S-U-P-E-R-P-O-W-E-R the game of world domination

[d_knight7]

PLAYING THE GAME


Every weekday, each player can make 2 'resource moves', which he posts in secret to me.

The possible moves are as follows:

Economic (becoming a rich nation)
Manufacturing (production and agriculture)
Scientific (Self explanatory)
Diplomatic (World standing and ability to deal politely with others)
Security (Police forces and counter-espionage)
Espionage (Spies and saboteurs)
Military (Defense and offense against other nations)

Sometimes separate ratings can have an effect, due to a system of my secret will. Combinations can come in to affect, and no one rating will overshadow another...or will it?

Each resource point you administer goes towards a running total.

Let me give you an example:

Alex is king of Badmania. He PM's me to say his moves for today are 1 in Manufacturing and 1 in Security.

He has been playing for 13 days now, his running totals are:

Economic 0
Manufacturing 3
Scientific 3
Diplomatic 0
Security 8
Espionage 0
Military 12

Badmania is a poor and unpopular country, with only its strong army and secret police hold together.


Moves can also be targeted against other countries.

Example:
Alex PM's me that he is paranoid about the nation of Blitzkrieg (ran by Bob), so he is using today's moves to get an espionage rating of 2, and spying on Blitzkrieg. Assuming all goes well, he will receive information and have a small nest of spies.

Wars can be declared, alliances forged, media witch hunts began, all via PM.

Also events will unfold as time goes on. Some of these will only be made known to the country in question, some will be blabbed globally.

Example:

You starve your people and they riot, weakening your border till you restore order. You create a media blackout, but maybe another nation has a spy abroad...or perhaps you're fine, but an enemy plants a false story about your weakness, and you look a tasty morsel to a third nation...

Also creative use of your resources will pay dividends. Use your imagination.


FAQ:

Q: Does the governments/flags/names etc. have an impact in-game? Or is it all just flavor text?-

A: The flags and names are just flavor, but they also give your fellow nations a peak in to the psychology of your nation. Knowledge is (super)power.

The government type is more important. It should be the basis for how you spend your resources, interact with other government types, and wage war. A Communist nation, for instance, has very different goals to, say, a Republic, and will also seek those goals differently.

Also, how you appear to others will affect how they treat your nation.

Q: Could you please discuss the statistics and how they work in more detail?

A: The seven statistics can have both active and passive aspects.

Military, for instance, has the passive effect of defending your borders at all times. Should you declare war, or a peace keeping action, they become active and can be directed.

Espionage at passive is simply sifting world events, and has a small chance (depending on the quality of your spies) of getting titbit's of world news. Active, they can be directed against other nations, or used to plant fake news (see below).

Several of the stats, such as science and manufacturing, are almost always passive, and influence your other stats in mysterious ways not readily apparent. They would only become active if used to counter a problem that arose.

You can court nations with diplomacy (or use it to look generally good on an international stage), Economic to purchase military aid from another nation, or buy off their threat. Security can keep out enemy spies, or keep your own population passive. Be creative, THIS IS A VERY OPEN GAME.

Active resource is on a day to day basis (IE I'll spy on X today, I'll court Y today).

Resource points can be split between objectives as you wish.


The World News Report is information that everyone receives. Sources include:

Information freely put out by a nation.
Propaganda of a nation.
Secrets discovered and revealed by an enemy power
False news planted by an enemy power.
Happenings that a nation fails to contain.

News can be countered by further propaganda, truths can undue lies, spies can be revealed.

Win smart.

Q: I was just wondering, in the case of war breaking out between <CENSORED>, is it possible for me to, covertly and discreetly of course, inform <CENSORED> that I have <CENSORED> in <CENSORED>, and with potentially VERY <CENSORED> that <CENSORED> wouldn't be opposed to sharing, for a reasonable price, of course?-

A: Players can attempt, offer or suggest absolutely anything, the game is completely wide open. Just make sure everything goes via me.

Not everything will work of course, depending on timing, the manner of implementation and any mitigating factors. Creative and clever moves are certainly worth trying though

You could also ask for anything in return, say temporary aid, military intervention, or even permanent stat points for a big favor.

Q: I'm confused on some things.

Let's say I want to find out what are the stats on a certain country. How many espionage points do I have to have?

How exactly do I conquer a country? I know I have to send military units against another country, but what exactly determines who wins and who loses?

Does defending your country gain any bonuses?

How exactly does adding points to science benefit you? Does your country learn new things? What kind of things?-


A: The first thing to realize about S-U-P-E-R-P-O-W-E-R is that it's not clix or MTG. There's no definitive rulebook, no comparative stat breakdowns, and no killer-combos.

In real life when you decide to spy on a nation you don't have a sheet showing how many spies you need for X result. Likewise when you invade a nation you never really know if they have a ZX-5 missile that will reduce your guys to irradiated dust.

For espionage you make a conscious effort of whether to spy or not, and how many resources you think can do the job, then 'roll the dice'. Maybe you'll only learn a little, or maybe they've got great security and you cause an international incident. That's global espionage for ya.
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Oh and I'll never tell you "nation X has 13 of this and 6 of that", you'll get "Nation X is heavily in to industry and are building up a massive military force", for instance.

To conquer a nation you build a military you think sufficient and you have a go. The main factor is of course the size of your military, but I will be factoring in things like supply, equipment quality, wages etc. And no, I'm not going to tell you how those factors come in to it. Do you think Napoleon or Hitler thought they we're going to end up with starving frozen armies in Russia?
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Oh and don't forget, whatever you send out, it's no longer protecting your border...
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Also of note, security forces can, in a pinch, function as poor troops (how poor defending on, you guessed it, other factors).

Defending your country gets you the bonus of not being invaded by a man on a bicycle ;)

Science affects the level of scientific advancement your country has going for it. It can have an indirect affect on all other aspects of your nation, and occasionally will produce a concrete advancement of some kind unique to your nation. But then, several of your other stats can too...

I'm going for a very open, fluid and 'realistic' feel with this game. The stats are merely the skeleton; the rest of the game is clothed in imagination, commonsense and my personal weighing of factors.

ANY direction you take your country, if you play it right, can 'win' this game.

Q: Do you lose the resource points when you put them towards an action?

A: It IS possible, but only as a result of a disastrous turn of events. In general they are merely used for the day and regenerate.

Example:

You have diplomacy 2.

You've royally annoyed the nation of Thinskinistan, so you decide to begin a diplomatic exchange with them.

Today you tell me you're using both your points of diplomacy to kiss their ###. That's your points used for today.

Tomorrow you could continue kissing their ### OR kiss it with 1 point and use the other elsewhere OR cease kissing altogether OR even put your days resources in to getting diplomacy 4 and REALLY pucker up.

Q: What exactly does kissing someone's ### gain you? A mention in their world report? Or maybe some favor in-game?

A: The literal answer is, you tell me.

When you spend the day's diplomacy you tell me how it's being used, not just where.

So it could be to create a trade connection, defuse a brewing war, arrange an alliance, pretty much anything. Larger goals (such as military unity or resource exchange) will of course require more effort. In terms of sheer points spent results depend on reaching a numeric 'critical mass', the number of which you don't know. But commonsense dictates that daily pounding a nation with 5 points of "we love you!" will get swifter results than the odd day spending 1.

Mostly these things are secret, but one or both nations can "out" their connection to the world press (perhaps annoying the other nation if they did not agree. You can also be "outed" by enemy spies or a diligent press if they're operating in a relatively free society.

Also a quick note to shake you guys up: sometimes populations have different ideas to their leaders.

Sometimes your devout nation hops in to bed with the godless before smoothing the way, and they riot. Conversely, sometimes a nation has won over your populace, and they don't want to war with their friends. In either case, steps would then have to be taken.
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Of course in times of desperation people can be glad for whatever they get. Also, some societies do what they are told more easily.

Q: If you send out military do they regenerate every day as standard?

A: Ah, now military on the move is a little different to the rest.

Let's say you have military 7, and you send 5 out to attack a nation, and leave 2 behind for home defense. They are committed resources. Now you could, on any subsequent turns, alter the ratio, but the enemy doesn't just disappear in a puff of smoke (unless their one of those nation the man on the bicycle can take).

Any units that engage and die are, of course, gone, and your Military total drops permanently.

Q: If you conquer a country do you gain all of their points?

Can you use points you assign on the same turn?-

A: I'm sorry, no hard and fast rules or sure things in S-U-P-E-R-P-O-W-E-R. This is a game of trailblazing and having-a-go.

The first nations to war will get to see the intricacies of war, and not before. Wars are messy things, and not to be taken lightly. Although fortune can favor the bold...

Q: So you cannot pm someone until you initiate contact via spending Diplomacy points?-

A: Never, ever, EVER PM another player about something 'in-game', under threat of pain of death by nasty big pointy teeth.

Everything goes via me, everything.

Think of diplomacy as putting weight behind contact with other nations. You can write pages of love letters to Evilstan if you want, without diplomats to pass on the message you'll just insult them. More diplomacy, more progress.


Q: Say I wanted to steal from another nation, how would I go about doing that?

A: Steal? Why, countries do not steal from another sir, they 'appropriate resources'.

As this would be a big thing (taking the hard earned stats of another) it would have to be a big, clever, sneaky, multi divisional operation. You'd basically set up the operation, tell me how you were doing it, and what resources you were throwing behind it, and then we'd see how the bones fell :cool:

Or you can always threaten a nation in to paying you off.

Q: I was wondering why my diplomatic attempts are always slight, and my intentions vague? How specific do I need to be?


A: Well Confused, it's not a matter of being specific, it's getting the suggestion heard and acted upon. When diplomatic relations reach a certain 'critical mass' then things like trade agreements happen.

Think of it like saving up to buy a booster, by putting your spare change in a jar till you have enough.

Atm you're putting your little amount of change in two jars for two separate boosters. You can't expect to get results as fast as another guy who's sticking to a jar and putting in all of his lunch money.

Make sense?

Some of you will make agreements much faster than others, for the simple reason that they put a lot of points in to diplomacy and/or focus on one other nation. This is fair because that nation is specializing in diplomacy, just as you might be in say science, espionage or security.

Just remember, while the other boy's toys make look shinier to you, he's jealous of your toys too :cool:

Q:
1) What are the layouts of the nations? For example, where can I get to via CENSORED airspace?

2) Can you use Military for a non-extended engagement, such as a surgical strike?

A:
1) Due to the peculiar geography of the world, every nation shares a border with every other nation. It makes for delightfully easy access for inter-nation picnics and present leaving.

2) For a surgical strike to succeed it would first require a real outclassing of your enemy when it comes to your military size/quality. Reasonably evenly classed forces become a meat grinder, so your strike would be rebutted.

Secondly, a surgical strike would usually be like rapping a naughty dog on the nose, painful but not damaging in the long term. The exception would be an overwhelmingly superior force striking, which could leave minor permanent damage.

As a clear message of "we can annihilate you at whim, back off!" it can work wonders though.

Q: What's the advantages/disadvantages of all these treaties that we've been setting up?

A: Well Tricky, if you have a trade or science treaty with a nation, your manufacturing/economy and science can be counted as higher than they actually are, to represent flow of foreign exchange. How much depends on the other nation.

If you're trading with a nation who's industry is a guy called Bob who makes stained glass from recycled coke bottles you're not going to get much benefit. Likewise a science deal with people who think mud is cutting edge isn't going to gain you much.


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THE WORLD POWERS


Country: Gemaco
Government system: Fascism
Ruler: Redheart
National Flag: A red, a black, and a white stripe
National Motto: Redheart knows best!
Player: Antipathy


Country: Gelifor
Government System: Nominally a Republic
Gelifor is lead by a consulate of regional heads. Overseeing this is the herediatry ruling family, the Ringmarshes
Ruler: Lord Tennant Ringmarsh
National Flag: A gauntlet composed of red, black, green and gold clenching a wreath of dove feather topping a "sea" of white which overlays a deep blue bottomed by silhouettes that are slightly cephalapodian in shape
National Motto: Against the dread slumber of immorality we unite
Player: Rokk_Krinn's less-evil twin


Country: Kentraal
Government System: Enlightened Despotism
A group of three men rule as a collective hive mind and claim to speak directly to the gods. They are revered as personifications of Death, Mind, and Life
Rulers: Drakkarr, Strutegurt, and Octaniarr
National Flag: The flag of Kentraal is composed of three interlocking circles of red, green, and gold (The Kentraalian symbols for Life, Mind, and Death)
National Motto: Give Your Life for Kentrall, for Your Mind is Yours for Eternity
Player: Jawapimp


Country: Sopdet
Government system: Ecclesiastical Principality
Sovereign power held by the Archduke and Grand Hierophant of the temple of Sutekh
Ruler: His supreme holiness Archduke Alexandros, Grand Hierophant of Sutekh and ruler by the Grace, Will and Wisdom of the Divine
National Flag: A golden asp coiled around the base of a black pyramid on a white background
National Motto: Faith shall set us Free!
Player: Melkhor


Country: Hynorbia
Government system: Theocracy
Ruler: The All Knowing Faur
National Flag: Blue and Gold alternating stripes
National Motto: Those who follow will find peace
Player: theanalogkid


Country: Utopia
Government system: Totalitarian Communism
Perfect order is maintained by an elite military force known as The Knights
Ruler: Mr. Grimm
National Flag: A steel-toed boot standing on the face of a man, with a nice light blue background
National Motto: Ignorance is strength
Player: hellskingpin


Country: Terria
Government system: Matriarchal Tetrarchy
Rulers: Black Velvet, Crimson Velvet, Emerald Velvet, Indigo Velvet
National Flag: Black, red, green and blue blocks and lines in an intricate pattern
National Motto: Pacis & armorum vigils (Vigilant in peace and arms)
Player: Nurse Foxfire


Country: Akbeezlestan
Government system: Plutocracy
Rulers: The Supreme Committee of Commerce guild masters,
Merc Hant and Ven Dor
National Flag: Six coins arranged in a pyramid: 3 copper coins as the base, 2 silver coins in the middle, and a single gold coin stamped with a crown at the top. The field is a pale green.
National Motto: Fortune favors the rich
Player: Rokk_Krinn

[d_knight7]

World News Report special edition: A decade in review

Issue 1, Summit Meeting

Last night was the first International Summit in world history. The heads of many great nations were there, but the first story of the evening was the notable absence of a nation. The guild masters of the trading nation of Akbeezlestan sent a last minute apology, quoting fiscal responsibilities at home, which caused a murmur of dissatisfaction amongst the delegates before the summit proper even began.

The opening ceremony was a glittering affair, full of much pomp and circumstance.

First to arrive was Redheart, absolute leader of the nation of Gemaco. He startled onlookers by arriving riding on top of the new Gemaco built Brutus Tank, saluting the crowd.

Next to arrive was Lord Ringmarsh of Gelifor, flanked by a phalanx of Praetorian guards sporting their deadly Spine-Rifles.

He was followed by Drakkarr, Strutegurt, and Octaniarr, joint mind-lords of Kentraal, who silently arrived on floating disks of light, to the gasps of onlookers.

Next came Archduke Alexandros, God-King of Sopdet, carried on a magnificent throne, borne by 20 hulking eunichs.

Then we were treated to the spectacle heralding the arrival of The All Knowing Faur, spiritual leader of Hynorbia. Sporting both might and grandeur, he arrived in a 24k gold limousine, guarded by his cloaked warrior-priest guard, who jogged alongside the Limo despite the oppressive heat of the evening.

Next came the enigmatic Mr. Grimm, leader for life of the nation of Utopia. As always, the vehicles, clothing, and every piece of equipment sported by the Utopian delegation was obviously of Utopian manufacture. Truly a people proud of their happy and prosperous workforce.

Last, but by no means least, to arrive were the mysterious Velvet sisters, co-rulers of the quiet nation of Terria. Dressed, as always, in a style right out of a fairy tale, the dazzling young women arrived in a gilded coach drawn by four large horses. Obviously excellently trained, the horses moved with clockwork precision, depositing the lovely ladies, who seem as fresh and beautiful now as when they took the throne two decades ago.

With the gala opening at an end, the evening shifted to the business of politics. Mostly a dry affair, we'll just stick to the highlights, for the benefit of our reading public.

The diplomacy was, as one would expect of such a new venture, quite stilted in general.

The exception was His Holiness Archduke Alexandros, who seemed to be aggressively courting the friendship of Lord Ringmarsh, which appeared to make at least some good headway. Couple this with the gifts for guild masters Merc Hant and Ven Dor, hastily removed by courier when their absence was announced, revealed the nation of Sopdet as very interested in making powerful friends.

But as always it was the making of potential enemies that provided the juiciest news of the night.

The first to put a diplomatic foot in his mouth was Lord Ringmarsh, who's casual remarks about Terria's 'sexist' policies found the ears of the ruling ladies of that nation. Ringmarsh's red faced attempts to apologize were met by a curious high pitched laughter from the Velvet's, who proceeded to ignore him for the remainder of the summit.

In a stroke of ignorance, the Kentraalian hive-rulers forget to sub-vocalize a conversation between themselves about the inherent superiority of their pantheon of gods over the one God of Sopdet, a slur the devout nation did not take well.

Not to be outdone, the All Knowing Faur regaled guests with stories about beaming uplifting spiritual messages in to godless Utopia, causing an almost instant angry threat from the Communists, should such activities continue.

This was all but an appetizer to the explosion of undiplomatic activity to come however.

The All Knowing Far seemed near collapse as he was lead out of the summit, surrounded in a solid ring by his Warrior-Priests, who came very close to drawing their weapons and perhaps starting a world war during the peace summit!

It all began with a careless comment from Redheart, a silly jibe about Faur's name, "I wouldn't trust him as Fa-ur as i could throw him" was the reported slur. This was quickly followed by a Theological slight by one of the Velvet ladies, then compounded when Archduke Alexandros corrected her that Theocracies were not flawed, merely the Theocracy of Hynorbia! To add gunpowder to what would have clearly been an already explosive diplomatic situation, Mr. Grimm was, apparently, seen to spit on the Hynorbian flag!

Basely mocked by not one but four mighty nations, the spiritual head of Hynorbia paled and began cursing in tongues, wildly gesturing at the heads of the offending nations, before his fanatically loyal guard got him clear of the building with a combination of brute force and intimidation.

It was a shocking and worrying end to what had been hailed as 'the best hope for a lasting world peace.

Issue 3

Reports are filtering in of Sopdet beginning a light border screening for all incoming visitors. In an interesting twist, citizens of both Gelifor and Akbeezlestan are seemingly exempt from stop-searches.

In other news Gemaco have been engaging in Military maneuvers, which so far are limited to within their own borders. When asked for a comment, a representative for the government reiterated that they are a peaceful nation, and are actively looking for trade partners in other nations.


Issue 4

In a breaking front page story we have exclusive information provided by the Hynorbian Interior Ministry. According to Hynorbia, Utopia recently tried to intimidate them in to surrendering resources, under threat of military action. We were furnished with a copy of the letter, which included a genuine looking Utopian seal, but no further proof was available, and the Utopian government has yet to comment.

‘The All Knowing’ Faur, Spiritual leader of Hynorbia had this to add “I will remind Utopia that while you point your guns at me, your seven other borders look very thin…”

In related news, a bullet riddled van was found just outside the border of Utopia this evening. ‘The Knights’, Utopia’s elite Security Force, declined to comment.

In a more lighthearted vein, the Republic of Gelifor had its Feast of the Icy Waters festival today. Not quite religion, not quite a holiday, the celebration held a quaint charm, partially due to the modest fare and domestic alcohol freely available to all.


Issue 5

The Nation of Gelifor is once again in the news, surprisingly not for their continuing 'military maneuvers', which have grown in to a massive display of might.

No, the controversy comes in the form of the clothing and jewelry sported by the citizens of Gelifor. Clothing and jewelry strongly reminiscent of that worn in Sopdet.

We've been receiving reports for some time of Geliforian nobles holding costume balls with a Sopdet theme, but this is the first signs of foreign culture being embraced by the average citizen.

Is a cultural shift afoot in the Nation of Gelifor?


Issue 6

The Circus comes to Sopdet

A new shocking twist in the continuing story of Gelifor and Sopdet!

All ambiguity to the relationship of these two nations was erased today, as a bewildering caravan left Gelifor for the capital of Sopdet. Led by Lord. Ringmarsh himself, the procession included acrobats, actors, musicians, singers and dozens of other performing artists.

The bizarre group gave out gifts as they passed by, causing amusement amongst the crowds, although they did not seem as keen on the Geliforians as the Geliforians seemed on them, judging by dress and customs.

Lord. Ringmarsh was greeted openly by ‘His supreme holiness Archduke Alexandros, Grand Hierophant of Sutekh’ himself, and although there was no mention of any formal alliance, intent seems quite obvious.

All that remains to be seen is how the other nations of the world react to such a potential shift in power; and if Gelifor are equal partners, or merely lapdogs of a burgeoning Super-Nation.


Utopia, haunted?

A band of Gypsies traveling the border of Utopia told our reporter of seeing a spectral creature leaving the boundaries of the secretive nation earlier today.

“It walked like a man, but hunched, and then it shimmered and was gone,” described an alleged eye-witness. Wolf howls were reportedly also heard.

Utopian officials declined to comment, as usual, but security activity along the border was especially energetic.


Issue 7

Shocking scandal shatters secret trade agreement

Word has reached us from sources near to the government of Akbeezlestan, of a despicable plot to destroy their economy!

It seems that they had been on the brink of finalizing several important treaties with Gemaco, when damaging evidence of a joint Gemaco/Utopian plot was revealed! Details are sketchy, but the plot appears to involve sabotaging the Akbeezlestanian Trade Guild from within, and driving the country in to depression or bankruptcy.

The hastily departing Gemacons strenuously denied the allegations. Utopia has yet to comment.


Togetherness

The citizens of Sopdet were pained to see their friends and allies in Gelifor so badly painted in the news yesterday. His supreme holiness Archduke Alexandros, Grand Hierophant of Sutekh and ruler by the Grace, Will and Wisdom of the Divine, wishes to assure the world that Gelifor is a respected and equal partner, and that their relationship is going from strength to strength.


There is a small ad on page 3 advertising Ice Maiden, the latest music sensation from Gelifor’s burgeoning music industry. CD’s and memorabilia are available by mail-order.


Issue 8

Strength in unity!

In what some will see as merely the official stamp to an existing arrangement, the nations of Sopdet and Gelifor signed mutual Scientific and Trade agreements, going in to affect immediately. Coming a mere day after the ‘Gemaco Scandal’, Akbeezlestan must be smarting indeed. For a trading nation to watch its possible future trade dominance slip away while lamenting what could have been must be a bitter pill. One can’t help but think Sopdet and Gelifor will only go from strength to strength now with no rival trade treaties to compete.

Defense force wins hearts and minds

Despite increased worries about a seemingly huge military buildup in Gelifor, the people we spoke to are not worried. Our reporters watched as children tried on the hats of laughing soldiers, and Praetorian Guardsmen planted a hospital garden in a small neighboring nation. “Worried? No. We feel safer for having such friendly and generous people as our friends to the North” said a citizen of Borderania.


Issue 9

Sopdet, Nation of Infamy?

In a surprising reversal of policy, the Government of Utopia today made some of its files available to the press, and they made for shocking reading.

Evidence was shown that seemingly shows the capture and interrogation of a Sopdetian spy on Utopian soil! Although the man (Amar Suketh) had since been executed, he gave up extensive details about his past and connection with the ‘Foreign Services’ wing of Sopdet security before his death. DNA evidence was also submitted.

Reporters seeking to research the claim found that Suketh (a former Sopdetian soldier) was listed as deceased some five years ago, despite clearly being alive in Utopian video footage dated just last week.

A reporter checking out a laundry building in Sopdet (which Suketh had given as the location of a spy ‘safe house’) was told that they were not currently taking laundry orders. When he pressed the issue the man produced a gun and the reporter was forced to leave.

“Although we are a strong and silent nation, which prefers to take care of its own problems, we could not stand idly by while both Gemaco and our own nation were slandered in the press,” Explained the newly appointed Utopian press officer, “It seems pretty clear to us that the recent aborted trade Summit was merely one more example of the Sopdetian criminals use of insurgent tricks.”


Gemaco, Pariah again

Following their recent disastrous diplomatic collapse with Akbeezlestan, Gemaco are yet again off of a nation’s invite list.

A spate of looting, vandalism, murder and many petty crimes have broken out in the nation of Kentraal, with a staggering amount attributed to Gemaco thugs.

“We have been temporarily force to close out gates to visitors from Gemaco,” The Kentraalian Foreign Minister read from notes today to a press conference, “and they will not re-open until the government of Gemaco can assure us they have taken steps to weed out the dangerous criminal element they have allowed to infest our country. The sheer volume of recent incidents, coupled with the relatively small number of Gemacon visitors, leaves us in no doubt to the kind of animals we were allowing free reign in our cities. No more.”


Issue 10

Utopia: dangerous warmongers!

The time has come to speak out about a danger to the very future of our free world. A danger both insidious and outspoken. A threat staggering in its boldness and lack of shame. That danger is the ‘nation’ of Utopia.

Utopia is a blighted place, where starving orphans fight rats for scraps of food. Where dilapidated machinery struggles to produce necessities of life, while befouling the air. Crops wither and die, famine and disease are rife, and all the while Mr. Grimm sits in his palace, handing out execution orders on families who dare speak out.

This reporter openly wept as he watched a firing squad of ten masked men machine gun the sisters of a nunnery who dared but to worship their own God, as they saw fit.

Think not of Utopia as a ‘nation’, but rather a disease, to be cut out of the world before it can further fester. Liberating this nation should be the goal of every forthright and God-fearing nation.


Science fiction? Kentraalian fact!

Kentraal continues its scientific prowess with the construction of a rocket base to put telescopic satellites in orbit.

“Once launched, our ‘Eye of the gods’ satellite will be able to study stellar bodies previously unseen, and receive high resolution images of the outer planets,” explained Dragar, head of the Kentraal Science Institute. “Its lenses are so precise that it could read potentially read a newspaper on the other side of the world. Of course we’re interested in what’s out there, not down here.”


Sopdet, evil criminals!

How is it that Gemaco is blamed for what was clearly a case of Sopdetian conspiracy? If one but reviews the witness statements one finds that the criminals had uniformly big noses and narrow eyes, traits common to mongrel Sopdetians, nothing like the noble Gemacon features.

Wake up, before it’s too late!


Issue 11

Strength through exchange

The world was stunned today to hear that the nations of Gemaco and Utopia have joined in to a mutual scientific and trade agreement. No doubt wary of the diplomatic problems that have recently plagued Gemaco, the two nations finalized the agreement in secret, only revealing their plans after the signatures had been exchanged.

“Let this be but the first step towards even greater unity amongst our people,” said Redheart at the news conference. “And let our enemies beware!” added Mr. Grimm, via TV link from his bunker complex.


Geliforian War Maneuvers begin to concern neighbors

Here in Borderstan, the ground trembles to the rumble of armored cars and the marching of legions. Planes screech overhead night and day. Ironclads patrol the waterways. What is so strange about this picture you ask? The massed military forces do not belong to Borderstan.

It began with Geliforian troops ‘accidentally’ crossing the border during maneuvers. Soon the flyovers began late at night. Now the people of Borderstan are in a state of practical siege, some too afraid to go out during the day.

“We are merely performing harmless military maneuvers,” explained a smiling General in the Geliforian army, “Borderstan fully backed our entry to their nation. Its good practice should they call upon us for aid in event of invasion, coup or civil unrest.”

So Gelifor continues to trumpet their peaceful intentions, and contend that their army is merely a ‘defense force’, despite military conscription now being compulsory for every male between the ages of eighteen and forty. We are left with the question, just what is such a massive force supposed to be ‘defending’ against?


Kentraalian shock theft!

Sources say Kentraal have been involved in stealing from Sopdet to fund a weapon’s project. When neither side will comment, you know there must be truth behind the allegations.

Beware of anyone with a Kentralian accent when money is about


Rock and roll heroes

Gelifor’s number one musical export, Ice Maiden, today released another album ‘Friends Forever’. The album features such instant hits as ‘we’re here for you baby’, ‘don’t worry’ and ‘It’s not what you think man’.

Available at all quality retailers now.


Utopia invasion Sopdet/Gemaco three-way shocker!

Inside contacts have let it be known that brainwashed citizens of Gemaco have recently tried to infiltrate Utopia and sow dissent between these two mighty nations.

Using drugs and threats to their families, the Spy Masters of Sopdet coerced regular Gemacon citizens in to acts of sabotage and treason.

Thankfully the security forces of Utopia were more than up to the task of stopping them. They were returned home and instructed to pretend nothing had ever happened.


Issue 12

Kentraal, not what you’ve heard

Brainwashers, mind slavers, thought police. Kentraal has heard all of these insults and more, and they want the record put straight.

The fact is, Kentraal is a bastion for clean, modern, democratic living. Rather than lacking rights, the average Kentraalian has a say in his everyday life far beyond what most nations would consider plausible. From the Triumvirate ruling system down, power is shared out equally, and decisions are made on a national scale.

Kentraal is truly a bastion for the triumph of freewill


Human rights concert in Gelifor

Ice Maiden headlined a charity concert in Gelifor today, aimed at ending slavery and human oppression.

“We want to end the subjugation of downtrodden citizenry,” Jocq, lead singer of Ice Maiden, explained to the sellout crowd, “Nations like Utopia and Gemaco need to open their borders to international scrutiny!”


Sopdet, nation of vultures!

Word has come in of agents of Sopdet ransacking Kentraalian government building for secrets. Contacts suggest the spies were captured by the Kentraalian police


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA!

Geliforian lightning attack against Kentraal! A nation humbled

Last night, under cover of darkness, a massive invasion force from Gelifor rolled over Kentral’s border and decimated all in their sight.

Ironclads blockaded the harbors, and Steam wagons guarded vital junctions, as a veritable sea of Geliforian soldiers assaulted government offices, communication centers and military bases.

Hypervelocity rounds flew from Kentraalian lines, backed by hovering ‘drones’, but the defenders were far too few against the horde of percussion rifle wielding Praetorians, and the nation swiftly fell in to collapse

Just as soon as it had begun it was over, with the victorious Geliforian military heading back over their border by sun-up. As the cheers, taunts and battle hymns of the departing troops faded in to the mist, Kentraal was left to count the cost, and begin to grieve.


Issue 13

International tribunal to be held

Following the unannounced military attack against Kentraal by the nation of Gelifor, the ruling Velvet Sister’s of Terria have called for an international tribunal to discuss what, if any, actions should be taken in response to this unprecedented action. Below is the statement the press were supplied with by the Terrian ambasador.

‘The gracious monarch of Tinpotia has agreed to act as host of a summit to discuss the military strike by Gelifor on the peaceful nation of Kentraal. The Velvet Sisters of Terria would urge every peace-loving nation’s representatives to attend. Unprovoked military actions could mean the death of civilization as we know it. This recent action MUST be addressed.

We call on Gelifor to present its defense (if any) of such a barbarous attack, and we urge all nations to take this grave act seriously. Representatives of Borderstan have already been called on to testify to recent military maneuvers by Gelifor into their country. We have located several members of the conscripted army who are willing to risk life and limb to speak with us.

Heed the clarion call of peace and freedom. No nation should feel threatened simply by sharing a border with Gelifor.’


Gelifor, brave champions of civil rights!

The recent daring raid by Gelifor against the oppressive regime of the despicable heads of the nation of Kentraal shames us all. Despite the obvious, odious policies of the Hive Mind(less), most nations were content to stand by idly while evil continued. Luckily for us all, a brave and strong nation rose, as will often happen in times of great need, and took daring action.

Tiring of Kentraals repeated avoidance of opening its borders for legal inspection, Geliforian medics, teachers and missionaries entered Kentraal on a mission of civic improvement. When they came under unprovoked fire, the moderate security force accompanying the agents of goodwill were unfortunately forced to defend themselves, but casualities were light.

Reports of major civilian losses and wrecked infrastructure were a combination of excessive liberal propoganda and self inflicted damage by Kentraalians government to seek sympathy on the world stage.

If more nations were like Gelifor we’d live in a more peaceful, safer world.


Gemaco, innocent of conspiracy charges!

In a full disclosure, the security forces of Gemaco have put forward a mountain of collected evidence which seems to clearly clear the nation of previous blame for plotting the collapse of Akbeezlestan’s currency exchange.

“We have always championed our innocence of any wrongdoing,” explained Commissioner Grunz of the Gemaco Internal Security Service, “and months of intensive investigation has finally allowed us to definitively clear the name of our nation.”

While the evidence shows Gemacon diplomats could not have been behind the nonexistent conspiracy, the source of the planted evidence is not clear, and has been blamed on simply ‘hostile foreign elements’.


Military aggression or humanitarian action?

We’ve all seen a lot in the news lately about Kentraal as a “victim’, and how they were attacked without “provocation”. What these people fail to grasp is that some regimes can only be taken down by aggressive outside forces.

For years multiple sources begged Kentraal to change its policies for the better. Tireless diplomacy was tried, and failed utterly.

I for one applaud the brave actions of Gelifor, and hope it will be but the first step to the liberation of a nation in the grips of slavery.


Gelifor in attack against free press!

The offices of the World News Report were ransacked last night, and files relating to Geliforian military expansion and deployment along their borders were destroyed or stolen. The break in was very professional, with no prints or clues left at the scene. With one exception.

A rank pin was found by a shattered window, and our research has revealed that the pin is from the operational uniform of a member of Gelifor’s Royal Magistrative Service, who police said nation.

This evidence, combined with the smoothness of the break-in, not to mention the files involved information perhaps pertinent to the upcoming international tribunal, can the identity of the perpetrators be in doubt?


Sopdet opens ‘reeducation camps’

Sopdet yesterday opened the first of what it deems ‘reeducation camps’ to process Kentraalian citizens currently living in their nation.

“As a nation, we like to operate a policy of live and let live,” explained Akmahl Zabred, head of the camp system, “but we’ve found that Kentraalians living amongst us have a hard time fitting in, and can be a troubling mix to our country. So we have decided to open these camps where our professional counselors can speak with our Kentraalian friends and explore ways that we can integrate them in to our society better.”

Announced courses include comparative religions, the benefits of Sopdetian nutrition, and the harmful nature of oppressive, homogenous regimes. Reassignment to the camps is voluntary, but also a state requirement to remain within the country.


W.N.R. reporting from the 1st International Tribunal hearings


Hello, and welcome back to our live coverage of what some media wags are already calling ‘The trial of the century’.

A quick recap for those at home who are just tuning in. In light of the recent unannounced military action Gelifor performed against Kentraal, an official tribunal has been called by the other powerful nations.

Gelifor’s attack has been described by some, including Gelifor and their trade partners in Sopdet, as a precise military strike, with minimal force, that resulted in few causalities. The overwhelming view however, which is supported by the majority of independent reporting, is that Gelifor sent a massive invasion in to a neutral nation and caused considerable damage to both property and population.

Representatives of almost all of the largest nations have attended, as well as a multitude of minor nations, though we suspect the smaller countries will have minimal say in the proceedings. Most notable by their unexplained absence, the nation of Hynorbia declined to attend, causing much speculation.

Mostly the heads of state themselves came to speak, with the exception of Gelifor, Lord Ringmarsh, perhaps fearing for his safety, sending a representative. Most stratling however was the contingent from Utopia. Rather than the expected Mr. Grimm, a seemingly new leader by the name of Mr. Moore led the procession. Only a short announcement of a change of leadership was given, so despite the change at the top, utopia continues to remain a closed and mysterious nation.

Many voices were heard during the early proceedings, but we now bring to you the highlights. First to speak was Councilor Emma Shiggora of Gelifor. Notable was her style of dress, sashes tied at the waste in the Sopdetian style, a style that has been much in vogue for all levels of Geliforian society in recent months.

Most had expected defiance from a nation known for its stubborn pride, but the venom of her address took many aback.


”You have convened this Tribunal today in hopes of seeking an apology from the nation of Gelifor. Therefore please let me extend the following apologies:

To the people of Kentraal, I apologize that my nation was not there for you sooner; your oppression was of grave importance to all nations I was told and so I waited for your dictorial leaders to be "open" as they promised. I apologize for believing that they would do such, further lengthening the time you had to cry silent tears in the night. I apologize that even now we must sit around in diplomatic talks and ignore your pain. I apologize that so many nations seem unwilling to bleed so that you may enjoy basic human rights without being controlled by a hive mind; that such a simple joy as creating and singing your -own- thoughts is denied to you merely because it's not "proper channels". I apologize that the people of this planet are failing you and those of other subjugated nations.

To the people of my nation, I apologize that I did not act sooner to aid your brothers and sisters in Kentraal. I apologize that your songs and poems and other artistic endeavors entreating the world to grant liberation to the Kentraalians are being silenced from those tyrants fearful of the power in such language. I apologize that I was so protective of you that I was scared to accept your willingness to bleed and tighten your belts so that people of other lands can enjoy the same joys and freedoms that you do every day in our land.

To the great nations that have supported the strike of liberation, I apologize that you have been falsely painted merely for standing up in which you believe. I apologize that I have not done more to stop the people of the Crushing Nations from cloaking your actions from the very people you seek to aid. I apologize that somewhere a child does not call out your name in thankfulness because she can freely choose her own path of destiny, all because I have spent time trying to do things 'the proper diplomatic way'.

Finally, to the great and wondrous keepers of peace within our world, I apologize that I have grown weary of watching peoples' spirits stamped out for the joy of a gluttonous leadership. I apologize that I am incapable of using the red-tape of "peace" as a method to slip a soporific populace further into easily controlled masses as seems to be the desire of people seeking to further extend the years those citizens must endure their suffering. I apologize that I am too childish to understand that mind control such as that being practiced by the Hive Dictators was merely for the good of their own people and the people of other lands that they were seeking to extend such gracious control. I apologize that I am so willing to believe that humans are men and women, not numbers or tools or resources.

These are the apologies which I humbly and deeply extend to the assembly of those who are here with such great concern for the controllers, er, people of Kentraal.”


There was a long period of shock and angry whispers following this address, finally Indigo Velvet, one of the ruling sisters of Terria stepped up to speak.


“We, the Velvet Sisters of the proud nation of Terria, greet each of our esteemed neighbors to this tribunal. Again, the peaceful nation of Tinpotia has agreed to open its doors to us, providing a neutral ground whereby we may meet in the spirit of international harmony and cooperation.

It is with sadness that we gather here; sadness that the peace and safety of a great nation have been shattered by a bloodthirsty attack. We ask ourselves why such an act was deemed necessary, and note with alarm the Kentraalian “reeducation camps” that Gelifor’s ally, Sopdet, has seen fit to install within its borders. Why do these two nations show such aggression toward their neighbors? More importantly, what are we, whose borders adjoin theirs, going to do about this?

The Velvets ask for two items to be addressed: One – Gelifor’s attack on Kentraal. We do not believe that a military strike was the only remaining course open to them when they invaded this peaceful country. We would like to hear from other representatives regarding the nature and severity of sanctions against Gelifor (if any).

And Two – we suggest a pact among our nations, a pact whereby aggressive actions in the future will be met with sanctions ranging from trade embargoes to military rebuke. To enable such a goal, we would like to see an international policing agency made up of representatives from all concerned nations. This agency would have the endorsement of all nations and would be able to carry out sanctions as seen fit.

No more would an aggressor be able to march into a neighboring country with impunity. A swift retaliation would enable us to enforce peace and cooperation.

The Velvet Sisters thank you for this opportunity to speak.”


Next up to speak was Redheart, master of Gemaco. Redheart has been vocal in his condemnation of Gelifor’s militaristic tendencies, while at the same time not shy of parading his own military might. People were not surprised by the tone set with his speech.


“This summit has been called to discuss Gelifor's recent action in Kentraal. As you all know, Gelifor recently performed a surgical strike on Kentraal. They claim that buildings they destroyed were being used to oppress the Kentraalian people.

I believe Gelifor acted improperly.

Gelifor did not present any evidence to back up their accusations of atrocities committed against native Kentraalians. And without consulting the rest of the world, they unilaterally performed military maneuvers against Kentraal.

This is not right. I believe that basic human rights should be preserved in all countries. However, first proof needs to be presented, and then, and only then, will a peacekeeping corps comprising of troops from multiple countries would be sent forth.

If Gelifor and all other countries can agree to the guidelines I have proposed, then hopefully we can avoid future military conflict”


The middle parts of the tribunal were taken up by short speeches by the minor world nations. The turn out to hear them speak was slim, with some nations simply going to lunch. In a surprising turn of events, the minor nations almost universally lauded Gelifor and, notably, Sopdet, for their generosity and progressive ideas. The standout was a tiny delegation from Borderstan.


“We are but a small nation. We have no Army, no air power, only a simple police force. Our neighbor, Gelifor, crosses our sovereign borders without asking, stages military operations using our land as a stop-off point, and ignores our pleas to respect our independence. Gelifor speaks of freedom, but if they do not respect the freedom of nations weaker than themselves, what good are their words? You also have to ask yourselves my friends, what happens when they consider your nation to be weak?”


Archduke Alexandros was the next appointed speaker, but he declined to comment, beyond restating that ‘The tribunal is a sham, created by jealous nations seeking petty advancement.’ Few were surprised at his assertion, support of Gelifor and a denial of wrongdoing has been a hallmark of Sopdet’s diplomacy for a while now.


Next came Mr. Moore, new self styled father of Utopia, after what appears to have been a secret internal coup. He quickly revealed himself to be a man of more words, and seeming warmth, than the somber Mr. Grimm, but his rhetoric was scarcely lacking in the iron of his predecessor.


“Greetings fellow nations, after short political turmoil crushed by our strong national security, I stand before you as the leader of Utopia.

Many of my administration have been replaced and you can expect a "new beginning" of sorts between Utopia and other nations that have done no wrong deeds against my nation.

The nation of Sopdet is still on notice for the destruction of factories in our nation and the killing of our factory workers that worked in building which happened months ago but is not forgotten.

To the people of my nations and my allies nations, I say to you do not read the World News Report nonsense, and go with how you feel.

Who else but Gelifor can be manipulating the press for all of us to read their nonsense of how they are saving us from oppressive regimes. We must be saved from their control on the media it seems.

I also am here to urge Sopdet to close their reeducation camps. If any in Sopdet are looking to end their personal oppression in these camps I ask them to seek refuge in Utopia where they can lead their own style of life.

I leave this tribunal today with a clean slate and an extended hand to all nations that will accept it.”


Ven Dor of the Akbeezlestanian guild master spoke next.

”The nation of Akbeezlestan cannot condone the extensive use of military force by Gelifor. Violence, even when applied toward an inherently good cause, lessens the value of that good. We are saddened that the nation of Gelifor chose not to consult with its fellow nations before taking such decisive and inflammatory actions, and that it did not explore more peaceful options before resorting to violence.

It is the hope of all Akbeezlestanis that this tribunal shall lay clear the reasons for Lord Ringmarsh's decisions in recent days and indicate a course of action that may smooth the way once more for good business with all nations.”


Finally came Drakkarr, Strutegurt, and Octaniarr, speaking as unified leaders of Kentraal. They spoke in the unified voice of their unique ‘Hive Mind’, three voices at one, which always has the effect of both intriguing and unnerving the listening diplomats.


“We would like to start by thanking those nations gracious enough to come to this tribunal, although we are ashamed and saddened that it had to come to this.

As many of you know, the peaceful and free nation of Kentraal was the target of an unprovoked and vicious attack from the military forces of Gelifor. Several important and historical Kentraalian buildings were destroyed, and countless Kentraalian lives were lost. No Geliforian aide workers were ever spotted in Kentraal, and surely none of them were fired upon. To think that this is what is broadcast to the world as truth is simply ridiculous.

Our borders have always been peaceful and open, and we have welcomed ANY nation to come to Kentraal, for inspection or otherwise. Most recently, and strangely not broadcasted on national news, Kentraalian supply depots, radar stations, and supply rails have been attacked by a source Kentraalian officials are still trying to determine. This is obvious sign of invasion, and a great cause for concern for all nations.

That being said, we are not here seeking pity from the nations not involved, nor are we seeking an apology from the nation of Gelifor. We are all smart enough to know the truth, there are those that fear the power of the human mind and what it can do in a free society and there are those that do not.

We come here today to show that we are not monsters, nor are we mad scientists, nor are we evil dictators. We are peace loving seekers of knowledge, a modern day Athens if you will. We merely seek to make the world a better place, not force our societal views or moral practices on anyone around us. We are above such ancient thoughts.

In closing, we would like to point out how today we arrived with no military escort, and no security forces. We arrived with a small staff of aides and assistants. We did not do this out of ignorance, or lack of such services. We did this as a gesture of peace, and to strengthen our words. For if we live in a world in which nations’ leaders can not safely travel to a tribunal for peace, then what kind of world do we truly live in?”


After those addresses the various parties retired to cast their secret ballots regarding what action should be taken regarding Gelifor’s attack. We’re just waiting on the speaker returning to announce the results…

Wait, yes I’m receiving a report of pandemonium from within the hall! It appears, yes, a spy has been caught at the proceeding! I repeat, a spy has been caught in the international Tribunal hall! We go there now, live.


Yes indeed Sandy, its chaos here in the ‘Hall of Peace’. Just moments ago a contingent of security personnel dragged in several men dressed in dark clothing and ski masks. The speaker of the floor quickly announced that the men had been caught red-handed, trying to plant incriminating evidence about Kentraal! The men are revealed as…yes, oh my God; the men have been identified as members of Sopdet’s elite ‘Foreign Affairs’ division! I repeat, the spies have been revealed as Sopdetian!

As you can hear, the room has become very heated, heads of nations are angrily shouting at each other, blame and counter blame is flying back and forth. The event security, made up of almost half its number by Utopian men, are shielding the captured agents, as members of Sopdet’s security agengy, assigned to assist, are trying to demand they hand over the men to them.

There is some pushing and…a shot! Did I, yes, there was a distinct sound of a sho…Archduke Alexandros has been shot! I repeat, the God king of Sopdet has been shot! His royal guard have drawn their weapons…everyone is drawing weapons! There are over one hundred armed security men in the building, and they have all just drawn their weapons! People are heading for the exits now; several minor dignitaries are being trampled under foot!

We’re being told to put the camera down…look here, I’m a member of the press, I deman..


Issue 15

Sopdet, a nation in mourning, a beast enraged?

In the wake of the apparent shooting of their God King, Archduke Alexandros, the nation of Sopdet has become a chaotic mess under martial law.

The almost instantaneous edicts following the shooting were to declare the nation closed to all foreign nationals (except Geliforians, Hynorbian’s and Akbeezlestanians), including their forced expulsion; and to declare a national, police enforced, state of mourning.

International journalists were amongst those herded out at gunpoint in the middle of the night by Sopdetian troops, diplomatic status or press cards cutting no ice. Those who refused to leave their homes and businesses were beaten or simply shot.

No news as to the current status of the Archduke could be established. The last reporter to attempt to access the private hospital where he is believed to be being treated sadly joined the list of fatal statistics here, in a nation of chaos.


Shadowy aftermath to disrupted Tribunal

Following the serious happenings at the recent International Tribunal, the tiny neutral nation of Tinpotia has been abuzz.

When will the results of the vote that was taken moments before the disruption be released? Will Sopdet be censored for a shocking violation of international law? Just who was the mystery who, perhaps fatally, shot Archduke Alexandros?

Reports have been trickling in of shadowy individuals abroad in Tinpotia since the event, asking questions about the shooting, threatening witnesses. Is this a sign of an aggressive search for the culprit, or a cover-up operation? You’ll know when we do.


Gelifor, Belle of the ball (and chain)?

Despite the looming Tribunal Vote on what should become of Gelifor, the so called ‘rogue state’ doesn’t seem to be short of friends.

In an out of the blue announcement, that seems to make sense of their choice to boycott the Tribunal, the nation of Hynorbia today announced the signing of a trade treaty with Gelifor.

In a further move few will find surprising, Gelifor formally announced a mutual defense pact with Sopdet. To publicly cement the deal, Gelifor brazenly marched a small force of troops in to Sopdet to bolster the native forces.


Kentraal looks towards a ‘Utopian’ future

Kentraal today announced a Scientific and trade agreement with the nation of Utopia. Speaking from the steps of their new ‘National Kentraalian Museum and war dead Memorial’, the Kentraalian foreign minister said he hopes the new treaty would “Herald in a new golden age for both nations.”


+++EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA+++

Results of secret Tribunal vote in!

Printed here is the list of questions voted on, as well as the results:

Yes or No answers

Should Gelifor be punished for its actions? YES

Should Gelifor have to pay significant restitution to Kentraal? YES

Should there be a trade embargo on Gelifor? YES
-If so, should it be militarily enforced? YES

Should Gelifor be forced to de-arm significantly? NO

Should an international peacekeeping force be placed in Gelifor to monitor future behavior? YES


The chairman also noted that the four voting nations (Gemaco, Utopia, Terria and Akbeezlestan) would be called upon by their honor to enforce their mutual will. The nation of Kentraal was offered a place in the events to come should they wish, but as non-voters the choice is left up to them.

The Sopdetian spy is still being held by international forces, and the question of what, if anything; should be done about Sopdet’s disregard for law and decency, is being postponed until member feedback can be gained.


Issue 16

The weak stomachs of diplomats

In a move highlighting the double talk of politicians, a ragtag peacekeeping force today took up camp outside of Gelifor.

Despite four nations agreeing to honor a vote that called for peacekeeping action against Gelifor, only two of them (plus the non-voting, but interested, nation of Kentraal) responded, and that response was patchy at best.

Terria at least put their military where their mouth is, sending a respectable armed force as their part of the international team. Utopia joined them with a meager force, which was rounded out by a mere token presence from Kentraal, a nation one would have expected more drive from.

Akbeezlestan sent apologies, but said they do not support military actions, drawing some ire as to them voting in a united action yet ignoring the will of the majority. Gemaco did not reply at all, a silence falling over the normally outspoken nation.

So that is how a moderate peacekeeping force, comprising but three nations, with over half the force from but one, arrived to ‘police’ Gelifor. The troops on the ground appeared both nervous and angry, at what they see as being left in a perilous situation for the sake of political face.

One can hardly blame the troops, when they appear to be outnumbered at least two-to-one by Gelifor’s armed forces, with several key voting nations appearing to be shirking responsibility.


Gelifor engages in a new kind of 'offensive' in Borderstan

Gelifor today launched a new kind of offensive in the tiny a neighboring nation of Borderstan; a goodwill offensive.

Ambassadors from Gelifor were in the nation trying to convince them that the recent war games were benevolent, and that Gelifor strongly supports the freedom and sovereignty of the tiny country.


Even with their leader’s fate unknown, Sopdet makes waves

Tinpotia recently contacted the world press, fearing for its safety. They passed on the following official missive from Sopdet:

‘The investigation into the assassination attempt on the Archduke should be handed over to Sopdet, and the officially appointed investigation taskforce from Sopdet should be shown full and complete co-operation at all levels from Tinpotia.

As you know, we are a peaceful nation, but in this case refusal of our ‘requests’ would be most unwise’.

This followed on the heels of the recent suicide of Captain Qufur am Heru, commander of the Honour Guard of Eternals of Sothis, elite defenders of the Archduke.

Captain Heru commited ritual suicide, which was shown around the nation, to atone for ‘his lapse of judgement’ that allowed the Archduke to be shot.

The footage we were able to acquire showed the Captain took his own life with a minimum of fuss, but some would question whether the shaking and glassy eyes were a result of grief, or something else…


Diplomacy may be weak, but commerce is strong

Gemaco and Kentraal recently signed scientific and trade agreements, while Hynorbia and Sopdet came to a trade agrangement of their own.


Issue 17

International peacekeeping becomes a farce

Just when you thought the mess that was supposed to be a united force for sanctions against Gelifor can’t get any more pitiful, it surprises you.

Seemingly bending under the weight of public outcry, both Utopia and Kentraal doubled their peacekeeping forces today (although Kentraal’s force is still small) but, uh oh, as they rolled in, Terria’s forces rolled out.

The official explanation from Terria was that these were merely war games, and the point had been made. The rather obvious explanation of course is that Terria had been sitting a substantial part of its army on a hostile border against vastly superior forces, with very little back-up from its fellow nations. Hardly surprising really.

The big question now is, will Terrian forces reinforce now that at least Kentraal and Utopia appear to be making an effort?

Where are the other two nations you may ask?

“Akbeezlestan feels that it may best serve the international community by not taking sides militarily in world affairs, but rather serve as a go-between for fostering international commerce. Good trading creates good neighbors, and Akbeezlestan hopes to lead the way in healing the rift between the mighty nations of the world”

“Gemaco has no comment, thank you”

With friends like these…


Lies, and the lying Sopdetians that tell them

“Never trust a Sopdetian”, “Watch for fork tongues” and “Beware a Sopdetian patting you on the back, he’s looking for a spot to stick the knife in”. Racial slurs against the citizens of Sopdet are on the rise, and to me at least the reasons are pretty clear.

From the horrifyingly brazen sabotage attempted by Sopdet’s spies during the International Tribunal, to all manner of older accusations from various nations, Sopdet has garnered a reputation as a nest of vipers. Just how many times do we have to be bitten before we take action?


“Kentraal brainwashed me to kill the Archduke of Sopdet”

That’s the extraordinary claim made by Alrid Fashun on movies screens across Sopdet yesterday.

“As a member of the divine Archduke, I was in a unique position to make the assassination attempt,” explained Fashun, “Kentraalian agents snatched me off the street and subjected me to days of intense brainwashing. They kept me without sleep, injected me with chemicals, and implanted a chip in my brain,” explained the man, who was in tears. “I deserve whatever fate my government thinks I deserve, and ask for no leniency for myself. All I pray is that the evil that is Kentraal will soon be wiped from the face of the Earth, so that no-one else will have to suffer at their vile hands.”


Nation seeks similar for good times

Gemaco today announced the signing of a mutual defense pact with Utopia. Under the terms of the pact, aggression against either nation can be construed as an act of war against both nations.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Gelifor stalemate becomes a bloody battle!

It happened in the early hours of the morning. Geliforian troops camped close to the peacekeeping forces are said to have been growing bold and aggressive over the past few days, no doubt emboldened by the peace force’s numbers and transience.

A shot was fired, most observers claim it was a rowdy Geliforian trooper showing off, but accounts vary. What is known however is that the nervous peace keepers fired back, and that was all the excuse Gelifor needed.

Reports are unconfirmed, but some gauge Gelifor’s might as perhaps as much as three times that of the defenders, and the fight was as lopsided as you’d think. It did not, however, go completely Gelifor’s way.

Despite a large numerical disadvantage, the Utopian and Kentraalian troops fought back savagely. Utopia’s massive factory output, and Kentraal’s scientific advancement helped keep a total rout from becoming a slaughter.

Falling back swiftly as their men fell like flies, the peace keepers took some toll at least, Utopian troops laying down waves of .50 cal machine gun fire, as Kentraalian snipers pierced Geliforian armored vehicles with withering hyper velocity rounds.

Still, it was like a man commanding the tides to halt, and within an hour the peace keepers were in full retreat, fully half of their force left dead on the field. Gelifor had dead of their own, but their massive force was soundly victorious.

So far no-one from Gelifor’s high command has been available for comment, and word is Lord Ringmarsh himself was roused from bed to an emergency meeting with his Generals.


Issue 18

The terrible cost of conflict

<The paper lists the sobering tally of an estimated 50,00 dead from the ‘Peacekeeper skirmish’, and warns against the staggering brutality a full scale war would unleash. The dead soldiers of Kentraal and Utopia are lauded for their valor and moral fortitude against a bullying aggressor>


Might and money, together at last

Today the nations of Gemaco and Akbeezlestan announced the signing of a Mutual Defense pact between the two nations. This came on the tail of Akbeezlestan opening the first dozen of their international banks. Akbeezlestan now owns financial investments in a multitude of the lesser nation states.

EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA


WAR!

All of our worst fears were seemingly confirmed today when a massive military force from Gelifor rolled over Kentraal’s border and began attacking.

Taken totally by surprise (no declaration of war was made by Gelifor), early Geliforian kills were extensive, but by late morning the Kentraalian Defense Force had mobilized and seemed to be giving as good as they got.

As Gelifor’s armored cars and bolt-action rifle wielding troops strafed the streets, Kentraalian rail-guns sniped and suicide drones buzzed in to enemy units before exploding. The sheer number of Geliforians had pushed Kentraal’s forces back to the center of the city by late afternoon, but the slaughter on both sides was significant.

With night falling, the conflict seems to have reached a lull, but no doubt by morning the butchery will begin anew. Whatever the horrors to come, we will be here keeping you informed.


Issue 19

Sopdet’s depravity hits a new low

Regular readers may remember back several issues ago when we reported on Sopdet forcibly expelling citizens of Kentraalian descent if they did not agree to go to so called ‘reeducation camps’. Well, new evidence has been smuggled out of Sopdet, and it’s frankly repulsive.

We received pictures, films, recorded conversations and many other pieces of hard evidence about these camps, and rather than ‘reeducation’, ‘concentration’ comes more readily to mind.

The evidence shows evidence of neglect, malnutrition, brainwashing, rape and even systematic murder.

Sopdet truly is a blight upon civilization, these camps need to be closed, and its victims freed. It is surely the duty of every right and just nation to bring this atrocity to an end as soon as possible.


Treaties come fast and furious as nations fear being alone in a time of War

Gemaco and Terria have joined in to a trade agreement. Kentraal, in dire straights, has signed Mutual Defense pacts with both Gemaco and Utopia in rushed emergency diplomatic talks. The balance of power seemed to be shifting, until and announcement that Sopdet and Hynorbia have likewise signed Defense Pacts.

Almost everywhere, troops are being activated. Gelifor’s SOpdetian defense forces broke away and headed for the Kentraalian front today, as soldiers of Sopdet perform a reversal of fortunes and headed for Gelifor to reinforce the capital of their allies.

Men and machines from utopia and Gemaco are said to be on the move, but traveling under cover of darkness, their destination and purpose remains unknown. Even the quiet banking nation of Akbeezlestan put on a modest military display in its capital, obviously feeling the need to rattle its own saber.

The only nations apparently at calm are Hybornia and Terria, the former always incredibly secretive, whereas the latter is a simple nation with few outside ties.

It seems the world has almost overnight went from a collection of loosely aligned nations to a pair of competing power blocks. We fear that we may be on the eve on our first World War.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

War heats up in Kentraal, new players enter

During this second week of fighting things were going badly for Kentraal. Even as they tried to fortify themselves, a horde of shadowy figures moved about in the background. We have word of ammo stores blown, commanding officers assassinated and food and water rations poisoned. Severely weakened, it looked like Gelifor was poised for the killed. But then there came the sound of the Utopian national anthem, followed shortly after by the replying tones of Gemaco’s own marching tune.

The Geliforian army, a large part of which had already crossed kentraal’s defenses and were busy in their butchery, struggled to turn in time, and were slammed in to from the rear by both newly arrived armies.

Armored cars, tanks and massed infantry duked it out as the Kentraalian army counter attacked. Caught between the three forces Gelifor’s losses appeared heavy, with death toll reports estimated at anywhere from thirty to sixty percent of their fighting strength.

Gelifor’s remaining force is currently holed up in a ruined industrial sector outside of the main city, under enemy bombardment.

We will, as always, keep you apprised of further developments.


Issue 20

More fuel for the war machine, trade continues unabated

Hynorbia today announced its mutual defense pact signing with Gelifor, and word has it that Hynorbian troops were headed for the Kentraalian war zone before the ink had dried.

Meanwhile Akbeezlestan and Terria, two nations who have so far kept mostly out of fighting, signed a trade agreement.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

World War now includes five nations

Once again fresh violence flared up in the outer ruins of Kentraal, and once again Kentraal’s defensive efforts were floundering due to acts of massed sabotage. Although the attacks were not as bad as last week, due mostly to the release from military service of some police, misdirected orders, friendly fire and dead Commanding Officers were the latest acts perpetrated by the mysterious force of saboteurs and murders lurking in Kentraal’s shadows.

With the Kentraalian’s once more struggling, Gelifor’s army pressed their advantage, pouring fire in to the beleaguered defenders. However, once again the numerically superior Utopian and Gemaconian troops pressed Gelifor’s rear, inflicting significant casualties.

Gelifor was pressed in to real trouble, but then a massive force of Hynorbians struck, heavy tanks and assault rifles taking toll on Utopian’s and Gemaconians alike. However, with its fury spread between two entire armies, the attack seemed quite blunted.

So the meat grinder continues, with neither side looking close to retreat if the swarms of reinforcements on both sides are any indication. Now eyes turn to Sopdet and Akbeezlestan, the only allied nations yet to deploy forces, for surely both sides now are looking to call in all of the military aid available to them.

We shall of course remain to provide you with coverage.


Issue 21

Archdule Alexandros recovers, ‘buys’ Tinpotian ‘justice’

Archduke Alexandros was shown to be alive and well today in footage provided by the Sopdetian interior, but there has been comment that he has only been seen from the chest up, and never for an extended period of time. A supposed orderly from the Archduke’s hospital did come to us with a story about the Archduke still being gravely ill, and wheelchair bound, but the man has since vanished, as have his family, friends and street.

Tinpotia today announced it would be hosting the trial of alleged assassin Alrid Fashun ‘to ensure the world sees the evenhanded and fair treatment of Sopdet’s enemies’. Things may not quite be as ‘even handed and fair’ in Tinpotia as they once were however. We have learned that the trials judges, jury, lawyers, security and reporters shall all be exclusively Sopdetian, and that Tinpotia’s president has recently enjoyed a ‘government fact finding trip’ to Sopdet’s famed Al-Hazar resort island.

Sopdet’s army was again on the move, this time halving it’s forces defending Gelifor, switching them to shoring up Hynorbian defenses.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Slaughter in Kentraal!

It began with a third week of Gelifor assaulting Kentraal’s lines, and a third week of mysterious figures wrecking havoc behind Kentraal’s lines, making them easy targets. Things were about to go very bad for Gelifor however.

Suddenly, and with no apparent warning, Hynorbia’s army completely withdrew, and in the process left Gelifor’s flank wide open. At first stunned, Utopia and Gemaco were quick to take advantage, and with Kentraal suddenly rallying, Gelifor found itself smashed between three armies, and reported losses are massive. The remnants of Gelifor’s once huge fighting force took cover, obviously awaiting either reinforcement or the order to withdraw.

The mood amongst the troops of Utopia, Gemaco and Kentraal was jubilant, with the exception of some Gemaconian troops, who began to bemoan Akbeezlestan’s total lack of commitment of forces, despite the Mutual Defense Pact between the two nations.

A poem found in some ruins, apparently of Geliforian style, reveals a similar resentment in the other large power block.

‘Sopdet, so far away,
Allies in our heads,
Out here we bleed for your liberty,
While you lie at home in our beds’


Surprise attack on Utopia! New Hynorbian weapon in action?

Well, we only had hours to wait before discovering the reason for Hynorbia’s withdrawal from the Kentraalian front. A sneak attack on Utopia took the defenders by surprise, but they recovered quickly and hunkered down, no doubt ready for a siege with Utopia’s well known manufacturing facilities. Casualties on both sides appeared moderate and fairly even.

Potentially troubling news for the nations allied against Hynorbia was the surprisingly advanced level of Hynorbian battlefield technology displayed, which some are now claiming rivals that of Kentraal.

The most remarkable new device is some kind of electronic headband worn by Hynorbian troops. As the troops advance they were noted to chant under their breath, and observes for miles around reported nausea, headaches, hallucinations and even hemorrhaging. No explanation has so far been forthcoming, but the effect appears to be concentrated on the Utopian defenders, and to be completely ineffective on the Hynorbians.

As always we'll keep you informed of future happenings.


Issue 22

Akbeezlestan attempting to be everyone’s friend, during a war?

In moves today that left many confused by the mixed message, Akbeezlestan sent a nominal force out to defend Gemaco’s capitol (finally at least paying lip service to their treaty), but then announced a Trade agreement with Sopdet, ally of Gemaco’s enemies.

“We are hoping to bring about peace and friendly discussion using the universal language of trade,” explained a spokes man for the Guilds.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

More farce in Kentraal, Utopian front grinds on

After taking weeks of pounding, the battered remnants of Gelifor’s once impressive army used the cover of night to slip away from the Kentraalian front…just hours before reinforcements from Sopdet and Hynorbia arrived to aid them!

After a month of shuffling their troops around in defensive patterns, Sopdet finally took the plunge, drew up their forces that had been defending their allies’ nations, and marched them to war. Likewise Hynorbia reversed their strategy somewhat, returning forces to the front. Sadly, while they were doing this, Gelifor's army was back in gelifor, digging in.

The result was a savage five way battle that for the first time no longer included the instigating nation. The fighting was based just outside of Kentraal for the first time since the battle began, and the Kentraalians were able to go on the offensive to a limited degree. Sabotage was a continuing problem, but it seems to have died down greatly since Kentraal’s security forces were freed up from front line duties.

Meanwhile in Utopia, Hynorbian and Utopian forces continued to grind each other down, with strange brain anomalies continuing to plague Utopian defenders.


The fury of Gemaco’s troops

Our reporter was cornered by an angry Gemaconian sergeant waving a rifle, but it turned out his anger was not against us. “You see this gun? This gun is meant to kill my men, this is a gun from a crate of guns we recovered from a Sopdetian supply train. This is a gun from a crate stamped with the Guild crest of Akbeezlestan! They sign a treaty with us, and then arm our enemies? <EXPLETIVE> Akbeezlestan, <EXPLETIVE> em!”


As always we’ll keep you, our loyal reading public, up to date on the latest happenings


Issue 23

Akbeezlestan says no to trade, next up, pigs flying

Quick to rebuild confidence after the stinging international blunder that lead to Akbeezlestan providing arms to a nation that then attacked Akbeezlestan’s allies, the trader nation today officially canceled its newly minted trade agreement with Sopdet.

“The agreement was predicated on the fact that Sopdet had remained a non-combatant in Kentraal, which is no longer the case. There is only one possible course of action now, and that is to negate the agreement,” explained Merc Hant at a press conference.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Biggest bloodbath of the war so far!

After withdrawing from relentlessly punishing combat that left their once proud military in tatters, most expected Gelifor to lay low and lick their wounds, but these people did not take in to account the brave and proud (some would say foolhardy and pompous) military tradition of Gelifor.

Pausing only long enough to regroup and gather Sopdetian reinforcements, Gelifor immediately threw itself back in to battle…and were annihilated.

Although a sizeable force by the standards of most armies, the Geliforian/Sopdetian force tried to pincer a force consisting of the cream of three nations…and then Akbeezlestan arrived.

A small contingent of Akbeezlestanian troops, leading a contingent of mercenaries hired from the minor nations, cut off the G/S army's retreat, and G/S were crushed between the forces of four nations, who viewers estimated outnumbered the force by as many as five to one.

When the smoke cleared only one tattered legion of Geliforian infantry remained, falling back for the hills, many dropping weapons and equipment, an act completely unheard of in Geliforian military history. The Sopdetian detachment was wiped out to a man.

Where was Hynorbia you may ask? The all-knowing Faur obviously knew enough to know when things weren’t going his way, and pulled all of his troops back from both war zones, leaving the defenders of Utopia dancing in the streets in a massive national victory celebration.

On a more sobering note, recently released figures for the global conflict show the international military death toll to have topped half a million men.


Issue 24

Stock Exchange explosion horror

Early this morning residents of Akbeezlestan’s capitol were rudely awakened by a loud explosion. At first the news reports were confused, some thought a gas main had blown, others reported a possible downed jet. Within a half hour though the facts were in, a suicide bomber had successfully leveled a wing of the massive Guild Stock Exchange.

As the hour was so early, thankfully not many people were hurt, but the building was in a shambles, and their international trading has been called off while safety is established, throwing international markets in to panic.

A message left before the attack read as follows:

“We, of the Kentraalian Peoples Committee, do hereby declare vengeance on the decadent puppets of Akbeezlestan. For the sin of having traded with the accursed nation of Sopdet, your streets will run with blood.”


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

The assault on Gelifor begins

As the sun rose, the beleaguered defenders of Gelifor looked out over a veritable sea of enemies. In a show of unity, the nations of kentral, Akbeezlestan, Utopia, led by Gemaco, assaulted the city’s defenses.

The toll of the Kentraalian campaign was obvious, as only a few tattered legions, supported by a moderate host of Sopdetian Immortals, attempted to stem the human tide, to little avail.

Although the bullets of the defenders could scarcely miss because of the mass of attackers, they simply could not kill enough to make a real difference.

By nightfall the survivors had withdrawn to the capitol and a last desperate barricade of shattered store fronts and burned out houses to make a last stand, leaving a slew of their dead behind on the outer perimeter. Jubilant allied forces swept forward, seemingly keen to press their advantage.

A fear stricken Geliforian Legionnaire grabbed a camera man during the retreat:
“Where are the Hynorbians? WE’RE DYING HERE!”

As always, we’ll keep you abreast of further happenings.


Issue 25

The fall of Gelifor

Its official, the flag no longer flies above Gelifor.

The massive allied army simply steamrollered over the pitiful defense Gelifor was able to throw up around its capitol. The cost of years of Geliforian warfare, hidden by the state, was shockingly clear today as bodies were gathered for mass burials.

The majority of the small force was the usual Legionnaires, but closer inspection showed them to be made up of old men and boys. Armed with only makeshift weapons were the bodies of the nation’s security forces and even members of the diplomatic core, some pressed in to service so quickly they still wore business suits.

Reporters are sending in reports of malnourished women and children, with barely a man left alive below the age of seventy or over the age of twelve. Truly this is the end of a once mighty nation in the truest sense, for one can but wonder how this bombed out hole and it’s starving refuges could ever rise again.


Sopdet, looking for greener pastures

Hours before the fall of the capitol, the few remaining Sopdetian soldiers and security forces slipped out of Gelifor via the sewer system, and were last seen heading back to their home nation.

Reports are also coming in that Sopdet has been concerting their diplomatic efforts towards Akbeezlestan, imploring the Guild for peace and a possible alliance.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Lord Ringmarsh dies in fiery blast, avoids war crimes prosecution

As the allied forces mopped up the last of Gelifor’s defenders, a massive explosion rocked the city. Those arriving on the scene found that the Palace had been leveled by explosives, bodies lying mangled beyond identification amongst the rubble.

The only clue to the possible bombers was the initials K.P.C., which were left scrawled upon near by buildings.

Gelifor may be gone, but no-one told Hynorbia

Showing a tenacious loyalty, the forces of Hynorbia sprang upon the allied forces of Kentraal, Utopia, Gemaco and Akbeezlestan as they celebrated their victory over Gelifor.

A massive force, almost equal to the alliance, fell upon the unprepared armies and inflicted significant damage


Issue 26

Kentraal encourages world unity against the insidious threat of terrorism

Drakkarr, Strutegurt, and Octaniarr, the benevolent rulers of Kentraal, today held a press conference imploring the rest of the world powers to unite and stamp out the disease that is international terrorism.

“No longer can we afford to stand by while cowards bomb government buildings and kill innocent civilians. We must take steps to organize our global police resources, and make sure that wherever terrorism shows it’s head, it is cut off.”


Head of Sopdet’s controversial ‘Kentraalian Re-education camps’ assassinated

Ahmose Nehsi, chief administrator of Sopdet’s camps was killed today by individuals who identified themselves as the Kentraalian People’s Committee.

A truck cut off the car carrying Neshi’s security detail, as ski mask clad men on motorbikes riddled the administrator’s car with automatic weapons fire.

Amazingly Neshi survived the initial attack, but expired twenty minutes later, as ambulance services were sadly hindered by his own security men, who were fearful of more attempts on his life.

A state funeral was held in his honor.


Hynorbia retreats from Gelifor under fire, Akbeezlestan quits the fight

Just before dawn today Hynorbian forces withdrew from the outskirts of Gelifor, rearguard forces skirmishing with allied contingents as they withdrew. Aiding their retreat was a wide open channel, Akbeezlestan’s patrol area.

Akbeezlestan’s contribution to the war effort had consisted of a small force made up entirely of foreign mercenaries from the minor nations. Due to language and discipline problems, these hired troops had been entrusted with mostly patrol and scouting duties, but as Hynorbia withdrew they were nowhere to be seen.

We managed to catch up with one of the mercenaries at a bar thirty miles from the front, and he only had this to say:

“They say fight, give money, we fight. Last night they say war cost too much, we no pay you anymore, so we leave”


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Massive Hynorbian force assaults Kentraal, slaughter in the streets

Rather than retreat to their home nation as expected, the Hynorbian army swung around and assaulted Kentraal. With most of their army away in Gelifor, and their defense still not recovered from the previous invasion attempt, the Kentraalian’s died in droves.

The home guard, some say outnumbered by as many as ten to one, was crushed rapidly, and it looked like the civilian population was doomed. With the wailing of sirens Kentraal’s security forces arrived at the front, riot gear and water cannons versus tanks and artillery. After several hours of sickeningly one-sided violence the police were utterly slaughtered.

By nightfall Hynorbian tanks cleared burned-out riot vans from the roadways, as their troops prepared to roll up in to the capitol city. The only glimmer of hope made by the sacrifice of the brave security forces was the hope that the delay their lives had bought might be enough for help to arrive in time. For surely without them Kentraal would already be a province of Hynorbia.


Issue 27

Hynorbian army once more on the move, Gemaco annexes Gelifor!

Hynorbia once again showed its tactic of attack and withdraw, pulling away from the heart of Kentraal as soon as reinforcements from Utopia and Kentraal arrived.

Where was Gemaco you might ask? Barely had the other two allied forces set off for Kentraal before the flag of Gemaco went up over the ruins of the former royal palace of Gelifor. Reporters were informed that Gemaco had annexed Gelifor, absorbing it, to protect and assist former citizens of Gelifor.

So the battle weary companies from Utopia and Kentraal could only skirmish with Hynorbia’s army as it withdrew. Attempts were made to follow their withdrawal, but radio men and radar operators experienced crippling headaches and violent nosebleeds, hampering their ability to track the force.

So, for now, Kentraal is once again safe, albeit now a nation shattered and manned by a skeleton armed force. Gelifor has ceased to exist completely, absorbed by Gemaco. All in all, a day of confusion and surprises.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Hynorbia once again throws itself at the gates of Utopia

The Hynorbian blitzkrieg continued tonight, as their army assaulted the defenses of Utopia. Unlike Kentraal, Utopia’s defenses appeared up to the challenge, and the large invading army was halted, but not without significant losses.

The world waits to see if the Hynorbian’s are here for a siege this time, or mean to continue their brand of mobile warfare.


Issue 28

Gemaco and Sopdet butt heads, civil disobedience breaks out

Soldiers of Gemaco today stopped a convoy of trucks that Sopdet said contained aid to be distributed amongst the misplaced citizens of Gelifor. The Gemaconian border commander replied that there was no longer a nation of Gelifor, but that all citizens of Gemaco had all that they required. When the Sopdetians pressed the issue and insisted they be allowed in to ‘Gelifor’, the Gemaconians warned them of the consequences of violating Gemaco’s border.

Even as the covered trucks from Sopdet defiantly stood on the border, civil unrest broke out in Gemaco. Former citizens of Gelifor took to the streets with tattered Geliforian banners, proclaiming that Lord Ringmarsh still lived and would return to set them free. Gemaco’s security forces quickly restored order.


Hynobia continues mobile warfare unhindered

The Hynorbian army, continuing its tactic of hit and run warfare, withdrew from the gates of utopia today, under minimal fire. Concerned nations hold their breath, waiting to see where they attack next.


Butchers bill reaches sickening mark

The estimated death toll for the Great War has now passed one million men. Several nations have pushed through emergency construction bills to quickly manufacture much needed hospitals and graveyards


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Huge battle breaks out in Gemaco

The forces of Hynorbia and Gemaco engaged today, when The All-Knowing Faur’s forces threw themselves at Gemaco’s defenses. Tanks and mortars pounded the defensive positions as Gemaco’s fixed big guns returned fire.

Casualties were high on both sides, but Gemaco appeared to have plenty of reinforcements should the siege continue.


Issue 29

Quietest week in years

War correspondents today lazed under trees, stood by cars talking sports or simply stayed in the hotel bar, as, well, not much happened.

Hynorbia’s drained war machine pulled back from Gemaco and returned home a few days ago, to cheering crowds of their fellow citizens. Chants of victory echoed through the streets and thousands of weddings were arranged.

In Gemaco civil unrest amongst the former Geliforian minority continued, a few shots have been fired at police, but mostly trouble consisted of marches and anti-government speeches, both illegal under Gemaco's laws.

But with KPC sightings on the rise, civil unrest and active military forces we can only wonder at the length the current lull may last


Pop sensation plans comeback tour

Many of you may remember the group Ice Maiden, who were international chart toppers until a few years ago. Well the band is back, currently promoting their new album entitled New Beginnings.

Copies of the new album are available to buy from Gemaco’s Ministry of Entertainment.


Issue 30

Unrest in Gemaco turns violent with deadly results

The civil disobedience in Gemaco continued today as illegal marches and speeches again broke out apparently spontaneously in the area that was once Gelifor. Portraits of Lord Ringmarsh were held up like religious icons, and the Geliforian national anthem played from makeshift speaker systems.

As Gemaco’s security forces attempted to disperse the crowds a shot rang out and a policeman pitched over dead. This was just the spark things needed to turn bloody, and riot troops marched in with batons, tear gas and rubber bullets.

The official death toll, including the downed officer, was three, but press estimates were closer to a dozen.

Sopdetian aid trucks, who have camped on the border for over two weeks now, demanded they be allowed in to tend to the wounded, but were once again stopped by border guards.


Ice Maiden Tour

Popular band Ice Maiden, recently back in the public eye after the fall of Gelifor, began their tour today with several gigs lined up around the worse off areas of Gemaco. Venues further down the band’s schedule include Kentraal, Utopia and Akbeezlestan.

The gigs will be at camps for families displaced by war, and admission will be free.


Issue 31

Gemaco continues brutal subjugation of Gelifor’s citizens

As Gelifor’s peaceful citizens continued to try and put their lives back together under the iron booted occupation perpetrated by the villains of Gemaco, their oppressors once again lashed out in shocking racially motivated violence.

Geliforian women and children were dragged in to the streets, some raped, or put against the wall and shot. Bodies were left in the gutters, rats feasting on the dead and spreading filth and disease to the terrified survivors.

Word is out of vigilante squads murdering those found on the streets after curfew, Geliforian ran businesses being burned to the ground, and doctors performing sterilizations under the lie of inoculations. We urge all citizens of Gelifor to resist the police and ‘aid’ of their subjugators, as we fear there is an attempt being made to eradicate them as a race.

The mayor of the Sopdetian border town of Rakesh was giving a speech welcoming Geliforian refugee’s to one of Sopdet’s many new refugee camps when mortar rounds fired from Gemaco rained down on the village square. Casualties were luckily light, although an elderly Geliforian widow was said to have died from her injuries.

“We do not seek war or revenge,” explained the Mayor, bandaged but defiant, “we only seek justice. We hope the peace summit will soon become a reality, so that dangerous rogue nations can be brought under control, and the great nation of Gelifor might soon be free again.”


Official land handover ceremony takes place…at 3 AM

People living around the Adolpho Plaza district went to bed last night expecting a day like any other, but were soon awoken by the sound of hammers and drills. Reports to police of a stage going up were met by a request to go back to bed.

Around 3:15AM armored limousines arrived, disgorging diplomats from Gemaco, Utopia and Kentraal, plus a select group of state newspaper men. Puzzled citizens watched from patios and rooftops as the floodlit ceremony swiftly went through, hands being shaken and paperwork signed.

By the time the sun set the stage was gone and all that remained were the confused people of this quiet town in Former Gelifor.


Ice Maiden tours Gemaco, Redheart makes a rare appearance

Beginning their goodwill tour of former Gelifor, well liked band Ice Maiden played a medley of their hits, as well as new songs from their current album. As they shook hands and signed autographs, a cheer went up. Redheart, ruler of Gemaco appeared, walking freely amongst the crowd, disdaining the need for any security. He joined in some unrehearsed chatting with the band and members of the audience, before wowing the crowd with some guitar riffing.

A great time was had by all, and the event wrapped up with Redheart throwing out gifts and aid from the back of a truck to the appreciative audience.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Sting uncovers massive spy ring, suspect captured!

At eight this morning security men from Gemaco, Utopia, Kentraal and Akbeezlestan, in the largest combined security effort in history, raided several locations in former Gelifor.

Helicopters, SWAT units, sniffer dogs, and electronic surveillance were combined with truly massed manpower as the army of police officers tore apart ruined factory buildings as well as fancy apartment buildings.

Several men were swiftly arrested, but in a disturbing twist, seemingly committed suicide with a kind of implanted incendiary device! A particularly nasty incident was the immolation of several suspects within a Utopian police van, which resulted in an explosion and the horrific burning death of four policemen.

Using sophisticated radio equipment provided by Akbeezlestan, word was quickly passed around of what to expect, and by using tazers and a police surgeon the security men were able to capture a live suspect.

On first glance the man was apparently Geliforian in ethnicity, speaking in an accent common to the east of that former nation. However a thorough medical examination revealed extensive plastic surgery marks on the man, including altered nose bridge, chin reshaping and even some discoloration.

The man’s possible identity remained a mystery until officers ripping up floorboards discovered a radio and a book containing the teachings of Archduke Alexandros. When activated the radio received a signal of a man speaking in Sopdese. On a hunch a security man began tearing the religious text in front of the subject, who immediately became violent, attempting to bite the officer’s throat, screaming in Sopdese.

Officials could not be contacted for further comment.


Issue 32

Gemaco’s new citizens prosper

The former citizens of Gelifor, Gemaco’s newest addition to its cultural diversity, are finally getting on with putting their lives back together.

With support and financial grants from the Gemaconian government, schools, hospitals, housing and community centers are being built, which is also attracting industry and jobs to the region.

Since the recent successful police operation, violence here has dwindled to practically nil, with the industrious population glad to be able to integrate and contribute to the larger community.


The Hive Mind speaks out

Drakkarr, Strutegurt, and Octaniarr today gave a speech for invited reporters.

“Our quiet nation has suffered greatly over the past decade, suffering near constant warfare, and the unwarranted aggression and slander of fellow nations, but we remain resolute and upright.

We have welcomed our new citizens with open arms; the factories they man are a welcome addition to a nation in need of rebuilding. We hope our fellow nations will now prove that compassion is a universal truth, and aid us financially and materially in our return to a stable nation.

Regarding the recent events in former Gelifor, while we do not assume Sopdet’s guilt without further evidence, we shall be keeping an eye open".


Sopdet and Akbeezlestan, give trade a chance
The nations of Sopdet and Akbeezlestan have once again signed a trade treaty. Our readers may remember the old treaty some years ago, which lasted scant days before being dissolved by Akbeezlestan upon Sopdet’s entry in to the Great War.

How long will this new treaty last? Forever is the answer from the signing dignitaries, but we shall have to watch and see.


Parade and medal ceremony to be had in Gemaco

News is out that Redheart is to host a gala ceremony to honor the soldiers and police forces of Gemaco, Kentraal, Utopia and Akbeezlestan. Awards and medals will be presented to veterans of the Great War, as well as security forces from the recent international sting operation.


Issue 33

Glorious medal ceremony and open air concert in Gemaco

The sun shone brightly today as tens of thousands of happy citizens lined the main green of Gemaco’s Citizens Park yesterday. Medals and awards were given out to soldiers and security men from Gemaco, Kentraal, Utopia and Akbeezlestan, with a surprise highlight of an aerial display by the Gemaconian Air Force.

Kentraalian Thought Police sat side by side with Utopian Knights as the hit group Ice Maiden performed pop versions of popular military marches.

Much fun was had by all, and the event was completely free of incident, Gemaco seeming a peaceful and well ordered nation, a stark contrast to the chaos of a few months ago.


Captured insurgent becomes political hot potato

Unnamed sources revealed information about disagreement amongst the nations currently holding a suspected Sopdetian terrorist recently captured in a multi-national sting operation.

Reports indicate a hiccup in cooperation as Kentraal demands first crack at breaking the spy, while Gemaco supports a transfer to Akbeezlestan’s facilities.

The final result of this seeming impasse remains to be seen.

[d_knight7]

Ok, I have seven nations, i'm going to go ahead and start this. If another player contacts me before everyone gets back to me i'll add them and they automatically miss out on the summit meeting (see below).

EDIT: And then there were eight! Our last member wasn't at the summit and thus can't be insulted btw.

Ok, day 1.

Everyone PM me with their 2 resource moves for today.

ALSO:

There is a summit meeting for the heads of state from each of the most powerful nations. Your options are:

1) Attend.

You receive a free point in Diplomacy, but you must choose a fellow nation to have a diplomatic Faux Pas with. It will not be anything major, but it will also not be quickly forgiven.

Let me know the nation and what about them caused you to make a Faux Pas/intentional insult. (IE Wussamania are peace loving, i laughed at them, or Godder are devout and i accidentally blasphemed)


2) Don't attend. No free Diplomacy point, no Faux Pas, but a general very mild bad feeling from attendent nations.


Let's go :)

[JackAssterson]

I'm confused, intrigued and late all at the same time.

Personal best!

[d_knight7]

WORLD NEWS REPORT!
Day 1, Summit Meeting


Last night was the first International Summit in world history. The heads of many great nations were there, but the first story of the evening was the notable absence of a nation. The guild masters of the trading nation of Akbeezlestan sent a last minute apology, quoting fiscal responsibilities at home, which caused a murmur of dissatisfaction amongst the delegates before the summit proper even began.

The opening ceremony was a glittering affair, full of much pomp and circumstance.

First to arrive was Redheart, absolute leader of the nation of Gemaco. He startled onlookers by arriving riding on top of the new Gemaco built Brutus Tank, saluting the crowd.

Next to arrive was Lord Ringmarsh of Gelifor, flanked by a phalanx of Praetorian guards sporting their deadly Spine-Rifles.

He was followed by Drakkarr, Strutegurt, and Octaniarr, joint mind-lords of Kentraal, who silently arrived on floating disks of light, to the gasps of onlookers.

Next came Archduke Alexandros, God-King of Sopdet, carried on a magnificent throne, borne by 20 hulking eunichs.

Then we were treated to the spectacle heralding the arrival of The All Knowing Faur, spiritual leader of Hynorbia. Sporting both might and grandeur, he arrived in a 24k gold limousine, guarded by his cloaked warrior-priest guard, who jogged alongside the Limo despite the oppressive heat of the evening.

Next came the enigmatic Mr. Grimm, leader for life of the nation of Utopia. As always, the vehicles, clothing, and every piece of equipment sported by the Utopian delegation was obviously of Utopian manufacture. Truly a people proud of their happy and prosperous workforce.

Last, but by no means least, to arrive were the mysterious Velvet sisters, co-rulers of the quiet nation of Terria. Dressed, as always, in a style right out of a fairy tale, the dazzling young women arrived in a gilded coach drawn by four large horses. Obviously excellently trained, the horses moved with clockwork precision, depositing the lovely ladies, who seem as fresh and beautiful now as when they took the throne two decades ago.

With the gala opening at an end, the evening shifted to the business of politics. Mostly a dry affair, we'll just stick to the highlights, for the benefit of our reading public.

The diplomacy was, as one would expect of such a new venture, quite stilted in general.

The exception was His Holiness Archduke Alexandros, who seemed to be aggressively courting the friendship of Lord Ringmarsh, which appeared to make at least some good headway. Couple this with the gifts for guild masters Merc Hant and Ven Dor, hastily removed by courier when their absence was announced, revealed the nation of Sopdet as very interested in making powerful friends.

But as always it was the making of potential enemies that provided the juiciest news of the night.

The first to put a diplomatic foot in his mouth was Lord Ringmarsh, who's casual remarks about Terria's 'sexist' policies found the ears of the ruling ladies of that nation. Ringmarsh's red faced attempts to apologize were met by a curious high pitched laughter from the Velvet's, who proceeded to ignore him for the remainder of the summit.

In a stroke of ignorance, the Kentraalian hive-rulers forget to sub-vocalize a conversation between themselves about the inherent superiority of their pantheon of gods over the one God of Sopdet, a slur the devout nation did not take well.

Not to be outdone, the All Knowing Faur regaled guests with stories about beaming uplifting spiritual messages in to godless Utopia, causing an almost instant angry threat from the Communists, should such activities continue.

This was all but an appetizer to the explosion of undiplomatic activity to come however.

The All Knowing Far seemed near collapse as he was lead out of the summit, surrounded in a solid ring by his Warrior-Priests, who came very close to drawing their weapons and perhaps starting a world war during the peace summit!

It all began with a careless comment from Redheart, a silly jibe about Faur's name, "I wouldn't trust him as Fa-ur as i could throw him" was the reported slur. This was quickly followed by a Theological slight by one of the Velvet ladies, then compounded when Archduke Alexandros corrected her that Theocracies were not flawed, merely the Theocracy of Hynorbia! To add gunpowder to what would have clearly been an already explosive diplomatic situation, Mr. Grimm was, apparently, seen to spit on the Hynorbian flag!

Basely mocked by not one but four mighty nations, the spiritual head of Hynorbia paled and began cursing in tongues, wildly gesturing at the heads of the offending nations, before his fanatically loyal guard got him clear of the building with a combination of brute force and intimidation.

It was a shocking and worrying end to what had been hailed as 'the best hope for a lasting world peace.'


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I am now accepting moves for Day 2. Moves for Day 3 will begin monday.

[d_knight7]

Now accepting moves for day 3


PM me with your resource purchases, any action(s) you would like to take, and if so, what (if any) resources you want to put behind them.

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Day 3


Reports are filtering in of Sopdet beginning a light border screening for all incoming visitors. In an interesting twist, citizens of both Gelifor and Akbeezlestan are seemingly exempt from stop-searches.

In other news Gemaco have been engaging in Military maneuvers, which so far are limited to within their own borders. When asked for a comment, a representative for the government reiterated that they are a peaceful nation, and are actively looking for trade partners in other nations.

[d_knight7]

Now accepting moves for day 4

[d_knight7]

World News Report

Day 4


In a breaking front page story we have exclusive information provided by the Hynorbian Interior Ministry. According to Hynorbia, Utopia recently tried to intimidate them in to surrendering resources, under threat of military action. We were furnished with a copy of the letter, which included a genuine looking Utopian seal, but no further proof was available, and the Utopian government has yet to comment.

‘The All Knowing’ Faur, Spiritual leader of Hynorbia had this to add “I will remind Utopia that while you point your guns at me, your seven other borders look very thin…”

In related news, a bullet riddled van was found just outside the border of Utopia this evening. ‘The Knights’, Utopia’s elite Security Force, declined to comment.

In a more lighthearted vein, the Republic of Gelifor had its Feast of the Icy Waters festival today. Not quite religion, not quite a holiday, the celebration held a quaint charm, partially due to the modest fare and domestic alcohol freely available to all.


-----------------

Now accepting moves for day 5

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Day 5


The Nation of Gelifor is once again in the news, surprisingly not for their continuing 'military maneuvers', which have grown in to a massive display of might.

No, the controversy comes in the form of the clothing and jewelry sported by the citizens of Gelifor. Clothing and jewelry strongly reminiscent of that worn in Sopdet.

We've been receiving reports for some time of Geliforian nobles holding costume balls with a Sopdet theme, but this is the first signs of foreign culture being embraced by the average citizen.

Is a cultural shift afoot in the Nation of Gelifor?

===================

Now accepting moves for Day 6

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Day 6


The Circus comes to Sopdet

A new shocking twist in the continuing story of Gelifor and Sopdet!

All ambiguity to the relationship of these two nations was erased today, as a bewildering caravan left Gelifor for the capital of Sopdet. Led by Lord. Ringmarsh himself, the procession included acrobats, actors, musicians, singers and dozens of other performing artists.

The bizarre group gave out gifts as they passed by, causing amusement amongst the crowds, although they did not seem as keen on the Geliforians as the Geliforians seemed on them, judging by dress and customs.

Lord. Ringmarsh was greeted openly by ‘His supreme holiness Archduke Alexandros, Grand Hierophant of Sutekh’ himself, and although there was no mention of any formal alliance, intent seems quite obvious.

All that remains to be seen is how the other nations of the world react to such a potential shift in power; and if Gelifor are equal partners, or merely lapdogs of a burgeoning Super-Nation.


Utopia, haunted?

A band of Gypsies traveling the border of Utopia told our reporter of seeing a spectral creature leaving the boundaries of the secretive nation earlier today.

“It walked like a man, but hunched, and then it shimmered and was gone,” described an alleged eye-witness. Wolf howls were reportedly also heard.

Utopian officials declined to comment, as usual, but security activity along the border was especially energetic.

======================

Now accepting day 7 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Day 7


Shocking scandal shatters secret trade agreement

Word has reached us from sources near to the government of Akbeezlestan, of a despicable plot to destroy their economy!

It seems that they had been on the brink of finalizing several important treaties with Gemaco, when damaging evidence of a joint Gemaco/Utopian plot was revealed! Details are sketchy, but the plot appears to involve sabotaging the Akbeezlestanian Trade Guild from within, and driving the country in to depression or bankruptcy.

The hastily departing Gemacons strenuously denied the allegations. Utopia has yet to comment.


Togetherness

The citizens of Sopdet were pained to see their friends and allies in Gelifor so badly painted in the news yesterday. His supreme holiness Archduke Alexandros, Grand Hierophant of Sutekh and ruler by the Grace, Will and Wisdom of the Divine, wishes to assure the world that Gelifor is a respected and equal partner, and that their relationship is going from strength to strength.


There is a small ad on page 3 advertising Ice Maiden, the latest music sensation from Gelifor’s burgeoning music industry. CD’s and memorabilia are available by mail-order.


===============================

NOW ACCEPTING DAY 8 MOVES

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Day 8


Strength in unity!

In what some will see as merely the official stamp to an existing arrangement, the nations of Sopdet and Gelifor signed mutual Scientific and Trade agreements, going in to affect immediately. Coming a mere day after the ‘Gemaco Scandal’, Akbeezlestan must be smarting indeed. For a trading nation to watch its possible future trade dominance slip away while lamenting what could have been must be a bitter pill. One can’t help but think Sopdet and Gelifor will only go from strength to strength now with no rival trade treaties to compete.


Defense force wins hearts and minds

Despite increased worries about a seemingly huge military buildup in Gelifor, the people we spoke to are not worried. Our reporters watched as children tried on the hats of laughing soldiers, and Praetorian Guardsmen planted a hospital garden in a small neighboring nation. “Worried? No. We feel safer for having such friendly and generous people as our friends to the North” said a citizen of Borderania.


========================

NOW ACCEPTING DAY 9 MOVES

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Day 9


Sopdet, Nation of Infamy?

In a surprising reversal of policy, the Government of Utopia today made some of its files available to the press, and they made for shocking reading.

Evidence was shown that seemingly shows the capture and interrogation of a Sopdetian spy on Utopian soil! Although the man (Amar Suketh) had since been executed, he gave up extensive details about his past and connection with the ‘Foreign Services’ wing of Sopdet security before his death. DNA evidence was also submitted.

Reporters seeking to research the claim found that Suketh (a former Sopdetian soldier) was listed as deceased some five years ago, despite clearly being alive in Utopian video footage dated just last week.

A reporter checking out a laundry building in Sopdet (which Suketh had given as the location of a spy ‘safe house’) was told that they were not currently taking laundry orders. When he pressed the issue the man produced a gun and the reporter was forced to leave.

“Although we are a strong and silent nation, which prefers to take care of its own problems, we could not stand idly by while both Gemaco and our own nation were slandered in the press,” Explained the newly appointed Utopian press officer, “It seems pretty clear to us that the recent aborted trade Summit was merely one more example of the Sopdetian criminals use of insurgent tricks.”


Gemaco, Pariah again

Following their recent disastrous diplomatic collapse with Akbeezlestan, Gemaco are yet again off of a nation’s invite list.

A spate of looting, vandalism, murder and many petty crimes have broken out in the nation of Kentraal, with a staggering amount attributed to Gemaco thugs.

“We have been temporarily force to close out gates to visitors from Gemaco,” The Kentraalian Foreign Minister read from notes today to a press conference, “and they will not re-open until the government of Gemaco can assure us they have taken steps to weed out the dangerous criminal element they have allowed to infest our country. The sheer volume of recent incidents, coupled with the relatively small number of Gemacon visitors, leaves us in no doubt to the kind of animals we were allowing free reign in our cities. No more.”

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Day 10


Utopia: dangerous warmongers!

The time has come to speak out about a danger to the very future of our free world. A danger both insidious and outspoken. A threat staggering in its boldness and lack of shame. That danger is the ‘nation’ of Utopia.

Utopia is a blighted place, where starving orphans fight rats for scraps of food. Where dilapidated machinery struggles to produce necessities of life, while befouling the air. Crops wither and die, famine and disease are rife, and all the while Mr. Grimm sits in his palace, handing out execution orders on families who dare speak out.

This reporter openly wept as he watched a firing squad of ten masked men machine gun the sisters of a nunnery who dared but to worship their own God, as they saw fit.

Think not of Utopia as a ‘nation’, but rather a disease, to be cut out of the world before it can further fester. Liberating this nation should be the goal of every forthright and God-fearing nation.


Science fiction? Kentraalian fact!

Kentraal continues its scientific prowess with the construction of a rocket base to put telescopic satellites in orbit.

“Once launched, our ‘Eye of the gods’ satellite will be able to study stellar bodies previously unseen, and receive high resolution images of the outer planets,” explained Dragar, head of the Kentraal Science Institute. “Its lenses are so precise that it could read potentially read a newspaper on the other side of the world. Of course we’re interested in what’s out there, not down here.”


Sopdet, evil criminals!

How is it that Gemaco is blamed for what was clearly a case of Sopdetian conspiracy? If one but reviews the witness statements one finds that the criminals had uniformly big noses and narrow eyes, traits common to mongrel Sopdetians, nothing like the noble Gemacon features.

Wake up, before it’s too late!


====================

Now accepting day 10 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Day 11


Strength through exchange

The world was stunned today to hear that the nations of Gemaco and Utopia have joined in to a mutual scientific and trade agreement. No doubt wary of the diplomatic problems that have recently plagued Gemaco, the two nations finalized the agreement in secret, only revealing their plans after the signatures had been exchanged.

“Let this be but the first step towards even greater unity amongst our people,” said Redheart at the news conference. “And let our enemies beware!” added Mr. Grimm, via TV link from his bunker complex.


Geliforian War Maneuvers begin to concern neighbors

Here in Borderstan, the ground trembles to the rumble of armored cars and the marching of legions. Planes screech overhead night and day. Ironclads patrol the waterways. What is so strange about this picture you ask? The massed military forces do not belong to Borderstan.

It began with Geliforian troops ‘accidentally’ crossing the border during maneuvers. Soon the flyovers began late at night. Now the people of Borderstan are in a state of practical siege, some too afraid to go out during the day.

“We are merely performing harmless military maneuvers,” explained a smiling General in the Geliforian army, “Borderstan fully backed our entry to their nation. Its good practice should they call upon us for aid in event of invasion, coup or civil unrest.”

So Gelifor continues to trumpet their peaceful intentions, and contend that their army is merely a ‘defense force’, despite military conscription now being compulsory for every male between the ages of eighteen and forty. We are left with the question, just what is such a massive force supposed to be ‘defending’ against?


Kentraalian shock theft!

Sources say Kentraal have been involved in stealing from Sopdet to fund a weapon’s project. When neither side will comment, you know there must be truth behind the allegations.

Beware of anyone with a Kentralian accent when money is about


Rock and roll heroes

Gelifor’s number one musical export, Ice Maiden, today released another album ‘Friends Forever’. The album features such instant hits as ‘we’re here for you baby’, ‘don’t worry’ and ‘It’s not what you think man’.

Available at all quality retailers now.


Utopia invasion Sopdet/Gemaco three-way shocker!

Inside contacts have let it be known that brainwashed citizens of Gemaco have recently tried to infiltrate Utopia and sow dissent between these two mighty nations.

Using drugs and threats to their families, the Spy Masters of Sopdet coerced regular Gemacon citizens in to acts of sabotage and treason.

Thankfully the security forces of Utopia were more than up to the task of stopping them. They were returned home and instructed to pretend nothing had ever happened.

======================

Now accepting day 11 moves!

[Rokk_Krinn]

I see the disinformation about Sopdet continues and I can't say that I feel this is a proper direction.

Kentral needs to open their borders to an investigative party of diplomats who can ascertain their theft from Sopdet. This is not something to be tied up by red-tape if Kentral believes they are going to start forming weapons.

[Jawapimp]

I see the disinformation about Sopdet continues and I can't say that I feel this is a proper direction.

Kentral needs to open their borders to an investigative party of diplomats who can ascertain their theft from Sopdet. This is not something to be tied up by red-tape if Kentral believes they are going to start forming weapons.

We Kentraalians will gladly open our borders to investigators. If they are willing to seek the truth, they will see that no funds were stolen. We are peace seeking people and have nothing to hide.

[Cronox]

This is not the discussion thread...

[Rokk_Krinn]

Doh! You're right. I forgot. Sorry D_Knight.

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 12


Kentraal, not what you’ve heard

Brainwashers, mind slavers, thought police. Kentraal has heard all of these insults and more, and they want the record put straight.

The fact is, Kentraal is a bastion for clean, modern, democratic living. Rather than lacking rights, the average Kentraalian has a say in his everyday life far beyond what most nations would consider plausible. From the Triumvirate ruling system down, power is shared out equally, and decisions are made on a national scale.

Kentraal is truly a bastion for the triumph of freewill


Human rights concert in Gelifor

Ice Maiden headlined a charity concert in Gelifor today, aimed at ending slavery and human oppression.

“We want to end the subjugation of downtrodden citizenry,” Jocq, lead singer of Ice Maiden, explained to the sellout crowd, “Nations like Utopia and Gemaco need to open their borders to international scrutiny!”


Sopdet, nation of vultures!

Word has come in of agents of Sopdet ransacking Kentraalian government building for secrets. Contacts suggest the spies were captured by the Kentraalian police


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA!

Geliforian lightning attack against Kentraal! A nation humbled

Last night, under cover of darkness, a massive invasion force from Gelifor rolled over Kentral’s border and decimated all in their sight.

Ironclads blockaded the harbors, and Steam wagons guarded vital junctions, as a veritable sea of Geliforian soldiers assaulted government offices, communication centers and military bases.

Hypervelocity rounds flew from Kentraalian lines, backed by hovering ‘drones’, but the defenders were far too few against the horde of percussion rifle wielding Praetorians, and the nation swiftly fell in to collapse

Just as soon as it had begun it was over, with the victorious Geliforian military heading back over their border by sun-up. As the cheers, taunts and battle hymns of the departing troops faded in to the mist, Kentraal was left to count the cost, and begin to grieve.


==================
Now accepting turn 13 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 13


International tribunal to be held

Following the unannounced military attack against Kentraal by the nation of Gelifor, the ruling Velvet Sister’s of Terria have called for an international tribunal to discuss what, if any, actions should be taken in response to this unprecedented action. Below is the statement the press were supplied with by the Terrian ambasador.

‘The gracious monarch of Tinpotia has agreed to act as host of a summit to discuss the military strike by Gelifor on the peaceful nation of Kentraal. The Velvet Sisters of Terria would urge every peace-loving nation’s representatives to attend. Unprovoked military actions could mean the death of civilization as we know it. This recent action MUST be addressed.

We call on Gelifor to present its defense (if any) of such a barbarous attack, and we urge all nations to take this grave act seriously. Representatives of Borderstan have already been called on to testify to recent military maneuvers by Gelifor into their country. We have located several members of the conscripted army who are willing to risk life and limb to speak with us.

Heed the clarion call of peace and freedom. No nation should feel threatened simply by sharing a border with Gelifor.’


Gelifor, brave champions of civil rights!

The recent daring raid by Gelifor against the oppressive regime of the despicable heads of the nation of Kentraal shames us all. Despite the obvious, odious policies of the Hive Mind(less), most nations were content to stand by idly while evil continued. Luckily for us all, a brave and strong nation rose, as will often happen in times of great need, and took daring action.

Tiring of Kentraals repeated avoidance of opening its borders for legal inspection, Geliforian medics, teachers and missionaries entered Kentraal on a mission of civic improvement. When they came under unprovoked fire, the moderate security force accompanying the agents of goodwill were unfortunately forced to defend themselves, but casualities were light.

Reports of major civilian losses and wrecked infrastructure were a combination of excessive liberal propoganda and self inflicted damage by Kentraalians government to seek sympathy on the world stage.

If more nations were like Gelifor we’d live in a more peaceful, safer world.


Gemaco, innocent of conspiracy charges!

In a full disclosure, the security forces of Gemaco have put forward a mountain of collected evidence which seems to clearly clear the nation of previous blame for plotting the collapse of Akbeezlestan’s currency exchange.

“We have always championed our innocence of any wrongdoing,” explained Commissioner Grunz of the Gemaco Internal Security Service, “and months of intensive investigation has finally allowed us to definitively clear the name of our nation.”

While the evidence shows Gemacon diplomats could not have been behind the nonexistent conspiracy, the source of the planted evidence is not clear, and has been blamed on simply ‘hostile foreign elements’.


Military aggression or humanitarian action?

We’ve all seen a lot in the news lately about Kentraal as a “victim’, and how they were attacked without “provocation”. What these people fail to grasp is that some regimes can only be taken down by aggressive outside forces.

For years multiple sources begged Kentraal to change its policies for the better. Tireless diplomacy was tried, and failed utterly.

I for one applaud the brave actions of Gelifor, and hope it will be but the first step to the liberation of a nation in the grips of slavery.


Gelifor in attack against free press!

The offices of the World News Report were ransacked last night, and files relating to Geliforian military expansion and deployment along their borders were destroyed or stolen. The break in was very professional, with no prints or clues left at the scene. With one exception.

A rank pin was found by a shattered window, and our research has revealed that the pin is from the operational uniform of a member of Gelifor’s Royal Magistrative Service, who police said nation.

This evidence, combined with the smoothness of the break-in, not to mention the files involved information perhaps pertinent to the upcoming international tribunal, can the identity of the perpetrators be in doubt?


Sopdet opens ‘reeducation camps’

Sopdet yesterday opened the first of what it deems ‘reeducation camps’ to process Kentraalian citizens currently living in their nation.

“As a nation, we like to operate a policy of live and let live,” explained Akmahl Zabred, head of the camp system, “but we’ve found that Kentraalians living amongst us have a hard time fitting in, and can be a troubling mix to our country. So we have decided to open these camps where our professional counselors can speak with our Kentraalian friends and explore ways that we can integrate them in to our society better.”

Announced courses include comparative religions, the benefits of Sopdetian nutrition, and the harmful nature of oppressive, homogenous regimes. Reassignment to the camps is voluntary, but also a state requirement to remain within the country.

=======================

Now accepting turn 14 moves!

EVERYONE PLEASE BE SURE AND LET ME KNOW WITH THEIR MOVE IF THEY'LL BE ATTENDING THE TRIBUNAL OR NOT!

ALSO, IF YOU HAVE A (SINGLE) SPEECH YOU WISH TO MAKE BEFORE THE MEMBER NATIONS, PLEASE INCLUDE THAT TOO!

[d_knight7]

W.N.R. reporting live from the 1st International Tribunal hearings


Hello, and welcome back to our live coverage of what some media wags are already calling ‘The trial of the century’.

A quick recap for those at home who are just tuning in. In light of the recent unannounced military action Gelifor performed against Kentraal, an official tribunal has been called by the other powerful nations.

Gelifor’s attack has been described by some, including Gelifor and their trade partners in Sopdet, as a precise military strike, with minimal force, that resulted in few causalities. The overwhelming view however, which is supported by the majority of independent reporting, is that Gelifor sent a massive invasion in to a neutral nation and caused considerable damage to both property and population.

Representatives of almost all of the largest nations have attended, as well as a multitude of minor nations, though we suspect the smaller countries will have minimal say in the proceedings. Most notable by their unexplained absence, the nation of Hynorbia declined to attend, causing much speculation.

Mostly the heads of state themselves came to speak, with the exception of Gelifor, Lord Ringmarsh, perhaps fearing for his safety, sending a representative. Most stratling however was the contingent from Utopia. Rather than the expected Mr. Grimm, a seemingly new leader by the name of Mr. Moore led the procession. Only a short announcement of a change of leadership was given, so despite the change at the top, utopia continues to remain a closed and mysterious nation.

Many voices were heard during the early proceedings, but we now bring to you the highlights. First to speak was Councilor Emma Shiggora of Gelifor. Notable was her style of dress, sashes tied at the waste in the Sopdetian style, a style that has been much in vogue for all levels of Geliforian society in recent months.

Most had expected defiance from a nation known for its stubborn pride, but the venom of her address took many aback.


”You have convened this Tribunal today in hopes of seeking an apology from the nation of Gelifor. Therefore please let me extend the following apologies:

To the people of Kentraal, I apologize that my nation was not there for you sooner; your oppression was of grave importance to all nations I was told and so I waited for your dictorial leaders to be "open" as they promised. I apologize for believing that they would do such, further lengthening the time you had to cry silent tears in the night. I apologize that even now we must sit around in diplomatic talks and ignore your pain. I apologize that so many nations seem unwilling to bleed so that you may enjoy basic human rights without being controlled by a hive mind; that such a simple joy as creating and singing your -own- thoughts is denied to you merely because it's not "proper channels". I apologize that the people of this planet are failing you and those of other subjugated nations.

To the people of my nation, I apologize that I did not act sooner to aid your brothers and sisters in Kentraal. I apologize that your songs and poems and other artistic endeavors entreating the world to grant liberation to the Kentraalians are being silenced from those tyrants fearful of the power in such language. I apologize that I was so protective of you that I was scared to accept your willingness to bleed and tighten your belts so that people of other lands can enjoy the same joys and freedoms that you do every day in our land.

To the great nations that have supported the strike of liberation, I apologize that you have been falsely painted merely for standing up in which you believe. I apologize that I have not done more to stop the people of the Crushing Nations from cloaking your actions from the very people you seek to aid. I apologize that somewhere a child does not call out your name in thankfulness because she can freely choose her own path of destiny, all because I have spent time trying to do things 'the proper diplomatic way'.

Finally, to the great and wondrous keepers of peace within our world, I apologize that I have grown weary of watching peoples' spirits stamped out for the joy of a gluttonous leadership. I apologize that I am incapable of using the red-tape of "peace" as a method to slip a soporific populace further into easily controlled masses as seems to be the desire of people seeking to further extend the years those citizens must endure their suffering. I apologize that I am too childish to understand that mind control such as that being practiced by the Hive Dictators was merely for the good of their own people and the people of other lands that they were seeking to extend such gracious control. I apologize that I am so willing to believe that humans are men and women, not numbers or tools or resources.

These are the apologies which I humbly and deeply extend to the assembly of those who are here with such great concern for the controllers, er, people of Kentraal.”


There was a long period of shock and angry whispers following this address, finally Indigo Velvet, one of the ruling sisters of Terria stepped up to speak.


“We, the Velvet Sisters of the proud nation of Terria, greet each of our esteemed neighbors to this tribunal. Again, the peaceful nation of Tinpotia has agreed to open its doors to us, providing a neutral ground whereby we may meet in the spirit of international harmony and cooperation.

It is with sadness that we gather here; sadness that the peace and safety of a great nation have been shattered by a bloodthirsty attack. We ask ourselves why such an act was deemed necessary, and note with alarm the Kentraalian “reeducation camps” that Gelifor’s ally, Sopdet, has seen fit to install within its borders. Why do these two nations show such aggression toward their neighbors? More importantly, what are we, whose borders adjoin theirs, going to do about this?

The Velvets ask for two items to be addressed: One – Gelifor’s attack on Kentraal. We do not believe that a military strike was the only remaining course open to them when they invaded this peaceful country. We would like to hear from other representatives regarding the nature and severity of sanctions against Gelifor (if any).

And Two – we suggest a pact among our nations, a pact whereby aggressive actions in the future will be met with sanctions ranging from trade embargoes to military rebuke. To enable such a goal, we would like to see an international policing agency made up of representatives from all concerned nations. This agency would have the endorsement of all nations and would be able to carry out sanctions as seen fit.

No more would an aggressor be able to march into a neighboring country with impunity. A swift retaliation would enable us to enforce peace and cooperation.

The Velvet Sisters thank you for this opportunity to speak.”


Next up to speak was Redheart, master of Gemaco. Redheart has been vocal in his condemnation of Gelifor’s militaristic tendencies, while at the same time not shy of parading his own military might. People were not surprised by the tone set with his speech.


“This summit has been called to discuss Gelifor's recent action in Kentraal. As you all know, Gelifor recently performed a surgical strike on Kentraal. They claim that buildings they destroyed were being used to oppress the Kentraalian people.

I believe Gelifor acted improperly.

Gelifor did not present any evidence to back up their accusations of atrocities committed against native Kentraalians. And without consulting the rest of the world, they unilaterally performed military maneuvers against Kentraal.

This is not right. I believe that basic human rights should be preserved in all countries. However, first proof needs to be presented, and then, and only then, will a peacekeeping corps comprising of troops from multiple countries would be sent forth.

If Gelifor and all other countries can agree to the guidelines I have proposed, then hopefully we can avoid future military conflict”


The middle parts of the tribunal were taken up by short speeches by the minor world nations. The turn out to hear them speak was slim, with some nations simply going to lunch. In a surprising turn of events, the minor nations almost universally lauded Gelifor and, notably, Sopdet, for their generosity and progressive ideas. The standout was a tiny delegation from Borderstan.


“We are but a small nation. We have no Army, no air power, only a simple police force. Our neighbor, Gelifor, crosses our sovereign borders without asking, stages military operations using our land as a stop-off point, and ignores our pleas to respect our independence. Gelifor speaks of freedom, but if they do not respect the freedom of nations weaker than themselves, what good are their words? You also have to ask yourselves my friends, what happens when they consider your nation to be weak?”


Archduke Alexandros was the next appointed speaker, but he declined to comment, beyond restating that ‘The tribunal is a sham, created by jealous nations seeking petty advancement.’ Few were surprised at his assertion, support of Gelifor and a denial of wrongdoing has been a hallmark of Sopdet’s diplomacy for a while now.


Next came Mr. Moore, new self styled father of Utopia, after what appears to have been a secret internal coup. He quickly revealed himself to be a man of more words, and seeming warmth, than the somber Mr. Grimm, but his rhetoric was scarcely lacking in the iron of his predecessor.


“Greetings fellow nations, after short political turmoil crushed by our strong national security, I stand before you as the leader of Utopia.

Many of my administration have been replaced and you can expect a "new beginning" of sorts between Utopia and other nations that have done no wrong deeds against my nation.

The nation of Sopdet is still on notice for the destruction of factories in our nation and the killing of our factory workers that worked in building which happened months ago but is not forgotten.

To the people of my nations and my allies nations, I say to you do not read the World News Report nonsense, and go with how you feel.

Who else but Gelifor can be manipulating the press for all of us to read their nonsense of how they are saving us from oppressive regimes. We must be saved from their control on the media it seems.

I also am here to urge Sopdet to close their reeducation camps. If any in Sopdet are looking to end their personal oppression in these camps I ask them to seek refuge in Utopia where they can lead their own style of life.

I leave this tribunal today with a clean slate and an extended hand to all nations that will accept it.”


Ven Dor of the Akbeezlestanian guild master spoke next.

”The nation of Akbeezlestan cannot condone the extensive use of military force by Gelifor. Violence, even when applied toward an inherently good cause, lessens the value of that good. We are saddened that the nation of Gelifor chose not to consult with its fellow nations before taking such decisive and inflammatory actions, and that it did not explore more peaceful options before resorting to violence.

It is the hope of all Akbeezlestanis that this tribunal shall lay clear the reasons for Lord Ringmarsh's decisions in recent days and indicate a course of action that may smooth the way once more for good business with all nations.”


Finally came Drakkarr, Strutegurt, and Octaniarr, speaking as unified leaders of Kentraal. They spoke in the unified voice of their unique ‘Hive Mind’, three voices at one, which always has the effect of both intriguing and unnerving the listening diplomats.


“We would like to start by thanking those nations gracious enough to come to this tribunal, although we are ashamed and saddened that it had to come to this.

As many of you know, the peaceful and free nation of Kentraal was the target of an unprovoked and vicious attack from the military forces of Gelifor. Several important and historical Kentraalian buildings were destroyed, and countless Kentraalian lives were lost. No Geliforian aide workers were ever spotted in Kentraal, and surely none of them were fired upon. To think that this is what is broadcast to the world as truth is simply ridiculous.

Our borders have always been peaceful and open, and we have welcomed ANY nation to come to Kentraal, for inspection or otherwise. Most recently, and strangely not broadcasted on national news, Kentraalian supply depots, radar stations, and supply rails have been attacked by a source Kentraalian officials are still trying to determine. This is obvious sign of invasion, and a great cause for concern for all nations.

That being said, we are not here seeking pity from the nations not involved, nor are we seeking an apology from the nation of Gelifor. We are all smart enough to know the truth, there are those that fear the power of the human mind and what it can do in a free society and there are those that do not.

We come here today to show that we are not monsters, nor are we mad scientists, nor are we evil dictators. We are peace loving seekers of knowledge, a modern day Athens if you will. We merely seek to make the world a better place, not force our societal views or moral practices on anyone around us. We are above such ancient thoughts.

In closing, we would like to point out how today we arrived with no military escort, and no security forces. We arrived with a small staff of aides and assistants. We did not do this out of ignorance, or lack of such services. We did this as a gesture of peace, and to strengthen our words. For if we live in a world in which nations’ leaders can not safely travel to a tribunal for peace, then what kind of world do we truly live in?”


After those addresses the various parties retired to cast their secret ballots regarding what action should be taken regarding Gelifor’s attack. We’re just waiting on the speaker returning to announce the results…

Wait, yes I’m receiving a report of pandemonium from within the hall! It appears, yes, a spy has been caught at the proceeding! I repeat, a spy has been caught in the international Tribunal hall! We go there now, live.


Yes indeed Sandy, its chaos here in the ‘Hall of Peace’. Just moments ago a contingent of security personnel dragged in several men dressed in dark clothing and ski masks. The speaker of the floor quickly announced that the men had been caught red-handed, trying to plant incriminating evidence about Kentraal! The men are revealed as…yes, oh my God; the men have been identified as members of Sopdet’s elite ‘Foreign Affairs’ division! I repeat, the spies have been revealed as Sopdetian!

As you can hear, the room has become very heated, heads of nations are angrily shouting at each other, blame and counter blame is flying back and forth. The event security, made up of almost half its number by Utopian men, are shielding the captured agents, as members of Sopdet’s security agengy, assigned to assist, are trying to demand they hand over the men to them.

There is some pushing and…a shot! Did I, yes, there was a distinct sound of a sho…Archduke Alexandros has been shot! I repeat, the God king of Sopdet has been shot! His royal guard have drawn their weapons…everyone is drawing weapons! There are over one hundred armed security men in the building, and they have all just drawn their weapons! People are heading for the exits now; several minor dignitaries are being trampled under foot!

We’re being told to put the camera down…look here, I’m a member of the press, I deman..

<REGULAR SERVICE WILL BE RESUMED SHORTLY>


+++++++++++++++++++++

Now accepting the votes from the end of turn 14, and the moves for turn 15.

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 15


Sopdet, a nation in mourning, a beast enraged?

In the wake of the apparent shooting of their God King, Archduke Alexandros, the nation of Sopdet has become a chaotic mess under martial law.

The almost instantaneous edicts following the shooting were to declare the nation closed to all foreign nationals (except Geliforians, Hynorbian’s and Akbeezlestanians), including their forced expulsion; and to declare a national, police enforced, state of mourning.

International journalists were amongst those herded out at gunpoint in the middle of the night by Sopdetian troops, diplomatic status or press cards cutting no ice. Those who refused to leave their homes and businesses were beaten or simply shot.

No news as to the current status of the Archduke could be established. The last reporter to attempt to access the private hospital where he is believed to be being treated sadly joined the list of fatal statistics here, in a nation of chaos.


Shadowy aftermath to disrupted Tribunal

Following the serious happenings at the recent International Tribunal, the tiny neutral nation of Tinpotia has been abuzz.

When will the results of the vote that was taken moments before the disruption be released? Will Sopdet be censored for a shocking violation of international law? Just who was the mystery who, perhaps fatally, shot Archduke Alexandros?

Reports have been trickling in of shadowy individuals abroad in Tinpotia since the event, asking questions about the shooting, threatening witnesses. Is this a sign of an aggressive search for the culprit, or a cover-up operation? You’ll know when we do.


Gelifor, Belle of the ball (and chain)?

Despite the looming Tribunal Vote on what should become of Gelifor, the so called ‘rogue state’ doesn’t seem to be short of friends.

In an out of the blue announcement, that seems to make sense of their choice to boycott the Tribunal, the nation of Hynorbia today announced the signing of a trade treaty with Gelifor.

In a further move few will find surprising, Gelifor formally announced a mutual defense pact with Sopdet. To publicly cement the deal, Gelifor brazenly marched a small force of troops in to Sopdet to bolster the native forces.


Kentraal looks towards a ‘Utopian’ future

Kentraal today announced a Scientific and trade agreement with the nation of Utopia. Speaking from the steps of their new ‘National Kentraalian Museum and war dead Memorial’, the Kentraalian foreign minister said he hopes the new treaty would “Herald in a new golden age for both nations.”


+++EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA+++

Results of secret Tribunal vote in!

Printed here is the list of questions voted on, as well as the results:

Yes or No answers

Should Gelifor be punished for its actions? YES

Should Gelifor have to pay significant restitution to Kentraal? YES

Should there be a trade embargo on Gelifor? YES
-If so, should it be militarily enforced? YES

Should Gelifor be forced to de-arm significantly? NO

Should an international peacekeeping force be placed in Gelifor to monitor future behavior? YES


The chairman also noted that the four voting nations (Gemaco, Utopia, Terria and Akbeezlestan) would be called upon by their honor to enforce their mutual will. The nation of Kentraal was offered a place in the events to come should they wish, but as non-voters the choice is left up to them.

The Sopdetian spy is still being held by international forces, and the question of what, if anything; should be done about Sopdet’s disregard for law and decency, is being postponed until member feedback can be gained.

====================

Now accepting Turn 16 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 16


The weak stomachs of diplomats

In a move highlighting the double talk of politicians, a ragtag peacekeeping force today took up camp outside of Gelifor.

Despite four nations agreeing to honor a vote that called for peacekeeping action against Gelifor, only two of them (plus the non-voting, but interested, nation of Kentraal) responded, and that response was patchy at best.

Terria at least put their military where their mouth is, sending a respectable armed force as their part of the international team. Utopia joined them with a meager force, which was rounded out by a mere token presence from Kentraal, a nation one would have expected more drive from.

Akbeezlestan sent apologies, but said they do not support military actions, drawing some ire as to them voting in a united action yet ignoring the will of the majority. Gemaco did not reply at all, a silence falling over the normally outspoken nation.

So that is how a moderate peacekeeping force, comprising but three nations, with over half the force from but one, arrived to ‘police’ Gelifor. The troops on the ground appeared both nervous and angry, at what they see as being left in a perilous situation for the sake of political face.

One can hardly blame the troops, when they appear to be outnumbered at least two-to-one by Gelifor’s armed forces, with several key voting nations appearing to be shirking responsibility.


Gelifor engages in a new kind of 'offensive' in Borderstan

Gelifor today launched a new kind of offensive in the tiny a neighboring nation of Borderstan; a goodwill offensive.

Ambassadors from Gelifor were in the nation trying to convince them that the recent war games were benevolent, and that Gelifor strongly supports the freedom and sovereignty of the tiny country.


Even with their leader’s fate unknown, Sopdet makes waves

Tinpotia recently contacted the world press, fearing for its safety. They passed on the following official missive from Sopdet:

‘The investigation into the assassination attempt on the Archduke should be handed over to Sopdet, and the officially appointed investigation taskforce from Sopdet should be shown full and complete co-operation at all levels from Tinpotia.

As you know, we are a peaceful nation, but in this case refusal of our ‘requests’ would be most unwise’.

This followed on the heels of the recent suicide of Captain Qufur am Heru, commander of the Honour Guard of Eternals of Sothis, elite defenders of the Archduke.

Captain Heru commited ritual suicide, which was shown around the nation, to atone for ‘his lapse of judgement’ that allowed the Archduke to be shot.

The footage we were able to acquire showed the Captain took his own life with a minimum of fuss, but some would question whether the shaking and glassy eyes were a result of grief, or something else…


Diplomacy may be weak, but commerce is strong

Gemaco and Kentraal recently signed scientific and trade agreements, while Hynorbia and Sopdet came to a trade agrangement of their own.


====================

NOW ACCEPTING TURN 17 MOVES

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 17


International peacekeeping becomes a farce

Just when you thought the mess that was supposed to be a united force for sanctions against Gelifor can’t get any more pitiful, it surprises you.

Seemingly bending under the weight of public outcry, both Utopia and Kentraal doubled their peacekeeping forces today (although Kentraal’s force is still small) but, uh oh, as they rolled in, Terria’s forces rolled out.

The official explanation from Terria was that these were merely war games, and the point had been made. The rather obvious explanation of course is that Terria had been sitting a substantial part of its army on a hostile border against vastly superior forces, with very little back-up from its fellow nations. Hardly surprising really.

The big question now is, will Terrian forces reinforce now that at least Kentraal and Utopia appear to be making an effort?

Where are the other two nations you may ask?

“Akbeezlestan feels that it may best serve the international community by not taking sides militarily in world affairs, but rather serve as a go-between for fostering international commerce. Good trading creates good neighbors, and Akbeezlestan hopes to lead the way in healing the rift between the mighty nations of the world”

“Gemaco has no comment, thank you”

With friends like these…


Lies, and the lying Sopdetians that tell them

“Never trust a Sopdetian”, “Watch for fork tongues” and “Beware a Sopdetian patting you on the back, he’s looking for a spot to stick the knife in”. Racial slurs against the citizens of Sopdet are on the rise, and to me at least the reasons are pretty clear.

From the horrifyingly brazen sabotage attempted by Sopdet’s spies during the International Tribunal, to all manner of older accusations from various nations, Sopdet has garnered a reputation as a nest of vipers. Just how many times do we have to be bitten before we take action?


“Kentraal brainwashed me to kill the Archduke of Sopdet”

That’s the extraordinary claim made by Alrid Fashun on movies screens across Sopdet yesterday.

“As a member of the divine Archduke, I was in a unique position to make the assassination attempt,” explained Fashun, “Kentraalian agents snatched me off the street and subjected me to days of intense brainwashing. They kept me without sleep, injected me with chemicals, and implanted a chip in my brain,” explained the man, who was in tears. “I deserve whatever fate my government thinks I deserve, and ask for no leniency for myself. All I pray is that the evil that is Kentraal will soon be wiped from the face of the Earth, so that no-one else will have to suffer at their vile hands.”


Nation seeks similar for good times

Gemaco today announced the signing of a mutual defense pact with Utopia. Under the terms of the pact, aggression against either nation can be construed as an act of war against both nations.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Gelifor stalemate becomes a bloody battle!

It happened in the early hours of the morning. Geliforian troops camped close to the peacekeeping forces are said to have been growing bold and aggressive over the past few days, no doubt emboldened by the peace force’s numbers and transience.

A shot was fired, most observers claim it was a rowdy Geliforian trooper showing off, but accounts vary. What is known however is that the nervous peace keepers fired back, and that was all the excuse Gelifor needed.

Reports are unconfirmed, but some gauge Gelifor’s might as perhaps as much as three times that of the defenders, and the fight was as lopsided as you’d think. It did not, however, go completely Gelifor’s way.

Despite a large numerical disadvantage, the Utopian and Kentraalian troops fought back savagely. Utopia’s massive factory output, and Kentraal’s scientific advancement helped keep a total rout from becoming a slaughter.

Falling back swiftly as their men fell like flies, the peace keepers took some toll at least, Utopian troops laying down waves of .50 cal machine gun fire, as Kentraalian snipers pierced Geliforian armored vehicles with withering hyper velocity rounds.

Still, it was like a man commanding the tides to halt, and within an hour the peace keepers were in full retreat, fully half of their force left dead on the field. Gelifor had dead of their own, but their massive force was soundly victorious.

So far no-one from Gelifor’s high command has been available for comment, and word is Lord Ringmarsh himself was roused from bed to an emergency meeting with his Generals.

=====================

Now accepting turn 18 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 18


The terrible cost of conflict

<The paper lists the sobering tally of an estimated 50,00 dead from the ‘Peacekeeper skirmish’, and warns against the staggering brutality a full scale war would unleash. The dead soldiers of Kentraal and Utopia are lauded for their valor and moral fortitude against a bullying aggressor>


Might and money, together at last

Today the nations of Gemaco and Akbeezlestan announced the signing of a Mutual Defense pact between the two nations. This came on the tail of Akbeezlestan opening the first dozen of their international banks. Akbeezlestan now owns financial investments in a multitude of the lesser nation states.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

WAR!

All of our worst fears were seemingly confirmed today when a massive military force from Gelifor rolled over Kentraal’s border and began attacking.

Taken totally by surprise (no declaration of war was made by Gelifor), early Geliforian kills were extensive, but by late morning the Kentraalian Defense Force had mobilized and seemed to be giving as good as they got.

As Gelifor’s armored cars and bolt-action rifle wielding troops strafed the streets, Kentraalian rail-guns sniped and suicide drones buzzed in to enemy units before exploding. The sheer number of Geliforians had pushed Kentraal’s forces back to the center of the city by late afternoon, but the slaughter on both sides was significant.

With night falling, the conflict seems to have reached a lull, but no doubt by morning the butchery will begin anew. Whatever the horrors to come, we will be here keeping you informed.


=================

Now accepting turn 19 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 19


Sopdet’s depravity hits a new low

Regular readers may remember back several issues ago when we reported on Sopdet forcibly expelling citizens of Kentraalian descent if they did not agree to go to so called ‘reeducation camps’. Well, new evidence has been smuggled out of Sopdet, and it’s frankly repulsive.

We received pictures, films, recorded conversations and many other pieces of hard evidence about these camps, and rather than ‘reeducation’, ‘concentration’ comes more readily to mind.

The evidence shows evidence of neglect, malnutrition, brainwashing, rape and even systematic murder.

Sopdet truly is a blight upon civilization, these camps need to be closed, and its victims freed. It is surely the duty of every right and just nation to bring this atrocity to an end as soon as possible.


Treaties come fast and furious as nations fear being alone in a time of War

Gemaco and Terria have joined in to a trade agreement. Kentraal, in dire straights, has signed Mutual Defense pacts with both Gemaco and Utopia in rushed emergency diplomatic talks. The balance of power seemed to be shifting, until and announcement that Sopdet and Hynorbia have likewise signed Defense Pacts.

Almost everywhere, troops are being activated. Gelifor’s SOpdetian defense forces broke away and headed for the Kentraalian front today, as soldiers of Sopdet perform a reversal of fortunes and headed for Gelifor to reinforce the capital of their allies.

Men and machines from utopia and Gemaco are said to be on the move, but traveling under cover of darkness, their destination and purpose remains unknown. Even the quiet banking nation of Akbeezlestan put on a modest military display in its capital, obviously feeling the need to rattle its own saber.

The only nations apparently at calm are Hybornia and Terria, the former always incredibly secretive, whereas the latter is a simple nation with few outside ties.

It seems the world has almost overnight went from a collection of loosely aligned nations to a pair of competing power blocks. We fear that we may be on the eve on our first World War.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

War heats up in Kentraal, new players enter

During this second week of fighting things were going badly for Kentraal. Even as they tried to fortify themselves, a horde of shadowy figures moved about in the background. We have word of ammo stores blown, commanding officers assassinated and food and water rations poisoned. Severely weakened, it looked like Gelifor was poised for the killed. But then there came the sound of the Utopian national anthem, followed shortly after by the replying tones of Gemaco’s own marching tune.

The Geliforian army, a large part of which had already crossed kentraal’s defenses and were busy in their butchery, struggled to turn in time, and were slammed in to from the rear by both newly arrived armies.

Armored cars, tanks and massed infantry duked it out as the Kentraalian army counter attacked. Caught between the three forces Gelifor’s losses appeared heavy, with death toll reports estimated at anywhere from thirty to sixty percent of their fighting strength.

Gelifor’s remaining force is currently holed up in a ruined industrial sector outside of the main city, under enemy bombardment.

We will, as always, keep you apprised of further developments.


==========================

Now accepting turn 20 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 20


More fuel for the war machine, trade continues unabated

Hynorbia today announced its mutual defense pact signing with Gelifor, and word has it that Hynorbian troops were headed for the Kentraalian war zone before the ink had dried.

Meanwhile Akbeezlestan and Terria, two nations who have so far kept mostly out of fighting, signed a trade agreement.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

World War now includes five nations

Once again fresh violence flared up in the outer ruins of Kentraal, and once again Kentraal’s defensive efforts were floundering due to acts of massed sabotage. Although the attacks were not as bad as last week, due mostly to the release from military service of some police, misdirected orders, friendly fire and dead Commanding Officers were the latest acts perpetrated by the mysterious force of saboteurs and murders lurking in Kentraal’s shadows.

With the Kentraalian’s once more struggling, Gelifor’s army pressed their advantage, pouring fire in to the beleaguered defenders. However, once again the numerically superior Utopian and Gemaconian troops pressed Gelifor’s rear, inflicting significant casualties.

Gelifor was pressed in to real trouble, but then a massive force of Hynorbians struck, heavy tanks and assault rifles taking toll on Utopian’s and Gemaconians alike. However, with its fury spread between two entire armies, the attack seemed quite blunted.

So the meat grinder continues, with neither side looking close to retreat if the swarms of reinforcements on both sides are any indication. Now eyes turn to Sopdet and Akbeezlestan, the only allied nations yet to deploy forces, for surely both sides now are looking to call in all of the military aid available to them.

We shall of course remain to provide you with coverage.

======================

Now accepting turn 20 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 21


Archdule Alexandros recovers, ‘buys’ Tinpotian ‘justice’

Archduke Alexandros was shown to be alive and well today in footage provided by the Sopdetian interior, but there has been comment that he has only been seen from the chest up, and never for an extended period of time. A supposed orderly from the Archduke’s hospital did come to us with a story about the Archduke still being gravely ill, and wheelchair bound, but the man has since vanished, as have his family, friends and street.

Tinpotia today announced it would be hosting the trial of alleged assassin Alrid Fashun ‘to ensure the world sees the evenhanded and fair treatment of Sopdet’s enemies’. Things may not quite be as ‘even handed and fair’ in Tinpotia as they once were however. We have learned that the trials judges, jury, lawyers, security and reporters shall all be exclusively Sopdetian, and that Tinpotia’s president has recently enjoyed a ‘government fact finding trip’ to Sopdet’s famed Al-Hazar resort island.

Sopdet’s army was again on the move, this time halving it’s forces defending Gelifor, switching them to shoring up Hynorbian defenses.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Slaughter in Kentraal!

It began with a third week of Gelifor assaulting Kentraal’s lines, and a third week of mysterious figures wrecking havoc behind Kentraal’s lines, making them easy targets. Things were about to go very bad for Gelifor however.

Suddenly, and with no apparent warning, Hynorbia’s army completely withdrew, and in the process left Gelifor’s flank wide open. At first stunned, Utopia and Gemaco were quick to take advantage, and with Kentraal suddenly rallying, Gelifor found itself smashed between three armies, and reported losses are massive. The remnants of Gelifor’s once huge fighting force took cover, obviously awaiting either reinforcement or the order to withdraw.

The mood amongst the troops of Utopia, Gemaco and Kentraal was jubilant, with the exception of some Gemaconian troops, who began to bemoan Akbeezlestan’s total lack of commitment of forces, despite the Mutual Defense Pact between the two nations.

A poem found in some ruins, apparently of Geliforian style, reveals a similar resentment in the other large power block.

‘Sopdet, so far away,
Allies in our heads,
Out here we bleed for your liberty,
While you lie at home in our beds’


Surprise attack on Utopia! New Hynorbian weapon in action?

Well, we only had hours to wait before discovering the reason for Hynorbia’s withdrawal from the Kentraalian front. A sneak attack on Utopia took the defenders by surprise, but they recovered quickly and hunkered down, no doubt ready for a siege with Utopia’s well known manufacturing facilities. Casualties on both sides appeared moderate and fairly even.

Potentially troubling news for the nations allied against Hynorbia was the surprisingly advanced level of Hynorbian battlefield technology displayed, which some are now claiming rivals that of Kentraal.

The most remarkable new device is some kind of electronic headband worn by Hynorbian troops. As the troops advance they were noted to chant under their breath, and observes for miles around reported nausea, headaches, hallucinations and even hemorrhaging. No explanation has so far been forthcoming, but the effect appears to be concentrated on the Utopian defenders, and to be completely ineffective on the Hynorbians.

As always we'll keep you informed of future happenings.

========================

Now accepting turn 22 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 22


Akbeezlestan attempting to be everyone’s friend, during a war?

In moves today that left many confused by the mixed message, Akbeezlestan sent a nominal force out to defend Gemaco’s capitol (finally at least paying lip service to their treaty), but then announced a Trade agreement with Sopdet, ally of Gemaco’s enemies.

“We are hoping to bring about peace and friendly discussion using the universal language of trade,” explained a spokes man for the Guilds.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

More farce in Kentraal, Utopian front grinds on

After taking weeks of pounding, the battered remnants of Gelifor’s once impressive army used the cover of night to slip away from the Kentraalian front…just hours before reinforcements from Sopdet and Hynorbia arrived to aid them!

After a month of shuffling their troops around in defensive patterns, Sopdet finally took the plunge, drew up their forces that had been defending their allies’ nations, and marched them to war. Likewise Hynorbia reversed their strategy somewhat, returning forces to the front. Sadly, while they were doing this, Gelifor's army was back in gelifor, digging in.

The result was a savage five way battle that for the first time no longer included the instigating nation. The fighting was based just outside of Kentraal for the first time since the battle began, and the Kentraalians were able to go on the offensive to a limited degree. Sabotage was a continuing problem, but it seems to have died down greatly since Kentraal’s security forces were freed up from front line duties.

Meanwhile in Utopia, Hynorbian and Utopian forces continued to grind each other down, with strange brain anomalies continuing to plague Utopian defenders.


The fury of Gemaco’s troops

Our reporter was cornered by an angry Gemaconian sergeant waving a rifle, but it turned out his anger was not against us. “You see this gun? This gun is meant to kill my men, this is a gun from a crate of guns we recovered from a Sopdetian supply train. This is a gun from a crate stamped with the Guild crest of Akbeezlestan! They sign a treaty with us, and then arm our enemies? <EXPLETIVE> Akbeezlestan, <EXPLETIVE> em!”


As always we’ll keep you, our loyal reading public, up to date on the latest happenings


=============

Now accepting turn 23 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 23


Akbeezlestan says no to trade, next up, pigs flying

Quick to rebuild confidence after the stinging international blunder that lead to Akbeezlestan providing arms to a nation that then attacked Akbeezlestan’s allies, the trader nation today officially canceled its newly minted trade agreement with Sopdet.

“The agreement was predicated on the fact that Sopdet had remained a non-combatant in Kentraal, which is no longer the case. There is only one possible course of action now, and that is to negate the agreement,” explained Merc Hant at a press conference.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Biggest bloodbath of the war so far!

After withdrawing from relentlessly punishing combat that left their once proud military in tatters, most expected Gelifor to lay low and lick their wounds, but these people did not take in to account the brave and proud (some would say foolhardy and pompous) military tradition of Gelifor.

Pausing only long enough to regroup and gather Sopdetian reinforcements, Gelifor immediately threw itself back in to battle…and were annihilated.

Although a sizeable force by the standards of most armies, the Geliforian/Sopdetian force tried to pincer a force consisting of the cream of three nations…and then Akbeezlestan arrived.

A small contingent of Akbeezlestanian troops, leading a contingent of mercenaries hired from the minor nations, cut off the G/S army's retreat, and G/S were crushed between the forces of four nations, who viewers estimated outnumbered the force by as many as five to one.

When the smoke cleared only one tattered legion of Geliforian infantry remained, falling back for the hills, many dropping weapons and equipment, an act completely unheard of in Geliforian military history. The Sopdetian detachment was wiped out to a man.

Where was Hynorbia you may ask? The all-knowing Faur obviously knew enough to know when things weren’t going his way, and pulled all of his troops back from both war zones, leaving the defenders of Utopia dancing in the streets in a massive national victory celebration.

On a more sobering note, recently released figures for the global conflict show the international military death toll to have topped half a million men.

=====================

Now accepting turn 24 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 24


Stock Exchange explosion horror

Early this morning residents of Akbeezlestan’s capitol were rudely awakened by a loud explosion. At first the news reports were confused, some thought a gas main had blown, others reported a possible downed jet. Within a half hour though the facts were in, a suicide bomber had successfully leveled a wing of the massive Guild Stock Exchange.

As the hour was so early, thankfully not many people were hurt, but the building was in a shambles, and their international trading has been called off while safety is established, throwing international markets in to panic.

A message left before the attack read as follows:

“We, of the Kentraalian Peoples Committee, do hereby declare vengeance on the decadent puppets of Akbeezlestan. For the sin of having traded with the accursed nation of Sopdet, your streets will run with blood.”


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

The assault on Gelifor begins

As the sun rose, the beleaguered defenders of Gelifor looked out over a veritable sea of enemies. In a show of unity, the nations of kentral, Akbeezlestan, Utopia, led by Gemaco, assaulted the city’s defenses.

The toll of the Kentraalian campaign was obvious, as only a few tattered legions, supported by a moderate host of Sopdetian Immortals, attempted to stem the human tide, to little avail.

Although the bullets of the defenders could scarcely miss because of the mass of attackers, they simply could not kill enough to make a real difference.

By nightfall the survivors had withdrawn to the capitol and a last desperate barricade of shattered store fronts and burned out houses to make a last stand, leaving a slew of their dead behind on the outer perimeter. Jubilant allied forces swept forward, seemingly keen to press their advantage.

A fear stricken Geliforian Legionnaire grabbed a camera man during the retreat:
“Where are the Hynorbians? WE’RE DYING HERE!”

As always, we’ll keep you abreast of further happenings.

-----------------------

Now accepting turn 25 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 25


The fall of Gelifor

Its official, the flag no longer flies above Gelifor.

The massive allied army simply steamrollered over the pitiful defense Gelifor was able to throw up around its capitol. The cost of years of Geliforian warfare, hidden by the state, was shockingly clear today as bodies were gathered for mass burials.

The majority of the small force was the usual Legionnaires, but closer inspection showed them to be made up of old men and boys. Armed with only makeshift weapons were the bodies of the nation’s security forces and even members of the diplomatic core, some pressed in to service so quickly they still wore business suits.

Reporters are sending in reports of malnourished women and children, with barely a man left alive below the age of seventy or over the age of twelve. Truly this is the end of a once mighty nation in the truest sense, for one can but wonder how this bombed out hole and it’s starving refuges could ever rise again.


Sopdet, looking for greener pastures

Hours before the fall of the capitol, the few remaining Sopdetian soldiers and security forces slipped out of Gelifor via the sewer system, and were last seen heading back to their home nation.

Reports are also coming in that Sopdet has been concerting their diplomatic efforts towards Akbeezlestan, imploring the Guild for peace and a possible alliance.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Lord Ringmarsh dies in fiery blast, avoids war crimes prosecution

As the allied forces mopped up the last of Gelifor’s defenders, a massive explosion rocked the city. Those arriving on the scene found that the Palace had been leveled by explosives, bodies lying mangled beyond identification amongst the rubble.

The only clue to the possible bombers was the initials K.P.C., which were left scrawled upon near by buildings.

Gelifor may be gone, but no-one told Hynorbia

Showing a tenacious loyalty, the forces of Hynorbia sprang upon the allied forces of Kentraal, Utopia, Gemaco and Akbeezlestan as they celebrated their victory over Gelifor.

A massive force, almost equal to the alliance, fell upon the unprepared armies and inflicted significant damage

================

Now accepting turn 26 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 26


Kentraal encourages world unity against the insidious threat of terrorism

Drakkarr, Strutegurt, and Octaniarr, the benevolent rulers of Kentraal, today held a press conference imploring the rest of the world powers to unite and stamp out the disease that is international terrorism.

“No longer can we afford to stand by while cowards bomb government buildings and kill innocent civilians. We must take steps to organize our global police resources, and make sure that wherever terrorism shows it’s head, it is cut off.”


Head of Sopdet’s controversial ‘Kentraalian Re-education camps’ assassinated

Ahmose Nehsi, chief administrator of Sopdet’s camps was killed today by individuals who identified themselves as the Kentraalian People’s Committee.

A truck cut off the car carrying Neshi’s security detail, as ski mask clad men on motorbikes riddled the administrator’s car with automatic weapons fire.

Amazingly Neshi survived the initial attack, but expired twenty minutes later, as ambulance services were sadly hindered by his own security men, who were fearful of more attempts on his life.

A state funeral was held in his honor.


Hynorbia retreats from Gelifor under fire, Akbeezlestan quits the fight

Just before dawn today Hynorbian forces withdrew from the outskirts of Gelifor, rearguard forces skirmishing with allied contingents as they withdrew. Aiding their retreat was a wide open channel, Akbeezlestan’s patrol area.

Akbeezlestan’s contribution to the war effort had consisted of a small force made up entirely of foreign mercenaries from the minor nations. Due to language and discipline problems, these hired troops had been entrusted with mostly patrol and scouting duties, but as Hynorbia withdrew they were nowhere to be seen.

We managed to catch up with one of the mercenaries at a bar thirty miles from the front, and he only had this to say:

“They say fight, give money, we fight. Last night they say war cost too much, we no pay you anymore, so we leave”


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Massive Hynorbian force assaults Kentraal, slaughter in the streets

Rather than retreat to their home nation as expected, the Hynorbian army swung around and assaulted Kentraal. With most of their army away in Gelifor, and their defense still not recovered from the previous invasion attempt, the Kentraalian’s died in droves.

The home guard, some say outnumbered by as many as ten to one, was crushed rapidly, and it looked like the civilian population was doomed. With the wailing of sirens Kentraal’s security forces arrived at the front, riot gear and water cannons versus tanks and artillery. After several hours of sickeningly one-sided violence the police were utterly slaughtered.

By nightfall Hynorbian tanks cleared burned-out riot vans from the roadways, as their troops prepared to roll up in to the capitol city. The only glimmer of hope made by the sacrifice of the brave security forces was the hope that the delay their lives had bought might be enough for help to arrive in time. For surely without them Kentraal would already be a province of Hynorbia.

==================

Now accepting turn 27 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report

Issue 27


Hynorbian army once more on the move, Gemaco annexes Gelifor!

Hynorbia once again showed its tactic of attack and withdraw, pulling away from the heart of Kentraal as soon as reinforcements from Utopia and Kentraal arrived.

Where was Gemaco you might ask? Barely had the other two allied forces set off for Kentraal before the flag of Gemaco went up over the ruins of the former royal palace of Gelifor. Reporters were informed that Gemaco had annexed Gelifor, absorbing it, to protect and assist former citizens of Gelifor.

So the battle weary companies from Utopia and Kentraal could only skirmish with Hynorbia’s army as it withdrew. Attempts were made to follow their withdrawal, but radio men and radar operators experienced crippling headaches and violent nosebleeds, hampering their ability to track the force.

So, for now, Kentraal is once again safe, albeit now a nation shattered and manned by a skeleton armed force. Gelifor has ceased to exist completely, absorbed by Gemaco. All in all, a day of confusion and surprises.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Hynorbia once again throws itself at the gates of Utopia

The Hynorbian blitzkrieg continued tonight, as their army assaulted the defenses of Utopia. Unlike Kentraal, Utopia’s defenses appeared up to the challenge, and the large invading army was halted, but not without significant losses.

The world waits to see if the Hynorbian’s are here for a siege this time, or mean to continue their brand of mobile warfare.

===========
Now accepting turn 28 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 28


Gemaco and Sopdet butt heads, civil disobedience breaks out

Soldiers of Gemaco today stopped a convoy of trucks that Sopdet said contained aid to be distributed amongst the misplaced citizens of Gelifor. The Gemaconian border commander replied that there was no longer a nation of Gelifor, but that all citizens of Gemaco had all that they required. When the Sopdetians pressed the issue and insisted they be allowed in to ‘Gelifor’, the Gemaconians warned them of the consequences of violating Gemaco’s border.

Even as the covered trucks from Sopdet defiantly stood on the border, civil unrest broke out in Gemaco. Former citizens of Gelifor took to the streets with tattered Geliforian banners, proclaiming that Lord Ringmarsh still lived and would return to set them free. Gemaco’s security forces quickly restored order.


Hynobia continues mobile warfare unhindered

The Hynorbian army, continuing its tactic of hit and run warfare, withdrew from the gates of utopia today, under minimal fire. Concerned nations hold their breath, waiting to see where they attack next.


Butchers bill reaches sickening mark

The estimated death toll for the Great War has now passed one million men. Several nations have pushed through emergency construction bills to quickly manufacture much needed hospitals and graveyards


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Huge battle breaks out in Gemaco

The forces of Hynorbia and Gemaco engaged today, when The All-Knowing Faur’s forces threw themselves at Gemaco’s defenses. Tanks and mortars pounded the defensive positions as Gemaco’s fixed big guns returned fire.

Casualties were high on both sides, but Gemaco appeared to have plenty of reinforcements should the siege continue.

===========

Now accepting turn 29 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 29


Quietest week in years

War correspondents today lazed under trees, stood by cars talking sports or simply stayed in the hotel bar, as, well, not much happened.

Hynorbia’s drained war machine pulled back from Gemaco and returned home a few days ago, to cheering crowds of their fellow citizens. Chants of victory echoed through the streets and thousands of weddings were arranged.

In Gemaco civil unrest amongst the former Geliforian minority continued, a few shots have been fired at police, but mostly trouble consisted of marches and anti-government speeches, both illegal under Gemaco's laws.

But with KPC sightings on the rise, civil unrest and active military forces we can only wonder at the length the current lull may last


Pop sensation plans comeback tour

Many of you may remember the group Ice Maiden, who were international chart toppers until a few years ago. Well the band is back, currently promoting their new album entitled New Beginnings.

Copies of the new album are available to buy from Gemaco’s Ministry of Entertainment.

======================

Now accepting turn 30 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 30


Unrest in Gemaco turns violent with deadly results

The civil disobedience in Gemaco continued today as illegal marches and speeches again broke out apparently spontaneously in the area that was once Gelifor. Portraits of Lord Ringmarsh were held up like religious icons, and the Geliforian national anthem played from makeshift speaker systems.

As Gemaco’s security forces attempted to disperse the crowds a shot rang out and a policeman pitched over dead. This was just the spark things needed to turn bloody, and riot troops marched in with batons, tear gas and rubber bullets.

The official death toll, including the downed officer, was three, but press estimates were closer to a dozen.

Sopdetian aid trucks, who have camped on the border for over two weeks now, demanded they be allowed in to tend to the wounded, but were once again stopped by border guards.


Ice Maiden Tour

Popular band Ice Maiden, recently back in the public eye after the fall of Gelifor, began their tour today with several gigs lined up around the worse off areas of Gemaco. Venues further down the band’s schedule include Kentraal, Utopia and Akbeezlestan.

The gigs will be at camps for families displaced by war, and admission will be free.

======================

Now accepting turn 31 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 31


Gemaco continues brutal subjugation of Gelifor’s citizens

As Gelifor’s peaceful citizens continued to try and put their lives back together under the iron booted occupation perpetrated by the villains of Gemaco, their oppressors once again lashed out in shocking racially motivated violence.

Geliforian women and children were dragged in to the streets, some raped, or put against the wall and shot. Bodies were left in the gutters, rats feasting on the dead and spreading filth and disease to the terrified survivors.

Word is out of vigilante squads murdering those found on the streets after curfew, Geliforian ran businesses being burned to the ground, and doctors performing sterilizations under the lie of inoculations. We urge all citizens of Gelifor to resist the police and ‘aid’ of their subjugators, as we fear there is an attempt being made to eradicate them as a race.

The mayor of the Sopdetian border town of Rakesh was giving a speech welcoming Geliforian refugee’s to one of Sopdet’s many new refugee camps when mortar rounds fired from Gemaco rained down on the village square. Casualties were luckily light, although an elderly Geliforian widow was said to have died from her injuries.

“We do not seek war or revenge,” explained the Mayor, bandaged but defiant, “we only seek justice. We hope the peace summit will soon become a reality, so that dangerous rogue nations can be brought under control, and the great nation of Gelifor might soon be free again.”


Official land handover ceremony takes place…at 3 AM

People living around the Adolpho Plaza district went to bed last night expecting a day like any other, but were soon awoken by the sound of hammers and drills. Reports to police of a stage going up were met by a request to go back to bed.

Around 3:15AM armored limousines arrived, disgorging diplomats from Gemaco, Utopia and Kentraal, plus a select group of state newspaper men. Puzzled citizens watched from patios and rooftops as the floodlit ceremony swiftly went through, hands being shaken and paperwork signed.

By the time the sun set the stage was gone and all that remained were the confused people of this quiet town in Former Gelifor.


Ice Maiden tours Gemaco, Redheart makes a rare appearance

Beginning their goodwill tour of former Gelifor, well liked band Ice Maiden played a medley of their hits, as well as new songs from their current album. As they shook hands and signed autographs, a cheer went up. Redheart, ruler of Gemaco appeared, walking freely amongst the crowd, disdaining the need for any security. He joined in some unrehearsed chatting with the band and members of the audience, before wowing the crowd with some guitar riffing.

A great time was had by all, and the event wrapped up with Redheart throwing out gifts and aid from the back of a truck to the appreciative audience.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Sting uncovers massive spy ring, suspect captured!

At eight this morning security men from Gemaco, Utopia, Kentraal and Akbeezlestan, in the largest combined security effort in history, raided several locations in former Gelifor.

Helicopters, SWAT units, sniffer dogs, and electronic surveillance were combined with truly massed manpower as the army of police officers tore apart ruined factory buildings as well as fancy apartment buildings.

Several men were swiftly arrested, but in a disturbing twist, seemingly committed suicide with a kind of implanted incendiary device! A particularly nasty incident was the immolation of several suspects within a Utopian police van, which resulted in an explosion and the horrific burning death of four policemen.

Using sophisticated radio equipment provided by Akbeezlestan, word was quickly passed around of what to expect, and by using tazers and a police surgeon the security men were able to capture a live suspect.

On first glance the man was apparently Geliforian in ethnicity, speaking in an accent common to the east of that former nation. However a thorough medical examination revealed extensive plastic surgery marks on the man, including altered nose bridge, chin reshaping and even some discoloration.

The man’s possible identity remained a mystery until officers ripping up floorboards discovered a radio and a book containing the teachings of Archduke Alexandros. When activated the radio received a signal of a man speaking in Sopdese. On a hunch a security man began tearing the religious text in front of the subject, who immediately became violent, attempting to bite the officer’s throat, screaming in Sopdese.

Officials could not be contacted for further comment.

======================

Now accepting turn 32 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 32


Gemaco’s new citizens prosper

The former citizens of Gelifor, Gemaco’s newest addition to its cultural diversity, are finally getting on with putting their lives back together.

With support and financial grants from the Gemaconian government, schools, hospitals, housing and community centers are being built, which is also attracting industry and jobs to the region.

Since the recent successful police operation, violence here has dwindled to practically nil, with the industrious population glad to be able to integrate and contribute to the larger community.


The Hive Mind speaks out

Drakkarr, Strutegurt, and Octaniarr today gave a speech for invited reporters.

“Our quiet nation has suffered greatly over the past decade, suffering near constant warfare, and the unwarranted aggression and slander of fellow nations, but we remain resolute and upright.

We have welcomed our new citizens with open arms; the factories they man are a welcome addition to a nation in need of rebuilding. We hope our fellow nations will now prove that compassion is a universal truth, and aid us financially and materially in our return to a stable nation.

Regarding the recent events in former Gelifor, while we do not assume Sopdet’s guilt without further evidence, we shall be keeping an eye open".


Sopdet and Akbeezlestan, give trade a chance

The nations of Sopdet and Akbeezlestan have once again signed a trade treaty. Our readers may remember the old treaty some years ago, which lasted scant days before being dissolved by Akbeezlestan upon Sopdet’s entry in to the Great War.

How long will this new treaty last? Forever is the answer from the signing dignitaries, but we shall have to watch and see.


Parade and medal ceremony to be had in Gemaco

News is out that Redheart is to host a gala ceremony to honor the soldiers and police forces of Gemaco, Kentraal, Utopia and Akbeezlestan. Awards and medals will be presented to veterans of the Great War, as well as security forces from the recent international sting operation.

======================

Now accepting turn 33 moves

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 33


Glorious medal ceremony and open air concert in Gemaco

The sun shone brightly today as tens of thousands of happy citizens lined the main green of Gemaco’s Citizens Park yesterday. Medals and awards were given out to soldiers and security men from Gemaco, Kentraal, Utopia and Akbeezlestan, with a surprise highlight of an aerial display by the Gemaconian Air Force.

Kentraalian Thought Police sat side by side with Utopian Knights as the hit group Ice Maiden performed pop versions of popular military marches.

Much fun was had by all, and the event was completely free of incident, Gemaco seeming a peaceful and well ordered nation, a stark contrast to the chaos of a few months ago.


Captured insurgent becomes political hot potato

Unnamed sources revealed information about disagreement amongst the nations currently holding a suspected Sopdetian terrorist recently captured in a multi-national sting operation.

Reports indicate a hiccup in cooperation as Kentraal demands first crack at breaking the spy, while Gemaco supports a transfer to Akbeezlestan’s facilities.

The final result of this seeming impasse remains to be seen.

==========================

Now accepting turn 34 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 34

A new World Peace Summit announced

After being turned down by several nations for months now, Akbeezlestan have went ahead with their Sopdetian backed peace Summit.

Guild Master Ven Dor had the following to say.

"Tired of bickering and infighting, we, with the much appreciated support of the nation of Sopdet, have decided to go ahead and organize a Summit, in the hopes that all nations will attend.

We have arranged a hall, quarters for diplomats, and a media presence. We are hoping for a significant turnout.

May peace and commerce prevail!


I spy with my little Spy

Casting shadows of doubt over the success of the Peace Summit, security forces from Gemaco, Kentraal, Utopia and Akbeezlestan are still arguing over who will interrogate the captured Spy, alledgedly from Sopdet.

Complicating matters, Kentraal are insisting on first crack at the prisoner, and Gemaco are trying to comprimise with the suggestion of a united interrogation.

A further farcical element comes from the delegation from Akbeezlestan. After having aided in the capture of the man, they are now casting doubt on whether the man is even a Spy, and have even gone as far as to back Sopdet's suggestion that he be handed over to their security forces 'to ascertain the veracity of the man's claim of Citizenship'.

==========================

Now accepting turn 35 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 35

Lavish summit attracts members from most nations after all

The Capital of Akbeezlestan was full of lights, music and energy tonight as a spectacularly laid out Peace Summit got under way.

The Chamber of Commerce, wreathed in the banners of Akbeezlestan and Sopdet, welcomed dignitaries from around the world. Limos, and one gilded coach, arrived under very heavy security details. The lines of Azbeezlestanian police men were massively reinforced by Sopdetian church inquisitors, and no-one was getting close to the leaders after the fateful shooting of Archduke Alexandros at the last such Summit.

The only country who did not attend was Utopia, although Gemaco only sent a tiny diplomatic contingent, obviously more to monitor events than anything else.

Surprisingly, Merc Hant and Ven Dor, co-sponsors of the summit, were not in attendance, and word was circulating of a secret Council vote of no confidence. More on that as we receive news.

Still, many heads of state attended, including the still flawless Velvet Sisters, Archduke Alexandros, The all knowing Faur, and the Kentraalian hive-mind leaders.

Everyone present declared the opening event as a shining jewel in the crown of world peace, and lavished praise on the foresight and bravery of both Sopdet and Akbeezlestan for going ahead with the event despite resistance from more warmongering nations.

EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Tragedy in Gemaco!

We’re receiving news of a massive explosion in Gemaco’s victory park.

Word is that Ice Maiden were performing a charity open air concert in front of as many as ten thousand people, when explosives that had been planted under the stage went off.

Early reports indicated that the band were killed instantly, and that there were hundreds of deaths and injuries amongst the crowd from explosive force and lethal debris.

No-one seems to know how the terrorists behind the atrocity were able to slip by heavy security, plant explosives, and then slip away. The only clue at the scene was the now infamous graffiti mark of the organization known only as the KPC.

A dark day for Gemaco and music lovers everywhere.

--------------------------------
Now accepting turn 36 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 36


The world’s greatest hope for peace

The incredible philanthropic endeavor that is the World Peace Summit continued today, with international diplomats meeting in the spirit of friendship guaranteed by the great peace-maker Archduke Alexandros and his freedom loving allies in Akbeezlestan.

Men and women of all colors and creeds joked and talked under the protection of Sopdetian and Akbeezlestanian security forces, safe in the knowledge that cool heads were, for once, keeping the peace.

This is all in sharp contrast to the Kangaroo Court held several years ago in Tinpotia, where Gelifor’s sovereignty was much maligned with what many call trumped up war crime allegations. The most infamous moment was, of course, the shooting of the Archduke himself by a pro-war Kentraalian terrorist, during a plea for unity. It has been hinted that the terrorist gained access to the building when Gemacoan security personnel mysteriously took a break and left a door to the rear of the stage unlocked.

The Archduke is now fully recovered from his ordeal, and was welcomed by a standing ovation at his Summit appearance, highlighting both his incredible popularity and political cache on the world stage.


Gemaco shows defiance, holds concert in aid of relief efforts

Redheart today announced a day of national mourning, while simultaneously holding a massive open air concert, with all donations going to the rebuilding of Victory Park. In clear defiance of the possible terrorist threat, hundreds of thousands took to the streets of the capital to watch on jumbo TV screens.

Redheart himself made a public appearance onstage with Fire and Ice, the former warm up band to Ice Maiden. He urged Gemacoans to remain strong, and promised that the monsters responsible for the recent attack would be brought to justice.

Fire and Ice rounded out the concert with their new song “I’m proud to be a Gemacoan”, to massive applause and cheers from the audience.

----------

NOW ACCEPTING TURN 37 MOVES

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 37

News Extra

Word has reached this reporter of certain evidence about the terrorist bombing in Gemaco. I can’t comment much as of yet, except to say that I have been shown evidence that points toward a possible inside job.

A world exclusive will soon be revealed.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Coverage of the Peace Summit

The World Peace Summit continued this week in the fine style we have come to expect, order and safety, as always, provided by the courteous officers of Sopdet and Akbeezlestan.

We’ve reached the stage where all countries may have their say, and even introduce legislation to be voted upon. If a motion is successful it is declared law for the participating nations.

First up were the Velvet Sisters of Terria, looking every bit as fresh and radiant as they did years ago at the last Summit.

“The Velvet Sisters of Terria plead for peace between all nations. We would like to take this time to publically condemn the perpetrators who blew up the internationally famous Ice Maiden. Although their brand of music was not what we in Terria could dance a minuet or gavotte to, we mourn the loss of innocent human life and hope that the murderers will be caught post-haste.”

Next up to speak were Richard Martin and George Winston, the new leaders of the fine nation of Akbeezlestan. There was a raucous greeting as they took the podium to take turns speaking, showing the popularity and support they have managed to build in such a short time amongst the other attending nations.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Assembly,

While I wish I could address this speech to you, I feel that you would just nod your heads as all leaders do when discussing peace. Oh, we all say we wish for and desire it but how often have actions proven differently? The fact is that it's only when the people of the world speak up that peace is ever really achieved, so it is to them that I speak.

Your world...your life...your prosperity and longevity and happiness. On a daily basis leaders feint and riposte with those as their resources and too often you are left to believe that there is nothing you can do about it. You are sorely wrong. Leaders have only the power that you give to them - they are dreams or nightmares and only maintain sway over you for so long as you lay asleep. If you feel peace needs to be achieved than I urge all of you to awaken and let your voices be heard.”

After the applause had died down, up stepped Kentraal to give an eerie, inhuman, in unison speech by the hive mind rulers.

"Fellow nations, thank you all for the time and effort that was put forth into making this summit a possibility. It is actions such as these that promote the idea of peace and harmony. While we shouldn't dwell on what has happened, it is important not to forget the actions taken against our great nation. While we have learned from our time in war, Kentraal does not believe that military actions should be our nation's teacher. The damage being done, we can only hope that those responsible for unprovoked attacks on any nation shall be punished accordingly. Hopefully in the near future we great nations will gather on peaceful terms. For what better time to discuss peace?

We would like to submit the following legislation to be voted upon -
Any nation that is invaded during a military conflict, and is on the victorious side, receives the largest share of restitution, be that wealth, land and or considerations, of the victorious nations. This way, the nation that suffers the most to achieve a victory, also receives the acquired resources necessary to rebuild.”

Finally came Sopdet, the position of final speaker seeming appropriate to the gravitas and cache that the Archduke brought to these proceedings. A hush settled over the audience as Alexandros began to speak.

"For too long death and darkness have ruled this world and blotted out the light of the Divine with its evil presence. For too long the most base nature of man and the dark desires that drive the unenlightened have reigned supreme, and for too long the tears of the Divine has fallen upon the ground unheeded as men everywhere suffered and died.

No longer says the Archduke! A singular chance has been granted us, unworthy as we are, to shake of the miasma of evil that lays over our shoulders like a crushing yoke and once again embrace the light of the Divine. Peace, a word that too many has long forgotten is once again within our reach, and all we have to do to claim it is to reach out and let the Light and Purity of the Divine into our hearts and the Will and Wishes of the Divine into our minds.

Who here among us have not cried over the mindless bloodshed and havoc that has marred all of our lands for too long? Who here among us does not crave the peace and prosperity that all mankind deserves equally? Who here among us cannot truly say that he prefers peace over war?

Perhaps we do not all see each other eye-to-eye, and perhaps ideological, theological and philosophical differences set us apart but one thing do we have in common. We are all Children of the Divine, we are all human!

The time has come for all us to realise this and to accept the fact that though we may have our differences, none of them are worth spilling blood over. We must reach into our souls and cast out the dark presence that has nested there for too long. Only if we unite against the forces that seek our mutual destruction in an orgy of blood and violence can we restore peace and order to our lands and start working together to bring the harsh light of Justice down upon those who have forever turned their back upon the path of the Divine, civilisation and respect for their fellow man.

We stand now at a cross-road and must chose a path to walk as one. One road leads to a bottomless Abyss of violence and destruction, a downward spiral that will ultimately see the end of us all and all we hold dear.

The other, will eventually lead us all to a glorious Utopia of peace, co-operation and prosperity where one day, mothers will use horrid tales of our time to frighten their children who never has, and never will, experienced such horrors themselves.

My fellow leaders, this is our time to act. This is our moment to, as one, declare that there will be Peace in our Time!"

The assembled dignitaries and heads of state had to be asked several times to be quiet, as a deafening standing ovation shook the hall. Finally, realizing that the Archduke had more to share, the crowd finally settled.

"I would like to propose a piece of legislation that I call The Geliforian Repatriation Act.

The plight and suffering of the innocent people of Gelifor has long been a matter of personal anguish and sorrow for his Holiness the Archduke. Therefore he proposes that we as civilized nations join together to end their inhuman suffering. All people deserve a land and a home to call their own, and thus the Archduke calls upon all those nations who have claimed parts of the former nation of Gelifor for themselves to relinquish control of at least a partial percentage of this land so the countless refugees and expatriates may finally have a home to return to.

The Archduke understands the need for security and suggests that each affected nation may retain up to 50% of the expropriated Geliforian land to cover expenses and to form a security "buffer zone" between their own nations and the new home of the Geliforians.

The Archduke himself will volunteer to fund this massive undertaking and will gladly cover all expenses though he, of course, accepts aid in this from other nations should they be so inclined.

The reborn nation of Gelifor will be open for re-settlement for all Geliforian expatriates and will be governed in whatever fashion the Geliforians decide. To ensure no new conflicts arise in the future the new Gelifor will be completely disarmed and will vow to remain neutral in all matters of world politics. An international delegation with members from all nations can be formed to conduct periodic inspections to ensure that the new nation remains completely de-militarized.

The refugees and expatriates of Gelifor deserve a home, and how can we, as civilized and peace-loving fellow men deny them this?"

-----------------------

Now accepting turn 38 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 38


Peace Summit Update

The morning was a relaxed affair while the Blind Votes from the previous night were independently tallied. The time was filled by speakers from the smaller nations, who praised Sopdet at length for their foresight and integrity in hosting such an amazing event, and also complimented Akbeezlestan on their contributions. There was energetic applause from all assembled.

Voting Results

Proposal: In the event that an invaded nation is on the winning side of a war, that nation shall receive the largest share of restitution from defeated nations.
For: 4 / Against: 2
PASSED

Proposal: That the nations of Gemaco, Utopia and Kentraal give up absorbed sections of what was once Gelifor, in order to create a new independent Geliforian State.
For: 4 / Against: 2
PASSED

The Summit was thrown in to pandemonium at the announcement of the second vote, with diplomats from Gemaco and Kentraal ranting and posturing in the manner of angry children. The Archduke and other cool heads attempted to call for order and understanding, but some people only seem to understand conflict and threats.

Richard Martin and George Winston, newly elected rulers of Akbeezlestan, took the floor to laud the decision to create a new Geliforian state. Akbeezlestan has long been a vocal proponent of such a state, and welcomed Sopdet’s taking up of their proposal in the spirit of Bi-Partisan agreement that it represented.

With the motions and voting over the Summit came to an end. As one by one diplomats from the various nations left, almost all commented on what a safe and useful affair it had been.

Surely now the world can now know a long and lasting peace, for not even Gemaco would stand in the way of such a selfless humanitarian effort as this.

EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Close friends of Redheart implicated in horrifying Government cover-up of band tragedy!

In a truly shocking and disgusting twist on the infamous Victory Park bombing of last year, the terrorists can at last be revealed… as none other than Fire and Ice!

Hard to believe I realize, but this News station has received irrefutable evidence that the rival band planted the explosives that killed and maimed hundreds, and all for the sake of twisted ambition.

We attempted to interview the band as they prepared for a celebration festival for, ironically, the soon to be re-opened Victory Park, but individuals who would only describe themselves as ‘Security men’ halted our search for answers.

Things were no better at Gemaco’s so-called ‘Halls of justice’, where government officials denied knowledge of the events. Many refused to even comment.

We are left to wonder, was Redheart merely naïve in the extreme to stupidly support a group of terrorist murderers, or is there perhaps a more sinister aspect to his closeness to the band that brought his nation much sympathy at a time when they desperately needed to be seen as victims…?

=================

Now accepting turn 39 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 39


New Gelifor vs Old corruption

The Church bank of Sopdet today put aside Ten Billion Shekels, a huge sum, for the creation of New Gelifor, the world approved new home for the victims of the Invasion of Gelifor. The Archduke approved the funding as part of his commitment to world humanitarian interests.

Charitable efforts have been hampered so far however, as the governments of Gemaco, Kentraal and Utopia have so far shown a reluctance to release the disputed lands.

There has been an international call for comment from these nations, and for swift action in parceling up the occupied lands for habitation. There are already rumors of proposed sanctions against what are becoming known as the ‘Rogue States’.


‘Sopdet Spy’ is a fake, lone maniac besmirches nation

We can now reveal that the so-called ‘Spy from Sopdet’ is actually an escaped mental patient who has long been sought by Doctors of the mental health department of Sopdet.

“We have been looking for Akhmed ever since he surprised an orderly and escaped over the fence early last year,” explained Doctor Sutek, “He’s a delusional individual with violent tendencies. When he was brought in he was convinced he was a famous race car driver. Just before his escape he was, if I remember correctly, a ‘Secret Agent’ “.

Sopdetian authorities are requesting he be returned for treatment, or at least transferred to a secure mental facility in Gemaco.


New Spy evidence revealed in joint news conference

Representatives from Gemaco and Utopia held a news conference today to discuss information obtained from the individual captured by a massive joint police sting. Notably absent from the proceedings were Kentraal and Akbeezlestan, whose security forces had been involved in apprehending the ‘Spy’.

An extensive case was laid out, along with evidence recovered during the sting.

Grainy footage of men seemingly spontaneously combusting was put forward to support the contention that a force of fanatical Spies were involved in Gelifor. A medical examiner spoke about the man that was captured alive, and produce x-rays showing reconstructive facial work, as well as an explosive device allegedly removed from the chest of the prisoner.

As proof of a connection to Sopdet a radio and shredded religious text were produced, and affidavits from security men who swear to receiving signals in Sopdetian when the radio was found under the alleged Spy’s floorboards.

Most shockingly, Gemaco and Utopia allege that the prisoner confessed that the so-called K.P.C. is actually an elite espionage unit formed by Sopdet to spread international discord and havoc, producing K.P.C. leaflets found in the prisoner’s housing. This laid the blame for many acts of international terrorism squarely on the shoulders of Sopdet.

These acts included violent rioting in an already badly unstable Geliforian refugee safe zone, the bombing of Akbeezlestan’s trading center, the murder of Sopdet’s minister for relocation, various acts of sabotage within Kentraal. It was even implied that the assassination attempt on Archduke Alexandros may have been a pre-planned fake.

Gemaco lamented how Sopdet push themselves as beacons of justice and diplomacy, but actually “commit sabotage, murder and property damage on a massive scale”. They further insisted that the former citizens of Gelifor are now happy and adjusted members of their new nations, and have no wish to join a New Gelifor. They also mocked the idea that Sopdet were concerned for these citizens, because of the way the so-called K.P.C. had caused them great suffering after the war.

When questioned about Fire and Ice, and their possible connection to the ‘K.P.C.’ terrorist attack last year, Gemaco promised to pursue the perpetrators no matter who they may be, but stressed that Fire and Ice were innocent until proven guilty.


Fire and Ice: GUILTY!

In the continuing story of the Gemacoan internal terrorism, Police men from Tinpotia were lead to a stash of explosives and weapons buried in the yard of a house on the Gemacoan border. Finger prints and DNA samples were found to match those of Fire and Ice Band members, who had criminal records from a hotel vandalism incident two years ago.

With this definitive proof, which was independently assessed by world press and other Police agencies, there has been a call for Gemaco to arrest the band for acts of terrorism and multiple acts of murder.

===============================
NOW ACCEPTING TURN 40 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 40

Big Brother is watching?

The world was agog today as K.A.S.A. took their long planned Space Program to fruition, with the launch of the Overmind satellite.

There were worried murmurings from several smaller nations about the capacity of the satellite for espionage or military operations. Kentraal denied wild rumors regarding devastating space weapons and even that the satellite could possibly make decisions independent of human control.

“It is simply a scientific instrument,” explained the Kentraalian minister for Science, “no different to the calculator or setsquare you may use in your own nation. True it has advanced processing capabilities, and incredibly powerful cameras, but we assure the world that they will remain pointed outwards towards space, where our true interests lie”

-

Also at the press conference, Kentraal’s chief security adviser had this to say

“We hold our new space program as a triumph of science and rationality against the ignorance and violence that terrorist organizations such as the so-called ‘K.P.C.’ stand for. We urge all nations to assist us in wiping out such threats, and destroying their nests, no matter how highly placed their benefactors may be. Sometimes we may have been, and will be, forced to take harsh measures to protect against such threats, and we will not hesitate to do so.”


Fire and Ice arrested!

Fire and Ice were taken in to custody today, on charges of terrorism, and 307 counts of murder.

Reggie Moon, lead singer for the band, had the following comment.

“Who the #$%& are you people? Do you know what &%#$ing time it is? I’m Reggie-&*%$ing Moon! Get me my #$%%ing agent!”


Continued delays for New Gelifor

A veritable sea of construction equipment, builders, medical tents, mobile soup kitchens and assorted other Sopdetian personnel continued to sit on the border where Utopia, Kentraal and Gemaco join.

“We insist we be given entry!” demanded Abdul Sethen, head of the operation, “there are Geliforian prisoners desperate to be released in to their new nation, please, let us pass!”

The security personnel of the respective nations politely continued to turn them away.

Sopdet has made an official demand to the world body to enforce the vote taken several months ago for a new Geliforian state.


Sopdet, champions of world security

Sopdet aided Kentraal today when its massed police forces raided crime dens, ousted illegal immigrants and moved on homeless people congregating around cities, in the continuing search for any links to the Kentraalian People’s Committee.

While no evidence of the organization was found to have taken root within Sopdet’s borders, Sopdet provided in depth reports to Kentraal, in the hopes that somewhere a missing clue could be found.


Gemaco, international laughing stock

There were calls today for an official apology from Gemaco, as their alleged ‘captured Spy’ was revealed as a poorly done sham.

A ‘Spy radio’ was in fact a commercial walkman available in many stores. The ‘religious text’ was a tattered copy of ‘How to make friends and influence people'. The ‘implanted explosive device’? Revealed as a partially melted car part.

The Gemacoan minister for internal affairs appeared confused and flustered, alternating between apologies and incriminations of tampering.

Finally they arranged to play the taped confessions.

“I am Secret Agent! I have base on moon, but can only travel there through my bathroom mirror. You want the secret documents I keep in my soul!” said the man on the tape, before breaking down in to screaming and obscenities.

Redheart was unavailable for comment.


Sopdet, false saviors

Kentraal is assaulted by terrorists no-one can find, Sopdet bravely assists them. Gelifor is rocked by internal strife no-one can pinpoint the source of, Sopdet assists. Akbeezlestan is bombed, Sopdet lends a shoulder to cry on.

What do all the horrible event of the past decade have in common? Sopdet, and an unidentified source for the suffering.

Like angels they descend, offering peace and security for all, sometimes their timing is almost too perfect.

There have been literally dozens of times that Sopdet has been identified as the source of world misery, spies and saboteurs unmasked and shamed, yet they still have the audacity to plead innocent, and dare the world to do something about it.

I had a snake in my house once, you have to behead them.


Hynorbia, cursed?

Our sister paper, the international inquirer, reports on a busload of tourists going missing on the border of Hynorbia.

Local Gypsies claimed to have knowledge of the disappearance. Gypsy leader, Ramnos, told us the following.

“It was a terrible sight. Men had butchered women, women had strangled their children, people had gouged out there own eyes. We found bodies that had been…gnawed upon.”

When we arrived at the site the Gypsies had shown us on the map, only a melted wreck and scorched earth greeted us.

===========================

Now accepting turn 41 moves!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 41


‘Spy’ insane verdict confirmed

Extensive witness interviews, thorough archive research and multiple independent reviews confirmed that the so-called ‘Spy from Sopdet’ is without a shadow of a doubt an escaped mental patient.

A panel of a dozen independent witnesses concluded “Frankly we are amazed and appalled that such ridiculously flimsy ‘evidence’ was ever put forward by the nation of Gemaco, and they should do the right thing and apologize to the world.”


Sopdet in daring swoop on K.P.C. mastermind!

Sopdet today captured what they describe as ‘a big fish in the Kentraalian People’s Committee.’

The Kentraalian national, Juda Keen, was apprehended early this morning in a security raid, after undercover Sopdetian agents overheard him plotting revolution in their nation’s capital.

Sopdet’s foreign minister had this to say. “Even though this menace originated in Kentraal, and the Kentraalian government failed to stop it, we do not hold them responsible. Instead we have released the terrorist in to their custody so that hopefully he can help them clean up their nation, which we believe to be riddled with dissidents.

Fortunately this individual appears to have been the vanguard of subversion attempting to take root in Sopdet, and we feel secure in the knowledge that we are still a terrorist-free nation”


Sopdet plays the fiddle while the world comes close to burning

Once again Sopdet pulls the strings on flunkies and tries to bring chaos and despair to the world, all the while lamenting the trouble they have brewed, and calling for peace. With themselves as chief architects of what that peace should look like of course…


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Coalition backed Sopdetian troops gather at border of ‘New Gelifor’

As many as Seventy Thousand troops took up position today along the border edges of Gemaco, Utopia and Kentraal. They insist that they mean no menace towards these nations, as they claim the borders involved are actually the border of a legitimate Geliforian state that is being brutally suppressed.

“We are here to protect Geliforian refugees, and see to an orderly hand over of territory,” explained General Takeesh of the Sopdetian Royal Guards.

The Coalition of Minor Nations quickly voiced their support, once again calling for all world nations to back the handover, backed up with military force if needs be.

There are reports of the Coalition sending a military presence of their own to support Sopdet in their Peace Keeping mission.

Gemaco, Utopia and Kentraal have yet to officially respond to the military build-up along their borders.

==========================
NOW ACCEPTING TURN 42 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 42


World to Gemacoan Axis of Evil: Enough is enough!

There is world outrage at the egotistical and thuggish tactics being employed by Gemaco and its puppet ‘allies’. No more are we prepared to put up with their disregard for international treaties and laws, or occupation of sovereign nations.

There is word that not just the C.M.N., but also the entirety of the other major world nations, are meeting to discuss a complete blockade of the Axis of Evil, with possible military disarmament.

The Axis and their lawlessness are thankfully almost at an end.


Akbeezlestan seek to improve world financial markets

Akbeezlestan today began their new program to better the lives of Third World nations, with their investment in the infrastructure of Threadbareia.

By encouraging business development, and paying above the market price for labor and exports.

“The days of colonial exploitation are at an end,” said Richard Martin in a press conference, “We must help our less fortunate brothers and sisters, rather than seek to feed off them like bloated leeches.

In the spirit of this new way, we propose an international vote to bar Sopdet completely from any legislative control over a New Geliforian state, should such a state ever come to pass.”


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Kentraalian Genocide?

The world was outraged this evening at word of a massive, unprovoked attack on the unarmed Sopdetian aid convoy that has sat upon the border of New Gelifor, awaiting a chance to help the displaced and destitute.

Rockets and shells rained down on the aid workers as they knelt for evening prayer, creating sickening casualties reported as in the hundreds. Millions of Shekel’s worth of aid equipment and medical supplies were also obliterated.

The few survivors did not have to wait long to discover who was behind the attack, as K.P.C. literature was blown around the scene, taunting the wounded and dying.

Sopdet and the C.M.N. both reacted with outrage, calling for the eradication of the K.P.C. and any who shelter them.

We have word that Kentraal has begun moving all of its citizens to bomb shelters, obviously preparing for a long siege.

C.M.N. forces have arrived at the border, doubling foreign military buildup along the Axis lines.

With so much weaponry now poised to strike back at the Axis, and so many seized with a righteous fury for retribution, the question is not will there be war, but rather who will strike first, and where?

=======================================
NOW ACCEPTING TURN 43 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 43


Hynorbia joins in with philanthropy

The nation of Hynorbia has decided to take a leaf out of Akbeezlestan’s book and begin funding improvements in third world countries.

As Alkim-Al-Hazzad, minister of Church Funds, explained. “Hynorbia is a modern, clean and prospering nation. It has much wealth and scientific skills to share with the world. As the Divine teaches, we are all his children. In that spirit we have decided to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Praise be to the divine, and his Prophet on Earth, The All Knowing Faur”


Sopdet Spring cleans Terror

Following the unprovoked and tragic attack on their aid forces, Sopdet today began a new Anti-Terror initiative.

Security forces swept through slums, criminal dens and foreign housing districts, searching for dissidents and saboteurs. There were many arrests, and hundreds of undesirables, including many foreigners, were deported.


Border build-up

We have word that the armies of Gemaco and Utopia have both fully mobilized and taken up positions a scant few hundred feet across from the forces of Sopdet and the C.M.N.

Obviously seeking to intimidate and discourage the foreigners on their doorstep, the combined Gemaco/Utopia forces appear to have a significant numerical advantage.

Whether these thuggish tactics will pay off, and cause Sopdet and their allies to blink, remains to be seen.

One thing is for sure, the situation is a powder keg, awaiting but a spark to set it off. The world has never been closer to a Second World War.

================================
NOW ACCEPTING TURN 44 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 44


Gemaco, K.P.C. safe harbor?

Extensive evidence came out today of a K.P.C. Super-Cell (perhaps the head cell) operating out of the part of former Gelifor currently being occupied by Gemaco.

Solid proof points to a suspiciously easy movement of terrorists in and out of the disputed land, perhaps signaling some kind of official support structure…?

We have word that an independent security force is also looking in to allegations of Gemaco’s shocking mismanagement of their occupied lands.


Stand off continues

Apart from some slight reinforcements, the border stand off appears to be holding steady. Neither Hynorbia nor Kentraal have made any move to join their allies, and the other nations appear to be keeping neutral too.

Are we looking at a permanent state of siege, or something different?

===============================
NOW ACCEPTING TURN 45 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 45


Akbeezlestan economic alliance and support for Kentraal

Akbeezlestan has begun investing in Kentraalian industry, buying out several companies responsible for public works, banking, power grid, water processing and other growing business interests.

“We have great friends in Kentraal,” declared Richard Martin, “We simply want to use our money to improve the lot of these fine people”


C.M.N. calls for complete blockade of Axis nations

The C.M.N. today issued a statement declaring the nations of Gemaco, Kentraal and utopia to be “and Axis of evil, hostile to civilization and the rule of law. The statement went on to say how Gemaco recently tried to lure them in to a trap so that their leaders could be assassinated, and that only timely intelligence preserved their lives.

The C.M.N. has declared a complete blockade on goods and people crossing the borders with these nations, effective at midnight tonight. Anyone attempting to break this line will be fired upon. They assured the press that they had the full backing of Sopdet and Hynorbia in this, and that any attempts to break out of, or trade in to the Axis would be considered an act of war.

They further called upon the nations of Akbeezlestan and Terria to immediately cease all trade agreement with the rogue states, and to take a part in enforcing the embargo militarily. Failure to cease trading could be construed as aiding the enemy, with appropriate consequences.

Representatives from Sopdet and Hynorbia were not immediately available for comment, but earlier in the day the Archduke was giving a fiery speech about Geliforian independence, and once again pledging, this time on holy scrolls, that Sopdet would stay out of the politics of the New Gelifor.


Kentraal continues to dig in

Although still refusing to move their army to the border, Kentraal continued building its bunker network, with police forces scouring the emplacements for trouble makers.

A detachment of Gemaco’s troops, stationed in the nation since the end of the last war, stood by bewildered, unsure of their role.


Second ‘Spy’ tape released by Gemaco

Gemaco recently released another tape of a professed escaped Sopdetian lunatic, insisting that this new tape is legitimate, repeating their challenge of tampering regarding the jumbled insanity that the press received several weeks ago.

In it the man in question appears quite lucid and calm, listing off Spy ‘handlers’ he allegedly dealt with, operations he carried out in the name of Sopdet, and crimes he supposedly knew of.

We questioned Dr. El-Aman, a psychiatrist who treated the man years ago, about the jarring difference between the composure of the subject in the two videos.

“With the use of strong sedatives, hypnotic suggestion, and certain other techniques too abhorrent for most civilized nations, it is fully possible to temporarily turn even a raving madman in to a lucid puppet, parroting whatever information you feed him. Such an occurrence would be purely theoretical, of course.”


Surprise meteorite shower delights millions

A mysterious shower of cosmic material baffled astronomers tonight, but prompted impromptu barbecues and pool parties as people around the world came outside to watch the sparkling display.

===================
NOW ACCEPTING TURN 46 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 46


Full Axis forces mobilized on border

Kentraal finally joined it's allies today, taking up border positions along a line of fortifications.

The Axis forces now appear to significantly outnumber their 'guards'. Unless there are some kind of reinforcements, their ability to enforce a blockade must be questioned.


C.M.N. and Sopdet begin blockade

Traders from Akbeezlestan and Terria were stopped the Axis border today, and warned that they were committing a crime by attempting to break the blockade they officially put in place several days ago.

Goods were either smashed, impounded or sent back, and their reports of minor abuse of the traders themselves.

Soldiers of both the C.M.N. and Sopdet took part in the actions, although Sopdet’s official line was that of military maneuvers, and claim a minority of their troops merely got caught up in the fervor of their allies.

How Akbeezlestan and Terria react to the blockade remains to be seen, as does the response of Gemaco, the nation the goods were meant for.


‘Meteor shower’ man-made

The source of last week’s mysterious ‘meteor’ shower has been revealed as Kentraal’s famed Overmind satellite.

K.A.S.A. scientists informed us that the satellite was struck by a rogue comet, and although there was damage, the satellite is already under repair and will be fully functional within days.

There were minor safety concerns over large pieces of debris, including a partially melted solar panel that crashed through a farmhouse roof in the nation of Sheepfarmia, but the Kentraalian government assured the tiny country that new early warning systems and maneuvering thrusters would render a further accident impossible.


So-called 'Spy' is a mouthy poseur say Kentraal

Juda Keen, the 'Spy' handed over to Kentraal by Sopdet some months ago is a "pampered rich boy, more comfortable in a bar than storming the gates" said Kentraal's head of security.

"We are left wondering why Sopdet felt the need to waste our time with such an obvious phony, or what they hoped to gain by keeping our security forces busy with such a ruse"

=================================
NOW ACCEPTING TURN 47 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 47


Gemaco speaks out with warning against the blockade

A line of loud speakers broadcast Gemaco’s message to the forces of Sopdet and the C.M.N. this morning.

“If traders come to our border, then troops will march out armed, but instructed not to fire unless fired upon, and safely escort the traders into Gemacoan territory”

This would directly contradict the terms of the blockade, and the reaction of the blockading nations in such an event remains to be seen.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

We now take you to a live report from the border blockade!

“Things are very tense here. A delegation of traders from Akbeezlestan have just arrived requesting they be allowed access to Gemaco.

As promised, an armed escort is coming out from Gemaco to see them safely inside.

Oh, there’s some shoving and shouting between the two sides, weapons are being waved…a shot! There has been a sh…gunfire, can you hear me? My god, there are shells raining down! Who’s firing that artillery?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We have taken cover behind a ruined building. There are running tank battles, munitions raining down, aircraft strafing, my God, it’s a war, it’s a WAR!

There’s a…a SEA of Gemacoan’s falling on the blockaders. Sopdet are falling back, firing all the time, but the C.M.N. forces are cut off and surrounded. They’re dropping like flies! I see some Kentraalian weaponry amongst Gemaco’s forces, the C.M.N. have nothing to match it. It’s grenades and rifles versus lasers and smart bombs!

We’ll try t…AARRGGHHH!”

<There’s a bright flash, and the camera feed cuts>

WE ARE EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES, PLEASE STAND-BY

======================================

NOW ACCEPTING TURN 48 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 48


End to the blockade

The blockade is over. There is simply no-one left on the border to enforce it.

Sweeping down like a terrible wave, the forces of Gemaco swept away the forces of the C.M.N. and Sopdet. When the tide came back in, Sopdet was scurrying for their homeland and the plucky army of a dozen minor nations lay uttered destroyed. The C.M.N. has officially disbanded, citing a wish to be left alone in peace, and a warning against aiding Sopdet.

So far Gemaco have remained at the border, seemingly in no hurry to press their advantage.

We shall keep you informed of any further developments.


Hynorbian Superweapon?

Our offices have received anonymous information about an advanced weapon project within the borders of Hynorbia.

We are told that Hynorbia have a cannon capable of reaching targets in orbit, and have repeatedly fired at Kentraal’s scientific research satellite.

Such an act would of course be both hostile and illegal, not to mention contrary to the scientific progress of the world.

======================================

NOW ACCEPTING TURN 49 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 49


Strange draconian night time raids sweep Gemaco’s banking district

Word is coming through of a mass night time raid going on in Gemaco’s banking district. Details are sketchy, but we have heard of mass arrests, destruction of property and large scale temporary evacuations.

Most puzzling is the apparent presence of security forces from at least two other nations.

Utopia’s feared and dreaded Knights were apparently a strong feature in the actions.


Gemaco’s helping hand to past enemies

Gemaco has started investing in former CMN countries, to aid them after losses suffered during the recent border clash.

Gemaco has assured the nations that there is no bad blood between them, and that they hope Gemacoan money will help their countries recover.


Sopdet and Hynorbia form close and lasting alliance

There was dancing and celebration in the streets of both nations today, as Sopdet and Hynorbia signed a historical treaty today, pledging undying loyalty and commitment to each other's nations.

Details of the deal are sketchy, but, as it was explained to their citizens, they are now Brother nations, joined by a bond of blood that can not be broken, stronger than any mere defense pact.


Hynorbian super weapon endangers us all

Leading world scientists spoke out several days ago against the possible harsh side effects of Hynorbia’s use of such a weapon as their alleged ‘death cannon’.

“Global warming, drought induced famine and the pollution of worldwide crop yields are just some of the terrible results we could see if Hynorbia does not immediately dismantle it’s machine of death!” explained Professor Eden Smythe.

=========================================
NOW ACCEPTING TURN 50 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 50


Sopdet military defiant

Sopdet was engaged in large scale military maneuvers today, arranged to improve civilian morale and to facilitate new enhanced cooperation with the military of Hynorbia.


Sopdet, world gangsters

Extensive financial records were supplied to the world press today by Akbeezlestan. They show thousands of shell corporations and front companies worldwide, which are linked all of the way back to the government of Sopdet’s ‘Palace plumbers unit’, which apparently has a budget in the region of twenty billion shekels.

Sopdet was not immediately available for comment about why a ‘plumbing unit’ needs a budget that is over a fifth of their national budget.

Akbeezlestan were quick to press their allegations.

“Here is the final definitive proof of Sopdet’s international spying and terror organization. This rogue state must finally be brought to justice for their crime. I am calling for a War Crimes tribunal against the Archduke, and any who may have aided and abetted him in his horrors.

The snake must be defanged before he can poison anyone else.”


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA

Death satellite outrage, Gemaco in mourning

(Live report from Gemaco)

“It all happened so quickly, the people here in Gemaco are still struggling to comprehend to the tragedy that has befallen them.

At Exactly 2:34am Mastermind, Kentraal’s ‘peace and exploration satellite’, created some kind of brightly colored pulse which lasted less than a minute.

Witnesses on the ground described ‘a bright light, almost like a judgment from heaven’. The beam cut across Armon, a city in the south of Gemaco that contains a longstanding major military base, slicing a furrow dozens of meters deep in to the earth and obliterating buildings in its path.

One such building was the barrack complex of the Gemacoan 13th Air Cavalry unit.

In less than a minute, the entire barracks were wiped clean from the planet. Although the attack itself was almost silent, you can hear the continuing explosions caused by chain reactions in the munitions storage buildings.

The outraged people here have but three questions. Why does a scientific research satellite carry such terrible ordinance? Why did Kentraal attack their allies? And what is Redheart going to do about it?

As always, we will keep you informed”

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NOW ACCEPTING TURN 51 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 51


Redheart speaks out

“Kentraal is one of our allies, and we do not believe they intentionally fired upon us. Rather, it was a hijacking most likely caused by the Hynorbians or Sopdetians. They are our true enemy.

I would like to publicly thank the Akbeezlestanians for bringing the hypocrisy of the Sopdetians to light, about how they claim they're peace-loving nations who truly care about human rights, when really they're state sponsors of terror.”


Mastermind satellite returns home for maintenance

Kentraal brought its massive Mastermind satellite back to Earth today, using rocket burns for a smooth descent. Teacups and windows rattled as far as twenty miles from the landing site when the behemoth touched down.

K.A.S.A. has informed us that the operation was to both fully check the satellite’s systems for whatever error caused the disastrous firing last week, and also to outfit it with superior scientific equipment for its star gazing duties.


Espionage ‘evidence’ is a sham, says Sopdet

Sopdet were quick to refute the ‘evidence’ recently offered by Akbeezlestan of a massively funded Sopdetian espionage wing.

Sopdet helpfully provided evidence showing that many of these ‘espionage’ funds in fact funded things such as missionary chapels, drug outreach programs and cultural exchange opportunities.


World trial push

Akbeezlestan is calling for an immediate international court to convene to charge Archduke Alexandros with crimes against humanity.

“If needs be, those nations that stand for justice must form a limited court of there own, and charge him in absentia.”

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NOW ACCEPTING TURN 52 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 52


Satellite accident ‘billions to one fluke’ say Kentraal

Kentraal today released reams of diagrams showing electrical faults that combined to create the tragedy in Gemaco.

“We are still at a loss as to how so many redundancies failed, faults combined and coincidences occurred. Statistically speaking, a failure such as this is as mathematically probable as finding God under a sofa cushion.”


Explosion rocks Akbeezlestan, ghastly echoes of the bank bombing of ‘59

Akbeezlestan was the victim of another terrorist strike on a financial institution today.

A financial storage building, containing banking records, was blown up today, killing dozens and scattering debris throughout the huge financial sector.

Unconfirmed reports of suicide bombers were reinforced by amateur footage of badly charred remains being removed under police escort.


Archduke agrees to tribunal hearing, but his demands may be far fetched

Archduke Alexandros of Sopdet has agreed to voluntarily be judged in a war crimes tribunal, but his agreement hinges on some rather large strings.

“I will submit myself for trial, without complaint or resistance, on the day that the flag of New Gelifor flies high and proud over their homeland.”

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NOW ACCEPTING TURN 53 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 53


Mastermind re-launch is gala event

Movies stars, diplomats and scientists from around the world were witness to a spectacular re-launch this morning, as Kentraal’s massive Mastermind satellite rocket back up to take up geo-synchronous orbit.

K.A.S.A. scientists reassured nervous guests that the satellite is one hundred percent safe now and incapable of a repeat of the tragic misfire over Gemaco earlier this year.


Sopdet, victims of a massive smear campaign

We supposedly live in a world of rules and fairness. We are allegedly judged only by our actions, not by whispered rumors or sly remarks.

Yet we have the continuing situation where Sopdet, a nation never convicted or a single crime, is held up as some kind of far fetched bogeyman, a fear monger to cow unruly citizens with the irrational dread of the foreigner.

Akbeezlestan has once again shown the world what can be accomplished when a nation of decadent wealth and low moral fiber uses economic clout to poison world news and buy up politicians to push their radical agenda.

This is one of many reporters who can not be bought by the paymasters, and our numbers are growing.

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NOW ACCEPTING TURN 54 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 54


Akbeezlestan, the jewel in Capitalism's crown!

Akbeezlestan truly is the place to live. Unemployment is less than two percent, workers make on average two or three times what they make in the other major industrialized nations and generous retirement and health funds are provided for.

The abundant prosperity of Akbeezlestan means that no corners need to be cut when it comes to nature, culture or the arts either. Akbeezlestan boasts the most parks, museums, hospitals, restaurants, theaters and malls per capita in the world. Independent polls have named it the most popular nation to emigrate to for 20 years solid.

Little surprise then that every year millions of citizens from less fortunate nations seek the dream of citizenship. But don’t despair, Akbeezlestan is generous with its prosperity, and urges all dispossessed or unhappy people to visit their local Akbeezlestanian embassy to see about applying for citizenship TODAY!

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NOW ACCEPTING TURN 55 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 55


Sopdet rebels against Capitalism

There were strange scenes over the weekend, as Sopdet's secret police force came down hard on the trading of foreign currency within their nation.

Street corner currency traders, a popular occupation these last few months, were rounded up at gunpoint. Those that resisted were beaten or shot.

Citizens watched in bemusement from their rooftops as huge piles of currency were piled up in to bonfires, filling the air with ash.

A new decree has made trading in foreign currency a sinful act. This comes on the end of tales that foreign businesses have been seized by the government.

Sopdet is not a place friendly to foreign investment right now.

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NOW ACCEPTING TURN 56 MOVES!

[d_knight7]

World News Report
Issue 56


K.P.C. raid Kentraal “Threat larger than anyone believed!” say experts

Kentraal was once again a major war zone, and the enemy once again attacked them without warning or known provocation. Will this sad nation ever know lasting peace?

They came at sundown, a massive force that seemed to appear from nowhere. They wore strange uniforms emblazoned with a K.P.C. logo, and left K.P.C. graffiti wherever they went. They also left plenty of bodies.

Fighting more like an army than a terrorist cell, with forces as high as several hundred thousand, they hit the defenders of Kentraal, and hit them hard. Lasers and plasma beams lit the air, and similar weapons replied in kind.

Kentraal’s defense force, reinforced by units of Gemaco’s military, fought back hard, but there are reports of men running shrieking in to no mans land, firing wildly in to the air at invisible monsters, or simply dropping to the ground dead, blood gushing from their ruptured brains.

Town after town fell quickly, but just as the remaining defenders prepared to rally and call for reinforcements, the enemy were gone, slipping off in to the dawn like ghosts.

International counter terrorist experts are at a loss as to how such a massive, well trained and fantastically equipped terrorist organization could exist, let alone have remained undetected. The source of the madness and brain hemorrhaging amongst Kentraal’s defenders has scientists and doctors baffled.

Will this menace come again? And if so, who will be their next target?

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NOW ACCEPTING TURN 57 MOVES!