2003


3rd May

Posted by: EROTIC PANTHEISM :
Press release from the office of the Proconsul of the Holy Republic of Erotic Pantheism:

Voting on the UN's newest resolution, concerning a guarantee of rights regardless of sexual orientation, ends tomorrow. The Proconsul wishes to express his support for this resolution, and his hope that his fellow Shadowmarchers, and in particular Queen Sahi of Sahistan, will vote FOR.


5th May

Posted by: DARK ARCADIA :
[News feed] PICTURE: Silverskull archive material. NARRATION: The Shadowmarch-native silverskull butterfly, mostly confined to Astral America and Dark Arcadia, is said to be spreading, and to perhaps already have moved (and evolved in the course) to neighbouring countries. This has not yet been confirmed, however, Astral America scientists have reason to believe this might have occured, simply because the silverskull population within the country has already spread beyond the forests,... PICTURE: The inside of IBCA (Institute of Biology and Chemistry of Astrael), cut over to a silverskull with a slightly green shimmer as it is tilted against the light, along with a strong lime green glow at the front edge of its wings. NARRATION: ...and a new variant, the green silverskull, has been found and is currently being studied. "This is quite alarming." said one scientist of the IBCA. PICTURE: Said scientist. TEXT: Prof. Rand NARRATION: "The silverskulls are not only becoming more numerous, they are wiping out other predators by rights of competition. They're frighteningly efficient... and right now, we don't know how much of an impact they might have on the ecosystem. For this reason, IBCA strongly urges the neighbouring nations to please report any silverskulls and - more importantly - contain them as far as this is a possibility." Due to the instable nature of Astral America's economy, proper neccessary actions cannot be taken - not at this point in time.


8th May

Posted by: EROTIC PANTHEISM :
Press Release from the Office of the Proconsul of the Holy Republic of Erotic Pantheism:

The Proconsul today expressed his concern that the pressures of state are preventing Queen Sahi from remaining sufficiently involved with the business of the United Nations.

Said the Proconsul, "While I have the greatest respect for Queen Sahi, it appears that her government has not been taking part in the UN except when pressured by the other nations of Shadowmarch. We therefor are considering withdrawing our support of Sahistan as representative, and formally request endorsements of the HREP by all regional UN members. I promise, our nation will serve the region with dedication."


11th May

Posted by: DARK ARCADIA :
["Channel Zero", national news] PICTURE: Images of Nox Noctis' Primary Research Centre NARRATION: Top researches in Nox Noctis have publically announced their newest breakthrough. "As hard as it is to believe, we have found evidence of rudimentary telepathy in humans. We think we may have found the gene responsible for this quirk of nature - the exiting thing is that it traces quite far back into evolution, which translates to that most animals actually have this ability slumbering within them. I'm sure there will be many uses of this." said one scientist today. The discoverers have so far been very hesistant to utter the phrase "dream invasion" in context with their finds, but this is precisely one of the many possibilities that go hand in hand with this discovery. His Najesty has called this an important developement in the history of Dark Arcadia.


13th May

Posted by: EROTIC PANTHEISM :
Press Release from the Office of the Proconsul of the Holy Republic of Erotic Pantheism:

The Queendom of Sahistan continues to withhold its vote on the issue of Child Labor, voting upon which ends tomorrow at the UN.

We again petition for UN endorsements to be shifted to the HREP. It is critical that our region be properly represented.


Posted by: ASTRAL AMERICA :
[News feed] [PICTURE: Neike Satana at a press conference.] NARRATION: Astral America's president Neike Satana has announced today that the newest UN report - marking Astral America as the third largest defence force per capita - is good news and a partial relief. [PICTURE: Protestors in the strees of Astrael (TEXT: Astral America, Astrael, 29.04.03) with signs reading along the lines of "FIGHT SEPERATION!" and "Sheep in wolves clothing: Neike Satana".] NARRATION: Tensions between Astral America and Dark Arcadia are ever growing. Despite this, a magnet train line [PICTURE SWITCHES TO: Construction site of Magnet Train, currently in the fringe areas of Dark Arcadia, more specifically in 'Darcc' TEXT: Darcc, 11.05.03] - an Astral America project that was threatening to collapse after it's destination point, Nox Noctis, became part of Dark Arcadia - is still being constructed over the borders. In fact, the magnet train from Iridia over Reel [PICTURE SWITCHES TO: the working magnet train line Iridia to/from Reel] to Nox Noctis is to be finished by the end of next week. When asked whether or not He considered it a concern, His Najesty replied: [PICTURE SWITCHES TO: Fransisco Meguro, private interview in the streets of Altamont. Speaks:] "Oh, not at all. It opens the doors of further commerce and widens the infrastructure of both countries. I also doubt it is of any military significance, considering the specifications of the rail and the train dimensions. I'm sure both the Iridia, Reel and the Nox Noctis station won't be taking any chances in security, so it ought to be rather tough trying to get something potentially illegal or dangerous through to the other country in that manner." He has also added that Nox Noctis is indeed to take security precautions, but in overall and despite this, the public atmosphere is lingering more in the 'euphorically happy' end of the scale about this project's completion. [PICTURE: Computer rendered plan of the line Reel to/from Nox Noctis.] NARRATION: Skeptics within Astral America are mildly distressed by the ease with which His Najesty has accepted the completion of the project. They argue that His lack of concern 'made his plotting evident'. His Najesty has publically negated all of these claims so far.


15th May

Posted by: DARK ARCADIA :
[News feed, Radio] A strong earthquake shook S'march today as a volcano errupted off-shore, causing a new island to appear. Surprisingly, no greater damage was done on the continent itself and no one was filed missing or injured. The new island, dubbed Naqahdah by the Astral America scientists to first spot it, has been claimed as further land by Dark Arcadia. The reason for this move is simply that no one else wishes to have it at this point in time - it is inhospitable, scalding hot, and the lava is only just cooling - and that it is closest to Dark Arcadia's shore. Dark Arcadia finds it "scientifically valuable", ergo wishes to keep it.


18th May

Posted by: DARK ARCADIA [here] :
[Extra-regional News feed] The Empire of Dark Arcadia and it's counties officially announced their scientific findings in the realm of biotechnology. According to D.A., they have found ways to genetically engineer creatures to be capable of highly specialized assault both in melee and long range tactics. The Dark Arcadian military is, in fact, mostly focussed on this biological technology.

According to D.A. scientists, there are three levels of biotechnology. These three levels have not yet been officially published, however: His Najesty has decided that this science, along with it's details, will be shared with those interested, for a price.

This price has yet to be determined - offers are welcome. Requirements for the aquisition of this data is primarily distance - He does, naturally, not wish for his Empire to be attacked by a force wielding the same technology Dark Arcadia does.

Kiosk: What's your offer for the price of this tech?

Dark Arcadia: Dark Arcadia is willing to simply exchange this information for knowledge of the same value or perhaps military appliances that could further help us in our attempt to seize back our former nation Astral America. We've decided that we cannot accept money for this.

Our part in this trade would consist, more precisely, in a sample specimen of our Type III biotechnology, and DVD-ROMs containing detailed information on the other types, aswell as their production and creation. All in all, this is includes 20 DVD-ROMs with various media, along with a (free) DVD-ROM including any programs you might need to access these files, in case you do not already have them.

Selemanopako: we would like to take part in this!

Dark Arcadia: What can you offer us in return for this technology/knowledge?

Laithia: I have a project similar to this, but I'm working on the medical uses of it. I think I'll stay away from your project because to use such things as a weapon sounds rather... unsettling.

Dark Arcadia: We are aware of the many uses of our weapons, however Dark Arcadia itself uses them not to kill, but utilizes the knock-out tactic - something Type II and Type I creatures are capable of learning with great skill.

We understand your concern and wish you luck with your own project. Science and education are important aspects of a healthy country.

Laithia: I guess a lot of people fnd this stuff a little to uncomforting to think about. Can't blame them.

Dark Arcadia: We find it strange that other nations would consider a fullscale war with deaths easier a thought than biotechnology.

Copiosa Scotia: We built a working biological computer once. But it walked out of the lab, and we have no idea where it's gone to.

Dark Arcadia: A most unfortunate loss. We suggest using higher security measures in the future. We would also like to note that we have not yet reached this level of biotechnology, where one could speak of a living computer. Do you perhaps have any remaining information on this project? We would be very interested in blueprints.

Copiosa Scotia: Nothing. It took the blueprints with it.

Dark Arcadia: Please wire any further enquiries or actual offers in telegram form to 'Dark Arcadia'.

Thank you.


19th May

Posted by: EROTIC PANTHEISM :
Statement from the High Priest of the Church of Erotic Pantheism:

We are pleased to see that despite the HREP's liberal nudity laws, we rank only seventh in our region. We must express our great admiration for those who outrank us in this regard.


Posted by: ASTRAL AMERICA :
[News feed] PICTURE: Scene in Nox Noctis - someone being loaded into an ambulance. NARRATION: The death of the former nation of Obsidian Jewel's former international representative was announced at 22:35 today. PICTURE: Photograph of Kim. NARRATION: The strange virus she was reported of having has died with her - so we hear. No one else was ever infected and this unfortunate incident is being further studied. PICTURE: IBCA from the inside. NARRATION: The current theory is that Kim suffered a collapse of her immune system, for whatever reason. It has been repeated, several times, that apparently the public needs not fear a new virus - quoting: "It likely has always been around - just that, usually, your immune system deals with it." PICTURE: Fransisco Meguro at a press conference about the incident. NARRATION: His Najesty of Dark Arcadia has voiced his deepest regret about the incident.


22nd May

Posted by: ASTRAL AMERICA :
[News feed (radio)] The nation of Azralius that has long since been at the borders of the region of Shadowmarch has recently begun to involve itself in the regional politics by allying with the Empire of Dark Arcadia. The exact reasons and intents behind this alliance is unclear, especially on the Azralian end. Astral America, however, has now quite unceremonially been wedged into the center of what can be seen as Dark Arcadia and it's allies, neglecting a few scraps of coastline that they can call their own. Naturally, this is cause for destress, but despite Astral America's disaffiliation with the UN, the government is very hesistant to up their military above a certain level, as they have never wished to be seen as a threat. Again, the project that is the magnet train seems to be in danger of public opinion, but it does not seem in danger of yet another terrorist act, like the bomb threat on Saturday.


24th May

Posted by: DARK ARCADIA :
[News feed]
PICTURE: Test run of the magnet train from Darcc to Nox Noctis where it is actively cheered about.
TEXT: Nova, Nox Noctis, Dark Arcadia
NARRATION: The Magnet train line reaching from Astral America's Iridia to the most prominent Dark Arcadian city of Nox Noctis was been finished yesterday and is expected to be open for public useage soon. The train gets the slight energy needed for movement from a hydrogen fuel cell and the magnetic negativity of the tracks is kept upright by a steady flow of electricity through it's core. The transport soundless but for a hum.

PICTURE: Archive of the 19th of May bomb attack
NARRATION: The magnet train like has been target of terrorist activiest by extreme right-wing individuals who fear nothing but destruction will come from the connection between Dark Arcadia and it's silent arch fiend of Astral America.

PICTURE: Fransisco Meguro at yet another press conference
TEXT: Fransisco Meguro, Najesty of Dark Arcadia
NARRATION: All the more surprised is the uninvolved bystander to know that Dark Arcadia helped fund this project to most parts. Astral America's economy has suffered from recent blows, most of which included leaving the UN and losing international trading partners this way. His Najesty of Dark Arcadia has stated He expects this addition to infrastructure to lessen tensions and allow for a better communication between the two nations.


Telegram from DARK ARCADIA to FOPERSTAN :
We excuse the delay in the sending of further information. His Najesty has concluded he has no reason not to trust you and since the physical distance between our nations warrants safety in itself, He is willing to give you information on Type III & Type II biotechnological advances. The DVD-ROMs have been sent. Again, pardon the delay. Tensions between Dark Arcadia and Astral America make organization a tricky talent to have. Please do inform us on how the technology is integrated into your nation and any public responses - should you chose to make the existance of this knowledge public at all.


Posted by: VALISK [here] :
The nation of Valisk is to engage in research to further the developments of genetic engineering.

Such research would bring about the possibility of completely eradication of Cancer amongst other things.

It would herald a new age in Biotechnology (BiTek) and allow us to geneer people and animals with qualities that would help them in their environment as people spread throughout the world.

Not to mention the effects on space travel, people geneered with enhanced qualities to make them more equipped for extra terrestrial activities, the possibilities are endless!

Valisk is a small nation and that is why we ask for any support which can be given in the way of scientists, engineers, biotechnicians and funding.

All results will be shared equally amongst all members of the project.

I thank you,

Rubra,
CC. Valisk,
The Boardsies.

Dark Arcadia: The Empire of Dark Arcadia would be willing to share some of its data on biotechnology to boost your own research. The only thing we would like in return is updates on how your research is coming along - and details about it, if you so wish, but this is not an obligation we'd like to enforce. Does this offer appeal to you?

Phredtonia: Genetic engineering was responsible for our freedom. It was the geneered Sharkbill Platypus created in underground labratories that fought along side our freedom fighters pushing the occupiers off our island.
Since the war, our head geneticist, Baub Joans, has been working on GM crops to increase yield and hardiness. And though Dr. Joans is too valuable a resource to loan out to foreign projects, his top assistant is excited about the prospect of working with other labs.

The nation of Valisk thanks the nations which have offered their support and apologises for the latency in reply (The communications network was down for 2 days being upgraded to the Solar Communications Network)

Thanks especially to Dark Arcadia, we would ask for your permission to attempt an affinity bonding project with your Type II creatures, to make them directly controllable by a human master. This may be an avenue you have not yet explored and we wouldbe happy to begin research.

Phredtonia, we are most grateful for Dr, Joans assistant, I'm sure it will be of great value to us :). I am disappointed of course that Dr. Joans himself cannot work with us at this point in time but hope you will honour us with his presence at some point in the near future.

Once again thank you.


25th May

Telegram from VALISK to DARK ARCADIA :
Would you support a proposal for a General Science Council (GSC) to be created to further the sharing and increase in scientific research throughout the nations?

Or does such a thing already exist?


Telegram from DARK ARCADIA to VALISK :
Please do not speak of details of Dark Arcadian biotechnology in public. It is a large part of our military and we have no need for this knowledge to fall into the hands of Astral America or religious zealots. I do not know where you have the information from, but the information leak will be sought out and plugged.

>> This may be an avenue you have not yet explored and we wouldbe happy to begin research. <<

Then I will tell you what the leak of information has not - Dark Arcadia's Type I creatures do exactly that. However, if you find an efficient way to latch a single human being onto several biotechnological advances, instead of just one, then, indeed, it would be something new.

>> Would you support a proposal for a General Science Council (GSC) to be created to further the sharing and increase in scientific research throughout the nations? <<

Whilst we would be in strong favour of such a 'Council'/Alliance, we regret to say we are hesistant to join such an organization, in fear that most of it's members will consider morals more important than science! This is widespread *expletative deleted*.

>> Or does such a thing already exist? <<

Not to my knowledge.

If you truly would like to create such a Council, there are two further nations I would invite, perhaps more - however, I would need a guarantee that my fears will not turn to reality.

I have appended a document which's wording I find to suit our cause. Should you not agree to the wording, you are invited to make your own, which I then will revue to see if I am still capable of joining - and then decide.

Signed,
Fransisco Meguro
His Najesty of Dark Arcadia

Appendix::[ GSC Application Form ]::

-------GSC Application Form--------

By signing this document with my own name and country of my political influence, I state I am the current spokesperson for my nation and accept that all undersigned are to receive my nation's support and my nation in turn theirs in the advance of scientific research.

"My nation's support" is outlined as being:
1- Funds
        If my nation's current economic state allows it, I will donate sums of money to those undersigned which are currently economically less fortunate. The required economic strength is (as classified by the UN) 'Very Strong' or higher - should my nation's economy fall below this, no funds will be demanded of the undersigned, instead, my nation will be considered a receiver of funds. No taxes will be demanded off the funding and the undersigned will not demand their money back once it has been used, but will live with the knowledge that their ability to demand funds of the undersigned is payment enough.
2- The sharing of top researchers
        If my nation's current political state allows it, I will send researchers - at no cost - to nations of the undersigned as they need it. The required political state is that of peace. Tensions between other nations and one of the undersigned will allow delays in the sending of researchers of that nation. A war will allow the involved to keep their researchers in their own nation for the duration of the war. These exceptions will be respected by the undersigned.
3- The sharing of no less than 70% of all public knowledge aquired
        Public knowledge is defined as being knowledge that is publically accessible. This includes unpublished documents as far as they do not fall into the category of military knowledge (see below).
4- The sharing of no less than 5% of all military knowledge aquired
        Military knowledge is defined as being knowledge that cannot be demanded to be published for the public by the public. It includes Top Secret documents and otherwise classified information.

I further acknowledge that I and my nation are from now on bound to the following rules:
1- Obligatory public knowledge databases for access by my own scientists
        My nation is obligated to keep a database of it's public knowledge for the sake of enforcing point three in the list of what defines my nation's support. This is for both my own convinience and so the undersigned can enforce this.
2- Obligatory military knowledge databases for access by those authorized for the projects therein
        My nation is obligated to keep a database of it's military knowledge for the sake of enforcing point four in the list of what defines my nation's support. This is not so that the undersigned can enforce this (having no cleared authorisation for the database), but for my own convinience. I recognize that neither I nor my nation shall abuse this. When the undersigned are in doubt of my heeding of this rule, they are allowed to send a neutral element from another country (legally sworn to secrecy - should this be violated, the nation has thus declared a war on the nation it stole military knowledge of) to inspect the percentage of knowledge shared.
3- Another nation's rules are another nation's rules
        My nation has no right to demand certain behaviour of other nations in connection with this knowledge. Should the other nation choose to use the knowledge internally for what is, in world consensus, considered as "without moral", my nation has no right to complain, much less to apply for this nation's signature to be removed from this document. Should a nation externally apply it's knowledge for a war of offence/aggression, the undersigned will only act if this war is against one of the undersigned, where removal of the offending nation may be debated over as the situation calls for. Any further judging shall be left to other organizations or the common sense of the nations involved.
4- A change of power in my own nation may affect my nation's membership
        Should a government be imposed upon my country that threatens to violate the third obligation, my nation will be removed from the list of the undersigned. Should a government be imposed upon my country that no longer wishes to participate, my nation has the right to have itself removed from the list of the undersigned.



The General Science Council (GSC),
Dark Arcadia: His Najesty Fransisco Meguro


Telegram from VALISK to DARK ARCADIA :
The application seems to be well drawn up, Valisk will support and uphold the rules of such an agreement and indeed hopes you will invite other nations to participate, I will ask some myself


Telegram from DARK ARCADIA to VALISK :
I am pleased to hear of your acceptance of the document. I have announced the creation of the council/alliance to the world press. Sadly my inquiries as to whether or not Foperstan or Azralius - close allies - cannot be completed at this point. Both nation leaders are currently to busy to be disturbed. With some luck, however, Foperstan will be able to distribute the idea of the GSC to the rest of it's region, the Imperial Continent Vector. I am rather sure they will be interested in it. I will get back to you about the matter.

Signed,
Fransisco Meguro
His Najesty of Dark Arcadia


Posted by: DARK ARCADIA [here] :
The Empire of Dark Arcadia would like to announce the creation of the alliance that is the General Science Council.

It's purpose is to advance the scientific knowledge in all members nations at a swifter rate than this normally would insue. Member nations are required to aid each other in research - and are paid with the resulting knowledge and aid themselves.

Currently, the entirety of the GSC consists of the Dark Arcadian Empire (4 nations) and the nation of Valisk.

This announcement should not be considered advertisment. If a nation wishes to join the GSC, we will not stop them - but currently, the GSC needs no further applicants.

Signed,
Fransisco Meguro
His Najesty of Dark Arcadia