Zoran

New Zoradia, Zoran 19 February 1422 “Dalimbari landmine going off because of reporters from H&J…A Blabberman committing hate speech…A Blue Bubble citizen causes an incident…Cambria sets it’s eyes on RWC Four…and intelligence reports rumors about the president of Santo-Dominius putting pressure on Blabberman and SDCSN to plead guilty. Sigh These past few days have been a mixture of terrible, unimportant, and frustrating news.” Atsila stretches in her chair and gets up to go towards her window, looking out at the construction of the city in the distance, “At least city construction is progressing well. The RWC has generated quite a bit of income and has given the country an economic injection it needed. Maybe after this entire event I will have finished the Second Constitution with my council and I can introduce a form in which the people can have a voice in running the country.” She looked back at her desk where the document laid open on her computer before looking at the intelligence report left by the soldier days ago on the night of the dinner with the prince. She hasn’t brought herself to look at the details of the report as of yet, afraid of what she might find. Yet she couldn’t look away from the file, it’s contents taunting her long enough. She moved towards the file on her desk, hesitantly reaching out for it so it can reveal the answer to the question she has been asking for two years. But that was when there was a knock at the door of her office. “Your Majesty! The rugby team is awaiting you on the video call!” said one of her assistants. She sighed before looking away from the file and walking to the door to exit her office. I guess your contents will elude me again…for now.

New Zoradia, Zoran Ministry of Justice building 15 February 1422 8:00 AM Overtime “Ministress Lanesa, I am assuming you have seen the news about Blubberman’s latest comment?” she nods at her vice minister, “I have and I think it would be in the interest of the Zoranian people if we press charges against Blubberman and Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network for hate speech. Blubberman is in Zoran and is thus bound by national law and by making those comments about our people a case could be made that he met the requirements to have committed hate speech.” her vice minister nodded, “Just what I was thinking, plus it grants us the opportunity to establish precedent and case law relating to hate speech.” “Good thinking, Scolaguta, let me just get approval from the Queen about pressing charges against Approctoflecticus Blubberman and SDCSN for violating Part 3 Section 18 of The Hate Speech Act of 1421. I don’t want to jump on this without her approval as it could carry global political implications to this.” Scolaguta nodded and watched her take out her phone. She knew the Queen was busy and was dealing with a lot at the moment and she felt bad for wanting to potentially dump this on her as well but as she sees it this behavior from the Santo-Dominian media company cannot be permitted to continue, especially with such public outcry to what Blubberman said. She dialed the number and waited as she dialed Atsila, “Your Majesty.” “What’s the matter, Tsianina?” “I know you’re busy so I will make this quick, my vice minister and I were discussing the possibility of pressing charges against Blubberman and SDCSN for violating the Hate Speech Act.” Atsila let out an audible groan, “I had a suspicion that this was the subject of your call. Sigh Go ahead, you have my approval. Don’t cut any corners and make sure this is done right, we don’t want them to get out of this on a technicality.” “Understood, Your Majesty.” With that Atsila hung up and Tsianina made eye contact with Scolaguta, giving him an affirmative nod to press charges.

Can you please mask @Wymondham as Speaker of the Hall. Thank you!

That's Gio's job! :p

Welcome back! Glad to see you eager to get involved again!

July 20, 1420 6:00 PM Over Time Unknown location Atsil packed the final articles of clothing into her bag as the words of the woman in her dream echoed in her head, The son of the basket weaver, soaked in blood, seeks to kill the heir to Ani’-Wah’ She couldn’t stop thinking of those words recently and one name appeared in her head as she thought more about the “son of the basket weaver”—Kunagadoga. The person responsible for the suffering of so many people and whose attention she attracted back in high school, but back then it was a less malevolent and more...creepy form of attention. And she is grateful she turned him down back then after what CGZ told her about his sister two days before. Atsil was so deep in thought that she didn’t notice CGZ leaning against the door frame with his hands buried in his pockets, “Are you ready to head out?” he asked. Atsil turned to see him wearing black denim pants, a black cotton sweater, and his black ski mask with sunglasses over them. But he also had what seemed to be a utility belt. “I just finished packing,” Atsil said with a sigh, “but I am not sure I am ready to...face the music.” CGZ walked up to her and put a hand on her shoulder, “I know you are probably expecting me to say some sappy, inspirational crap but to be honest I don’t understand what you are going through. You are in a unique situation that no one can really relate to in any way. But what you are about to go into is something that no one can be prepared for and you have prepared yourself the best you could. At this point, you are this country’s only hope, so you have to do this whether you feel ready or not.” Despite how blunt CGZ was being, Atsil couldn’t help but feel comforted by his words. Atsil went for a hug but CGZ stepped away and held a hand up, “There isn’t time for sentimentality, it is time for me to take you to the Monarchists. Come find me when you are mentally prepared.” And with that, CGZ left Atsil in his sister’s old room. CGZ walked with purpose towards the library for what might be for the last time. He wasn’t a fool, he had been keeping an eye on the situation in Zoran and he saw Kunagadoga’s flight to Cambria and he had a sneaking suspicion on what the business he had there was about. He sat at his desk and let out a sigh, he knew that his actions at the Olympics were going to catch up with him sooner or later. My sister would have been so much better at this than me. She was all about the ‘stealing things with style’ attitude of the CGZ mantle. Me, I am too concerned about safety to do things right. His eyes drifted to the drawer where he put the last picture he and his sister took together at the beach. He pulled open the drawer to look at it but he saw a folded piece of paper beneath it, something he never noticed before. He set the picture aside and unfolded the piece of paper to read it. To my beloved brother, If you are reading this then you must be having some doubts about yourself or are going through some tough times. I know how much you wish you could be like me and have the confidence that I have(You should get a better lock for your “journal” by the way), but you are incredible in your own way. Throughout our family history, no CGZ has been the same, they never had to be like their predecessor to be successful. Take our ancestor, Captain CGZ or Captain Stormrider as he was more commonly known, his predecessor was the exact opposite of his personality. His predecessor was more interested in developing a mystique around himself and being undetected in his heists. But when Captain Stormrider took up the mantle of CGZ in 1116 AF, he claimed to have started the Golden Age of Piracy in Aura when he stole a ship off the line and started raiding ships, especially during storms which is what got him his name. He was a lot more flamboyant, daring, and mentally unstable than his predecessor and was extremely successful. Even though you aren’t going to be the next CGZ, just know that you can be yourself like our ancestors and still be successful in whatever path you walk down. You were always better at planning two steps ahead than me and you are great with technology and engineering. Those are two talents that I don’t have that you do. You will do great things, Kariwase, and know that I will always be with you no matter where you go or what you do. But always remember that our family, through CGZ, is the champion of the people and even if you aren’t CGZ, always remember to support the less fortunate and to be a champion of the people in your daily life. Love, your sister, Ojistah CGZ felt tears well up in his eyes. It's funny how she talked about planning two steps ahead when she wrote this knowing that I might be going through a hard time. He missed her every day of this life since she was sold by Kuna, and every day he wishes he had done more to stop her from seeing him in the first place. But her words from the past renewed the confidence he had in himself and made him remember the legacy his family worked to leave behind, one that supported the people and those without a voice in the world. Maybe by helping Atsil, I am living up to that legacy in my own way. But what if this doesn’t have to be the end for my legacy... But before he could develop that train of thought any further, Atsil walked into the room with her bag in tow. “I’m ready to go.” CGZ nodded and led her to the vehicle storage where there was an ATV that was waiting for them. “You have an ATV too?” asked Atsil, “Not until yesterday.” answered CGZ as he got on it, “So you stole it.” “Atsil, I am the latest in a dynasty of thieves, what do you expect?”Atsil didn’t bother saying any more as she put her bag on the back and joined CGZ on the ATV. “Hang on, it might be a bumpy ride.” CGZ said as the engine came to life. Atsil grabbed onto CGZ as he zoomed through the tunnels until they came out of a secret passage that landed them in the middle of the jungle. The trees and vines were a blur as CGZ drove the ATV through forgotten trails made back when the years Saint Mark ruled the land. And after about an hour or so an ancient Saint Markian fortress came into view. CGZ brought the ATV to a stop when they reached a clearing in front of the entrance to the fortress. A group of monarchist soldiers approached, rifles aimed at CGZ as they didn’t seem to see Atsil behind him, “Who are you and what are you doing here?” asked one of the soldiers. CGZ lowered his head to make Atsil’s face visible to the soldiers. When they saw her, they immediately dropped to one knee and their right arm crossed their chest and their hand clenched in a fist over their left shoulder. This drew attention from others taking watch at the fort and a crowd could be seen forming on the different floors of the fort. CGZ got off of the ATV and helped me off of it as an older man approached from the entrance of the fort and knelt down the same way the other soldiers have. “Uh, you may rise. There is no need to kneel like that.” Atsil said nervously. The older man rose with the other soldiers, “My lady, I am General Waholi of the Monarchist forces. It is a pleasure to see you safe at last.” he then looks over at CGZ, “This must be the legendary CGZ. Thank you for keeping Atsil safe.” “Oh please, I didn’t do it for you or your cause. I did it to keep Kuna from getting power.” Waholi simply nodded in response before returning his attention to Atsil, “It will bring much joy to the troops to be under the command of their queen. We look forward to seeing how you lead.” Waholi said. CGZ heard a branch snap behind them and tackled Atsil to the ground right as the shot of a rifle echoed through the jungle, the bullet whizzing past them by an inch. The entire fort sprung into action along with the troops in the clearing. CGZ looked up to try and pinpoint where the shot came from. “We can’t have that unfortunately, Ani’-Wah’ and CGZ are coming with us!” yelled the voice of Kunagadoga from the trees. What is he doing here?! He is literally going to die here!...Actually, would that really be a bad thing? CGZ thought to himself as he laid over Atsil on the ground in the middle of a standoff between Monarchist and Corporate forces that were about to break out into a full blown battle.

July 12, 1420 12:27 PM Polaris Eastern Time Saint-Jocelyn, Cambria Co-authored by @Bran Astor Kunagadoga Quasena is taking a big risk by leaving Zoran and flying to Cambria. He knows that he is leaving a lot in the hands of his subordinates but after much difficulty trying to get in touch with a Cambrian official they finally got a hold of one a week ago. Kunagadoga did some basic research on the person he was about to meet and looked through the file he has on the person he is going to meet. Darrin Oliver, a knight-inspector for the Order of Tamar. Appears he was a grenadier guard before moving to the Office of Justice. His service record is impressive and he appears to be a very accomplished man, it’s no wonder why the Order wanted him to join them. I shouldn’t underestimate him and I should show him my utmost respect if I am to work with him. The car came to a stop and he exited the car and six mercenaries he hired for his protection exited another vehicle to accompany him as he walked up towards the Office of Justice building. The guards stopped him, “State your business.” “I am here to see Knight-Inspector Darrin Oliver.” He said in Cambric, the guards radioed someone in to escort him to Darrin. As they walked through the building, Kunagadoga noticed how little of a threat his mercenaries looked in the presence of the Order members. They certainly do not disappoint, they live up to what I have heard about them so far. He was taken to an office where he was asked to sit and wait for the knight-inspector to arrive. But it was there that he noticed his guards were no longer with him and his eyes began to inspect the office. The knight-inspector's office was spacious, but simply kept. It had a workmanlike look to it and the trappings that existed appeared to be out of design rather than the occupant's choice. A simple table strewn with scattered files sat in the middle of the room, a couch flanked by reading lamps sat opposite the door. A series of landscapes dominated the space above the couch. A built-in set of shelves to the right of the office's window bore testimony to everything Kunagadoga read in Darrin's file. Degrees, decorations, commendations, and trinkets from far-flung battlefields occupied every centimeter of shelf space. In front of the shelf was a hefty mahogany desk, perfectly polished and vibrantly red. What a fine desk, I wonder if I can acquire one of these for myself after the war. But I will say I can’t remember the last time I was asked to wait in an office. It has been quite a few years since I was in a situation like this. He thought to himself as he waited. It took a few minutes before Darrin Oliver came into the room. He had a long white beard and wore a suit with a kilt. Kuna’s eyes met with Darrin’s extremely blue eyes and could see the experience behind them. He stood up and shook his hand, “It is a pleasure to meet you knight-inspector. Might I say you were a difficult man to get a hold of.” "Folks often forget to dial the '9' first. How can I be of service to you, Meistros Quasena?" The inspector smiled warmly and firmly shook Kunagadoga's hand before walking around the desk to his chair. "Please do sit. Why have you come all this way to see me today?" “Now I believe you are aware that I am here to discuss a certain...thief or rather for you a certain terrorist.” Darrin jabbed at his keyboard with two fingers. His brow furrowed, he seemingly split attention between hunting for the right key for the password and recalling the details of Kunagadoga's terrorist. "You will need to be more specific. There are-" Darrin paused mid-sentence then triumphantly hit enter. "There are sadly too many terrorists in the world these days." "What? You know, the terrorist!” He said slightly flabbergasted, he didn’t anticipate that CGZ wasn’t highlighted in any way shape or form for them, “The one that caused all the trouble in Saint-Jocelyn during the Olympics?” "Ah! The infamous CGZ. Yes, it is true we have an interest in this fellow." The inspector reached across his desk and picked a couple red candies from a crystal dish on his desk. The room fell silent except for the sound of the hard candy clacking against Darrin's teeth. “Here’s the deal, I do not know where his hideout is. We have been unsuccessful in locating it whether it be by drone, scouts, or scans. But I know where he is going to make his next appearance.” Kunagadoga said, “But before I get into those details, do you have any questions, requirements, demands, anything you want to mention or request.” The gentle, almost bumbling look in Darrin's eyes hardened as Kunagadoga spoke. Whatever warmth was present a moment ago was replaced with cold resolve. Darrin held the gaze, continued to play with the candy in his mouth, but didn't speak. What is this man playing at? I know I can be an intimidating bastard but this guy is a master at intimidation. I can’t read him whatsoever! He is unlike anyone I have ever dealt with! Beads of sweat forms along Kunadoga’s forehead as those blue eyes unsteady him. He cleared his throat before saying, “Now for where our target is going to be. Knowing Atsil Ani’-Wah’, the daughter of the late President Apenimon Ani’-Wah’, she will leave CGZ to join the monarchists sometime in the next month or two. When she leaves, CGZ will take her to the Monarchist headquarters and will leave her there. Thankfully for us, we recently discovered the location of where the Monarchists headquarters is. So what I propose is we have some of your officers and some of my men hide out nearby and wait until he arrives with her. We both get what we want here, I get Atsil Ani’-Wah’ and you get your terrorist. How does that sound?” Darrin finally broke his stare by leaning forward and pressing a button on his office phone. A moment later Kunadgadoga's Cambric escort stepped into the room, ready to tend to their charge. The warmth returned to Darrin's eyes and he stood with a smile. "I'll be seeing you soon, Meistros Quasena." He walked around the desk and shook Kunagadoa's hand again. "May the Lady watch you." Darrin nodded to the guards and returned to his deskchair. As Kunagadoga was escorted out of the building, his mind was stirring with what Darrin could have meant. Was that a yes? Wha-what did he mean?! I am guessing it is a yes but what in the world was that man! I couldn’t read him at all and I made my living off of reading people! Well, at least I know he is competent and that the execution of this plan will go off without much of an issue. At this point Kuna was standing with his mercenaries outside of the building and he entered the limo that was waiting for him. “How did it go sir?” asked an aid in the limo, “He beat the hell out of me,” Kuna said as he whipped his brow, “he was the most intimidating man I have ever spoken to. He savaged me, mentally, in there.” He then put his head in his hands as the limo drove to the airport for the flight back to Zoran.

May 5, 1420 8:30 AM Over Time National Zoranian Banking Clan Tower; Yemiduga City, Fisheros, Zoran (Since it has been a while since the last post, I will remind you all that this event is happening before Atsil has decided to leave CGZ's hide out, for OOC sake I will say that the stories I post here for a time will not go past July 18, 1420 until a post that is in the works is complete because it is necessary for the story to progress. If you are confused about what I mean just DM me on discord and I will explain) Kunagadoga stands in his office looking out upon the city of Yemiduga, dark clouds loom overhead as rain drops fall upon the city of the Corporates. He is waiting for his team to arrive but they are running late, something which displeases him deeply. I don't know why I keep surrounding myself with such incompetent people. I ask them to do one simple thing, arrive on time, and yet they manage to fuck that up. If they didn't have inside knowledge on our plans after this war I would fire them. That was when the door to his office opened and three people, one male and two female, in water soaked suits entered the room panting. "Sorry Mr. Kunagadoga, sir! We tried to get here as quickly as we could but the protestors kept getting in the way of our car!" said the man. Kuna did not turn around nor reply to what his excuse, leaving an uneasy silence in the room until he heard them walk closer to his desk and set something down on the table. That was when he actually turned around to face them, "Let's get straight to business. I don't care about your excuses, you already cost me money by having me wait. Have you drafted up plans our plans for after the war?" said Kunagadoga, "Yes, which would you like to see first. The reconstruction plan or Operation Lavandula Spica Incursio?" asked one of the women, "The Operation, I already know the reconstruction plan well enough." answered Kunagadoga. The other women sorted through the papers and pulled out a map of Lavender Island to the south of Zoran. "The biggest opposition we will face on the island is the Giovannilandians, despite having a small army they are well equipped. However, they lack actual combat experience, something which could be to our advantage. But we must be cautious considering they have more knowledge of the terrain there and they have homefield advantage." "Thank you for stating the obvious Gadiya. Show me what actual invasion plan we have for the island." "What kind of drawing is this?!" Kuna says as he gestures towards the map, "It looks like a five year old drew those lines!" "Sir, you did ask us to make these plans only about two hours ago. It was hard to get ahold of our officers considering the recent campaigns." said the man. Kuna gave him a withering stare which immediately shut the man up. The man cleared his throat, "Anyways, this is to depict the various parts of the Operation. From our southern most island, we will launch three naval invasions. One on the northern coast of Giovanniland, one on a nearby island to establish another base from where we will make landfall on directly southwest of the island, and the third on the northern coast of Blue Bubble. Our forces will secure a foothold on the land to allow for supplies to be sent to them. Meanwhile, once we acquire the Zoranian Navy, we will send them to blockade the southwestern coast of Giovanniland. By controlling the northern coast and blockading the south we will cut Giovanniland off from imports." Kuna nodded, pleased at what he was hearing, "From these footholds, we will start a push towards the inland, securing our control over the island as our men make our way inland. As we starve the people of Blue Bubble and Giovanniland, they will become desperate, weak, and divided as they face unrest from the people. This should make the job of our troops easier when we secure a solid front after we push to the first dotted line you see there. Once that is secure, we will have a three pronged push to Giovannia, hopefully with air support and missile strikes. We will ensure that our men use a scorched earth policy to further starve the city as we burn the farmland around the urban areas. The missile bombardment and the air support should assist in the final push where we surround the capital city and ensure no one gets in and no one gets out. We starve them out for a few days with occasional bombardments and give them a three day ultimatum. If they do not comply we will push into the city, round up the monarchy and members of the legislature and force them to sign a surrender. From there, we will execute the monarch, the royal family, and all members of the government we capture live on television and have the military control the country until we send our own people in to govern the area. Blue Bubble should follow suit with Giovanniland if they know what is good for them." Kuna was very pleased by this plan, he didn't need the specifics of how these plans will be carried out as he will let his officers decide how to do that. Lavender Island will be the first of his future corporate empire, the rich will get richer and the land will be reaped of all it holds, no matter how many lives it will cost. Kuna opened a drawer in his desk and took out four cigars and handed one to each of them. He cut off the bits for all of them and lit his own before raising it up in a form of toast, "To profit, my friends." He could tell none of them were smokers by their reluctance to accept his offer to light their cigars, but they were too scared to refuse and they followed suit, "To profit." they said somewhat half heartedly.

Thanks for the update Josh!

May 4, 1420 6:32 AM Over Time National Zoranian Banking Clan Tower; Yemiduga City, Fisheros, Zoran Kunagadoga was looking over some data collected on the average expenditure of the war effort to see where he could potentially cut costs when his secretary buzzed in through the intercom, “Sir, your Director of PR wishes to speak with you.” Kunagadoga sighed, “Send them in.” The doors open as a very frantic woman rushes into the room holding a stack of papers. They put it on his desk before they spoke, “Mr. Kunagadoga have you seen the news?” “Not particularly, why do you ask?” “Fujai and Giovanniland have changed their support!” Kunagadoga clapped his hands together with glee, “Excellent! I knew putting that idea into the mind of that stupid general would pay off! Now they will be ba-” “Before you get too excited sir, they have not declared that they would be supporting us. In fact, many politicians in those countries have shown open disdain towards us. Both Giovanniland and Fujai have voted to side with the Monarchists. On top of this, Fujai passed a vote to hold those accountable for those responsible for the bombing of Zoradia,” Kunagadoga sat still and remained ominously silent as they continued, “which if they question General Lagodo they might link it back to you…” Kunagadoga slammed his fist on the table, causing the stack of papers that the director of PR brought in to fall all over the ground. “Damn it! Grrr I don’t know why I thought those dirty hippy socialists would align with us but I thought the idea of economic growth in Zoran and a valuable trade partner would motivate them!” he sighs before downing a cup of gin he had on his desk, “Has there been any word from the GDC on this at all?” The director shook her head in response, “Well let me know when they do, I am not letting this ruin my plans. I am going to have to turn to Plan D.” “Plan D sir? What happened to plans B and C? “Those plans are too cliche and over rated, Plan D can’t possibly fail! Plus it will deal a blow to not just the Monarchists but to Atsil personally. It will also demoralize the working class and poor of the country while removing a thorn from our side that has existed for years. Send an order to our Chief Business officer to get me in touch with a Cambrian official ASAP!” The director nodded, cleaned up the papers that were knocked onto the floor, and rushed out of the room to fulfill the order. Kunagadoga swiveled in his chair to look out the window behind him and he recalled the meeting he had with CGZ two days ago. You always come knocking for trouble CGZ, you and your ancestors have always managed to escape it but this time your luck is going to run out. May 4, 1420 7:50 AM Over Time Temporary Grand Defense Council Building in Southern Zoran The meeting chamber is active with discussion on recent events. The GDC has not agreed on a plan of attack or defense and has essentially been paralyzed while conflict still rages in the country they have lost control over. The people of Zoran are furious over the bombing of Zoradia and the benefits of the move have been called into question. Speaker Quadelo called the room to order with a slam of their gavel and everyone took their seats. General Lagodo, still confident in his ability to be the hero of Zoran, stands up and requests permission to speak and the speaker accepts his request, “Representatives, I know what we did was hard but think about it! Now no side in this madness can claim the capital and support their claim to be the rightful Zoranian government. We still have international ba-” Representative Tsolaquo then interrupted him, “False! Don’t even finish that statement! Have you not forgotten what happened yesterday! Both Fujai and Giovanniland, the only countries that have publicly recognized us, have announced that they are supporting the Monarchists! To add insult to injury, all of us here would be brought to court in Fujai over the planning and execution of the bombing of Zoradia! We are now without international support and recognition thanks to the plan you put forth!” General Lagodo, as well as the rest of the room, was caught off guard by this abrupt interruption. He wiped his brow nervously, “We didn’t need them, they uh...they didn’t even provide us with funds or arms, only recognition and humanitaria-” “Yes but we wouldn’t have needed arms or funds if it wasn’t for the bombing which wasted not just jet fuel but also missiles and fighter rounds! This is not some video game where you don’t have to worry about supplies but this is real life Lagodo! This is real life war! You can’t win by doing brash actions like this! Every action has consequences!” Speaker Quadelo slammed his gavel, “Representative Tsolaquo please stop interrupting General Lagodo, I did not give you permission to interrupt or to speak for that matter.” Representative Tsolaquo grumbled as he leaned back into his seat as General Lagodo continued, “Thank you Speaker, now my plan is simple, we gather our troops here in the area we control and fight off any attacks that the other factions send at us.” More experienced representatives groaned at the sound of this plan as the session went on without any actual plan to be voted on. May 4, 1420 10:25 AM Over Time Unknown location A young recruit came into General Waholi’s office and stood at attention until he was recognized, “What is it, recruit?” said Waholi as he looked over the plans for the upcoming Uweyv Nunnehi Campaign, “I was ordered to tell you that Fujai and Giovanniland have both changed their support in the war to supporting our cause. Giovanniland has stated that, for now, they are only recognizing us as the true Zoranian government. Fujai on the other hand continues to provide humanitarian aid but they also intend on giving us funds and supplies as well as legitimacy. There is a possibility we can be given more support from Giovanniland if we can convince them.” Waholi smiled slightly and turned to face the recruit, “Thank you for that message, it was much needed good news! You are dismissed.” The recruit salutes before running on back to training. Waholi was relieved by that news as he looks at the plans for the campaign with renewed confidence in their ability to win this war.

July 18, 1420 5:00 AM Over Time Unknown location Where You Wish To Go, I Cannot Follow Adsila sits at the table where she has been spending a lot of her time for the past two months. She has been taking her time to read and learn the skills taught in the SIC training manual, everything from being forgettable, pulling quick changes, how to use certain gadgets, how to resist torture, etc. She has also been practicing how to use the techniques she learned with CGZ, she was surprised how willing he was to help her and how hospitable he has been towards her. He has been willing to teach her some basic martial arts and how to use a firearm. He explained to her that he never uses guns or lethal force like his ancestors before him, but he learned how to know how they work, how to best avoid getting shot, and so he knows what they are capable of. While Adsila did not like the idea of killing, she knew that in her situation it is going to be unavoidable. After two long months of learning and basic training she is almost ready to leave the thief’s sanctum and join the war. She turns the page of the training manual and read the title of the new chapter she was on and she heard a voice behind her say, “‘Sexpionage - The Art of Seduction,’ that sounds like a fun chapter. I wonder which one of your ancestors developed this one?” Atils yelped in surprise when she heard CGZ and quickly slammed the book shut. Adsila’s face was a bright red out of embarrassment and CGZ began laughing at her reaction. She growled in annoyance before getting back to her reading. CGZ’s laughter stopped and he sat at the opposite side of the table from her, still wearing a ski mask and sunglasses to conceal his identity. “So, do you think you’re ready to go out there yet?” asked CGZ, “Almost, I just have to read this slightly controversial chapter and I should be ready to...to go out there.” she answered without looking up from the book. CGZ nodded before saying, “Have you thought about what you’re going to do once you go out there and join the monarchists?” “I have a bit, based on some of the news I have been reading things seem to be going in their favor as they are receiving a lot of international support. If they manage to focus on pushing the corporates out the northern island they will be able to have more resources freed up to focus on attacking the south. It’s simple, I know, but it’s a start.” CGZ chuckled, “Understandable, I have to ask, do you even know who is leading the Corporates?” Adsila shakes her head as she turns a page in the manual. “Do you remember a certain Kunagadoga Quasena from your years in secondary school?” Adsila paused at that name and looked up from the manual to look at the lenses of CGZ’s sunglasses, “I do...are you saying tha-” “Yes, Kunagadoga is the leader of the Corporates.” Adsila stops for a second and recalls a dream she had two weeks ago. One where a lady spoke to her and said that the son of the basket weaver sought to kill the heir to Ani’-Wah’. She conveys this to CGZ who shrugs in response, “I am not one to put stock in dreams but I would be lying if I said he didn’t want to kill you.” There was silence between them for a while before she broke it, “I can read this chapter later when I have time, I need to go there now.” CGZ seemed to have blinked a few times behind his sunglasses before nodding with understanding. “Ok, I will take you to the monarchists today. Gather up what you need and we will depart.” CGZ got up and made his way to leave the room when Adsila stopped him by asking, “Why have you really been helping me? I know you said that it was because you felt bad for my situation in all of this but I don’t think that’s your true motive.” CGZ stopped at the open door leading to his library before looking back at her. He let out a sigh, “Because Kuna should never be allowed to take power, it is no secret that he is a cruel cold hearted bastard but I have a personal vendetta against him for what he did to my sister. Not too long ago, before the mess I made in Saint Jocelyn during the Olympics, my sister met Kunagadonga and for a few months they were friends. However, I knew better and tried to warn her but she didn’t believe me when I said he was a scumbag. Then one day she went to see him and she didn’t come home. That’s when I knew something was wrong and I went out to find Kunagadoga and confront him about my sister. When I found him we got into a fist fight where I ended up coming out on top and demanded to know where my sister was. All he said was that she was ‘anywhere but here.’ I pressed him to tell me what he meant by that only to find out he sold her to human traffickers…” CGZ’s head hung low with defeat, “She’s only a year older than me, nineteen. I have been trying to find her since but to no avail, and when I saw that you became a potential threat to Kuna I didn’t even hesitate to find you. So my actions weren’t entirely selfless, they were primarily driven by a selfish desire for revenge.” Adsila didn’t know what to say, she empathized with him and felt his pain, sorrow, and hate. Her voice was only a whisper when she spoke, “The room I’m staying in...that was her room wasn’t it?” CGZ nodded, “Adsila...when you leave here you will not get any aid from me...for where you wish to go I cannot follow. After the stunt I pulled in Cambria they are probably planning on a way of killing me and I don’t think I will be able to survive that when it comes. So I ask this of you, unify the country, avenge its people, and let nothing stand in your way. Build a better Zoran, a better place for the torchbearers of tomorrow.” CGZ’s voice began to crack as he spoke and when he finished he walked through the doorway and left Adsila alone with the weight of the conversation weighing down upon her thoughts. I didn’t think CGZ was about my age, I guess part of his persona is to appear older than he is. But the pain he must have experienced makes me think of the pain of the Zoranian people. Many are probably seeing me of some sort of savior...but I am just one woman. She held her head in her hands as she realized the weight of her role she plays in all this. But the words of CGZ echo in her head, Unify the country, avenge its people, and let nothing stand in your way. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try.” She said to herself before getting up to gather her things as she prepares to leave.

July 15, 1420 AF 2:00 AM Over time Official statement from the Zoranian Theocrats: It is with a sad heart that we announce that after the denouncement of the Divine shaman we have lost many supporters. Morale has dwindled and there is little point going forward, it is with a heavy heart that I announce that the theocrats surrender to the other factions of this bloody civil war. Shaman Oconostota Nideloyu ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zoranian Civil War map as of 16 July 1420

Gagotigakanvsgi Campaign (Duration: 19 days) Faction: Monarchists GDC Corporates Strength: 3000 2000 men 6,020 men Losses: 250 Killed ~4 MIA ~400 killed 10 MIA 24 taken prisoner ~300 Killed 20 MIA Remaining: ~2746 retreated ~1566 retreated ~5,700 remain Corporate Victory Campaign Report: July 15, 1420 Dear Mr. Quasena, The Monarchists made a push into one of our provinces in the northern island which resulted in us receiving 4,020 of our men joining our hold here. We decided to make a push to assert our control over the contested province of Gagotigakanvsgi using our forces here to make a push. Using the equipment you purchased from Dalimbar we were able to inflict significant casualties on the GDC troops in that territory. Many of them appeared to be poorly trained and poorly equipped, allowing our men to pick them off easily. However, the monarchist rebels in the area gave us a bit more trouble. They appear to be proficient with guerilla and urban warfare, able to move quickly and concealing themselves with their surroundings. We lost a significant amount of men as we fought in the cities and the jungles but after a few days of fighting we were able to push them out of the province. The attack you ordered on the province that borders Gagotigakanvsgi to the west must have had them decide to pull out of the province in favor of keeping their territory. We are still rooting out small pockets of GDC troops and monarchists scouts but the province should be under your complete control over the course of a few weeks. From, General Adanite

Uweyv Nunnehi Campaign (Duration: 1 month 23 days) Faction: Monarchists Theocrats Corporates Strength: 20,000 men 1000 men 5,000 men Losses: 600 Killed ~20 MIA ~800 Killed 50 taken prisoner ~5 MIA ~900 Killed 80 taken prisoner Remaining: ~19,380 remain ~145 retreated ~4,020 retreated Decisive Monarchist Victory Campaign Report: 26 June, 1420 Began with a push from north of the province, 20,000 men crossed the border into corporate territory. We were able to use guerilla tactics to ambush a few mercenary patrols and steal some supplies. Our scouts were able to mark some mercenary camps where we divided out men and struck at them simultaneously, falling back to lure them deeper into the jungle so we could regroup and use the jungle to our advantage. This resulted in some casualties on our side but we dealt a massive blow to corporate forces in the province. However, there was an unexpected theocratic assault on the province as well so we had quite a few of them to deal with. One particular soldier showed some impressive prowess on the battlefield, using only a compound bow and a sword to go behind enemy lines to capture a few soldiers prisoner from smaller enemy camps. When asked how he was able to accomplish this seemingly stupidly rash feat he responded saying, “When a man is able to sneak into your camp, kill five of your friends in the night, and rushes you with a sword and starts yelling at you to get on the ground, would you challenge them?” His name is Tagwadihi Sitsameho and he has gained some recognition and admiration among the troops. I believe it would be wise to keep an eye on him for the future. Ultimately, after a month and a few days of surprise attacks, raids, and pushing we were able to drive the corporates out of the province and have begun sending men out across the province to secure our control. However, this campaign was not without civilian casualties. A few innocent men, women, and children were caught in the crossfire in a few towns and some were blown up by those bloody Dalimbari landmines. While our men also fell victim to them, seeing a child being blown up in front of your eyes is a whole other feeling. Other people have been displaced by the conflict, exact numbers are unknown. As we gain control over the province we shall begin sweeping for mines in order to make it safer for the people. A provisional government for the province has been established until the people are organized enough to send a representative to the civilian legislative council. We lost about 600 men in this campaign and approximately 50 are MIA. We also have 130 prisoners, 80 from the corporate mercenaries and 50 from the theocrats.

May 3, 1420 6:45 AM Over Time A day after Waholi sent out the call, generals of the monarchist cause gathered at the central headquarters to discuss the future of the war. Waholi is the highest ranking general there and is the de facto leader of the faction until they find Atsil. Their main concerns that they are going to address are Atsil’s location, the bombing of Zoradia, organization of the government until they find Atsil, and plans for the offensive. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for heading my call. The war has begun and already there has been a tragedy. The bombing of Zorardia, which is still going on, is a waste of resources and a tragedy for all Zoranians. For now we cannot do much, all we can do is stay away from the city. But we have another pressing matter that we need to address.” He directs everyone’s attention to a tv screen he has on a stand that shows the video of Atsil being escorted away by CGZ. “Atsil Ani’-Wah’, the current head of the Ani’-Wah’ family and the person we, along with a majority of the people who support our cause, believe should rule the country as queen, is currently in an unknown location. CGZ’s ‘mythical’ and illusive hideout is where she is most likely located but no one knows its location. We have tried scouts, intelligence, tracking, etc. to try and locate her to no avail. So I had no choice but to look towards a more supernatural means of locating her.” One of the generals, General Nilesa, chuckled at this, “Waholi, I didn’t take you for a spiritual man. I know you are religious but I didn’t take you to be the person who would turn to something so unrealistic.” Waholi looked at them with a stern gaze before they spoke, “Neither did I until we ran into a dead end. I had no choice but to accept the assistance of the Saint Markian seers in locating her.” The whole room burst into laughter until another general spoke, “With all due respect sir, resorting solely on something as ‘mystical’ as seers does not seem to inspire much confidence in us.” Waholi nodded in an understanding manner, “While I understand that sentiment, we have no choice. Tell me, has any of you found a lead that would let us find Atsil?” The laughter died down as the question was asked and all the generals sat in silence and with slight embarrassment at the fact that they had no better lead on the whereabouts of Atsil. “Exactly as I thought,” said Waholi with a smirk on his face, “according to the Saint Markan seers, Atsil is not in danger with CGZ, in fact she plans on leaving from hiding soon. But she is in danger from the ‘basket weaver’s son,’ whoever that is. So there is a chance Atsil is coming out of hiding but we cannot be certain on that. If she does come back then we must be ready to protect her and bring her here. I believe everyone knows the procedure that should occur.” The generals in the room nodded, all of them knew what they must do if Atsil is found, they will do as much as they can to be sure she is safe and that she is with them. “Good, keep your men on the lookout and tell your scouting parties to keep their eyes peeled for any signs of her return. Now, we must get onto the issue of the actual government organization until she returns.” Waholi then pulled out a manilla folder with documents detailing how the provisional government would run. “I suggest that we let the people have a voice in our affairs too. But, we cannot let them have a voice in sensitive issues that require secrecy. So we have them send representatives to a public building where they can make some decisions until we get Atsil here to form an official government.” “But sir,” said a younger general, General Quvmate, “why are we letting Atsil form the new government entirely? Sure we want her to be queen but that seems like a bit of an odd idea to me.” His comment was followed by a few agreeing nods in the room, “Well, Atsil has been studying political sciences in university. She also has experience through the internship she was doing under her father before this mess started. She is also a bright woman whose actions remind me of her father. While my faith in her is somewhat based on the idea that she might be like her father, I still firmly believe that it should be up to the future queen to create the government. We are all just men and women who know of military strategy, with a basic understanding of politics. That is why we form a provisional government with civilian representation to help legislate and make decisions while we deal with the conflict. What we need to do is send people to different parts of the country that we control and spread word to vote on a representative for the Zoranians in that district. From there we can have some order and support from the people while also providing services to those in need. Does anyone have any objections to this idea?” The room was quiet as the generals looked at each other to see their reaction to this plan. None of them had any better ideas so they did not object to this plan. All of them knew that they could not win a war without support from the people and as the most popular faction in this war, they had to ensure that they take care of the people and build further support in the country. With no objections Waholi nodded before bringing up a map of the country on the screen. “Now we must discuss our plan for the war. I believe that our biggest threat is the Corporates. After the Divine Shaman’s denouncement of the religious fanatics they will lose any support that they possibly had and will collapse within a few months. The GDC is disorganized, corrupt, and wasting resources on the bombing of Zoradia. So the corporates are our biggest adversary. Should the theocrats collapse, I believe that the corporates will take control of the province to the east. I say we prevent them from having a connected territory on the northern island in advance by attempting to take the province they control to the south. We already have men in the territory we control on the southern border of that province so we can attack them on two fronts.” Waholi said as he pointed at the provinces he was referring to with a stick. “What about the two theocratic provinces to the southwest of one of our northernmost provinces? If the theocrats collapse as you say then shouldn’t we send men there to secure control as soon as possible?” said General Quvmate. “Yes, in fact I will let you lead the offensive on those two provinces. Make sure to avoid civilian casualties as often as possible.” said Waholi. The generals further discussed their plans for the war.

Welcome! We are glad to have you here! Feel free to ask any questions and apply for HoN citizenship to become more involved with the region!

May 2, 1420 An Official Letter from the Divine Shaman to the People To the People of Zoran, Dear children of the Spirit, these are turbulent times for our people. We have not seen conflict like this since the Great Spirit War when Gawonii the Heretic divided our people, but times have changed much since then. We are no longer individual tribes who were divided over beliefs, rather we are now one state, one tribe, one family. This isn’t conflict between tribes, this is conflict within a family! We must not forget the words of Adanvdo and the teachings of the Spirit during these times. But as many of you are aware, there are those that claim I should lead our people in a temporal role as well as a religious one. Do not believe these claims, for I wish no such thing. I am simply a spiritual guide, not a head of state. Those who claim such things are fanatics, those who misunderstand the teachings of Adanvdo and the word of the Spirit! All those that are part of these fanatics must realize the error of their ways and lay down their arms to prevent further bloodshed. I condemn these fanatics for their actions and their claims. I do not wish to rule this country, I am only a guide in the ways of the faith. All shamans who are part of these fanatics are to be considered shamans no more unless they repent before me. May there be peace in the land once more. Let us all pray for those lives who have been lost in the bombing of Zoradia and those who have died in this conflict so far. Let the Spirit guide us all. -Divine Shaman Oochalata

“One doesn't need to believe in Bigfoot for Bigfoot to believe in them.” -Bran Astor; January 7, 2021

May 2, 1420 5:00 AM Over Time National Zoranian Banking Clan Tower; Yemiduga City, Fisheros, Zoran Kunagadoga Quasena sat at the desk in his office—the same office he had claimed for himself two days ago—smoking a cigar as he watched the desolation of the great city of Zoradia with malevolent glee on the TV. “Perfect, this is going exactly as planned.” He said to himself as he watched a building collapse. This plan is going to be so much easier with that incompetent pompus general in my pocket. The best part is that I don’t have to pay him anything, I just have to give him a “good” idea and allow him to take the credit for it. Not only will the GDC be wasting its resources but it made itself look to the international community. But, more importantly, the suffering that was caused by this should be enough to lure Atsil out of hiding, she always had a soft heart. He takes a drag of his cigar before looking at the latest reports from the field and swiveling his chair so he is facing the window that overlooks the city. He grins as he sees the preparations for the operation to either capture or eliminate Atsil, the sooner she is out of the picture the faster the Monarchists will fall. “So glad to see you sitting in the chair of another bourgeois prick’s office. What did you have to do to get this one? Hold their family hostage? Threaten to ruin their hedge fund?” said an all too familiar synthesized voice, “To be honest, you arrived a day later than expected and I am still baffled as to how you got past the security. What do you want CGZ?” said Kunagadoga in a cold and monotone voice, “Want something? No, if I wanted to take from you rich assholes I would have already taken it. I came to impart some wisdom onto you.” “Oh? Tell me, what can you possibly teach me that I don’t already know?” “If you continue to follow down this path of dishonor and hatred, you will only be met with despair. With your current position you may do as you please, but once the foundations start to shake, things will be very different for you. The Daughter of Zoran will rise like the Dawn Bird and the sun in the old tales and with her the vengeance of all those you have harmed in your hunger for wealth and power will come down upon you. For she is your reckoning and she will Kick. Your. Ass.” CGZ said in a serious synthesized tone, “Remember, Kuna, just as Adanvdo once said, greed is a miser’s drunkenness and when the miser is consumed by his avarice, the righteous will come and take what is due.” Kunagadoga began to chuckle and it grew into full blown laughter as he swiveled his chair around to face the armored king of thieves and tosses the reports he was looking at on his desk, “When did you become a comedian? By the Spirit that was funny! ‘The Daughter of Zoran,’ HA! You use some colorful language and your performance was remarkable, but let’s be honest, Atsil doesn’t stand a chance.” he stopped laughing and a stern look forms on his face, “I know you came here because she is planning on leaving your mythical and illusive sanctum and you want to scare me into giving up. Let me tell you this, I am not backing down and Atsil will either be brought to me in chains or will be brought to me in a bodybag with a bullet through her skull. Your words mean nothing to me, thief, why? Because I know you will do nothing but sit back and watch this all unfold. You have all this power, all this skill, and who knows how much wealth, but you will never do anything with it. You won’t even do anything to protect that bitch when she leaves.” At this point, Kunagadoga was out of his seat and leaning forward on his desk and the air was tense. CGZ maintained his cool and didn’t let Kuna’s words get to him, “This isn’t my fight and more importantly I have a dislike for killing. I am only telling you to back down now because if you pursue this path, you are going to be the one who ends up dead. I hope you are pleased with the pain you are inflicting on others Kuna, because all that pain will just be sent back unto you.” The power in the building then went out and smoke filled the room and by the time the power went on a minute or two later, CGZ was gone. Kuna coughed as the smoke cleared only to be left slightly annoyed with CGZ’s disturbance. “Yeah right, that thief is all talk. Atsil won’t have what it takes to survive through this, the supposed ‘Daughter of Zoran’ as he called her will be nothing more than a lie told by him.”

May 1, 1420 3:45 PM Over Time Waholi leaned upon his desk and held the ridge of his nose as he coped with the continued bombing of Zoradia. Five platoons worth of men were lost in the city when the bombing began. He doesn’t know whether the men are MIA or KIA and for now considers them MIA. This is all based on reports he is receiving from various hideouts that are receiving the men that were in the area of the city. The men they received informed them of what occurred and after hours of collecting information they came to the number of men lost to be the equivalent of five platoons. Waholi took another drink of his Badgerian whisky when a junior officer entered the room, “Sir, Prince Dominic of Larxia is here to meet with you.” Waholi nodded and turned to face the junior officer, “Bring him in.” he ordered. The soldier saluted before carrying out his orders. Waholi let out a sigh of exhaustion to get himself ready for the prince’s arrival. A few minutes later, Prince Dominic was escorted into the room with what Waholi assumed to be his assistant of some sort following behind him. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, your highness.” Waholi said with a bow, “Please, take a seat. I am sorry if recent events caused any disruptions in your flight here. Is there anything I can offer you and your assistant?” “Oh, no thanks. We have come here on urgent business. We would like to see you win the war, then we can sit together for a drink or two. But right now you need something and we’re here to offer it to you,” said Prince Dominic in a serious tone as he took a seat. “As you wish, your highness. I would like to apologize for my, how should is say, disheveled appearance. The bombing that is going on has had a large impact on me. I’ve been up since midnight getting the troops who were in the city or around it out of the area and getting a total on the number we lost in it.” Waholi said with a heavy heart. “I’m sorry for the loss. There’s nothing worse than losing your men without a chance to fight back, and we are very invested in your victory, given our friendly history with the Ani’-Wah’s,” Prince Dominic said rather coolly. “Thank you, now I don’t want to waste anymore of your valuable time. I am assuming you know what we desperately need, yes? “Of course. We are willing to offer you any kinds of armaments that you require. We’ll be offering you funds to fight and survive through the war, and I know that you don’t control any launch pads or the planes, we are willing to help you with that if you require. Larxian scientists have almost developed a mobile launch site that you can assemble, launch, and disassemble. It would look like there wasn’t a missile fired from that location. Now of course only if you want it. Though I feel I should tell you that the King has one stipulation, he wants to strengthen the relations with Zoran in the future, so he would like to sign a trade deal with you post war,” Prince Dominic laid out the terms. “Thank you for your aid, your highness. We gratefully accept the aid you are giving us, of course we would be willing to establish a trade deal after the war. I hope you have a safe flight home, may the Spirit guide you.” "Oh I won't be flying back for some time. I need to maintain my cover. If you ever need to talk to me, I'll be staying in the Saint Markan estate around ten miles south of Gosdugadohi. Here's a burner phone, call me before you send anyone. May the Spirit be with you," Prince Dominic said as he took leave of the General. Waholi nodded and turned to another soldier in the room, “Gather all the generals, it is time for a meeting to discuss our strategy for the war along with other issues. Also, Saint Mark said that their mystics might be able to assist us in locating Atsil, send word to them and say we are interested.” said Waholi to the soldier before they left the room. Waholi returned to his desk and turned his attention from the reports on the casualties from the ongoing bombings to the reports on the potential whereabouts of Atsil, to which he sees is very little. The whole key to finding her location is finding that mythical and illusive hideout of CGZ. Unfortunately, that is unlikely to occur so I have no choice but to resort to using unreliable superstition. Damn it Apenimon, while you were unable to raise that girl she certainly shares many of your qualities. Waholi thought to himself before gathering up what he needs for the upcoming meeting with other generals in the faction.

Dusts off slime machine again and pulls the lever dropping @Dilber into a vat full of slime I wait for the day to do this regularly again.

April 31, 1420 1:00 AM Over Time Unknown location Atsil could not sleep, her mind was racing with concern over the innocent lives at risk from the conflict. She thought of her siblings and her nieces and nephews, worried about how they are handling the situation. CGZ did end up getting her a phone as promised and indeed it was better than her previous one and thankfully none of the things she had saved on her previous phone was lost. In the time since CGZ took her here, her siblings have been asking if she’s safe or if she is actually in league with the monarchists. She has been afraid to respond fearing that she would be putting their lives at risk. She decided to go and get something to drink from the kitchen and left the room. As she descended down the stairs she heard what sounded like surprised movement in the direction of the living room. As she reached the bottom, she saw CGZ wearing a ski mask and sunglasses, jeans, and a white long sleeve shirt. “What are you doing up so early in the morning?” he asked, “What are *yawn* you doing up so early in the morning?” she asked back. He let out a slight chuckle before saying, “Keeping my eye on the movements of the different factions. For the past hour something terrible has been happening in Zoradia.” These words made Atsil worry, “What do you mean? What happened?” CGZ sighed before asking, “Do you really want to know?” As simple as those words were it made Atsil’s hair stand up on the back of her neck. She found herself hesitating before answering, “Yes, what happened?” CGZ tapped the right side of his sunglasses and said, “Jeeves, turn on family room TV.” The flat screen TV behind him came to life and showed a horrific scene. Zoranian multirole fighter jets bombing the capital city of Zoradia. Missiles collided into the skyscrapers and the jets fired HEI-T-SD rounds into buildings to slowly bring them crumbling down. Soldiers from different factions were scrambling to get out of the city and she saw some get crushed under a piece of concrete. Atsil stood there silently watching it all unfold with shock. Her skin turned pale and her eyes began to water as her body began to tremble. How could a government do this! Innocent lives are at risk! This act is unnecessary and a waste of resources! All the people who must be living in fear at what is occurring...it fills my heart with sorrow. Her legs soon gave out and she began to cry, lamenting the suffering of the people. She didn’t hear CGZ tell Jeeves to turn off the TV or his approaching footsteps. CGZ knelt down and helped Atsil to her feet and walked her over to the couch. He offered her comfort while she lamented over the suffering of the people. CGZ felt bad for Atsil, she did not ask to be part of any of this. All factions are looking for her all because she is the new head of the Ani’-Wah’ family. Atsil was young and while CGZ wasn’t much older than her, she has been experiencing so much change in such a short amount of time. I do not envy her, no one should have to deal with all of this. There is so little that I can do to help her, but by providing her refuge she will at le- “I need to go out there.” she finally said after a few minutes of crying. “What? Are you insane!?” “People are suffering, I need to do something to help them!” “Atsil, you have a large target on your back! The corporates want you dead, the theocrats want you dead, even the GDC wants you dead! By going out there you are going to get killed!” “Hiding away while people are suffering is dishonorable! I need to go out there and do something to help! Even if it is by leading the monarchist faction, I have to do something for them!” “You don’t even know if the monarchist leadership is only riding on the popularity of your father! They could seek to use you as a puppet for their goals!” “Well to me they are the lesser of four evils! If they want to use me as a puppet then it will be their fault for underestimating me! I may not want to be queen but I have to do something to help the country and its people.” CGZ got up from the couch and stormed away into one of the many mysterious rooms in this place. After a few minutes CGZ came back with a thick file in his hand and handed it to Atsil. The folder had the logo of the SIC on it and below it said “Training Manual”. “Read up on this. You aren’t going to be able to master it today but you may need some skills from this if you want to do what you plan on doing.” Atsil took the file and looked at it with surprise, “How did you even? Nevermind, I shouldn’t be surprised. But if you are so against me going out there then why give me this?” “Because if you want to go out there I can’t stop you. If you are going to do this then I don’t want to see you get killed out there. So, to me, the best way to help you is to give you access to the skills created by your family so you have a chance of surviving.” He began walking away when he said, “Let me know when you are ready to leave so I can take you to the monarchist headquarters.” CGZ then left the family room and Atsil was left on the couch with the training manual in her hand. What an odd man. He went from being frustrated to helpful and reluctantly supportive. Well I don’t intend on looking a gift horse in the mouth so I better get to reading this immediately. Atsil went to her guest room with the file to begin reading the SIC manual. Meanwhile, CGZ took the sunglasses and the ski mask off and sat at his desk and looked at the monitors of his computer. He pulled up the information he had on the different factions and their allies. So let’s see here. Seems the GDC has recognition from Giovanniland and support from the Fujansk, Artzotskia, and Marble Mallorca. For the monarchists it seems that they might have support from Saint Mark and Larxia. It appears that the theocrats might have support from Varanius and the corporates have made it clear that they are doing business with Dalimbar. This is going to be an interesting war. He then turned his attention to the pile of calling cards on his desk and as he looked at the symbol on it Atsil’s words echoed in his head, Hiding away while people are suffering is dishonorable! He recalled his family history, how his ancestors performed daring heists and escapes in the past just for the thrill of the steal. But what always stood out to him was how they gave half of what they stole to the people in need. If it was an item like a crown or a valuable piece of art they would take half the value of that item from their own funds and give it to the people without selling the item. His ancestors never turned away from the people and CGZ began to feel the weight of that legacy because of Atsil’s words. He put his head in his hands and pulled at his hair, Those were different times! I can’t afford to be as bold as my ancestors! Security has evolved and so has criminal investigation! Hiding in the shadows and remaining in the shadows is the way forward! He let out a growl in frustration and quickly turned to his computer and pulled up some funny cat videos to distract him from his family’s legacy that weighed down on him.

April 30, 1420 2:30 PM Overtime From the perspective of a Zoradian resident An emergency announcement popped up on my phone and on the television. It was an official announcement from the GDC that was straight and to the point, “Attention all residents of Zoradia! The GDC is ordering an immediate evacuation of all people from the city. Take only what you need and flee the city. Soldiers will try their best to ensure a safe evacuation of all people. This order also goes for those who remain in embassies in the capital. No one is permitted to prevent people from evacuating the city. People can evacuate via roadways or by sea. Everyone must be out of the city by 23:00 Overtime tonight!” When the television reverted back to its normal channel and I looked up from my phone, I heard honking and pandemonium from outside my window. The gunshots still exist but they are now drowned out by the sound of honking and panic. Soldiers were guiding cars and people to the evacuation routes while keeping a lookout for rebels. Who knows if the evacuation will be pulled off in time. April 31, 1420 00:00 Overtime The once bustling streets of Zoradia are now practically empty. The streets were devoid of life and those that remained were rebels that thought the GDC had abandoned the city. But those that remained did not get the memo of the evacuation. The roaring sound of jets could be heard in the distance when the first explosion occurred, one of the skyscrapers has been hit with a missile. The rebels in the city dove for cover as debris began to rain down from above. But the explosions didn’t stop there. There was soon another explosion and another and then another. Buildings began to crumble and burn. The fighter jets roared over the city executing the order they have been given—destroy the city and make sure nothing remains except for the Temple and the Mausoleum if possible. While the government may lack bombers the missiles from the jets will complete the job after numerous runs. At the same time, off in the distance, members of the military were firing shells of artillery in hopes of speeding along the process. It was clear that the bombing was not going to stop for quite some time. But the biggest tragedy of this act is that some people still have yet to evacuate. While the evacuation order was initiated, many elderly people were unable or unwilling to leave their homes. On top of this, those who were in the hospital and other medical facilities were unable to leave because of their condition and this led to many employees in the medical facilities unable to leave the building to care for the patients. This led to the death of innocent civilians when the homes of the elderly and the medical facilities were bombed as well. Outside the city, people fled to other cities and others set up refugee camps. Those that fled by sea were either taken in by ships sent by the fujansk for humanitarian aid, military vessels, or private ships of the wealthy who were forced to provide aid to their fellow Zoranians by military officers on the scene. The desolation of Zoradia has begun and with it begun the true suffering of the Zoranian people.

April 30, 1420 2:27 PM Over Time Unknown Location After driving through a battle zone and then three hours of driving through what Atsil can only assume to be underground tunnels, Atsil felt CGZ’s electric car come to a stop. “At last! We are finally here!” said CGZ, “Oh wait, you still can’t see. Hold on.” The blindfold was then removed from Atsil’s head and she saw the interior of CGZ’s car for the first time. The seats were a black leather that went with the midnight black color of the interior. There were multiple touch screens along the dashboard that detailed underground tunnels, patrol routes, conflict zones, traffic, etc. as well as climate control and things you would expect to find in a regular car. Atsil could only look with awe at the technological look of the interior. “Impressed? All of this was the design of my father and I before the car industry began designing electric cars. But that doesn’t matter right now, come on I will show you to where you will be staying.” said CGZ in their synthesized voice. He got out of his car and Atsil quickly followed. Upon exiting the car, Atsil stood starstruck when she saw the machinery in what she could only assume to be the garage. She didn’t understand what most of it did but she could only assume it was for inventing new gadgets or for the car. But she stopped looking around when she noticed that CGZ was about to leave the room and so she hurried behind him. The hallway she followed him into was even more extravagant, but not with machinery. The hallway had Saint Markian doric columns made of white marble all the way down to the end and in between the columns there was a statue of what Atsil could only assume to be CGZ’s of the past. Golden chandeliers lit the hallway and gave a yellowish hue to the stone grey walls and the floor was a checkered black and white with polished marble and black granite. Atsil observed all of this as they walked through the hallway until they reached the end. “If you think this is impressive, just wait till you see what’s next.” said CGZ as the door opened in front of him to reveal a large room full of bookshelves that are built into the walls and that are lined up in rows in the middle of the room. But the bookshelves only occupied half of the room, which was the side they were on. At the other side of the room there was one large computer monitor with two smaller monitors attached on the either side of it displaying a variety of data or news reports. “By the Spirit, were you inspired by a certain comic book superhero or something?” asked Atsil, “I didn’t design this room, the original room was made by the sixth CGZ and was modified, expanded, upgraded, updated, etc. by other generations and my father got the computer all set up before he passed. But he was a bit of a comic nerd so it is quite possible.” He answered as we made our way passed the part of the room occupied by bookshelves and into the area occupied by the computer along with a variety of other things such as what looked to be an armor display case and other things. “How did your family manage to keep all of this a secret?! Surely the purchase or theft of the things needed to create half of the technology you have would have here would draw a lot of attention!” asked Atsil, “Can’t tell you or else you might go blab about it to someone after this mess is over. But let’s just say my family were people of many faces.” he said cryptically. They then turned right and went through a door which led to what seemed like a regular living room and kitchen with a mixture of the architecture and design found in the hallway and modern appliances and technology with a large window that overlooked the Zoranian jungle. The furniture was elaborate and had a royal feel to it. Atsil was kind of disappointed at what she saw, something which CGZ could sense from her and let out a chuckle before saying, “What? Am I not allowed to have some normal comforts in my home?” “No of course not!” said Atsil, “I am just surprised there wasn’t some advanced machine hidden somewhere.” He just laughed in response and led her up a spiral staircase in the middle of the room and led her to a large double wooden door. “This will be your room. You should be able to find everything you would need in there including clothes. Also, do you still have your phone on you by any chance?” “Yes, why do you ask?” “Give it to me for a second.” He said as he held his hand out for the phone, “Why?” “Because I don’t want to be tracked. The security measures here that prevent tracking are advanced but I don’t want to take any chances.” Atsil, begrudgingly, gave her phone to CGZ who removed the case from it, took a tool out from his suit, and removed the sim card from it. He then threw it onto the floor as hard as he could and crushed it under his foot. “Hey! What the f-” “Language, also don’t worry I will get you a better one of my own design. I still have the sim card so all your data should be safe.” He said as he slid the sim card into a small pouch in his suit and picked up the pieces of the shattered phone from the floor. “I will get the phone to you in about an hour or so. In the meantime I hope you enjoy your stay and let me know if you need anything. Also don’t go snooping around, there are a lot of rooms in this place and some of them can be dangerous.” With that CGZ walked away down the stairs and out of sight. Atsil was still angry about the phone but turned towards the door to her room and pushed it open only to let out a gasp. The room was like she walked into a royal bedchamber, something which seemed ironic to her considering that one faction wants to make her a queen. But considering how old the place is and how wealthy CGZ must be from all that his ancestors stole over the years, the room’s design and style made sense to her. Does he live here on his own? How does he keep all of these rooms so clean and dust free if he does live on his own? Did his ancestors hire people to build all of this? There are just so many questions to be asked about this place! But most importantly, where exactly am I!? Atsil sat down on the soft bed, feeling the soft silk sheets with her hand as she thought about all of these questions. However, the thought that weighs heaviest on her mind is how the Zoranian people are living during these times of conflict.