Zoran

9 October 1425 10:00 IAT +1 Alisdulo'i, Zoran Atsila enters the temporary meeting place of the Iyunadai, all the lawmakers standing as she walks to her seat at the front of the room. She turns to face the Iyunadai as she reaches her seat, her gaze passing over the room before saying, "You all may sit." The lawmakers bow, some begrudgingly as usual, and take their seats as she sits down in her chair. Standard procedure takes over, the mundane formalities that only an Overthinker would find remotely interesting, as the session begins. Atsila is already aware of what is being discussed today and what bills are to be voted on and she only decided to be present in this session because of one bill in particular, the Media Bias Bill. While she knows she has to respond to the Junaluskanist's organization's meddling in Ryxtylopia, she is still waiting on the investigation to turn up something the state can act upon. Thus she must focus on this bill, for its consequences are not one she wishes to deal with. While she could always veto the bill should it pass the Iyunadai, she knows she must use her veto power sparingly as she is, after all, a monarch in a country that always seems to be one step away from political unrest. As the session goes on, debate after debate, the Speaker finally introduces the Media Bias Bill to the floor and the room descends into a cacophony of sounds. The Red Throne party members began banging on their desks in unison, "Censorship!" cries one member, "Bastards!" yells another, Atsila rolls her eyes at the theatrics and chaos, longing for the volcanic hot springs of Gvhnage Dodalv that she had to leave behind. She watches as the Speaker struggles to bring order to the room, her voice drowned out by the shouting of the politicians. Atsila takes a deep breath and shouts, "SILENCE!!!" The lawmakers look at Atsila and quickly quiet down, surprised by her sudden outburst when she has been largely silent throughout the session. "Thank you." Atsila says before looking over at the Speaker, "Go on, Madame Speaker, let's bring the proposal to debate." The Speaker nods, flashing a thankful look to Atsila, as she officially opens the floor to debate. From there, it was a series of back and forths from both sides. The debates when about as Atsila anticipated, the Golden Crown party defended the bill by saying that establishing the proposed 'Agency of Media Regulation' would allow for media to remain independent by ensuring news outlets remain unbiased. Of course, as she anticipated, the Red Throne Party argued it would lead to potential abuses of power that would end up censoring the media rather than maintaining its independence. The often forgotten Republican Action Front argued against the bill saying that it would be an unnecessary intervention of government in the market and in the realm of media. The debates continue until they reach their conclusion, but before the Speaker could move on to the vote, Atsila raises her hand to be acknowledged to speak. The room fills with whispers as they all wonder what Atsila has to say when it appeared to everyone that debates on the bill had concluded. The Speaker acknowledges Atsila who rises to her feet and addresses the room, "Lawmakers, representatives of our citizenry, it is clear that this bill was crafted to address the uncertainty and chaos we all feel at times when it comes to the news and media we consume. While this bill may have good intentions, the ramifications it could have down the road might cause more harm than good. While it may be easy for some to say that the proposed agency in this bill would not be misused under my reign, we must think beyond my lifetime. I will not lead forever, though due to my age I may lead for many years, and we must consider the future with each and every bill we propose here. Just because I may not abuse the power I have been given does not mean that any of my descendants won't." Atsila pauses for a moment, letting her words sink in, "This bill is dangerous. I do not believe that direct government intervention will resolve the issues faced in the modern day with media, it will only lead to an ill informed populace. We must also consider the impact it will have on foreign news agencies, who may pull out of the country to maintain their voice and their independence. That would lead us to being an information black hole where our media consists of what is approved by a few bureaucrats without foreign perspectives to keep us in check. The answer to the problem, I believe, is not intervention but rather holistic policy making. Integrating media literacy in our education systems would serve us better in the long run by creating a more educated and aware populace who can think critically on what is presented to them, seek out other perspectives, and think for themselves rather than just consume the media of their choice only to repeat exactly what they have heard. Regardless of my thoughts, I will respect the will of the Iyunadai in this matter but I hope my words convince some of you that this is not the path forward. Thank you." With that she bows and returns to her seat, a weight having descended upon the room with her words. Some lawmakers furrow their brow in thought while others seem rather cowed by the queen's words. But it wasn't long before the Speaker called the proposal to vote and after an minutes of voting the result was clear, the bill was rejected. The Red Throne party and their coalition members applauds and cheers for their victory with even a few independent members of the Iyunadai joining in. Atsila stands up and walks over to the Speaker while the lawmakers are distracted by the outcome of the vote and whispers, "Better get everyone to move on to the proposal of the ombudsman before the session ends. I will be taking my leave." And with that, Atsila sneaks out of the room without too much notice. Her guards surrounding her as she goes on to deal with other matters.

5 October 1425 12:00 IAT+1 Alisdulo'i, Zoran Atsila dismounts from the armored state vehicle, holding her luggage in her hand that she stubbornly refused to let various attendants handle for her, as she finally returns home from her vacation. As the front doors are opened for her by a pair of guards, she sees Chancellor Yenuha already waiting for her and with him the weight of the crown and country. "Hello chancellor, I see that you took my advice." she says politely, "Welcome back, Your Majesty." he replies, "Indeed I did. While I had to agree to let a rather...troublesome bill pass through committee, it kept Sasa and Junaluska from potentially forcing a sudden election." He began to walk alongside her as she carries her luggage to her room, clearly something weighing heavily on his mind. Atsila notices and whispers, "What's the situation?" already knowing something is going wrong, "It's Junaluska and his followers again." he whispers, "Do you recall the mention of the organization that was recently registered called the 'International Organization for Workers’ Liberation'?" "Vaguely, on paper they're supposed to be a NGO that promotes workers rights, correct?" "Yes, on paper at least. Well the political investigations unit of the National Police Authority found a paper trail linking the organization to the Junaluskanist Party. Seems that they found a loophole to achieve their goals of promoting their ideology abroad without a official department like they proposed when the Childlessness tax was passed." Atsila's jaw clenched with frustration, the relaxation she enjoyed on vacation already gone and she has barely been back for a few minutes, "Great, fantastic. What can you tell me about their current activities? Anything we can act upon?" "Well right now we know they have been acting in Ryxtylopia recently, promoting socialist ideas in the lower populace. They seem to be collaborating with the local political parties there to effectively promote their message." "I see." she says as she pushes open the door to her room and sets her luggage down, "Outside of...promoting their ideas abroad, are they doing anything we might warrant an investigation?" He shakes his head, "We don't know yet, but the fact they are promoting their...controversial ideology abroad has already allowed the NPA to get a warrant from a judge to conduct a deeper investigation." "Hmm, what if they try something during the Rugby World Cup? Can we inform the Ryxtylopian government of suspected interference?" she asked hesitantly, "I think that would be wise, I will get right on that." says Yenuha, Atsila nods at him and dismisses him. He bows and leaves the room, leaving Atsila alone with her thoughts. I really wish I didn't have to come back from that vacation...but this is the burden I am willing to bear. She thinks to herself as she unpacks her bag.

3 October 1424 — Today at 12:30 pm IAT +1, the Iyunadai had its first ever no confidence vote against the incumbent Yenuha Government. The motion was debated on the floor for fifteen minutes with the one who moved the motion, Sasa Ani'ama, leader of the Brave Talon party, giving an impassioned and animate argument that the Yenuha Government has been ruling illegally with the failure to bring a ombudsman to vote in the Iyuanadai as stipulated by the constitution. Lawmaker Ani'ama even went as far as to call the chancellor and his government an "example of those who perpetuate our race's decline," drawing harsh criticism from the majority in the Iyunadai. Chancellor Yenuha argued against the motion, stating that in the past two years the government's popularity has risen since the election. He cites the rising standard of living for Zoranians and the major leaps in the real wages of the middle and lower classes under his administration. But in a later argument made by lawmaker Ani'ama she counters this claim saying that the improvements were a result of the Queen's reforms and bills, claiming the Queen was a bigger driving factor than him or any one of his ministers. In a surprising move, Lawmaker Mohe Ganohalidohi, leader of the Golden Crown party, defended Chancellor Yenuha and his government saying that while it may have been the Queen's reforms and actions, they were a success because of Yenuha and his ministers' ability to implement the changes effectively. When it came time to the vote, the motion failed to garner enough votes to remove the current government due to the surprise support for the Yenuha government by the Golden Crown party, giving Yenuha and his coalition enough votes to remain in power even without Junaluskanist support. Likely some sort of deal was made in order to gain the Golden Crown's support but the details are unknown but for right now, the Yenuha Government is here to stay with confidence in its leadership still intact.

3 October, 1425 09:00 IAT +1 Alisdulo'i, Zoran Chancellor Yenuha paced around his office as he waited for Mohe Ganohalidohi, leader of the Golden Crown party, to arrive for their meeting. He stares out the window, tapping his foot unconsciously, bags under his eyes. There are very few times in which he has been this nervous in his career as chancellor or during the revolution, but with the next session in only a few hours and the no confidence vote looming over him, Ganohalidohi is his only hope now. He checked his watch again, the time barely having budged for the last time he checked. Where is he? We agreed to meet at nine. A knock from the office door interrupted his thoughts and in came Mohe Ganohalidohi, his iconic black pencil mustache and stone cold gaze a welcome surprise to Yenuha. "Mohe! It's good to see you, did you have a nice trip here?" said Yenuha, relief evident in his voice. "Yenuha, good to see you too. The trip was fine, thank you." he said as he walks further into the room and takes a seat, "Now, why don't we get straight down to business? You need my help with the upcoming vote." Yenuha hanged his head with a sigh, "Yes," he says begrudgingly, "I need the votes of the Golden Crown party to avert the mess of forming another government." "Oh yes," said Mohe, "you mean the messy process you wish to avoid because you get to keep your job. I think we can help but we obviously need your party's help in exchange." "What is it?" "We have a proposal in committee right now, a proposal which your party is trying to kill." "You will have to be more specific." quipped Yenuha with a smirk, "The Media Bias Bill." replied Mohe. Yenuha paled, "Oh yes, that bill." "You must understand, Yenuha. This bill is needed more than ever to prevent mass media bias by corporations abroad in the news. Our citizenry need unbiased news that presents the cold hard facts." emphasized Mohe, "It's a censorship bill! Don't pretend it is some noble cause! It would require all news outlets that release their articles or broadcasts to Zoran to go through a government agency!" exclaimed Yenuha, "It's necessary for the internal stability of our country! With the Junaluskanists and the Brave Talons having their own partisan newspapers and foreign corporate owned media outlets pumping out content to manipulate the masses we need to regulate them to ensure they provide unbiased news reports!" argued Mohe, "It's a step towards totalitarianism!" "Do you want the votes or not!?" yelled Mohe, "All we are asking is you let it pass through committee!" Yenuha stood there silently seething at the demands of Mohe, but he punched the top of his desk with fury, "Fine," he said through gritted teeth, "I will make sure your bill passes the committee." Mohe smiled and rose from his seat, "Then we will be sure you don't lose the vote. Thank you for your cooperation, Yenuha." he said as he made his way to the door, "Yeah yeah. Get out of here." and with that Mohe left the office, the votes of the Golden Crown party secured...but at what cost?

1 October 1425 07:00 IAT +1 Black Mountains Spa Retreat, Gvhnage Dodalv, Zoran Atsila relaxed in the natural hot spring, sighing as she stared at the rising sun. No politics, no turmoil, no international power plays, just pure relaxation. She has never actually been to a hot spring until now, such a trip was always a luxury for the ultra rich such as the Corporate oligarchs. She always wondered what the appeal of them was until now. I am trying to remember...when was the last time I was this relaxed? Have I ever really been this relaxed before? She pondered as the sun rose higher in the horizon, the black sky turning a pale blue with every second. The mountain birds sang their morning songs as the steam from the pools of volcanic water, leaves rustling in the chill breeze of the mountain. But all that was interrupted when her work phone began to vibrate. She groaned in annoyance as she picked up the phone, saying nothing as she accepted the call. The first thing she hears as the line connects is, "Atsila help!" She immediately hangs up, setting the phone aside and saying to herself, "Nope. Nope nope nopety nope. I am not being dragged into whatever issue is going on. It has nearly been a full week and they haven't had to call me yet. I am sure they can handle my absence for a day or two longer." Almost immediately her phone began to vibrate again. She pinches the ridge of her nose, groaning loudly in annoyance before answering the phone again. "Atsila! Now is not the time to be petulant!" She hung up again. She was going to hear him out this time until he said she was being petulant. He's fine. I'm sure he is. She thought to herself when a third call came to her phone and she begrudingly answered, "Atsila! I'm serious! The Brave Talons called for a motion of no confidence yesterday!" yelled Chancellor Yenuha. She rolls her eyes as she settles back against the edge of the hot spring, "Then handle it, win enough support to win the vote." she says nonchalantly as she continued staring at the sunrise. "It's not that simple! When Sasa moved for a vote of no confidence, Junaluska seconded the motion! This means I don't have the full support of the coalition!" panicked Chancellor Yenuha, "If the Junaluskanists are going to support the Brave Talons along with their coalition then my government is out!" "And what do you want me to do about it? This is purely a legislative matter. If you can't get majority through your usual allies then maybe reach a deal with the Golden Crown party." she replies with disinterest, "The Golden Crown party!?" he exclaims in disbelief, "Why would they vote against a motion that they would benefit from!?" "They're not unreasonable, they're always open to compromise if it benefits them in some way. Not to mention that they aren't exactly big fans of the Brave Talons. To the Golden Crown party, the Brave Talons are what the Junaluskanists are to you. So if you want to make sure you don't lose your job, I recommend reaching out to the Golden Crowns." "...Fine," sighs Chancellor Yenuha, "I will reach out to them...but I'm not going to be happy about it." "I believe you once told me that is what part of being an adult is about. It's about time you follow your own counsel." chuckles Atsila, "Now, unless you have any other problems I am going back to my vacation. Good luck." She hangs up and tosses her phone aside as she sighs in annoyance. This was nearly a perfect, stress free, vacation. Of course it had to be the Brave Talons and the Junaluskanists causing problems. I am just going to enjoy the rest of my vacation, maybe enjoy a virgin piña colada. The sun has now fully risen over the horizon, the moon and the gas giant slowly fading from the sky as the sun's rays dominating the sky, illuminating all they touch.

30 September, 1425 11:00 IAT +1 Brave Talon Party Office, Alisdulo'i, Zoran Sasa sat down at her desk and turned on her computer to read the latest news headlines today. She only does so to get a general sense of what is happening in the country and abroad in case there is something she does not know about. At least our rugby team is demonstrating Zoranian superiority over the xenos. She thought to herself as she scrolls past the rugby news which features the foolish Quiyakaso and the generously patient Priscan. Everything seemed average for the country, unfortunately, until she saw a headline that caught her attention. Queen Atsila on Vacation for the First Time since Assuming the Throne A wide grin had taken involuntarily taken root on her face in reaction to the news. It was as though the Great Spirit had decided to give her a blessing this day, and oh boy wash she ecstatic. Atsila has left the capital? For a whole week? Oh the possibilities of what I can do are endless without her stabilizing presence in the capital! She quickly spun around in her swivel chair with glee before she opened her filing cabinet and began searching through her backlog of schemes she won't dare risk executing while Atsila was in the capital before her gaze settled on one folder in particular which simply had the words "Government Illegality" written on the label. She pulled it out and read through the paperwork with a sinister grin, "Oh this is perfect." she cackles to herself before standing up, grabbing her briefcase, and speeding out of her office with the file in hand. 12:00 IAT+1 Temporary Parliamentary Building, Alisdulo'i, Zoran The session of the Iyunadai went as normal, proposals on the agenda were discussed, voting was held, etc. But this normalcy was interrupted when Sasa addressed the speaker, "Madame speaker! I request an emergency debate on a constitutional matter!" The room erupted into surprised conversation, the members of the Red Throne party and the Golden Crown party both puzzled by this sudden request. The Speaker raised her eyebrow and asked, "What is this constitutional matter which you speak? Clearly you have us all at a disadvantage." Sasa smiled, confidence radiated off of her as she said, "The matter in question is regarding the constitutionally stipulated ombudsman which this current Government has failed to recommend an appointment to the Iyunadai in the two years it has been in power! We in the Brave Talon party are greatly concerned by this current Government's ability to have gone unsupervised for the past two years without ever mentioning this constitutionally mandated appointment!" The room went silent at her words before members of the opposition suddenly changed their earlier tone and began jeering at the majority in the government. The majority coalition quickly attempted a rebuttal of this claims, except for the Junaluskanist who seemingly joined in the jeering of their allies possibly seeing an opportunity for themselves. The Speaker banged her gavel and exclaimed, "Silence!" and the room soon fell quiet as she looked at Sasa with a suspicious look in her eyes, "I see your point, Lawmaker Sasa. Yet I do not believe the matter is severe enough for an emergency debate on the matter." The opposition went into outrage, banging on their desks as they spewed furious vitriol. Sasa was sent back to her set yet she was not deterred. Later in the session she asked for the floor and says, "I move that this Iyunadai has no confidence in the Chancellor or his government." The air was tense once again as everyone processed what she had just said and the Speaker narrows her eyes as she says, "A motion for a vote of no confidence has been heard. Does anyone second this motion?" There was silence for a moment and Sasa suddenly felt she had made a mistake considering none from her party has spoken up yet when all of the sudden everyone heard, "I second the motion!" and all eyes looked for the source of the voice only to find it coming from none other than Junaluska. A gasp filled the chamber and the Speaker was fuming before she composed herself and said, "Very well. The floor has motioned that the Iyunadai does not have confidence in the Chancellor or his government. The mover has the floor to begin the debate." But before Sasa could even begin, Chancellor Yenuha promptly requested recognition and said, "I move for the current motion to be tabled in order to be discussed at a later date." He was sweating but it wasn't long before one of his fellow party members in the Red Throne seconded the motion. Sasa was fuming but she knew it wasn't over. The damage is done, we will have to debate this eventually. This will allow me time to sway others to my side. She glared at Chancellor Yenuha from across the floor and they locked eyes for a moment before the Chancellor diverted his gaze. It was then that Sasa looked at Junaluska with curiosity as to why he seconded her motion in the first place, wondering what he is planning.

09:00 IAT +1 Alisdulo'i, Zoran Chancellor Aditsi walks down the hall of the acting residence of the queen to the meeting room, confused by this sudden summons. All he knows is that the Council of State is summoned to a meeting this morning but the reason for such a sudden meeting is unknown to him. This better not be some emergency meeting regarding the Varanians... He thought to himself as he approached the double doors of the meeting room. He takes a deep breathe before turning the door knob and entering the room only to find he was the last member of the Council to arrive. "Aha!" calls out General Adahihi, "So much for your reputation of being the first to arrive, ey Yenuha?" The rest of the ministers chuckle at the comment as Chancellor Aditsi takes his seat, "Haha." Aditsi laughs sardonically, "Very funny, old friend. Now where is Atsila? Does anyone have any idea what this meeting is about?" The others in the room mutter uncertainly, clearly not having the answer to either question. Aditsi sighs in worry as he sits back in his seat, hand on his forehead as he wonders what this meeting could be about. Adahihi's eyes soften slightly and he says, "If it is any relief, I do not believe it is about the Varanians. I have no new reports coming from the Darkesian at the moment so I highly doubt that Her Majesty would have anything that I don't know about." Aditsi nods and looks at the general with appreciation for his words before looking at Minister Agaluysdi and asks, “And is there anything abroad that this meeting could be about?” Minister Agaluysdi shakes his head, “Not at all. None of us hav a clue what this meeting is about.” That is when the doors open and Queen Atsila enters the room in relatively informal attire, “Thank you all for coming on such short notice. This meeting shouldn’t take too long.” she says as she walks to the head of the table and stands behind her chair. “What’s the meeting about? You didn’t mention anything when you called us.” asks Aditsi, “Ah yes, I am sorry about that. I guess I shouldn’t keep you in suspense any longer. I am going on vacation.” answers Atsila casually. The ministers in the room froze, completely surprised by this turn of events. General Adahihi clears his throats as she says, “Well…are you sure that is wise considering the tense situation our country finds itself in with Varanius?” “Of course I do.” says Atsila as she inspects her nails, “I do not anticipate for Varanius to take any drastic actions and I will only be on vacation for a week. I have been leading this nation without rest for about five years now if i am not mistaken. I have had to deal with factionalism, extremism, creating a new government, and dealing with foreign forces seeking to manipulate events. Not to mention an assassination attempt that nearly came close to ending me. So I decided that it is about time I take a short vacation to relax for a bit. Besides, I believe this would be a good test to see if the insitutions put in place can keep the country together without me micromanaging it. So, while you cannot pass laws without my assent, you all should be capable of keeping the country running.” The ministers were silent, as they took her words into consideration. It is true that she has been the one carrying the country on her back since the end of the revolution and she has set up the government in a way that it should not completely rely on her constant presence. Chancellor Aditsi rose to his feet, all eyes in the room on him, as he says, “Your Majesty, we promise to keep this country together in your absence. You can be rest assured that you will not have to be called back from your vacation early for any reason.” Atsila’s eyes narrow at the wording of his statement, “I will hope that you call me back should I be wrong about Varanius or should Junaluska or the Brave Talons try anything, Chancellor. But I take your point, the state is in the hands of all those assembled here. I wish you all the best of luck. You are all dismissed.” she says as she walks away from the table and exits the room. As soon as the door closes, Director Soyohata claps his hands together and quips, "Alright! It seems like mom has finally left us in charge of the house!" The whole room just stared at him with unamused eyes, all of them praying that nothing happens that requires them to call the Queen back early from her vacation.

21 September 1425 — Today Queen Atsila I granted royal assent to the Iyunadai's recent legislation on AI. The new law will effectively ban generative AI for consumer and commercial use citing the dangers it poses to education, jobs, and privacy as well as its use for spreading false information. Beyond this, the law effectively forces any online service to either remove their AI features and AI generated content on their platforms or be banned from the country. This would apply to search engines, social media platforms, etc. giving platforms and businesses a timeframe of three months to comply with this legislation. It also institutes a five year ban on all AI development and use to allow time for lawmakers to research and develop regulations for AI. AI companies like Large Box, Inc, the Overthinking company and creator behind the popular generative AI, Ping AI, are to be most affected as their business revolves around the services provided by their Large Language Models with the ban effectively blocking them out of the Zoranian market. Critics state that this legislation would put Zoran at a disadvantage in the realm of technological development and would further risk isolating Zoran economically. Critics also point out that those with enough coding knowledge could create their own AI for their own use. Meanwhile advocates of the law argue that it will address concerns regarding education and critical thinking skills among students in regards to AI as well as buy time to make comprehensive AI regulation in areas such as consumer protections, intellectual property rights, national security, and other sectors. It also says that with the shutdown of massive AI data centers within the country, the cost of utilities and availability of water in the country in the surrounding areas of these data centers would be restored to pre-AI levels. The environmental impact caused by these data centers in the country would also be put to an end with the shut down of these data centers.

The Zoranian Sun Hawks Style Mod: +2.5 Name Age Position Amo-Adawehi Tsasima 30 Loosehead Prop Attakullakulla Quegadu 26 Hooker Salonitah Gelusva 26 Tighthead Prop Twah'kohi Agasgani 25 Second Row (L) Ahuludegi Tsiguka 22 Second Row (R) Degataga Dvagahi 20 Blindside Flanker Dlasimahe Asduidv 30 Openside Flanker Sesdi Tsunela 25 Number 8 Ganiyegi Atsidanelv 22 Scrum-half Gulkalaski Lemomequa 23 Fly-half Wohali Goyadv 27 Left Wing Mohe Yvokala 24 Inside Centre Oconostota Dlanegvotli 21 Outside Centre Ama-edohi Masiguti 21 Right Wing Kali Gasohi 22 Full Back Coach: Amadahy Lvaguta Captain: Dlasimahe Asduidv Kit If my opponent RPs first, they may... Choose my try scorers: Y Choose my kicker: Y RP injuries: N Godmod scoring events: N Godmod injuries: N Godmod other events: N

Zoran returns to defend its title!

Slides Ele a beer All you have to do is ask 😛

Wishing you the best of luck, Candelu! Come back when you're ready!

OFFICIAL DECLARATION FROM THE DESK OF QUEEN ATSILA ANI'-WAH' I The Kingdom of Zoran, through its intelligence and maritime enforcement agencies, has obtained irrefutable evidence that the United Republics of Fauthur is conducting these illegal dumping operations under the guise of commercial shipping activities. The findings include: Emergency Edict and Covert Authorization – Classified intelligence has revealed that the government of Fauthur, under an emergency decree, has secretly authorized state and private vessels to dispose of hazardous waste into the Viatic Ocean and into the waters of neighboring countries. False Flag Operations – Surveillance and intercepted communications confirm that Fauthurian ships have been disguising their true origin by flying false Aftokratorian flags and using falsified registration documents to evade accountability. Coordinated Nighttime Dumping – Satellite imagery, naval reconnaissance, and drone surveillance have tracked multiple Fauthurian vessels operating at night, dumping vast quantities of industrial and chemical waste under cover of darkness to avoid detection. Harm to Neighboring Waters – Reports from multiple nations have confirmed a surge in contaminated waters, poisoned marine life, and coastal damage, directly linked to the waste originating from Fauthurian sources. Given this overwhelming proof of deliberate environmental sabotage, and in light of the United Republics of Fauthur’s attempt to conceal its actions and mislead the international community, the Kingdom of Zoran hereby declares the full imposition of economic sanctions against the United Republics of Fauthur, effective immediately. ECONOMIC SANCTIONS AGAINST THE UNITED REPUBLICS OF FAUTHUR Issued on this day of 01/03/1425 (DD/MM/YYYY), by Order of Her Majesty Queen Atsila Ani'-Wah' I and the Government of the Kingdom of Zoran Whereas the United Republics of Fauthur has willfully engaged in reckless and unlawful environmental practices by permitting the unregulated dumping of pollution and waste into international waters, as well as into the territorial waters of neighboring states; Whereas such actions constitute an egregious threat to the health and safety of marine ecosystems and pose severe economic and humanitarian consequences for coastal nations and global maritime commerce; Whereas diplomatic efforts to encourage the United Republics of Fauthur to cease its environmental negligence and adopt responsible waste management policies have been met with disregard and noncompliance; Therefore, the Kingdom of Zoran, in unwavering commitment to the protection of global environmental security, international maritime integrity, and the economic well-being of affected nations, hereby declares the full imposition of economic sanctions against the United Republics of Fauthur, effective immediately. Terms of Sanctions: Total Trade Embargo – All imports, exports, and financial transactions between entities within the Kingdom of Zoran and the United Republics of Fauthur are immediately and indefinitely suspended. Asset Freezing – Any financial assets, reserves, or holdings owned by Fauthurian government institutions, corporations, or individuals within the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Zoran shall be frozen. Prohibition on Business Relations – Zoranian companies, financial institutions, and investors are forbidden from engaging in any commercial or financial dealings with Fauthurian entities. Ban on Maritime and Air Transport – All Fauthurian-flagged vessels and aircraft are denied entry into Zoranian ports, territorial waters, and airspace. Diplomatic Measures – The Kingdom of Zoran shall seek international cooperation to impose additional measures against the United Republics of Fauthur. These sanctions shall remain in full effect until such a time as the United Republics of Fauthur ceases all polluting activities, enacts verifiable environmental reforms, and provides reparations for the damage inflicted upon the affected regions. The Kingdom of Zoran stands resolute in its commitment to environmental responsibility and will not waver in holding accountable those who endanger the shared natural resources of the world. Signed and Sealed, Queen Atsila Ani'-Wah' I Kingdom of Zoran

Please know that expansions are not granted "just because". Expansions are not granted easily without major service to the region or without a large and well thought-out storyline that justifies one. If you have a good storyline that is well thought out and goes above and beyond in quality for RP, please explain it to one of the loremasters and then start working on it. Otherwise, an expansion will not be granted because of "why not lol"

(OOC Note: Thank you to @Varanius for helping me with this post) 20 November 1424 — The Darkesian Sea has been a hotbed of tension for the past four months since Varanian ships were seen in Galetian (D5) waters a little over four months ago. A lot has happened since this first sighting with the Zoranian navy getting involved. Here are some of the major events that have happened over the past four months. Cat and Mouse Chase in Kahuweian Waters Soon after the Varanian vessels were spotted outside Geletian waters they were spotted in both Kahuwe’s (D3) and Onego’s (D4) waters. The Kahuweian, Onegonese, and Galetian governments all called upon the Zoranian government to uphold their promise of protecting their nations, to which the Zoranian government responded by dispatching the fleet to the area to drive out the Varanian vessels. A cat and mouse chase began with the Zoranian navy being humiliated as the Varanian vessels seemingly kept evading their grasps. Every time there was a reported sighting in one location, the Zoranian ships would not find anything even when following the anticipated course of the Varanian ships. For a whole week, the Zoranian ships could not catch the Varanian fleet until the 22nd of July when the Zoranian ships managed to encounter the Varanian fleet. A tense stand-off was held between the fleets with the captains of the respective fleets engaging in tense discussion over radio according to those who were familiar with the situation. The Varanian fleet refused to exit Kahuweian waters so the Zoranian ships approached and began spraying the crew on the ships with water cannons, hoping to force them to move. The Varanians returned fire with their own water cannons. There were moments when the Varanian vessels attempted to force the Zoranian ships to back off by getting dangerously close to the Varanian ships, close enough to potentially walk onto the deck of another ship, but this did not succeed. The Zoranians then began firing warning shots with their 100 mm turrets, which was enough to force the Varanians to back down and retreat and were escorted out of Kahuweian waters. But despite this, the Varanian fleet would continuously be seen in the waters of Kahuwe, Onego, and Galete over the past few months and the same standoffs continue to happen with a few close calls of tensions being ignited. Drone Shot Down Over Galetian Territory Three weeks after the cat and mouse chase in Kahuweian waters on August 12th, a drone was detected flying over Galetian airspace by the Galetian Air Wing at 14:00. A reconnaissance aircraft was sent to investigate and found it to be of Varanian origin. When this was confirmed, the drone was shot down by Galetian anti-air defenses on the territory. Inspection of the wreckage by Galetian military personnel found it to be a reconnaissance drone conducting surveillance over Galetian defenses. The Galetian government condemned the Varanian government for this blatantly hostile act, demanding an explanation for their actions. The Varanian government responded by simply stating that the drones were “necessary security measures” with rising tensions in the region. The governments of Kahuwe, Onego, Awerista (D2), and Zoran echoed Galetian sentiment and condemned the Varanian government as well. Zoranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rayetayah Agaluysdi, assured the Aniwvwiyai states that Zoran would continue to uphold its commitment to their defense in face of recent Varanian aggression. Three days later, a second Varanian reconnaissance drone was spotted over Galetian airspace. It was reported to be flying over Galetian coasts attempting to gain intel on the state of Galete’s coastal defenses. This drone was shot down too and invoked even further condemnation by the Aniwvwiyai states with the President of Galete, Donwanenshaa Taweeratt, stating in a press conference that Galete will bolster its security and work closely with Zoran and the other Aniwvwiyai states to ensure peace in the Darkesian. Zoran Stations Aircraft in Galete and Kahuwe A little over a week after the initial drone incident, Zoranian ZF-2 jets were announced by Zoranian officials to be stationed in Kahuwe and Galete on August 21st. Whether other aircraft are currently stationed in these nations is unclear but this move was a clear response by what the media has been calling the “Aniwvwiyai Coalition” against Varanian aggression. This action was met with outrage by the Varanian government with Sarah Finn denouncing Zoran's actions as “unnecessarily escalating” the situation. Furthermore, Sarah Finn stated that Zoran was manipulating the “unfounded fears” of Darkesian states to expand their influence as a form of imperialism. Since the reveal of these aircraft’s presence in these two nations, the ZF-2s have been seen flying over the country. C-Tech Devices Banned in Zoran The tensions have even been seen in Zoran’s economic scene with the Zoranian Competition and Consumer Authority (CCA) having concluded their investigation into C-Tech on August 30th. The CCA found that C-Tech devices are in violation of Zoranian privacy law with evidence of backdoors in C-Tech products for surveillance and data collection and has ordered a ban on all C-Tech products from mobile devices to even semiconductors for national security purposes and “in the interest of protecting the privacy of Zoranian citizens.” C-Tech made an official announcement denying the accusations levied against them and expressing “heavy offense” to the implications of the exploitability of their products; further adding that as an international corporation there is no reason to draw them into “petty nationalist disputes.” What’s Next? There is heavy speculation as to the direction this dispute between the Aniwvwiyai Coalition and Varanius will go. Many fear the break out of a war between the two while others speculate that this will just be a long ongoing power struggle with a series of one upping. However, certain groups in Zoran have seen this as an opportunity to increase their power and further their agenda. One group in particular, the Pan-Aniwvwiyai Party, has been using this flaring tension to push for a pan-national unification of the Aniwvwiyai nations stating that they would be stronger together in the face of “belligerent Varanian imperialism.” This message seems to have grown in popularity since the start of these tensions and rumors have it that a meeting is being planned between Queen Atsila I and the leaders of the Aniwvwiyai nations to address Varanian actions. However, no evidence has surfaced that points to these rumors being true. Regardless, many closely monitor the situation in the Darkesian as tensions seem to only grow each passing day.