Nouveau
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Posts posted by Nouveau
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Quote
“If what you’re saying is right then we have a big fucking disaster waiting to happen. Wittehuis from IA too? There is a God after all, with a sick sense of humor. Keep looking, find what you can. I know a couple people in Department Grotnok who can help us out. Forward any warrants to me and I’ll give it to them. This stays in the room, understand?”
Part 4
Clara and Lamar huddled around a computer in a program called SRU. It was the Viriarma's unified emergency call and incident reporting system. Lamar typed in keywords.
Men <or> Man, Gun(s), Uniform(s), Mask(s), Shooting, Woods
Incidents populated the messaging field. Two random phone calls and an in-person report were at the top of the list.
“I think we got our best leads,” Clara said. “Look. That guy even said he saw them holding rifles, shouting and moving in a formation.”
“Yeah, this guy said men were shouting in formation, holding each other’s shoulders,” Lamar said. Clara and Lamar looked at each other.
“Alright, I’ll put in the investigation requests,” Lamar said. Clara pulled her phone from her jacket pocket.
“I’ll get us a car. Meet me downstairs in 10,” Clara said. The two got to working on their duties.
Fragments of Interviews
SRU EVIDENCE FILE: 0001
Witness 1: Amelia Roche
Interview Taken On Street
Address: 342 Rue Gallant
Agentum, La Havre
BONNUIT: Alright Amelia, what did you see that day?
ROCHE: There were two or three men in a car. Like a white sedan. They were looking out of their windows towards the electrical power station on Rue Roulier. The big one for the neighborhood.
PORTO: Do you remember any of their faces? Maybe a license plate?
ROCHE: Not really. The windows obscured their faces. They sped off once they saw me looking at them. The license plate was weird, it looked like it had been hit by a car, but the rest of the car looked normal.
PORTO: Okay Amelia. What time of day was this, do you remember?
ROCHE: It was in the afternoon. I was walking to the top of the hill for Golden Hour, so pretty close to that time.
BONNUIT: I can search that up. We can keep going. We’ll need some more information for our investigation records, if that’s okay.
ROCHE: Yes, of course.
~~~
SRU EVIDENCE FILE: 0012
Witness 2: Helge Meibloem van der Woud
Interview Taken At Residence
Address: 9 Rue du Pionnier
Ense, Pics Rouges
VAN DER WOUD: Oh yeah I saw some clowns in the woods. Right over there.
PORTO: What do you remember from that day?
VAN DER WOUD: Well, one of them was screaming, in Hueveltonga, that he twisted his ankle.
BONNUIT: That sounds like Wittehuis.
VAN DER WOUD: I went to my window and saw them. They weren’t in uniforms, but they were definitely trying to camouflage themselves. They had long rifles, and backpacks. At first I was afraid, but then I saw one of them had a workout shirt that said VIRIARMA. I know some of those men train in the woods to qualify for their tests, so I opened my window and asked if they needed help. They didn’t answer me at first, but then the man closest to me said they were okay, and they’d just help the guy back to base.
BONNUIT: If this is pretty normal, what made you report them to the police?
VAN DER WOUD: Well, there was a cute guy at the back of the line. But, what actually made me call was that when they did come close to look at the guy’s foot, they all had these weird marks on their hands. Big scars. They were covered in dirt too. I thought they were hurt worse than they were saying. I called for an ambulance. One came by, but the boys had gone away before they could reach me. I felt bad. I hope I didn’t waste anyone’s time.
PORTO: You didn’t Madame Van Der Woud. If I showed you a face, would you be able to tell me if you recognize it?
VAN DER WOUD: Absolutely.
PORTO: Showing face of suspect one, now.
VAN DER WOUD: Oh, it’s that young man. What a plum. He was there that day, definitely. I hope you don’t have any nasty plans for him, I might need to interrogate him as well.
~~~
SRU EVIDENCE FILE: 0026
Witness 3: Louis Flandin Greffier
Interview Taken At Residence
Address: 1 Ancienne Route de Canton
Eiken Nok, Pics Rouges
GREFFIER: Yeah I saw that poor bastard. In with the wrong crowd. I was in my deer blind, right? I had been waiting for a good one all morning, then I saw these damn baboons come right up under me. At first I thought they were poachers, but no. They start talking about nonsense, the fate of the free world, the great white race. I swear he sounded like the recruits who got the toilet bowl treatment back in the day. I’m sorry, a bit of a tangent, but really, whoever it was went on forever.
PORTO: You called them in as.
GREFFIER: White supremacist guerrillas. That’s what they were. That was what they were doing. They were moving in formation doing a reconnaissance exercise. Rucking it, in my neck of the woods. It’s a shame, really. Fit young guys. They would’ve made good soldiers if their heads weren’t stuck up their ass, but now? It’s all for drivel and shit you see on Brus. Believe me, I know where their head’s at. You don’t have a girlfriend, go to a rock concert and find a chick who’s just as horny as you. You’re broke as hell, mow some lawns, paint a house. No friends, join a club. You don’t go around killing Nurans and Aurans. You get your shit together and live your life. Hell, even if you had a little pecker you could pay a girl to breathe on it. Something, anything other than this.
BONNUIT: If we needed you to identify some faces, would you be able to do that?
GREFFIER: Sure as rain. We had to do memorization tests for hostile equipment in the Army. This’ll be a piece of cake.
BONNUIT: Do any of these faces stand out?
GREFFIER: There’s not enough people here.
BONNUIT: Come again?
GREFFIER: You’ve got six guys here. On that day I saw 24. All 24 had rifles and standard infantry equipment. Two served as lieutenants to a group leader stationed in the middle of the group. They moved in finger four groupings, giving each other dynamic overwatch. It was textbook clean stuff. A shame though, that they never checked for my box in the trees. I hid it pretty well. They should add identifying concealment to whatever Manual of Arms book they’re working off of.
BONNUIT: Thank you for this information, Louis. This will be very helpful for our investigation.
GREFFIER: Happy to serve my country one more time.
~~~
Quote“We’ve got enough to get some warrants. I’m having dinner with my buddy Yodi tonight, I’ll have him sign off on ‘em. Type it up, send it to me, then talk to Dominguez. He’s Special Weapons in Grotnok, tell him we need real firepower up here. And if he asks questions, tell him it’s from Crecy. January Protocol.”
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Part 3
The outskirts of Molae
Agentum, La Havre
Yves looked out at the overgrown vineyards and brambles of the Molae neighborhood with curiosity.
Yves walked down a quiet street. A few people walked by here and there. Some seemed native, others looked over their shoulders more frequently like they were in a strange land. Yves stopped and looked from one side of an intersection to a rectangular building with white cladding and skinny windows on the other side. A set of tall glass double doors were on one side, with a figure sometimes dipping in or zooming out of them. A sign was posted beside the door, with text so large Yves could see it from his vantage point.
خدمات الهجرة
移民服务
Иммиграционные Услуги
Immigration Services
Services d'Immigration
Yves turned and walked away from the building down a different street. Yves would walk for some time, not even checking his phone. He would look at the different people who passed by him. A man in an oversized suit yelling into a phone held out at arm’s length. A woman with a backpack staring into the middle distance with headphones blaring. A baby lazily smacking their lips as they were whisked past in a stroller. Yves had walked some distance, until he was at the edge of the lightly developed neighborhood. Organized sidewalks had turned to historical stones. Yves noticed a figure out of the corner of his eye, leaned against a historic building. It was Gil, with a smirk.
“How was your walk?” Gil asked. Yves gave a half-hearted smile.
“It was alright. I saw our point of interest,” Yves said. “Pretty barebones. I think it only really has the main camera set on the southern face of the building. Three at the south west corner and another three at the south east corner. Probably a couple inside. It seems like people dip in and out all the time. They don’t badge in through the front door. They likely have to go through a lobby with some scanner entrances.”
“Good catch,” Gil said. “Having read up on them, they have dormitories where people can come and go as they please, so that explains the constant foot traffic. They probably have a full-fledged administration office in there because of the paperwork they process. They also have a mailbox attached on the more traffic heavy western side of the building. Pick ups between eight and seventeen-hundred hours (8am to 5pm). It’s a wide margin but it is how it is.”
Yves and Gil had unconsciously walked a little further away from the neighborhood’s built up center. They walked around the historic building to a wrought iron archway. The two passed under the arch and into a micro-park, complete with a flower garden and a wrought iron bench. Two men sat at the bench while another stood. Yves and Gil moved to the three men, one of whom was Caspar.
“Good to see you two,” Caspar said. “What’d you find?” Gil looked over to Yves, then Yves spoke up, relaying what he had told Gil about the lax security.
“With that confirmation we can go over our little plan,” Gil said. He looked down at the ground, where some random objects stood: an empty Bon Hiver light beer bottle, a golden condom wrapper, a clump of dull pink bubblegum, and a blue Montagnarde cigarette box. The objects were arranged on the ground, with Caspar holding a branch.
“Yves, this is important,” Caspar said. “You and Adrian are going to help kick this whole thing off. Adrian will be near a power station in Quartier d’Tonnelage,” Caspar pointed to the clump of gum. “He shoots some power poles and goes into hiding. As the police respond, you Yves, will shoot the one or two responding officers. Once we hear word of a sniper over the radio-net, step two begins.
“While the policemen are running to the sniper call,” Caspar moved the cigarette box near the clump of gum, “The rest of us will be over here near the immigration center. We will bust through the front door and force our way into the service area,” the golden condom wrapper was moved next to the beer bottle. “We take a supervisor’s keycard, make our way to the back office, and enter the residential complex. It’s small. Ten units. Charles, Val, and Julian hold the bottom floor. We race to the top, work our way down. Bang the door, light up whoever is inside, down to the next, until they’re all finished.
“We firebomb the immigration services office and make our escape. Adrian and Yves only need to hold the police up for 10 minutes. Once we’re clear, Adrian and Yves can make their way to the canal, where they can dump their gear and hide in the workman tunnels.” The pink bubble gum moved away from the cigarette box. The cigarette box moved to the beer bottle. “By the time they realize it was a diversion, it will already be too late. Ten residences, minimum count 10 people, max could be 40, if it’s two adults and two kids per unit.
“It’ll definitely make the news,” Gil said. Yves looked at the mock-up map.
“Women and children too,” Yves said. Caspar gave a short nod.
“I know it is tough,” Caspar said. “The innocent, right? Well, think of the bedtime stories and the lessons your mother taught you when you were a child. To fit in, le peloton, right? Now, think of some Sequetique (Sekiyan) or Zorainne (Zoranian), sitting in their dining room learning about how evil the Genterrienes are, and how the only way to survive is to stick together. They do it now. They don’t take our culture, but they take our money, our land, and the men, ah. They take the people, with the knife or l’ os (the bone, a slang for penis). You stand as the bulwark against decay, soldat!
“We are to kick off something greater. The people don’t know now, but when they do in our better future, forged with blood and iron, the men will look to you for wisdom, and women will look to you for your bloodline. Trust me, Yves. This journey has had to happen many times before, for many great people, including us Guldure.”
“Many died in those stories too, right?” Yves asked. Caspar nodded.
“Indeed, for a just cause,” Caspar said. “What you are doing is right. All of us know death is a possibility, even for all the good plans we make. But what we are doing is just, and must be done, or else we will face greater suffering in our future.” Yves nodded his head.
“I understand,” Yves said. Caspar kicked the beer bottle and slapped away the cigarette box.
“Good,” Caspar said. “We’ll train soon. Room drills and distance shooting. Alles!”
Yves and Gil parted from the group, making their way to the sidewalk heading away from the neighborhood.
- Dalimbar, United Adaikes, Staneburg and 3 others
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6
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Part 2
Plage des Moines
Agentum, La Havre
A woman jogged on her own in the early morning. She wore shorts and a tank top, even with the chill of the seaside air cutting through her. A small pistol grip imprinted on the hip of her shorts. The jogger’s earbuds blasted vintage house music. Her ponytail bounced with each stride. Her face and her steps were confident. The woman slowed down as she saw a man come into greater focus.
The man stood with a dress shirt and slacks on the stony path. He had very heavy stubble, and side-parted hair. He kept his pockets in his hands.
“Morning Clara,” the man said. The woman slowed her pace and took out her earbuds.
“You followed me to my jogging path?” Clara replied. The man shrugged.
“You said you’d be jogging by the sea if I needed you,” the man said. “But you even blocked my push notifications.” Clara rolled her eyes.
“Come on Lamar, it’s off hours. If it’s about work I’m not answering anything,” Clara said. Lamar took a step closer.
“What if it was for something important?” Lamar asked. Clara took her earbuds out. Lamar took a phone from out of his pocket. He quickly opened it to reveal a text message from Rodner Bonne.
([x] = an explanation relevant to the world) I heard some weird shit at the shooting range yesterday. I thought it was just some racists. I poke my head out and they look like our CT [counter-terrorism] guys. One even had a trapèze tattoo [a symbol of the Viriarma]. A lot of guys. Maybe a dozen or more. They were cheering about a young guy with red marks on their hands. I’m only telling you because DD Van Wittehuis from IA was there [Internal Affairs] [Dux Ductor, 2nd highest investigator rank]. I know if I brought anything up it’d reach his desk and get canned. Please look into them. They were talking about needing a skilled shooter.
Clara looked back up at Lamar. “This is crazy,” Clara said. “Our guys, even IA? How do you know this is on the up and up?”
Lamar put away his phone. “Rodner isn’t one to gossip. This is the only time he’s texted me anything like this, ever.”
“But I mean come on, Van Wittehuis? He’s watched like a hawk,” Clara said. “He’s the number two man for Department Nord IA, wouldn’t he be vetted?” Lamar held up a hand.
“Yes, but it was at the range out in Pics Rouges by the Proving Grounds,” Lamar said. “It’s our turf. Why else would Van Wittehuis be there? He wasn’t clinking anybody.” Clara shook her head. “Could we at least look into it?”
“Red marks." Clara paused.
"That’s The Red Line,” Clara said. Lamar and Clara stood silently for a moment. “We’ve only seen some wackos online spout shit for a while but this. It’d be our own people, Lamar.”
“It’s why WE have to look into it,” Lamar said. “They’re the perfect targets for that stuff. Former military, current law enforcement. Good with guns, cool under pressure, and able to make real attack plans. A terrorist group's dream recruits.” Clara looked out to the ocean. Then she turned her head back.
“Okay,” Clara said. “We at least have to tell Crecy. If these guys really are on the inside, then we better have someone else who knows too. Text me everything you know. I’ll call you.” Clara started to walk away, then stopped. She turned back to Lamar. “Be careful, okay?”
“Yeah, you too,” Lamar said.
The two parted ways on the quiet morning.
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Jacques' Gun Range
Passe Cerise, Pics Rouges
Men stood at a large shooting range in the high mountain forest of the state of Pics Rouges. They had a wide assortment of clothing, from jeans and long sleeve shirts, to cargo pants and jackets. One man in a trucking hat tightened his ear protection before shouldering a military style R4 assault rifle. His face was slim and clean-shaven, with narrow eyes on a statuesque face. He looked through yellow tinted aviators down range.
“Trying for five hundred,” the hatted man said. Another man stood next to him. His face was square, with a thick moustache over his lips. He had blue-green sports shades.
“Send it,” the moustached man said. The hatted man began. PA-PLINK! “Low and right. I’d say two ticks low, one and a half right.”
PA-PLINK! “Alright, half tick low, a couple cents left.” PA-PLINK! “That’s pretty good. Give it two more.” PA-PAPLINK! “Damn. Okay, just a little high, maybe those were weak loads.”
“That’s what she said,” the hatted man said with a chuckle.
“You know they got pills for that, right?” the moustached man said back. He gave the hatted man a firm slap on his off shoulder and an unseen smile. “Just a couple cents high and a hair left.” PA-PLINK! “That’s money right there.”
“Thank you for your service, Dux Peritus Blanc,” the hatted man, Charron, said.
“Always an honor to serve, Dux Peritus Charron,” the moustached man, Blanc, said.
Charron brought the rifle over one shoulder and slipped a hand into a glove. He began picking up shell casings before looking over to Blanc, who was also shouldering a rifle carrying bag rested on the ground.
“You never said why we were meeting today. It seemed to be more than just ranging,” Charron said. Blanc shot his head to one side. It was bound for a group of men who were gathered further into the field. “A couple of those guys look familiar,” Charron remarked. Blanc nodded his head. Charron and Blanc walked over to the men. The men turned their attention. Blanc raised up his sunglasses.
“Gentlemen, I’d like you all to formally say hello to Yves Charron,” Blanc said. The men said hello, the customary bonjour.
“A little green behind the ears, no, Gil?” One man said. Gil put his sunglasses back down.
“I’m sure he is more than familiar with what brings us here today,” Gil said. “Isn’t that right?” Gil gave Yves a pat on the back.
“That we’re all from A Company?” Yves said. The other men snickered. “The Immigration Question.” The men were silent, yet nodded in agreement.
“You’re damn right. We take an oath to protect the nation,” one man said. “From threats foreign, and domestic. This administration has the nerve to lift the moratorium on foreigners. Hell, I can’t even get pizza unless a damn Nalibienne is putting their filthy hands on it.” The men were silent. The rolling breeze was sometimes interrupted by the crack of a rifle or pistol.
“That’s why you’re here,” Gil said. “That’s why we’re here. We’re here to put a stop to that.” Yves looked on with wide eyes.
“To protest, right?” Yves asked. Gil shook his head while he sucked his teeth.
“You see, that’s the thing. People have done that,” Gil said. “But the government, hell the people, don’t listen. So we have to show them the future they don’t want to see.” The gathered men nodded. “The bloodshed, and the chaos. That’s what prompts people to take action. Chip away at their safe little glass jar until it breaks, then you can move them wherever you want them to go. We are simply the hand that guides them.”
Gil held up his right hand, with a scar going across it. The other men held up their hands. “We’re the Red Line,” one man said. “The nation has crossed it, and we must attend to its correction, as is only right. Do you wish to partake in this?”
Yves looked at the men in the group. His peers. Men in A Company of the Viriarma [National Police Force]’s Counter-Terrorism Regiment. Many were just like him, Genterienne’s. True bloods of the land. Maybe a myth from many years ago, but as real now as the sun and the soil. Yves looked on expectantly, as if they would say the first words. But he did.
“Yes,” Yves said. He looked over to Gil. “From what you’ve told me, nobody’s really doing anything.” A man with a booming voice came forward.
“But we are. And that’s why Gil invited you,” the booming man said. The men beside him gave their utmost attention. “Because we needed one more man for the cause. A good shot. Cool under pressure. You’re what we need - what this country needs. You’re how we turn the tide towards righteousness.”
“How do I join you guys? How do I do the right thing?” Yves asked. The lead man, Caspar, pointed down range. Yves walked up next to him.
“You take your first shot,” Caspar said. Yves unshouldered his rifle, and looked down the magnifying scope. At the end of the field was a dehumanizing caricature of a black man holding a spear. “Double points if it’s between the eyes.”
Yves let out a short sigh. PA-PLINK!
“That’s the spirit,” Caspar said with a smile. “I think Double-Oh here can be a part of our little, ahem, shooting club. Huzzah for Double-Oh!”
HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH! Yves felt the battle cry rattle his bones. He looked up with a smile and a nod as the men gave him pats on the back. He was now a new member. -
Psychedelics Cleared for Psychiatric Use Per New Ruling
Current as of: 9/22/1425
A Purple Parasol mushroom being held by a researcher
By Timothee Bellefont
Psychedelic substances have been cleared for use in professional psychiatry, according to the Ministry of Health. The Ministry’s Medicinal Substance Control Board made the filing in the early morning after nearly three months of academic review, hearings, and practitioner testimony.
Psychedelics, like night dancer, datura, Horse Emission slime, and a host of other psychoactive plants were put under the Controlled-Experimental substance designation as an act of The Lower Assembly in 1420. This made recreational use illegal, but scientific studies were permitted. That’s where Doctor Walter van Brook began making discoveries.
Doctor Walter van Brook
“It’s much easier to teach someone they aren’t afraid of heights if they’re a little more suggestible to the whole idea of going up a skyscraper,” said Doctor van Brook. He is a research professor at Université Nationale à Ortsul specializing in pharmacotherapy. “Psychedelics greatly enhance the effectiveness of certain therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy, post-traumatic group therapy, even basic talk therapy is made far easier.” Doctor van Brook and other researchers testified to the MSCB when hearings began in mid-June, voicing support for psychedelic substances based on studies and anecdotal evidence of recreational users.
Doctor Claire Marquee-Veilleux Blanc
Others however were skeptical, like doctor and political activist Doctor Claire Marquee-Veilleux Blanc. “I see patients in my practice come in, they’re strung out on drugs and other substances because we’re so quick to fix a heart issue with a pill, or an injection, or something other than the full restoration of the soul.” Doctor Blanc, and another activist Kal Rems organized protests and prayer circles outside of the Ministry of Health’s Place du Saint office building as the decision day neared. After the decision, each side had their perspective:
“It’s a good day for patients,” Doctor van Brook said. “New tools in the tool belt is always a good thing, and hopefully for patients with thorny mental illness, these psychoactive plants are just what they’d need.”
“This is an affront to the mind and soul of the nation,” Doctor Blanc said. “The Global Cabal and the Deep State are the only winners here, creating a submissive, suggestible populace. We will continue to pray and protest for the good of this country.”
The long term societal effects of these new substances being legal is unknown, however corporations and psychiatric practices are already capitalizing on the new substances. Pharmaceutical giant Boulaire announced they would soon apply for a copyrighted formulation of MDMA called Naxama to be cleared by the MSCB, to treat anxiety.
- Staneburg, United Adaikes, Zoran and 3 others
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6
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Nouveauterra
The Nouveauterran National Rugby Team is organized by La Commission Nouveauterre de Rugby Professionionale, a professional sporting commission chartered by the Ministry of Culture.
The National Team
Nouveauterra has had a national rugby team since its accession to the Doll Guldur Economic Cooperation Agreement in 1394. The national team, and the sport of rugby in general, has a small playerbase because of its lack of local popularity. Soccer, boxing, and golf have had greater viewership numbers in recent years.
The national team’s appearance at RWC5 was the team’s debut after management restructuring and reforms to bring the organization in line with the World Rugby Federation. The team went far, passing the qualifier rounds and making it to the Round of 16. This year the new coach, Frederick Doan, hopes to bring the team gold.
The National Rugby Team is sponsored by:
Buire Minerals and Assurance des Colons (AdC)
Here is the team’s colors and composition:
Main Squad Role Name Age Hometown Number Prop Theo Buezeville 23 Vouissezville 1 Hooker Emeric Voutezac 27 Gué 2 Prop Sebastian De Wacht 25 Porta Fabius 3 Lock Jules Tonguey 20 Crête de Gérôme 4 Lock Joep Bloem 30 Porta Fabius 5 Flanker Remko Slotmans 21 Carrefour 6 Flanker Niccus Bellus 23 Agentum 7 Mr 8 (C) Silvain Flandin 22 Pointe-d'Espoir 8 Halfback Pius Horatius 23 Agentum 9 Halfback Tedus Pisca 30 Agentum 10 Flyhalf Quintin Koenderink 29 Porta Marius 11 Center Raulf Zouteland 25 Porta Marius 12 Center Guillaume Amonines 23 Ruisseau Rouge 13 Flyhalf Lodewijk Berkenbos 25 Pointe-d'Espoir 14 Fullback Eugen Larchemont 25 Gué 15 Reserves Role Name Age Hometown Number Prop Nout Groenewoud 26 Monetarius 16 Prop Yves Bru 28 Gué 17 Hooker Ronald Freux 29 Azury 18 Hooker Citro Vuteuax 25 Gué 19 Hooker Lulo Thierry 28 Ruisseau Rouge 20 Lock Moïse Sant-Gius 26 Crête de Gérôme 21 Mr 8 Val Merovigne 27 Floriville 22 Mr 8 Tels Bato 29 Crâne Brisé 23 Halfback André Barrault 26 Carrefour 24 Center Bruno Gribmont 27 Puma 25 Center Jacques Mouilly 24 Puma 26 Center Claude Poissy 33 Pointe-d'Espoir 27 Role Name Age Coach Federick Doan 40 Manager Edoaurd Chantilly 33 RP Permissions
SpoilerRP permissions: If my opponent RPs first, they may... Choose my try scorers: Y Choose my kicker: Y RP injuries: Y Godmod scoring events: N Godmod injuries: Y Godmod other events: Y
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Nouveauterra will appear at the tournament! Maybe we can be a contender once again👀
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Nation Name: Nouveauterra
Nation Trigram: NOV
Players
1. Val Aper
2. Claude Enns
3. Auguste Masse
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The Deep Dive
An ONRP Radio Series
presents
June 4th, 1425
The Six Pillars
A Deep Dive into Nouveauterran Political History and the Future
Hosted by
Yorick Van Der Beek and Dawood Van Rees
Chapter 1: The Foundation
YORICK: Nouveauterra is at a major crossroads unlike anything it has faced ever before. New found attention from hosting the Esferos Economic Expo, intervention in the Candelu Civil War to the north, spearheading the expansion of the GECA, and combining efforts with other leaders for ocean protection while trying to expand undersea mining and industry.
DAWOOD: The nation’s parties now have a complex task of balancing the desires of the people, the government’s in-built expertise, and the nation’s resources towards a better future. At the heart of this effort are the six political parties which work to make their mark on the nation and in history.
YORICK: The parties cover a broad swath of ideologies. Les Gens des Collines want a higher level of regional and personal autonomy from the government, while La Ligue Populaire wants a more comprehensive government safety net and an expansion of government control over certain markets, like food or medicine. Le Parti de la Patrie has openly stated that they want to reduce the number of foreign worker and student visas to, “promote domestic prosperity,” and that social safety nets are a net negative to society. Although these parties have few representatives, their presence has influenced les forces majeures, conservative Ligue de l'Accord, and liberal La Sécurité Sociale.
DAWOOD: Before we begin this series in ernest, we need to establish important context for why these political parties are structured the way they are, and how laws dating back to La Guerre Civil still play out today.
History
YORICK: La Guerre Civil tore the country apart with bloodshed and chaos from 1254 to 1259. The Roues and the Lyonnaires came to a mutual peace in 1259 on Ile des Sirènes. As part of that peace, the political parties that had been a part of the social order before the war were legally disbanded.
New parties could form, but the many positions of government that were used as prizes for political support were professionalized under Le système professionnel de l'État civil, better known as the civil service system. These political parties were also mandated to publicly disclose their financing, since the Lyonnaires had used the war chest of the République Démocratique party to fund their revolution. And the proverbial cherry on top; political parties would be legal to form in the year 1290. The peace planners believed that maybe if everyone who participated had passed away, the old grudges would go with them too.
DAWOOD: All of these factors would contribute to a tumultuous time known as The Party-less Era.
The Party-less Era
YORICK: Some believe that political parties being banned meant the death of organized politics. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Secret parties formed throughout the country, attempting to influence voting and politics through covert activities, organizing, and in some cases murder. The time between 1260 and 1300 would see many political actors and careers rise and fall. Because of the secret nature of these parties, we can only gleam so much. But here are some parties and activities we do know about.One of the first secret parties to form was Der Jägerbund, or The Hunting Party. The Hunting Party formed in a hunting lodge in the state of Pics Rouges near the end of 1260. They were made up of former revolutionaries who had escaped imprisonment. They formed under the belief that the way to political power was through subversive actions. The Hunting Party would attempt this for years, by aligning themselves with local politicians in the areas of the old revolution. They gained followers in Pics Rouges, Champvert, Ferme, and Mare de Sang through public speeches, forums, and their most popular pamphlet, The Voice of Reason. This included business people, representatives, and local people. Their actions culminated in a deadly clash in 1262 with a siege of the Pics Rouges Regnal House, where nearly 84 people died, and 102 were wounded. The Hunting Party survivors were prosecuted the subsequent year and sentenced to death as rebels.
DAWOOD: Another revolution-aligned party was The Brotherhood, formed in 1261. Although they’d have similar goals as The Hunting Party, they attempted to stay covert for a much longer span of time. Their efforts were discovered by the government in 1263, and led to the first use of an undercover investigator in the nation’s history. The investigation, lasting from 1263 to 1264, uncovered a wide spanning conspiracy to infiltrate the Viriarma, the national police service, and seize power by force. Many conspirators were arrested in late 1264, with most being sentenced to prison. Some were spared as witnesses, while others fled the country to nations like Saint Mark, and Mediobogdum.
In contrast to these revolutionary parties was a secessionist group known as The Great Horn. The Great Horn consisted of Danav veterans of the Guerre Civil, and revolutionaries, who believed they had an opportunity to break away from the nation. This was based on the depleted military, with a cash-poor government, and weak territorial control of law enforcement. The Great Horn would coalesce in 1261, and started to make political moves in the ensuing years.
YORICK: Although their original aim was secession, they were intercepted by another group, The League of the Oath.
The League of the Oath formed at the beginning of 1260, and were composed of generals, government administrators, and like-minded business people. All of them were unified in one mission; destruction of revolutionary thought in Nouveauterra. They had fought in an official capacity against the revolution, but wanted to, “Continue the efforts of national unity beyond the warfront.”
DAWOOD: The League of the Oath would use the different offices of government, both through official and unofficial means, to continually undermine the forces that still believed in the revolutionary ideals. Raids on tea houses, extrajudicial killings, and scheming that hamstrung many groups, like The Brotherhood and The Hunting Party. The League of the Oath and The Great Horn are connected, because they would cut a deal in 1268. The deal meant that The Great Horn would stop its secessionist activities, but they would help The League of the Oath in clamping down on secessionists and revolutionaries in the countryside. In return, The League would fight to pass expanded civil rights for the Danav people.
YORICK: The two parties, through this deal, would work together towards national unity, and by the 1270s would become the dominant forces in political culture. Wherever secessionist, or revolutionary forces would spring up, the two parties, historically referred to as The National Compact, would squash them down.
DAWOOD: The National Compact would operate throughout the 1270s to the 1290s without much interference. The League of the Oath would indeed keep their promises, and assisted in passing land development in Danav areas, as well as civil rights legislation throughout this time. Their pamphlet, La Colombe, was circulated in daily and weekly papers like Le Crieur de Gue, and L'Examinateur Quotidien, to instill republican ideology into the people who read it.
This political force would start to lose power by the end of the 1290s. Multiple changes in government, and a new political movement of Responsible Republicans would see the ouster and arrest of League politicians. The Responsible Republicans, born out of racial animosity towards foreign people and Danav people, gathered into a coherent movement by 1296. They were opposed to the rights given to Danav people, such as easier access to voting, land grants and land banks, as well as new developments such as expanded telegraph lines and train routes. The Responsible Republicans’ biggest achievements from 1296 to 1315 were undoing the work of The National Compact, and causing a split in its two constituent parts.
YORICK: This long era culminated in The Special Committee on Subversive Organized Groups forming in 1298. The Committee, held in the Upper Assembly, would officially investigate the secretive parties, both for historical purposes, and to get a better sense of their contemporary situation.
DAWOOD: The Committee would eventually identify 39 different political parties that had formed and/or disbanded between 1260 and 1298. Some parties were just a handful of people, while others like The League of the Oath would boast over 400,000 official members, at a time when the nation’s population was just cresting 2.5 million people.
YORICK: With this context laid out, we can dive into the individual parties that exist today, starting with the oldest; La Ligue de l'Accord.
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Bureau du Président
Citadelle de la République
1000 Rue Hautlieu
Pointe-d’Espoir, Trebec 10000-01
République de Nouveauterre---
Transcription of Statement on Harmful Waste Dumping Activities in Viatic Ocean
by President Guy Laclare
March 3rd, 1425
The United Republics of Fauthur has begun operations to dump hazardous waste into the Viatic Ocean four days ago, according to intelligence shared with us and our own intelligence services. Ships bearing flags of different nations sailed out into international waters, and with the aim of dumping various waste materials in the ocean.
It will take considerable time for waste material to drift towards the Nouveauterran coast, on the scale of years. However, this waste material will have catastrophic effects on ocean and human health. Ocean animals often die in direct contact with waste, and struggle to repopulate areas unless extensive cleaning is undertaken. Long term exposure to industrial waste in people can lead to birth defects, increased cancer risk, and overall health decline.
The Nouveauterran government unequivocally condemns the dumping of industrial waste undertaken by the United Republics of Fauthur. Esferosians have known for decades that industrial waste must be properly contained in order to protect life. Here are the actions we will take in response to these activities:
We support the Kingdom of Zoran, and the Empire of Nalibia, and levy sanctions against the United Republics of Fauthur. These sanctions include: the prohibition of the buying of industrial goods from Fauthur. The prohibition of money transfers involving government owned corporations and government actors involved in dumping, such as the Ministry of National and International Shipping. Lastly, the sanctioning of individual members of government who are integral to the dumping effort.
These sanctions include escalator clauses. If the United Republics of Fauthur does not cease dumping activities, further sanctions will be implemented against wider parts of the economy. If the United Republics of Fauthur attempt to use retaliatory tariffs, government acts, and/or sanctions in order to pressure us or our partners into backing down on our policy, we will invoke more sanctions as well as the dissolution of diplomatic ties.
A Working Group, composed of the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Homestead and Development, the Coast Guard, and the Ministry of the Navy, will be formed to monitor the situation continually. This Working Group will also perform research and generate plans of action for Nouveauterran communities as well as the government. Their reports, an impact projection, and a national action framework, will be released to the public when they are completed.
The United Republics of Fauthur are a persistent trading partner with our nation. Sanctions will negatively affect both nations. But, these sanctions are necessary to show that such a relationship is meaningless if parties take actions that negatively impact the current and future health of one another.
If the United Republics of Fauthur continue to dump waste in the ocean in spite of sanctions, we will discuss with our partners on whatever next course of action is necessary for health and national security.
Un En Lute
- Nalibia, Zoran, Flauschi918 and 1 other
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4
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1425 GECA Regional Development Grants Allocated
1/16/1425
GECA representatives have finalized Regional Development Grant allocations for 1425. RDGs enable member states to apply and receive money for large scale public works projects within the GECA zone. Projects covered by the grant program include:
- Water, telecommunication, electrical, and transportation infrastructure
- Buildings to be used for the public good (recreation areas, government offices, art and cultural centers, etc.)
- Land improvement or modification for public purposes (wave-breakers, soil improvement, tree planting)
“Regional development is at the heart of GECA’s mission,” said Marien Ruisseau, press officer for the Regional Development Office. “Every dollar spent goes back to Guldurians in the improved safety, community, and service delivery in their home country.”
Final allocation of money for other sectors will be handled at a separate meeting in the future.
Here is a listing of projects utilizing RDGs in 1425:
The Construction of the Hruumai Medical University: Link
SpoilerOOC Mechanics:
For GECA members; discuss a project that can fall under one of categories above, or be reasonably related to regional development. If deemed reasonable, create a news posting about said project and it will be linked in the projects list above.As a bonus, you can copy the link to reference back to this post: https://www.westpacific.org/forums/index.php?/topic/6549-doll-guldur-economic-cooperation-agreement-geca-main-thread/#findComment-98580
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Tabling for a Private Company
Assurance des Colons (Pioneer Insurance Company)
Assurance des Colons (AdC) is one of the major insurance companies within Nouveauterra. AdC formed in 1340 when Louis Colline and Andres Lambert wanted to insure cars and motorcycles in rural Nouveauterra. The low-price insurance became popular, and through the acquisition of Santé Intérieure, a health insurance company, AdC acquired the necessary licenses to issue health insurance.
AdC is the only full-circle insurance corporation in Nouveauterra, providing health, home, auto, business, pet, and life insurance. Many medium to small sized businesses negotiate bundles with AdC because of the affordable access to many options of insurance. AdC also provides special discounts for government workers, active and former military members, and emergency service workers (nurses, police officers, firefighters, etc.). As part of the company's commitment to social, AdC performs research to explore challenges in healthcare in Nouveauterra, and economic policies that impact the public. A member of AdC will give a talk on rural healthcare as part of the Speaker Series.
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Tabling for a Private Company
Serin Dispositifs Médicaux formed in 1373 from a group of doctors, engineers, and venture capitalists who saw a growing continental need for medical equipment. Founded and still headquartered in Ruisseau Rouge, Mare de Sang, Serin’s continent spanning corporation provides many pieces of medical equipment, and maintenance services. Their product range:
- ECG machines
- Anesthesia masks
- Blood oxygen monitoring equipment
- Dialysis machines
- Oxygen pumps
- and many more!
Serin has also recently gone into business selling heart monitoring and fall detection equipment for elderly customers through Serin à la Maison (often shortened to Serin Maison). Their wristwatch (Compagnon) and their wearable simple phone (Gardien) connect subscribers to a nationwide network of emergency call centers. These connections enable a Serin operator to request medical assistance once certain criteria are met. These include: a detected fall without a call cancellation, evidence of heart attack, a tachycardia event, or a direct request from the subscriber.
Learn more at serindispositifs.com
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Tabling for a Government Authority
Nouveauterra’s Ministère de la Santé (Ministry of Health) has a broad mandate which includes: Monitoring diseases, studying the health of the nation, and making best-practice guidance for healthcare providers and health networks. One of the bureaus under the Ministry’s control is the Bureau of Citizen’s Medical Care (BSMC).
The BSMC was formed in 1409 during the administration of President Cico Pantera. The BSMC’s mission, along with the bill that created it (the Comprehensive Pauper’s Healthcare Intervention Note), was to provide health insurance to the poor, and access to complex medical care for those who otherwise couldn’t afford it.
Before 1409, health insurance in Nouveauterra was strictly through private insurers. Government workers could enroll in discounted packages through the state, but there was no public option. Medical care was either paid by the patient, an insurer, a negotiated payment with the previous two, or in rare cases waived entirely. The cultural movement that spearheaded the creation of the BSMC was the death of Flora Tireur in 1408.
Flora Tireur was a 23-year-old line worker at Entreprise Automobile de Routier in Andreosia, De Rek. Tireur began to experience a rapid onset of severe symptoms, and her general doctor discovered it was ovarian cancer. Tireur’s private insurance through her employer could only cover part of the expensive treatment necessary to save her life. Tireur faced the choice of either crippling debt or death from rapidly evolving cancer. An online fundraiser spread, but by the time it met its quota Tireur had passed away from gastrointestinal cancer that had spread from her ovaries. After lawmakers and activists campaigned, the CPHIN was passed by a majority of the Grand Assembly.
The BSMC of today has two main programs, the Affordable Health Insurance Corporation, and the Board for Medical Intervention. The Corporation intakes money from companies through taxes, and very small payments from customers, and uses the money to cover for medical care at any medical facility in the nation. Part of the CPHIN included a requirement that medical institutions and care centers must take BSMC insurance in order to continue receiving grants for other programs (such as disease prevention). Citizens can submit an application and if they have a low enough income, they can qualify for insurance.
The Board for Medical Intervention reviews cases submitted to them through patients and healthcare providers. These cases must describe the treatment deemed necessary, the cost, and the reasoning for why the Board should grant funds for the treatment. The Board is often called upon for novel yet expensive treatments, as well as treatment for compound illnesses (multi-organ cancers, complex brain trauma, etc.).
Although there are critics of the BSMC, it enjoys widespread enrollment in the country, insuring over half of the nation’s citizens. Children are also automatically enrolled in the Corporation healthcare scheme for free when they enroll in school, removing the extra cost of healthcare for parents.
You can learn more about services and programs at the public website, bureaumedicauxcitoyen.no.
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Nouveauterra is signing up!
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"Hello, I am Actius Veres, Interim President of the Global Health Coalition."
"Welcome to the 1424 GHC Summit! We’re glad you could join us. Have a look at the tables for our coalition members, and pop in for our speaker series and round table events in the Van Dijk Auditorium. Don’t forget to follow us on social media, and take a brochure while you’re at it. We at the Coalition hope you learn a lot from our summit, and that what you learn contributes to a better global health landscape."
OOC: This is the start of the RP, I hope you guys enjoy it!
On 9/29/2024 at 5:28 PM, Nouveau said:The Global Health Coalition Summit is a gathering of major pharmaceutical, medical, and educational institutions to share ideas, highlight important health issues, and to allow for excellence in medicine. The GHC (NPC and not super powerful) is composed of physicians, researchers, government officials, NGOs, and benevolent financiers with the goal of furthering global health, and excellence in health practices.
The summit will last from November 3rd to the 16th in Nouveauterra at Hôpital Universitaire Tombeau, and will feature medical institutions, insurance providers, research institutions, and government entities. The summit will allow for the discussion of successes, challenges, and knowledge in the healthcare sectors around the world.
How to Participate: There are 4 posting types
Speaker Series: You have a person or a group of people present an idea or issue to the summit. Get creative, with charts, graphics, maps, anything like that.
Panel: Two or more players collaborate on a discussion between characters and post the discussion in the thread. Make sure to tag participating players with @ and their forum name.
Tabling: A player posts about an insurance provider, medical institution, research institution, health related NGO, or government health entity that has a table set up at the University Hospital. This should have a name, logo, and an information/historical section. It can also include any current developments.
Contemporary Event: This is for posts about current events that coincidentally happen while the Global Health Coalition Summit is also taking place. This can range from an economic deal to an assassination, celebrity drama, etc.
Graphics, audio, visuals, and everything else are highly encouraged. You can always DM me or message me on Discord for clarification.
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The Host City of Ruisseau Rouge
Left, a photo of the Jolly Swamp Raker Statue
Right, an aerial photo of Ruisseau Rouge focusing on the neighborhood of La Escapade
Ruisseau Rouge, the seat of power for the state of Mare de Sang, has a population of 520,144. The slow-paced small city has had little development in recent years, as the northern region undergoes major changes to its economy. Ruisseau Rouge was an intersection for major railway lines used to service heavy industry further north in the early 1300s. As northern industries changed, the necessity for rail interchanges changed too. The primary use of these rail interchanges is for commercial goods heading for the members of the Doll Guldur Economic Agreement (GECA), and foreign goods coming south to the major cities.
The most active part of the city is the Market District, home to the Jolly Swamp Raker. The Jolly Swamp Raker was a previously unnamed statue commissioned by the first city council in 1251. Built to commemorate the founding of the city, the statue moved locations several times before the city settled on creating a fountain, and setting the statue within it in 1258.
The state and federal government are the largest employers in the city. These employers include: Université Nationale à Ruisseau Rouge, Hôpital Universitaire Tombeau, the Collège de Médecine de Guerre, and the Viriarma federal police (through its Department Nord headquarters).
The largest private employers of the city include Société Électrique de Grand Sang, Mare de Sang and the northern region’s largest energy provider, Serin Dispositifs Médicaux, a medical equipment manufacturer, and Société de Crédit Lansier, an investment bank.
OOC: The Summit begins next week Sunday, November 3rd.
An opening message will be released on the 3rd, and posters can begin posting.
Thanks in advance to everyone who writes for the event. I'm excited to see what people post.❤️
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More about Hôpital Universitaire Tombeau
Hôpital Universitaire Tombeau (Tombeau University Hospital)
Hôpital Universitaire Tombeau was founded in 1235 by Marcelle Fullo Tombeau, a wealthy physician in the then northern territories controlled by the national government. Tombeau was a military doctor, who saw that many settlers didn’t have proper medical care, and had to beg army physicians for surgeries.
Marcelle Fullo Tombeau, painted by Henri Van Slyck, 1256
Tombeau created HUT in a two room brick walled wine press building. HUT was initially called l'Hôpital du Pauvre Voyageur. Funding was tight, and came from donations from friends, and donors who would mail donations through word of mouth, or almanac advertisements. Medical care was free, or extremely discounted (sometimes called penny exams).
The Original HUT building found in 1386, before it was restored as a historical site
A vicious winter in 1248 left many people injured, and the free medical care provided by HUT drew the attention of the committees forming the state of Mare de Sang. HUT gained a state charter in 1250, and has been a state funded medical institution ever since. The teaching function of the hospital began in 1255. It began to take in students, have a curriculum, and certify physicians.
the modern HUT campus in the heart of Ruisseau Rouge
To date HUT handles the highest volume of severe illness cases in the northern region. HUT has a full service burn-unit, intensive care unit, and epidemiology unit, among other specialty services. HUT’s 9000 staff, students, visiting physicians, and affiliated out-patient specialists play a major role in the overall health of the northern region.
OOC: Official event begins Nov.3, stay tuned for updates
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Part 3
Darkness consumed the landscape, except for the few streetlights in the center of town, and The Longhouse on the main road. The all purpose trucking oasis and gas station at the edge of town was well lit, with a wide neon sign on a tall steel pole. In a corner of the large lot, away from the resting trucks, was Leon leaning on his sedan. Leon zipped up his coat and kept his hands in his pockets.
An old white truck with chipped paint slowly came into the parking area. It slowed down near Leon and the window rolled down. “Stay close to my tail, we’ll have our lights back on when we hit Rue de la Fête.”
Leon got in his car and followed Marcelle out of The Longhouse parking lot, down a packed dirt service road, and towards the desert. Stars and mountain tops were the only visible entities. The moon was asleep as well. Leon drove, watching the white pickup as it rumbled over stones, and unpacked earth. Leon backed away from Marcelle’s car. Leon’s windows were kept down in the hopes of hearing something from Marcelle, but all he got were diesel fumes.
Marcelle turned on his car’s lights, and Leon did too. Leon looked to see a small box on a wooden pole. When they drew within a stone’s throw of the mailbox they both stopped and turned off their cars. Marcelle and Leon got out of their cars and walked on the sand. Marcelle held up a hand. He crept forward, and came to stairs in the earth. They both descended the stone steps and came to a wood door.
“Quies,” Marcelle said. “It’s Marcelle.” An old metal lock turned, and the door opened. A woman with dark hair and tanned skin opened the door. She was adorned in many beads, bracelets, and a gold chain. Her hair was half concealed in a thin skull-wrap.
“I smell death,” Quies said. The door began to close until Marcelle’s boot stuck in the doorway. “You don’t want to hear what I have to say.”
“I’m here because you’re all I have left,” Marcelle said. Quies let out a short sigh and opened the door.Leon and Marcelle walked in and sat at a small table in the dim kitchen. Quies sat opposite from them.
“I know you two are in deep trouble,” Quies said. “I can sense it from the water of the spirits. Five people too many have died. Black dogs are in every shadow, every rise and fall in the land.”
“We know. We’ve seen them.” Marcelle said. Leon raised his hand, but Marcelle raised his quicker. “What do we do now?” Leon shook his head.
“I can’t tell you,” Quies said. Marcelle grabbed Quies’ hands as tears grew in her eyes.
Footsteps echoed above their heads. Leon rose to his feet, with his pistol held high. Marcelle and Quies sat together at the table. “One by one,” Quies mumbled. Snarls crept in through the walls, and heavy breaths chilled Leon’s spine. “Until they’re satisfied.”“I remember, one must make amends, so to speak,” Marcelle said. Quies looked up.
“It’s a price you cannot pay,” Quies said. Marcelle drew closer and hugged Quies. He let out a short chuckle.
“Maybe if I had listened to you and we ran away,” Marcelle said. “We’d be happy in Saint Mark. Eating pickled plum.” Marcelle gave a small laugh. Quies did too, through tears.
“We were kids. Breaking the law always sounds fun. But disappointing our parents wasn’t an option,” Quies said. “Maybe it’s fate that we would be here like this.”“Am I losing my mind!?” Leon yelled as we walked towards the door and aimed his pistol at it. Marcelle let go of Quies.
“Go to Felix,” Quies said. “Beg and pray. That is all you can do. Maybe they will have mercy, but I’ve never seen it.” Marcelle leaned over the table and gave a kiss to Quies’ forehead. “This may be goodbye. I hope to see you in the waves of the sky, caros.”
“I hope to see you there too,” Marcelle said. He turned on his heel and rose up. “We have to get to Monture d’Or.” Marcelle drew his pistol from his pocket and leapt to the front door.Marcelle and Leon gave each other a quick nod. Marcelle threw open the door. Both men came out the door with guns drawn. They hurried up the stairs and to their vehicles. They turned them on and began to fly towards the road. Leon drove with his shoulders high and his windows rolled up. Shoulders and snouts and fangs faded in and out of the darkness. A snarl or a bark would catch his ear and he’d twitch to one side. Figures in the distance would disappear, only reappear at a moment’s notice.
The two men followed the dark road, and headed towards the small outpost in the darkness. Monture d’Or. A free, public hospital in disrepair. Only one floor tall with a couple dim lights illuminating the brick walled building. It somehow didn’t grow brighter as the two cars approached it. Marcelle and Leon screeched their cars into the parking lot, and jumped out of them. They ran through the front door, howls and the gnashing of teeth on their heels.
The waiting room had a few short metal benches, and a wide desk at the other end. Marcelle and Leon came up to the desk, and a heavy set man looked up at them.“We’re with the Viriarma,” Marcelle said. “We need-” the nurse spoke up.
“Thank the gods you’re here,” the nurse said. “Maybe you can shoot some of those wild dogs out there. They’ve been driving me nuts.” Marcelle leaned over the table.
“Where is Felix Nauta?” Marcelle said. The nurse’s eyes widened.
“He’s down that hallway to the right,” the nurse said. “110.”Marcelle and Leon ran down the hallway with guns drawn. Past stained linoleum and dingy walls. Around the corner, and to the only partly lit room. Marcelle and Leon entered the room to Felix. He was covered in a bedsheet from his hips down. An IV in his arm, and a heart monitor on his finger.
“I didn’t think I’d see you two here,” Felix said. He coughed and his heart rate spiked for a moment. Marcelle grabbed the seat by the door, and brought it closer.
“Let’s say, some circumstances brought us here,” Marcelle said. Felix laughed.
“Circumstances,” Felix said. He shook his head and relaxed his body. Felix pointed at Leon, who stood by the door. “Who needs enemies when you have friends like these, right?” Felix coughed again, and Marcelle looked away.
“I wasn’t trying to hurt you,” Leon said. “I was just trying to stop that jackass.” Felix slammed his fist, and the beeps of his monitor jumped up.
“And you covered it up,” Felix said, pointing to Marcelle. “You put ‘not service related’ on my report. Because you coded it like that, my health insurance won’t cover the full cost. I’ll be paying debts for this surgery for years. I don’t even know if they’ll let me serve again.”Marcelle let out a deep sigh. He looked up at Felix. “I couldn’t lose two peritus in one go,” Marcelle said. “I couldn’t.”
“You could’ve said it was the guy’s gun. Or hell, that it was a piece of the truck from yanking him out that rust bucket,” Felix said.“No, you just wanted it under the rug. The funniest thing.” Felix pointed at Marcelle. “They couldn’t get the fragment out. Now there’s a piece of copper a hair away from my heart, and one day it could breach it. I’m fucked!”
Felix laid back in his bed and stared at the ceiling. Marcelle clasped his hands together.
“For the sake of the town,” Marcelle said. “The people. Your family, our families. Would you forgive us?” Felix looked over at Marcelle.
“Are you even sorry for what you did?” Felix asked. Leon looked over for a moment.
“I had to shoot him,” Leon said. “I did what I had to do. He was gonna kick your ass.”
“There’s your answer, Dux Princeps,” Felix said. “You deserve everything that’s coming to you. Everything. Get out of my room.” Felix relaxed on the bed and turned his head away.Marcelle balled up his fist and inhaled deep into his lungs. He stood up. His eyes were planted on Leon, who gave back an expressionless stare. Marcelle walked towards the door with his eyes relaxed. Leon followed Marcelle down the hallway. They came out of the lobby and to the front of the hospital. Marcelle lit up a cigarette once again. Leon turned to Marcelle.
“What is a chienoir?” Leon asked. Marcelle shook his head.
“The Danav people tell stories of these dogs from long ago,” Marcelle said. “If a member of a group betrayed someone, and left them to die in the wilderness, the spirit of the air would guard their soul. But dogs would come to feast on those who betrayed them. Some say it’s a folk story to stop wickedness. If you betray your brother the chienoir would come for you.”“But, if those dogs in the road, or in Goede’s house are real,” Leon said. He cut himself short.
“I told you it was no fairytale, boy,” Marcelle said. “They’re surrounding us right now! You couldn’t even repent for a moment to save your skin! Now the dogs will never leave. They will eat us.” Marcelle threw down his cigarette in anger.
“So what now?” Leon said. Marcelle started walking to his car.
“Say your last prayers, and die quickly,” Marcelle said. “Go into the wilderness, and let the dogs consume you. That is all that is left for us.” Marcelle began to walk.“Where are you going?!” Leon shouted with a hoarse voice. Marcelle stopped and turned back.
“I’m going to my beloved,” Marcelle said. “To truly say goodbye one last time. That’s if I even make it. I’d be cautious if I were driving far. Their presence tends to make people sleepy when they’re traveling far. Just go home and say goodbye.”
“I’m not doing that shit!” Leon shouted. “I’m getting out of here!”Leon ran for his car and jumped inside. He slammed the door. Marcelle watched in awe as Leon’s car sped away. Marcelle got in his truck and opened a brick-like laptop. The laptop had a page open. It was an incident form. Marcelle dragged the document to an email draft, and began typing.
To Hoog Department Viriarma Human Resources,
My apologies for the late email, but I need a change order for incident report DH14140815 Attachment F, regarding Peritus Felix Nauta.
In previous documentation, I listed Peritus Nauta’s injury as not being directly related to service. However, after further investigation, myself and office staff determined the injury was sustained during service. Please adjust this report accordingly, and forward updated documentation to Peritus Nauta.
Sincerely,
Dux Princeps Marcelle Cordonnier
Officer-in-Charge of Antonville-Hercus ZoneMarcelle hit send on the email, and closed the laptop with a quiet sigh. He began to babble to himself as he turned the truck on, “Forgive a fool like me, gods above. I put myself above others, when people who’ve built me up in my life have done the opposite. I know my sins are many, and deep. I’ve held secrets, killed honest men, and betrayed my very unit. In fact, you know the sins I’ve done and I’ve forgotten. The wolves are coming closer now. I’m sure they won’t miss their man. If it really is my time to go, make it quick. I’ve seen death, and know it is usually painful. Spare me, maybe, this one time.”
Before Marcelle could comprehend how far he had driven, he came to the mailbox in oblivion. The faint sound of breathing, and shuffling sand surrounded Marcelle. He got out of the truck, and went down the stairs. He knocked.
“Caros,” Quies said. Marcelle stepped in and set down his gun on the small kitchen table.
“I don’t think I’ll be alive tomorrow,” Marcelle said. “I’ll leave your door, and the dogs will take me. I want to spend one more night with you before I am gone.”
“Then rest,” Quies said. “Let me hold you.”Quies and Marcelle slipped into bed. Marcelle clutched Quies and attempted to hide his tears, yet Quies could see them. She rubbed his scalp, and whispered over him. The low gurgle and panting of dogs circled the house. As Quies outed a small candle, she wiped away her own tears.
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Leon screamed into the air. His throat was torn apart by his voice. The arrow for his gas tank drew further and further down. Every gas station, interchange, and rest area was more deserted than the last. The engine’s roar shrunk to a whimper. The howls of the damned clawing at Leon’s mind. The engine fell silent, and the car began to roll. Leon kept the car on the road, but it slowed until all of its momentum had waned away.
Leon jumped out of the car, pistol in hand. “You want me!? Have me, god damn, come on!” He shot at the darkness. The forms twisting around each bullet, and yet remained whole. Shoulders of great beasts circled Leon. He held up his pistol, and yanked out the empty magazine. As he reached for another, teeth bared down on his forearm. He yelled, and threw his arm to one side, sending the pistol in the sands. Leon yelled once more before he fell down, voice cracking and tears streaming down his face. Teeth and fur engulfed him. The keepers of the night made a meal of the man. Cracking bone, and twisting flesh until only shards remained.
---
Marcelle woke up in darkness. He gasped, and looked over to Quies, who was fast asleep in an upright position. Marcelle climbed out of bed. He grabbed his pistol from the kitchen table, not breaking his stride to the door. He opened the door, and stepped outside. Marcelle went up the stairs to the mailbox. He looked out at the desert sand. A black dog stood in the distance. For a moment, the two seemed locked together. Marcelle squinted in the morning sun. The dog stood still.
The dog turned into the wind and vanished. Marcelle fell to his knees. He threw the gun into the wind before he fell onto his side to cry tears in the sand. They would dry up as quickly as they fell.
-
Part 2
Leon sat in his interceptor and stared at the sands and the road, wide brimmed hat tilted down, reclined in his seat. No cars. Not even a passing plane. Leon looked down at the coffee cup in the seat divider. He brought it to his lips. He tasted air. He took off the cap and planted it deep in the cup. A buzz came over the radio set.
“Any available units, respond to a call of dangerous wildlife at the 101 Rue des Bosquet. Described as multiple dogs at the northern edge of the property.”
“105 responding, show me in route,” Leon said. He put on only his lights, and fixed his hat.Leon took a left down a long, desolate road, with a small dot of a house far down it. A shape moved in the sand. Leon looked to where it was, and slapped open the lock on the shotgun holder beside his seat.
“105 is approaching 101 Rue des Bosquets, consider me on scene now,” Leon said. He came to a stop in front of the house.
A short, one story farm house stood in the sand. The sandstone walls and slate roof nearly blended into the mountains far behind it. Leon stepped out of the interceptor with his shotgun in hand.
“Be careful!” an old woman shouted from within the house.
“Goede!” Leon said, “Is Jan with you?”
“No, it’s just me and my shotgun,” Goede Sterk said. “But two shotguns is better than one.”
“Have you seen the dogs move anywhere?” Leon said. He brought up his shotgun and stepped closer to the house.
“Close to the road,” Goede said. “Come inside! We can shoot them from here.”
“I’ll be on the porch,” Leon said. He came around the house, watching the sand and the distance. The shotgun held high, but not in line with his eye.“You ever use that gun, Goede?” Leon asked as he came to a backdoor.
“On Jan,” Goede said. “You know how some men are. They think a little ass is a great snack for the road. But bring a harlot to my home, oooohhhh I could’ve plastered him on the wall, and I wouldn’t repent!”
“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that last part,” Leon said. A laugh boomed within the house.
“Don’t worry, I won’t kill him when you’re on duty,” Goede said. Leon shook his head and knelt down by the backdoor. “What happened to your friend?” Goede asked.“Friend… Nauta, he is on leave,” Leon said. “He was hurt while responding to a call with me.”
“Oh right, that joyriding punk in the stolen truck,” Goede said. “I heard he had a gun.”
“He did, yeah,” Leon said under his breath. “Do you see anything?”
“No, I. What was that? OH LORD---!” A yell came from the house. A boom echoed out from it, cracking in Leon’s ear.
“Goede!” Leon yelled. He turned around and grabbed the door handle. “Goede are you alright!?”Leon looked to a window right next to the door. He butted the window with his shotgun. Glass snapped and crashed to the ground. Leon cleared the remaining glass with the gun barrel. He reached inside and turned the lock to the door. He yanked the door open. He looked around the dark room, and saw Goede. He vomited and leaned against the door frame. An enormous splash of blood covered the front door. Goede’s headless corpse spasmed on the floor.
---
Marcelle and Leon stood at the front door to the house. The interceptor and the command cars parked in front of the house, and a white van at the side. Camera flashes lit up the windows every couple of minutes.
“Leon,” Marcelle said. He threw a stump of a cigarette to the ground. “Goede was a sane woman.”
“I didn’t see a damn dog!” Leon said. Marcelle took off his hat and stared into Leon’s eyes.
“But did you see something?” Marcelle said. The two men faced each other with a cold to their eyes. Leon licked his dried lips.
“No,” Leon said before turning away. Marcelle put his hat on.
“If you’re hiding something from me, the gods will have a field day with your corpse,” Marcelle said. Leon turned back to Marcelle.
“I didn’t shoot that woman!” Leon said.“I never said you did, boy,” Marcelle said with a sideways glance. Leon looked over Marcelle’s shoulder, and saw shoulders dance in the sand. Marcelle turned his head to the desert, and then turned back to Leon. Marcelle shook his head and retrieved a cigarette from the breast pocket of his khaki uniform.
“How are you so sure it’s a chienoir?” Leon asked. Marcelle looked up from his cigarette, with his unlit lighter held close to it.
“Come to The Longhouse on the main road after sundown,” Marcelle said. “Bring your gun.” Marcelle lit his cigarette and walked towards the command car. Leon looked at the house and let out a loud sigh before walking to his interceptor. -
Part 1
Closing eyes attempted to focus on the road ahead of it, continually sucked beneath 18 wheels and 36 metric tons of freight and tractor. Gavs Urs kicked himself awake and looked at the time on the dashboard. Nearly 1800 hours. He was coming up on the end of his 10 hour limit for driving. He had to stop soon if he wanted to be on the right side of the law. The next town is just a couple clicks away the veteran said to himself, I just need to get there. Gavs kept his foot planted on the gas pedal, and stretched as many kinks as he could out of his arms and back.
The orange and purple sky, the black road, and the khaki mountains in the distance was all Gavs could see. Until he saw a black dot in the distance. It’s another car. Maybe if I focus on it and the shrubs I can keep myself awake. The black dot grew in the road. It darted off the road and vanished. Gavs shook his head. A new black dot appeared in the distance. It was large in the road, but still just a blob. Then it vanished. Gavs slapped his face and aimed the AC vent at his face.
Gavs looked to the bushes on the side of the road, and saw shoulders. They flowed in the little shadows of the shrubs and stones. Then they were on the road.
Gavs twisted the steering wheel. He hit the brakes and punched the tall shifter with a soccer ball head. Eyes wide. Short sharp breaths with every whip of the wheel. Gavs body whipped inside the cabin. He screamed.
The tractor and its trailer bounced on their tires and turned over. Screeches, sparks, and smoke rocketed out from the engine bay of the flat faced tractor. Soon the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. The cargo of food stuffs spilled onto the road and caught fire with the runaway diesel.
As the sun descended in the sky, lights flashed and sirens roared in the distance. An officer of the Viriarma flew down the road and shouted into his radio, “I have a vehicle fire on state route 15 outside Antonville, requesting a highway fire unit. It looks like a tractor trailer just overturned.”
---
Peritus Leon Boulanger stood beside his interceptor car, watching from a distance as the tractor and trailer became an inferno. Leon cleaned off his narrow nose, and took sand out from the sides of his squinted eyes. Dux Princeps Marcelle Cordonnier joined him. The old chief snorted with his large nose, and waved a cigarette by his large, gray mustache before lighting it.
“Don’t say it,” Leon said, before taking off his hat to wipe the sweat from his forehead.
“There is nothing that we can see from here that would cause a crash,” Marcelle said. “It has to be the chienoir.” Marcelle looked over at Leon.
“That’s a xenoxeno myth,” Leon said. “You listen to too many fairy tales.” Leon fastened his hat to his head.
“This is no fairy tale, Leon,” Marcelle said with a blank stare. “The chienoir is real. I’ve seen one myself. I would never wish it on my worst enemy.”A fire engine came to a halt nearby with only its lights flashing. Fire fighters jumped out and gathered together.
“Write down what you can,” Marcelle said. “Get some cones from the shack and tape it off. I have to email High Crimes so they can send an Auto Repertor. Three crashes in only a couple days is going to raise some red flags, especially a food truck like this one.” Leon started walking towards his patrol interceptor and opened the door.
“I’m coming in tomorrow, right?” Leon said. Marcelle stopped in his tracks.
“Yes, Nauta’s surgery was just cleared,” Marcelle said. “Hopefully the poor bastard’s shoulder will be back to normal. If not, then we’re going to be pulling long days again.”
“I’ll say a prayer for him,” Leon said. “See you then.”Marcelle entered the command car and drove off at high speed. Leon got into his interceptor and began typing on the laptop planted where the car radio would be. Leon looked up from his laptop towards the blaze. Firefighters got to work cutting away nearby brush, and hitting burning cardboard boxes with foam. A figure stood behind them. A dog, with its head held high. Leon blinked. The dog vanished. He looked back at his laptop and continued typing, shielding the road from sight using his hat.
- Zoran, Giovanniland, Nalibia and 1 other
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4
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Critics, columnists, and connoisseurs gather annually for three weeks at the Dome of the Moon Dancers in the seaside village of Ville-de-Bloise to celebrate the year’s films, documentaries, and artistic projects.
The Société Cinématographique d’Nouveauterra (SCNouv) organizes the film festival with screenings of films submitted by filmmakers, and endorsed by Society members. SCNouv is composed of film journalists, screenwriters, directors, educators, and masters of the craft, all in celebration of film, and to bring light to new filmmakers.
At the end of the festival, SFNouv votes (Excel RNG) for a number of different films, actors, directors, and cinematographers, to be recognized for their efforts. These come with awards, which include: La Flor d’Or for best film overall, La Petal d’Or for the runner up film, La Stem-d’Or for the third voted film. Also included are Best Actor, Best Actress, Best School Film, Best Documentary, and Best Cinematography.
How to Participate
Players can submit a max of 8 films throughout the entire event.
They all must be contemporary (released in 1424). Please use the format below to aid in judging:
(Poster Encouraged but Optional)
Title
Genre
Maturity Rating (In Own Country)
Film Studio (Established Studio, Indie Studio, or School Project [school must be named])
Leading Actor/Actress/Documentarian
Supporting Actor(s)/Actress(es)/Documentarian(s) (If Not a Solo Film)
Cinematographer(s)
Description of the Film/DocumentaryDeadlines:
Dec 6th: School Project
Dec 13th: Indie Films
Dec 20th: Established Studio FilmsIf there are any questions or if you need assistance, please message me in Discord
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The Global Health Coalition Summit is a gathering of major pharmaceutical, medical, and educational institutions to share ideas, highlight important health issues, and to allow for excellence in medicine. The GHC (NPC and not super powerful) is composed of physicians, researchers, government officials, NGOs, and benevolent financiers with the goal of furthering global health, and excellence in health practices.
The summit will last from November 3rd to the 16th in Nouveauterra at Hôpital Universitaire Tombeau, and will feature medical institutions, insurance providers, research institutions, and government entities. The summit will allow for the discussion of successes, challenges, and knowledge in the healthcare sectors around the world.
How to Participate: There are 4 posting types
Speaker Series: You have a person or a group of people present an idea or issue to the summit. Get creative, with charts, graphics, maps, anything like that.
Panel: Two or more players collaborate on a discussion between characters and post the discussion in the thread. Make sure to tag participating players with @ and their forum name.
Tabling: A player posts about an insurance provider, medical institution, research institution, health related NGO, or government health entity that has a table set up at the University Hospital. This should have a name, logo, and an information/historical section. It can also include any current developments.
Contemporary Event: This is for posts about current events that coincidentally happen while the Global Health Coalition Summit is also taking place. This can range from an economic deal to an assassination, celebrity drama, etc.
Graphics, audio, visuals, and everything else are highly encouraged. You can always DM me or message me on Discord for clarification.
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Overview GECA Major Offices
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Office of the Commissioner
- The executive officer of the GECA, calling and leading discussions and dialogues, commissioning reports and investigations
- The position of Commissioner is filled through an election, where members nominate a person for the position, and a majority vote confirms their ascension to the position of Commissioner
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The Agreement Body
- The legislative body of the GECA, voting on provisions and enactments
- The position of Chair of the Agreement Body is passed sequentially between members annually
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Office of the Secretary
- Assistant to the Commissioner, aiding in discussion and research necessary for activities of the Members Committee
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Office of the Ombudsman
- The judicial body of the GECA, independently investigating members of the GECA for wrongdoing and bringing issues to the Members Committee for action
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Office of the Treasury
- Management of money for the GECA, including funding necessary for position holders, officers, and overall organizational health
- Management of special programs for participating parts of the Agreement Body
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Doll Guldur Police, Gulpol
- Enhancing law enforcement activities within the GECA and tracing criminals outside the GECA for the purposes of extradition or interdiction
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Office of Border Security
- Securing the economic bloc's borders for the regular trade in goods, and immigration
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Doll Guldur Continental Bank
- The creation and distribution of a unified currency, setting interest rates, and issues loans and bonds to be used by member nations for economic stimulus/security
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Guldurian Continental Wealth Fund
- making strategic investments necessary to secure member nations from severe economic crisis (issuing loans, selling bonds, and economic advisement)
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Office of Standards and Regulation
- The formulation of bloc-wide regulations for items such as food inspection, health and safety, vehicles, etc.
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Office of Grants
- Using a portion of member fees and donations, enable member states to draw grant money for the purposes of economic development, such as infrastructure construction and local grant programs
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Office of Strategic Projects
- create and maintain the bureaucratic infrastructure necessary for member states to fund, manage, and collaborate on multinational development projects
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Office of Programming
- using a portion of member fees and donations, enable member states to direct funds from the Office for the purpose of funding national programs for economic development, such as state agricultural banks, or tax incentives
Major Acts in Chronological Order xxx The Agreement SpoilerStatement of Intent
The intent of the Guldur Economic Cooperation Agreement, hereafter referred to as GECA, is:
To foster economic growth among signatory members through increased trade
To spur growth in internal economic activity of member states
To increase regional economic security from large disruptions to the global economic system
To promote regional economic and political security
To aid in the development of signatory member economies through economic incentives and programs
To provide avenues for cross-member projects and programs
Provisions
For the purposes of economic growth:
To foster economic growth among signatory members, we agree to:Enable free trade between member states
Enable visa-free travel between member states through the creation of the Free Travel Zone, whereby citizens of member states and authorized third-party states can freely travel through the borders of connected member states, and through international boundariesTo unify regulations regarding controlled products through mutually agreed upon standards. These products range from agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and any other products determined to require oversight
To spur growth in internal economic activity of member states, we agree to:
The establishment of the Office of Grants, with the purpose of using a portion of member fees and donations to enable member states to draw grant money for the purposes of economic development, such as infrastructure construction and local grant programsFor the purposes of security and stability:
To promote regional economic and political security, we agree to:Fund the securing of external borders by member states, and the creation of an Office of Border Security to aid member states with border security
Fund the creation of a multinational law enforcement body, hereafter referred to as the Doll Guldur Police or Golpol, for the purposes of enhancing law enforcement activities within the GECA and tracing criminals outside the GECA for the purposes of extradition or interdiction
To increase regional economic security from large disruptions to the global economic system, we agree to:
The establishment of a sovereign wealth fund, the Guldurian Continental Wealth Fund, with the purpose of making strategic investments necessary to secure member nations from severe economic crisis (issuing loans, selling bonds, and economic advisement)For the purposes of economic aid:
To aid in the development of signatory member economies through economic incentives and programs, we agree to:
The establishment of the Office of Programming, with the purpose of using a portion of member fees and donations to enable member states to direct funds from the Office for the purpose of funding national programs for economic development, such as state agricultural banks, or tax incentives
To provide avenues for cross-member projects and programs, we agree to:
The establishment of the Office of Strategic Projects, so that member states can have a formal system for funding, managing, and collaborating on multinational development projects
Topline Administrative Functions and Offices
in Furtherance of the AgreementOffice of the Commissioner
The executive officer of the GECA, calling and leading discussions and dialogues, commissioning reports and investigations
The position of Commissioner is filled through an election, where members nominate a person for the position, and a majority vote confirms their ascension to the position of CommissionerThe Agreement Body
The legislative body of the GECA, voting on provisions and enactments
The position of Chair of the Agreement Body is passed sequentially between members annuallyOffice of the Secretary
Assistant to the Commissioner, aiding in discussion and research necessary for activities of the Members CommitteeOffice of the Ombudsman
The judicial body of the GECA, independently investigating members of the GECA for wrongdoing and bringing issues to the Members Committee for actionOffice of the Treasury
Management of money for the GECA, including funding necessary for position holders, officers, and overall organizational health
Management of special programs for participating parts of the Agreement BodyProcedures for Ascension to the Agreement Body
In order for an interested party to join the GECA, and interested party must:
Send a signed letter of intent approved by the head of state, the head of government, the executive of the chief body for national finance, and the executive of the chief body for diplomatic affairs to the Office of the Commissioner for record keeping and approval
Provide an unadulterated reproduction of this document to the legislative body of the national government for approval by majority vote, and ratification of adherence to the agreement by the head of state
or provide an unadulterated reproduction and/or reading of this document to the voting populace of the nation, and a referendum be held, requiring a majority voting in favor of ratification of adherence to the agreement. Only if the ratification receives majority approval can it be sent to the head of state for signingSend a certified tallying of adherence to this agreement to the Office of the Commissioner to be sent to the Body of the Signatories for approval or disapproval by unanimous vote
Procedures for Descension from the Agreement Body
In order for a signatory member to be forcibly removed from the Agreement Body:
A vote for descension must be called by a member of the Members Committee
The vote calling nation must state the case for the descension of the accused member. Reasons for descension include:
Open disobedience of agreement provisions
Covert disobedience of agreement provisions
Malpractice in procedures for ascension to the Agreement BodyThe accused nation must state their defense to charges outlined by the vote calling nation
All members, excluding the vote calling nation, and the accused nation, shall vote on descension from or sustainment to the Members Committee. The vote must be unanimousUpon receiving a unanimous vote for descension, the accused nation will begin procedures for formally leaving the Members Committee, and be considered of Non-Agreeing Status by all members of the GECA
In order for a signatory member to voluntarily withdraw from the Agreement Body:
The descending nation must either
Call a vote in their respective legislative organ, and vote in the majority to descend from the Members Committee, and have such a procedure ratified by the executive of the nation
Call for a referendum, and tally votes in the majority to descend from the the Members Committee, and have such a procedure ratified by the executive of the nationUpon receiving a vote tally in favor of descension, the Members Committee will approve the request, and the descending nation will begin procedures for formally leaving the Members Committee, and be considered of Non-Agreeing Status by all members of the GECA
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Office of the Commissioner
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An ONRP Radio Series
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Marcelle Fullo Tombeau, painted by Henri Van Slyck, 1256
The Original HUT building found in 1386, before it was restored as a historical site
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Rugby World Cup VI [rosters, roleplays, results]
in Roleplay - How the West Was Won
Posted
Part 5
the Petit Auvers neighborhood
Agentum, La Havre
Yves and Adrian are leaned up against a black sedan, with the gentle morning breeze billowing their clothes. Adrian looked down at a wristwatch. Eight on the dot. He looked back up to Yves. They exchanged nods. Yves began walking away from the sedan as Adrian reached underneath it. Adrian stood up with a rifle by his thigh. Yves walked a couple buildings down, until he reached one with an alley, which he slipped into. The dirt alley had a small step-ladder leading to the house on the left’s roof.
Yves ascended the ladder and came upon a rifle bag. He unzipped the bag in a hurry and brought his rifle to bear. He kept it flat against the roof, and watched Adrian’s silhouette. Adrian limbered the rifle into position. A short and sharp exhale. Adrian tightened up. Rifle leveled.
POP POP POP POP POP BRZZZZZZZZZT
An enormous fireball leapt from the power station to the sidewalk. Yves watched as the flame hooked around Adrian and set his hoodie ablaze. Yves set down his rifle and jumped off of the roof to the ground. He began sprinting, wincing at the very hurt soles of his feet. Adrian rolled on the ground, attempting to take the still blazing hoodie off his body.
Yves reached Adrian, both gasping for air. “Roll to the other side!” Yves yelled. He took off his own jacket to smother the flame. He whipped his head to the side and caught a glimpse of the target. It was a large transformer box. Multiple holes in its side spewed flames across to another transformer box.
BRRRZZTTTTT
A waft of flame shot out past a chain-link fence and onto the street. Grass and leaves caught flame, and so did Yves’ pants. Yves skipped on his toes as he tried to out the fledgling fire on his ankles.
the Molae neighborhood
Agentum, La Havre
Caspar and Gil stood next to a parked car. Gil, wearing a military-like jacket with large breast and abdomen pockets, faced more towards the Immigration Services building than Caspar. A tobacco pack darted between Gil’s teeth as he reached into his pocket, with a radio’s speaker poking out.
CED [Central Emergency Dispatch] to All Available Units, Call for Fire Suppression and EMS at Rue Roulier Power Transmission Station
Gil and Caspar became stiffer than statues.
We have an electrical fire and secondary grass and vehicle fires in and around the transmission station. All available foam and water pumper trucks report to adjoining streets to begin fire suppression. EMS radio net notified of two young males with severe burns requiring medical treatment. Baie Mouchetée Power notified of fire and power outage.
Gil and Caspar looked at each other. “You’re thinking,” Gil said. He stopped as Caspar nodded his head. Caspar shook his head and clapped his hands against his legs.
Caspar reached for a guitar case on the ground and opened it. He reached for a lapel microphone and tapped it. “Execute, Execute, Execute,” Caspar said with clenched teeth distorting his command. He stood up and passed a rifle to Gil, who took it and reached into his jacket. Gil pulled out a ski-mask and donned it in an instant.
Caspar and Gil ran down the street towards the Immigration Services building. Around a dozen men emerged from the streets with rifles drawn. Two men posted up against the building beside the double doors. They opened the doors and the men flooded in. Caspar, then Gil ran in through the doors only to be greeted by an ear splitting wail. Gil came into a lobby area where there were two doors, an employee door and an entry door. One of the guerrillas had a foot in the employee door with his rifle pointed into the opening.
“Stop or you’re dead!” the guerrilla yelled. Caspar, Gil, and many other men filed in through the employee door to the inner halls of the complex.
Gil watched as the men filed in. He positioned himself at the ready for the apartment right next to him, with two other men joining him.
“It’s a fucking bandit alarm boss, what do we do?”
“We change the plan. Bang the door on the first floor and each one as we go, we’re gonna have to do it quickly.”
Gil cocked his head up and raised his rifle. He nodded towards the man nearest to him, who in short order began kicking the door. BAM! BAM! BREAK! The door moved slightly off its frame, and the guerrilla kicked the door open again for good measure. Gil kept his rifle raised as he went into the shotgun style apartment: a narrow hallway with off-shoots on the side. Gil took the path immediately to his left and came to a quiet room. A couch, a TV, a grandma in a gold-leaf picture frame. A bookshelf filled with text in another language. Gil got on his radio.
“Apartment One Clear! Something’s up. This place is empty.”
“Apartment Two Clear, no hostiles.”
“Starting Apartment Three. Hold the air.”
Gil and his guerrillas marched out of the apartment with their rifles lowered. By the time they reached the hallway, the crash of a busted down door echoed down to their ears. Gil looked around before talking into his radio.
“This is a setup boss, we have to exfil.”
Caspar came back down the stairs, past some guerrillas posted in defensive positions, and walked to the reception desk. A lone worker, an old Danav man, sat on the ground with his hands up. Caspar stared at the man.
“I don’t know a thing,” the man said.
“Sure you don't,” Caspar said.
POP!
The old man fell over dead, grey matter and blood painting the floor beneath a desk behind him. Caspar got on the radio.
“All units, we are breaking contact and evack-ing. Squad D, what’s it like outside?”
“Squad D to Red Hand Actual, lots of sirens coming our way. You sure it’s just the bandit alarm?”
“Hold position and provide cover. We’ll be on the main road.”
Gil came outside with the rest of the men when he looked up to the road he had just come from. A Chacal armored transport vehicle came to a screeching halt, and cocked to one side with its side doors flying open. Men and women in uniform with rifles were quick to take up shooting positions. A shaking guerrilla clapped the barrel of their rifle against the hood of a nearby car, and an errant bullet skated across the pavement. Gunfire erupted from all sides. The echoing made speech vanish. Even individual gunshots seemed to disappear in the sea of noise.
Gil hunched over and skittered behind parked cars until he got to the building’s corner.
“GET DOWN THE HILL!”
That was Caspar’s shriek. Gil went to one knee and let out a wave of bullets. The rifle’s receiver clicked open, and he loaded a new magazine in a smooth motion. He let out the entire magazine once again as guerrillas ran behind him. Gil got up as another guerrilla took his place to provide cover. He caught a glimpse of Caspar. Caspar covered one hand with the other. The left forearm of his jacket was shredded, and covered in fresh blood.
Clara and Lamar ran with their rifles held high. They went down a sloping street as gunfire echoed all around. Shooting nearby, rifle fire in the opposite direction, random shots from the armored vehicle. The armored vehicle itself began to move again, its diesel engine belched smoke out the tailpipe as it smashed past a 20 year old sedan.
“The guy with the beret,” Lamar shouted. “That has to be Caspar Husel!”
“Stay close, these guys are serious!” Clara said. “Wait!”
Lamar bounded down an alley, a blood trail between his boots. Clara and a couple policemen followed Lamar’s lead. Lamar turned again to a skinny stairwell alley. A couple shots rang out. Clara sprinted and came to the stairwell. Lamar was slumped against a stone wall at the bottom. Clara lifted her rifle as she made her way down the stairs. She took short, sharp breaths as her hands shook. A policeman was ready with his rifle right behind her. Once they reached the bottom, the policeman peeked around the corner for a second and held up hand. Five fingers, a palm pushed away twice. Clara readied herself behind the policeman. Four more policemen gathered behind her, with two putting their rifles away, with hands aimed towards Lamar.
Clara and the policemen came out of the alley with bullets flying. The group of five men guerrillas were peppered with rifle fire. Both groups took cover in building doorways and short walls. A guerrilla let out a cry of pain. Clara ducked and ran across the narrow alley. Sporadic shots tore apart the stucco facade of the stone buildings. A policeman’s gunfire died down. The guerrillas ran.
“Help me! Heeeeelp!” a guerrilla yelled, reaching out at his fleeing comrades.
Clara ran forward until she was far ahead of the group. She came to a series of wide stairs, alone.
Her rifle was low. Ringing ears made looking around more difficult. She saw two figures as they limped along the river.
“Repertor!” a shout came from the broad alley.
Clara walked towards the limping figures as they dipped down the riverbank. She drew nearer, her breath now slow and shallow. She raised her rifle up as she came to the figures. It was Caspar, and Gil. Both of them had many bullet wounds, and were coughing in agony. Gil was kneeling, with his rifle at his side. Caspar had no weapon, and was simply holding onto life. Caspar turned around. So did Gil.
“Gil. Put the rifle down,” Caspar said, his voice fluttered in the morning air. Gil let out a hoarse sigh. “We give up,” Caspar continued. “Finished.”
“You still believe?” Clara said. Caspar looked up with a puzzled yet bloody eye.
“Yeah,” Caspar said, half a question, half an answer.
POP POP POP POP POP