Almost three and a half months ago, Gralus disappeared with trace or warning, except for a message lodged in both the Shirithian and Nelagan embassies. The now famous Council on Gralus was started in Shireroth by the then Kaiser Gaelen III, and as it continued, it emerged that Gralus may have been under threat from some sort of Shadows or Reflections. A daring plan was made to journey into hell in order to try and bring an army to aid Gralus, but was apparently abandoned when the Kaiser abdicated. Nobody knows if it was ever completed, though there are rumours that others took up the challenge. Apart from the successful entry of a single Nelagan ship, nothing has been seen or heard of Gralus ... until now.
Gralus returned quietly, and without announcement. Government officials refused to comment on what occurred; but investigations by this reporter have revealed that the majority of citizens have no idea that anything occurred, save that suddenly they were three and a half months later into the year than they had thought they were. Despite the joyous occasion of celebrating three and a half months worth of birthdays in a week, Max (38) informed this reporter that "This time dilation is probably the work of mages; who have caused many great evils to be unleashed upon us, and should be stopped so that ordinary people can get on with their lives without fear of suddenly losing three months, or worse, being turned into a chicken."
Further investigation suggests that something far more sinister than time dilation spell might have occurred. While none of those involved will comment, there are suggestions that some sort of terrible foe called Fate may have held Gralus in his grasp during this time - and that Gralus' very disappearance may have been done in order to trap him so that he could be successfully stopped. When the powers that be deign to tell us the full story, Apollo Aurora will be there to break the story. Until then ... just be careful going to holiday where mages live.
In unrelated news, Nelagan astronomers have discovered a new planet, which, in the words of one astronomer, "Definitely wasn't there last week." It has been named Geldica.
BRUSSEL, NEDERLANDEN - ACS 3740: After careful considerations, the governments of SC-states Batavia and the Nederlanden stated that it would probably be better if all NEVO-states join the Small Commonwealth.
The closure of the NEVO (Dutch Treaty Organization) Assembly by President Alejandro Gonzalez of the Netherlands, on 27th October 2009 because of low activity was followed by a weak protest of the member states. On 31th October the President reopened the assembly with just one goal: talking about the future of the organization.
While there is much support for an organization which unites the Dutch nations under one banner, the member states and their people see the NEVO as ineffective and non-functioning. That's why both governments opt the idea of letting the 'NEVO' join the Small Commonwealth. Practically, those states (of which only Vlaanderen still needs to join) would draw certain treaties but with requirements like a Dutch-speaking population. This would create a de facto (or even de jure) fraction of Dutch nations which cooperates with the Anglophone sector.
While the idea is winning field in both Batavia and the Nederlanden, it's still unknown how the Flemish populations looks towards the idea. The future for the NEVO is still a mystery, what will time bring them?
Micras Temporarily Disabled by EMP Weaponry
MCS HEADQUARTERS - 3736 ACS: Micronationalists trying to visit the MCS’s website (http://micras.org/ ) from October 28 to 30 were confronted with the above friendly yet disturbing image noting that the entire site was inaccessible, prompting a flurry of rumors that mostly involved blaming Spangle.
The downtime was actually caused from simply nobody paying the hosting bill since July. As notices were going to Pete, the former administrator that has since retired, neither Craitman nor Spangle knew of the hosting running out until it was too late. Upon returning from a personal holiday and finding out about the situation, Spangle got the login information and paid a month’s worth of service out of his own pocket. The Apollo Aurora, and any other micronationalist with a shred of decency, thanks him for the contribution.
There is talk of moving the MCS site off of its current hosting location and possibly placing it under Spangle’s direct control. While Spangle seems to be able and wiling to pay for hosting, this editor worries if too many micronational institutions are falling into his robotic little claws. There is also the possibility of the MCS accepting donations to pay for hosting costs, though volunteer donations are a notoriously irregular source of income.
There is a topic on the MCS forums discussing this development.NOVA KAJAR, NELAGA - 3733 ACS: With Nelaga’s Presidential elections now only a week away, two candidates have come forth to run for the office: former Jasonian citizen Gman Russel and newcomer Vur’Alm Xei’Bôn.
Gman Russel made a brief campaign speech today regarding his qualities as President. He emphasized his experience, his fortitude, and his temperance as key qualities, as well as vowing to focus all of his micronational effort on his Nelaga presidency in spite of his citizenship (and current status as Duke of Yardistan) in Shireroth. Gman has had a long history of involvement in both the Nelaga Territories and its spiritual predecessor state, the Flying Islands of Jasonia. He is considered to be very conservative, always watching out to make sure that what he considers the ideals of the nation are not being abused or altered.
Vur’Alm has not yet made a speech on his platform and plans for the office. However, he is a public persona of Andreas the Wise, a known tireless worker and overall good guy in Nelaga, Gralus, and abroad. His Vur’Alm persona is that of a micron scientist and traveler that has come to Nelaga to study the past in preparation for a better future. If the quality of Andreas’s writings in the past are any indication, he may have very interesting plans for this character, though it is too early to tell what exactly they may be.
Both candidates are well-respected in the small country. It is possible that the race, as the two before it, will turn into one between the “older” crowd favoring Gman’s experience and the “newer” group backing Andreas’s energy. As Nelaga has roughly equal numbers of both citizen bases, with some citizens likely being too torn to even pick a candidate at all, this editor predicts that this could be an extremely close election. Nelaga is struggling to regain activity and continue to find its place in the micronational world so this election may be a vital one, with the policies of its leadership possibly affecting the country in the ever-present micronational struggle between life and death! No pressure though.
The sign-up period for the election ends on October 30th and the voting period will be the entire week from November 1st until the 7th.
This is Nelaga’s third Presidential election in their less than a year of micronational operation. The first was a race between Harvey Lekuan and Jonas Windsor, with Harvey barely winning. The second put Jonas up against Gman Russel, but the latter eventually decided to support Jonas.
Further details on the election can be seen in this topic as they develop.
NOVA KAJAR, NELAGA - 3732 ACS: Aurora Media is pleased to announce that the Apollo Aurora is now a part of Micronations.net’s blog feed, along with several other quality sources of current micronational news. The staff at the Apollo Aurora gives a good-natured wave to our brother periodicals and wishes them a long and successful future of bringing the news.
Micronations.net is an amazing resource for micronational newcomers or veterans alike. In addition to blog news feeds and the occasional radio broadcast, they also host articles about the hobby, a list of forums and chat rooms to get more involved, and links to some defunct websites and forums that are serving as archives. It’s a great place to learn or research more about the hobby or just browse around for a while and see what you come across.
Remember, Aurora Media is more than willing to join in any media alliance for the purposes of greater coverage and outreach. However, the staff feels the need to stress that they are only interested in partnerships, not disbanding Aurora Media or writing articles specifically for another source.
The Apollo Aurora - Timeliness, Accuracy, Interest
(This article was written and submitted by guest editor Jonas Windsor with minor cleanups by the Aurora staff)
WILLEMSTAD, BATAVIA - 3732 ACS: With the new reforms, recently passed by the current Romez-Administration (formed by Republican Left and the Conservative Monarchic Party,) to integrate and unify the former Commonwealth Regions (semi-independent regions within the now distinct Commonwealth of Batavia) of Nederburg and Aragon with Ingola as one Gouw (part of the Kingdom) has resulted in an open rebellion against the Batavian Government. Several attacks on government buildings in Willemstad took place, while at the same moment military bases in the inland were attacked and taken over by rebel forces.
The Batavian Strijdkrachten (Military Forces) were brought on standby and prevented the rebels’ attempts to get total control over Batavia-Cibola. Constantijn Windsor, Minister of State Security, declared that the actions of those 'terrorists' will not stop Batavia from incorporating the region as part of the democratic Kingdom of Batavia. More troops will be send to the Gouw to reconquer the lost areas and restore order.
In the meantime, the colony of Nova Victora, which isn't incorporated in Batavian-Cibola, has offered its help to the royal forces.
With the unrest in Batavia-Cibola, businessmen are scared that the gold delivery to the homeland will stop, resulting in a gold crisis.
(click for larger view, again for full-sized view)
For those largely confused by this development, this 'civil war' is being simulated to test the QUARREL recwar system.
SMALL COMMONWEALTH HQ, SHIREROTH - 3730 ACS: The Small Commonwealth reached eleven member nations on October 22, making it one of the most active and participated in bodies for facilitating beneficial international agreements between micronations our corner of the hobby has ever seen.
The Small Commonwealth currently has treaties that cover mutual non-aggression, bans on forum-busting weapons, recwar systems and economics. In addition, several additional treaties are being designed. These include a commonwealth court for settling international disputes as well as completely optional domestic services for countries that have no court systems, a copyright law that protects creative works and trademarks, and the recognition of marriages. A full list of treaties that nations have signed can be viewed in the treaty repository.
No doubt the appeal of joining the Small Commonwealth comes from the fact that all agreements are completely optional once a nation has become a member. For example, a small relatively isolationist nation may agree to not participating in micronational warfare by singing a non-aggression treaty but not a joint economic treaty so they can run their own economic simulation, while a large power may wish to sign the economic treaty to interact with others but not one that requires mutual defense. Some nations choose not to sign anything, simply wanting to be a part of a larger whole. The “pick and choose” mentality of the Small Commonwealth is clearly what gives it is mass appeal.
Yet the optional treaty system could also be seen as a weakness. While there are several treaties that nations can sign, a significant portion of the member states have not agreed to anything beyond the mandatory membership treaty, which by itself does nothing other than giving a nation a voice in the assembly for debate and voting purposes. The most popular treaty, the unified currency treaty, has seven signing nations, but all others have less than four. Countries that do not sign treaties get no benefit out of the Small Commonwealth other than simply having another place to debate international micronational matters.
The 11 member nations of the Small Commonwealth, and what treaties they have signed, can be found that the Small Commonwealth’s membership listing. Further details can be found elsewhere in the forum.
The Small Commonwealth originally started as a Shireroth-centric organization with the vague purpose of uniting friendly nations under the ceremonial rule of the Kaiser while still allowing the member states to remain almost entire autonomous in regard to their own affairs. After this model stalled, the charters were rewritten so that Shireroth has no stronger position in the commonwealth than that of any other given member, with the exception of their hosting of the forums.
SHIREKEEP, SHIREROTH - 3730 ACS: Ardashir Piroz Aurangzeb al-Osmani-Steffki, more reasonably referred to as Kaiser Aurangzeb and previously known as The Khan of Vijayanagara, has claimed the Mango Throne today following the resignation of Kaiser Gaelen III on October 21.
While most of Shireroth’s imperial nobility is expected to accept the new Kaiser without incident, Duke Greg Russell of Yardistan, a traditional enemy of Elywnn and the kaiser’s lineage over an intentional genocide against Amity Island in the past, has declared the entire Duchy of Yardistan in rebellion against the throne. Any actual plans Yardistan has in accomplishing this rebellion, or any plans the Kaiser has to retaliate, have not yet come to light. Count Erik Mortis is also in rebellion, but since he has been in rebellion against the last three Kaisers, nobody expects a major move. Nevertheless, if the Khan’s famous history of boldness and general mistreatment of infidels is any indication, this could be a very strange time in Shireroth.
Kaiser Aurangzeb hails from the Duchy of Elywnn, a duchy increasingly more in the center of conflict due to its perceived or supposed superiority in ducal citizens and activity. Also, while the Kaiser’s previous Babkhan heritage is well-known, he also claims the throne as part of the bloodline of Steffki, an unusual bloodline consisting of some of Shireroth’s more oddball and somewhat unpopular rulers such as Kaiser Aure I and Kaisers Meskan I and II. This is the second time the relatively unpopular Steffki bloodline has made major news this week – see the article on Goldshire, below.
Kaiser Gaelen III, though active in Shireroth during his reign, did very little with his actual power as a Kaiser. Indeed, most of the happenings during his reign were signed by the Khan of Vijayanagara in his stead. Gaelen was expected to lead a Shirerithian army to Gralus in response to a distress call received some time ago but the effort seems to have been abandoned. In related news, Ari has already re-immigrated back into the Nelaga Territories, a citizenship that he was unable to hold during his reign has Kaiser due to citizenship restrictions on the position.
SHIREKEEP, SHIREROTH - 3730 ACS: Many Shirerithian citizens involuntarily took part in International Capslock Day, which apparently is a holiday there. Due to a clever script uploaded to the Shirerithian forums, the entire board was temporarily converted to entirely appearing in uppercase letters for most of the day on October 22. Though the board has been since changed back, the following shot was taken by a journalist in the field:
(click on the image for a larger version, and again for full-size. If you really want to see text in all caps that is.)
International Capslock Day was also observed last year, though with no forced scripting.
GOLDSHIRE HAMLET, SHIREROTH - 3729 ACS: From a minor statement saying he would play a rebel Goldshire faction in the (still) upcoming QUARREL-based Shirerithian civil war to issuing a statement of independence for the duchy from Brookshire that was signed by imperial decree in less than three days, the Duchy of Goldshire gained its first taste of autonomous duchy rule in over five years.
Harvey Lekuan, a citizen of Shireroth and one of the people working with Scott Alexander on the new QUARREL recwar system, was (and still is) planning on judging the event for fairness and exploits in the system. On Ocotober 17 he opted to join the war as an independent third party between the main combatants of Brookshire and Elywnn, fully planning on losing the war due to a lack of support and a poor starting position. What was unanticipated was that seemingly more people were showing support for the free-Goldshire cause than the Brookshire or Elywnn one, either by entering the war on the Goldshire side or indirectly, vowing vague support for the idea if it came down to votes. Two days and several private meetings between government officials later, Harvey issued a long statement declaring his heritage from the imperial bloodlines of Steffki and Doran as well as the status of Goldshire as a fully duchy. The matter briefly put to Landsraad vote as per the laws on creating a new duchy before being overridden by an imperial decree issued on October 21 by then-Steward Khan of Vijayanagara, which essentially validated Harvey’s statement on all of his terms, making everything official.
Ironically, the peaceful return of Goldshire as a duchy completely destroys the entire premise of the upcoming QUARREL test war that spawned the idea, as Goldshire contained the lands in dispute and Harvey’s vow to fight for independence came as a bloodless revolution. Scott A. has decided that the war shall be a reenactment of the struggle that never took place at all. Though, if Shireroth's continuity shifting alliances continue to shift, the actual sides during the recwar may be completely indistinguishable from those that originally had a conflict.
A major provision of Goldshire’s creation is eternal friendship and aid towards the Duchy of Brookshire, as recognition both of the land sacrifices Brookshire willingly gave up towards the formation of the Duchy of Goldshire as well as Brookshire’s Duke Malliki Tosha’s personal involvement, help, and encouragement in the effort. Goldshire has promised legislative and military solidarity with Brookshire, already making good on the vow by showing support towards Brookshire’s own Erik Mortis in his race for Praetorship of the Landsraad.
As previously mentioned in an earlier article, Goldshire was disbanded in May of 2005 due to a lack of active citizens.
Standing in as president, as per the order of succession defined by the Nelagan Constitution, is Acting-President Andreas, the Speaker of the legislature. Chief of Staff Fides had priority to claim the position of president but declined for unspecified reasons.
Acting-President Andreas has already scheduled elections to elect a proper President as well as appointed Harvey as the Nelagan representative to the Small Commonwealth. He has also been in private talks with other prominent citizens of Nelaga regarding a new direction for the country to promote activity and uniqueness, but no details are available at this time.
A send-off party honoring President Jonas for his efforts and accomplishments is being planned for an unspecified date in the near future.
Jonas assumed the Presidency after a hasty election in June of this year after the previous president, President Harvey, resigned the position following a failed attempt to impeach him for inactivity. Jonas was instrumental in negotiations in September that lead to Nelaga acquiring their second half of Redoubt / Maraguo island that put all traditional Jasonian territory under Nelagan administration, as well as organizing the Nelagan effort to purchase JASO in a recent the Shirerithian auction. He also updated the Nelaga Skyline, the nation’s news briefs, and participated in national projects to reinforce Gralus and the development of the QUARREL recwar battle system. This journalist, and many Nelagan citizens, thank him for his deeds.
Apollo Aurora: Thank you for taking some time out for this interview, Konrad.
Konrad: Thank you. It's a great pleasure
Aurora: So, why don't we start off by getting to know you a bit better. Tell our readers a little about your micronational career.
Konrad: My career started back in 2005 with a micronation that has an important place in micronational history, Jamzinia. I then joined a few other nations after a lull in activity and helped create Abiwyn
Aurora: And now you were recently crowned Emperor of Natopia, correct?
Konrad: Yes, for the first time in the history of Natopia, a new Emperor has been crowned
Aurora: How did it come about that you were crowned Emperor? As you said, in its seven years of existence, Natopia has never had a new emperor.
Konrad: The previous Emperor and long time citizen, Nathan has relinquished the throne to concentrate on his art education, and the teachings of the Butter cow and now Butter Bull
Aurora: Ah, the Butter Cow. Thanks for bringing that up. Natopia's primary faith is probably a bit unusual if viewed by those outside the country. What are the basic principles of the faith?
Konrad: Well you may not be aware but the Butter spirit has returned to us in the form of the Butter Bull. We await his words of wisdom. For more this post is really informative: http://chancellornate.proboards.com/inde
Aurora: Tell me a little more about Natopia. What else makes it different from other micronations?
Konrad: Some think micronationism is serious business. We don't.
Aurora: Can you give me an example of this?
Konrad: we serve Juice, Bagels, and Tea at all of our official functions
Konrad: and are known for our parties
Konrad: Natopians aim to have fun and grasp at straws
Konrad: we will take any achievement, however big or small
Aurora: Well, with seven years of successful history as a micronation, it sure seems to be working out for them. What plans do you have for Natopia as the new emperor?
Konrad: Natopians will continue to have access to the finest Juice, Bagels and Tea available while striving to further our exploration of space. Micras is just the beginning!
Aurora: Well, we wish you luck. For my final question, do you have any closing remarks or final thoughts for our readers?
Konrad: Natopia also aims to be more welcoming to overseas visitors, as you may know you are not required to have an account to view the forum. These are exciting times for micronationism, keep it positive, and remember a bagel always awaits you in Natopia
Aurora: Indeed. A very accessible nation. Well, thank you for your time and participation, Emperor Konrad. The Apollo Aurora wishes you and Natopia the best luck in their future endeavors.
Konrad: Thank you very much
Natopia is a small but inviting micronation with a long history and a lot of character, best known for it's good-natured citizens, free juice and bagels, and unusual MS paint architecture. There is a lot more to say about Natopia and some of its prominent citizens, but it will have to wait for a full national review article some time in the future. The Apollo Aurora recommends Natopian citizenship for people looking for a more laid back atmosphere, possibly as a second citizenship or as a single residence for the more burned-out and jaded Micras traveler. Be sure to check out their forums.
You can look forward to further interviews with micronational personalities here on the Apollo Aurora. If you would like to submit your own name for interviewing, feel free to contact us directly here on these blog or at apolloaurora@livejournal.com and we will make arrangements.
The Apollo Aurora - Timeliness, Accuracy, Interest
Elywnn's efforts, organized by Duke Leo Dine and Steward Allot, seem to hinge on a combination of wanting to clean up their own borders and good-natured conflict for activity purposes. Brookshire, lead by Duke Malliki Tosha, had no interest in the trade for any reason and said so quite firmly. Perhaps too firmly, for Shireroth's political system has always had a history of internal conflict for setling disputes, containing no less than three recwar systems (its own SCIRA, the Small Commonweath-based SCOWL, and the new QUARREL) for facilitating internal strife.
A subform for the upcoming conflict, dubbed the Goldshare Khanflict for reasons that barely make sense if you understand them, has already been created. The conflict seems likely to be fought under the new and largely-untested QUARREL recwar system. QUARREL is similar to other recwar systems in the sense that participants create OrBats (Orders of Battle; all of the military forces they can control) and post actions, movements, and backstory for their armies. However, the major difference between QUARREL and other recwar systems is that QUARREL handles all combat via a pre-existing combat and damage algorithm using either an online program or through by-hand calculations. Further information about QUARREL can be found at the official manual, an online word document.
Both duchies are in the process of attracting allies to their side. Despite being a recwar rooted within internal issues, citizens and countries outside Shireroth are welcome to join in, if invited by one of the current parties. If you are interested in a recwar and/or trying out QUARREL, feel free to drop by the subforum.
The land being fought over was once Goldshire, once one of the two original duchies of Shireroth. Goldshire held duchy-level political power and status until it slowly became deserted in late 2004 / early 2005 when prominent citizens Jadie of Goldshire and Ruhan Zarathustra Erudinz began to leave the hobby. The duchy was disbanded and the territory integrated into Brookshire by Imperial Decree #173: Goldshire, issued by Steward Scott I on May 4, 2005. Duke ErosDarkstar was its last reigning duke before the disbandment. Its disbandment brought the number of duchies in Shireroth down to four and is generally seen as one of the milestone markers of Shireroth's slow collapse into inactivity before being revived in early 2007.
The main scope of the news blog is to cover the happenings of the Small Commonwealth nations, as well as major international news from other micronations and organizations based on Micras, such as the MCS.
The Apollo Aurora's statement is that of timeliness, accuracy, and interest:
* Timeliness - reporting the news as it happens
* Accuracy - researching the entire issue and its key components and players, as well as making prompt corrections if mistakes are discovered
* Interest - covering a broad spectrum of micronational news topics that should have relevance to micronationalists with varying interests and focuses on what makes the hobby enjoyable and interesting
Aurora Media encourages any micronational citizen to join in the news effort and send notifications, editorials, corrections, anonymous tips, or any other information to apolloaurora@livejournal.com . Information can also be posted publicly at our home office in Nelaga at http://bill3000.net/nelaga/viewforum.php?f=4
In addition, if you would like to join the Apollo Aurora effort as a full journalist, do not hesitate to contact Aurora Media. We would be happy to have another viewpoint, particularly from nations outside the Small Commonwealth that are less familiar to our staff.
Apollo Media thanks you for being part of our launch effort and strives for a standard of excellence that will develop the news blog into a major micronational news source.
The Apollo Aurora - Timeliness, Accuracy, Interest
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