ANI- Avaerilon News International

[Avaerilon]

SLUan Cinemas Call on Multiversal Pictures to Defy Keronia Regime and Hackers

A loose coalition of SLUan cinemas, governments, private citizens, free speech groups and others have called on the film studio Multiversal Pictures to defy the threats of both the Keronian government and a mysterious hacking group and beign screenings of the hotly-anticipated film 'The Candidate.'

The film, which involves a plot "ridiculing the Keronian Government and the actions of the ruling 'Communist' Party of Keron," pokes fun at the dictatorial figure of the Keronian regime, Kin Ki-lad, which has in turn upset the despotic regime of the authoritarian and secretive Stalinist state. The government of Keronia has issued a series of condemnations, vague threats and other such remarks against the countries of the SLU in the past, which is nothing new to the foreign ministries of the region, but this time the words have coincided with attacks made on not only the computer servers of the film studio, but also of a number of SLUan governments.


A hacking group known as 'The Guardians of Keron' are alleged to have hacked into the secure computer systems of Multiversal Pictures, leaked footage, and made unpleasant threats towards SLUan civilians

The government of Kanoria, which has supported free screenings of the film in its territory, has informed the world of its communications being under attack from hackers, although it is unclear as of today who is responsible. The Magnificent Kingdom has confirmed it has been subject to attacks that have failed due to ramped-up security measures, with some internet security experts suggesting "white-hat counter-hacking by the government [of Avaerilon]" also playing a part in the measures.

The likely culprits are considered to be 'the Guardians of Keron,' who claim to not only be responsible for the initial hacking, but also to have connections to various unnamed armed terror groups that operate within the SLU. The region has been swift in condemning such words, condemning the Keronian government, and promoting values of free speech.


Cádoilin Wins Social Democrat Leadership Vote

Sinéad Cádoilin has secured leadership over the Social Democrat party in Avaerilon, narrowly beating her main rival Alrys Rhedanīon in a poll that comes just over 2 years since the last leadership contest.

Sdss. Cádoilin, a former charity worker and co-ordinator, secured more than 46% of the total vote, beating long-time MP and party spokesman Ēfr. Rhedanīon who drew 39% of the ballots. Svss. Elwen Drenlys scored a modest 10%, with the remainder abstaining. Congratulations have poured-in from the other major political parties of the Magnificent Kingdom, with Prime Minister head of the Liberals Dr. Gladstyn "wishing her the very best of luck and most sincere congratulations in a well-run and positive campaign." Alrys Rhedanīon paid tribute to his rival, praising her "enthusiasm, diligence and determination, and consistent positive words that served to highlight a positive candidate." Ēfr. Rhedanīon has stated that he feels "the party is now in good hands."


Sinéad Cádoilin is faced with a tough challenge ahead of her, but says she "remains confident" about her party's future

Sdss. Cádoilin spoke in Dynedin today to thank her supporters, and to reaffirm her goals and vision for the party, which at this point "does not sit in a happy place in Avaerilonian politics."

"We have sadly let the affection of the population slip through our fingers," she said, addressing party members. "Where we once had loyalty and support we alienated, and where we did not but had favourable relations we offended. The party, the 4th of the 4 major parties, now stands to lose seats in the Commons in the upcoming summer elections. If we are to stem the bleeding, let alone cleanse the wound and prosper, we must take swift and decisive action."

The Liberals are expected to increase their impressive majority in the upcoming vote, with the Centrists placed to come second, and both the Conservatives and Social Democrats to lose seats. The latter party has come under fire for "champagne socialist ideals" and "Dunaemair-centric policies."

Foreign Potentate Offends Entire Embassy; Goes on to Offend Embassy Again with Botched Apology

The oft-ridiculed President of Phaespalma had created yet another image problem for his nation, after serving an entire roast swan to the staff of the Avaerilonian embassy at a diplomatic banquet.

Mr. Barmudi made a toast before the main course during the dinner which had gone well, praising efforts to make his country and Avaerilon closer and thanking the embassy staff of Avaerilon's presence in Phaespalma for a previous gathering earlier this month. He then went on the proclaim "against the so-called advice of one of my chefs, I picked the centre-piece of the feast myself, and I know y'all will enjoy it."

The pale-faced waiting staff trudged in with a large dish, which when opened revealed an entire roast swan. As our Avaerilonian readers will know, certain animals are considered sacred in Avaerilonian culture, the swan being one of them. Some of the senior staff quietly stood up, stony-faced, and left the banquet, with mutterings of displeasure from others. A confused President Barmudi was informed by an aide of the situation, to which he is believed to have replied "I thought all those Avies were crazy about royalty, and this here swan is the goddamn king of birds! Come on, it tastes just like duck!"


President Barmudi makes another gaffe

The next day, the President went himself to the embassy to apologise for the "misunderstanding and miscommun... miscomm... thing," and "make things right with our dear friends in Avaerilon."

His exact words are not known after this point, but it ended with one of the magically-inclined embassy staff vanishing in a cloud of purple smoke, a groaning noise of angry water, and the fountain in the centre of the town shattering into a thousand pieces, flooding the centre for a brief while.

The government of Phaespama has stated "it cannot take responsibly for everything one man does... even if he is the president."

President Barmudi is known to make gaffes on regular occasions, including calling the president of France a "great big ol' snailly," and asking if the Prime Minister of Japan "had ever helped a guy commit sepuku."

[Avaerilon]

2nd SLU City of Culture Competition Underway; Anc-Myrloch to Host Bids

The 2nd SLUan City of Culture competition is now underway, with three nominated cities already listed and more expected to follow.

The competition, created under the initiative of the Ministry of Domestic Affairs, began in-earnest last year, with the Avaerilonian city of Anc-Myrloch, the capital of Fereldan, taking the title and hosting this current competition as a result. Currently, the cities of Senmeri, Chameliya; Bremen, Westerheim, and Leopolderhügel (Kai Manu) in Mons Garle have received nominations from authorities in said nations, while more nominations are expected to follow.


The Ministry of Domestic Affairs first organised the competition last year. It will now become a regular fixture of the region.

While there is no direct financial reward from the event, the winning city is expected to receive a significant increase in income from tourism and business thanks to the award and the higher profile, along with increased interest and cultural awareness. So far, the city council of Anc-Myrloch reports a 9.2% increase in tourism over the last few months alone, with a predicted 3 billion Aub increase in revenue as a result.

Having won the bid last time around, the regional capital of Ancqyrm is playing host to the competition, with delegations from fellow SLUan nations arriving in the city with their nominations and to place their formal bid presentations, along with observing nations and a large journalistic presence.


Professor of International Politics at Caradon College, the Royal University of Minas Avalon, Emrys Dolothwel, spoke to ANI about the importance of the competition and its implications regionwide. 


"You're first of all advertising your nation, not simply one city, by making a bid. Even if your candidate city fails to win, people, especially tourists and business people, will have their interest piqued. In fact, some will prefer a city which doesn't win, anticipating in the victor city a little too much foot traffic and the like. Regardless, one cannot 'lose' per se in this competition. Not only that, but it brings together citizens of various SLUan nations together, who will surely not fail to realise the similarities that bring us together and the differences which make us unique and interesting."


Anc-Myrloch, which won the 1st City of Culture award, is currently hosting this ongoing bid, after which the torch will be handed on to the winner

Nominations can continue to be made over the next few days, before a two week long bidding process takes place, before finally the voting. It is possible for a tie to take place in certain circumstances, although a clear winner is expected.

Election Poll Latest: Conservative Support Sinks to Lowest Level Since the 1960s

The latest poll of the electorate, conducted last week by the Vivec Electoral Research Foundation, has revealed to the dismay of many Conservatives that tr party may well come last in the upcoming elections this summer.

The party currently holds 11% of the seats in the Commons, ahead of the 9% held by the Social Democrats. However, this poll has concluded, following the submission of data from over 100,000 citizens, that the party will have its presence halved, losing ground mostly to the Centrists, who can expect to gain further seats in the Commons.

Last governing at a federal level (albeit in coalition with the Centrists) from 1975-80, in the second half of a period of severe economic turmoil, the Conservatives' fortunes have not fared well over the last 5 years, losing their nearly unshakable grasp on the devolved parliament of Morrowind, and suffering significant losses in both Fereldan and Arnalor. Many moderate Tory voters have absconded to the Centrists, while the more republican-inclined minority has seen significant defection to the Social Democrats. Traditionalist voters have also been lost to the Resdayn National Party in Morrowind, which advocates for Morrowish independence.


This recent poll confirmed Liberal hopes of increasing their majority by 3%, while consigning the Conservatives to fourth place, getting the same approximate share of the vote as the two minor Commons parties and others

Speaking to journalists outside the party headquarters in Tear, party spokesperson for Internal Affairs Drelera Sevnameri spoke of her acute "disappointment" at the results.

"We, as a party, really need to wake up. To the electorate, we're not fresh in the slightest, and sensible people are being lost to other parties because we have failed to adapt and change since just before joining the SLU. If we are to survive as a party and return to the once lofty position we held in Avaerilonian politics, we have to adjust. Voters are not interested anymore in morality like they once were, nor are they keen on the privatisiations we have advocated so strongly. What the potential Conservative Avaerilonian desires is simple and ought to be coming across more easily in party policy: tax cuts for the middle-earners, business growth, sensible social policies and less interference, from our older stance, in people's everyday lives."

"Currently, we only communicate like an old firebrand with no vigour left, about as relevant in the eyes of our would-be voters as an extremist bloc."


The current positions of the federally-represented parties in Avaerilon; the radically civil-libertarian Liberals are set to further increase their considerable majority

Sevnameri was rebuffed by the Tory MP for South Nibenay, Marfolo Adrelathon, who stated it was "pointless modernisation and second-guessing" that was to blame for Tory fortunes.

"Anyone in their right mind knows that we need to keep putting the old-fashioned values of our party out there; that's what people are familiar with and want to hear, especially when, as we all know, this current economic bubble bursts and the Liberals aren't able to tax and spend their way out of it as usual."

The results for other parties were generally well-received by them; the Liberals have stated their "absolute pleasure" in continued predictions of increasing their impressive majority, and the Centrists "are proud of continuing to communicate effectively with people everywhere" shown in their increased share. While the Social Democrats are a percent down from their current levels, it has been suggested by the party that this is the "beginning of a turn-around thanks to a fresh new leader and new direction."

The RNP could well see a rise in votes, as could independent candidate groups. The PPD, the democratic socialist party which advocates eventual independent for Dunaemair, is not set to gain any seats.


Woman Mistakes Hatstand for Husband; Goes on Holiday for a Month Before Realising Error

An elderly woman from Arnalor mistook her hatstand fro her husband, taking the item on a long holiday to the tropical country of Calopagoss and spending time with said item before realising her mistake, it has emerged.

The unnamed woman from Gondolin, Arnalor, is understood to be short of sight, and believed the tall, slender, dark object to be her husband. She did give ANI an interview, but asked not to be named.

"Oh dearie me, pet, well there I was, see, in the living room, having a cup of tea from the pot, when the phone rang and my husband went off to answer. Anyway, sometime after he'd gone to potter around in the kitchen before we was off to go, see, and without telling me, so there I go thinking the damn thing next to the phone is my husband. Of course, I'm used to having to drag him about when we're going off, on account of his bad foot and all, so I didn't think it odd at all. Plus, he's usually very quiet."


The hatstand in-question traveled thousands of miles from Avaerilon to Calopagoss, and spent several weeks in the sun

"I knew something was up about the third week, when I ordered a drink at the bar of the hotel, pet, and he said nothing. Nothing! I mean, I must not have been paying a great deal of attention to miss all the silence before- what with me being a right chatterbox and a trifle deaf and all, pet, see, but then I knew, because my husband never goes to the bar with me 'out ordering something, see!"

The husband in-question told reporters he saw his wife leaving with the hatstand. When asked why he took no action, he simply replied: "I thought the old bag had finally lost it, aye. So I had meself a nice few weeks all to me and mine. Not bad, really; it does get tiring constantly hearing about knitting and the cat."

[Avaerilon]

Bremen Wins 2nd City of Culture Title

The title of 2nd SLU City of Culture has been awarded to the city of Bremen, Westerheim, after judges from the region decided the city was the "most obvious candidate."

Three cities competed in this highly-anticipated competition, with the cities of Senmeri, Chameliya, and Leopolderhügel/Kai Manu, Mons Garle also presenting "excellent and professional bids" to the region. The competition, begun last year, seeks to name and honour a city within the SLU deemed to be worthy of the title, with expected increases in tourism and trade for the named city, along with increased investment from government and other civil bodies. Anc-Myrloch, the 1st SLUan City of Culture, has seen a significant increase in tourists and business conducted, with the turnover this quarter expected to arrive at over 1 billion Aubs more than last year. 

Bremen's bid focused on improved transport and communications, regeneration and the city's rich cultural history, as well as comparing the city's unique mixture of the very old with the strikingly new. Billions of Euros worth of investment by municipal authorities over the next few years is expected, with improved access around the city for pedestrians and cyclists a key feature.


Westerheim's beautiful city of Bremen is the proud winner of the competition


The bid also touched-upon improving the environmental aspects and green credentials of the city, pledging full pedestrianisation of the city centre, bar public transport, redevelopment of city areas to be specifically "green," and continuing to improve long-distance travel options in an environmentally sound manner. 

ANI's cultural correspondent Mathryl Deledanys said "the city really made itself the talk of the region."

"You can just smell the restaurants, feel the atmosphere, even hear the place in your mind from the way they talked about it. Bremen is such a vibrant and interesting place- a real mix of the old and the new, and so very forward thinking and connected. It's quite a sharp contrast to Anc-Myrloch, our own winner the first time around, which as we know is all about the centuries- and millennia-old side of things and how its spirit has never changed. This time it was not quite the opposite, but definitely a different place altogether. You really want to experience this kind of a place, and I tell you I'll be getting the first flight I can; the museums, the venues, the concerts, even just walking around the streets is appealing to think about!" 

Secret Weapons or Tin Foil Hat Mumblings? Military Accused of Secret Tests by Blogger

The military of Avaerilon has been accused of conducting "secretive and sinister tests" of a new kind of military hardware, after notable blogger and anti-government online activist "agentsmith" posted an image of what he claimed to be a new form of "personal extermination unit."

agentsmith is a well-known critic of various governments around the world, including Avaerilon's, which in the past he has branded "decadent," "ultra-leftist" and "secretive." Although often dismissed by the media and many of his fellow bloggers, agentsmith averages 100,000 hits per day on his blog site, MatrixMusings.com/thetruthhurts. Many of his previous blogs on the Magnificent Kingdom have focused on the Crown and his distaste for "Illuminati-funded state welfare machines," but his most recent blog has caused something of a stir.

The bulk of the interest lies in the following paragraphs:

As we know, all militaries conduct secret research and tests, which they claim is to protect us but really is to blind us to the truth. Avaerilon's is no different, despite the alleged annual reports and so-called "transparency" that allow people to supposedly keep tabs on what's going on, haha. In the past, we've seen sonic weapons and anti-nuclear pulses being developed, which are touted by the corrupt and illegitimate media of this empire as being "forward-thinking" and "humane." But this is something else, and I want to share it with the world so you all know the truth, the hole [sic] truth and nothing butt [sic] the truth.

Through a source, I acquired the following photograph, which shows a pair of so-called "Mark III travel machines" moving along the ground. These are not harmless little transport vehicles, but sinister personal tanks designed to kill with ease. Apparently armoured in high-tech composites, these machines have guns which fire not bullets, but death rays. Yes, my friends, the Avaerilonians have taken Tesla's well-known death ray, made it small and mobile, and put it into personal tanks.

These tanks, or travel machines, are operated from within, apparently as if by man or elf, but knowing the depraved nature of royal regimes, I wouldn't hesitate to speculate they were developing some sort of mutant being to control it, maybe using the machine as a life-support system to give it some real incentive to kill anything it comes across.


The popular conspiracy theorist blogger agentsmith claims that these images show "secret military hardware being developed"

agentsmith continued to state that "[these] travel machines are designed to subdue and exterminate the civilian population in the case of a so-called "emergency."

The blogger was asked who his source was, but declined, accusing ANI of "government snooping" and "hating democratic journalism by asking such questions." It has been of considerable interest to know how an unnamed and seemingly amateur photographer was able to penetrate military security and remain undetected while taking these (rather poor) pictures.

The government has refuted the bloggers claims of developing "any kind of machine designed to kill our own population." However, they have not denied that they are currently testing or developing any kind of new weapon. 

Fellow bloggers have denounced the claims made by agentsmith as "bags of lies and neckbeard rubbish," and called on people "not to listen to some raving lunatic intent on sowing discontent over something that doesn't even exist. After all, this ain't science fiction." 

Man Hands Himself in to Police on "Charge of Murdering My Car"



A 52 year-old man from western Dunaemair has asked to be arrested, after telling police officers at his local police station that he had committed a murder. Officers fought to get into the interrogation room while forensics experts literally fell over themselves trying to investigate the scene of the supposed crime, having something to do at last. However, the hopes of the law enforcement officials of investigating the first such crime in decades were dashed when the man explained that he had "killed [his] own car."

The unidentified man, who police are shielding to save him from "acute embarrassment later on," reportedly told officers that the day had begun normally, when he was "overcome by the most murderous urges, and finally snapped."

In a statement made by a clearly chuffed police officer (chuffed at being able to make a statement, for once), the circumstances of the "car-related incident" were made clear to members of the public.

"At some time after 1340 last Wednesday, a male human in his fifties, from this area of the country, was driving in his motor vehicle when, according to the man in-question, he was overcome by violent urges." 


The car in question, "murdered" by its former owner

"We understand that the vehicle had just had its service, and had cost the man in excess of several hundred Aubs, when its heater stopped working and the engine dropped a cylinder."

"The man then calmly pulled-over, got out, and using a borrowed match from a passer-by, set fire to his car, which quickly became engulfed by flames. The fire brigade were quick in arriving, and eventually put the fire out, which was easily contained, without harming any members of the public, fire brigade, watch, or the man himself."

"While initial inquiries pointed-towards the sudden hatred stemming from the failure of the heater and engine being the cause of the incident, the watch has concluded that, after listening to a popular radio show about classic cars, the man realised the car he drove, namely a Morris Marine, was utterly rubbish and made him nothing short of a fool for driving one, and therefore sought to make amends by destroying it."

"He then entered a state of nervousness and shock, which led him to confess his actions at the local police station. He has since been given a brandy and a friendly watchman to chat to. As no crime has really been committed here, the lads- er, I mean, His Majesty's Watch decided to press no charges whatsoever and assist the man in buying a better car."

[Avaerilon]

Keronian Regime Nuclear Capabilities "not to be taken too seriously," Minister of Defence Assures Nation

The Minister of Defence has reassured citizens of Avaerilon that any potential nuclear threat from Keronia is unlikely to be of major concern to the country. Brigadier Robert Cambel was a senior officer in the Royal Avaerilonian Army prior to taking up an interest in politics and joining the Liberals, and has a strong background in military matters of the kind, and stated that he believes any nuclear threat posed by the ultra-autocratic and secretive regime of Keronia "would not be able to harm a single Avaerilonian citizen" at a press conference given today in Dynedin.

The regime, never a fan of the democratic nations that would later comprise the Social Liberal Union, has intensified anti-SLU rhetoric and cooled relations greatly with the region under the son of the previous leader, the young Kin Ki-Lad. Believed to be intent on making his allegedly ailing autocratic Stalinist state more prominent and taken more seriously, Mr. Ki-Lad has branded the SLU "traitorous capitalist swine" and "imperialist bourgeois agitators, incapable [of staying away] from meddling in the affairs of others."


Keronian leader Kin Ki-Lad, as depicted on a propaganda poster,has intensified his anti-SLU rhetoric in recent weeks

Recent military drills, an increase in parades and an apparent increase in manpower and vehicles might be seen as the small nation flexing its muscles on the world stage, but some have identified these actions as being aimed at the SLU, possibly in the hope of gaining concessions from the region such as trade and aid for the poverty-ridden dictatorship, which has suffered three alleged famines in the last twenty years.

Some concern has been shown with regards to the potential nuclear capabilities of Keronia, which has several fission power plants capable of manufacturing elements such as plutonium and tritium, required for hydrogen bombs. It has also been alleged that the state has access to modern ICBMs, which could well target prominent nations in the region.

However, the Minister of Defence assured the nation, and potentially the region, that the nuclear capabilities of the state "did not extend to threatening the fair citizens of the region with death and destruction."


Brigadier Robert Cambel discussed various aspects of the situation, including "world-beating" defence systems Avaerilon has in-place against such attacks

"From what we know of the state, less than 10 nuclear warheads are at their disposal. None of these warheads is believed to be especially large or powerful with regards to the nuclear arsenal some states have at their disposal. Then there is the matter of trajectory and targeting, which appears underdeveloped with regards to Keronia."

He also assured Avaerilonian citizens of defence mechanisms put in-place to secure the nuclear-free country of Avaerilon from nuclear strikes.

"We have... mechanisms capable of disrupting shorter-range missiles and causing them to vaporise outside of the atmosphere, items designed to send missiles off-course into unpopulated areas of sea and sand. And then there is the V-Force, equipped with plasma-based EMPs which, as anyone will tell you, can knock-out all the firing mechanisms of nuclear missiles to stop them from ever being fired. Such warplanes could be in Keronia within minutes of any warning, and even if they were late a critical strike could render the warheads inert."

Reception from citizens appears largely positive, with many in-attendance saying they felt measures were sufficiently in-place to protect the nation. However, the regional opinion was a little more sceptical, with others saying that while a country like Avaerilon may well be defended, Keronia still has the potential to wreak havoc on other nations, and a nuclear strike was not the only possibility of attack with regards to the SLU.

e-Athand Anti-Malware Due for Public Release Soon

The much-anticipated free anti-malware software being developed by the five leading anti-viral software-producing companies in the country will be released publicly before the end of the month, with potentially 10 million people downloading the product within the first week of its release.

e-Athand ('e-shield') was announced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who coordinated an agreement between AvTech, Cyrodos, Paeryl, Elar Arglan and CDT to develop the software in light of the recent hacking attempts made by groups beleived to be affiliated with the Keronian regime and the PCA. e-Athand will be made available for download regionwide free of charge for private users, with companies able to buy a commercial version. The anti-malware is specifically designed to resist complex hacking techniques and prevent the kind of attacks made on even the most secure government and financial institutions' server and databases, which saw millions stolen.


The software has seen a limited beta release across the region, with leading computer experts among the first to be given a test-drive

A spokesperson for AvTech told ANI "progress was well-underway" and that the project "would be completed before the end of the first week of the new month, ideally before then."

A beta release has already been made, with just over 1,000 copies of the program made available to a select group of computer experts, anti-malware developers, white-hat hackers, security experts and computer magazines across the region, with a review from a prominent PC magazine group that publishes regionwide expected before the end of the week.

ANI understands that e-Athand will be available in over 50 languages, run on the most basic systems and integrate will all major existing anti-viral software. Around Ā3 billion has been spent developing the software, nearly NS$ 5 billion.

6th House Party Will Run in Upcoming Elections, Insists "we're not joking"

A party based-on the ideals of the legendary villain and sorcerer Dagoth Ur and the 6th House of Morrowind will be running in the federal elections this Blondwern (June), but insists it is "not a joke party or something."

The New Sixth House Party for Future, based-in Ald Velothi, northern Vardenfell, has attracted a great deal of interest in not just Morrowind but the other Home Isles, not least for using the famed golden mask of Dagoth Ur himself as their symbol. Their platform is said to be "one of traditional values and Morrowish independence," not unlike the RNP, but unlike said party "we'll be going a lot further, and doing the good Lord Voryn's work."


The vile sharmat, defeated centuries ago, still provokes strong feelings among many Dunmer and others in Morrowind

The party attracted further controversy when they announced that "the Nerevarine, or the so-called king, will be invited to be the right-hand man of our lord when he arises from the ash of Red Mountain, and pay tribute to the great sorcerer himself."

Dagoth Ur was once the bosom friend of Indoril Nerevar, who led the Chimer (the ancestors of the Dunmer) to victory against the ancient Dwemer and their foreign mercenaries, but became corrupted due to the terrible power of the Heart of the god Lorkhan. He gained great powers and became a twisted villain, and tried to take over the land of Morrowind during the imperial rule of Cyrodiil, being defeated by the Neravarine, an ancestor of HM the King.

It is unclear how the terrible sharmat would be resurrected, having supposedly been encased in lava and the Heart destroyed. The party was also criticised for approving of slavery, disapproving of contraception, and having an obsession with meat, alongside zero economic policy and "no credibility whatsoever."

A rally in Balmora failed and the Watch were called-in to break-up the meeting after "a little too much shein and sujamma was consumed."

[Avaerilon]

Parliament of the SLU Special

SLUan Parliament's Move to Avaerilon Completed as Election Date Draws Near

The Parliament of the SLU has confirmed that the moving of the parliament to the Magnificent Kingdom is now finished, as the date of the upcoming parliament election in May draws ever closer. Previously housed elsewhere in the region, calls for a new location were made by a vast number of member states, citing reasons from transport to practicality. A lengthy review of paperwork confirmed the uneconomic location of the parliament beforehand, and suggested that the region look for a new location in another state.

Last year, His Majesty's government through the Avaerilonian delegation to the SLU offered the city of Lyndainium as a choice location, a move which was accepted by the SLUan Parliament and confirmed again this year. Maricawt Aenelon, a former gallery, museum and later housing government archives and foreign diplomats, was chosen as the building to house the parliament, given its central location, transport links and sheer size and provision of "appropriate venues." The palace was constructed in the early 1700s and boasts some of the finest Fereldonian architecture of the period.

Maricawt Aenelon (Ainland Palace) will be the new site of the Parliament of the SLU

Speaking to journalists today outside the palace, Minister of Foreign Affairs Iago Penderyn said the move "was a demonstration of supreme confidence" in the country by other member states.

"The fact that we have been entrusted with providing the site and amenities of the parliament speaks volumes of how much trust there is in our nation. Suffice it to say this is one of the greatest honours ever bestowed upon our nation, and that we will do our utmost to return that trust and prove ourselves worthy of the region."

Prime Minister Dr. Gladstyn echoed his pleasure at the move, telling ANI "it was also a vote of confidence for this government, ultimately being a vote of confidence in the Alliance of Liberals to ensure Avaerilon has a worthy place on the world stage, and manages it sensibly."

International recognition has been largely positive. Former Minister of Agriculture in Northern Inertia, Ian Kolt, told ANI: "Given that absolutely no-one outside the peculiar fringe of the Democrats has expressed any interest in hosting the parliament here, I think it's only natural for us to welcome the choice of Avaerilon. Personally I would be most honoured to serve in a parliament based there, especially as [Avaerilon] is such an old and respected member state, and clearly can provide the required facilities - and do so in a sustainable manner, I might add.

Support from Rhygwd and Mannin was also voiced by representatives from their respective governments. There has been some concern expressed from smaller nations in the region over the SLUan Parliament being located in a country such as Avaerilon, such as some of the Chámelíyálí parties. A number of SLUan-sceptic parties have also opposed the move, partly due to the Magnificent Kingdom's influence and the very pro-SLU stance the country has taken. However, apprehension may change as the Parliament begins to meet proper in Lyndainium, which is expected to begin shortly.


A question over transport has been raised, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assuring foreign concerns of ease-of-access in terms of getting to Lyndainium. The famous supersonic airliner, Eldrethys, has been suggested by the government as the most convenient way for representatives and staff to travel to the Magnificent Kingdom. The aeroplane, developed in the 1960s and later overhauled in the early 2000s, is one of the fastest commercial airliners in the world, flying nearly 4 times the speed of sound at maximum speed, without emitting harmful gasses thanks to its hydrogen fuel. Other methods known to be favoured are airships and sea vessels. Most of the incoming persons are expected to be housed at the cost of the region in Lyndainium itself, within 15 minutes of the palace.

The famous Eldrethys aircraft, whose name means 'swan,' will likely fly the majority of persons working for the Parliament of the SLU into Avaerilon

The elections are scheduled to take place regionwide on the 1st of May, with the results being officially announced regionwide the following day. It is expected that the parties will then take their seats. The various parties of the region have already formed bloc groups, with the United Leftist Front of the SLU, the SLU Congress of Socialists and Democrats, the SLUan Alliance of National Parties, the SLUan Green Federation, the SLUan Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, the SLUan Federation for Reform, the SLUan League of Conservatives, the Party for Freedom and Independence and then a grouping of non-inscrits announced.

As of the present day, paperwork and finalising voting preparations are being made in the building itself. Voting will be conducted as per the discretion of member states, with seats assigned to nations based on their population. Avaerilon is expected to have 86 seats, the second highest number after Anaaxes.

[Avaerilon]

Parliament of the SLU Election Results Appearing- Socialists and Liberals with Strong Results

With several nations' results in at the time of writing, ANI can report that the Socialist and Liberal blocs are both on-course to do well. Around 107 seats so far have been assigned to the SLU Congress of Socialists and Democrats, with the Liberal SALAD group on 95. These numbers will almost certainly increase later on today as the results of more nations are published.

500 seats are being contested in the regional election, with 8 party blocs and one non-inscrit group hoping for representation. Over half the seats available have been filled, meaning eyes will be fixed on those last few results from various nations. So far, the Magnificent Kingdom, Ceni, Anaaxes, Westerheim and Northern Inertia have announced their election results. Regional turnout appears to be high, and a wide variety of parties have gained representation, including hardline Communist and SLU-sceptic groups.


Political analyst Lisa Cusick believes one of the two blocs could lead a coalition, or enter into one together

But what does this mean for regional governance? ANI talked to respected political analyst and expert of SLUan politics Lisa Cusick.

"Well, over half the seats are in, and we've seen the two blocs, the Congress of Socialists and SALAD, both get about 100 seats so far. It's possible, though not that likely, that one of them could get 250 or more and have a plurality in the Parliament of the SLU, but I doubt it."

"What's more likely is they'll both end up with just shy of 200, maybe about 160-180, possibly more. Then it's coalition talking time, and who is going to talk to who? Well, the Socialists' most natural partners would be the Greens, civic nationalists, and communists, while SALAD's going to be looking at the moderate conservatives and Greens most likely. However, it's definitely a possibility that the two of them could talk and decide to form a coalition themselves; it would probably be strong enough to hold a majority, and I can definitely see them working together."

"In terms of diplomacy and national interests in coalitions, you're going to see smaller countries' representatives getting concessions from representatives from places like Anaaxes, Mons Garle, Westerheim and Avaerilon, in exchange for support in some of the larger regional bills and the suchlike. Bigger countries will likely be more focussed on regionwide legislation and its implications as a whole; smaller ones will look for the details."


Liberals Celebrate SLUan Election Result as Party Wins Nearly Half of the Avaerilonian Seats

The Royal Elections Council has officially counted and published the results of yesterday's election in Avaerilon for the country's 85 seats in the Parliament of the SLU, with the Liberals winning nearly 50% of the seats available. The results were announced this morning at the council chambers in Minas Avalon, with a jubilant response from the governing Alliance of Liberals. Prime Minister Dr. Gladstyn hailed it as "a vote of confidence for Liberalism and progress," and praised party members and activists for "their tireless hard work in ensuring freedom and fairness won this election."

41 seats will be allocated to members of the Alliance of Liberals, who will meet with other representatives from across the region in the Palace of Ainland in Lyndainium. The Parliament was moved to the Magnificent Kingdom after a lengthy review of paperwork and costs, with the final moving completed earlier last month.

The Centrists have also expressed their pleasure at the polls, with their party gaining 21 seats. Party President Tomos ap Dwelyn told ANI that "[we] are absolutely delighted by the result. This was a very prominent election indeed, and we put in so much effort and hard work. We've been rewarded with a significant number of seats- an influential number- and will be part of regionwide discussion and policy. Avaerilonian citizens can rest assured that measured and sensible actions will be fought for by us."


The Liberals dominated the Avaerilonian vote, with the Centrists doing respectably. RNP hopes for 5 seats or more have been squashed.

The results for the Tories and Social Democrats were somewhat disappointing for party members, by contrast. Tory hopes were to minimise losses and concentrate on using their traditional base in Morrowind and rural Lyndlōnil to boost their votes. However, the Tories saw their vote in traditionally Conservative areas of the country drop, with much of their softcore support likely going to Centrist voters, and others to the RNP. "We're bitterly disappointed, naturally," said party spokesman Reman Gilyas. "The Conservatives represent the moral heart and soul of Avaerilon, and our sensible approach to represent the country on the regional stage ought to have enchanted a lot more people."

Social Democrat MP Ema Cossadel also expressed her disappointment over their result of 8 seats. "Other social democratic and democratic socialist parties appear to have had a really good showing today, in the region. We had hoped our new, reinvigorated direction and our wonderful new leadership would have let voters know they can rely on us."

The RNP were "flummoxed" over their result of 2 seats. "Our goal was 5, maybe more; we are a practical party," local member Edri Marethi told reporters in Necrom. "Luck was not with us today; voters perhaps felt they had to vote for a larger party on the regional stage. If they had voted for us, we'd have had a more prominent voice."


Party President of the Liberals, Hwgō Gerānt, said "this result speaks volumes of what is to come later this year"

It is not just for SLUan concerns that this result is notable; analysts say that "it is quite indicative of certain aspects" of the upcoming General Election next month. Expert Maria del Modiverde spoke to ANI about "the clear trends that will be repeated, and those that will not."

"What we've seen is a general vote of confidence in the government, which is unsurprising given the state of affairs in Avaerilon, and a boost for the Centrists from softcore voters of both the Tories and the Social Democrats. These two things will likely play-out in the election; I imagine the Liberals will hold that majority and the Centrists cement themselves as the second party. Now, what we won't see is the very regional and local aspect of these elections. We must remember that people voted in terms of regions; what people in the various regions hope for and want to see, and what they think of in terms of the SLU. People will be thinking about the country as a whole in the General Election. So, the Tories will certainly do poorly, and probably be last in the election."

"Slow old people" to Blame for Rising Incidents of High Blood Pressure

A scientific journal has concluded that rising rates of blood pressure worldwide might have something to do with the population of elderly people, it has been reported. The respected LAWN institute published its annual report on critical issues facing the world, and has deemed elderly people to be the root cause of "issues pertaining to people's blood pressure going off the Fritz."

The report states that too many people under the age of 60 have experienced "being stuck behind a slow, old person in traffic, or traffic being caused by the same sort of elderly person, being behind them in a queue when they insist on paying by cheque or trying to use expired coupons, having to walk behind them on narrow streets when they won't get out of the way, or just encountering one on the stairs up or down, which as anyone knows is painfully annoying."



Leading scientists matched increased reports of "annoying old fogies and coffin-dodgers" to rising rates of blood pressure and random acts of sometimes violent madness and insanity. It concluded that the prevalence of elderly people in "busy social situations in relatively limited space" was "without doubt the cause."

Suggestions for a special tax on slow people or an Elderly Speed Inspection Force (ESIF) have been floated by governments in the wake of the report.

ANI sought a comment from the Dignified Aged Membership Committee Interaction Decision Society (DAMCIDS), but were prevented from doing so due to a "repeat of Regis" being on the television. Attempts to make further contact were responded with desperate e-mails about "turning this off" and requests to "get off the damn lawn!"

[Avaerilon]

Avaerilonian Election 2015 Latest- Tax Dominates Party Agendas

Tax appears to be the single biggest issue of the General Election so far, with each of the 4 main parties placing great importance on it amid increasing interest and questions from both the media and members of the general public. This morning, the Social Democrats launched their manifesto, with the first main section being on tax and tax reform. Last week, the Conservatives announced that they desired to make examining the current system of taxation one of their 3 main priorities should they be part of any federal government, while the Centrists said that it was one of the single biggest issues facing people, and therefore one of the most important things for parties to detail. The Liberals dedicated five pages in their manifesto, released earlier this month, on tax and future plans by the incumbent party on the tax system.

So far, the PPnD and RNP have not given their respective positions on tax.

The Magnificent Kingdom has one of the most comprehensive and arguably complex tax systems in the world, operating mostly on a progressive income tax and various other forms of tax to supply the government with the financial support it needs to provide public services. Current debate seems to be focussed on whether taxes should be cut or raised, or maintained at current levels. Some have pledged to take taxes off certain things, while others have suggested new ones, as well as general reform being discussed by many.


Avaerilon has a comprehensive and complex tax system, which requires "only the most careful of handling"

So far, ANI understands the following party positions. The Liberals have stated that the income tax threshold, currently at Ā13,000, would be raised to Ā14,000, meaning that tax would not be paid by people on their income should they be earning less. They also plan to increase the tax on large financial transactions by businesses or people dealing with businesses, from 0.05% to 0.062%. Debate has also been promised on whether canned, jarred and otherwise non-fresh fruits and vegetables should be free of VAT. The Conservatives, meanwhile, have suggested the threshold ought to be lowered on income tax, though no solid figure has been given, while they would repeal the tax on financial transactions. Books written by foreign authors and/or published and bound by non-Avaerilonian groups would also no longer be VAT free. The Social Democrats have confirmed raising income tax rates on higher earners, with those earning more than Ā150,000 to be charged at 50%, adding VAT to all alcohol (currently domestically-produced alcohol is not subject to VAT) and adding an additional tax to persons with three or more registered private vehicles. Meanwhile the Centrists have proposed tax breaks for taxpayers who give 3% or more of their income to charity every year, raising the tax on meat (but not fish) based on weight, and giving first-time taxpayers a break for their first three years of paying taxes.

Public interest is likely at an all-time high due to the calm with regards to the economy and general agreement on the political system (as in a lack of talk of reform) by the major parties. Moreover, the current government's novel policy enacted in 2011 to give citizens control of where one third of their taxes went has likely made more people more aware of how the system works and given them an appetite for voicing their opinions on it more openly and regularly. This policy was opposed by the Tories, but supported by the Centrists and Social Democrats.

SLU Coalition Talks "about to begin in-earnest"

ANI understands that talks between the various political bloc parties of the region will commence shortly, following an announcement from the Parliament that "...the framework is all in-place and we expect any talks of coalitions and government being about to begin in-earnest."

The elections concluded earlier this month, with the liberal SALAD group winning the most seats, 162, with the democratic socialist/social democrat Congress gaining 135. Significant numbers of seats were also won by the moderate Federation for Reform and the Greens. Currently most pundits agree that a coalition between SALAD and the Congress is the most likely option, as it would give a regional government with a clear majority (297 seats, 47 more than the minimum) and public favour would be significant. However, it has also been stated that SALAD could forgo this and form a deal with the Reform bloc and the Greens, while the Congress could try courting the Greens alongside support from the far-left ULF and from the civic nationalist SLUANP group, though this would be a minority government unless they also tried to get the Reformists on-board.


The division of seats per party bloc in the Parliament of the SLU. Shown left-to-right; the ULF, the SLU Congress of Socialist and Democrats, SLUANP, Greens, SALAD, Federation for Reform, League of Conservatives, PFI, non-Inscrits

Our SLU Editor Maraden Corradel had this to say on likely deals.

"The fact is, the fewer parties the better will be the point of view of the respective leaderships of the two biggest blocs. It means they'll not only have more prominent positions in the government and more overall control, but that they'll have to make fewer and less far-reaching compromises. The idea of the Congress going on an all-out rainbow coalition to snub the Liberals is a little far-fetched, seeing as we know Dabhais mac Donald to be a pragmatic and practical man, and one that has a good rapport with the Centrists and the Liberals in Avaerilon. The former have the bloc leader in-play with Findalas Leristel, and the latter are the single biggest individual party in the entire parliament, so that's already made their work easier there."

"However, both the Greens and the Reformists will be keen to capitalise on their rather good electoral performance, so expect to see them trying to court the two biggest groups with some vigour. As most, if not all SLUan citizens, are used to elections and compromise, it won't be unnattractive to them to have two, three, maybe four parties in a government."


Ainland Palace, Lyndainium, is the seat of the Parliament

The first sitting of the new Parliament is hoped to being at the end of this month, with the envrionment, regional security and trade on the agenda as main points of interest. How far nation interests will be represented over regional ones is as yet unknown, though many have expressed their hope that this Parliament will be more about the region as a whole than individual countries.

Man's Mixtape Deemed "too hot for anyone to handle" after Computer Melts

An unidentified man's mixtape has been deemed "dangerously good" by the authorities and declared by musicians and experts alike to be "too hot for anyone to handle," after it melted a computer and caused concern throughout the country.

The man, believed to be between 20 and 35 years of age, and from southern Morrowind, wished to remain "as anonymous as possible for fear of sparking deadly jealousy and being asked to be a radio DJ, which I'd hate."

The fire brigade was called to the property of a friend when it emerged that the computer the disc had been loaded into and being used to play the CD had begun to melt from the inside and caught fire. Damage to the property was "absolutely minimal," according to attending fire crews, and only the computer itself, along with the disc, appears to have been destroyed.


The aftermath of the computer the as-yet unnamed man's disc was loaded onto and played on

A spokesman for the fire brigade told journalists that "the creator of the mix realised what an incredibly awesome selection of music he'd made, and desired to share it with his friends. He placed the CD, which he had encoded on an ordinary computer, into the open disc tray, closed the tra,y and proceeded to play it with an ordinary media player software. Around 15 minutes into the mix, the computer began to smoke and the sound became greatly distorted. It was then that the men realised they had an emergency on their hands."

Frantic discussion is underway as to just what songs were selected for the disc. The man is understood to "have that very selection etched into his mind," and has promised "not to create a mix for any reason so frivolous again." The government, along with numerous radio stations, band managers and musicians, are believed to be seeking the actual mix used for their own purposes.

It is not clear why the government is seeking the mix, but it has been suggested that they could use it in diplomatic circumstances to compel other countries to accept their demands.

[Avaerilon]

SLUan Delegatory Elections to Commence Shortly- Anaaxes and Ceni to Compete for Votes

Elections for the position of regional Delegate will commence shortly, with two candidates named in the race. The nation which holds the office is essentially the head of the region, and serves as a crucial member of the regional government. The incumbent state of Anaaxes is confirmed to be seeking a third and final term in the role, while a challenger has emerged in the respected nation of Ceni.

Around a week of formal campaigning is set-aside for candidate nations to convince the legislatures of SLUan members to support them, with governments submitting votes to the regional elections commission. So far, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ceni has not issued a campaign platform, though readers can expect to see one presented by the Cenian authorities before long. The Federal Republic of Anaaxes has completed a platform, which includes plans to expand and improve recruitment, and to develop relationships with allied regions more fruitfully.


Serenno, Anaaxes, is the current location of the Office of the Delegate

ANI's SLUan Affairs Correspondent Maradoc ap Delnys had this to say on the elections.

"Anaaxes has a rather good record; no big upsets, increasing member states, legislation clearing the floor, and generally the Federal Republic seems to get on well with others. We've seen, for instance, the Magnificent Kingdom signing various treaties and agreements not that long ago with Anaaxes, and the same story is present around the region."

"On the other hand, Ceni is also a very well-respected nation, with a good track record first and foremost from holding the Office of the Speaker in the past. They're also well-known and well-liked in international circles, and they've got a healthy internationalist outlook which might really chime well with governments."

"At the end of the day, it may simply be down to governments deciding whether they'd like continuance or something different."

LARA Jets Scrambled Over Keronian Bomber Sighting

Lenredd Aer Regnerol Avaerilon (LARA), the Royal Air Force of Avaerilon, has confirmed that 5 Cedrelys jets were scrambled yesterday over a security concern involving a Keronian bomber aircraft passing close to Avaerilonian airspace. LARA made a statement this morning, detailing the incident which took place less than 25 miles from the Royal Overseas Territory of Pan-Goi-Nang, not far from the regime of Keron.

Wing Commander Galdor Eredil spoke of "a security alert" that the air force responded to "as urgently as it needed to."

"At 1103 hours yesterday, our defence systems in place around the city and area of Pan-Goi-Nang detected an unidentified aircraft moving at some speed towards the airspace of this territory. We attempted to make contact at that time, but no to avail after 20 seconds, so following established procedure we scrambled 5 Cedrelys VTOl aircraft to located said incoming aeroplane, discover the intentions of its crew and respond accordingly."

"I can confirm that, as per standard practice, all five aircraft were armed."


Cedrelys VTOL fighters stationed at Pan-Goi-Nang "responded to a secuirty alert and escorted a foreign aeroplane away firmly"

A Keronian UIG-6 bomber plane was identified approaching Avaerilonian airspace close to the city and the surrounding area of Avaerilon's second-smallest constituent country. Contact was then established by the lead fighter, and the bomber then turned around, escorted well-into international airspace by the LARA jets. ANI understands no weapons were fired or warnings of that particular nature were made. It is further understood that the pilot of the offending craft "was perfectly cooperative, if not precisely straightforward."

The Keronian regime is alleged to be behind numerous cyber-attacks on SLUan governments and businesses, a situation which may be linked to Multiversal Pictures' The Candidate, which detailed a plot to assassinate Kin Ki-Lad, the potentate of the autocratic and secretive state. The state has threatened member of the SLU, and claims to be ready for war.

Security analysts have suggested this recent encounter was "a likely test, buzzing a SLUan state's airspace to see what the reaction would be."


Proposal to Ban Mangoes Fails Spectacularly; Avaerilonians Celebrate by Eating More of Them

A private member's bill proposed in the Commons, which sought to outlaw the sale and growing of mangoes for commercial purposes and consumption, has been defeated in the House with 699 members voting against it, the single biggest defeat in Avaerilonian political history.

The legislation was proposed by Conservative MP Nylwyen Dremnavini, who has previously expressed her "utter contempt and disgust for such a vile fruit." The bill, which was submitted for voting by members last week, was ten pages long, and detailed various reasons the ban the fruit. However, MPs from all parties and viewpoints rallied to sink the legislation, with many calling it "embarrassing" and others "an utter waste of time."

Speaking to ANI confidentially, one MP told us his views on the bill.

"It's simply shocking that someone was game to waste the time of Honourable Members, and indeed the time of Avaerilonians everywhere, by writing this piece of ridiculous legislation and trying to get it through Parliament. Everyone likes mangoes, why would you want to ban them? I suppose it's testament to our democracy that she was able to make her point of view heard and that she was given a chance to send it into parliament, but I find it strange the Speaker didn't dismiss it as untenable. Maybe the Speaker wanted a laugh."


The much-liked fruit could have been the victim of legislation

Mangoes were first introduced to Avaerilon in the early 1400s from afar, and have remained one of the most popular fruits in the country. Over a billion are consumed each year, most of them grown in Morrowind, the Estorles and Woldeisa, with others imported from elsewhere. Reports across the country of people buying large quantities of the fruit and then eating them to celebrate the defeat of the bill are abound. The Conservative party has not said whether it will be considering Dremnavini's future as a result of her "unfortunate lack of judgement."

[Avaerilon]

AVAERILONIAN FEDERAL ELECTION 2015 SPECIAL

Government "Confident" of Victory while Conservatives may be Considering New Leader

The incumbent Liberals have stated that they are “very confident of a splendid victory” in this week’s election, with the latest batch of polls suggesting the party will poll around 57% of the popular vote. The news came as a leaked memo from the embattled Conservative party suggests prominent members may be moving to call for a new leader, the party looking at gaining less than 10% under current leader Marethi Dren.

Currently the incumbent government has 55% of the seats in the Commons, the kind of majority not seen since the early 1990s. Economic stability and growth, membership of the SLU, tax reforms and improvements in health and education are likely reasons for the Liberal’s anticipated success. The Social Democrats have been somewhat inhibited by instability and infighting over the last five years, but may perform well under new leader Sinéad Cádoilin, whose conciliatory tone and presence have allayed fears from some that the party would descend into “unhelpful radicalism” as it did in the 1970s and 80s. Meanwhile, the Centrists are looking to capitalise on gains from the Tories, with a catch-all set of policies that appear to be appealing to moderate floating voters who may have otherwise voted Tory.

For the Conservatives, a performance of 6% is not unlikely, and would be the lowest score for the party since 1955. Nearly half the party’s current support appears to have dissipated in the wake of losing Morrowind to a coalition of the Centrists and Liberals and proposals to cut taxes for the wealthy. Svss. Dren has been accused by more liberal-minded party members of “failing to modernise the party” and “not being able to use the SLU as an opportunity for voicing sensible government.” Although the party performed better than expected in the recent SLUan Parliament elections, much of the credit went to other members, such as the popular Sir Caradoc Cwrīō.


ANI’s poll of polls suggests the Liberals and Centrists will have plenty to be pleased about, the Tories much less so.

The memo leaked to the media appeared early this morning, understood to have been sent from the Conservative’s HQ in Tear by a “fairly important MP,” according to the Cronicyl newspaper which received the memo. The brief note reads: “Numbers looking bad for her [Dren]. Talk from the backbenchers. Both sides [the more liberal and conservative groupings] unhappy, so we ought to look at someone else. She’s had a run, let’s be honest.”

It is not known who wrote the memo, but someone involved in communications is likely the writer. Speculation on the internet is abound, with renegade former director of communications Selas Abnabivi a favourite among some bloggers as the source, while controversial traditionalist Sorsha Tenethon has also been suggested as the leak. The Cronicyl has stated that the source of the leak “will remain in our confidence and therefore not have his or her identity made known to those outside of the immediate point of contact unless they wish.”


The memo in-question, provided by Y Cronicyl newspaper

Svss. Dren was elected to the party following their defeat in the 2010 Morrowindian Parliament elections, which saw the party lose its historic hold over the devolved parliament, with the Centrists acting as the senior partner in a coalition with the Liberals. She had pledged to “restore trust and dignity” to a party whose relevance was questioned increasingly following Avaerilon’s admission into the Social Liberal Union. While performance in the latest SLUan Parliamentary vote was reasonable, Dren was accused of not being as active or as passionate as she should have been in campaigning. She has also been accused of focussing too much on Tory strongholds rather than on attempting to make the party more attractive outside of its traditional core territories.

Who's Offering What- An At-a-Glance Guide to the Main Parties and their Manifestos



The Liberals
• Raising the income tax threshold, increasing the tax on large financial transactions
• Train more doctors and nurses to specialise in the treatment of mental illness, aim to increase the healthcare budget over the next five years
• Spend more on schools in less well-off areas, mandate that all secondary schools should have special provisions for academically-talented pupils
• Maintain current troop levels, increase the pay of ordinary service personnel, make more troops available for peacekeeping duties
• Grant small-scale first time businesses interest free loans and encourage the export of electronic items, create a consumer watchdog with significant powers to investigate businesses and recommend them for prosecution in certain cases, expand trade with SLUan nations
• Aim to spend the equivalent of at least 10% of the education budget on international development, promote a regional security alliance, press-on with a free travel area in the SLU and for an educational exchange programme, assist more nations in decommissioning weapon stockpiles
• Protect the rights of all citizens to use the internet without monitoring (including by private companies) or censorship except in circumstances where the law is being broken, and promote this around the world, take a leading role in international environmental legislations and talks

The Centrists
• Tax breaks for charitable taxpayers and for first-time taxpayers
• Build more individual rooms in hospitals in major cities, give medical staff who please their patients bonuses
• Build more special needs schools and allow regional governments more freedom to choose certain elements of their taught curriculum
• Reduce the number of service personnel sent on foreign duties, only train with allied nations, increase number of troops available in developing nations for mine-clearing etc
• Outlaw loans that do not come from financial institutions, increase restrictions on advertising aimed at children, ban the sale of fast food that fails to meet certain nutritional standards
• Increase provisions for asylum seekers and refugees, make it easier to attain citizenship for skilled individuals
• Create a special body to investigate issues and improve as many aspects of the lives of children as possible, seek to eliminate deaths from easily-preventable illnesses in Avaerilon and around the region

The Social Democrats
• Raise income tax on high earners, implement tax on persons with more than 3 private vehicles
• Aim to spend more on healthcare, extend the amount and provision of free prescriptions
• Limit the amount of private schools that may be opened in regions, require wealthy students to pay for university tuition and board
• Cut troop numbers, reduce size of the V-Force, slowly cease work on any large-scale defence research
• Give local areas with below-average economies grants, limit the amount of chain-stores that may be present, ban pop-up advertising on the internet, ban trade of any kind with nations that do not have reasonable levels of rights and freedoms
• Work with NGOs on coordinating development programmes, offer more assistance to expats
• Use the current budget surplus to eliminate poverty in Avaerilon, use the emergency fund to help the poorest nations

The Conservatives
• Lower income tax threshold, scrap tax on large financial transactions
• Allow private companies to take-on non-essential contracts held by the national health service in under-pressure hospitals, allow pharmacies to sell holistic remedies for non-serious health issues
• Supply grants to private and state schools to widen their library services, allow universities to charge foreign students more
• Work more closely with trusted allies on defence programmes, allow the export of all arms to any non-blacklisted nation
• Give SLUan businesses favourable rates to set-up shop in Avaerilon, promote the export of more general goods and services, reduce direct government involvement in the economy
• Only assist nations with poor records in times of severe nation emergencies and natural disasters, make more aid for trade deals with medium-developed nations
• Impose limits on the amount of immigration and require more from candidates for citizenship, add certain new limits on the powers of the Crown

The RNP
• Eliminate the tax any religious or spiritual institutions pay, increase taxes on non-Avaerilonian businesses, cut VAT to 5%
• Allow patients to have holistic treatments for all illnesses alongside conventional ones, encourage charities to build more hospices, charge transgender patients for basic cosmetic surgery
• Allow charities, religious institutions and groups of parents to set-up free schools with their own curriculum that must be approved by a regional authority, give grants to students studying medicine, make Dunmeri the principle language of instruction in all schools in Morrowind
• Remove the V-Force from Morrowind, reduce the number of bases in Morrowind, reduce direct cooperation with foreign nations on military matters
• Provide businesses setting-up in less well-off areas grants and loans to keep prices low, ban the sale of spirits in shops to the under-21s, raise levies on fresh food sold in shops that comes from outside of their region
• Hold a referendum on membership of the WA, provide more services to refugees and asylum seekers with no criminal record
• Hold a referendum on membership of the SLU, impose stricter immigration laws, hold a referendum in 5 years’ time on Morrowindian independence

The PPnD
• Increase the amount of tax paid by persons who own second homes outside of their own region, raise the inheritance tax on persons whose estate is worth more than Ā1 million
• Ban private hospitals from treating patients for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, bolster health spending with half the defence budget
• Make Godeleic the principle language of instruction in all schools in Dunaemair, put more Dunaemairan texts on school reading lists, build more government-run crèches
• Reduce the amount of air bases in Dunaemair, cease working on a regional security alliance
• Penalise companies that make claims which can easily be construed incorrectly by consumers, make it illegal to raise the price of milk without consulting farmers
• Make it easier for skilled immigrants to enter provided they live and work in less dense areas of the country, abstain from voting on security council matters
• Aim to hold a referendum on the status of Dunaemair in Avaerilon within 20 years’ time

Avaerilonian Politics Since 1900

One of the most interesting features of the Magnificent Kingdom is how varied the political landscape has been over the last 115 years. Many outside observers with a basic understanding of the country find it bizarre that proportional representation can result in single-party governments, and that the population can change its voting habits very quickly indeed on a national level, but refuse to do so on a more regional one. ANI hopes to help these readers understand just how the politics of the country have worked and changed since 1900, and offer an insight into the unique and unusual nature that is Avaerilonian politics.

At the beginning of the 20th Century, Avaerilon was emerging from very much a two-party system. The Liberals and the Conservatives had been the only parties ever to hold government until that time, and no other party had ever gotten above 10% of the vote. The country also used the alternative votes system (AV) for its elections, which disadvantaged smaller parties slightly. However, in early 1900, the governing Liberals decided it would be desirable to change the voting system, and held a referendum on it, with proportional representation through the single transferrable vote (STV) being an option. This was the most popular choice, and in-time for that year’s general election, the first PR-based vote was conducted. Of course, it didn’t surprise anyone that the Liberals won; having governed since 1875, Avaerilon had emerged as a very prosperous nation and as a major regional power under them, and many people rewarded the party accordingly. However, it saw something new, in the minor Centrist party gaining a respectable 10% of the vote, and therefore of the seats, too. It was clear that very moderate Conservatives no longer felt obliged to vote for that party, and that a new middle-ground was opening-up in Avaerilon. Nobody could dismiss the idea of other parties being significant in Avaerilonian politics now.

The new Social Democrats also saw their fortunes begin to improve; at first an ardent and radical socialist party with a commitment to republicanism and anti-magic policies, their embarrassing performance in the 1910 election had seen a totally new executive elected and the party become a truly social democratic force, dropping the more radical ideals and becoming much less authoritarian. Picking-up the votes from unskilled workers, less well-off citizens, certain left-wing intellectuals and those who disliked either the ardent royalism of the Liberals or the squirearchy advocated by numerous Tories, the party began to perform well indeed, getting above 10% in 1915 and breaking through past 20% in 1920.

Even before 1920, it was clear Avaerilon would be a genuine multi-party state, with the Liberals joining in-coalition with the moderate Centrists to prevent a minority Tory government in 1915. It proved a coalition could work, and so committed non-Conservatives who had been loyal Liberal voters until then began to question their loyalty. It also saw voting habits become far more diverse in many places across Avaerilon. Although places like Avalon remained staunchly Liberal (and it has done to this day, as has nearly all of Central Fereldan) and Tear very much a Conservative stronghold, other regions, especially in overseas territories, saw other parties make considerable gains. Avaerilon now essentially had the same political landscape we have today; the board was laid-down, only the pieces needed playing.


The votes, and therefore seats, that the different parties have gained from 1900 onwards. Avaerilonian habits give experts much pause for thought and are considered to be very interesting

But why is this chart so unusual? Why do parties go from mediocrity and obscurity to suddenly governing? It’s probably worth explaining that only 20-25% of voters are members of a party. This would account for a baseline vote of about 5% for each main party nowadays. That leaves around 80% who aren’t tied to one party as such, ‘’floating voters.’ It’s these people that the parties compete for when it’s election time, hoping to really appeal to as many of them as possible and win them over. But one must also consider what might be happening outside of politics itself to influence the people.

Well, how a party handles the economy seems to be a major issue, but it differs each time. When the Liberals came to power alongside the Centrists in 1950, the economy had been stable for over 5 years, but when they won the 1980 election the economy had been in a bad state for over 10 years. Likewise, the Tories won the most votes in 1925 when the economy was booming, and came to power in 1935 when it was in ruins. They also lost power when they’d help to stabilise it in 1940. It is therefore wise to read the social situation into matters. In the Liberal win of 1950, there was a veritable boom of well-educated and young professionals that had begun recently, partly spurred by the economy improving and by government policy. This intelligentsia were deliberately the focus of the Liberal campaign, and thus felt best represented by them; the party leader was young, so were many of the frontbench team. In their win of 1980, the country had, for the first time in its history, been split along social lines during a terrible period for the economy, creating a toxic and unstable atmosphere. With radical factions influential in the Tory and Social Democrat parties, a party not tainted in the same way looked appealing, especially with a charismatic leader. They also had totally new economic ideas and social ones, too; they were fresh. The Liberals also promised to end the terrible Laonamean War, which had cost thousands of service personnel and civilians their lives, in a situation which had not been helped by infighting and intrigue in the Tory and Social Democrat parties.


Garadin Odinoga was an incredibly popular leader. It’s not certain that his party would have won in 1980, 1985 and 1990 without him.

It also seems previous elections have had an effect on the population’s habits. When the Liberal leader and popular Prime Minister Garadin Odinoga stepped-down in 1993, the population seemed to have been reminded of then the popular Liberal Prime Minister Senātsa left in 1967, just two years before an economic meltdown. Accordingly, the Liberals came last in 1995, as the economy had started slowing-down.

Then, the different approaches of parties at different times appeal to voters. In the 2000s, the Social Democrats secured the most votes, perhaps due to their population-pleasing platform of greater social and medical care, inclusiveness and “accessible government.” The Centrists won significant votes in the 1920s for directly appealing to the middle-ground with the promise of sensible spending and saving, future-planning and trying to leave as much of party politics as they could out of government matters. At different times, different things appeal to different people.
Each party has also a series of perceived strengths and weaknesses the population appears to judge them on in federal elections; everyone knows the Conservatives know how commerce works better than most, that the Centrists balance the books well, that the Social Democrats always protect the healthcare service and that the Liberals always put education first. Equally, the Tories often ignore local interests in areas they do not perform well in, the Centrists aren't necessarily as bold as they ought to be, the Social Democrats never seem to plan ahead properly and the Liberals have trouble adjusting in times of crisis.

However, all this aside, the Avaerilonian public is notorious for changing its mind about certain things, focussing on certain details and for being sticklers when it comes to demanding credible and qualified persons in-charge of certain affairs. Perhaps with their considerable powers and experience in referendums, votes and having their views communicated very directly into policy-making, Avaerilonians reward the party that appears to genuinely listen to them the best and engager with them the most. Those that fail in this fail to win many votes, and though small business owners will generally vote Centrist, accountants Tory, artists Liberal and nurses Social Democrat, if these people feel their traditional party doesn’t respect its grassroots enough, they will be sure to make themselves hear one way or another.

Our Pick of the Top 5 ‘Joke’ Parties

The New Sixth House Party for Future

Based in the little coastal town of Ald-Velothi in northern Vvardenfell, Morrowind, this party has attracted swathes of interest- albeit mostly negative- from across the social and political spectrum in Avaerilon. Based-on the ideals of the Sharmat and hated warlock Dagoth Ur, a near-legendary historical antagonist whose hatred for non-Dunmer is widely-known, this party claims to be a “more modern” version of the “original ideals of Lord Voryn Dagoth before certain events transpired.” The party has not confirmed what these events are, but has published a platform which is clearly more conservative than even the RNP. On the agenda is Morrowindian independence, naturally, but also enforced consumption of meat, banning all religions save the worship of various Sixth House figures, a tax on foreigners, and the mandatory wearing of loincloths for men and living in caves on certain occiaisons. The capital will also be moved from Mournhold to the ruined fortress of Kogoruhn. The party has stated that, while the “non-Dunmer and alien imperial monarchy will fall in Morrowind,” they would invite HMRM the King to stand by “the side of Dagoth Ur.” What this means exactly is uncertain.



Expected Performance: As many votes as a scrib has legs

The Plant Party

Proposing full equality for plants with other beings, this party opposes veganism, lawn trimming and selective breeding of plants. ‘Led’ by a small rubber plant named Ffred, the party was founded as a botanist political movement by horticulturalists, plant enthusiasts and a small clique of recently-released mental institution attendees last year. Curiously the party has pledged to give all under-15s a daily ration of free asparagus, as Ffred is said to detest that particular vegetable.

Expected Performance: Not a full crop

The Apathy Movement

This party stands for one thing: apathy. And even then it’s not exactly keen. “Any member who displays to much of a keenness to take part in events will be reprimanded for failing to adhere to… I’ll do this later, sod it,” reads the party’s website. Dedicated to promoting the voices of apathetic citizens, and for being as non-political as a party can be, many people are confused as to why this group even exists.

Expected Performance: Don’t know, don’t care

The Devout Admirers of the Great and Noble Majestic Superstar Kin Ki-Lad Alliance

“Extra extra! News now levealed [sic] that in oppressed state of Avaerilon there will be a super new party force dedicated to glorious and mega Kin Ki-Lad!” So proclaimed the opening message of this party on a popular Avaerilonian social network. A more professional approach followed, with glossy pictures of the famed dictator of Keron, Kin Ki-Lad, a series of “inspirational quotes,” and a rather impressively-sized manifesto. From this manifesto, ANI understands the party wants Avaerilon run like the state of Keron, with a “total abolishment of the monarchy” and “the institution of family work camps to keep people happy and productive.” The manifesto pledges to bring democracy to the country and bulldoze Minas Tirith, replacing the citadel with a giant statue of the Keronian potentate. Requests as to how they might achieve some of their aims within the bounds of the constitution were met with silence. An FAQ suggested “those unable to comprehend the magnificence of the situation” might do well to watch a video of the Keronian leader skateboarding and performing some incredible half-pipe manoeuvres. It has been noted that the man on the board is much taller and thinner than Mr. Ki-Lad, and appears to be a Dunmer judging from the blue-grey hue of his skin. The website called this “a problem with inferior SLUan coding on videos.”

Expected Performance: You must be joking

The Standing at the Back Dressed Stupid and Acting Stupidly Party

This party’s beliefs can be summed-up in this one photograph.



Expected Performance: Numerically challenging

[Avaerilon]

ELECTION 2015 RESULTS SPECIAL

Liberals Victorious, Centrists and Social Democrats Enjoy Gains and Tories have their Worst Result in History Resulting in Leader's Resignation

The Alliance of Liberals have secured their expected victory in the 2015 federal election, gaining 58% of the nationwide vote and 406 of the seats in the House of Commons. The vote was conducted last week, and the final results announced domestically on Monday. The Centrists and Social Democrats were both successful in increasing their share of the vote, with 161 and 91 seats allotted respectively. The Conservative presence has been massively reduced to just 28 seats. The nationalist RNP and PPnD parties managed to increase their seat levels to 8 from 6 and 4 from 1 respectively. 2 seats went to Independent candidates, represented by the Independent Option.


The seats assigned to each of the parties. Grey seats indicated positions taken by Independent candidates

The placings of the parties was expected, though the level of the Tory defeat was not, nor was the surprise gains for the RNP and PPnD anticipated. Conservative leader Marethi Dren, visibly aghast at the result, has tendered her resignation from the role of leader of the Conservatives. The former leader gave a speech at Conservative HQ in Tear, Morrowind, where she spoke to journalists gathered there.

"As you will now be aware, the result [for the] Conservatives was much below expectations. Even our most pessimistic voices maintained hopes of a 6% score, yet we are below that. In fact, we suffered our worst defeat in history. Our presence has been reduced from a respectable figure to just 28 hard-working men and women."

"Effective immediately, I hereby resign from the post as Leader of the Conservative party in Avaerilon. My deputy will take over the running of the party in the interim, until a suitable candidate is elected in a leadership contest, scheduled to take place as early as deemed fit. I want to offer members of the party who will not be sitting in the Commons my humblest and most profound apologies, and to party members who have supported us over this election period for failing to see your ideals and efforts reflected and rewarded. I would like to thank my colleagues for having worked so hard and wish my successor the very best of luck."

Pollsters and analysts have said the Tory defeat lies in perceived divisions in the party and a failure seen by the public to reconcile rival factions. Meanwhile, they said the opposite was true of the gains seen in the Social Democrat party, whose relatively new leader Sinéad Cádoilin is rightfully being credited for managing to stabilise the party and give a message of unity. Earlier this year, the party was predicted to lose votes and seats, but managed to defy these predictions and gained 4%. Speaking from her home in Dunaemair, Sdss. Cádoilin spoke to supporters via webcam.

"You've worked so hard these last few months, and I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. We were told back when the contest for our leader was over that we would face embarrassment in this election. Our infighting, negativity and failure to adjust were going to be seized-upon by vultures and the party dented. Yet we healed ourselves, came out fighting, and won the votes of decent people this day. Thank you for helping to make this possible."


Dr. Gladstyn will continue a second term as Prime Minister of Avaerilon

Meanwhile, the Liberals have been understandably jubilant, with this crushing win following their success in the elections for the Parliament of the SLU, which saw the party gain the biggest single chunk of the vote in the country. Incumbent Prime Minister Dr. Gwilym Gladstyn spoke outside Parliament in Lyndainium on Monday morning to a huge crowd of onlookers, party members and journalists, thanking volunteers and members for their "hard work, dedication and belief in championing liberalism."

"On this day, the belief in greater freedoms, accountability, fairness and open-mindedness won. The world needs a strong liberal voice, and Avaerilon has given it a mighty chorus of that."

Some international responses have come through. King Ectyr of Rhygwd spoke with Dr. Gladstyn via telephone to congratulate him, while King Lyesandr of Mannin dispatched a congratulatory telegram. A positive response from SLUan nations is also expected, with Adhyaksh Álok Ráí of Chameliya having endorsed the Liberals prior to the election in a surprise move. It is understood that Avaerilonian expats sided with the Liberals and Social Democrats equally in an ANI poll.

Gladstyn Announces New Cabinet

Dr. Gladstyn has announced his new Cabinet, the executive branch of the government, with several prominent new members elevated to ministerial positions.

The 25-member body is the highest authority of the government outside of the Crown and Patrician, and is responsible for introducing a considerable quantity of leading legislation and plans-out much of governmental policy. Nearly all federal matters are overseen by the Cabinet, including foreign policy and healthcare. 4 members of the previous Cabinet have left following retirement from front-bench politics, with 11 new ministers announced. Members of the party voted earlier this year to confirm candidates for the various ministerial roles.


The three most prominent new cabinet members, from left-to-right: Marc Laong, Hwgō Gerānt, Nelepha Eredon

The Prime Minister, who presented this at a press-conference this morning, made note that just under half the members were under 40, "ensuring that the youth of today, that voice of tomorrow, is properly assured of representation in government." The Cabinet includes popular Laonamean politician Marc Laong, who has been anointed as Minister of Transport. The Minister is known for his tough stance on misleading passengers and late services, and has pledged to ensure that at least 90% of trains arrive on the dot each day. He has also stated that he will introduce legislation to provide late commuters with special protection to ensure they are not unfairly punished by employers for being late in circumstances "outside of their control."

The well-regarded party president Hwgō Gerānt has been placed in-charge of Arts and Culture, while former teacher Nelepha Eredon will head education- a key ministry that takes nearly a third of the nation budget to spend. Dr. Gladstyn rebuffed criticism from some that Sdss. Eredon is "too young and inexperienced for such a job," citing her work as a teacher and in the party executive for 10 years. He also called such remarks "ageist" and assured the public that "everyone is experienced and full of vigour- the latter is as important at times as the former, and has been lacking in some areas for some time."


Archchancellor Wmba returns to the head the treasury for a second time

Both Iago Penderyn and Eldrys Wmba return to their incumbent roles, and have both expressed their pleasure at doing so. Ēfr. Wmba has shown considerable commitment to the 1980s' policy of placing extra surplus funds in the Governmental Emergency Access Fund, which has been used only twice since it was established in 1981, and now is estimated to contain trillions of Aubs for emergency use only. The Archchancellor has also worked closely with his colleagues to encourage young and underprivileged aspiring business-owners to set-up shop and begin trading, and has recently suggested extending this action abroad to countries where the young struggle to play a role in the economy.

Ēfd. Penderyn will continue his prominent tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs, a role that saw him lead the delegation which accepted the invitation to join the SLU, dispatch Avaerilonian troops abroad in a number of recent conflicts and spearhead the initiative which saw Avaerilon win the role of regional delegate previously.

The full cabinet is listed thus:

Prime Minister- Dr. Gwilym Gladstyn, MP (Male, Human, Fereldic)
Deputy Prime Minister- Maren Sandus, MP (Female, Elven, Dunmeri)
Archchancellor of the Treasury- Eldrys Wmba, MP (Male, Human, Woldesian)
Minister of Internal Affairs- Amerie Torineth, MP (Female, Half-Elven, Sylvano-Fereldic)
Minister of Foreign Affairs- Iago Penderyn, MP (Male, Human, Fereldic)
Minister of Immigration- Súsaí Nállins, MP (Female, Human, Godeleic)
Minister of International Aid and Development - Sevas Faravel, MP (Male, Elven, Dunmeri)
Minister of Public Health- Dr. Seobhána McConn, MP (Female, Human, Godeleic)
Minister of Transport- Marc Laong, MP (Male, Human, Laonamean)
Minister of Defence- Brigadier Robert Cambel, MP (Male, Human, Godeleic)
Minister of Education- Nelepha Eredon, MP (Female, Elven, Sylvan)
Minister of Universities and Colleges- Professor Hadvar Adolsson, MP (Male, Human, Skaal)
Minister of Public Welfare- Fingon Deredel, MP (Male, Elven, Sylvan)
Minister of Justice- Lord Magnys Arodel (Male, Elven, Sylvan)
Minister of Agriculture- Gwenaffēr Surille, MP (Female, Human, Fereldic)
Minister of Resources- Nathala Dranethi, MP (Female, Elven, Dunmeri)
Minister of the Environment- Astrid Vlondharn, MP (Female, Human, Skaal)
Minister of Public Utilities- Dr.Gwindor Leristel, MP (Male, Elven, Sylvan)
Minister of Arts and Culture- Hwgō Gerānt, MP (Male, Human, Fereldic)
Minister of Scientific Affairs- Dr. Marie Hautaunel, MP (Female, Elven, Sylvan)
Minister of Arcane Affairs- His Arcane Excellency Baladas Demnavini, MP (Male, Elven, Dunmeri)
Minister of Trade and Commerce- Dr. Rashiti Madrasal-Hudisbutha, MP (Female, Human, Majmehran)
Minister of Oversight and Review- Lord Aldos Rethan (Male, Elven, Dunmeri)
Minister of the Home Kingdoms- Deras ap Goldon, MP (Male, Human, Woldesio-Fereldic)
Minister of the Overseas Kingdoms- Li So Moalin, MP (Female, Human, Panoi)

One Man, One Vote Party Leader goes Ballistic After Garnering 2 Votes

The leader of the One Man, One Vote Party, which pledged to establish "a completely unitary and singular nation" has been reprimanded in custody after going on a mad, stampy rampage through his town, knocking over litter bins and denting postboxes, after it was revealed he managed to attain 2 votes in the election.

Veredos Delwyen of Cincaross, Lyndlonil, had previously mentioned to friends at his local tavern that he desired to garner "just the one perfect vote" to complete his theory that "the best things come as ones, and ones alone." However, after results were announced nationwide and made public, he noticed that he had in fact received two votes.

The gentleman is understood to have then torn off his clothes, wrung his hair and ran rampant throughout the town, before being doused with orange juice and knocked flat with a baking-tray by an off-duty policeman.


Veredos Delwyen, seen here in his promotional video, explains the need for one person to do everything

Ēfr. Delwyen has not since spoken to the media, but family and friends have informed ANI that "he just couldn't take the idea of a two being in there will of those ones. A zero would have been ok, but not two. Apparently he used to have nightmares about him."

In a campaign video, Ēfr. Delwyen pledged to put the entire nation under his control "and mine alone," and then promised to do everything, from defence to local sanitation. Quite how he would be in millions of places at once was never explained. He said in the video that "he just wanted to give everyone a day off."

A spokeswoman for the Royal Watch has stated that the gentleman has now been released from police custody and been offered treatment to ensure "he does not slip into that singular unity again."

[Avaerilon]

Mysterious Aircraft Detected Within SLU Airspace- Multiple Governments Investigating Sightings

A series of sightings and detections of unknown aircraft have occurred around the region, with some instances of airspace violations reported in recent days. On the 8th of July, a fisherman in the east of the region reported seeing a "large, flashing light" in the early hours of the morning, before seeing an aircraft he did not recognise dipping low and flying towards land, before turning back. Since then, over 21 reports of such aircraft have been made, with 18 of them being confirmed as "unknown" aeroplanes.

Currently, there is no definitive or official claim from any member state as to where the aircraft may have come from. As of this morning, the Ministry of Internal Affairs told journalists that an investigation was "ongoing" and that "His Most Royal Majesty's government would aim to have a definitive, official stance within the next few days." Spokesman Relas Drimyn spoke to journalists from around the region at a meeting in Lyndainum, echoing not just Avaerilonian views but also those of the region as a whole.

"We are all clearly very concerned at these sightings and reports of aircraft that do not correspond to commercial, private or military aeroplanes of the various nations of the SLU. In light of this, as well as reports of an aircraft attempting what appeared to be buzzing of the border of Avaerilonian airspace, His Majesty's Government has decided to make an official investigation on this matter. We will be working with our fellow SLUan governments and militaries in determining from where these aircraft came and what their intentions might be. If at the very least we can reassure our populations and do our best to affirm their safety, then we shall endeavour to do that."


The defining image of the mystery, a photograph taken by an Avaerilonian wildlife photographer 2 days ago in international waters. This is so far the clearest image of the unknown aircraft. It has been speculated that it is a stealth bomber of other such aeroplane, given the shape and potential size.

While no government has stated definitively where they believe the origin of the craft to be, media sources are rife with speculation that the aeroplanes came from Rossia. The authoritarian country is known for its increasingly tense relationship with the region, in-particular the disagreements and incidents that have occurred under the premiership of current president, Scarimir Villainovsky, whom The Daily Shout newspaper named as the force behind the actions.

ANI sources in Rossia have said that it is "quite possible indeed" that the aircraft are Rossian, as military build-ups are said to have occurred in recent weeks prior to these events. Sightings of craft departing Rossia have also been made, although it is currently unknown as to whether these correspond to those sighted in the SLU. Regardless, at present, there is no other nation that is as likely to have a reason for testing the SLU as much as Rossia.

Referendums Approach on Avaerilonian Status- Luxembourg-Belgium and Montevittora Prepare for Historic Votes

Citizens and officials in the Grand Duchies of Montevittora and Luxembourg-Belgium are preparing for referendums on their status as constituent nations of Avaerilon, with their respective votes now one year and two years away, respectively.

Montevittora and Luxembourg-Belgium voted to join Avaerilon in 2012 and 2013 respectively, following centuries of historic ties, shared cultural heritage and increasingly close co-operation. As part of the agreement to become constituent nations within Avaerilon, it was agreed that 5 years after first joining a referendum would be held in each nation to either affirm that status or signal that the intentions of citizens was to leave instead. Both referendums will not strictly be legally binding, but the Royal Court issued warrants stating that it would be advisable for both the federal government and the respective local governments to adhere to the outcome, whatever it is.


The referendum in Luxembourg-Belgium is due in 2018. Current polls suggest around 55% of residents intend to vote to remain with Avaerilon, 45% intending to leave.

Neither nation failed to see a degree of controversy with regards to merging into Avaerilon. Luxembourg-Belgium stood as an independent nation for several centuries, with its own unique and rich cultural history, and had resisted, either through force or diplomacy, having to join as part of other nations before. However, the move with Avaerilon was markedly different. The two nations had been in talks about association agreements for decades, with a loose pact hammered-out in the 1960s, essentially allowing a degree of free trade and movement between the two countries. However, in the months prior to the joining, the nation was gripped by a lack of a formal government, economic woes and environmental issues. The government in Luxembourg-Belgium felt that it was in the nation’s interests to become part of a larger union, and that Avaerilon was the most obvious choice. A referendum held resulted in nearly 70% of those who voted in-favour of becoming a constituent kingdom of Avaerilon.

Marquess of Arlon, and former Crown Prince, Henri ven d'Azais, spoke very favourably of the integration of Luxembourg-Belgium at the devolved parliament this morning.
“We are Luxembourg-Belgium- we are our own people, with our own destiny- and that destiny is as part of Avaerilon. We are free to see our own way forward, but with the support and assurance of our brothers, sisters and cousins in the rest of the Magnificent Kingdom. By remaining part of this great kingdom, our status as a valid nation is assured.”

Meanwhile, former deputy prime minister of the nation spoke at a rally for supporters of a leave vote.
“We must take back control of our future. It is time to show that we can once again stand on our own two feet, that the sovereign nation state is superior to a federalised union.”


Meanwhile, in the same year, Montevittora is due to go to the polls. Over 65% of those polled intend to remain a constituent of Avaerilon.

The story is a little different in Montevittora, which has shared monarchs and a language with Avaerilon.
“For us, we have always felt very close to Avaerilon. Ethnically, we are Fereldic, which for some makes the closeness more keen, but culturally we just have so much in common, going-back thousands of years,” said Vittoran Minister of Culture Elauda Larystyl.

This is perhaps reflected in the higher figures of support for remaining in Avaerilon in the Grand Duchy. Regardless, the government seems confident that both countries will remain part of the Magnificent Kingdom, although contingency plans have been drawn-up, ANI understands, in the event of either or both grand duchies voting to leave.

Pokemon: Go!- Crown Stamp of Approval Amid Surge in the Socially Awkward Going Out and Meeting People

The Crown of Avaerilon has issued an official seal of approval to the newly-released Pokemon Go! game, as the game is downloaded and played by millions of eager fans in Avaerilon following its release. The game, which has been hotly-anticipated, was released in Avaerilon early yesterday morning, with over half a million downloads reported within the first hour.


From HMRM MyFace account, this image was shared. It has since accrued over 5 million thumbs up. His Majesty is known to be a fan of the original Pokemon games.

Nintendo was also pleased to announce that the King Himself was a player, after His Majesty shared a screenshot of his first catch. However, the best effect of the game seems to have been increased sightings of the socially awkward out-and-about.

Derys Drelmaris, 25, a software developer, told ANI this was the first time he spent out of his parents’ home for 3 years. “It’s amazing out here. The air is so thick, so fresh, and there are genuinely birds singing in the trees- I thought they just put that in cartoons for a bit of fun, really. I’d forgotten that it was nice outside.”

Selra Varinithil, 30, webshop owner, spoke about her experiences making contact with other people. “I really wanted a Charmander to complete my collection, and I knew it was around the park somewhere, but I couldn’t get so much as a whif of it. I saw someone clench their fist in triumph, and I figured they had got one, so I sucked up a lot of courage, went over, and said ‘hi.’”

“He was really nice and told me it was just through the trees to the left, and sure enough, there it was! I even returned the favour and let him know the best place to catch bug pokemon. After that he gave me his phone number- am I blushing? I’m not. No I’m not…”

Critics of the game say it is getting tiring hearing of people playing it; however, layers have retorted by saying the same of mainstream sports.

[Avaerilon]

'Operation Gravy-Bowl' Sees Over 100 Officials Arrested in Avaerilon; Further SLUPol-Related Operations in other Nations Yield Hundreds More

A Royal Watch operation as part of wider regional police action instigated by SLUPol in the wake of recent developments has resulted in 112 officials being arrested in Avaerilon, with more arrests expected in the coming weeks. Operation Gravy-Bowl is a watch operation investigating officials who have a proven connection to the corrupt Rossack Vonsecka firm, which was hit by scandal recently, and have been suspected of being involved in the business of Terrance Berstard, who has also been arrested.

Over 600 men and women have been held across the region so far as SLUPol and local police forces move to arrest those who are accused of misusing their official positions, corruption, instigating illegal financial transactions, receiving bribes and the suchlike. It has also been alleged that some of these persons have been courted by the Rossian government, and may have taken action beneficial to that administration at the expense of the SLU.

Terrance Berstard, once a prominent trade official and the head of SLUan operations in terms of interregional trade and investment, has been arrested by watch personnel in Avaerilon, and is currently being questioned. He is the alleged mastermind of this whole operation, and if convicted will likely serve life in prison. Links to corrupt Rossian oligarchs are said to have been proven, and Mr. Berstard is known to have taken an especial interest in Rossia over the last few years. This comes amid deteriorating relations with that nation, which will shortly undergo presidential elections.


Commander of the Royal Watch, Duke Sarmwyl Vyems, is personally presiding over Operation Gravy-Bowl. He has said that the casework will "likely last for several months."

The head of the Royal Watch, His Grace Duke Vyems, gave a statement in Anc-Myrloch this morning on the situation.

"I can confirm that His Most Royal Majesty's Royal Watch, on behalf of the citizens of the Magnificent Kingdom, has launched an inquiry and police operation of the highest level, named Operation Gravy-Bowl. The aim of this investigation is to ensure that any official based in Avaerilon that was involved in SLUan affairs, and Avaerilonian affairs, who has a clear link to the corruption and other crimes linked to the company Rossack Vonsecka, is detained, questioned and the region from the Avaerilonian side of matters safeguarded in terms of security and integrity."

"We in the Royal Watch are cooperating closely with partners in SLUPol and other police services in investigating this matter. While the vast majrotiy of arrests will occur over the next few days and weeks, it is likely that the official and formal casework will likely last for several months. No stone will be left un-turned, no link will remain un-investigated, no person, however powerful or influential, will be spared the review and fine-toothed comb that will be used in finding the complete and whole truth of the matter."

"It is with great pride that I am proud to take this case on myself as its operational head, and I promise the people of Avaerilon, and indeed the region, that I will not rest until I have done my job."

ANI understands that the Royal Watch has been given special assistance by intelligence services from Avaerilon. It is unknown whether direct cooperation with foreign intelligence services has occurred.

Government Plans to House Poorer Families on Former Industrial Sites "progressing above and beyond expectations."

A government plan enacted in 2010 to provide affordable housing to families using former brownfield sites is progressing well, according to figures from both official and independent sources, with nearly 32,000 people being re-homed since the scheme began. A manifesto pledge to provide additional affordable housing and redevelopment of some former industrial sites together took disused factories, restored them and turned them into flats to be provided to those in need of cheap housing. The plan also involved building new facilities around these project sites and landscaping to improve quality of life.

The average cost of renting a flat in one of these sites meets current maximum costs for state housing, while some sites are set-up with first-time buyers in-mind. It has proven to be popular with younger families especially, due to the proximity of local services and ease of commuting.

Several towns and cities in the country have held vacant industrial sites for many years, struggling to find a buyer or use. Under government plans, local authorities were able to buy disused sites, restore them and convert them into apartments for low-cost renting or buying. In some cases, more upscale, luxurious developments were made, and then sold to private firms at a profit, but over 170 sites remain in government hands for those on a budget.


An artist's rendering of a typical restored Avaerilonian factory. Over 200 sites have been restored to habitable conditions.

ANI spoke to a number of residents of these new developments. Adrys Ffenolden, 32, had been living in expensive private accommodation (housing associations being full in his area) until a local development such as in this scheme was completed. This single father of 3 says the new accommodation "is a blessing."

"For me, I couldn't find space in the local housing associations, as this town is just so popular at the moment. Could I move for work? No. I'd have to leave my job, which was just keeping us afloat, and looking for one elsewhere would take too long. I knew at some stage I might have to consider going for welfare, so I put my name on a list the council had for interest in something like this. It came along, and they offered me a place at about 1/3 of the cost of my old apartment."

"The kids love it- it's bright and airy, and they've got plenty of room. I also have my own space, and I can entertain friends. But it's cheap, simple, and perfectly decent. Did I have a few qualms about having to go onto welfare? Yes, quite a few! But the main thing was finding a place to live, and the council gave me one. We love it there- the neighbours are nice, we're friends, the kids have got playmates, they didn't need to move school. I'm saving up now for a Hogswatch holiday- the first we'll have had in a long time!"

The government plan was supported by members of the Social Democrat and Centrist parties, but opposed by the Tories. Costs are said to be on-target, although it might take some years for the government to make a good return on this innovative investment.

Man Mistakenly Orders Massive Burger; Eats It, Regrets It

A man from Dunaemair had an unfortunate encounter at a restaurant recently, that resulted in him consuming a food-challenge meal of over 4kg. The man in his 30s, who does not wish to be named, believed he had ordered the house classic; a typical quarter-pounder burger with chips.

However, this was not to be.

"I pointed at completely the wrong thing, and I hadn't read the description of 'The Massive' properly, either, so I just skimmed over something about "plenty of what you want. I missed the bit about 3kg of beef and a massive helping of chunky fries."


The burger in-question, estimated to weigh at least 4kg.

When the meal came, the man didn't want to send his mistakenly-placed order back, and so began eating it, while being timed by staff and watched by eager customers.

"It was a nightmare, I was so scared. I'm a food fanatic, whose held nearly every job in the restaurant business, so I knew what that was going to do to me. I'm not competitive eater- admittedly a guy with a serious appetite- but I'm not one for taking on food challenges."

The man managed to demolish the burger in under 40 minutes, earning the cost of the burger back and a spot on the wall of fame maintained by the restaurant.

"Of course, I felt sick all the way home, and finally succumbed. Then the next day, let's just say I spent a lot of time sitting down. Yep. Sitting down. In a room. With a sink."

"I'm now eating only salads when I go out. It's just too much for me now to see a burger. It may even have ruined me for them."

[Avaerilon]

Rossia-SLU Tensions: Monumental International Conference Proposed in Dermin amid Military Drills

Dermin, with support from a variety of SLU states, has proposed a high-level international conference in an effort to reduce the tensions building between Rossia and the SLU as a result of the recent weeks' events. Ezta has been nominated as the city in which the meeting will take place, with SLUan representation from Annaxes, Avaerilon, Grolsch, Lawattsia, Mons Garle and Normandy & Picardy expected, alongside Dermin. Rossia's foreign ministry announced they accepted the idea of the conference "in principle," but demanded the invitation of several pro-Rossian states and neutral parties as well. ANI understands that HMRM Government has protested the inclusion of some members, but agreed to the general idea.

Earlier this year, Rossian aircraft violated the airspace of several SLUan states, including Avaerilon. Rossia has accused the SLU of interfering with its internal affairs, while the government of President Scarimir Villainovsky has been accused of increasing authoritarianism, corruption and facilitating illegal financial dealings. A recent "coup" in Derma has been denounced as a smokescreen for the strongman president to extend his far-reaching powers, and widespread fraud was reported in the recent Presidential elections, which he won.

As a result, SLUan militaries are on high-alert, with the Ministry of Defence announcing that 24-hour patrols were now in-place across Avaerilonian air-borders, including overseas territories. Naturally many residents of coastal areas have complained about the noise from the Vulcans, Victors and Valiants, among others, but the government believes for now, this will keep Rossian craft wary of coming too close to Avaerilon.


Crew of a LARA Victor "scrambling" in a training exercise. The fast and versatile Victor, one of the 3 V-Force constituent aircraft, is used as a bomber, sentinel and tanker craft by the air force.

Last week, Prime Minister Dromica gave a rousing speech in Ezta. "I urge President Villainovsky and the leaders of the various SLU nations to meet in Ezta and discuss ways to deescalate tensions and solve disputes peacefully." It seems nations are taking this initiative seriously, despite a serious of problematic events since last week. Several Rossian jets crossed-into SLUan airspace and were shot-down, and Anaaxes has responded to Rossian actions by hosting alive-firing drill not far from Rossian waters. Many nations have withdrawn their diplomatic services from Rossia, and Avaerilon downgraded its embassy to a consulate in-protest of actions within Rossia.

Attending the conference, unless modifications are made, will be nations such as Legavin and Da-Kujang on the one hand, and well-known pariahs such as Kujang and Keron on the other. Why Rossia chose certain states is up to conjecture, but it is likely any nation that might give the SLU a hard time is preferable to those who are more warm to the union.

Trade Deal with Maxtopia Announced; 500 New Jobs Announced

The Ministry of Trade has announced at least 500 new jobs will be created this year after a series of agreements with the Empire of Maxtopia. The large neighbour of Rossia was until recently that nation's biggest trade partner; however, revelations concerning Rossian involvement with Rossack Vonsecka, a corrupt firm whose dealings spanned trillions of NS$ and involved countless officials, and its own actions regarding both elections with Rossia itself and the SLU, caused it to become much less of a desirable partner.

Previous reluctance to shy away from Rossian capital was the Maxtopian need for natural gas, with 87% of it sourced from Rossia. However, the Ministry of Trade offered Maxtopia the possibility of securing reduced-cost green electrical solutions built by Avaerilonian companies. The Empire accepted, closed its deals with Rossia, and has since made further deals with not just Avaerilon but also other SLUan nations, most notably Grolsch.


The Maxtopian Foreign Secretary, Ignatiuis Nero, said commitments with Avaerilonian companies "were essential for furthering international trade and a strong atmosphere for exchange."

The bulk of the jobs will come from constructing solar farms abroad in Maxtopia- 280 positions are available. Darlen ap Rhoslyn told ANI he was "greatly excited" about the opportunity. "I've always wanted to see a bit more of the world, and there's not too much going on in terms of solar farms within Avaerilon itself right now, so it's a no-brainer, for me. After helping to build a couple of farms in Maxtopia, I'll be heading home to provide advice and training for new members, so it's a good, solid gig. I'm as pleased as pears, to be honest."

The government has also reached an agreement on Maxtopian companies' corporate taxes, offering to cut costs in the first 3 years for companies that hire at least 200 Avaerilonian residents within 6 months. ANI understands the Maxtopian smartphone companie MMachines will be setting-up a central SLUan office in Denerim as a result of the talks.

Kin Ki-Lad Appears in Toast- Jokes Aplenty Spread like Margarine

A woman from east Arnalor has reported finding an image of Kin Ki-Lad depicted on a slice of toast. The unnamed woman took a picture of the offending toast and shared it on LaissezShare, asking "what does it mean?"

While reports of fraud and toaster malfunctions were widespread, even more common were the jokes being exchanged at the expense of the world's heaviest despot. "What happens when Kin gets hot? He gets crusty!" Was one of the worse examples of humour traded on te subject of Mr. Ki-Lad.


Behold! To Glorious Leader in his glutenous form!

"I guess he really is very white-bread then, after all" another user suggested. "Do we butter him up now to make peace with him?" Another asked.