- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
- TNP Nation
- Prydania
- Discord
- lordgigaice
The Ministries of Communication and Culture are proud to present the second edition of the Roleplay Reel! A huge thanks to our Delegate @El Fiji Grande for the formatting and oversight and a thank you to our team of @Syrixia , @Loz , @Lotion, and @Ray Yaneza for their contributions.
We are aware that not everyone is equally appreciative of image-based NS newspapers. As such, we've included the standard format mostly plain-text version of the newspaper in the spoiler below. We hope you enjoy reading this month's issue! If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions, feel free to telegram the current TNP Minister of Culture @Prydania or current TNP Minister of Communications @Pallaith
Editor's Note
This is the second Issue of the Roleplay Reel (RPR), a joint publication by The North Pacific's Ministries of Communications and Culture. While the first Issue initially attracted some controversy, we worked closely with the RP Community of TNP to resolve concerns, take suggestions, and ultimately produce a better magazine that is more representative of the community as a whole. This second Issue is a result of those efforts, and illustrates our continued commitment to showcasing the creative prowess and storytelling skill of our local RP authors. Enjoy!
The Editors of the Roleplay Reel
El Fiji Grande, Syrixia, Pallaith (Ghost), and Prydania
The Kingdom of Prydania's Two Capitals
[align=right]by Prydania, Minister of Culture and RP Moderator[/align]
The City of Beaconsviði
The City of Beaconsviði is the capital of the Kingdom of Prydania. Its status as the capital dates back to Vortgyn Loðbrók's conquest of the Bayardi lands in 1029. The newly crowned King Vortgyn I chose the city as his capital to better administer the Bayrdi lands, leaving the castle of Stormurholmr to his son Tobias to rule as Grand Thane.
Archaeology in Beaconsviði reveals human habitation dating to the Stone Age. The city of Bakenveld grew up as a Bayardi settlement, described in Bayardi sources as a "beacon" on the "field by the sea."
The city's port and proximity to the Ryon River made Bakenveld a wealthy trading centre, allowing it to assert its independence from the control of the coalescing Bayardi Kingdom.
The city was governed by a council of wealthy tradesmen and nobles who appointed a Marshal to oversee the city's safety and military defences. The tenure of a Marshal was inconsistent. Some Marshals served for life, others served for a decade, some more, some less. It appears as if the Marshal's ability to hold their post depended on their ability to maintain the favour of the Council who appointed them.
Absalon Rosk was the Marshal of Bakenveld during the arrival of Goyanean and Ceretian Monks to northern Craviter in the mid 900s. Absalon's conversion to Messianism roughly corresponds to the date that Kaldor Loðbrók of Stormurholmr converted.
Absalon's conversion was in line with a broader conversion of the Bakenveld populace. He began a building project to construct a castle in the heart of the city along the Ryon River. Absalonkastali- Absalon's Castle- was mostly completed by the early 1000s. Soon thereafter the Courantist Church canonized Absalon.
In 1014 Vortgyn Loðbrók of Stormurholmr raised a host and landed in Austurland, the eastern part of the land the Bayadri called Prydein. The Nordic name revealed its nature. The Austurland had been settled by viking clans loyal to the Loðbróks, who held sway from the island of Stormurholmr. All of whom had come in the mid-late 800s as they fled from Oswald the Conqueror in their home of Andrenne.
Vortgyn Loðbrók, at the age of 16, looked to re-assert Loðbrók control of the viking lands. Some clans, such as the Eiderwigs, came loyally when Vortgyn called. Others resisted. Vortgyn was not afraid to wage war and he eventually bent the resistant viking clans to his will, earning him the title Lord Protector of Austurland.
Vortgyn's ambition, however, wasn't merely to reassert Loðbrók control over the viking clans of Heorot. He wanted to conquer all of Prydein, or Prydansk as his people called it in their tongue. Vortgyn led a unified army of the viking clans against the Bayardi Kingdom. The war this started lasted until 1029, when the Bayardi King Bram's host was defeated by Vortgyn's host at the Loðbrók outpost of Stormurhöfn.
Vortgyn marched on Bakenveld and issued his demands. Bakenveld would retain its independent character in his new Kingdom if they accepted him as King. The city Council agreed, granting Vortgyn and his heirs the office of Marshal in perpetuity. Vortgyn decided to make the city his capital as it provided an ideal position to administer the newly won Bayardi lands. He was crowned King of Prydania by the Bishop of Sarum on Christmas Day 1029 in Bakenveld. In time Bakenveld became Beaconsviði as the Nordic Makari language supplanted the Bayardi language. Vortgyn took up residence in Absalonkastali, which grew to become Absalonhöll (Absalon's Palace) as it was built up over the following centuries.
To this day the Court of the Prydanian Crown is referred to as the Court of St. Absalon despite the Bayardi nature of the namesake.
Beaconsviði did retain its own distinct autonomy within the unified Kingdom of Prydania. Prydanian Kings continued to hold the title Marshal of Beaconsviði and the city Council continued to administer the city independent of the rest of the Kingdom. The city even maintains a special member of Parliament that is allowed to opt it out of select types of legislation.
The city has remained the capital through the many changes to Prydania's political situation as well. It remained the nominal capital of both Prydanian subdivisions during the UKAG era where Prydanian Kings reigned locally under the UKAG Grand Emperor and High King. And it remained the capital during the Syndicalist Republic era.
The capture of Beaconsviði marked the end of the Prydanian Civil War in the summer of 2017. The city was badly damaged as a result of the battle, though it was built up relatively quickly thanks to foreign aid and concentrated construction projects. The city has not yet fully recovered from the war or the battle that ended it, but the more overt damage has been cleaned up, infrastructure is improving, and the city's streets have begun to bustle once more.
The City of Stormurholmr
Stormurholmr, or Tempest Holm in Mercanti, actually refers to two places. The first is the island of Tempest Holm, sitting in the Auburn Channel between Prydania and Dax. The second is the actual city of Tempest Holm, the location of the castle Stormurkastala (Tempest Keep). The island of Tempest Holm contains a few townships, but we will be focusing on the actual city of Stormurholmr and the Stormurkastala building.
Stormurholmr is named as such because Hróarr Loðbrók, exiled lord of the Andrennian petty kingdom of Heorot, is said to have found the island in a storm after fighting his way along the northern coast of what is now Prydania. Hróarr's followers settled in the eastern regions of what is now Prydania, battling the native Aed Kaene for dominance and eventually prevailing. Most viking clans who followed Hróarr settled on the eastern mainland to the west, an area that would become known as Austurland, or on the island to Dax to the west of Stormurholmr. Hróarr, however, oversaw the construction of the castle Stormurkastala on Stormurholmr. The new castle served as the seat of Loðbrók power following the loss of Heorot to Oswald the Conqueror in Andrenne. A town began to grow up around the castle in short order.
Loðbrók lords continued to hold the title King of Heorot in defiance of Oswald, pairing the title with Grand Thane of Stormurholmr. The most notable of these lords before Vortgyn was Kaldor Loðbrók who, in 956, converted to Messianism, culminating the conversion of the vikings in what is now Prydania.
Vortgyn Loðbrók was crowned King of Heorot and Grand Thane of Stormurholmr in 1014, at the age of sixteen. Vortgyn was not content to reign from his family's island outpost, nor was he content with the title of King of a kingdom his family no longer ruled. He landed in the Austurland in 1014, calling the banners of the viking lords that dotted the eastern reaches of the land the native Bayardi called Prieden. A name the vikings turned into "Prydansk."
Some lords came, others defied him. The Loðbróks before Vorgtyn had grown complacent and some viking lords on the mainland scoffed at the idea of answering the call to an unproven sixteen year old boy. Vortgyn, however, was ready to meet them in battle. He gathered his host of those who answered his call and made war on the defiant viking clans and lords, subduing them to the will of Stormurholmr once more. Vortgyn then had himself named Lord Protector of Austurland. By specifying "Austurland" Vortgyn declared that he had designs on the west- ie the rest of Prydansk. The war with the Bayardi Kingdom that followed lasted over a decade. Finally, in 1029, the Bayardi were crushed. Vortgyn had himself crowned King of Prydania and chose to rule from Bakenveld (later to become known as Beaconsviði as the Nordic name took prominence) to better control the Bayardi holdings.
Choosing to rule from Bakenveld rather than Stormurholmr caught many of his closest Thanes off guard. Still, Vortgyn assured them that Austurland would not be neglected. He named his son Tobias Grand Thane of Stormurholmr. This began the tradition of the reigning monarch of Prydania granting the title to their heir, usually a first born son.
Stormurholmr remained a quiet town on a forested island outpost until the formation of UKAG in the 1640s. Erik VI of Prydania recognized that the newly unified Andrennian-Goyanean empire would attempt to subdue all Nordic outposts. Already the Kanadas were beginning to resist. Erik VI, to save his crown, submitted peacefully to UKAG, even surrendering the title King of Heorot. In return he and his heirs would rule Prydania under the Grand Emperor and High King of UKAG.
The arrangement, however, angered the Prydanian settlers on the island east of Stormurholmr, a collection of settlements known as Dax. These settlements declared their independence of the Prydanian and UKAG crowns, forming the Samtök Reykja Fullvalda Dax, or Confederate States of Sovereign Dax. The revolutionaries attempted to add Stormurholmr, however the local insurrection initiated against the Crown was stopped by General Aage Duus, commander of the local Royal Prydanian Army regiment on the island and de facto ruler while Grand Thane Harald (later King Harald III) was still in his childhood.
Stormurholmr was thrown into chaos in 2002. The Syndicalists were weakest in the east of Prydania, and never fully controlled the island of Stormurholmr, though they did secure the city for a period of five years from 2002-2007. One of the FNU's first real victories was to force the Syndicalist government in Stormurholmr to abandon the city and castle, leaving the island in FNU hands for the rest of the Civil War. Some contemplated having the twelve year old Prince Tobias crowned as King at Stormurkastala, though it was decided that any coronation would have to come in the event of Syndicalist defeat.
Stormurholmr remains quiet now that the Civil War is over, the eastern-most Prydanian territory. Its symbolic importance remains, however.
Featured Post: Den Rektsrieks
[align=right]by Syrixia[/align]
Major Parties Agree to Invoke Incipiency Clause; Federalists to Enter Gov't 6 Months Early
June 13, 2019
VIKSTAD - Leaders from three out of the four major parties declared today, in a press conference in Vikstad, that they would be seeking to invoke the infamous and rarely-used Incipiency Clause. The clause, a part of the Constitution only invoked six times throughout modern Vallish history, essentially allows for the transition period between election day in April and the start of the next term to be bypassed.
The catalyst for this dramatic decision, as stated by party bosses Mark Hellstrand, Lotte Jensen, and Mark Solberg, is the burgeoning Goyanes investigation, which the opposition parties have been advocating for since April. Due to legal limitations and the controversial recusal from taking part in any sort of investigation by the Centrist Union, the investigation has been barred from formally starting, and a Special Counsel to head up such an investigation has not been appointed.
While both Jensen and Solberg have been frequently pushing for an investigation, operating under the belief that incriminating evidence will be found and the Federalist campaign exposed, Hellstrand's own approval was a shock. "They'll find nothing." Hellstrand said to the press, as Jensen and Solberg scoffed frustratedly next to him. "I say, let's get this goddamned Milksop sham over with so we can get to work for the Vallish people."
It will likely be a subject of fierce debate regarding who will be picked to serve on the Federal Council and who will be picked to be Special Counsel. While the Federalists have a Vårtinget majority, with 340 seats, that majority is not absolute- a factor the Messianist Democrats and CDP will likely use to fight back against Federalist influence on the process of picking a Federal Council, likely in the hopes that it will not be Federalist-controlled. If this were the case, the Federalists would not be able to appoint a Special Counsel on their own, if at all.
Centrist party boss Norbert Ritter has openly come out against the decision to invoke the Incipiency Clause. In an interview on Jan Arnsen Live!, Ritter stated, "The Incipiency Clause was designed and intended for national emergencies. This is another example of the state of the society we live in today, where partisan politics has infected our bare constitutional processes. This can't be tolerated. It is wrong." It is expected, however, that Centrist rejection will not be enough to stop the clause from being invoked.
While the Centrists hold a majority in the current 2015-2019 Vårtinget, like that of the Federalists, their lead is not absolute- and, in fact, it is much slimmer. The small Federalist delegation first elected in 2015, comprising 29 seats, along with the massive CDP and Messianist Democrat caucuses, each numbering over 200 seats, is highly likely to cruise over a Centrist rejection to pass a bill invoking the Incipiency Clause, providing all or most MVs vote on party line.
A vote is scheduled for tomorrow, and should the bill pass, a new Federal Council is scheduled to be inaugurated by July at the latest, with each party scheduled to present their recommendations and begin talks in Nidaros one week from tomorrow.
The Local Flavor
[align=right]by Loz[/align]
When one considers the culture of the Alnarian Empire they would be forgiven in thinking there is no one national culture, and from a certain point of view they may even be correct. Natives to the vast Empire would likely disagree however, and vehemently. The truth of the nature of “Alnarian Culture” lies somewhere in the middle of these opinions. Prior to the 16th century the land that is now Alnaria was nine separate and squabbling regions, alliances between these petty states would rise and fall, but unity would not be achieved until the 18th century after more than 200 years of near unceasing warfare waged by the north most Kingdom of Nurlinor, and its ruling House Valarun. The issue of culture weighed as heavily on the Valarun conquerors then as it weighs on the Valarun rulers now. As they marched south they were cognizant of the mistakes of past attempts of unification and the folly of forced cultural assimilation. The Valarun Kings knew ultimately it was not the great folk of land that would be their greatest obstacle to rule. Winning the small folk of opposing Kingdoms would become the true war. This was achieved by making as little of an impact as was possible. The Valarun made adept use of cooperative local officials to implement passive means of control. Rather than create new, unfamiliar systems of taxation and conscription, Valarun officials would simply adapt existing, and familiar systems into the Imperial supply chain. While this plan would fail at points throughout the growing Empire, the rate of success was enough to both implace new rule, and retain old culture. As such it is correct to think there are many cultures within the Empire.
The culture of the North is the culture of Nurlinor of old. Proud and bright, home to colorful jungle flora and fauna, the spirit of which architects and artists have tried to capture for millennia. The cultural North comprises the whole of the Nurlinor, and the northern districts of the Kingdom of Darnur, and the Province of Haradalis. The cultural capital of the North is also the Capital City of the Empire; Armenalis. The golden city has been the seat of Valarun power for over 2000 years since the family began as a squabbling tribe. Given the tropical climate, adventures attitude, and friendly people, the north of Alnaria is a popular tourist destination both for citizens and visitors of the Empire.
The central lowlands that make up the heart of Alnaria present a more quiet experience than the fast paced North. The Provinces of Gondarien and Arlanath were frequent battlegrounds before and during the early days of the Empire. Valarun hosts laid waste to dozens of petty kings and minor nobles during the Great March of Conquest, dotting the land with the husks of once proud fortresses. The lowlands and prairies would once again see violence during the failed Syrixian Invasion, ending with the death of the Syrixian Emperor during the siege of Ardurelos. These centuries of warfare have made the people of the middle Empire somber and weary, but when moved to action they can be your greatest friend, or worst enemy. The one exception to this is the provincial capital of Ardurelos. Ardurelos is both the Empire’s largest city, and largest port. The cultures of 100 civilizations can be seen painted on these city streets. Skandan, Syixian, Esplandian, Midrenean, it can all be found in the sprawling metropolis. Ardurelos also served as the Imperial Capital in the later days of the Great March, making the province of even further value to the historically minded traveler.
The Empire’s Southern Highlands are both geograpically, and ethnically separate from the northern provinces. Above the Mountains of Heaven the population is majority Alnarian, while below the mountains the population is majority Sinnitic. Historically this has led to conflict both physical and cultural. However in the modern day the southern provinces are fully integrated into the Imperial Political System, and are active contributors to the systems success. The south is particularly fascinating in terms of population density. The majority of the population of the regions live in large cities, while the outlying countryside could be mistaken for another place in time. The dichotomy of these megacities and rural villages is reflected in the residents themselves. Many work themselves to the bone during major business cycles and then take several months work holidays to re-center themselves in the country. As with the heartland, the extreme south of the Empire along the border of the Zhen Empire bears the scars of the Syrixian Invasion. The Imperial Commision on the Administration of Battlefields operates a particularly vivid, and educational tour of the Battle of Ionior that is a perennial attraction tourists from both Alnaria, and those from the Syrixian Commonwealth.
The Regions of Alnaria present distinct, and sometimes seemingly irreconcilable cultural differences. However it is through the combining and accepting of these cultures that the Empire has held together. Through each region can be found echoes of the others, through each region can one find people from the others. This cultural melting pot follows in the highest traditions of the first Valarun Kings who understood such a thing would take time. Five Hundred years later their vision has been realized to perhaps its fullest extent under the Banner of the Empire of Alnaria, and under the wise guidance of House Valarun.
On RMB Alliances
[align=right]by Salgado[/align]
As it is in real life and in Eras, when there are people, they group together. When they do, they start talking to one another, then start sharing ideas. They form a network, and eventually, a community. When a community is formed, alliances are created. What is an alliance though? Why do we call such an entity an alliance when it comes to talking about the various groups of nation-players in the RMB?
Simply, it is done, not as a matter of principle, but as a matter of careful observation. As time goes on, so does the roster of players within the roleplaying community of the North Pacific’s RMB. It is to be said, then, that within this roster are a handful of players who, despite doubts and outcries from within the region and without, expressed character, administrative strength, and humanity.
I have taken the task of interviewing these people of interest because I was interested in sharing their stories. And in introducing the alliances to those who come to the region like newborns, so that those who take their place or come under their leadership will learn from them, when the time comes, they will be able to emulate their successes or create their own contributions.
Though they are ordinary people in the real world, perhaps it can be said that when they come online, they become larger than life to those who truly look up to them.
In the RMB, there are but a handful of alliances. Though some are new, almost all these alliances are major ones — each with strengths in their own ways. What I did then was to interview players from each of the alliances so long as they were senior officers or leaders of their alliances.
The first person I interviewed was Mr. Mikey, a friend of mine. He was a senior officer of an alliance formerly known as the Elysium Federation — now known as Kai Tangata — and he was the first to respond to this with much enthusiasm.
Then I approached Mr. Chilokver, the head of OSEAN. He is a cordial but firm person who succeeded HKE as Premier.
The next person I spoke to was Mr. Vapia, the leader of Pax Havenica, an alliance that embraces any nation so long as they maintain peace and cooperation within and without. He was the first person to invite me to an alliance when I first joined in The North Pacific, and he is an incredibly conscientious and fun person to be with.
On the other hand, I met with Mr. Pand, a senior officer and co-founder of a new alliance — the CMF — who seemed open to having an interview and showed himself as approachable.
Lastly, I interviewed both Mr. Friently and Mr. Kyoki, both of whom are the founder and the co-founder of the alliance I belong to now — the Warsaw Pact — and both of them showed themselves as friendly, courteous, and steady. Though it is with shame that I could not interview Mr. Syca, a valuable second in command to Mr. Friently, I can say that he is also indispensable to the leadership of the alliance, being peaceful, kind, motherly, and disciplined.
So, first, how do you all feel? How is it like being a part of each of your alliances? Leaders, how does it feel like leading your alliances?
Mikey: Being a member of KT is exhilarating. We work towards being a strong network of friends over simple alliance stuff. We get stuff done, no matter the objective, because we finish what we start. For me, personally, I am overjoyed working along such a unique and diverse group of people; we all have a backstory that adds to our extraordinary mixup. Similarly, I feel open to spill how I'm feeling around other members of KT because they are so kind and open. Overall, I am impressed with the alliance and am astounded as to how astonishingly empathetic my peers are and how vigorously we work to get the job done.
Vapia: It’s pretty easy going. All things considered.
Chilokver: Hm, well, I guess the best way to put it is that it is never boring. It can be daunting at times knowing that a lot of people are depending on you for advice. It’s not good enough to keep an alliance stable as a leader — alliances depend on activity, so unless you’re moving forward, you’re always worried about losing engagement and stagnating. But at the same time, there’s so much pride in seeing your alliance do well, grow and expand. Most of all, I would not be able to do it and feel this way without my officers to help me with running the alliance.
Pand: I feel great and honored to be a part of the CMF both as an officer and co-founder. My fellow officers and members treat me with immense respect, along with full support for most of my suggested projects to further the prestige of the alliance militarily and diplomatically.
Friently: Well, it doesn’t feel all that special given that I try to run it from amongst the people rather than just boss them around from the back. This is in an attempt to create a sense of equality amongst members to make them feel more appreciated and important. I hope that, as I leave this legacy, it would leave behind a strong, unified alliance that will continue to be the one to stand the test of time.
Kyoki: The best word to describe it all is “safe.” I know my alliance would never abandon me, and that its power allows me to be secure. I feel well treated as a member. As an officer, my responsibilities don’t come up all too frequently, since we rarely have situations. I still very much appreciate the position though.
How were each of you welcomed? Otherwise, how are you looking forward towards any change of leadership? And what hopes and expectations do you have for your alliances?
Mikey: I was a member of Hotel Lala which then formed into the Legion of Doom and then finally became Kai Tangata. I have been in the alliance for a while and have earned the position of vice commander and heir to the alliance’s leadership. When I was originally accepted as being granted such an honor, I was met with astounding applause. I have never felt so in touch and included within the RMB community. Likewise, I believe many members feel the same way.
I do wish that the alliance had a larger say in things, but as it stands, we are fairly influential. I do wish we’d have a few more active members, but if it means giving up what we cherish now — it being quality of creativity and cooperation — then I am totally against it.
Vapia: Maintain the status quo, steering away from a world war. And currently, the Head of the Alliance is currently my king, but that will change in the future as the Black Rose Party takes power. As far as ranks are concerned, the alliance seeks to maintain the current order.
Chilokver: Internal improvements, a new factbook, and streamlined leadership structure, as well as some new projects. Our goal is to have 50 members eventually.
Pand: My expectations are for the CMF to become the foremost leader in economics and peace. OOCly, the alliance is more of a brotherhood and much closer than it is IC. ICly, the CMF has begun working on projects to improve commerce between the individual members and nations of Strangereal.
And personally, I value quality over quantity, sure; we could use some more members but this offers opportunities for nations to go rogue and tarnish the image of the CMF. Yes, I wish we could recruit more but I’m sure our model of peace and economic progress doesn’t appeal to newcomers.
Friently: I would like to see the alliance being represented more on the world stage but in a way that does not immediately mean wars or conflicts. We are currently the only alliance that does not recruit new people.
Kyoki: I am pretty content with our current policies.
OOCly, things are going pretty well. I have good relationships with alliance members and feel as though the unreasonable isn’t expected of me. I’m not heavily restricted in RP either, I can still very much do what I want in my case and I know that the alliance leader isn’t going to be overbearing on stuff like internal conflict.
ICly, Kyoki Chodoku has been a member of WP since near its very formation, and has good relations with it. It may not agree with every member and will consider the security of reality paramount even above WP policy, but it very much appreciates its allies, especially those which saved it during the Nightmare War. The Overlady has good personal relationships with a fair few alliance leaders as well.
Any problems so far? Rivalries, internal issues, etc? How are relations really?
Mikey: There are no problems. We’re just that good. We have simply created an effective and efficient faction that doesn’t complain and turn to hostilities as the answer or alternative. Thus, no conflicts or issues pop up, or at least no major inconveniences. Hence, why we enjoy rather neglect of stagnation, instead we’re always active to band together as friends and not as foes. Therefore, no internal fighting is started. However it has indulged in friendly and not so friendly competition to extend its outreach and connectivity. One of our most notable rivalries is shared with the Cold Alliance, but we have established terms of peace after the invasions of Liberstandonien, Marasume, and Kirostan.
But it appears now that our biggest rival is OSEAN. It is not hostile to us but a select group of their members have threatened other nations militarily. It is painfully annoying. On the other hand, we have enjoyed mutual relations with the Warsaw Pact and friendly competition as well as good relations with Pax Havenica. All in all, we aspire to instill positive relations with everyone; however, we will stand our ground and point out flaws in behavior of other nations. It is our duty to be inclusive and our duty to take charge as the most powerful faction that we are.
Vapia: Pax Havenica maintains a positive leaning relationship through the guarantees treaty. However, I am not sure how necessary it is due to BWP falling. The Federation and PH are sort of on bad stances in character due to the Vapian Kingdom and Sawtooth being at war. OOCly, though, we try not to get in each other’s way too much.
Internally, not particularly.
Chilokver: Recently, the OES alliance merged with OSEAN. However, the KT has separated from us, seeing that the BWP fell apart after the KT dissolved it. OSEAN also had to defend Korolk, one of our members, against Volkstokn’s intentions to violate their sovereignty.
Pand: We have signed a military pact with both PH and KT called the Osean Peace Accord to guarantee peace between the three of us. Following that is a broader trade network that includes the previously stated alliances. The Warsaw Pact has stayed neutral and distant while the preexisting Osean tariffs prevent us from signing them on to the Trade network.
Internally, the CMF has been unified; the only time we’ve seen strife was when a former member became an international nuisance and needed to be dealt with to avoid crisis. Externally, the alliance is fighting to prevent foreign spheres of influence from reigning over our independent members and to cement our title of having the largest trade and economic network in SR.
Friently: Well, we have had issues with members acting in either degenerate, imperialist, or both manners in the past and that is something we’re continuously trying to dam in. There haven’t been any rivalries because we do not really care about playing, “My gun is bigger than yours.” We don’t have the urge to engage in petty competition over minor things.
There have, of course, been high tensions between alliances but nothing that you could really specify as a rivalry.
Kyoki: WP is generally considered passive but dangerous — we don’t interfere much and we don’t get interfered with much. There are some alliances we tend to have overall poor relations with, but I think most outright rivalries ended some time ago. Some consider our passiveness an issue, but that’s a subjective thing and I disagree generally with that. Of course, WP nations tend to get on poorly with democracies due to necessary ideologies and such.
What is the history of your alliance?
Mikey: Well, the alliance (Elysium Federation) was derived on the famous, or infamous, Hotel Lala. From its ashes, the Legion of Doom was founded; and following that, came the amazing Elysium Federation. The federation was formed on brother and sisterhood. I believe we are family, in more ways than one. We function as friends and not only as associates. This group has seen some deafening days, the Elysium Federation has embarked on numerous ventures. Most notably, we have fought to maintain orderly autocracy among normal standards. Likewise, we aren’t afraid to get our hands dirty, in the sense we have proven vigorous in our work. For example, Sarkis, an ambitious imperialistic member, has sent tidal waves through East Osea. Similarly, Em has fended off Western Vapia, arguably one of the strongest players on the map. Likewise, I have defeated Queen Yuno, the nation state with the highest defense stat in the Region. This goes without mentioning, the Angle of Charity’s awesome roleplay of building an on and underwater metropolis. These past and recent accounts of EF shine through as moments of galactic feats. Our past, as a whole, may not go far back, but it surely sets the distance.
Vapia: Pax Havenica is very dormant at the moment. We haven’t had a mass deployment since the Osean Punative War. However the last successful deployment of a Pax Havenica members forces was during the Drusselstien-USSR War
Chilokver: We had elections, in which I replaced HKE as premier.
Pand: The CMF was founder by Triekru, Lungha and Pandoska to ensure neutrality in a time of tension between alliances over time the OMF recruited the German Holy Roman Empire and switch militaristic defense for economic success. The next recruit was the Great Dragonspyre in search for a neutral Haven but began to convertly instigate and spread a health risk to avoid all out foriegn intervention from other alliances the CMF took responsibility and set the record straight. Now we have grown greater friendships with our surrounding neighbors no matter of their affiliation to other alliances. As of late we have created the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Nations opening up pipelines across the continent of south osea and bringing petrol nation's together.
Friently and Kyoki: The alliance has a very long history. Originally, it was formed by the Sanada Clan and it opposed the democratic alliance called N8TO, which eventually fell to the WP during the first global conflict that was actually portrayed. It ended in chaos, though, a theme for such things. It was a fairly interventionist power at first, but gradually became more and more isolationist. Eventually Sanada moved on and Friently was placed in command, and WP became a more isolated but powerful alliance, not seeking to get so embroiled in the conflicts of the world. Still, the alliance and members of it have been in numerous wars and taken part in some cooperative events.
The Yakuvonian Revolution Begins
[align=right]by Lotion Empire[/align]
Editor's Note: I would first like to thank Lotion for enthusiastically submitting the following content to the Roleplay Reel. If the goal of the Roleplay Reel is to promote Roleplay communities in TNP then some excerpts from certain works falls in line with that.
I’ve known Lotion for a while now through Eras. And while the following is a case of his RMB roleplay in Strangereal, I nonetheless have had the privilege of watching his writing skills evolve. It’s the pleasure of all involved in the Roleplay Reel to present his opening post in the Yakuvonian Revolution roleplay as featured content.
-Prydania[/hr]Ivan Vakhrov, the party leader of the August Party sat onto his chair with a sense of relaxation. He was in a bar, which after a few fights, a brawl between party leaders, and bribing of Police Officers was under control and ran by the August Party almost completely. Ivan had a meeting with another colleague of his, and after which, he had to deliver a speech to the entire party, or at least the majority of it. Ivan picked up a newspaper titled - “Mygrosk Pravda”. Which was a August Party ran newspaper, which while it was biased, and had a few stories that were completely twisted into propaganda to smear the Republic’s (or enemy political parties) look, or make the August Party look more better than how they actually looked - Ivan had no care. All he needed was the news, bias or not.
He looked at the center part of the newspaper, “Apparently, Volkov has done his first move. He’s starting to make the police less.. Corrupt?” Ivan said to his friend Zubov. “I think we should attempt to do something about it…” Ivan laughed. “Nyet moy drug.(No my friend) The police around here in Kolozhsk are completely corrupt. It’d probably take more than just a law to make the police do their job and not grab more money then their current wage.” Zubov nodded for a moment then proceeded to take a wine bottle that was on the table, and began drinking it. Ivan then dropped the newspaper onto the middle of the table, and began tapping. After a few hours, he heard a bell ring around the entrance of the bar. Ivan looked up from his seat for a moment. “Ah. Zolotov! Your here.”
A large lotion bottle, wearing a tough looking khaki uniform emerged from the entrance of the bar. Upon noticing Ivan, he came towards Ivan. “I have the plans, and I think we can do this.. Tomorrow.” Zolotov whispered to Ivan. Zolotov proceeded to toss an heavy folder towards Ivan, almost spilling his drink. Ivan looked intrigued for a moment. He slowly picked up the heavy folder, and flipped through the papers quickly. He grinned. “Finally. After years of bribing the police man, risking our lives to gain money, and living on the street… Tomorrow will be the day.. The Republic will fall, and the workers will be saved from their oppressor.” Ivan dropped the folder onto the table hurryingly, and he grabbed his tankard which was full of Vodka. He said loudly, “Attention comrades. I have an announcement to make.” The people and Lotionese around Ivan stopped speaking for a moment.
“Today, I have recieved news. News to ensure to show that Yakuvony will be heading to greatness - News to ensure that the workers will be liberated from their oppressors - News to show that the republic system has utterly failed, and the dawn of Chernovism has come to Yakuvony. Today, a few of our men has managed to break into a Republic armory, and stolen a large stack of weaponry! We are now ready to start the Revolution tomorrow, and overthrow the bourgeois that oppress the workers! Tomorrow comrades.. We will destroy the republic that tarnishes Yakuvony, and her glory! Ura!”
Ivan exclaimed to the bar. The majority of people proceeded to stand up and yell “URA” whilst waving their right hand in the shape of a fist high in the air, or clapped. Ivan put his tankard up in the air “A toast. To our future socialist republic! To our Workers Paradise!” The rest of the crowd moved their tankard up to the air, and a few said, “Glory!”
Almost immediately, a few men carrying a few bags entered the bar. One of them, a small but fit man, said, “We have the weapons. It's time to begin.” The men dropped the bags onto the floor, revealing that inside the bags were a few AK’s, a few Tokarev pistols, a few SVT-40s, a few SKS’s, or a few Mosin’s (note, IC-ly, their actually named differently, but just to save the time of not constantly saying what the gun actually is.. Yeah). Some people rushed towards the bag, grabbing just one weapon they could get. Ivan grabbed a Tokarev pistol. One of the members, a Lotionese, grabbed a red flag that was lying onto the countertop of an area of the bar. Ivan looked at the people around him, and simply said, “Do not fail me. If we fail today, we fail the revolution. Yes, we did move the revolution back by one day, but we are ready now more than ever. Now.. Go my men, and fight to capture the city. Make the military barracks surrender, and capture the city.”
As the men and Lotionese rushed out of the bar, Ivan had told his colleague, and his friend to remain, as they needed to plan out the rest of the revolution.
The Revolution to save the workers in Yakuvony.. had begun.
We are aware that not everyone is equally appreciative of image-based NS newspapers. As such, we've included the standard format mostly plain-text version of the newspaper in the spoiler below. We hope you enjoy reading this month's issue! If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions, feel free to telegram the current TNP Minister of Culture @Prydania or current TNP Minister of Communications @Pallaith
Editor's Note
This is the second Issue of the Roleplay Reel (RPR), a joint publication by The North Pacific's Ministries of Communications and Culture. While the first Issue initially attracted some controversy, we worked closely with the RP Community of TNP to resolve concerns, take suggestions, and ultimately produce a better magazine that is more representative of the community as a whole. This second Issue is a result of those efforts, and illustrates our continued commitment to showcasing the creative prowess and storytelling skill of our local RP authors. Enjoy!
The Editors of the Roleplay Reel
El Fiji Grande, Syrixia, Pallaith (Ghost), and Prydania
The Kingdom of Prydania's Two Capitals
[align=right]by Prydania, Minister of Culture and RP Moderator[/align]
The City of Beaconsviði
The City of Beaconsviði is the capital of the Kingdom of Prydania. Its status as the capital dates back to Vortgyn Loðbrók's conquest of the Bayardi lands in 1029. The newly crowned King Vortgyn I chose the city as his capital to better administer the Bayrdi lands, leaving the castle of Stormurholmr to his son Tobias to rule as Grand Thane.
Archaeology in Beaconsviði reveals human habitation dating to the Stone Age. The city of Bakenveld grew up as a Bayardi settlement, described in Bayardi sources as a "beacon" on the "field by the sea."
The city's port and proximity to the Ryon River made Bakenveld a wealthy trading centre, allowing it to assert its independence from the control of the coalescing Bayardi Kingdom.
The city was governed by a council of wealthy tradesmen and nobles who appointed a Marshal to oversee the city's safety and military defences. The tenure of a Marshal was inconsistent. Some Marshals served for life, others served for a decade, some more, some less. It appears as if the Marshal's ability to hold their post depended on their ability to maintain the favour of the Council who appointed them.
Absalon Rosk was the Marshal of Bakenveld during the arrival of Goyanean and Ceretian Monks to northern Craviter in the mid 900s. Absalon's conversion to Messianism roughly corresponds to the date that Kaldor Loðbrók of Stormurholmr converted.
Absalon's conversion was in line with a broader conversion of the Bakenveld populace. He began a building project to construct a castle in the heart of the city along the Ryon River. Absalonkastali- Absalon's Castle- was mostly completed by the early 1000s. Soon thereafter the Courantist Church canonized Absalon.
In 1014 Vortgyn Loðbrók of Stormurholmr raised a host and landed in Austurland, the eastern part of the land the Bayadri called Prydein. The Nordic name revealed its nature. The Austurland had been settled by viking clans loyal to the Loðbróks, who held sway from the island of Stormurholmr. All of whom had come in the mid-late 800s as they fled from Oswald the Conqueror in their home of Andrenne.
Vortgyn Loðbrók, at the age of 16, looked to re-assert Loðbrók control of the viking lands. Some clans, such as the Eiderwigs, came loyally when Vortgyn called. Others resisted. Vortgyn was not afraid to wage war and he eventually bent the resistant viking clans to his will, earning him the title Lord Protector of Austurland.
Vortgyn's ambition, however, wasn't merely to reassert Loðbrók control over the viking clans of Heorot. He wanted to conquer all of Prydein, or Prydansk as his people called it in their tongue. Vortgyn led a unified army of the viking clans against the Bayardi Kingdom. The war this started lasted until 1029, when the Bayardi King Bram's host was defeated by Vortgyn's host at the Loðbrók outpost of Stormurhöfn.
Vortgyn marched on Bakenveld and issued his demands. Bakenveld would retain its independent character in his new Kingdom if they accepted him as King. The city Council agreed, granting Vortgyn and his heirs the office of Marshal in perpetuity. Vortgyn decided to make the city his capital as it provided an ideal position to administer the newly won Bayardi lands. He was crowned King of Prydania by the Bishop of Sarum on Christmas Day 1029 in Bakenveld. In time Bakenveld became Beaconsviði as the Nordic Makari language supplanted the Bayardi language. Vortgyn took up residence in Absalonkastali, which grew to become Absalonhöll (Absalon's Palace) as it was built up over the following centuries.
To this day the Court of the Prydanian Crown is referred to as the Court of St. Absalon despite the Bayardi nature of the namesake.
Beaconsviði did retain its own distinct autonomy within the unified Kingdom of Prydania. Prydanian Kings continued to hold the title Marshal of Beaconsviði and the city Council continued to administer the city independent of the rest of the Kingdom. The city even maintains a special member of Parliament that is allowed to opt it out of select types of legislation.
The city has remained the capital through the many changes to Prydania's political situation as well. It remained the nominal capital of both Prydanian subdivisions during the UKAG era where Prydanian Kings reigned locally under the UKAG Grand Emperor and High King. And it remained the capital during the Syndicalist Republic era.
The capture of Beaconsviði marked the end of the Prydanian Civil War in the summer of 2017. The city was badly damaged as a result of the battle, though it was built up relatively quickly thanks to foreign aid and concentrated construction projects. The city has not yet fully recovered from the war or the battle that ended it, but the more overt damage has been cleaned up, infrastructure is improving, and the city's streets have begun to bustle once more.
The City of Stormurholmr
Stormurholmr, or Tempest Holm in Mercanti, actually refers to two places. The first is the island of Tempest Holm, sitting in the Auburn Channel between Prydania and Dax. The second is the actual city of Tempest Holm, the location of the castle Stormurkastala (Tempest Keep). The island of Tempest Holm contains a few townships, but we will be focusing on the actual city of Stormurholmr and the Stormurkastala building.
Stormurholmr is named as such because Hróarr Loðbrók, exiled lord of the Andrennian petty kingdom of Heorot, is said to have found the island in a storm after fighting his way along the northern coast of what is now Prydania. Hróarr's followers settled in the eastern regions of what is now Prydania, battling the native Aed Kaene for dominance and eventually prevailing. Most viking clans who followed Hróarr settled on the eastern mainland to the west, an area that would become known as Austurland, or on the island to Dax to the west of Stormurholmr. Hróarr, however, oversaw the construction of the castle Stormurkastala on Stormurholmr. The new castle served as the seat of Loðbrók power following the loss of Heorot to Oswald the Conqueror in Andrenne. A town began to grow up around the castle in short order.
Loðbrók lords continued to hold the title King of Heorot in defiance of Oswald, pairing the title with Grand Thane of Stormurholmr. The most notable of these lords before Vortgyn was Kaldor Loðbrók who, in 956, converted to Messianism, culminating the conversion of the vikings in what is now Prydania.
Vortgyn Loðbrók was crowned King of Heorot and Grand Thane of Stormurholmr in 1014, at the age of sixteen. Vortgyn was not content to reign from his family's island outpost, nor was he content with the title of King of a kingdom his family no longer ruled. He landed in the Austurland in 1014, calling the banners of the viking lords that dotted the eastern reaches of the land the native Bayardi called Prieden. A name the vikings turned into "Prydansk."
Some lords came, others defied him. The Loðbróks before Vorgtyn had grown complacent and some viking lords on the mainland scoffed at the idea of answering the call to an unproven sixteen year old boy. Vortgyn, however, was ready to meet them in battle. He gathered his host of those who answered his call and made war on the defiant viking clans and lords, subduing them to the will of Stormurholmr once more. Vortgyn then had himself named Lord Protector of Austurland. By specifying "Austurland" Vortgyn declared that he had designs on the west- ie the rest of Prydansk. The war with the Bayardi Kingdom that followed lasted over a decade. Finally, in 1029, the Bayardi were crushed. Vortgyn had himself crowned King of Prydania and chose to rule from Bakenveld (later to become known as Beaconsviði as the Nordic name took prominence) to better control the Bayardi holdings.
Choosing to rule from Bakenveld rather than Stormurholmr caught many of his closest Thanes off guard. Still, Vortgyn assured them that Austurland would not be neglected. He named his son Tobias Grand Thane of Stormurholmr. This began the tradition of the reigning monarch of Prydania granting the title to their heir, usually a first born son.
Stormurholmr remained a quiet town on a forested island outpost until the formation of UKAG in the 1640s. Erik VI of Prydania recognized that the newly unified Andrennian-Goyanean empire would attempt to subdue all Nordic outposts. Already the Kanadas were beginning to resist. Erik VI, to save his crown, submitted peacefully to UKAG, even surrendering the title King of Heorot. In return he and his heirs would rule Prydania under the Grand Emperor and High King of UKAG.
The arrangement, however, angered the Prydanian settlers on the island east of Stormurholmr, a collection of settlements known as Dax. These settlements declared their independence of the Prydanian and UKAG crowns, forming the Samtök Reykja Fullvalda Dax, or Confederate States of Sovereign Dax. The revolutionaries attempted to add Stormurholmr, however the local insurrection initiated against the Crown was stopped by General Aage Duus, commander of the local Royal Prydanian Army regiment on the island and de facto ruler while Grand Thane Harald (later King Harald III) was still in his childhood.
Stormurholmr was thrown into chaos in 2002. The Syndicalists were weakest in the east of Prydania, and never fully controlled the island of Stormurholmr, though they did secure the city for a period of five years from 2002-2007. One of the FNU's first real victories was to force the Syndicalist government in Stormurholmr to abandon the city and castle, leaving the island in FNU hands for the rest of the Civil War. Some contemplated having the twelve year old Prince Tobias crowned as King at Stormurkastala, though it was decided that any coronation would have to come in the event of Syndicalist defeat.
Stormurholmr remains quiet now that the Civil War is over, the eastern-most Prydanian territory. Its symbolic importance remains, however.
Featured Post: Den Rektsrieks
[align=right]by Syrixia[/align]
Major Parties Agree to Invoke Incipiency Clause; Federalists to Enter Gov't 6 Months Early
June 13, 2019
VIKSTAD - Leaders from three out of the four major parties declared today, in a press conference in Vikstad, that they would be seeking to invoke the infamous and rarely-used Incipiency Clause. The clause, a part of the Constitution only invoked six times throughout modern Vallish history, essentially allows for the transition period between election day in April and the start of the next term to be bypassed.
The catalyst for this dramatic decision, as stated by party bosses Mark Hellstrand, Lotte Jensen, and Mark Solberg, is the burgeoning Goyanes investigation, which the opposition parties have been advocating for since April. Due to legal limitations and the controversial recusal from taking part in any sort of investigation by the Centrist Union, the investigation has been barred from formally starting, and a Special Counsel to head up such an investigation has not been appointed.
While both Jensen and Solberg have been frequently pushing for an investigation, operating under the belief that incriminating evidence will be found and the Federalist campaign exposed, Hellstrand's own approval was a shock. "They'll find nothing." Hellstrand said to the press, as Jensen and Solberg scoffed frustratedly next to him. "I say, let's get this goddamned Milksop sham over with so we can get to work for the Vallish people."
It will likely be a subject of fierce debate regarding who will be picked to serve on the Federal Council and who will be picked to be Special Counsel. While the Federalists have a Vårtinget majority, with 340 seats, that majority is not absolute- a factor the Messianist Democrats and CDP will likely use to fight back against Federalist influence on the process of picking a Federal Council, likely in the hopes that it will not be Federalist-controlled. If this were the case, the Federalists would not be able to appoint a Special Counsel on their own, if at all.
Centrist party boss Norbert Ritter has openly come out against the decision to invoke the Incipiency Clause. In an interview on Jan Arnsen Live!, Ritter stated, "The Incipiency Clause was designed and intended for national emergencies. This is another example of the state of the society we live in today, where partisan politics has infected our bare constitutional processes. This can't be tolerated. It is wrong." It is expected, however, that Centrist rejection will not be enough to stop the clause from being invoked.
While the Centrists hold a majority in the current 2015-2019 Vårtinget, like that of the Federalists, their lead is not absolute- and, in fact, it is much slimmer. The small Federalist delegation first elected in 2015, comprising 29 seats, along with the massive CDP and Messianist Democrat caucuses, each numbering over 200 seats, is highly likely to cruise over a Centrist rejection to pass a bill invoking the Incipiency Clause, providing all or most MVs vote on party line.
A vote is scheduled for tomorrow, and should the bill pass, a new Federal Council is scheduled to be inaugurated by July at the latest, with each party scheduled to present their recommendations and begin talks in Nidaros one week from tomorrow.
The Local Flavor
[align=right]by Loz[/align]
When one considers the culture of the Alnarian Empire they would be forgiven in thinking there is no one national culture, and from a certain point of view they may even be correct. Natives to the vast Empire would likely disagree however, and vehemently. The truth of the nature of “Alnarian Culture” lies somewhere in the middle of these opinions. Prior to the 16th century the land that is now Alnaria was nine separate and squabbling regions, alliances between these petty states would rise and fall, but unity would not be achieved until the 18th century after more than 200 years of near unceasing warfare waged by the north most Kingdom of Nurlinor, and its ruling House Valarun. The issue of culture weighed as heavily on the Valarun conquerors then as it weighs on the Valarun rulers now. As they marched south they were cognizant of the mistakes of past attempts of unification and the folly of forced cultural assimilation. The Valarun Kings knew ultimately it was not the great folk of land that would be their greatest obstacle to rule. Winning the small folk of opposing Kingdoms would become the true war. This was achieved by making as little of an impact as was possible. The Valarun made adept use of cooperative local officials to implement passive means of control. Rather than create new, unfamiliar systems of taxation and conscription, Valarun officials would simply adapt existing, and familiar systems into the Imperial supply chain. While this plan would fail at points throughout the growing Empire, the rate of success was enough to both implace new rule, and retain old culture. As such it is correct to think there are many cultures within the Empire.
The culture of the North is the culture of Nurlinor of old. Proud and bright, home to colorful jungle flora and fauna, the spirit of which architects and artists have tried to capture for millennia. The cultural North comprises the whole of the Nurlinor, and the northern districts of the Kingdom of Darnur, and the Province of Haradalis. The cultural capital of the North is also the Capital City of the Empire; Armenalis. The golden city has been the seat of Valarun power for over 2000 years since the family began as a squabbling tribe. Given the tropical climate, adventures attitude, and friendly people, the north of Alnaria is a popular tourist destination both for citizens and visitors of the Empire.
The central lowlands that make up the heart of Alnaria present a more quiet experience than the fast paced North. The Provinces of Gondarien and Arlanath were frequent battlegrounds before and during the early days of the Empire. Valarun hosts laid waste to dozens of petty kings and minor nobles during the Great March of Conquest, dotting the land with the husks of once proud fortresses. The lowlands and prairies would once again see violence during the failed Syrixian Invasion, ending with the death of the Syrixian Emperor during the siege of Ardurelos. These centuries of warfare have made the people of the middle Empire somber and weary, but when moved to action they can be your greatest friend, or worst enemy. The one exception to this is the provincial capital of Ardurelos. Ardurelos is both the Empire’s largest city, and largest port. The cultures of 100 civilizations can be seen painted on these city streets. Skandan, Syixian, Esplandian, Midrenean, it can all be found in the sprawling metropolis. Ardurelos also served as the Imperial Capital in the later days of the Great March, making the province of even further value to the historically minded traveler.
The Empire’s Southern Highlands are both geograpically, and ethnically separate from the northern provinces. Above the Mountains of Heaven the population is majority Alnarian, while below the mountains the population is majority Sinnitic. Historically this has led to conflict both physical and cultural. However in the modern day the southern provinces are fully integrated into the Imperial Political System, and are active contributors to the systems success. The south is particularly fascinating in terms of population density. The majority of the population of the regions live in large cities, while the outlying countryside could be mistaken for another place in time. The dichotomy of these megacities and rural villages is reflected in the residents themselves. Many work themselves to the bone during major business cycles and then take several months work holidays to re-center themselves in the country. As with the heartland, the extreme south of the Empire along the border of the Zhen Empire bears the scars of the Syrixian Invasion. The Imperial Commision on the Administration of Battlefields operates a particularly vivid, and educational tour of the Battle of Ionior that is a perennial attraction tourists from both Alnaria, and those from the Syrixian Commonwealth.
The Regions of Alnaria present distinct, and sometimes seemingly irreconcilable cultural differences. However it is through the combining and accepting of these cultures that the Empire has held together. Through each region can be found echoes of the others, through each region can one find people from the others. This cultural melting pot follows in the highest traditions of the first Valarun Kings who understood such a thing would take time. Five Hundred years later their vision has been realized to perhaps its fullest extent under the Banner of the Empire of Alnaria, and under the wise guidance of House Valarun.
On RMB Alliances
[align=right]by Salgado[/align]
As it is in real life and in Eras, when there are people, they group together. When they do, they start talking to one another, then start sharing ideas. They form a network, and eventually, a community. When a community is formed, alliances are created. What is an alliance though? Why do we call such an entity an alliance when it comes to talking about the various groups of nation-players in the RMB?
Simply, it is done, not as a matter of principle, but as a matter of careful observation. As time goes on, so does the roster of players within the roleplaying community of the North Pacific’s RMB. It is to be said, then, that within this roster are a handful of players who, despite doubts and outcries from within the region and without, expressed character, administrative strength, and humanity.
I have taken the task of interviewing these people of interest because I was interested in sharing their stories. And in introducing the alliances to those who come to the region like newborns, so that those who take their place or come under their leadership will learn from them, when the time comes, they will be able to emulate their successes or create their own contributions.
Though they are ordinary people in the real world, perhaps it can be said that when they come online, they become larger than life to those who truly look up to them.
In the RMB, there are but a handful of alliances. Though some are new, almost all these alliances are major ones — each with strengths in their own ways. What I did then was to interview players from each of the alliances so long as they were senior officers or leaders of their alliances.
The first person I interviewed was Mr. Mikey, a friend of mine. He was a senior officer of an alliance formerly known as the Elysium Federation — now known as Kai Tangata — and he was the first to respond to this with much enthusiasm.
Then I approached Mr. Chilokver, the head of OSEAN. He is a cordial but firm person who succeeded HKE as Premier.
The next person I spoke to was Mr. Vapia, the leader of Pax Havenica, an alliance that embraces any nation so long as they maintain peace and cooperation within and without. He was the first person to invite me to an alliance when I first joined in The North Pacific, and he is an incredibly conscientious and fun person to be with.
On the other hand, I met with Mr. Pand, a senior officer and co-founder of a new alliance — the CMF — who seemed open to having an interview and showed himself as approachable.
Lastly, I interviewed both Mr. Friently and Mr. Kyoki, both of whom are the founder and the co-founder of the alliance I belong to now — the Warsaw Pact — and both of them showed themselves as friendly, courteous, and steady. Though it is with shame that I could not interview Mr. Syca, a valuable second in command to Mr. Friently, I can say that he is also indispensable to the leadership of the alliance, being peaceful, kind, motherly, and disciplined.
So, first, how do you all feel? How is it like being a part of each of your alliances? Leaders, how does it feel like leading your alliances?
Mikey: Being a member of KT is exhilarating. We work towards being a strong network of friends over simple alliance stuff. We get stuff done, no matter the objective, because we finish what we start. For me, personally, I am overjoyed working along such a unique and diverse group of people; we all have a backstory that adds to our extraordinary mixup. Similarly, I feel open to spill how I'm feeling around other members of KT because they are so kind and open. Overall, I am impressed with the alliance and am astounded as to how astonishingly empathetic my peers are and how vigorously we work to get the job done.
Vapia: It’s pretty easy going. All things considered.
Chilokver: Hm, well, I guess the best way to put it is that it is never boring. It can be daunting at times knowing that a lot of people are depending on you for advice. It’s not good enough to keep an alliance stable as a leader — alliances depend on activity, so unless you’re moving forward, you’re always worried about losing engagement and stagnating. But at the same time, there’s so much pride in seeing your alliance do well, grow and expand. Most of all, I would not be able to do it and feel this way without my officers to help me with running the alliance.
Pand: I feel great and honored to be a part of the CMF both as an officer and co-founder. My fellow officers and members treat me with immense respect, along with full support for most of my suggested projects to further the prestige of the alliance militarily and diplomatically.
Friently: Well, it doesn’t feel all that special given that I try to run it from amongst the people rather than just boss them around from the back. This is in an attempt to create a sense of equality amongst members to make them feel more appreciated and important. I hope that, as I leave this legacy, it would leave behind a strong, unified alliance that will continue to be the one to stand the test of time.
Kyoki: The best word to describe it all is “safe.” I know my alliance would never abandon me, and that its power allows me to be secure. I feel well treated as a member. As an officer, my responsibilities don’t come up all too frequently, since we rarely have situations. I still very much appreciate the position though.
How were each of you welcomed? Otherwise, how are you looking forward towards any change of leadership? And what hopes and expectations do you have for your alliances?
Mikey: I was a member of Hotel Lala which then formed into the Legion of Doom and then finally became Kai Tangata. I have been in the alliance for a while and have earned the position of vice commander and heir to the alliance’s leadership. When I was originally accepted as being granted such an honor, I was met with astounding applause. I have never felt so in touch and included within the RMB community. Likewise, I believe many members feel the same way.
I do wish that the alliance had a larger say in things, but as it stands, we are fairly influential. I do wish we’d have a few more active members, but if it means giving up what we cherish now — it being quality of creativity and cooperation — then I am totally against it.
Vapia: Maintain the status quo, steering away from a world war. And currently, the Head of the Alliance is currently my king, but that will change in the future as the Black Rose Party takes power. As far as ranks are concerned, the alliance seeks to maintain the current order.
Chilokver: Internal improvements, a new factbook, and streamlined leadership structure, as well as some new projects. Our goal is to have 50 members eventually.
Pand: My expectations are for the CMF to become the foremost leader in economics and peace. OOCly, the alliance is more of a brotherhood and much closer than it is IC. ICly, the CMF has begun working on projects to improve commerce between the individual members and nations of Strangereal.
And personally, I value quality over quantity, sure; we could use some more members but this offers opportunities for nations to go rogue and tarnish the image of the CMF. Yes, I wish we could recruit more but I’m sure our model of peace and economic progress doesn’t appeal to newcomers.
Friently: I would like to see the alliance being represented more on the world stage but in a way that does not immediately mean wars or conflicts. We are currently the only alliance that does not recruit new people.
Kyoki: I am pretty content with our current policies.
OOCly, things are going pretty well. I have good relationships with alliance members and feel as though the unreasonable isn’t expected of me. I’m not heavily restricted in RP either, I can still very much do what I want in my case and I know that the alliance leader isn’t going to be overbearing on stuff like internal conflict.
ICly, Kyoki Chodoku has been a member of WP since near its very formation, and has good relations with it. It may not agree with every member and will consider the security of reality paramount even above WP policy, but it very much appreciates its allies, especially those which saved it during the Nightmare War. The Overlady has good personal relationships with a fair few alliance leaders as well.
Any problems so far? Rivalries, internal issues, etc? How are relations really?
Mikey: There are no problems. We’re just that good. We have simply created an effective and efficient faction that doesn’t complain and turn to hostilities as the answer or alternative. Thus, no conflicts or issues pop up, or at least no major inconveniences. Hence, why we enjoy rather neglect of stagnation, instead we’re always active to band together as friends and not as foes. Therefore, no internal fighting is started. However it has indulged in friendly and not so friendly competition to extend its outreach and connectivity. One of our most notable rivalries is shared with the Cold Alliance, but we have established terms of peace after the invasions of Liberstandonien, Marasume, and Kirostan.
But it appears now that our biggest rival is OSEAN. It is not hostile to us but a select group of their members have threatened other nations militarily. It is painfully annoying. On the other hand, we have enjoyed mutual relations with the Warsaw Pact and friendly competition as well as good relations with Pax Havenica. All in all, we aspire to instill positive relations with everyone; however, we will stand our ground and point out flaws in behavior of other nations. It is our duty to be inclusive and our duty to take charge as the most powerful faction that we are.
Vapia: Pax Havenica maintains a positive leaning relationship through the guarantees treaty. However, I am not sure how necessary it is due to BWP falling. The Federation and PH are sort of on bad stances in character due to the Vapian Kingdom and Sawtooth being at war. OOCly, though, we try not to get in each other’s way too much.
Internally, not particularly.
Chilokver: Recently, the OES alliance merged with OSEAN. However, the KT has separated from us, seeing that the BWP fell apart after the KT dissolved it. OSEAN also had to defend Korolk, one of our members, against Volkstokn’s intentions to violate their sovereignty.
Pand: We have signed a military pact with both PH and KT called the Osean Peace Accord to guarantee peace between the three of us. Following that is a broader trade network that includes the previously stated alliances. The Warsaw Pact has stayed neutral and distant while the preexisting Osean tariffs prevent us from signing them on to the Trade network.
Internally, the CMF has been unified; the only time we’ve seen strife was when a former member became an international nuisance and needed to be dealt with to avoid crisis. Externally, the alliance is fighting to prevent foreign spheres of influence from reigning over our independent members and to cement our title of having the largest trade and economic network in SR.
Friently: Well, we have had issues with members acting in either degenerate, imperialist, or both manners in the past and that is something we’re continuously trying to dam in. There haven’t been any rivalries because we do not really care about playing, “My gun is bigger than yours.” We don’t have the urge to engage in petty competition over minor things.
There have, of course, been high tensions between alliances but nothing that you could really specify as a rivalry.
Kyoki: WP is generally considered passive but dangerous — we don’t interfere much and we don’t get interfered with much. There are some alliances we tend to have overall poor relations with, but I think most outright rivalries ended some time ago. Some consider our passiveness an issue, but that’s a subjective thing and I disagree generally with that. Of course, WP nations tend to get on poorly with democracies due to necessary ideologies and such.
What is the history of your alliance?
Mikey: Well, the alliance (Elysium Federation) was derived on the famous, or infamous, Hotel Lala. From its ashes, the Legion of Doom was founded; and following that, came the amazing Elysium Federation. The federation was formed on brother and sisterhood. I believe we are family, in more ways than one. We function as friends and not only as associates. This group has seen some deafening days, the Elysium Federation has embarked on numerous ventures. Most notably, we have fought to maintain orderly autocracy among normal standards. Likewise, we aren’t afraid to get our hands dirty, in the sense we have proven vigorous in our work. For example, Sarkis, an ambitious imperialistic member, has sent tidal waves through East Osea. Similarly, Em has fended off Western Vapia, arguably one of the strongest players on the map. Likewise, I have defeated Queen Yuno, the nation state with the highest defense stat in the Region. This goes without mentioning, the Angle of Charity’s awesome roleplay of building an on and underwater metropolis. These past and recent accounts of EF shine through as moments of galactic feats. Our past, as a whole, may not go far back, but it surely sets the distance.
Vapia: Pax Havenica is very dormant at the moment. We haven’t had a mass deployment since the Osean Punative War. However the last successful deployment of a Pax Havenica members forces was during the Drusselstien-USSR War
Chilokver: We had elections, in which I replaced HKE as premier.
Pand: The CMF was founder by Triekru, Lungha and Pandoska to ensure neutrality in a time of tension between alliances over time the OMF recruited the German Holy Roman Empire and switch militaristic defense for economic success. The next recruit was the Great Dragonspyre in search for a neutral Haven but began to convertly instigate and spread a health risk to avoid all out foriegn intervention from other alliances the CMF took responsibility and set the record straight. Now we have grown greater friendships with our surrounding neighbors no matter of their affiliation to other alliances. As of late we have created the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Nations opening up pipelines across the continent of south osea and bringing petrol nation's together.
Friently and Kyoki: The alliance has a very long history. Originally, it was formed by the Sanada Clan and it opposed the democratic alliance called N8TO, which eventually fell to the WP during the first global conflict that was actually portrayed. It ended in chaos, though, a theme for such things. It was a fairly interventionist power at first, but gradually became more and more isolationist. Eventually Sanada moved on and Friently was placed in command, and WP became a more isolated but powerful alliance, not seeking to get so embroiled in the conflicts of the world. Still, the alliance and members of it have been in numerous wars and taken part in some cooperative events.
The Yakuvonian Revolution Begins
[align=right]by Lotion Empire[/align]
Editor's Note: I would first like to thank Lotion for enthusiastically submitting the following content to the Roleplay Reel. If the goal of the Roleplay Reel is to promote Roleplay communities in TNP then some excerpts from certain works falls in line with that.
I’ve known Lotion for a while now through Eras. And while the following is a case of his RMB roleplay in Strangereal, I nonetheless have had the privilege of watching his writing skills evolve. It’s the pleasure of all involved in the Roleplay Reel to present his opening post in the Yakuvonian Revolution roleplay as featured content.
-Prydania[/hr]Ivan Vakhrov, the party leader of the August Party sat onto his chair with a sense of relaxation. He was in a bar, which after a few fights, a brawl between party leaders, and bribing of Police Officers was under control and ran by the August Party almost completely. Ivan had a meeting with another colleague of his, and after which, he had to deliver a speech to the entire party, or at least the majority of it. Ivan picked up a newspaper titled - “Mygrosk Pravda”. Which was a August Party ran newspaper, which while it was biased, and had a few stories that were completely twisted into propaganda to smear the Republic’s (or enemy political parties) look, or make the August Party look more better than how they actually looked - Ivan had no care. All he needed was the news, bias or not.
He looked at the center part of the newspaper, “Apparently, Volkov has done his first move. He’s starting to make the police less.. Corrupt?” Ivan said to his friend Zubov. “I think we should attempt to do something about it…” Ivan laughed. “Nyet moy drug.(No my friend) The police around here in Kolozhsk are completely corrupt. It’d probably take more than just a law to make the police do their job and not grab more money then their current wage.” Zubov nodded for a moment then proceeded to take a wine bottle that was on the table, and began drinking it. Ivan then dropped the newspaper onto the middle of the table, and began tapping. After a few hours, he heard a bell ring around the entrance of the bar. Ivan looked up from his seat for a moment. “Ah. Zolotov! Your here.”
A large lotion bottle, wearing a tough looking khaki uniform emerged from the entrance of the bar. Upon noticing Ivan, he came towards Ivan. “I have the plans, and I think we can do this.. Tomorrow.” Zolotov whispered to Ivan. Zolotov proceeded to toss an heavy folder towards Ivan, almost spilling his drink. Ivan looked intrigued for a moment. He slowly picked up the heavy folder, and flipped through the papers quickly. He grinned. “Finally. After years of bribing the police man, risking our lives to gain money, and living on the street… Tomorrow will be the day.. The Republic will fall, and the workers will be saved from their oppressor.” Ivan dropped the folder onto the table hurryingly, and he grabbed his tankard which was full of Vodka. He said loudly, “Attention comrades. I have an announcement to make.” The people and Lotionese around Ivan stopped speaking for a moment.
“Today, I have recieved news. News to ensure to show that Yakuvony will be heading to greatness - News to ensure that the workers will be liberated from their oppressors - News to show that the republic system has utterly failed, and the dawn of Chernovism has come to Yakuvony. Today, a few of our men has managed to break into a Republic armory, and stolen a large stack of weaponry! We are now ready to start the Revolution tomorrow, and overthrow the bourgeois that oppress the workers! Tomorrow comrades.. We will destroy the republic that tarnishes Yakuvony, and her glory! Ura!”
Ivan exclaimed to the bar. The majority of people proceeded to stand up and yell “URA” whilst waving their right hand in the shape of a fist high in the air, or clapped. Ivan put his tankard up in the air “A toast. To our future socialist republic! To our Workers Paradise!” The rest of the crowd moved their tankard up to the air, and a few said, “Glory!”
Almost immediately, a few men carrying a few bags entered the bar. One of them, a small but fit man, said, “We have the weapons. It's time to begin.” The men dropped the bags onto the floor, revealing that inside the bags were a few AK’s, a few Tokarev pistols, a few SVT-40s, a few SKS’s, or a few Mosin’s (note, IC-ly, their actually named differently, but just to save the time of not constantly saying what the gun actually is.. Yeah). Some people rushed towards the bag, grabbing just one weapon they could get. Ivan grabbed a Tokarev pistol. One of the members, a Lotionese, grabbed a red flag that was lying onto the countertop of an area of the bar. Ivan looked at the people around him, and simply said, “Do not fail me. If we fail today, we fail the revolution. Yes, we did move the revolution back by one day, but we are ready now more than ever. Now.. Go my men, and fight to capture the city. Make the military barracks surrender, and capture the city.”
As the men and Lotionese rushed out of the bar, Ivan had told his colleague, and his friend to remain, as they needed to plan out the rest of the revolution.
The Revolution to save the workers in Yakuvony.. had begun.
The Roleplay Reel: Showing the Beauty of Storytelling
Publisher: El Fiji Grande :: Executive Editors: Prydania, Pallaith (Ghost), and Syrixia
The Roleplay Reel is produced by the Ministries of Communications and Culture on behalf of the RP Community of The North Pacific.
Publisher: El Fiji Grande :: Executive Editors: Prydania, Pallaith (Ghost), and Syrixia
The Roleplay Reel is produced by the Ministries of Communications and Culture on behalf of the RP Community of The North Pacific.
Last edited by a moderator:
