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  2025 Olympics Registration Thread

Posted by: Haesan
05-08-2025, 04:37 AM
Forum: IDU Olympiad
- No Replies

Registrations for the 2025 Summer Olympics in Suyang, Haesan along with the 2026 Winter Olympics cohosted by Lumeire, Auria and Atlantis, Eiria are now open!  With 220 events in total, the two Olympics will feature nearly double the events of the 2023 Hanshui Olympics (113 events), and the Summer Olympics alone will be the largest single Olympics to date by event count with 154 events.  We are excited to be rolling out a completely new computational system for this event to make an Olympics of this scale a reality.

We are pleased to announce the following new categories of events:

Summer Olympics

  • Artistic Swimming
  • Badminton
  • Beach Volleyball
  • Boxing
  • Canoeing
  • Cricket
  • Drywall Ball
  • Football (Soccer)
  • Golf
  • Hockey (Field)
  • Rowing
  • Rugby Sevens
  • Shooting
  • Squash
  • Sport Climbing
  • Taekwondo
  • Volleyball
Winter Olympics
  • Cross-Country Ski
  • Freestyle Ski
  • Snowboarding
 
Additional events have also been added to many returning event categories across the summer and winter games, with the notable return of field events to athletics for the first time since Shuell 2019.

This is a tremendous leap for the games, however, in order to manage the immense computational load this event will require to run successfully, prompt and accurate submission forms are extremely important.  The deadline for submissions will be July 15 but we recommend starting your form as soon as possible, especially if you have puppet nations who you want to submit for.  Submitting a full slate of athletes, as for nations in real life, will be a bit of an ordeal, and we expect that only the most dedicated and well resourced nations will be able to do so.  It is totally ok for nations to only enter in a subset of events and leave the remaining entries blank.  This is somewhat expected and may even be encouraged for RP fidelity, especially with smaller nations.

The roster submission process is as follows:

  1. Copy a version of this Google Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1...sp=sharing
     
  2. Add names of contestants to the "Athlete(s)" column, taking into mind the following rules as you do so:
  • If an event is followed by a number in parentheses (e.g., "(2)") it requires that number of athletes listed to enter in that event.  Athlete names should be separated by commas.
  • If an event is followed by the word "Team" in parentheses, a team name should be provided.
  • If an event is not followed by a parenthetical, the name of a single individual should be provided.
  • Names should be provided in Western style, with surnames last (Hae-rin Lee (correct) v. Lee Hae-rin (incorrect)).
  • If an event has a detail in brackets (e.g., "[Song]"), it is optional flavor that is recommended to be provided alongside your entry.  If you would like to add flavor or detail to these entries (or other entries), please use square brackets to indicate that it is not essential to your entry.
      3. Add ratings for each entry where you are submitting a roster.
  • Overall ratings are shared across the summer and winter games, combined they must sum to zero or less.
  • Each rating must be between -50 and 50.
  • In order to minimize spread-related shenanigans (i.e. putting 50 for half of entries and -50 for the remainder), the standard deviation of your entries must be less than 33.  The standard deviation is conveniently calculated for you in cell B279. 
      4. Review your entry sheet and ensure you have followed the rules and regulations above.

      5. Submit the link to your finished registration sheet in a reply on this forum by the deadline.  Be sure you've turned on sharing via link!
      Please additionally provide the following information in your submit message:
  • Nation 
  • Trigram
  • Puppet Status of Submitting Nation
  • Priority Ranking of Puppet (only needed if submitting with multiple puppets, ties are allowed)

This is definitely a slightly more complicated submission ruleset than in prior iterations, but this is a result of each sheet needing to be formulaically scraped by code.  Standardizing the forms in this way makes the import process significantly easier, as each specific quirk of each nation's names would otherwise need to be manually coded in.  As such, we ask for your compliance if your submission may require slight alterations.  Of course, failure to comply with clerical requests by the governing Olympic committee may result in sanctions against violating parties.

We look forward to seeing your submissions and to a fun and historic Fourth IDU Olympic Games!

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  Rise of the Diawara

Posted by: Slokais
03-27-2025, 08:00 PM
Forum: International Affairs
- No Replies

The land of Kolda had existed for tens of thousands of years, from when the first humans walked the Koldan plain in search of water to the great cities of the Golden Age. The land watched. The land watched as ships as tall as mountains landed on the coast, first building a port, then enslaving the people of the interior. The land watched as Kolda was named Brissiac and changed hands to a small minority from foreign lands. As the county united under a banner of green and red, around a man named Gano, the land watched. No matter the time, the people, or the era, the land of Kolda would always be the same until now.

Hours before, she had been in school, living an existence filled with formals, grades, and tennis matches. Yet by the point of a gun, Claire DeCote, along with several other students of the Lennesway Day School, had been taken by these armed men. The popular assumption propagated among both fellow students and the official investigation conducted in 2010 by Senghor’s administration is that Claire and the others had been killed by an Islamist contingent group within the military. This assumption filled the Islamophobic narrative that propagated the post-coup Kolda. Yet in reality, these men were of a different faith, the Diawara.

Both a religious group and the name of the central figure, Diawara, combined Christian values with a belief in reincarnation and that the Koldan people would be restored by a divine figure, a brother of Jesus sent down by God to his chosen people. And that night in 2009 was the first step in the vision of Jemus Jammeh, a religious political leader and 2024 Presidential Candidate. Considering these fact’s one would assume that the KLF-U and Etiene Senghor, the paramount political forces of Kolda, would denounce the Diawara. In reality, the Diawara had already become so entrenched, Senghor, who had formed a careful, secret alliance, would soon himself be surprised.

“Where are you taking us?” Claire asked in Koldan Creole, not her native tongue but a learned one.
“To see the truth of creation,” one of the soldiers said.
Claire had been mentally prepared this was how her young life would end.
“How will we see…?” she asked
“You will see Diawara”
“Who’s Diawara?”

Ettienne Senghor walked into his office on the first day of his 4th term with a smile on his face. He had just been sworn in at a public ceremony, more of a formality at this point; however, it was an opportunity for patriotism. The public had seen columns of troops armed with the newest weapons, tanks operated by the newest pilots. In his re-inauguration, Senghor had promised the nation was awakening from a “Koldan Dream”, the theme of his last term to this term’s theme, a “Koldan Reality”. 

Now, at his desk where members of his cabinet had gathered, he was presented with a series of executive orders, each one stacked up together. Although the Parliament was now much closer as the KLF-U had to now work with both the closely aligned old-style socialist Republican Rally and their new tactics allies, the Darwla Party. Jemus Jammeh had quickly made the President aware, it was the support of his followers that gave him the narrow victory in last year’s election. Senghor shared values in terms of history and in political nationalism, yet he disagreed with them for their steep theological deviations from mainstream Christianity.

His Vice-President, Joseph Thiangou, was a member of the Darwla area and had attempted to convert him on several occasions. Less than a year after selecting him as his new Vice-President, President Senghor was already regretting the arrangement to select the Diawara faithful KLF-U member. Although publicly very few within the party proclaimed such beliefs, part of Senghor was afraid of how many truly believed. At some point, this Diawara situation would pass, and Senghor would purge them. But for now, he saw them as allies.

“This proclamation directs a new military operation in Kendough-Sabourrise to investigate the recent attacks on civilian infrastructure”. The President said to the cameras that had gathered around his desk.
“What is the reason, Comrade President?” a reporter with Liberation TV asked, a staunchly pro-KLF network
“The election day attacks were extremely concerning. This will be addressed by an upcoming piece of legislation,” the President said.
In the stack were several other less important proclamations, just scraps to feed the patriotic birds which had once again come to roost at the Presidential Palace.

Claire was not killed that night as she and everyone else expected. She was brought to a country estate which equaled the most expensive homes of her classmates at Lennesway Day. On the first day of her captivity, it was explained they had been saved by the graciousness of their savior. She wasn’t the only one captured; dozens of children of the city’s best schools had been brought here. They had been separated by gender, with the boys wearing white robes while the girls wore red ones. Over that fateful breakfast, Claire began her transformation to one of the Diawara's most faithful.
“Who is our saviour, Jesus?” another girl asked.
“No,” a man said.
He was dressed in the cleanest white robes with gold lining a smile which could rival the sun in the sky. The one and only Jemus Jammeh. Claire soon became enamored with the leader of the Diawara Faith. When the other girls doubted his holiness and his greatness in private, Claire would confess her affection and belief in the Great Savior.

As the months went by, as she became educated and her connection grew both with God and the spirit Diawara. Her people, the Brissicans, had taken Kolda from Diawara, the Mother of the Koldan People. She prayed for the eventual return of Kolda to its original owners and the restoration of the Koldan Empire of old. She also prayed, Jemus would bring into the “Great Plan” he spoke of at weekly services. Finally, just after the start of the new year of 2010, she was given an opportunity.
Jemus approached her personally after dinner.
“Claire,” he said, standing behind her chair.
“Yes, Great Savior,” she said, eagerly waiting for his response
“Come with me,” he said, his gold staff by his side.
The two exited the girls’ dining hall and into the main courtyard. the two walked together, their sandals clicking in motion. Together. In her mind, Claire pondered what would come next. Over the past few months, several girls had gone with Jemus at night and not returned. Midway across the courtyard, Jemus asked.
“Happy Birthday,” he said
“What?” Claire asked, she hadn’t been keeping a close track of time. Her days had been full of light work around the compound and classes on religion. In her past life, life had been so artificial, so pointless. Yet here, she had found a connection both to God and to the beautiful land of Kolda.
“We have been keeping track, you are now a woman,” Jemus said
“Oh,” Claire said.
“In the traditional way of Diawara, boys become men at 15 and girls become women at 16. You know this, Claire” he said.
“Indeed, I have been so focused on my tasks, I have forgotten the days and weeks,” Claire said, embarrassed.
“That is admirable. tonight your work will be rewarded,” he said, opening the door of the main building of the compound.

In the aftermath of her escape, Mbaye walked the bushlands, sticking by the river. Eating berries and catching small mice for her meals. The water, although muddy, had become her lifeblood, the shade of trees becoming a brief respite from the harsh sun. After several nights of travel, she reached a town, Mbaye expected she would receive looks for her obviously dirty and broken appearance. Yet as she approached the town, tents and temporary settlements spread out, using small rocks and trees as cover from the sun. They were Moujerrian refugees from the east of the province who had been pushed out by both violence and physical removal by the Koldan government. And now Mbaye was just another person on the road. Mbaye began to ask around, eventually she had been taken in by a family of 5, they gave her a small portion of rice and an even smaller piece of chicken patty called “echota”, thickened by vegetable matter to give it density.

Mbaye didn’t know what was next; her true family had destroyed her homeland, and she had suffered at their hands. Yet she didn’t want to give up either on Kolda, there was a rebellious spirit out there. She heard of the election results a week after her arrival in the village while collecting water from a nearby well. Although she didn’t speak Moujerrian Arabic, her Kango, which a few months ago had been fairly weak, was her only method of communication. Knowing the opposition party had at least challenged the KLF-U, preventing a direct majority was a spark. However, that choice of her involvement would end up not being made by her.

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  2024 IDU Film Festival

Posted by: Laeral
02-21-2025, 10:30 PM
Forum: Film Festivals
- Replies (8)

A hearty thank you and congratulations to all entrants! With more films submitted to the festival than any previous iteration in IDU history, as well as the most-ever foreign films submitted, your efforts have made the Eighth Annual IDU Film Festival the vibrant regional event it is. Despite the record-breaking number of entries in many categories, however, only one winner in each category can emerge victorious. Each player is asked to submit one ballot; voting is mandatory.* You may not vote for films which you submitted. Please read each entry carefully before making your selections. As in previous years, ranked-choice balloting will be used, with voters ranking their top five picks in each category. 

This year, for the first time, players from outside the IDU who submitted Foreign Film entries are permitted to vote in the Best Foreign Film category only. Players from outside the IDU are welcome to fill out a ballot for the other categories as well, but these votes will not be processed. 

List of Entries:

Best Film:

  • DrabeMās 
  • Hélène 
  • Küp 
  • Mo Chubhrachain 
  • Opthelia
  • Remembrance
  • The First Lehvantian on the Moon 
  • The House Upon the Hill 
  • The Infallible Maxims of William Wintour 
  • The Pursuit of Illusive Desires 
  • The Storms
  • Tlauilantli 
  • Watch This Film Thrice

Best Lead Actor:
  • Alis Kravale in DrabeMās 
  • Cem Eltayeb in Küp 
  • Ed Turner in The Infallible Maxims of William Wintour 
  • Gareth Waterson in A Just Cause 
  • Haneef Tawfeek in The Storms 
  • Michèle Fayolle in Remembrance 
  • Omid Vidal in The First Lehvantian on the Moon 
  • Renee Dalton in You Are My Sunshine 
  • Ricardo Mendez in The Pursuit of Illusive Desires 
  • Sandra Kario in The House Upon the Hill
  • Seo Chae-won in Hélène
  • Telpoch in Tlauilantli

Best Supporting Actor:
  • Anthony Sawyer in Watch This Film Thrice 
  • Aylin Gürer in Küp 
  • Charles Avrard in Hélène 
  • Elias Bardem in The Pursuit of Illusive Desires 
  • Elliot Holden in A Just Cause 
  • Gean Anderson in DrabeMās 
  • Hugh Hunt in The Infallible Maxims of William Wintour 
  • Sokhna Bousso in The Universe Beyond 
  • Tlacoehua in Tlauilantli

Best Musical Score:
  • A Bowl Full of Pride
  • Beyond the Orange Sunrise
  • Hélène 
  • Mo Chubhrachain 
  • Opthelia 
  • Remembrance 
  • The House Upon the Hill 
  • The Infallible Maxims of William Wintour 
  • The Pursuit of Illusive Desires 
  • You Are My Sunshine

Best Costume Design:
  • DrabeMās 
  • Echoes of Cannonfire 
  • Opthelia 
  • The Universe Beyond 
  • Watch This Film Thrice 

Best Documentary Film:
  • A Bowl Full of Pride 
  • Beyond the Orange Sunrise 
  • Echoes of Cannonfire 
  • In the Line of Fire 
  • The Proud Lions
  • To the Moon

Best Foreign Film:
  • A Different Perspective 
  • Alliass
  • Boat of Mieren 
  • The Great Restoration

The list of nominees can also be viewed at a glance on IDUwiki. 
Official Ballot:
Nation Name: (include all of your nations which submitted entries to the Festival)
Best Film:
1. 
2.
3.
4.
5.

Best Lead Actor:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Best Supporting Actor:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Best Musical Score:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Best Costume Design:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Best Documentary Film:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Best Foreign Film:
1.
2.
3.
4.

End of Official Ballot
*Voting is mandatory because, as players cannot vote for their own films, strategically not submitting a ballot to avoid providing your vote to a competitor could give you an unfair advantage in a close race.

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  2025 LIDUN President Nominations and Voting

Posted by: Lauchenoiria
01-28-2025, 11:26 PM
Forum: Voting Floor
- Replies (3)

I humbly apologise for the lateness of these nominations; I swear I was just really sick and not plotting a coup.

Anyway as my term in office should have ended a month ago, I am now opening nominations for the position of LIDUN President for 2025. Candidates may nominate themselves or be nominated by other members. Nominees must be current members of LIDUN. Voting will be open to all citizens with at least one nation in LIDUN.

Nominations will initially be open until 1st February 23:59 UTC, but may be extended if less than two nominations are received by that time.

The duties of the President can be found here: https://idugov.com/forum/showthread.php?...6#pid22346

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  2024 IDU Film Festival - Entries

Posted by: Laeral
01-25-2025, 03:36 AM
Forum: Film Festivals
- Replies (23)

Welcome, directors, actors, film crew, and cinemagoers from across the IDU to the Eighth IDU Film Festival. This latest iteration of the venerable IDU event promises competition and cultural exchange as established cinematic powerhouses rub shoulders with film-world upstarts to determine the films most worthy of the coveted awards. 

The Location: Althea, in eastern Laeral. A city steeped in history and grandeur, Althea was the center of Laeral under colonial rule, the site of the Laeralian dukes' grand palace, for decades after independence the Laeralian capital, and today, Laeral's second-largest city. The official venue of the Festival will be the Palais Lantriac Hotel—while not an actual palace, the building commands magnificent views of the Albarine Sea as well as Althea's actual palace, the Summer Court, on a terrace adjacent to the hotel. Dignitaries and guests are invited to explore the city's other attractions as well, from the magnificent Cyr Bridge and Meclond Cistern to the waterfront gambling houses on Casino Row and the nightlife and entertainment in the Écurie district. 

The Balloting: Consistent with the Seventh Film Festival in 2023, the 2024 Film Festival will include six categories for IDU entrants (Best Film, Best Lead Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Musical Score, Best Costume Design, and Best Documentary Film) and one international category (Best Foreign Film), which is open to nations from outside the IDU. Films from the IDU may be entered in multiple categories as long as all required information is included in the official submission. Each nation may only submit one entry for each category. The deadline for entry is set at Monday, February 17th at 11:59 PM EST; should an extension be required, please reach out directly over Discord (@laeral).

Nations entering the Film Festival in the Best Foreign Film category who don't already have an account on the IDU forums are encouraged to submit their entries via a Discord direct message to @laeral.

Nomination Form:
Film Title (English and/or Native):
Nominating Nation (If not from the IDU, please also list region):
Nomination Category/Categories: 
Language: 
Run Time:
Director:
Film Rating:
Producing Studio/Company:
Primary Cast:
Brief Summary (No more than 2-3 medium paragraphs please):
What makes this film special? Why was it nominated for this/these category/categories? (No more than 1-2 sentences per category nominated):
Any additional info (optional, short paragraph maximum):

With regards to the Film Rating, entrants are invited to enter either the film's content rating in the country of production or its content rating under the Laeralian film content classification system, which is as follows: 
E: Enfants (children's material)
G: Visa Général (general audiences)
13: Recommended for 13+ for violence, dramatic situations, moderate sensuality, profanity, or alcohol, drug, or tobacco consumption
18: 18+ only, for extreme violence, sexuality, or adult themes

List of Categories:

IDU Entrants:

  • Best Film
  • Best Lead Actor
  • Best Supporting Actor
  • Best Musical Score
  • Best Costume Design
  • Best Documentary Film

Non-IDU Entrants:
  • Best Foreign Film

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  Hi

Posted by: Shemeshia
01-05-2025, 06:37 AM
Forum: Immigration Bureau
- Replies (1)

Chairman [REDACTED due to personal preference, not governmental censorship] of the Commonwealth of Shemeshia greets y'all. Decided to join after a promotional comment in my reddit post asking for rp regions.
The Commonwealth is a nation built on the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity. "Shemesh" is Hebrew for "sun", so "Shemeshia" should mean something similar to "land of the sun", somewhat like Japan. (Also I'm Vietnamese btw, not Jewish) I originally thought on using "Solland", but it seemed like the name was taken before.
Also I am an aspiring fantasy writer and illustrator. My skills are very lacking but I'm confident in their steady improvement.

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  Mate in Three (semi-open)

Posted by: Haesan
12-14-2024, 06:28 PM
Forum: International Affairs
- No Replies

This RP follows the events of the 2024 Milintican General Election.  The relevant posts can be found here.  If you would like to participate in this RP, DM Haesan.  More likely than not, if you think this applies to you, Haesan will DM you to participate in this RP regardless.
______________________________________________________________________________________


Let's play a little game of chess, shall we?


12/3/2024, 8:00 a.m. CHT; Huānoch, Milintica

The phone rang out through the nearly vacant Haesanite embassy.  Half-awake, the residence's sole occupant cautiously picked up the phone.

"Yeoboseyo?  Who is this?" remarked the always diligent Kim Hae-rin, even though it was only six in the morning and every cell in her body urged her back to sleep.  However, in her profession, the trade of diplomatic manipulation, there was little time to rest.

On the other end was her boss, Lee Ye-eun, Deputy Foreign Minister for Caxcanan Affairs, who was incredibly proud of Haerin, for she had accomplished what she set out to do: encourage Milintica to leave the Union of Caxcanan States.

"Haerin-ssi, I'm glad you are the same as always.  We at the Foreign Ministry just want to say thank you for your hard work in ensuring the wonderful result that was announced yesterday at the Red Wave Conference.  Your work, especially with giving that Aurian a little push, was well observed and duly noted.  You have truly helped get the ball rolling for our large, international efforts."

"Thank you, but why do I have the feeling that there's something more that you wanted to ask of me," responded the ever-tired and slightly exasperated Haerin.

"How perceptive of you!  While this task was complete, the playing field is still littered with challenges to what we hope to accomplish.  As such, while your efforts will no longer be needed in Milintica.  However, given your already established connections, we are reassigning you to Auria.  Don't worry, your family will be meeting you there, and you will receive a substantive bonus for your troubles."

Haerin rubbed her eyes, knowing the road ahead of her would be a long and treacherous one indeed.  "When do I leave?"

"A helicopter will leave from the embassy roof at noon today.  It's best not to wait too long, our sources have indicated that there are major shocks about to come in Milintica, and we'll want you out."

"Understood, I'll get packing, then."

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12/3/2024, 1:00 p.m. CHT; Hwagang, HCR, Haesan

"...and once again, we are proud to announce Suyang's bid for the 2025 IDU Summer Olympic Games!  We encourage you all to embrace the 'Spirit of Summer' with us, and make this competition the greatest Olympiad in history!"

Foreign Minister Cho snapped off the TV.  "Well, this definitely complicates matters.  We're going to be on eggshells with how we go about this now.  We don't want to make enemies out of this, if anyone doesn't show up at the so called 'most accessible' games, it'll be a horrific look."

Director of Secret Intelligence Noelle Avery responded calmly, "Stop being so dramatic Jihwan.  We haven't even won the bid yet.  And even if we do, the reverse pressure is also true, others won't want to alienate us, since they'll want to compete."

"We're going ahead, right?  We have to go ahead at this point, we've spent so much political capital building the infrastructure up to do this push," exclaimed Caxcanan Minister Jin Seung-jun.

"Of course, commencing the roll-out of the Promethean Sea Council development plan is indeed the purpose of this meeting.  Everyone here has the capabilities which will make this historic, mission-critical organization a possibility," Cho replied.

Yeeun piped up, "I'm assuming my role here is to ensure that there are no, um, roadblocks to a Suyang-based system?"

"Naturally.  And Salmah, you have the most challenging task, which is managing Laeral throughout this ordeal," added Cho.

Salmah Jahanian, the Minister for Eastern Hesperidan Affairs nodded firmly, taking solace that the early returns indicated Laeralsford wouldn't be a concern for much longer.

"We have a lot of work ahead of us.  Let's stay positive, and remember to keep each other constantly updated about developments, ok?" said a confident, but very stressed Director Avery, to bring the meeting to a close.  The five of them would be at the core of bringing their lofty ambitions to fruition.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12/3/2014, 7:30 p.m. CHT; Dalseongjeon, Hwagang, HCR

"President Kim, we are moving forward with the Promethean Sea Council.  Our briefing materials are contained in this packet," said Minister Cho as he gingerly placed the manila folder on the glass and marble desk.

"Thank you for your help in this matter.  Hopefully we can truly usher in a new era of geopolitics," replied I-seul, turning in her white leather swivel chair.  

"Before I leave, I'm wondering one last thing: what do we seriously hope to accomplish by all of this?  We can't simply re-write the 'world order' overnight."

"Ah, Jihwan, it's simple, it's about a nation daring to dream again."

"Respectfully, what in the world do you mean by that?  It's just an international organization?"

Iseul rested her hands on her chin, pensively, and then started, "For years, we have been a beached whale, stuck in a mentality of incapability.  We too readily placated others in search of any shred of economic capability.  But you see, we once majestically roamed these seas, and when we breached, we sent out shockwaves felt across the globe.  Now, when we are a richer nation than our neighbors, we are more cosmopolitan, more financially adept, and better educated, why must we continue to work at the beck and call of others?  Why should we not try to forge our own destiny?  We can choose to escape this paralysis, in fact, it is our nation prerogative to do so.  Do you see now?"

Minister Cho, terrified by the pressure brought on by this revelation, quietly agreed, and saw himself out.  As he left, the sound from a TV in a nearby room filtered in, "...as the absentee President Kim currently has a 27% approval rating, the lowest of any sitting president not indicted by crim-" as the door clicked shut.

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  Red Wave Rising (1st Annual Red Wave Conference)

Posted by: Xiomera
12-02-2024, 06:54 AM
Forum: International Affairs
- No Replies

Opening Ceremony
Ao Marire Auditorium, State University of the Capital
Huānoch, Milintica

The Ao Marire Auditorium had been chosen by the organizers of the Red Wave Conference as the site of the opening and closing ceremonies. It was the second largest auditorium in Milintica, and its towering walls were a representation of Milintican ideology in concrete and brick form. The angular, unadorned architecture promised uniformity, solidity, equality and endurance - everything that the Milintican state aspired to be. Not just for itself, but for the world, if the most idealistic, ambitious and ideologically driven among them had their way.

The Ao, as it was affectionately known by State University of the Capital students and alumni, was the ideal centerpiece for the Conference for another reason. Ao Marire, the first socialist President of Milintica, had been a driving figure in the conversion of Milintica into a socialist state from 1917 to 1923. His own "red wave", in its way, was an inspiration for Neina Arana and the others who had planned the conference.

As the assembled delegates and guests waited, the lights slowly dimmed in the auditorium. Bright red spotlights then slowly came to light, highlighting the flags of the IDU assembled on the wall behind the podium. Flags for every recognized IDU nation were there, not just the flags of the nations attending the conference. Revolution is for everyone, Neina Arana liked to say. From its very opening scene, the conference was meant to be a very clear shot across the bow of the contented capitalist nations of the IDU.

As a new set of spotlights rose onto the stage, a figure dressed in jeans and a rough button-down shirt walked to the podium. Mazayotl, the new Prime Minister of Milintica, smiled broadly as he took the microphone. "Honored delegates and guests, welcome to Milintica, and to the State University of the Capital! Our nation and our peoples welcome you in solidarity, brotherhood and sisterhood. We welcome you to this first Red Wave Conference - the first, with our collective strength behind it, of many. Change is constant, and so is the need for us to fight for the people. So this conference shall likewise be ongoing, until such time as the red wave of change sweeps our world."

As the crowd cheered, Mazayotl smiled again. "Your presence here shows your commitment to the fight for equality and for change. Milintica shares your resolve, and we will stand with you as we seek change around the world."

As Mazayotl continued with his speech, Milintica's President waited for her own turn at the podium to come, at the end of the conference. For now, she was at Haven House, managing an entirely different matter. The country's former President, Matōchmizalo, and the Milintican Peoples' Party had been barred from attending the conference. The MPP had planned to protest their ban outside the conference. Arana was not having any of that. Huaxō, the new National Police Commissioner, had already been given his marching orders. Several hours before the conference started, both Matōchmizalo and former Prime Minister Tupai Tapihana had quietly been detained. With their two top leaders suddenly out of the loop, the MPP found itself a bit disarmed as the National Police surrounded their headquarters building "for security purposes."

Tazal Hall, State University of the Capital
Session: "International Solidarity"

First up was Spartacus Jones, Member of the Slokaisian Legislature, representing Revolt! "First of all, I would like to acknowledge all the comrades who have died in the struggle for Kaijanese independence, both against the violent armed groups such as the Kaijan League which try to install their brand of Fascism and the abusive government of Brooke Weasley."

"Kaijan, for those unaware, is an island of Slokais, which has been oppressed by both colonial powers for many centuries and by decades of capitalist mismanagement. Slokais is a country which claims to be diverse yet in reality is controlled by Catholic Anglo-Costanoan capitalist elites. I was educated of these injustices by my brother in arms, Mohamed Al-Marwasai in 2016. I had a mental break the prior year, the capitalist music industry had broken me after years of performing and industry deals, and I was on a retreat in the mountains in North Kaijan. During this time, I read many pieces of key leftist literature, including Al-Marwasai's 'Isle of Greed'. I would recommend it to all comrades here, a real 10 of 10 book. I actually tried to promote it as Minister of Education, but the powers that be wouldn’t have that, they wouldn't have that."

"Anyway, I invited Al-Marwasai to my retreat. We had several good vegetarian meals. And then he informed me what had been done to his people. The federal government had begun a program in 2012 which put infrastructure and business planning in the hands of private partners, these partners were simply the sons and daughters of these colonial sugar companies. He explained to me that many turned to radical Islam as a way of comradery and escape from capitalist reality. Although I respect the religion, its radical implementation has seen fascistic practices such as the arrest of those who don’t live by their social code. I believe in religious freedom, but not the ability to deny others of their freedoms for the sake of religion."

"I realized at that moment, not only did Slokais Island need socialism or the world needed socialism, but each and every people group needed socialism. Economically and socially, an independent Socialist, Kaijanese state would be self-sufficient and free of the exploitative wills of some Slokasians. Liberation can only be achieved through the mechanism of socialism. The vehicle, armed struggle or by political methods is up for those who are driving to decide. I won’t speak publicly on which method I prefer for my own personal safety, the Fascist, Slokasian Intelligence Bureau is already tapping my house, they're already tapping my house."

"I leave you all with the Kaijanese proverb 'Dia yang didu, sebaiknya mencapai tinggi'.  Meaning he whose tower has the deepest supports shall reach the greatest height."

When Jones was done, he received a tremendous amount of applause.

Alain Bonnet, member of the Aurian Parliament representing the United Aurian Commune, was next. Bonnet discussed the importance of gaining legitimacy through foreign outreach in matters that aren't subject to ideological disagreement with capitalist nations, such as national defense. Using the UAC as an example, he argued for similar legitimatization through fighting alongside capitalist nations against a greater evil, namely Xiomera. "Dreamers can yet still be pragmatists," he said. Bonnet's speech was well-received by the more moderate delegates in attendance, but the response from the Milintican delegates was mixed. Cooperating with capitalist states for a mutual goal had been the hallmark of the previous administration, but was decidedly not the agenda of Arana or the Milintican Communist Party.

Lana Priede, member of the Aurian Parliament and leader of "The Wall" UAC faction, had a decidedly different approach. "Chaining ourselves to capitalists will only cement our position on a sinking ship. We are done serving the rich and always meeting their demands with a bent knee." Priede added, "Selling your soul in the name of safety is neither brave nor righteous." The more radical delegates in attendance, particularly the Milintican delegates, received this with raucous applause.

Javier Flynn, leader of the True Communist Movement of Lauchenoiria, won a strong round of applause as well for his remarks. “Those of us who still believe in a communist future for Lauchenoirians welcome the assistance of our international comrades. Averforth and Pavía are threats to all Lauchenoirians, so do not allow them to dissuade you," Flynn concluded, winning himself a gust of cheers from the Milinticans and the other more radical attendees. The Milinticans especially seemed gleeful at the idea of flipping Lauchenoiria back to the communist side.

Khara Gulug, representing the Taragaian Peoples' Revolutionary Party, mixed praise for the idea of International solidarity with a plea for a little bit of that solidarity to be directed the way of her faction in the Taragaian not-quite-civil-war. "Our government was overthrown by counter-revolutionary elements whose strings are being pulled by outside capitalist powers and fascists such as Xiomera. Please remember that our struggle is your struggle."

Huitzilimara, member of the Huenyan Chamber of Deputies representing the Huenyan Communist Party, called for both socialist movements and nations to confront "the rising number of right-leaning capitalist leaders with authoritarian tendencies," citing Huenyan President Xiadani by name as an example. Huitzilimara also called for socialist movements and governments to ensure they spoke with a united voice regarding their goals and positions.

The session was rounded out by Lōpil, Milintica's new Minister of International Outreach. "I want to thank our speakers for their wise words, and their long-standing and ongoing commitment to a better and more equal future for the people of their respective homelands. Your efforts, together with all of ours, will pave the way for the red wave we named this conference after, one step and one nation at a time. If we all work together and support each others' efforts, we will emerge victorious for the benefit of all."

A separate panel session with Devrim Köroğlu, Floor Leader of the Social Democratic Party of Haesan, and Professor Noriko Asano of the University of Saikane (Misumi) discussed capitalist indoctrination in state run secondary education. "In Eastern societies like ours, is still the state who ultimately determines who gets degrees, who gets appointed as managers, and who ultimately is in the position to oppress the working class," Köroğlu said.

Petera Hall, State University of the Capital
Session: "A New Economy"

Köroğlu spoke about systemic barriers to unionization in Haesan's manufacturing sector. "Never once has Haesan been governed by a leader who truly fought for its people," Köroğlu said, adding that "the only difference between the Haesan of today and the dictatorship of the past is the name of our leader."

Milintica's Minister of Trade, Huachilotl, spoke of the importance of coordinating efforts between socialist governments to reform national economies to a socialist system. He also spoke of the importance of ensuring the rise to power of socialist governments in nations not yet led by such governments, in order to create reform in more nations and build an overall worldwide economy on socialist principles. "We can't help all people in all lands if we maintain a patchwork of societies and economies. We must all do all we can to bring about an economic revolution, even if that means expanding on political revolution."

Chancellor Jax Bertoni of Doatia caused the biggest stir of the session, and perhaps the conference, with his remarks following Huachilotl. “While I recognize the urge to transition away from capitalism and fully acknowledge the harms of late-stage capitalism, planned economies pose equal risk of abuse, corruption, and negligence. Power in the hands of the few will always be a big risk. That being said, a transition from the traditional capitalistic dominance to a system of democratic socialism, where the needs of a nation’s people are met and its economy operates fairly and equitably is essential. Healthcare, education, housing, food, and basic utilities are unalienable human rights. A right to a job, a living wage, a voice in government, and a sufficient social safety net. Universal access to a social security for retirement or disability. These are pillars of a fair and just modern society. The nation of Doatia supports a global economic transformation to embrace these values and make them a reality for all citizens of the IDU."

"But, any attempt to consolidate government power, oppress the will of the people, and line the pockets of the few will be rejected and resisted by Doatia in the strongest terms possible. If the spread of communism gains traction in the IDU, Doatia is prepared to resist in whatever ways necessary. As we speak, my team is discussing sanctions, military intervention, diplomatic consequences, and an initiative to encourage democratic socialism across the IDU. Above all, a fair economy, a democratic government, and the freedom of dignity each human is entitled to will be upheld.”

The more moderate attendees of the session were quick to applaud Bertoni's remarks. However, the Milinticans in attendance, in particular, were less than pleased. Bertoni's remarks opposing the spread of communism fell rather flat with the hosts of the event, namely, a communist party whose eagerness to tout the idea of worldwide revolution had been worn rather openly on their sleeves throughout the day.

Hall of the Martyrs
Institute of Defense
Huānoch, Milintica
Session: "Swords, Not Plowshares"

The Hall of the Martyrs was the only location of the conference, other than various mixers and socializing events, not held on the campus of the State University of the Capital. The Hall of the Martyrs was a large conference hall located at Milintica's military academy. It was dedicated to the memory of guerrillas who had fought in various campaigns and locations for Milintica to advance the cause of socialism. Its mix of martial appeal and appeals to those lost to previous struggles was an ideal setting for those who were ready to advocate for a more muscular approach to creating a red wave.

Flynn was first up, and had quite a bit to say. “These are the lessons to be learned from the Second Lauchenoirian Civil War: we must not compromise our ethics by collaborating with counterrevolutionary forces, not even to win a war. It was the involvement of Kerlile and Gonhog on Suleman Chaher’s side that caused our eventual defeat - two countries that do not know the true value of communism! We must remain faithful to our ideals, and we must fight for them! We cannot accept weak compromises, peace treaties with the capitalists, as they will always find a way to turn them to their advantages. Lauchenoirians tried to rise up once more, only to be put down by their so called Coalition of 'liberation' - a mob of capitalistic countries dedicated to destroying the Lauchenoirian revolution. Every country that fought alongside Laura Moore and her corporate cronies should be ashamed. We must never stop fighting!” Flynn received a great deal of applause from the audience, which was composed mostly of the more radical elements attending the audience. A large group of Milintican Communist Party attendees began to chant "liberate Lauchenoiria" before being convinced to pipe down for the next speaker.

Bonnet was up next. "Exclusively attempting to throw out flawed capitalist systems entirely will only breed more resistance to the righteous. We must fight them both inside and outside of their established systems. Only then can we change the status quo in a way that will last," he said. "Making a stand does not always mean making yourself a martyr. Sometimes, it's just a way to get on your feet," Bonnet added. The audience seemed more receptive to this set of remarks than Bonnet's comments during the earlier session.

Gulug was next, and she was clearly in favor of a fight. "The people of Taragai are even now waging a fight against the so-called 'reformer' puppets of the hegemonic capitalist power structure in the IDU, who seek to make every nation their vassal and every people their servants. This is a fight that is being waged in every land, whether it is obvious or not, whether it is an open fight or not." Gulug emphasized the importance of "a collective effort among all movements and governments that are on the side of the people to wage this fight everywhere."

Huitzilimara was next to speak, and she also emphasized the importance of confronting "the enemies of the people" both at home and away from home. "Whether it's with a politician's pen or a guerrilla's gun, we cannot be afraid to seek whatever levers of power there are for us to effect change." Huitzilimara also called for attendees of the conference to focus on "the major centers of the capitalist-fascist power structure" in order to effect change. "As much as I want to see change in Huenya, I must admit that Huenya is peripheral. The major capitalist powers of the world, such as Laeral, Haesan, Libertas Omnium Maximus, Sanctaria, and Eiria are the ones that truly drive the power structure of the world. We must seek change in those nations to change the world."

Ngaire Tipene, the Minister of Decolonization and Depatrichalization of Milintica, was next. "There are many means for us to cause the red wave to surge. Ideally, the first one would be political, social and cultural. In capitalist nations, there is a rising discontent at the inherent inequality of those systems. Both culturally and socially, there are many in those nations who are ready for change. Desperate for it, in fact. We must support and uplift those people, and the movements they lead and will lead in the future. Supporting those movements and future leaders as they seek political power in their countries is essential. If the governments of the nations they are from believe in democracy as fervently as they claim, when socialist leaders win elections with our help and take power, those governments shouldn't object, no?" Tipene asked, to laughter from the crowd. "But if they do object, refuse to let those who are agents of change take the lead, or prevent them from fairly seeking office in the first place, then we not only have the right to seek change through force of arms, we have a responsibility to do so. No one should live under a government that denies their voice." Tipene highlighted Milintica's long history at providing both arms and guerrillas to such movements, and urged other nations and movements to "be prepared to seek freedom if democracy fails." Tipene also expanded on Huitzilimara's remarks about targeting capitalist nations by specifically calling out "world powers where capitalism and the tyranny of the jackboot combine," such as Shuell and Xiomera. "Any nation that combines fascism and capitalism to repress their people and seek hegemonic dominance is the highest enemy of the people, and must be fought at all costs."

While this session proved highly popular, not everyone was a fan. Anja Aalto, leader of the Communist Party of Zongongia and Minister for Pensions and Labour, was overheard telling other attendees the “Swords, not Plowshares” session was “counterproductive” and “playing up to all the stereotypes about us”.

Enoka Hall, State University of the Capital
Session: "True Justice is Social Justice"

Köroğlu was present at this session as well, and urged the attendees to continue to strive for change and social justice. "The capitalists are scared.  They have tried to gun us down.  They have tried to remove us from the ballot.  But time and time again, the people have chosen to give us a voice."

Huitzilimara touted Huenya's record of "incorporating social justice into our laws and policies as we formed a new government and nation" following independence from Xiomera. She said that "the driving beliefs of the Huenyan Communist Party and our allies in government" ensured that Huenya implemented principles of equality and fair treatment for all people. "Some in Huenya wanted us to become Xiomera lite - even going so far as to try to force the unwanted and unneeded crowned heads of the old Xiomeran Imperial monarchy onto us. We didn't stand for that. We helped draft the Acalan Manifesto, in which the Huenyan people made it clear that they would not accept repeating the mistakes of the old tyranny. And later, we ensured that our leaders heard us when we said that Yauhmi must go, Texōccoatl must go, all the crowned heads of ancient imperialism must go. We even forced he mighty Unification Party to listen to us, even if they did not want to, because we had the voice of the people. If we could do it, this can be done in any nation, in any society." Huitzilimara called on attendees to "promote new governments and movements in your countries that enshrine principles of social justice at the heart of everything they do." She also called on them to "devote yourselves to combating racism, gender discrimination, socioeconomic discrimination, anti-LGBTQ bias, and all other forms of discrimination" in their countries.

Catlcoatl Hall, State University of the Capital
Session: "Filling the Gaps"

Jones spoke again, to another highly pleased crowd. "Education is one of the most important factors in not only personal success but the success of an entire nation. Sadily, capitalism has created pre-existing disparities both between nations and within nations. In Slokais Islands, when breaking down score on the NAP (National Aptitude Placement) exam given to 16 and 17 year old’s in preparation for college, there are clear discrepancies by both ethnic group and class. For example, students of Blancos background achieved an average NAP score of 7.1 while Kaijanese students scored a 5.9 and Mallacans a 5.6. These students are not dumb, despite what the capitalist media will have you believe. It’s simply that capitalism has favored schools in wealthier areas while putting down schools in less wealthy areas. As Minister of Education, I tried to change this fact. I diverted more funds to low-scoring schools, instead of rewarding the same constant well-performing ones. In my 18 months before I was forced to resign for my personal views, these low-scoring schools achieved on average 0.5-0.7 points better. In addition, I expanded a program to provide free meals to students and prevented tax dollars from going to divisive religious schools which forced reactionary social views."

"Education is key, my late mother Dolores Jones who taught for 20 years in the Salvador City School District always said 'education is the key which opens the door to lifelong success'. Sadly she passed due to poor health habits encouraged by capitalist society, but that’s another story. I’m actually starting a school myself, called Dolores Academy. We will teach modern social and economic values with a vegetarian diet along with the standard revolutionary curriculum. I’ve been made aware, I’m out of time, in solidarity comrades."

Aalto was next. "Our goal in the [Zongongian government] coalition is to enable the people of Zongongia to see what changes are possible should they support a transformation of the economy towards Communism. We may not be able to achieve all our goals in this format, but we can advance recognition of our party and cause, while providing the people of Zongongia with an opportunity to vote for better in the referendum.”

Huitzilimara touted Huenya's success at "democratizing" healthcare and education, and the role of the Huenyan left in achieving that. "Prior to independence, Huenya was ruled by a Xiomeran government that liked then (and still likes now) to call itself a 'meritocracy'. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Ethnic Xiomerans, particularly those from wealthy or well-connected families, were practically guaranteed to attend better schools growing up. They often had access to resources such as tutors, libraries and special 'cram coaches' that those not of ethnic Xiomeran descent never had. And under the toxic ideology of 'Xiomeran meritocracy', which really equaled Xiomeran supremacy, they almost always had first dibs on the positions in higher education and in the corporate world that enabled self-sufficiency and success. And, as one might expect, that affluence also guaranteed better health outcomes, in the form of being able to afford better food and better healthcare. Under an independent Huenyan government, one dedicated to treating all Huenyans fairly, that has all changed. Our laws now mandate equal access to educational opportunities. Our laws now mandate equal access to healthcare and eliminate loopholes that allowed the wealthy to bypass the national health service to get better care. We have aggressively eliminated many of the open and secret loopholes and back-door agreements that allowed nepotism, family and elite connections, and certain backgrounds to benefit where others could not. And we have seen Huenya get better for it, every single year. No one group dominates our boardrooms, or our halls of government, anymore."

Huitzilimara continued: "The quality of our healthcare has improved massively for our people overall. Poverty is dropping. More people every year have access to better food, better healthcare, safer and healthier living conditions, and the educational opportunities that lead to success. We've done this by making sure the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes, that corruption and profiteering don't siphon funds away from our services, and that we maintain the principle that everyone deserves the same access to what they need. And let me tell you, it wasn't the Unification Party or leaders like Xiadani who did that, or even wanted that. If you want to see where the Huenyan success story has really come from, look to the Huenyan left. And then, look to yourselves, for you are the same agents of change for your people. And you can do it."

Paiwa Henare, Minister of National Equalization for Milintica, was next. "To truly fill the gaps, as we seek, this inherently requires a government, economy and society with a foundation in social justice and a strong commitment to every single person in their country, without fear or favor. Sadly, we don't live yet in a world where that is the norm for the majority of nations or people. But it can be! Your presence here proves that. When you go home, remember who you met here today, the conversations you had and the wisdom you learned, and use that as the springboard for change where you are."

After the Sessions: 
Cihuatl Ballroom, State University of the Capital

The final gathering before the planned closing remarks was held in the Cihuatl Ballroom in the Student Union building. It was a big mixer, an opportunity for the attendees to work the room. Javier Flynn would have been busily at work trying to chat up any leader who might be willing to provide assistance to the TCM to gain power in Lauchenoiria. This would not go well for Flynn. Even the Milinticans, usually eager to send their guerrillas off to fight the good fight, weren't ready to provoke Lauchenoiria - yet. Flynn would leave Huānoch empty-handed, at least for now.

Priede, for her part, would be working the room in a different way. As Bonnet mingled unaware, Priede was chatting up the Milinticans. Many Milintican figures, both publicly and privately, had already expressed support for the UAC taking a different direction. Priede saw Arana and her supporters, and Milintica in general, as natural allies. Priede was strongly hoping that the seeds she was planting would take root and prove to be fruitful for her.

Huitzilimara was also working the Milinticans. It was already very evident that the Presidents of Milintica and Huenya despised each other. Huitzilimara did have one thing in common with Neina Arana other than communism - she also despised Xiadani. Convincing the Milinticans to help Huenya's Communist Party was practically guaranteed success, under those circumstances.

Jones was chatting up a different group of people - namely, reporters. "In a historic moment of worldwide conflict and chaos not seen since the Great War, the Red Wave conference has been very productive. The capitalists don't want this, the imperialists don't want this, they don't want the workers of the world to unite for freedom." He added, "Liberation can only be achieved through the mechanism of socialism. The vehicle, armed struggle or by political methods is up for those who are driving to decide."

Closing Ceremony
Ao Marire Auditorium, State University of the Capital

As the conference drew to a close, the auditorium filled up once more for the closing ceremony. At the appointed time, the lights darkened once more. The Milintican State Orchestra struck up a classic revolutionary tune from the days of the Milintican switch to socialism. The tune smoothly transitioned to snippets of the national anthems of IDU nations, as a new group of people entered the auditorium. Members of the recently re-established Milintican Red Youth Corps carried in the same flags of the IDU nations from the opening ceremony as the snippets played. The flagpoles had red banners hanging from them as well, which swung from the top of the flagpoles as the banner-carriers walked to line up at the rear of the stage. The message was once again clear: Milintica may have been a tiny nation, but it had big ambitions for the world.

When the orchestra finally stopped, Neina Arana walked to the podium to applause from the crowd. They were hoping for a strong speech from the firebrand new President to close things out. They would not be disappointed.

"Honored delegates and attendees, thank you so much for attending this conference, and being here in solidarity with us. I was truly hoping for this first Red Wave Conference to be a success, but you have made it exceed even my wildest dreams. I am so grateful to have all of you here," Arana said. "The spirit that you have brought to Milintica, and to this conference, reaffirms our faith in a red future for our world. You have come here from different nations, backgrounds, and societies, but one thing has brought you all here: your commitment to a better world."

"I am convinced now, more than ever, that the future is ours to shape. By working together for a common cause and goal, we will change the world. The Red Wave will rise, in nation after nation. And you are the ones who will make that happen."

As the crowd cheered, Arana raised her hands. "If we all work together, support each other no matter the cost, and persevere no matter the challenge, we cannot help but prevail. Just as you all stand together here, Milintica stands with you. When you need support, Milintica will be here. If you need refuge from persecution, Milintica will be here. No matter what happens, your struggle is our struggle. As proof of that commitment, I am proud to announce that Milintican volunteers will soon travel to Taragai, to help our fellow communist Chaghagan Khoga in his fight against the counter-revolutionary puppets of capitalist powers that are trying to seize Taragai from its people."

Gulug grinned broadly at Arana's words. Khoga's faction had been struggling badly, and Milintican support could turn the tide for them.

"Milintica is also ready, in a way that has been long coming, to prove our loyalty to you, and to this fight," Arana said before taking a dramatic pause. She raised her right hand, pointing at the ceiling. "Effective immediately, Milintica is withdrawing from the Union of Caxcanan States. We are removing the fetters of an anti-socialist alliance with capitalist demons from our necks once and for all. The previous leadership of this country lost their way, which is why they joined such an alliance in the first place. Instead of siding with the capitalists for one second longer, Milintica stands with you, and with the people of our land and every land!"

As the crowd cheered again, Arana smiled. "A true worldwide movement of the people will be stronger than any hegemonic alliance of capitalists and oligarchs. Today, starting now, we are forging that movement. And when we are done, we will build the monument to our movement on the foundations of the toppled edifices of those who dared suppress the proletariat!"

Arana raised her hands once more, as the crowd roared. "Take the spirit you have found here today home with you. Fight the good fight, every day in every way. And together, we will be the red wave."

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  Saladian Suffrage and Suffering (2024 Saladian elections, open)

Posted by: Xiomera
11-08-2024, 11:59 PM
Forum: International Affairs
- Replies (2)

November 8th
Council of Custodians Chambers

Normally, sessions of the Council of Custodians were simple and quiet affairs. The thirty-six members of the Saladian legislature (those who bothered to show up to session, anyway) weren't the aggressively diligent type. Usually, they were on their phones, napping, or chatting while whoever was at the podium nattered on about whatever it was they were talking about. Today, however, was different.

Prime Minister Leighton Taylor had everyone's full attention for once. Since his abrupt decision to leave the Unlimited Salad Party and run on a platform of ending the Saladian monarchy, Taylor had been the chief subject of talk around the Council Chambers. Around the entire country, for that matter. The Custodians were all there for once, and were watching and listening intently.

"The decision I made was not one made lightly," Taylor said, to a mix of booing and cheers. The Speaker of the Council, Valeré Patenaude, would have normally tried to maintain order as Taylor was speaking. But as he was now Taylor's chief rival in the PM race, he was content to let Taylor be in the hot seat.

"It is clear that the Marquis is a criminal and a conman, not to mention a minor tyrant. He's no Calhualyana, admittedly, but still, Salad Land can do better. We don't need a ruler. If other countries can do it, so can we! Join me and the new Toss de Salad Party, and let's be rid of the Marquis once and for all! Saladians deserve honest, fair and competent leadership!"

"You mean the kind of leadership like yours, that almost got us conquered by the Xiomerans?" Patenaude sneered, interrupting Taylor. The Prime Minister turned red as Patenaude's backers cheered. "I don't apologize for trying to do the right thing, unlike you and your side that seems to try to avoid the right thing like it's a plague of lizards!" Taylor shouted. "Some of us are done with being led by crooks!"

A USP-aligned Custodian named Julien Babineaux stood up. "Je t'emmerde!" he shouted, reaching under his desk and grabbing something. He quickly removed a bit of plastic wrap and lobbed it at Taylor. The object flew through the air with stunning accuracy, striking Taylor in the chest. It was a small Caesar salad. Croutons, lettuce and cheese exploded all over Taylor's fine suit. A single tomato landed on the Great Seal of Salad Land behind Taylor with a wet plop.

Now, throwing a salad at someone is a grave insult in Salad Land. It is, in fact, one of the worst insults possible to a Saladian. Taylor looked down at his now-Caesared suit. His face reddened even more. "Bastard!" he shouted back, grabbing the now empty bowl and throwing it back at Babineaux. It struck Babineaux on his prominent forehead with a satisfying thwack. Babineaux dropped into his chair with a loud groan.

The resulting brawl required the full attention of the Saladian Police Service to bring to an end. With that, election season was underway in Salad Land.

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  Dangerous Doinamese Disagreements

Posted by: Greater Acadia
10-22-2024, 02:45 PM
Forum: International Affairs
- No Replies

President Vuong paced in his office, fuming silently. The only other occupant, General Phuoc, looked on, brow furrowed. Neither were happy with the recent turn of events.

The silent pacing continued before Vuong finally stopped and rounded on Phuoc.

"You said you would handle this!" He shouted.

"And I have!" Phuoc returned, rising from his seat. "You asked me to stop the demonstrations. I have done as I have before!"

"And now we face open rebellion!" Vuong countered. "They've attacked your bases in the north, or have you forgotten?!"

"I have not! Nor will I stand by and let it happen again!" Phuoc again countered. "We know they are located in the jungles. I am planning operations to root out these rebels and destroy them."

Vuong glared, eyes narrowing towards Phuoc. "See that you do, General. And when you do, make sure to take Phantasium in alive. A public execution of such an agitator will calm the masses."

Phuoc sighed. "If only Kwon hadn't been so incompetent. Had his plot to assassinate that liberal bastard gone to plan, we wouldn't even be in this mess in the first place."

Vuong sat in his chair, leaning back. "And yet it didn't. That moron may be gone now, but he left us picking up the pieces."

"Makes you wonder whether it was intentional or not."

"Yes..." Phuoc's eyes darkened as the generals words sank in. "Yes it does..."

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  1. IDU Regional Forum