(This thread is a continuation of the Xiomeran Chronicles thread, providing behind-the-scenes stories and one-off RP not part of an ongoing RP event. It will provide stories from both Xiomera and Huenya, along with Manauia Island and the Netlcoātl Islands. Although technically not part of Huenya, stories from Milintica may also be posted here as they are related.)

December 9th
Chuaztlapoc

The day after the final battle at Zapotlán, the feeling of most people in Chuaztlapoc was one of overwhelming relief. The Imperial counterattack had been stopped, and the talks to come at Jinyu promised a potential end to the civil war.

While most people were relieved, Cozamalotl was not one of them.

The Huenyan Assembly was having a session to discuss what their stance would be at the Jinyu talks when Cozamalotl walked into the room, Cuetzhual and Natcahuacu in tow. The opposition leader calmly waited as the Assembly members recognized him. "We weren't expecting you, Cozamalotl," Yauhmi said, seeming surprised. "Has something happened?"

"He's gone mad, is what has happened," Cuetzhual snapped. The younger opposition leader looked at Cozamalotl with something akin to exasperation. "He's come here to tell you something, and you need to talk some sense into him!"

Cozamalotl sighed, looking at Yauhmi. "He thinks I've gone mad, but I am quite sane, I assure you."

"That's good to hear, but could you please explain what this is about? We are in the middle of planning for the peace talks," Yauhmi said. Cozamalotl nodded, turning back to the Assembly. "I intend to return to Xiomera to participate in Calhualyana's elections."

Yauhmi looked at Cozamalotl as if he had sprouted a second head. "If you truly don't wish to live any longer, Cozamalotl, there are easier and far less painful ways to commit suicide," she said finally.

Cuetzhual shook his head. "Listen to Yauhmi, you will literally be committing suicide if you return to challenge Calhualyana. The 'elections' she is holding are a sham, just a way for her to cement her power. They will not be real elections; you won't be able to stop her being 'approved' by the referendum she is holding. She will be 'approved' as Empress, and then she will come after you. It is madness for you to return."

"I must agree, Cozamalotl. It is extremely naive for you to embark on this plan," Natcahuacu said. The opposition leader looked at Yauhmi and the other Assembly members. "You cannot let him return."

"We can't stop him from going if he wants to - we're not about to hold him prisoner even to save him," Yauhmi retorted. "I do appreciate that, given that wasn't always the case," Cozamalotl replied dryly. Yauhmi snorted slightly at the remark. "We don't do that.....well. not anymore," she said. "But why do you want to go back? It's surely a futile gesture."

"I do not believe it is. Of course the elections are a sham. Of course I will lose. But someone has to try. Everyone seems to think the fight is over now - even all of you," Cozamalotl said, looking at the Assembly. "It may be over here, but it is not over in Xiomera. People there still deserve freedom, and they need someone to fight for it for them. I will register an opposition political party in her elections, and will argue against her fake referendums on behalf of the Xiomeran people. I will be the opponent that the remaining opposition in Xiomera needs to rally around and fight what Calhualyana is trying to do. She wants to build a system that perpetuates the Xiomeran Empire forever. I can't stand by and watch that happen."

"But you're needed here, to help ensure that democracy becomes a reality in Huenya and that these people live up to their promises - no offense," Natcahuacu said, looking at the Assembly members. "None taken, we do need minding, especially some of us," Sirua, the Itotemoc leader, said with a grin. Yauhmi sighed at the remark, looking up at the ceiling.

"Am I really needed here? There are younger opposition leaders here, who can do what I do. In fact, I would argue that it is time for me to let them do that, and get out of the way," Cozamalotl told Natcahuacu. "You and Cuetzhual are both excellent examples of that, and I trust you to make sure that the promises being made by the leaders of Huenya will in fact be kept. But again, Xiomera deserves the same chance. And Calhualyana can't simply be allowed to push her plans through unopposed. If she accomplishes her vision, Huenya will remain forever divided, Xiomerans will remain oppressed, and the Xiomeran Empire will continue to exist like a dark cancer on the edge of Caxcana. I must do what I can to prevent that. As the most prominent member of the former opposition, before the coup, I am the only one that can rally what is left of the opposition in Xiomera. And if worst comes to worst....I am more expendable, frankly, than the rest of our leadership here. You all have many years ahead of you, Natcahuacu. Myself, not so much." Cozamalotl smiled. "It is really the only logical course of action, at least in this highly illogical situation."

Before Cuetzhual and Natcahuacu could object further, Cozamalotl turned back to the Assembly. "I am leaving today for the border, and hopefully they will actually let me in."

Yauhmi shook her head. "I suppose we cannot convince you otherwise. We will do what we can to help you in your efforts from here, but once you're back in Xiomera....if Calhualyana decides to punish you, we may not be able to save you." Cozamalotl simply nodded, already having accepted that fact. "Good luck, and keep us aware of events if you can," Yauhmi said.

As Cozamalotl turned to leave with the other opposition leaders, another voice spoke. "I thought you were a typical politician, all words and no actions. You're far braver than I realized," Huacue, the Necatli leader, said in what constituted high praise from a Necatli. "I wish you luck. Will you at least let us send some bodyguards with you?"

Cozamalotl thanked Huacue, but declined. "If things don't go well for me, a few bodyguards won't save me, and I don't intend to drag anyone else down with me. Whatever fate has in store for me, I will face it alone."

---

Several hours later
Saclamantón

The customs and border security checkpoint at the main ferry terminal in Saclamantón was busy, even with the civil war barely being on pause. In fact, it was even more busy than usual, between Xiomerans unhappy with the new "Huenyan" government heading east to return to Xiomera proper and Xiomerans unhappy with the old Xiomeran government fleeing west to leave Xiomera for Huenya. But even in the crush of traffic, the arrival of one of Xiomera's most prominent opposition figures back from exile was guaranteed to attract attention.

As a few reporters gathered at the checkpoint, Cozamalotl calmly presented his Xiomeran passport and identity documents to the guards. The guards, clearly not expecting him, hastily called their superiors. As the clock ticked, each person called kicked it further up the chain of command, not wanting to be the one responsible for approving Cozamalotl's return. Finally, the phone rang at the Office of the Golden Chamber. The Attendant transferred the call to the Empress. Calhualyana listened in silence as the situation was explained. After a moment, she chuckled softly. "Let him in. Yes, let him in. Don't arrest him. Let him travel freely and do whatever he likes. But have him watched, and document everything he does all the way down to whenever he takes a crap and for how long. ASI must not miss a single thing he does. And report his actions to me on a regular basis."

The Empress hung up the phone with another soft chuckle. Oh, Cozamalotl. If you really want to hang yourself, I'm more than happy to give you as much rope as you want. I will bury you in rope, if that's what you desire. And then.....I will yank the noose shut.

---

December 10th
Tlālacuetztla

The very next day after arriving back in Xiomera, Cozamalotl arrived at the offices of the Imperial Electoral Commission with a small army of opposition members in tow. Walking into the lobby, he walked up to one of the guards. "We are here to register on behalf of the Unification Party for the upcoming elections."

The guard seemed highly surprised that anyone had shown up to do so; the Xiomeran Citizens’ Party, the party widely seen as being a loyalist party for the Empress, had been the only one so far to actually do so. Another slew of phone calls commenced, before Cozamalotl was led to a nearby office to complete a set of registration documents and pay a sizeable registration fee.

With that, the Unification Party was born. Its platform was simple: end the Xiomeran Empire, unify with the rest of Huenya, and implement a democratic state. While the platform itself was simple, Cozamalotl was by no means blind as to how difficult achieving it would actually be. "This is the first step in a long journey. We don't know how long or hard it will be, or when we will get there. But for our people, we will take those steps," he told his followers outside the Electoral Commission.

As he spoke, there were already several ASI operatives scattered through the crowd, keeping track of things.

2020 IDU Film Festival: Hanshui, Laeral

Voting is now open! The following nations which submitted an entry are eligible to vote: Eiria, Gardavasque, Laeral, Latidonia, Lauchenoiria/Kerlile, Libertas Omnium Maximus, Slokais, Tsiba, Xiomera, Zamastan

So as to limit the issue of films receiving the award with only a plurality of the vote, ranked-choice voting will be used on the ballot. Please rank your top-three choices in order for each category on the ballot. Should no film receive a majority of the vote for a category, the votes for the entry receiving the fewest first-choice votes will be reallocated according to the delegation's second-choice preference, and so on until a film has received a majority.

Entries received are as follows:
Best New IDU Film:
- "A Different Life" (Lauchenoiria)
- "Craterfall" (Eiria)
- "Quiauhticue: Rise of an Empire" (Xiomera)
- "Sawdust" (Libertas Omnium Maximus)
- "The Back Country" (Gardavasque)

Best Classic IDU Film:
- "Legend of the Branded Swordsman" (Laeral)
- "Spring Unsung" (Latidonia)
- "Swirls of Magic" (Kerlile)

Best Actor in an IDU Film:
- Celino Austurias (Lauchenoiria)
- Eloi Liang (Laeral)
- Heather Grey (Gardavasque)
- Samuel Murphy (Libertas Omnium Maximus)

Best Documentary/Non-Fiction Film:
- "Asal and Farideh" (Tsiba)
- "Survivors: Six Unlikely Stories of Unsung Heroes" (Eiria)
- "The Council of Reform" (Kerlile)
- "The Dangerous Lives and Amazing Loves of Trees" (Gardavasque)
- "Those Who Are Called" (Xiomera)

Best Foreign Film:
- "Gaviria" (Zamastan)

OOC Note: This is a continuation of the Artists of Progress roleplay, although nations which did not participate the Artists of Progress roleplay are welcome to join as observers. Please format your initial posts as interactions with other conference attendees or with any one of the Laeralian mediators listed.

Sunday, December 13, 2020
Jinyu, Laeral

Jinyu was a small, scenic city along the Beuvron River in southern Laeral. It was at the Jinyu Conference Center, a modern steel-and-glass building situated on a small bluff with picturesque views of the river below that the representatives of over half a dozen nations and unrecognized polities had gathered to find a way forward for Huenya and the surrounding islands. Unlike the Maivers conference, where the Laeralites had strived to create a private atmosphere for the attendees, this conference would be open to the media and as many national delegations as had wished to attend. The intent of this, President Liu had insisted, was to place pressure on the reticent delegates to make progress at the negotiating table. With the media and numerous other nations present, any delegation seeking to slow down the talks by negotiating in poor faith would be exposed for their actions.

“The delegates have been arriving since early this morning, Madam President,” said Alexandre Herault, President Liu’s Chief of Staff. He was a sharply-dressed Arrivée man with a slim build, barely a decade removed from grad school, but his rivals in the Laeralsford political sphere knew far better than to underestimate the young man who was perhaps President Liu’s closest confidante. “They’ve mostly been settling into their lodgings in town, but we’re expecting them to arrive at the conference center in a few hours.”
“Excellent,” said Liu Mei-han, president of Laeral and official host of what was officially being called the Jinyu Peace Conference. If the pressure of hosting the international conference meant to bring an end to the war in Xiomera was weighing on her, she didn’t show it. Her expression was as stoic as ever, as was her wardrobe-- a black blazer and pants over a white undershirt, with the sole decoration a Laeralian meihua (plum blossom) pin in gold, and the jade Minjian bracelet she often wore. “Tanvi and some of the others from the Foreign Ministry will be circulating to welcome them inside and distribute the agenda. The plan is to circulate and meet individually with the delegations on the convention floor and in the meeting rooms over the next few hours, so that we can get a sense of where everyone’s opinions lie and possible areas for compromise. Then we’ll make our conclusions and present to the delegations the draft agreements on the various issues at hand, and amend them as needed.”
“You did get a chance to look over the final handout for the delegates, didn’t you?” Alexandre said. The handouts, elaborate documents on fine cardstock, would be distributed to each delegation as they arrived.
“I did,” Liu said. “It's very good that we were able to get Cyril Lin to attend. He may have been in retirement for a while, but he’s the best Xiomera hand we have, and I want his expertise. Especially when it comes to the Xiomerans, since we don’t have much of a rapport with them.”
“Alright,” Alexandre said. He exhaled slowly. “Are you nervous at all?”
“Not at all,” said Liu. “I have my notecards, I know a great many of the attendees personally, and I have a wonderful staff behind me. It’ll be basically a relaxing backyard cocktail party, won’t it?”
“Since when has anything involving the Xiomerans been relaxing?” asked Alexandre.

A full-size version of the attached handout can be accessed at https://docs.google.com/document/d/16Zxb...sp=sharing

Seeing as approximately six months have elapsed since Xiomera was elected World Assembly Delegate of the International Democratic Union, in accordance with Section I of the Delegacy Election Act, Trive, Speaker of this International Democratic Union States Assembly, do alert this assembly of my intentions to open nominations for Delegate to the World Assembly (Schedule I for 2021) at 12:00 PM (GMT -3) on Friday, December 18th, 2020. The opportunity for nominations shall remain available until Saturday, December 26th, 2020 at 11:59 PM (GMT -3). All nominations made before or after the aforementioned time slot will be discarded.

To announce your intent to run (i.e. to self nominate) for World Assembly Delegate for the Schedule I 2021 election cycle, please post the following response in this thread:

I, [your primary nation name], do announce my intent to run for IDU World Assembly Delegate in the Schedule I World Assembly Delegate election cycle.

Phone Call with Joseph Chavez Released:
The New Right realised a phone call between Slokais PM Joseph Chavez and New Right MP Micheal Spencer.
Hello Micheal"
"What do you want Chavez,"
"Call off your supporters in Southland"
"No, they are not hurting anyone"
"Today, they surrounded the Kaijan Comunity Center and threatened anyone who tried to come in then they beat up an employee in the back alley"
"They are doing their duty to the country"
"No Micheal I fear that things may turn violent, call them off,"
"Never, you will never silence us"
"Please, call them off NOW" he yelled
"NEVER"
"Goddamm Micheal"
"See you later Chavez"
"If you hang up Micheal I swear-"
This phone call prompted many people to claim the Joseph Chavez is unfit to be President if elected on the December 30th Presidential Election.
"He is unfit to lead our, nation," said Jonathan Long another New Right MP
"This phone call should be taken as a wake-up call to Slokais that our PM is not in the right place"
Others argue that he was just expressing his anger at what was going on in Southland
"He has a right to be angry at what is going, on," said Deputy PM Alex Ahmad

Protest in Southland Turns Violent:
New Right protesters stood off with a New Liverpool PD after the New Right surrounded the Kaijan Comunity Center of Southland. There was also an attack on a kaijese businessman in the area that may have been caused by the New Right. Then a masked man stabbed an officer, afterward, a brawl began and was only stopped by an unknown tear gas canister. Both parties retreated back as the New Right though tires at the police surrounding the building. Since then its been quite as attempts to enter the building have been foiled by burning tires. There is now a full-scale manhunt in place for the attacker with the knife.

Conflict in Kaijan grows:
The Kaijan League has stepped up attacks in northern Kascan Township in North Kaijan. They now hold 40% of the Township as well as 7 towns. They also took over some towns are the nearby Allmack Township. There have been rumors that the League has executed a number of Central Government officials within their area of control. They are also running a radio station out of their areas of control.

Feeling stuck at home? Sick of dreary and tiresome weather? Looking for adventure? You need to get out more. You need... The IDU Travel Channel.

This thread is a place to highlight your nation's top attractions and most (or least!) visited destinations. Give us the fascinating details about your national parks, historic landmarks, famous museums, and offbeat curiosities. Also on the Travel Channel: award-winning documentaries, guided tours of your nations and cities, and reality programming about the real housewives of your nation. The IDU Travel Channel is the place to share information and resources for consumers of travel and leisure throughout the IDU and around the universe, so we need to know all about your nation's best - and worst - airlines, cruises, resort hotels, restaurants, etc. Finally, nations are encouraged to submit their entries for inclusion at a coveted spot in the IDU Travel Channel's Top Ten rankings.

Are you ready to welcome travelers to your nation? Tell us about all about it. Right here, on the IDU Travel Channel.

Contact: (TG) Baobab-Bumbaria

(Europeia - November 26, 2020) President Peeps announced the treaty of Cairdeas with new ally Caer Sidi on November 19. In the announcement, President Peeps described the proposed amendments of the treaty.

"I submit for ratification the Treaty of Cairdeas, an alliance with Caer Sidi. We have enjoyed a fruitful relationship with Caer Sidi for some time now, with our regions having celebrated a Region of the Week not to long ago and frequently cooperating militarily. The latter especially caused us to decide to pursue a full treaty immediately, rather than a Non-Aggression Pact. I look forward to continued cooperation and friendship under this agreement. [...] Finally, the name, Cairdeas, is the Irish word for friendship, which we thought quite fitting."

The treaty was supported by most senators immediately, After some concerns about the language and nature of the treaty were discussed, Speaker Lime moved the treaty to a vote.

The treaty was passed unanimously 5-0-0 on Tuesday, November 24.

Vice President Pichtonia will celebrate the treaty with Caer Sidi's monarch Aynia Moreaux and their Taioseach Icarus live on EBC Radio on Sunday, November 29, at 11 PM CET/5 PM EST.

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Balder Bugle Issue X

A publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Realm of Balder.


A New Term Begins

Statsminister and Talman Elections

The nomination process for the November Statsminister election saw both houses of the Storting separately resolve to nominate John S. Talleyrand for the position of Statsminister. He was subsequently appointed to the position by King North East Somerset.

The elections for Talman (Speaker of the Odelsting) also took place in November, with veteran member Theoden Sebastian putting himself forward for re-election. Theoden gained re-election with the unanimous support of those that voted.

State Opening of Parliament

With the Statsminister election concluded, King North East Somerset formally opened parliament. Speaking of John's service as Culture Minister in the previous term, the King noted he was "somewhat a rising star of Balder during this period" the King went on to say "With his experience serving in Cabinet here, and also in high offices abroad, I have confidence in his ability."

Looking back at the previous term, the King noted a number of successes, stating:

I was pleased to see a positive contribution from Balder to the CRAB initiative on N-Day, alongside our allies in The West Pacific, NPO and UK. We collectively outperformed expectations there, surviving to the very end despite our much smaller critical mass compared to the major alliances. The launch of the new roleplay map, the Nordic Atlas, I hope will garner some interest going forwards. The remodelled Viking Art Rewards scheme appears to have enjoyed more success than the original initiative thanks to the efforts of the Crown Prince, and may be a factor in our relative improvement in endorsement rates over the past month, which has put me firmly back into the top 10 WA Delegates by endorsements. In the World Assembly we have once more proven influential, and a highlight from the term was the successful defeat of a condemnation resolution concerning our allies, the LKE. The Civil Service Act I hope will prove to provide structure for the crucial development of future Ministers. Jomsviking deployments have occured in Calefacta Aquas Piscinae, Uniao da Cracolandia and South Pacific. I look forwards to putting out a Foreign Update to our friends and allies in the near future.

Statsminister's Speech and Composition of the Statsraadet

Once appointed, John took the time to set out his plans for the term stating "A key focus of this term will be the engagement and retention of new members. Increasing our presence across all platforms used by Balder is a top priority of this government." Hopeful that the recently-passed Civil Service Act (2020) would help get new members involved, John encouraged all ministers to utilise the framework the act provides for to its fullest extend in order to increase activity and new member involvement.

John also announced his cabinet, made up of the following ministers:

Deputy Statsminister & Minister of Foreign Affairs: Fuzzy
Minister for the Cabinet Office & Minister for Engagement: Vamperiall
Minister of War: Marnie
Minister of Culture: California but Worse
Minister of World Assembly Affairs: Blowing Trees

If You would like to be involved in the Kaijan Affair please give your ambassador to Slokais name as well as its location in Slokais as seen on the Embassay Page. And a possible location of the Slokais Embassy in your nation and keep in mind I will probably have part of the story set in your country at some point so be ready for that.

On an island that knows too much chaos. Conflict returns once again to the historic Kaijan Island and a hotbed of culture, history yet also conflict. Yet this is different the conflict will go beyond the limits of this tropical island. It will even go beyond Slokais Islands itself. Drama, Action, Intrtrieg all things you can expect in this series.

While I'm not entirely sure whether this is necessary, my last post on this forum was almost 14 years ago and given there are therefore NS users legally able to post on the forum who were not even born at that time, I will make a reintroduction.

I am Quintessence of Dust, known by various other nation names as well. I was an active IDU for only a couple of months over the 2006/7 New Year, but have fond memories of the region. After leaving the region I served as delegate of Wysteria for a couple of years before drifting into lengthy inactivity; subsequent brief returns to the game never included reactivating QoD, which went CTE for the last time in 2011. This time I have returned with QoD in tow and with Wysteria now fairly inactive and the IDU thriving I thought I would pitch my tent back here.

I am mainly noted for my cuddly and warm sensibility, always having a polite and diplomatic way of expressing myself, and my great love of the Security Council.