Nations and Empires - News

Battle at Angenmar Paven

2007-04-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

Oron 40, Salgan 10, Adonsik 40 Vylor Cledman VI

As tensions between Lord Chancellor Rubanya Cledman and other members of the Imperial Council appear to be rising, the response to the Lord Chancellor's decree granting control of Imperial Army garrisons to local Ulors has been chaotic and has led to bloodshed in more than one province.

Imperial Army troops from two different Verronese provinces are reported to be fighting each other in the town of Angenmar Paven, capital of Salan Kajakan Folon.

Rumors indicate well over a hundred soldiers lost in the fighting which centered around the palace of Ulor Tremalkan of Kajakan Folon. According to some sources, the soldiers were sent by Ulor Kortelan of Salan Kajakan Tros to remove Tremalkan from power, allegedly on orders from Lord Chancellor Rubanya.

It is said that Ulor Kortelan violently took control of the Imperial Army garrison in his province on orders from the Lord Chancellor, but that Ulor Tremalkan refused a similar order and for that reason the Lord Chancellor instructed Ulor Kortelan to remove him from power.

Other sources insist that Ulor Tremalkan did assume control of the Imperial Army garrison in his province as instructed by the Lord Chancellor.

It is further reported that Ulor Ziyan of Salan Kajakan Yost has refused the Lord Chancellor's order to take control of the garrison in his province. There is no indication that any action has been taken against him.

Other rumors indicate that soldiers were seen loading on navy transports in Yishil, but it is not clear what their destination is. Some speculate that they are headed to Verronia to remove Ulor Ziyan from power or Angenmar Paven to join the battle there. Still other rumors indicate that they may be bound for Zekran.

Rubanya Sets Up Temporary Capital at Yishil

2007-02-13T04:49:00.000-08:00

Current Date:
Oron 21, Salgan 10, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(21st Day of the 10th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

Rubanya Cledman, now declaring himself Imperial Regent has set up his headquarters at Yishil, the capital of Salan Slythia. Rumors are that Ulor Konigak of Slythia is neither cooperating nor hindering the Regent. The regent has control of the Slythia garrison and has begun issuing a blizzard of decrees.

The Regent ordered all Uloro to seize control of Imperial Army garrisons and to prepare to send troops outside their provinces. He has also dismissed from Imperial service all the soldiers in Zekran. Furthermore, he has issued decrees dismissing the Uloro of these 13 provinces: Frayethay, Kast, Uvinshakh Voint, Tanan, Flitran, Logoria, Sishan, Kikalan Tros, Kikalan Inuva, Lisal Koppa, Ravelonia, Baaniferan and Zurian. The Regent has appointed his son, Prince Durbanyva as Ulor of Frayethay, and Prince Durbanyva's three children as Uloro of nearby provinces. Prince Shalimuk was appointed Ulor of Kast, his younger brother Prince Nalimuk was appointed Ulor of Uvinshakh Voint, and his younger sister, Princess Evanit, was appointed Ulor of Tavan.

Ulor Gefanin of Salan Glantogran resigns

2007-02-11T03:01:00.000-08:00

Current Date:
Oron 19, Salgan 10, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(19th Day of the 10th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

In an unexpected move, Ulor Gefanin of Salan Glantogran resigned. Glantogran province borders Helmarie, which recently declared independence and is near Aatan which also declared independence. With tensions running high in the region and the ancient animosity between the Tronds of Helmarie and the Red Hand tribes of Glantogran rekindled, there could not be a worse time for Glantogran province to be leaderless. Yet there is no Ulor Ekanor to step in so Glantogran remains leaderless until a new Ulor is appointed by the Imperial government which itself appears to be in some disarray.

Lord Chancellor Flees the Capital

2007-02-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

Current Date:
Oron 17, Salgan 10, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(17th Day of the 10th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

The Lord Chancellor, Rubanya Cledman, who is also the Imperial Crown Prince, fled the capital in a convoy of Imperial Navy ships due to concerns about his safety during unusual Imperial Army deployments in the capital. The Lord Chancellor was reportedly blocked by elite Imperial troops from entering the Imperial Palace to visit his ailing nephew, the Emperor.

The Lord Chancellor's convoy was seen heading West in the Glivo Trayakir (the Gateway Waters), but his destination is not known.

A series of letters have been received by some or possibly all of the Uloro of the provinces purportedly from the Lord Chancellor alleging a plot to assassinate the Emperor and place an usurper on the throne. The letter proclaimed the Lord Chancellor as Imperial Regent assuming all the powers of the Emperor. The letter allegedly dismisses the entire Imperial Army command in Zekran, appoints the Lord Chancellor as the new Imperial Army commander and gives the Ulor of each province authority to command Imperial troops in their province.

It is unclear who is in control of the Imperial Army. There are rumors that its commander, Gurikan Falanorata Krulmuk has been assassinated. Several phalanxes of Imperial troops from nearby provinces have been seen entering the city and phalanxes of the Zekran garrison that normally stay in their barracks have been seen guarding the city gates and the Imperial Palace.

Soldiers of the elite Kantora Ramoro have been seen guarding the Imperial Navy headquarters at Zekran.

Helmarie and Aatan Declare Independence!

2007-02-10T03:48:00.000-08:00

Current Date:
Oron 24, Salgan 9, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(24th Day of the 9th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

On Oron 23, Salgan 9, Ulor Esinie declared the independence of Helmarie Province from the Zekresh Empire. Troops of the Imperial Army garrison in Helmarie appear to be supporting Ulor Esinie. Most of the troops are members of the Trond tribes as is Ulor Esinie and most of the population of the province. Members of the Glant Ogra tribes, traditional enemies of the Tronds, who live in Helmarie have begun preparing to defend themselves. Zekresh and Frayeth soldiers have been purged from the army units of the Helmarie garrison. After their dismissal, Zekresh and Frayeth soldiers reportedly went on a rampage across the countryside as they left the province. Verronese merchants began fleeing the provincial capital of Kast Foramyva within hours of the announcement.

The following day, Ulor Wanderjar of Aatan declared the independence of Aatan Province from the Zekresh Empire. The loyalty of the troops of the Imperial Army garrison in Aatan is unclear. Celebrations broke out in Renifar and people from across the province have been answering the Ulor's call for the formation of an "Aatanian" military. There are reports of thousands of volunteers.

Barbarians Attack Kast Vyloresh Province

2007-01-29T17:28:00.000-08:00

Current Date:
Oron 20, Salgan 9, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(20th Day of the 9th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

Ships from the Overseas Provinces bring news that barbarians have again begun raiding outlying settlements in Kast Vyloresh Province. After the raids were not met with a strong enough response, a great horde of barbarians invaded the province, laying waste to all in their path.

Kast Vyloresh Province (Imperial Fortress Province) is named for the Imperial military fort there which is the largest Imperial military installation in the Overseas Provinces. The fortress itself is not yet besieged, but Imperial officers indicate that they are prepared for a siege. They are actually hoping for a siege because, as Gurikan Falan (Captain General) Ildanyva, the fortress commander, said, "If they try a siege, they will waste their strength. But if they ignore the fortress, we'll have a bigger problem because we don't have the strength to defeat such a huge horde of barbarians in open battle. There's at least ten thousand of them, probably more. I have requested assistance from Zekran, but it will take months to arrive. I hope they realize the seriousness of the situation. This is not just another raid. This is a war."

Civilians in the province were clearly panicking and fleeing across the river to Falanalish Province. All the ships in the port cast off and headed out to sea, crowded with refugees.

Emperor Rumored to be Ill

2007-01-23T23:41:00.001-08:00

Current Date:
Oron 2, Salgan 9, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(2nd Day of the 9th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

Rumors in the capital say that Emperor Cledman VI is ill and was unable to attend today's Imperial Council meeting. Gossip from palace servants says that he's not really ill, but has a hangover from a party he attended at Vergriman House last night.

Troops Dispatched to Suppress Tavani Rebels

2007-01-23T23:17:00.000-08:00

Current Date:
Oron 30, Salgan 8, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(30th Day of the 8th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

A flotilla of Imperial Navy ships carrying thousands of Imperial Army troops departed from Zekran today, heading North to suppress the Tavani rebels.

Kopixer Rebellion Crushed

2007-01-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

Kopixer Rebellion Crushed

Current Date:
Oron 27, Salgan 7, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(27th Day of the 7th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

On Oron 29, Salgan 6, Imperial Army forces led by Ulor Nemt and Ekanor Falan Krevimuk crushed a large force of rebels and mutineers at Arinixervolt, capital city of Salan Kopixer. According to reports from Kopixer, at least 1,000 rebels were killed in the battle, but the Imperial Army did not lose a single man.

Gurikan Falanorata (Field Marshall) Krulmuk, commander of the Imperial Army announced the victory in Zekran today where news of it has just arrived. Krulmuk said it showed that the Imperial Army was better than ever at crushing rebellions and warned other would-be rebels and malcontents that they would meet a similar fate if they dared to defy Imperial authority.

Genocide Against Tavani Tribes (the squirrel people)

2007-01-16T07:11:00.000-08:00

Current Date:
Oron 22, Salgan 7, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(22nd Day of the 7th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

Field Markshall Krulmuk is suggesting a military compaign to suppress an anti-Imperial tribe on the frontier and requesting that the Ulor of each province write a letter to the Imperial Council expressing support for this.

According to Krulmuk:

Salan Zurian (Wilderness Province) (#19 on the map) is one of the more recently annexed provinces. It is the Northernmost province on the shores of the Eastern Sea. In the 3rd year of the reign of Emperor Cledman V (53 years ago), the Zekresh Empire noticed that war was raging in the wilderness beyond its Northeastern frontier. Imperial troops intervened. One side in the conflict, the "Kalendro Eka", or "Woodpecker People" gave in easily and accepted Imperial control. The other side in the conflict, the "Tavani" or "Squirrel People", also known as the "Hywatsi Tribes" fought bitterly against the Imperial Army. Most of them were wiped out, but a few thousand Tavani survived.

After more than half a century of being part of the Empire, it would be expected that the Tavani would learn to accept Imperial rule. They have not. They are still resistant to Imperial authority and we have intelligence reports that their numbers have increased in the last fifty years and that they are more seditious than ever. These people will never accept Imperial rule. Yet they are already inside the Empire. They must be wiped out.

The Stavuk Vyloresh (Imperial Council) is debating whether or not to authorize the use of the Imperial Army to wipe out a nation of people within the Empire.

Here is more information on the Stavuk Vyloresh
(Imperial Council) where this is being debated
http://nationsandempires1.blogspot.com/2006/11/imperial-council.html

Cult of the Lost Crown Opens Temple in Ulawan

2007-01-10T01:39:00.000-08:00

Current Date:
Oron 8, Salgan 7, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(8th Day of the 7th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

After legalization of the public practice of unofficial religions in Helmarie province, a number of other Reformist provinces have implemented similar legislation including Ulawan province.

The hastily erected temple opened on the first of the month to huge crowds. Little is known to government officials about which religions are widespread or just how popular they are since they have all been practiced in secret except for the official religion. Now, as pilgrims are flocking to the new temple in Ulawan, it is obvious that this cult has long had a large following, at least in the Ilania Region where it was founded centuries ago.

Trayavix Province Abolishes Death Penalty for Shoplifting

2007-01-10T01:31:00.000-08:00

Current Date:
Oron 4, Salgan 7, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(4th Day of the 7th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

Ulor Tervin of Trayavix Province has issued a decree abolishing the death penalty for shoplifting. Currently imperial law requires the death penalty for all "thefts from public market places". While Trayavix province continues to implement the death penalty for most crimes, Ulor Tervin of Trayavix said, "Thefts of merchandise with a value of less than one bayla really don't merit the death penalty. From now on shoplifters of such small items will be given 100 lashes with a whip, have their right hand cut off and be branded on the forehead with the word "thief" with a hot iron." Under the new law, shoplifters in Trayavix who steal items of more than one bayla in value will still be put to death by slow torture, just as before.

The Lord Chancellor has expressed his support for Ulor Tervin's decree, saying, "This is a humane measure that shows we are a civilized and tolerant people. I'm sure the Emperor will endorse this change in the law across the whole Empire when he gets around to it."

Asnalyva, the Lord of the Exchequer and a member of the Imperial Council has expressed his opposition to the move. "The death penalty deters crime. If we weaken our laws, there will be anarchy. We should not change the law. An Ulor doesn't really have the authority for this anyway. If it weren't for the fact that it's the Ulors' men enforcing the laws out in the provinces, or not enforcing them, nobody would take this so called decree seriously."

Ulor Yandimuk of Baaniferan province has expressed support and opposition to the measure at the same time, confusing many people. "I'm against this reform being done in my province or the rest of the Empire, but I'm glad that Ulor Tervin has done this in Trayavix. His province is right next to mine. All the thieves here will stampede over there when word gets out how Ulor Tervin coddles criminals. Just flogging, amputation and branding for petty thievery? Who wouldn't love to have that instead of a real penalty? After all, most shoplifters in my province are children, especially orphaned street urchins. Everyone knows the only thing children understand is force and the more of it the better I say."

Here is more information on the Stavuk Vyloresh
(Imperial Council) where this is being debated
http://nationsandempires1.blogspot.com/2006/11/imperial-council.html

Helmarie Legalizes Practice of Unofficial Religions in Public

2006-12-17T05:45:00.000-08:00

Current Date:
Oron 39, Salgan 6, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(39th Day of the 6th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

Ulor Esinie of Helmarie province has issued a decree legalizing the practice of unofficial religions in public. Currently imperial law prohibits all public praying, worshipping, displaying of religious symbols, construction of temples or other religious buildings, carving of idols, sacrifices, etc. except for the official religion of the empire which is the Zekresh religion. The sacrifice of goats to Gilhalnan on the solstices is not actually required by law, but is strongly encouraged. The worship of other Zekresh gods is also permitted and large temples to them have been built in every province with money from the Imperial treasury. All other religions must be practiced in secret, if at all, and they are strongly discouraged by imperial officials. In some provinces there are fines and penalties for being a member of any unofficial religion, even in private.

Lord Chancellor Rubanya Cledman has endorsed the move by the Ulor of Helmarie and sent messages asking the Uloro of other provinces to consider following the example of Helmarie province and issue decrees legalizing the practice of unofficial religions in public.

The Ulor of Trayavix Province has agreed to issue such a decree and has set his scribes to preparing the decree. The Ulor of Slythia has taken a middle course, legalizing the Cult of the Viper God only and retaining the ban on all other religions except the official religion of the Empire.

For more information on the official religion of the empire, see here:

http://nationsandempires1.blogspot.com/2006/11/zekresh-religion.html

The Lord Chancellor has said of this, "We have tried for centuries to make all the peoples of the empire into devout worshippers of Gilhalnan the Goat God of the Forest and the other holy deities of our religion. Alas, those who are going to join us in our sacred temples have already done so. The others, and I speak of the vast majority of the population of the Empire, have their own gods and goddesses and there is no reason they should not be able to worship them in public as we worship our gods in public. There will be less grumbling about Imperial rule if we permit our people this small liberty. Gilhalnan will understand. After all, the Ulor of Helmarie has already carried out this reform and the sky didn't fall. The Empire didn't crumble. Goats did not rush out of the forest and smite him to show Gilhalnan's displeasure."

Levorek, a member of the Imperial Council, and the leader of the Loyalist Faction, has been critical of this proposal, "Ulor Esinie of Helmarie is playing with fire and we could all get burnt. Religion is one of the things which holds the Empire together. People who pray together, stay together. If we legalize unofficial religions, there will be six hundred temples to six hundred different gods in every city. I predict arguments over religions, dissent, chaos and holy wars that will tear the Empire apart. It was wise to suppress the unofficial religions and urge people to follow the one true faith. We should reconsider allowing the worship of heathen gods in private, too, I say. And since when is this up to an Ulor to decide? This is a matter for the Emperor to decide."

Ulor Esinie of Helmarie Province said, "I have decided to join the Reformist Faction and stop suppressing the native religions of this province as the Lord Chancellor suggested."

Here is more information on the Stavuk Vyloresh
(Imperial Council) where this is being debated
http://nationsandempires1.blogspot.com/2006/11/imperial-council.html

Here is more information on Helmarie province which
initiated action on this issue:
http://nationsandempires2.blogspot.com/2006/11/salan-helmarie.html

Separatists Hold Ulor's Advisor for Ransom in Helmarie Province, Ulor Dismisses Army Officers

2006-12-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

Date:
Oron 15, Salgan 5, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(15th Day of the 5th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

Separatist rebels from one of the Trond tribes captured Gurok, the advisor to Ulor Esinie of Salan Helmarie and held the advisor for ransom. Ironically, Gurok was captured while delivering a 15,000 baylo ransom for a lower ranking provincial employee who was also being held for ransom. The lower ranking employee had been sent to spy on Trond separatists, but was instead captured by them.

Ulor Esinie has declared an emergency and used his emergency powers to call out all five phalanxes of the Imperial Army garrison in Helmarie province. The troops searched the whole province for the missing advisor with no luck. Ulor Esinie has also taken the extremely unusual and legally questionable step of removing from office all the senior officers of the garrison for incompetence and corruption. Appointment and removal of Imperial Army officers is normally done by senior army officers, the Lord Chancellor or the Emperor, not by the Ulor of a province.

Ulor Esinie alleges that while the garrison commanders reported their units as being at nearly full strength (1,000 men for each of the five phalanxes) when they were called upon to assemble for inspection, all five phalanxes could only muster a little over 3,000 men instead of the 5,000 they claimed to have. Ulor Esinie alleged that the commanders had been fraudulently pocketing the pay for nearly 2,000 soldiers who didn't exist.

It has been subsequently reported that the army was unable to locate the advisor, Gurok and the Ulor had to pay an additional ransom of 10,000 baylo to secure his release. The separatists have not been captured and got away with 25,000 baylo, a vast fortune.

Gurikan Falan (Captain General) Trenyva at the Imperial Army fortress at Trayavix, who has command over the garrison in Helmarie objected strongly and called upon the Emperor to remove Ulor Esinie from his post for interfering in internal army matters. Captain General Trenyva has already issued orders to reinstate the dismissed officers, but this order has been countermanded by the Lord Chancellor.

Lord Chancellor Rubanya Cledman praised Ulor Esinie's actions as necessary to cope with the emergency and also an example the army should follow for how to put a stop to rampant corruption. The Lord Chancellor accused the Imperial Army officer corps of routinely pocketing vast amounts of money for "ghost soldiers" who don't really exist and used the opportunity to again call for creation of an ombudsman and a staff of inspectors, funded by the proposed dog tax, to root out corruption.

Field Marshall Krulmuk, commander of the Imperial Army, said that not only did a majority of the Imperial Council disapprove of Esinie's actions, but that Krulmuk had already bypassed the Imperial Council and directly urged the Emperor to dismiss Esinie as Ulor of Helmarie Province.

Here is more information on the Stavuk Vyloresh (Imperial Council)
http://nationsandempires1.blogspot.com/2006/11/imperial-council.html

Here is more information on Helmarie province:
http://nationsandempires2.blogspot.com/2006/11/salan-helmarie.html

Famine and Rebellion in Kopixer Province

2006-12-13T16:22:00.000-08:00

Date:
Oron 12, Salgan 5, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(12th Day of the 5th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

Famine has gripped Kopixer province for several months now. Riots have broken out and the Ulor has resigned. The Imperial Army garrison has struggled to restore order, but the riots have turned into an outright rebellion. Hundreds of people have been killed.

The Emperor has sent the 3rd Kantora Zekresh (3rd Phalanx from Zekran) with two shiploads of grain to restore order and end the famine. Captain Nemt, the commander of the 3rd Kantora Zekresh, has been appointed the new Ulor of Kopixer. Captain Nemt is a distinguished army officer and a member of an old and respected Zekresh family from the capital city.

Language Requirement Abolished in Helmarie

2006-12-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

Rubanya Cledman
The Lord Chancellor of the Empire

Levorek Cledman, Imperial Councilor

Current Date:
Oron 22, Salgan 4, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(22nd Day of the 4th Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

Ulor Esinie of Salan Helmarie has issued a provincial decree removing the requirement that employees of the provincial government must speak the Zekresh language.

The Helmarie Ulor's advisor, Gurok, said the measure was necessary because so few people in the province speak Zekresh. "Why, 19 of my own relatives have now been able to get jobs in the provincial government of Helmarie because of this new decree. It was a wise move by the Ulor."

Lord Chancellor Rubanya Cledman has taken notice of the move and is reported to have said, "I've been proposing a similar measure for years, but the Emperor hasn't gotten around to it. If other provinces follow the example of Helmarie, perhaps we can prove the critics wrong and get the Emperor to approve this measure for the whole Empire. It is long overdue. Most of the people in the Empire do not speak Zekresh."

Levorek, a member of the Imperial Council, opposes the move, saying, "Is this the Zekresh Empire or not? If it is then everyone should speak Zekresh. Government officials most of all."

The Emperor was not available for comment.

Lord Chancellor Proposes Dog Tax

2006-11-29T11:13:00.000-08:00

Rubanya Cledman
The Lord Chancellor of the Empire

"Rawrf?"

Current Date:
Oron 1, Salgan 2, Adonsik 40, Vylor Cledman VI
(1st Day of the 2nd Month, 40th year of the reign of Emperor Cledman VI)

Lord Chancellor Rubanya Cledman is proposing to tax dogs. The tax is part of a reform proposal to appoint an "ombudsman" to investigate corruption within the empire. The ombudsman would have a staff of 100 inspectors and auditors. The ombudsman's office would be funded by a new tax payable by dog owners at a rate of 1 bayla per mutt dog per adonsik (year). Purebred dogs would be exempt.

The proposal has been discussed by the Imperial Council, but was not endorsed by the council. The Lord Chancellor has agreed to discuss the matter further with the council before bringing it to the attention of the Emperor. Various councillors have urged the Salan Uloro (provincial governors) to write letters to the council expressing support or opposition for this proposal.