves lucky that a bigger tragedy didn't happen."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"This alone is a tragedy I fear, was anybody killed? I fear I am not up to date on the reports as I rushed immediately here with all the Spec Ops on stand by" They walked to the 4th floor, finding many residents, looking curious as to why the police and IIA are here.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"I'm afraid our Archduchess was mortally wounded. She was killed by the first shot which was intended for the Pontifex. Arch-Chancellor Meiji and Duchess Draskar have both been hit and are currently in the hospital."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"That should not have happened! Who was responsible for the security precautions? Somebody should have cleared all the vantage point with a clear shot at the stage."
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"The security was managed by a committee in our local Parliament. I had made sure to have several security perimeters and to have the location of the sermon unknown until today, but this shooter must've known somehow."
One of the local Gendarmes turned to the Lady-Regent and said: "Milady, I think we got something, this gentleman just told me, the resident of room 405 has sprinted towards the roof as we arrived."
The Lady-Regent and the Director made their way to room 405. In the room they found only a large briefcase, large enough for a sniper rifle and a Prafist totem on the ground next to the window.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Director, are you familiar with this item?" The Archduchess asked the Director while pointing at the totem.
Director Gerald Jäger:
"I haven't seen one of those in a long time, in the history classes back in the Academy they told us about these. This is a totem of Praf, supposedly giving good luck and fortune to its wielder. The Knights of Praf possessed these as a sort of dog tag during the War of Unification."
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"This is worrying. If this was indeed a Prafist, this means they have managed to get one of their heretics on our continent!"
Director Gerald Jäger:
"My agency has been tracking online traffick for the past months, they speak about a New Prophet and the New Knight of Praf. They mentioned violence multiple times. "To rid the World of Didecist tyranny" they say. Worrying if they have actual marksman, capable of such feats as today amongst them"
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Are we speaking about military graded training here?"
Director Gerald Jäger:
"I don't think a civilian or hunter could've hit from this distance..." The Director got a comm from one of the Agents that searched the alleys around the hotel: "Sir, we found a Stockwell Arms sniper rifle, top of the line in one of the back alleys" He proceeded to send his exact coordinates.
"Let's head there, milady." The Director said.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Director, I suggest we get a forensics team in this room as quickly as possible. We have a mobile lab that can get here in a matter of minutes. I say we call them in while we head to that alley."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Agreed, I will have one of my agents run supervision and send the samples to HQ, we got the better lab there"
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Understood." The Lady-Regents calls in a forensics team and follows the Director to the alley.
In the alley they found the Agent holding the rifle, from the looks of it it was dropped from a high place, probably the roof. The Agent said: "Sirs, we were unable to identify the entire Serial Number, they used acid to get rid of it, all we have is a partial set, whatever the number, it ended with '-954COA75’."
The director then called John Stockwell.
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Mr. Stockwell, I know you're in the air, but can you trace one of your rifles with a partial serial number?"
John Stockwell:
“Why the hell would you need me to trace a rifle?”
Director Gerald Jäger:
"We found the sniper rifle the shooter probably used in a back alley, he used acid to remove part of the serial number. Mr. Stockwell the rifle is one of yours."
John Stockwell:
“How the…” He looked at Tobias sitting next to him. “Trace a serial number.” Tobias nods and grabs a laptop. “What is it Director?”
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Ask him to check military databases first. If this is indeed someone from the Army, we need to inform my Gendarmes on the ground as quickly as possible so that they know who they're dealing with."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"What should we check the Military Database even for? All we have is the description of my agents brought us from the guy who rented room 405, no surveillance in this place unfortunately. The Description is, White about 180 cm large, brown hair. It's not much to go by." The Director then spoke to Stockwell again. "The last digits are '-954COA75', can you track the rifle over that?"
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Check in the military databases for guns with serial numbers ending in the last digits."
On the other side of the call, the tapping of keys on a laptop could be heard. John looked at tobias who nodded and said: “We have a trace.” Stockwell then got back to the Director on the phone.
John Stockwell:
“Director we have a trace.”
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Yes Mr. Stockwell?"
John Stockwell:
“We need to know, how much of the rifle was left?”
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Mr. Stockwell, we cannot return it, it is evidence. But it might malfunction, we suppose it was dropped from the roof during the shooter's escape. I wouldn't use it."
John Stockwell:
“Right, we have a trace though, it was meant for the Children of Arius in our last shipment.”
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Thank you Grandmagister. I will try to reach the Pontifex, to see if he can tell me where the gun went to, if it ever reached its destination."
John Stockwell:
“Listen, I’m returning, I can have a team of my people to try and examine the rifle.”
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Mr. Stockwell, we got it covered, it will go to IIA HQ with the rest of the evidence, I will call you if we need anything else, thank you for your service." He hanged up.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"That doesn't make sense. If the sniper came from the Children of Arius, he could have just as well killed the Pontifex in his sleep. Something must have gone wrong with the shipment."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Agreed Lady Regent, something must have gone wrong, I can't imagine the Children of Arius doing something like this. Maybe the Pontifex can shed some light on this, though I already have a suspicion... For now let us try to trace the steps our shooter took, as it seems he took the stairs to the roofs above, dumped the rifle to move faster. At some point he'd use ladder or some stairs to reach another back alley and join the panicked mob on the street from there.... I don't think we can find him without a picture. Can you have one of your people draw the description the owner of the motel gave us?"
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"As a matter of fact, Arcadié uses AI to draw descriptions people give us. It takes away the suggestive part that human drawers can sometimes have on witnesses."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Alright, get somebody with an Interface here asap."
The Lady-Speaker said something in her phone and one of the forensics walked up to them with a funny looking handheld device. "This device will record the description the witness will give us and draw an image based on that." The forensic explained. They brought it to the witness, he started describing… After a mere seconds, the device produced a picture from the description.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Pretty neat thing, isn't it? Should we get this image to the media or not?"
Director Gerald Jäger:
"I will get it out there." He then opened a comm to HQ, talking about something like getting Oversight on board, to ID this man.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"In the meantime, I will forward this image to my Gendarmes on the street and tell them to look out for this man."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Alright, let's get to the local police station and coordinate the roadblocks from there. My Agents and your gendarms will do the clean up here and join us later."
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Understood. I suspect that traffic on all exit roads have already grinded to a halt."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Maybe the traffic cams picked something up, can you put them through to IIA HQ, so my guys can have a look at them? Though I doubt we'll have success there, this shooter was a professional, probably with inside information by the looks of it. I don't think we catch him easily." The Director grumbled on their way to the Dropship, which took them to the HQ of Arcadié’s Gendarmerie.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"I will have the traffic cams linked to IIA HQ, although the IIA probably already has access to them. The shooter was indeed prepared, catching him will be a difficult task. But with the combined effort of the Arcadian Gendarmerie and the IIA, I hope we catch him soon."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"As do I, as do I..... we should get a coffee at the Police department, I have the feeling it's gonna be a long night...."
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"I fear so. Luckily we have some good coffee machines. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to make a phone call to make sure the Archduchess' children are okay."
The Director nods and leaves the Lady Regent some privacy to make the call, he'd check on the pilots in the meantime. As the dropship continued on its way to the HQ, the Lady Regent was informed about the safety of the Archducal children. She could only hope that the sniper was caught soon.
Unaware of what happened hundreds of lightyears away, Carolus de Mérode got out of his bed and looked out on his balcony, admiring the temple the natives had built since he had crashed on their planet. Every morning he was reminded of the time he first set eyes on this planet, its red hue reminding him of the wine he used to cultivate back home. This planet was very different from Vaeria, however. While superhabitable, its soil did not allow for the cultivation of wine. Its people, the Groknaplora, were far behind on Vaeria’s technological level, even though they had mastered the ability to turn steam into electrical power. Militarist in nature, they had distrusted de Mérode when he first made contact with them. But over time, when some members of their clergy learned to speak Arcadian and taught de Mérode to speak their local language, the natives began to trust Carolus and the knowledge he had brought with him. After five years, he had finally managed to convert some of them to Didecism and set up a local branch of the Church in the planet’s capital. In the meantime, he had inspired local rulers to begin the process of unifying the planet’s many different nations. A global assembly consisting of elected officials had been founded already. While de Mérode’s ship might be irreparably damaged, the technology contained within it will certainly help the Groknaplora advance into the next stage of civilization within the next few decades.
To be continued...
Thunder in a Clear Sky
2211.5.11 1:30 PM. Arcadié, Place de la Constitution.
The streets of Arcadié were filled with people. Red, white and blue flags could be seen everywhere, hanging from the windows of apartment buildings or being waved in the air by enthusiastic citizens. The air smelled like Arcadian fries, sugar-coated waffles and chocolate. Carousels and ferris wheels dotted the city’s streets and children’s laughter could be heard everywhere. The elderly had left their houses to get a glimpse of the notable guests, while the young had come out to enjoy some beer or wine. The city’s council and the Archduchy’s local government had spared no expense to celebrate the 450th anniversary of rule under the House de Mérode. The highlight of the festivities were of course the air show provided by the Imperial Navy and the Arcadian Aeronautic Academy, the unveiling of the statue of Carolus de Mérode and the blessing of His Holiness the Pontifex Maximus himself.
The air show went entirely according to plan. The fighter jets which were provided by Head Admiral Oppenheimer were joined by training crafts of the Aeronautic Academy and gave the Arcadian people a taste of their skills, performing several manoeuvres to show the Empire that the best pilots do indeed come from Arcadié. After the air show was over, the people were treated with a theatre piece on the Place de la Constitution, depicting the history of the Archduchy. The piece ended with the coronation of Tacchius de Mérode, the first of his House to hold the title of Archduke of Arcadié. Under a thunderous applause, the actors left the stage and a slender figure replaced them. When the cameras zoomed in on the figure, the face of Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte appeared on screens all over the city. Soon, her soft voice filled the air of Arcadié.
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
“Mes chers compatriotes, Arcadians abroad and at home. I stand before you today as your Lady-Regent, not in a time of mourning, but in a time of hope and celebration. Even though our dear Archduke has not been here with us for five years now already, his spirit still lives on in each one of us, from the poorest beggar to the richest investor. In his spirit, and in those of his ancestors, we celebrate a great occasion today. Today marks the 450th anniversary of rule by the House de Mérode. For over four centuries, de Mérodes have guided Arcadié to the place it is today; a place where every voice counts, a place where the nobility cooperates with the commonry on equal footing and a place which acts like a beacon for liberty on Vaeria. The late Emperor was always proud of his roots and carried them with him in every action he took. Despite the headwind he often received, Carolus de Mérode stood firmly by his values, for that he will be remembered.
Our Empire has changed a lot since we lost our Archduke. Even our Archduchy is not immune to this change. Feelings of fear are increasingly common amongst even the noblest of men. Let me just say one thing, for as long as Arcadié holds true to its history, we do not have to fear anything. Our strength lays in our ability as a people to agree on so many fundamental things. It is not a coincidence that we stand here today on the Place de la Constitution. Our common values are enshrined in the Constitution, our rights are guaranteed by it. It is the single most important collection of words and sentences ever to be created by the minds of men. We ought to protect it with our lives, just like we ought to protect the Emperor and the Empire with our lives. It is why I chant these words. L’union fait la force! Vive l’Arcadié, vive de Mérode, vive l’Empereur et vive l’Empire!”
After the Lady-Regent’s speech, the people repeated after her. “Vive l’Arcadié” “Vive de Mérode” “ Vive l’Empereur” and some even chanted “Vive Napolitana”. The Lady-Regent and some other important Arcadian political figures descended from the stage and headed to the military convoy which was waiting on them. Guided by the Arcadian Gendarmerie and their blue and white vehicles, the cutting-edge in police vehicle technology, the convoy made their way to the Cathédral d’Arise, where the Pontifex Maximus would lead a ceremony to enshrine Carolus de Mérode between his predecessors in the Cathédral.
2211.5.11 2:43 PM. Arcadié, Place de la Cathédrale.
After the ceremony was over, the Pontifex, the Lady-Regent and the Archducal family came out of the Cathedral and greeted the people who awaited them there. Thousands of faces filled the square, each one of them displaying a similar emotion of joy and curiosity. To see the Pontifex Maximus in person was a rare occasion, so when the news was made public that His Holiness would give a public mass on the square, the people flocked to Arcadié from even the smallest of towns in the Archduchy. Farmers in blue jeans stood between lawyers in tailor-made suits. Loud-speakers had been mounted all over the square, and in fact much of the city, so that the Holy Man’s words were omnipresent. The Pontifex Maximus stood behind a lectern, with the Lady-Regent Buenoparte, Archduchess de la Fayette and her two children all behind him. The Pontifex Maximus cleared his throat and started speaking, his words echoing through the streets of Arcadié and being broadcasted to the rest of the Empire, millions of people, if not billions, hearing his sermon echo through their living rooms.
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
“We are here today on a marvelous occasion, to celebrate the 450th year of rule of the benevolent Mérode dynasty. The dynasty has lost a great member 5 years ago, which still saddens me and us till this day. Carolus de Mérode was a generous ruler, who had the unfortunate fate that he came across disgruntled nobles who could not cope with an Emperor that wanted to adapt to new times. Change is coming nonetheless and we must be sure to head towards the unknown safe and strong. The latest event in Al-Sharit has shown how volatile and unstable the Empire still is. We need to tackle these dangers to our society and extinguish them with holy fire, for when the fury of the Empire and the Church is unleashed, no-one can stand strong against it. The enemies who attack our way of life will be hunted down and defeated, just like the people responsible for Carolus de Mérode's bad health which led to his inevitable death. The Gods will it!”
While thunderous applause swept through the crowd below, Napolitana Buenoparte got a message on her phone. One of the guards on the outer perimeter had not made contact as scheduled. The Lady-Regent looked up and noticed a flash coming from one of the buildings on the square. She jumped up and yelled: “Sniper! Everybody get down!” She ran to the Pontifex, tackling him just as a shot could be heard in the distance. The crowd started to panic, the Gendarmerie’s horses pranced. Napolitana looked at her arm. She had been grazed by the bullet. “Get an armoured vehicle between the stage and the Metropolitan Hotel as quickly as possible”, she shouted to her guards. A child screamed. Napolitana looked over her shoulder, pain taking over her mind. The Archduchess had been hit in the chest, her eyes void of emotions. Another shot could be heard, a hole appearing on the wooden floor of the stage a meter away from the Pontifex’ head. An armoured vehicle pulled up and blocked the sniper’s sight on the stage. Children of Arius finally reached the Pontifex and escorted him back into the Cathédral. “Take them inside!”, Napolitana shouted at her guards while pointing at the Archduchess’ children. She took out her phone and pressed a number. “There has been a terrible attack, get your ships in the air and inform the Director of the IIA, he will know what to do.” Another shot, this time more confusion in the VIP-area. The sniper had shifted his attention to the guests who had come from all over the Empire. Another shot, another cry. Gunfire rang across the square, people now fleeing inside to avoid getting shot. More armoured vehicles arrived on the square, now almost empty. Sirens could be heard in the distance. As the shooting stopped, the Lady-Regent made her way to the VIP-stand to make sure her guests were alright. Both Arch-Chancellor Meiji and Duchess Draskar had been hit, while the sniper had missed the Head Admiral Oppenheimer and the Lady Speaker. Ambulances arrived from the sky and took the wounded to the nearest hospital. Not much later, the IIA arrived by dropships and took over the manhunt operation.
2211.5.11 10:34 PM. Arcadié, District 3.
The festivities had ended on a down note. Instead of celebrating, Arcadié found itself mourning again. Five years ago they had lost their Archduke to a heart attack, now they had lost their Archduchess to a terrorist attack. Arcadia’s Defence Forces, locally known as the Gendarmerie, had scrambled their fleet and were now scanning the city for any sign of the attacker. Little was known about the shooter at this point. Local police had already established that the hotel room from which he shot at the Pontifex was registered under a fake name. The Director of the IIA and Lady-Regent Buenoparte arrived at the old hotel, where the shooter shot from, the Gendarmerie had secured the building and there was no sign of the shooter.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"By my estimate, the shooter must have been on the fourth floor to be able to see us on the square."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Agreed, let's see if we can identify which room he used" They headed to the stairs, the owner of the motel not being of any help as most people here pay cash in advance.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"We have to call ourselves lucky that a bigger tragedy didn't happen."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"This alone is a tragedy I fear, was anybody killed? I fear I am not up to date on the reports as I rushed immediately here with all the Spec Ops on stand by" They walked to the 4th floor, finding many residents, looking curious as to why the police and IIA are here.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"I'm afraid our Archduchess was mortally wounded. She was killed by the first shot which was intended for the Pontifex. Arch-Chancellor Meiji and Duchess Draskar have both been hit and are currently in the hospital."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"That should not have happened! Who was responsible for the security precautions? Somebody should have cleared all the vantage point with a clear shot at the stage."
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"The security was managed by a committee in our local Parliament. I had made sure to have several security perimeters and to have the location of the sermon unknown until today, but this shooter must've known somehow."
One of the local Gendarmes turned to the Lady-Regent and said: "Milady, I think we got something, this gentleman just told me, the resident of room 405 has sprinted towards the roof as we arrived."
The Lady-Regent and the Director made their way to room 405. In the room they found only a large briefcase, large enough for a sniper rifle and a Prafist totem on the ground next to the window.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Director, are you familiar with this item?" The Archduchess asked the Director while pointing at the totem.
Director Gerald Jäger:
"I haven't seen one of those in a long time, in the history classes back in the Academy they told us about these. This is a totem of Praf, supposedly giving good luck and fortune to its wielder. The Knights of Praf possessed these as a sort of dog tag during the War of Unification."
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"This is worrying. If this was indeed a Prafist, this means they have managed to get one of their heretics on our continent!"
Director Gerald Jäger:
"My agency has been tracking online traffick for the past months, they speak about a New Prophet and the New Knight of Praf. They mentioned violence multiple times. "To rid the World of Didecist tyranny" they say. Worrying if they have actual marksman, capable of such feats as today amongst them"
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Are we speaking about military graded training here?"
Director Gerald Jäger:
"I don't think a civilian or hunter could've hit from this distance..." The Director got a comm from one of the Agents that searched the alleys around the hotel: "Sir, we found a Stockwell Arms sniper rifle, top of the line in one of the back alleys" He proceeded to send his exact coordinates.
"Let's head there, milady." The Director said.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Director, I suggest we get a forensics team in this room as quickly as possible. We have a mobile lab that can get here in a matter of minutes. I say we call them in while we head to that alley."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Agreed, I will have one of my agents run supervision and send the samples to HQ, we got the better lab there"
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Understood." The Lady-Regents calls in a forensics team and follows the Director to the alley.
In the alley they found the Agent holding the rifle, from the looks of it it was dropped from a high place, probably the roof. The Agent said: "Sirs, we were unable to identify the entire Serial Number, they used acid to get rid of it, all we have is a partial set, whatever the number, it ended with '-954COA75’."
The director then called John Stockwell.
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Mr. Stockwell, I know you're in the air, but can you trace one of your rifles with a partial serial number?"
John Stockwell:
“Why the hell would you need me to trace a rifle?”
Director Gerald Jäger:
"We found the sniper rifle the shooter probably used in a back alley, he used acid to remove part of the serial number. Mr. Stockwell the rifle is one of yours."
John Stockwell:
“How the…” He looked at Tobias sitting next to him. “Trace a serial number.” Tobias nods and grabs a laptop. “What is it Director?”
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Ask him to check military databases first. If this is indeed someone from the Army, we need to inform my Gendarmes on the ground as quickly as possible so that they know who they're dealing with."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"What should we check the Military Database even for? All we have is the description of my agents brought us from the guy who rented room 405, no surveillance in this place unfortunately. The Description is, White about 180 cm large, brown hair. It's not much to go by." The Director then spoke to Stockwell again. "The last digits are '-954COA75', can you track the rifle over that?"
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Check in the military databases for guns with serial numbers ending in the last digits."
On the other side of the call, the tapping of keys on a laptop could be heard. John looked at tobias who nodded and said: “We have a trace.” Stockwell then got back to the Director on the phone.
John Stockwell:
“Director we have a trace.”
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Yes Mr. Stockwell?"
John Stockwell:
“We need to know, how much of the rifle was left?”
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Mr. Stockwell, we cannot return it, it is evidence. But it might malfunction, we suppose it was dropped from the roof during the shooter's escape. I wouldn't use it."
John Stockwell:
“Right, we have a trace though, it was meant for the Children of Arius in our last shipment.”
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Thank you Grandmagister. I will try to reach the Pontifex, to see if he can tell me where the gun went to, if it ever reached its destination."
John Stockwell:
“Listen, I’m returning, I can have a team of my people to try and examine the rifle.”
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Mr. Stockwell, we got it covered, it will go to IIA HQ with the rest of the evidence, I will call you if we need anything else, thank you for your service." He hanged up.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"That doesn't make sense. If the sniper came from the Children of Arius, he could have just as well killed the Pontifex in his sleep. Something must have gone wrong with the shipment."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Agreed Lady Regent, something must have gone wrong, I can't imagine the Children of Arius doing something like this. Maybe the Pontifex can shed some light on this, though I already have a suspicion... For now let us try to trace the steps our shooter took, as it seems he took the stairs to the roofs above, dumped the rifle to move faster. At some point he'd use ladder or some stairs to reach another back alley and join the panicked mob on the street from there.... I don't think we can find him without a picture. Can you have one of your people draw the description the owner of the motel gave us?"
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"As a matter of fact, Arcadié uses AI to draw descriptions people give us. It takes away the suggestive part that human drawers can sometimes have on witnesses."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Alright, get somebody with an Interface here asap."
The Lady-Speaker said something in her phone and one of the forensics walked up to them with a funny looking handheld device. "This device will record the description the witness will give us and draw an image based on that." The forensic explained. They brought it to the witness, he started describing… After a mere seconds, the device produced a picture from the description.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Pretty neat thing, isn't it? Should we get this image to the media or not?"
Director Gerald Jäger:
"I will get it out there." He then opened a comm to HQ, talking about something like getting Oversight on board, to ID this man.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"In the meantime, I will forward this image to my Gendarmes on the street and tell them to look out for this man."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Alright, let's get to the local police station and coordinate the roadblocks from there. My Agents and your gendarms will do the clean up here and join us later."
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Understood. I suspect that traffic on all exit roads have already grinded to a halt."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Maybe the traffic cams picked something up, can you put them through to IIA HQ, so my guys can have a look at them? Though I doubt we'll have success there, this shooter was a professional, probably with inside information by the looks of it. I don't think we catch him easily." The Director grumbled on their way to the Dropship, which took them to the HQ of Arcadié’s Gendarmerie.
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"I will have the traffic cams linked to IIA HQ, although the IIA probably already has access to them. The shooter was indeed prepared, catching him will be a difficult task. But with the combined effort of the Arcadian Gendarmerie and the IIA, I hope we catch him soon."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"As do I, as do I..... we should get a coffee at the Police department, I have the feeling it's gonna be a long night...."
Lady Reg. Napolitana Buenoparte:
"I fear so. Luckily we have some good coffee machines. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to make a phone call to make sure the Archduchess' children are okay."
The Director nods and leaves the Lady Regent some privacy to make the call, he'd check on the pilots in the meantime. As the dropship continued on its way to the HQ, the Lady Regent was informed about the safety of the Archducal children. She could only hope that the sniper was caught soon.
2211.5.14 8:11 AM. Unknown Location, Monastery of Arius.
Unaware of what happened hundreds of lightyears away, Carolus de Mérode got out of his bed and looked out on his balcony, admiring the temple the natives had built since he had crashed on their planet. Every morning he was reminded of the time he first set eyes on this planet, its red hue reminding him of the wine he used to cultivate back home. This planet was very different from Vaeria, however. While superhabitable, its soil did not allow for the cultivation of wine. Its people, the Groknaplora, were far behind on Vaeria’s technological level, even though they had mastered the ability to turn steam into electrical power. Militarist in nature, they had distrusted de Mérode when he first made contact with them. But over time, when some members of their clergy learned to speak Arcadian and taught de Mérode to speak their local language, the natives began to trust Carolus and the knowledge he had brought with him. After five years, he had finally managed to convert some of them to Didecism and set up a local branch of the Church in the planet’s capital. In the meantime, he had inspired local rulers to begin the process of unifying the planet’s many different nations. A global assembly consisting of elected officials had been founded already. While de Mérode’s ship might be irreparably damaged, the technology contained within it will certainly help the Groknaplora advance into the next stage of civilization within the next few decades.
To be continued...
The Albion Post - Order Restored, Heretics defeated
Order restored - Heretics defeated
The Prafist threat is finally over. After their last retreat, Prafopolis, was found, Prafist insurgents started attacking the Empire all over Vaeria. Starting with the shooting in Arcadié and culminating with this week’s horrific attacks on several major cities within the Empire. In the afternoon Prafist terrorists detonated bombs and started shootouts with local law enforcement in major cities worldwide in an seemingly last ditch effort, but ultimately futile, attempt to destroy the Holy Vaerian Empire.
Arch-Marshall Drakkus reacted by mobilizing the Imperial Armed Forces and enacting martial law in order to get the situation under control.
The Imperial Intelligence Agency also mobilized their assets in order to support local police wherever needed.
While this was happening all over Vaeria Emperor Fionn ‘Gallowglas’ Ó Leannáin recognized the opportunity and ordered Director Jäger of the IIA to use his assets and the Vostokian Garrison to conquer Prafopolis, while all their fighters are out creating mayhem.
Overnight Imperial forces captured the Prafist stronghold, killed any combatants and arrested the other heretics. They are now waiting for the Emperor and the Pontifex Maximus for judgement.
When daybreak came the horror was over, most Prafist attackers either killed or arrested and their city in Imperial hands. The death toll is in the ten thousands, but the Empire has defeated their greatest threat that has haunted it for centuries. Many are therefore calling Emperor Fionn “Slayer of Praf” as an honorific title, as through his swift action the situation was able to be transformed in a victory! Many are also calling for a renaming of Prafopolis into “Gallowton”, to honor their great Emperor and to transform the once heretic stronghold into a shining beacon for Imperial supremacy.
However many of the Prafists have probably escaped capture, including the shooter of Arcadié, who is still on the run.Others might even have been able to flee into space, as the Interstellar Survey corps admitted to have lost contact to two stealth transporters during the chaos, which no wreckage to be found on Vaeria.
IIA now states that with the crisis over, it is time for order to return to the Empire and is ordering all citizen militias to disperse immediately.
In other news: After the recent attacks the Didecist church is reporting record numbers in their masses. Due to the religious motivation the citizenry has seemingly rediscovered its faith in the twelve gods, which helped to build our great Empire!
We will keep you informed!
The Imperial Intelligence Agency also mobilized their assets in order to support local police wherever needed.
While this was happening all over Vaeria Emperor Fionn ‘Gallowglas’ Ó Leannáin recognized the opportunity and ordered Director Jäger of the IIA to use his assets and the Vostokian Garrison to conquer Prafopolis, while all their fighters are out creating mayhem.
Overnight Imperial forces captured the Prafist stronghold, killed any combatants and arrested the other heretics. They are now waiting for the Emperor and the Pontifex Maximus for judgement.
When daybreak came the horror was over, most Prafist attackers either killed or arrested and their city in Imperial hands. The death toll is in the ten thousands, but the Empire has defeated their greatest threat that has haunted it for centuries. Many are therefore calling Emperor Fionn “Slayer of Praf” as an honorific title, as through his swift action the situation was able to be transformed in a victory! Many are also calling for a renaming of Prafopolis into “Gallowton”, to honor their great Emperor and to transform the once heretic stronghold into a shining beacon for Imperial supremacy.
However many of the Prafists have probably escaped capture, including the shooter of Arcadié, who is still on the run.Others might even have been able to flee into space, as the Interstellar Survey corps admitted to have lost contact to two stealth transporters during the chaos, which no wreckage to be found on Vaeria.
IIA now states that with the crisis over, it is time for order to return to the Empire and is ordering all citizen militias to disperse immediately.
In other news: After the recent attacks the Didecist church is reporting record numbers in their masses. Due to the religious motivation the citizenry has seemingly rediscovered its faith in the twelve gods, which helped to build our great Empire!
We will keep you informed!
