Forum Borealium

2003-07-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

DAVENTRY DISPATCH-TIMES
"Bradonia's First And Foremost News Source"

ASSEMBLY BOOSTS EDUCATION FUNDING
(Runnymede, IRV) With mandatory elections looming in the distance, the governing Conservative Progressive Union, in an attempt to appeal to centrist-minded voters, moved to increase Borealium's education budget. This surprising move, spearheaded by Education, Sports, and Culture Minister Bruce Hollister (CP-1) was enthusiatically supported by the left-wing opposition parties and generally frowned upon by the CPU's junior governing partners. The Education Ministry Budget was passed by a 254-171 vote; the Bradon delegation in the Assembly, outside of the separatist parties, stood firmly behind Hollister's proposals.

STRULSSON UNDER INVESTIGATION
(Groton, MOR) The head of the Bradonian nationalistic Fatherland Party, MP Bjorn Strulsson (BF-10) is under investigation for misappropriation of political campaign contributions and corruption stemming from his tenure as chairman as a regional governor in the former Kalmar State of Bradonia. Strulsson supposedly enriched his own pockets with campaign funds, oversaw a state government where nepotism and cronyism were rampant, and kickbacks for favorable business treatment were endemic.

SUMMER FESTIVAL TO BEGIN
(Daventry) Daventry's annual Summer Festival, a celebration of Bradon culture and history, kicks off this weekend. Traditional music, food, and crafts will be on display throughout Daventry's Old Town. In time for the festival, officials from the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture will announce that historic Daventry Castle will be open to the public for the first time since shortly after the collapse of the former Bradonian state. The Castle was damaged in rioting during the anarchic early days of the Bradon Civil War, but restored by an international team of historical socities and reconstruction specialists.

2003-07-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

SPRINGFIELD TIMES-UNION
“The Southwest’s Leading Light”

ASSEMBLY VOTES TO RESTRICT VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES
(Runnymede, IRV)
By a one-vote margin, the National Assembly voted to restrict the sales of violent video games to individuals 21 and over, in response to an increase in violent crime among young Borealish.
The bills’ co-authors, Jeffrey Lukather (TP-13) and Adam Hart (CP-1), eked out the 233-232-15 margin in contentious debate in the Assembly. “It is time to protect our impressionable young from the worst our culture has to offer,” said Lukather. “Parents need to be given a fighting chance to teach our children the values that will bring law-abiding citizens.” Added Hart, “The right of video game makers to put on the screen any content they like needs to be balanced with the right of society to protect its children.”
Opposition to the bill was led by Eric Sandoval (PA-2,) who had been a computer programmer before joining the Assembly. “We like to pretend we are a free country, This legislation suggests that the government does not trust the Borealish people to make decisions about what video games should be sold.” Added Liberty League backbencher Curtis Engle (LL-3,) “the government does not need to interfere in the private lives of its citizens.”
The government hopes that this measure will cut juvenile delinquency.

ANGRY DEMONSTRATORS DEMAND APOLOGY FROM CONDON
(South Ambler, KNT)
A large demonstration in this hometown of Defense Minister Bill Condon, co-sponsored by a number of liberal churches, minority rights and progressive political organizations, demanding Condon apologize for remarks made the other day on The Hot Seat, in which he seemed to refer to Borealium’s Aeta/Tavril community as “short little bugs.” Most voices also called for Premier Arnold Layne to dismiss Condon from his post.
“Bill Condon = Short Little Bug” read a sign carried by Lara Harang of West Tisbury, a junior at National University who came to attend a demonstration at the Town Hall in this normally quiet medium-sized Kent County town. “We are here because we are against racism. Having racists in high government posts reflects very badly on the Borealish people,” said Harang. Though most protestors were from out of town, there were a few Kent County residents in the crowd, including Marc Winter of Epping Forest. “Condon’s been an embarrassment to Kent County for years. It only enforces negative stereotypes about Kent. I hope this latest incident helps us toss this buffoon from office.”
Most of South Ambler’s townspeople, other hand, expressed annoyance at the demonstrators, and a few National Action loyalists conducted a counter-demonstration across the street, with signs saying “We Support Bill Condon” while shouting “Go home! Go home!” repeatedly. (Whether they were asking the demonstrators to return to their home towns, or were asking Borealium’s minorities to leave the country it was unclear.)
Though South Ambler has always stood behind its native son, Kent County is not as safe for the NAP as is commonly thought, and a unified centrist front might spell trouble for Condon.

SPRINGFIELD METRO AREA APPLIES FOR NEW MASS-TRANSIT FUNDING
(Springfield, ADM)
Springfield, which has had famously little mass transit compared to other large Borealish cities, has requested funds from the Commonwelath to construct a subway system. The system would have four different subway lines that serve both Adams and Lancaster Counties, and at least one commuter rail propose would extent regular rail transit to Statesboro in Everett County.

2003-07-04T22:31:00.000-07:00

TRANSCRIPT OF BBS INTERVIEW

JANICE REED: Good evening, this is Janice Reed, and welcome to The Hot Seat. Tonight we have one of the most controversial figures to come along in Borealish politics in some time – Minister of Defense and National Action Party Floor Leader Bill Condon. Good evening, Minister Condon. Thank you for coming on The Hot Seat.

BILL CONDON: Good evening, Ms. Reed.

REED: So. What inspired you to get into politics?

CONDON: From a very young age, I knew I wanted to shape my country. I thought our government was overly socialistic, too intrusive, and in generally too bloated. I found this out for sure when trying to run my grocery store business in Kent County. The taxpayers of my hometown were sending far too much money to Runnymede and not getting good value for it. I was also watching how rotten and contaminated by foreign influence our culture was becoming, and how the media seemed only to fan the flames torching our civilization…

REED: ..which brings me to my first question. You and your party have always considered yourself the recipient of bad press….

CONDON: Definitely, Ms. Reed. We have gotten a raw deal. Our opponents can’t stop demonizing us as these horrible monsters, warmongers, racists, fascists, whatever. I feel that everyday we sit in government we are proving the naysayers wrong. The world has not ended on our watch.

From our beginnings, our opponents, in all parties, called us names. They ridiculed our positions. I remember when I won the Kent County seat for the first time. There were only a few of us then. I knew we would be big someday, since the time for our ideas has come in Borealium,

REED: Do you think it is far to call the National Action Party “far right?”

CONDON: The terms “left” and “right” are inadequate to describe what we, or for that matter, what politics are all about. In some sense, we are “right-wing” in the traditional sense of that word, but there are a number of things where some of our members might disagree on what might be a “right-wing” position on an issue.

REED: Would it be fair to call the National Action Party a “nationalist” party?

CONDON: Absolutely. I have no problem with the characterization of the NAP as a nationalist party. We stand up for the national interests of this Commonwealth, and to the extent that other parties refuse to do so, it is our position that they are unfit to govern Borealium. If that means taking stances unpopular with other nations, so be it. I do not work for, say, Pragmas, or Tavril Cross, or West Bradonia. I am a servant of this Commonwealth, and to serve another nation would be like treason.

REED: Would it be fair to call the National Action Party an “extremist” party?

CONDON: I have noticed that “extremist” has often been used as a code word for “racist” in many Borealish newspapers. I can assure you the National Action Party is not a racist party. We take no position on questions of the racial superiority of one ethnic group or another.

In the strict sense of the word, however, we can be said to be extremists. If by extremist you mean willing to stand up and offend the wine-and-cheese crowd because you refuse to be politically incorrect, then yes. We are extremists for Borealium. We feel very strongly about this. We see no point on being moderate or neutral when it comes to being proud of our nation and our heritage.

REED: Your party platform supports a reversal of the territorial integration of eastern Bradonia. Do you stand by that plank personally?

CONDON: We opposed the addition of the Bradonian territories. Our party members opposed the vote, and I campaigned against the referendum in Borealium.

However, It is my view that they are now a part of the Commonwealth and to abandon them to an uncertain future would be wrong. There are those in my party who do not agree, and on this issue they are free to disagree.

My position is that the Bradonians are helping to provide for our common defense and are by and large proving themselves worthy of Borealish citizenship.

REED: Are there issues, Minister, on which you are not so flexible?

CONDON: Yes, there are. An NAP member who votes for lax immigration controls, to eviscerate our military, or to increase Borealish taxes to pay for immigrants or welfare dependents will be ineligible for leadership, and a member who does so routinely risks being ejected from our caucus or even having their credentials revoked.

REED: What is your take on the flap between the Commonwealth and Pragmas over the UN Delegacy?

CONDON: Ms. Reed, as Defense Minister, it is my role to defend our vital national interests by any means necessary. Minister Stebbins was in dereliction of his duty, and a group of Assembly members took it upon ourselves to step into the breach and protect our interests. It would have been preferable to do so at that time than to wait until Anna Posoc’ continued to undermine us on the international stage. There was a crisis and it has ended. The irresponsible, anti-Borealish voices in Pragmas were trounced in recent elections. The good Pragman people appear to have come to their senses. I feel I am entitled to some credit for this.

REED: How would you explain allegations that your Ministry and Southern Command mishandled the Wahoovia situation?

CONDON: There was a problem, and we fixed it. Our military did a wonderful job in Monroe, and many thanks to the Griquans who asserted control in the south of Wahoovia. The blockade of Wahoovia by the now-ousted regime in Pragmas was not a factor. In an attempt to bolster their failing government, they tried to blame Borealium for the inevitable problems of peacekeeping missions.

Frankly, I’d prefer we stop doing these missions. Our military should be used for one purpose – to defend Borealium and vital Borealish interests. But until the day comes that my views carry the day in Runnymede, I am charged with making sure they run as well as possible, and I take that duty very seriously.

REED: What would you say to voters about the Tavril crime wave that seems to have abated?

CONDON: It wasn’t just Tavril Cross. We were affected in Borealium as well. I demand a full investigation of our policies regarding border control, and how it became so lax, especially in light of my bill to toughen the standards for border crossings.

Our porous borders did this. Our government is not taking security seriously enough. Though it takes time to correct for the errors of previous regimes, and those were many, we need to do more.

It starts by having the guts to say “No” to the incoming hordes of bandits and thieves who cross our borders and declare open season on Borealium. But these parasites are not happy taking our handouts, handouts that previous governments did nothing to contain. Instead, under cover of darkness, they pillage our cities, they hijack our commerce, they conquer our streets. I say that is time to take back the streets, and our government, by sending these short little bugs back to from whence they…

REED: Minister…short little bugs?

CONDON: Um…we must be tough on crime, and not take our low crime rate for granted, for it may not be here tomorrow.

REED: Who are the short little bugs, Minister?

CONDON: Criminals. Bandits. Thieves. They walk the streets of our major cities. They prey on our elderly.

REED: Did you have any group in mind when you said that, Minister Condon?

CONDON: Your bias is showing, Ms. Reed. Your efforts to take my remarks out of context are becoming evident. I shall not continue any further with your interview.

REED: Thank you, Minister Condon.

2003-07-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

CAPITAL TIMES
“From Borealium to the World and Back.”

MINIMUM WAGE ABOLITION BILL FAILS; FREE DEMOCRATS OUT OF COALITION – GOVERNMENT SURVIVES NO CONFIDENCE VOTE
The Free Democratic Party of Bradonia withdrew from the governing coalition today, following the endorsement of a Liberty League bill to abolish the national minimum wage by Premier Arnold Layne (CP-6.) “We simply cannot sit by and watch this government place its stamp of approval on the most crackpot ideas from the far right. It is irrelevant that the bill did not have the votes to pass. This government’s willingness to even consider such horrible legislation speaks volumes about their priorities, and we feel that our Bradonian constituents have had quite enough. No longer will they make legislation such as this a priority in our names,” said Free Democrat Party of Bradonia Floor Leader and International Affairs Minister Joseph Stebbins (FD-11.) Stebbins had been attacked by the right wing for his support of UN Ambassador Glenn Dobson in his argument with Defense Minister and National Action Floor Leader Bill Condon (NA-Kent) over relations between Borealium and the Empire of Pragmas.

The bill’s supporters, mostly in the Liberty League and National Action Parties, thanked Layne for his allowing the bill to proceed to the floor without being bottled up in committee, but criticized leadership for not supporting the controversial bill; most Farmers’ Alliance and Conservative Progressive MP opposed the legislation.

Following the Stebbins speech, Green Party Floor Leader Kendall Johnston (G-6) immediately called a Vote of No Confidence, which failed 211-241. In what may generate even more political fallout, eleven backbench members of the Farmers’ Alliance abstained from the vote while the two Bradonian separatist parties provided enough votes to the minority government to help keep them in power.

According to sources, Layne never had any intention of voting for the minimum wage bill, and indeed cast his vote in opposition while not using his CPU whip structure to push the legislation. The bill, after acrimonious debate in a tense atmosphere following Johnston’s No Confidence Vote, was defeated 165-283.

Layne expressed sorrow at the FD’s dissatisfaction with the government but hoped to work with them in the future. Condon could not be reached for comment.

SITUATION IN TAVRIL CROSS IMPROVES – BORDER SECURITY RETURNED TO NORMAL
(Tavril Cross) Authorities on both sides of the oft-travelled Borealium-Tavril Cross border are breathing easier these days. A massive crime spree that had primarily affected Borealium’s southern neighbor but plagued both sides of the border has largely abated, according to Borealish Border Patrol authorities.

Rioting in the northern city of Legespee, the last of the major unrests to hit Tavril cities, was quelled with the help of reserve Peace Officers from neighboring Lancaster County and nearby Springfield last week. Following the end of that crisis, border restrictions were gradually relaxed, with re-normalization scheduled to be complete tomorrow.

A few Borealish politicians suggested that the period of anarchy in Tavril Cross should serve as a warning to the Commonwealth. “When governments take steps that accelerate the division of society into haves and have-nots, there can be catastrophic consequences,” warned Green Deputy Floor Leader Travis Doves (G-4.) “Our government should be taking notes.”

LOCAL VARIDU WATCH EVENTS WITH CONCERN
(Runnymede) Many Varidu immigrants to Borealium are also feeling the heat of ethnic warfare in the former Rimanter. “Varidu are people too,” says Alexander Kadar, a spokesman for the Capital Area chapter of the Varidu League of Borealium. “We hope that Borealium will at least consider protecting our people from the predations of a Tereshi state increasingly drunk with power, power supplied to them in large part by Borealium. This country is fond of grand pronouncements about human rights, but in its very backyard, ethnic cleansing is happening as we speak.”

In many Borealish cities, a large Tereshi population with strongly negative feelings towards the Varidu lurks as a danger. Borealium has a large Tereshi population (by far the largest outside Teresh itself) which left the former Empire of Rimanter for a variety of reasons – some for freedom they could not obtain in Rimanter, others for economic opportunity.

In more recent years, some Tezek and Varidu, both affluent and poor, have made their home in the Commonwealth as well. But they do not have the networks and the political clout the Tereshi have gained for themselves in Borealium.

In an atmosphere of mistrust and uncertainty involving the remaining Varidu state, strained relations with Pragmas, and a diplomatic donnybrook between Teresh and West Bradonia, Borealish authorities lean strongly against the idea of any large-scale intervention in Garkot and Erener.

2003-07-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

FREEPORT HERALD
“Borealium’s Most Trusted News Source”

WAHOOVIA PLAGUE ENDED DESPITE PRAGMAN ACTIONS – BOREALISH FORCES FOCUS ON EXMORE
(Monroe, Wahoovia) After the Health Ministry gave the green light after the cessation of the pneumonic plague outbreak , Borealish troops have moved southward to an area near Exmore, near the border with the Pragman sector, vacating Monroe.

“This location will serve as a good place to protect Wahoovian people from Pragmas and whatever aggressive designs they might harbor,” said Colonel Peter Decker of Southern Command.

Figures of an “outbreak” of pnemonic plague in Monroe were exaggerated by Pragman sourcesm who just now have admitted that the alleged epidemic was limited to 35 cases. Borealish peacekeeping forces brought their customary medical personnel, and took care of the minor problem that emanated from an area far closer to Pragmas than to the Borealish sector of Wahoovia.

“The Pragman blockade prolonged the problem, to the extent that one existed, by inhibiting the flow of medical personnel from Borealium.” said Health Minister Allen Ulrich (FD-Bradford.) “Health problems are far from unusual in failed states, particularly as rural dwellers migrate to coastal cities to receive aid from international peacekeepers. It is nothing new for Borealish military personnel. What is new here is that another country implemented a blockade out of spite.”

“It is bad enough their state-owned propaganda outlets inflated a minor problem,” said Defense Minister Bill Condon (NA-Kent.) “Then they resorted to an illegal and aggressive blockade against a neutral country. They are now taking credit for ending this so-called “crisis,” and now they continue to wage war on both Wahoovia and Borealium, even after their manufactured crisis has abated.”

ASSSEMBLY ORDERS DIPLOMATIC CORPS TO LEAVE DEZZAR FOR ESMAEL
(Runnymede)

In a cost-cutting and re-prioritizing move, the National Assembly, upon an initiative by Erik Oquist (FA-10,) ordered the International Diplomacy team from Dezzar to decamp for Esmael, in the other direction from Borealium. The initiative gained the blessing of Foreign Minister Joe Stebbins (FD-11) and Premier Arnold Layne (CP-6.)

“Esmael is a former ally of ours in the Bradonia wars, and our history with them is far more extensive than our history with Dezzar,” remarked Stebbins. “The collapse of the monarchy there concerns us more, due to its proximity to key Borealish strategic partners, and to key competitors.”

BOREALISH ECONOMY BOOMING
(Freeport) Stocks on the BSE are appreciating at a record clip. Oxford-Crown is crowded with more and more upscale stores, and is inspiring imitators across the Commonwealth. Export markets are rising following the government’s move to encourage Borealium as a center of international finance. Borealium’s economy is among the fastest growing in the region.
It has not come, however, without a price – the Commonwealth, traditionally proud of its lack of extremes of rich and poor, is now ranked only slightly above the median among all nations in equality of income and wealth distribution. Poverty and petty crime are on the increase in the Commonwealth as some Borealish find themselves left out of the boom. More poor citizens find themselves having to steal or beg to feed their children than in years. The homeless are more numerous today on the streets of Borealish than many citizens can recall. Though nothing like it was before the Troubles, this new government in Borealium has not made social equity a top priority.
The picture is slightly better in the Bradonian counties of the Commonwealth, as local governments have used their elevated autonomy to help preserve a somewhat stronger social safety net. The City and County of Freeport, in which the starkest divides between rich and poor can be found, is doing its best to cope by stepping up public food programs using the City’s large tax base.
Still, many Borealish believe the new changes are worth the cost. The government enjoys high approval ratings, and middle- and upper- income citizens are more prosperous than ever. Even some working-class Borealish, who have started new businesses, are finding their wallets fatter, in part due to a lower tax burden.
It is now the uneviable task of Premier Arnold Layne (CP-6) and his Conservative Progressive Union to maintain the balance between a prosperous nation and a just, egalitarian nation free of social disorder. Even with his approval ratings sky high, the dangers of moving closer to a winner-take-all society that few Borealish would want to live in loom over the horizon.

2003-06-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

SOUTH COAST POST
“The paper with the most.”

COMMONWEALTH STEPS UP BORDER PATROLS
(St. Helena, PRE) Thousands of citizens of both Borealium and Tavril Cross, whether for work, for shopping, or for tourism, cross the border between the two nations every day.
The Tavril border had often been seen as an afterthought by most Borealish military planners, following the governmental collapses and ensuing civil wars in Bradonia and Teresh.

However, with crime on the rise in neighboring Tavril Cross, the Borealish Border Patrol has increased its border patrols along the border to discourage criminal element from spreading the crime wave to Borealium.

General Daniel Trainor, the head of the Borealish Border Patrol Corps, remarked “Our neighbors have let things get a little out of control. We’re going to try our best to make sure the border remains as calm and stable as ever, without disrupting the lives of people who need to cross between the nations any more than necessary.”

The United Nations classifies Tavril Cross as “Anarchy” at the moment. “While we find that term somewhat misleading, we are still concerned,” said International Affairs Minister Joe Stebbins (FD-11).

TERESHI TROOPS OCCUPY ERENER CITY – ETHNIC CLASHES INTENSIFY
(Vairduczasy) Decades of pent up hostility are bubbling to the surface in this turbulent battleground, a byproduct of the fallout from the collapse of the former Empire of Rimanter.

Amidst much guerilla fighting in Erener City, Tereshi troops have asserted control of most of the city’s infrastucture and central business district.

There are reports that the Tereshi population of Garkot City and the surrounding area have been driving local Varidu residents out their neighborhoods, ransacking their homes and looting Varidu-owned businesses. The Tereshi military is officially discouraging such conduct but has generally looked the other way, particularly with regards to the looting of property of high-profile members of the nobility, most of whom have fled.

Many Varidu are seeking the refuge in some of the predominantly Varidu towns in Garkot and Erener, or across the border in Pragman territory. The more affluent among the Varidu have decamped for the Free Haven Enterprises colony in nearby Dulaka.
The Vairdu in Teresh itself are also feeling increasingly anxious as they find themselves surrounded by a hostile ethnic group, many of whom have revenge squarely on their minds.

Sources close to the Commonwealth’s government indicate that Borealish military peacekeepers may be brought into Garkot and Erener discourage such inter-ethnic warfare. Such an approach would have its drawbacks – Varidu are not inclined to trust a longtime enemy such as Borealium.

ANOTHER DIPLOMATIC WAR OF WORDS?
(Runnymede, IRV) A heated exchange occurred on Capitol Hill as Defense Minister Bill Condon (NA-Kent) and UN Ambassador Glenn Dobson traded barbs about the Defense Minister apparently picking yet another fight with Pragmas about their selection of former Chancellor Anna Posoc’ as UN Delegate for the Region.

“Foreign policy is the purview of the International Affairs Ministry and of the Diplomatic Staff - not the Defense Ministry, not random members of the National Assembly, and not the National Action Party,” Dobson declared angrily to much loud applause by left-wing opposition MP. “If you won’t stand up for Borealium’s rights as a nation, if you would stand by idly while another government selects someone clearly against our interests as delegate, then I suggest we replace you someone with someone who will assert our rights to be properly represented,” shouted back Condon. “While any MP are free to suggest such a replacement in an appropriate fashion, writing letters laden with threats to nations as we are trying to cooperate with them is a terrible way of suggesting change. It is clear that the gentleman from Kent County and his fellow co-signers are in no position to speak on matters of diplomacy, and it is indeed a fortunate situation for our Commonwealth that they are not,” responded International Affairs Minister Joseph Stebbins (FD-11.)

Premier Arnold Layne (CP-6) has another international mess to clean up, and intense dissension, both in the government as a whole and within the ranks of his own Conservative Progressive Union, since nearly thirty rank and file CPU members (of 106) signed the letter with Condon. “By endorsing Pragmas as a representative, it does not necessarily mean that we endorse every word every one of the governmental representatives say that may pertain to us,” said Layne in chambers, siding with his UN Ambassador, a fellow CPU member, and his IA Minister ahead of his Defense Minister.

In Assembly session later that afternoon, Social Democratic Party Deputy Floor Leader Mark Davidson (SD-5), filed a motion to censure Condon and his fellow co-signers. The bill will be heard in session tomorrow, as it was co-sponsored by the required 100 MP, mostly from the Progress Alliance, Social Democrats, and Greens.

NEWS IN BRIEF
* With little debate, the National Assembly, by a 294-151 vote, instructed Ambassador Glenn Dobson to support the “Religious Tolerance” resolution now before the United Nations. Most of the opposition to the resolution came from right-wing parties, who mostly opposed any effort to dictate the internal policies of other nations.

* The City of Seconset Beach has passed new restrictions on the preservation of historic cottages, preventing their demolition without approval from a new regulatory board. Commonwealth officials are expected to review the restrictions, which are opposed by developer interests amid skyrocketing real estate boom in Preston County.

* The newly named City of St. Helena will host this year’s Aeta Heritage Festival, a moving annual event that celebrates Aeta/Tavril history in Borealium. The event is expected to bring tourists from within and outside the Commonwealth, with food displays, traditional games, and a large carnival and parade. This would be the first Aeta Hertiage Festival held in Preston County since the celebration five years ago in Greenwich.

2003-06-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

FREEPORT HERALD
“Borealium’s Most Respected News Source”

TERESH MOVES INTO ERENER COUNTY
(Variduczasy) Troops from the Free Republic of Teresh, having overrun most of Garkot County, advanced into neighboring Erener County. Seeking to end persecution of Tereshi by Varidu rulers, Commandate Garba and the other Tereshi leaders decided to remove the Counts in Garkot and Erener entirely from power.
In a speech to the front, Commandante Rael Garba thanked the Tereshi soldiers “for doing the work of the Almighty in ejecting the aristocratic snakes from their nests.”
Eager to punish the noblemen for their treatment of their Tereshi subjects, the soliders of Teresh also searched the countryside for the ruling families. No sign of either Count, or most members of their family, have been found.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTS UN DELEGATE TO OPPOSE “HYDROGEN-POWERED CARS” RESOLUTION
(Runnymede, IRV) The National Assembly overwhelmingly passed, with 399 votes, a resolution instructing UN Ambassador Glenm Dobson to vote “NO” on the “Hydrogen-Powered Cars” resolution currently before that body.
The debates – such as they were – included much discussion of what poor countries would do, particularly if they were dependent on the auto industry. Many mentions were made of Borealium’s own domestic auto industry; while Boreal Motors and other area manufactures are working on alternate fueling systems, it very much opposes any UN mandates to abandon current fossil fuel sources.
Many MP risked censure motions by suggesting that the Commonwealth refuse to comply with the resolution of it were to pass. Some MP in their speeches in support of the proposal announced to threaten to leave the UN entirely if it continues to pass costly resolutions.
Current polls of the General Assembly suggest the hydrogen fuel proposal has a high likelihood of passing.

DIPLOMAT CALLS FOR MORE HELP IN WAHOOVIA
(Wahoovia) Secretary of Foreign Affairs Walter Howland toured Monroe and Orange in the former republic of Wahoovia today. While he praised Borealish military peacekeepers and Service Corps support staff, he said that more had to be done and that other nations besides the Commonwealth and Pragmas should get involved.

CONTROVERSIAL ABORTION RESTRICTIONS VOTED DOWN
(Runnymede, IRV) In a tightly contested and bitter vote, the National Assembly voted down, 207-249, a set of proposed restrictions on abortion rights today, that would have included a 48-hour “waiting period,” parental and spousal notification requirements, and mandatory pre-surgical counseling.
Premier Arnold Layne (CP-6,) in response to pressure from the right flank of his coalition government, allowed the bill to bear his stamp of approval but chose to abstain when the bill came up for a vote. Law & Order Minister Will Lucas (CP-Hudson) led supporters to the vote, and expressed disappointment that it was mass desertions from CPU ranks that ultimately doomed the bill.
Fellow abortion opponent Jeff Lukather (TP-13) was more circumspect. “I do appreciate that our Premier allowed this vote to occur despite his own misgivings. We still don’t have the votes to overturn Borealium’s liberal abortion laws, and I pray for the day when Borealish citizens wake up and realize how dehumanizing killing the unborn truly is.” The abortion bill proved another headache for the True Path’s mostly liberal leadership, as the rank and file largely lined up behind Lukather rather than Floor Leader David Cottman (TP-Rutherford.)
In the end, the opposition, led by Loyal Opposition Leader Jason Dunster (PA-4) had the votes to stop the legislation, even with a small handful of defections from his own party.

COMMONWEALTH ECONOMY RATED “VERY STRONG”
(Freeport) The BSE closed at a new 10-year high. The ducat is strong against all local currencies. Unemployment is holding steady at new lower levels. And the current government is trying to reap the benefits.
New commercials for the Conservative Progressive Union touted that the United Nations Financial Bureau just upgraded its rating of the Borealish economy to “Very Strong” from its rating of “Good” when the CPU government took office. “After years of runaway government spending in previous governments, the CPU is restoring sanity to economic policy,” the ads proudly tout.
The commercials were produced by the lobbying firm Clark & Addison, based in Freeport.

2003-06-11T19:25:00.000-07:00

SPRINGFIELD TIMES-UNION
“What the Southwest reads.”

TERESH WINNING WAR WITH VARIDU ; GARKOT CITY TAKEN
(Garkot City) The Free Republic of Teresh now has effective control over most of Garkot County, a Tereshi Army spokesman said. Last month, Tereshi troops mounted an assault on Eretrin Pire, just across the Severn from the Tereshi state of Severna.
Tereshi troops are trying to restore order to the city, which has been plagued by skirmishes between that city’s Tereshi minority and Varidu militias. Unconfirmed reports of killings of militia members in retaliation for the Varidu crackdown on Teresh day festivities persist.
The Tereshi have yet to find the Count or any close members of his family in searching.

COMMONWEALTH PASSES CONTROVERSIAL ORGAN SALES PLAN
(Runnymede, IRV) Following acrimonious debate, the National Assembly passed by a 242-210 vote a controversial plan to provide individuals and families financial compensation for organ donation. Its sponsor, Health Minister Allen Ulrich (FD-Bradford), talked about the need to boost the Commonwealth’s weak state of health care in an atmosphere of tax and budget cuts. “Perhaps the impact will be minimal,” he said. “But perhaps this will improve the efficiency of Borealish health care.”
Under the new legislation, the Commonwealth’s Health Ministry would pay individuals for organ, blood, or plasma donations, mostly payments to families after death.
True Path Coalition leader David Cottman (TP-Rutherford) spoke fervently against the legislation, claiming that it would lead to poor people selling their own organs to the wealthy. “It is completely against the Borealish national ethic. It is an abominable disgrace we are even considering this legislation in the first place. This is a sad, sad day for the Commonwealth.” In a rare show of unity in the TPC these days, all 57 of their delegates voted against the measure.

CITIZENS OF BOREALIUM NOT JUDGED “NICE”
(New York, USA) Once again, UN observers have rated Borealish low on the “nice” scale, about the median for the immediate region but well below the world median.
Local observers noted the recent rancor over the last elections, the Commonwealth’s involvement in much recent conflict the world over, and a new government with a mandate to scale back Borealium’s large social safety net. They also cited the legendary shyness of native Borealish people around strangers.

NEW TRANSLATION OF “THE COMING DELUGE” AVAILABLE
(Freeport, FRE) A collection of writings by the late Ceftaz Garba, to be released under the title “The Comind Deluge” hit the shelves of Borealish bookstores (in Borealish, English, and Tereshi) tomorrow morning. The older brother of Tereshi leader Rael Garba, the writings of the elder Garba, a priest allegedly murdered by Rimantrian secret police officials due to his radical teachings and sermons, were mostly kept secret until the fall of the Empire.
Rael Garba reported turned against his former superiors upon reading these essays and speeches, most of which are only now being made available to the rest of the world.
Most of the entries in the upcoming book concern forming an intellectual and spiritual case for socialist thought in Catholicism and Christianity in general, though there are autobiographical portions of the book as well. The younger Garba distributed copies of some of the writings to the Tereshi nationalist underground and is responsible for this mass publication.
The title “The Coming Deluge” refers to what Garba felt was a great nationalist and religious awakening that would topple Rimanter and other corrupt empires in its wake. The book has been available in Teresh since the ascension to power of the younger Garba, and now is being made available internationally.

2003-06-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

MIDDLETON RECORD
“The first place to look.”

TERERSH INVADES VARIDU LANDS
Following a brutal crackdown on Tereshi living in eastern Variduczasy, troops from the Free Republic of Teresh invaded Varidu lands west of the Swrni/Severn River.

Troops from Teresh landed at Eretrin Pire, a town consisting mostly of Tereshi, but have moved further into Garkot. It was reported that Tereshi troops were approaching Garkot City, a city with a significant ethnic Tereshi minority but populated mostly by Varidu.

A speech given shortly after the invasion by Commandante Rael Garba, full of his trademark fiery rhetoric, announced Teresh’s intention to fully remove the Varidu counts in Garkot and neighboring Erener from power. Whether Teresh intends to annex the territory itself, in whole or in part, was left unclear.

Garkot and Erener remained independent from Pragmas when that country annexed most of the remainder of the Varidu portions of the former Empire of Rimanter. Dulaka is slated to become the latest colony of Free Haven Enterprises, a controversial venture to create anarcho-capitalist city-states scattered across the globe. It is unknown what will happen to the three remaining Counties in the far northwest of the former Empire’s territory.

POWER, COMMUNICATIONS RESTORED IN MONROE

Borealish troops are gradually expanding the area of Borealish control to the west and south of the port city of Monroe. Together with the Pragman sector to the north, many daily functions have been restored in the surrounding area.

The next step of the intervention – the rebuilding of the local infrastructure, a specialty of previous Borealish occupations – is slated to begin soon. The first step will be a more full-fledged Borealish base of operations, after which new hospitals and school buildings to replace some of the buildings either destroyed in rioting or fallen into disrepair during the previous regime.

Reports of looting and anarchy persist in the country’s vast interior, but the Commonwealth is not inclined, in these days of Conservative desires to cut the budget and a new war between Teresh and Variduczasy, to extend its reach into Wahoovia much deeper.

Col. Peter Decker of Southern Command called it “premature” to discuss any long-term plans for the area.

COMMONWEALTH ENACTS ACROSS-THE-BOARD TAX CUTS
By a 386-80 vote, the National Assembly voted to cut taxes across the board yesterday, in the first of the new Assembly’s new votes. The mostly party line votes found supporters of the new governing majority (Conservative Progressive Union, Liberty League, National Action Party, Farmers’ Alliance, Free Democrats) join the two Bradonian secessionist parties and a substantial bloc of Progress Alliance and True Path delegates in favor.

Speaker after speaker in the new majority chimed in on the need to decrease tax rates, particularly on more prosperous Borealish citizens. “We are losing our industrial and our business base to our neighbors,” said Premier Arnold Layne (CP-6.)

Still, some delegates walked away disappointed with the final measure. “There were too many favors for specific people in this bill,” said MP Richard Flair (LL-6.) “It’s time for people to succeed or fail on their own merits, whether it be businesses or individuals.” Led by FA and CPU delegates, the Assembly blocked a Liberty League measure to remove some loopholes in the tax codes.

Newly in the opposition, Progress Alliance delegates largely sat on the sidelines and let the other left-of-center parties argue that the Commonwealth’s currently high tax rates are “well worth it, for the society we have built,” in the words of Green MP Travis Doves (G-4). PA strategists blame high taxes on the party’s fall from electoral grace in recent cycles and did not organize its whip structure to oppose the votes.

COMMONWEALTH TIGHTENS ASYLUM LAWS
After a long, three-day debate, the National Assembly voted 254-220 to enact a set of new restrictions to foreign nationals applying for asylum in Borealium. The new laws abolish the Danner-Johnston bill, which provided a series of provisions under which the Commonwealth was to unconditionally accept asylum applicants. Fees for filing of immigration forms also increased dramatically. The bills’ sponsor, Defense Minister Bill Condon (NA-Kent), told the Times “While this bill does not go as far as I would have liked, it is a step toward restoring sanity to our policy and to stop letting anyone and everyone into our country.”
In a last-minute compromise, the Assembly accepted an amendment by Phillip Becker (CP-1) to continue expedited processing for residents who have sufficiently long-term citizenship in either Tavril Cross or West Bradonia. Bill sponsor Condon spoke against the amendment.
Prominent opponents included Rev. Howard Brallier (SD-1), who famously was tried in Preston County for running afoul of the Basic Immigration Law’s Fugitive Clause. Furious that the Fugitive Clause was kept intact and that efforts by him and Becker to repeal the rules as part of immigration law reform were bottled up, he openly stated a wish to have the law overturned as being a violation of the Maximum Charter.
Leader of the Loyal Opposition Jason Dunster (PA-4) relinquished opposition duties for the day to Nora Danner (TP-13) after whom the Danner-Johnston bill is named.

2003-06-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

TRANSCRIPT – BOREALISH BROADCASTING SERVICE (3:34 AM BST)

…and in conclusion, an abolition of the Danner-Johnston Bill will save Borealish taxpayers millions of dollars….

VOICE OVER: We interrupt this broadcast to bring you breaking news.

ANCHOR: Sorry, viewers, we’re interrupting National Assembly proceedings to bring you this breaking news update! Roxanne Al’furtha is reporting live from the village of Ertrin Pire in the former Rimanter…

Al’FURTHA: I’m here in Ertrin Pire, Tom. Tereshi tanks and troops have crossed the border into Varidu territory. Now this village is mostly Tereshi, so…

*sound of explosion in the distance*

ANCHOR: What was that Roxanne?

AL’FURTHA: It appears that a nearby structure was just bombed. The intended target is not clear – may have been a Varidu military structure. We just don’t know.

ANCHOR: What is the goal of this offensive? Is it to end persecutions? Is it to conquer new territory?

AL’FURTHA: It is unclear at this time. Whether they will stop their offense in Ertrin Pire or continue onto Garkot City, we just don’t know. What Teresh wants, they have not said yet. But cross-border tensions have been running high, and Varidu lords have been detaining and executing Tereshi suspected of plotting to overthrow their government in an uprising or assist Teresh in a war. According to our sources, sharpshooters took out the border guards earlier this evening, which cleared the way for the invasion.

ANCHOR: Thank you. Roxanne Al-Furtha, live from Ertrin Pire. *pause* We have attempted to call spokespeople for the Borealish government, and they cannot be reached for comment at this time. When we can get an Assembly member, or foreign or defense ministry staffer, we will break immediately to give you more of the story.

For those just joining us, it appears that Tereshi forces have mounted some sort of attack against Garkot, specifically the area around the town of Ertrin Pire.

VOICE OVER: We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming…

…long tradition of reaching out to those from across the world who need our help, who face brutal persecution in their homeland. If we abandon this guiding principle of Borealish global citizenship, where shall we stop?

2003-06-09T00:15:00.000-07:00

BENNINGTON NORTH STAR
“Constant as the Northern Star”

CONSERVATIVES TO CONTROL GOVERNMENT
The Conservative Progressive Union, campaigning on lower taxes, freer trade, and more restrained government and military policy, have won 104 of 480 seats in the National Assembly, their strongest showing in nearly two decades. CPU leader Arnold Layne is poised to become the first CPU Premier since Robert Holstrom left office.
The question is whether Layne can form a right-wing coalition government that includes Liberty League and National Action, as many in the CPU rank and file are hoping for, or whether he will need to include the Progress Alliance in a coalition. A right-wing government would be the Commonwealth’s first post-Troubles government not to include any parties with socialist elements.
Outgoing Premier Jason Dunster (PA-4), if his party does not find its way into the coalition, will become Leader of the Loyal Opposition. A PA-CPU coalition would leave embattled True Path leader David Cottman (TP-Rutherford) in that role; a broader government that included True Path would place National Action leader Bill Condon (NA-Kent) in the role of Loyal Opposition Leader.
Either way, Condon emerges as a big winner in yesterday’s voting, as his strident nationalist rhetoric has found more converts, particularly in the party’s traditional stomping grounds in the southwest. But, much to the chagrin of establishment parties, the NAP has made inroads into suburban Metroplex voters disenchanted with a series of liberal governments. Similarly, the Liberty League has made its strongest showing in history in the new elections.
Another clear winner was the secessionist Independence Party of Bradonia, which took advantage of the high-tax climate to earn over one-fourth of the voters in Bradonian territory. It is unclear what they will be able to accomplish in the Assembly with 25 seats, but they could provide key support for scaling back government mandates, especially those that apply to Bradonian territory, and insulate a government that could be vulnerable to a no-confidence vote.
Premier Dunster is the clearest loser, as he faces an uncertain political future. His faction in the PA may also suffer this defeat as his multi-lateralist ambitions are likely to fall on deaf ears not just in the new government, but in his own party.
The True Path and Farmer Alliance walkouts appear to have backfired on them, though the FA is likely to be recruited into a new government. Cottman has struggled to hold onto TPC leadership, against warring factions who wanted to see more social conservatism, less support for labor unions, or both. Though Greater Bennington remains a solid base from which to build a party, True Path’s days as a united front may be numbered. As for the FA, they may face similar frictions over tax and fiscal policy or foreign policy.
The Social Democrats and Greens, after suffering losses of support in the elections, now find themselves on the margins of Borealish politics.

ELECTION RESULTS GREETED WITH SORROW IN AREA
(Bennington, RUT)
For the first time since the historic 1993 agreement between Jack Pollard and Carol Bayless uniting the left in Borealium, Bennington and the surrounding area will find its representatives largely shut out of high positions of power in the National Assembly.
Bennington’s most prominent national politician, David Cottman (TP-Rutherford) finds himself and his party in the opposition. Bennington’s industrial laborers fear a government friendlier to business interests. The area’s population of Tereshi and other minorities fear the ascension of the National Action Party. Members of the military fear that the Liberty League will push deep cuts that will cost them their jobs or part of their pay. University students expressed fear that gains by nationalists, libertarians, and Bradonian separatists will hurt Borealium’s well-regarded educational apparatus.

“TERESH DAY” FESTIVAL TURNS RAUCOUS
(Bennington, RUT)
Bennington and Rutherford County authorities are still cleaning up from Bennington’s annual Teresh Day Festival. A weekend-long festival, including a parade, a massive street fair, and music festival, was full of loud celebration of Tereshi independence and general partying. Some intoxicated participants, however, marred the proceedings by engaging in fights, which had to be broken up by local police. Many tourists from across Borealium, and even from overseas, converge on Bennington for Teresh Day festivities.
For many years, Bennington was the center of indigenous Tereshi culture since the former Empire of Rimanter did their best to curtail free expression in Teresh.

The Tereshi, who have a large presence in Bennington, particularly in South Bennington, are known for their fierce ethnic pride. Many of the Bennington Tereshi are Lowland people who fled for Borealium to escape persecution by the ruling Varidu elite – in comparison to the Highland Tereshi, most of whom settled in Borealium to seek greater economic opportunities, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, downtown, rival groups of Tereshi demonstrators came to blows across from the Tereshi consulate. A group of protestors critical of the Borealish government’s support of the regime of Rael Garba clashed with participants in a pro-Garba rally held outside the Commonwealth building. Both rallies had their share of members of other ethnicities as well.

2003-06-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

BAYTOWN GAZETTE
“Wisdom is a rare and treasured commodity.”

COMMONWEALTH SENDS EMERGENCY TROOPS TO WAHOOVIA
(Wahoovia) The Commonwealth is dispatching a small expeditionary force to assist citizens of Wahoovia following the collapse of the government in that country.

Col. Peter Decker, an official with Southern Command, based on Brock’s Island, said that the troops would concentrate its efforts on Monroe, a port city located some 350 km south of Wahoovia’s border with Pragmas. “We figured the Pragmans would want to handle the far northern sector themselves, so we would start on the coastline further south.”

The second wave will be equipped with food rations in the event that rioting and anarchy in Monroe negatively effects food supplies to a critical extent.

More details will soon follow.

CONSERVATIVES LEAD IN NEW POLLS
(Norwich, NAS) The lastest polls in this suburban Metroplex community are mirroring new results from much of the country – Borealish voters may be prepared to hand over primary control of the government to the Conservative Progressive Union for the first timee in over a decade. Incumbent Premier Jason Dunster, a Norwich native, may lose his post in new elections.

In a campaign rally in nearby Salisbury, Assemblyman Sam Luciforo (CP-5) declared “Taxes in Borealium are excessive. Other than Curia and New Bradonia, which confiscate all income, only Teresh in this entire region has a higher tax burden than we do. For the first time anyone can remember, Tavril Cross and Pragmas both have lower tax rates than the Commonwealth.”

In the CPU leadership caucus, current party leaders were rewarded by the rank and file for calling for elections by endorsing the Liberty League’s no-confidence vote. Some people close to Opposition Leader Arnold Layne (CP-5) believe he was tempted to form a new coalition government, led by the Progress Alliance, rather than reshuffle the deck.

2003-06-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

CAPITAL TIMES
“From Borealium to the World and Back.”

FRAGILE GOVERNMENT COALITION SHATTERS ; NEW ELECTIONS CALLED
(Runnymede) With both the agricultural and automobile industries struggling, Ministers from True Path and Farmers’ Alliance, the second and third largest parties in the government resigned their seats in the Cabinet. TP cabinet members walked out over a government’s failure to intervene on behalf of striking auto workers and on diplomatic overtures toward Free Haven Enterprises. FA leaders quit the government after too many Progress Alliance members failed to support a compromise bill maintaining protective agricultural tariffs.
The resignations left Premier Jason Dunster’s (PA-4) Progress Alliance and the remaining coalition partners – Bradonian Free Democrats, Social Democrats, Greens, and Mahaska Peoples’ Party – scrambling to attempt to draw the Conservative Progressive Union (or a faction thereof) or, more improbably, the Bradonia Independence Party, into the government.
The resignations triggered a relatively routine no-confidence vote offered by Liberty League Floor Leader Matthew Steiner (LL-3.) When Loyal Opposition Leader Arnold Layne (CP-5), in a surprise to many in Runnymede, got behind the vote instead of than signing onto a new coalition, the vote passed, triggering new elections.
Insiders say Layne supported the measure in order to prevent his party from fracturing over the issue, since a large number in the Conservative Progressive Union delegation have been eager to replace Layne with a hard-line conservative. This pre-emptive move should allow Layne to be re-elected CPU Floor Leader, and recent events may install him as Premier.
The move is fraught with risk for the TPC and FA leaders, who seek to gain support for increased protection for industry and agricultural concerns, cuts in overseas military spending, and more a comprehensive health care system. They hope to join forces with the SD, MPP, and the Greens, and possibly with the explicitly communist Workers’ Party. TPC has endangered its longtime understanding with PA about not competing aggressively in each other’s electoral strongholds; FA has a similar de-facto arrangement with PA, and that is in danger as well. The risk is that a combined PA-CPU “unity” government, with its strength mostly in the Metroplex, that may result would instead push freer trade, lower taxes, and more internationalist policies.
Many conservatives dream of a right-wing coalition of CPU with LL or National Action, excluding any left-wing parties, but with the Metroplex economy generally strong, that pssobility is considered highly unlikely.

COMMONWEALTH RECOGNIZES GRACCHIST REGIME IN AD VALOREM
(Runnymede) The Commonwealth today formally extended recognition and offered military assistance to the government of Guy Gracchus in the troubled nation of Ad Valorem.

The government in Ad Valorem, which had been a corporatist oligarchy whose wide disparity of wealth and crushing poverty made it an international pariah, was deposed in a military coup a few months ago. The coup was led by the Gracchi brothers, Guy and Tim.

The recognition move makes the government in Ad Valorem eligible for aid against foreign aggression or domestic insurrection by the largest pro-democratic military force in the region. The Empire of Pragmas has recently made similar overtures to the Gracchi government. It also may mean that any new electoral process undergone in Ad Valorem can be done with the assistance of either or both of Borealium or Pragmas.

As a balance move, the National Assembly, on an initiative by Premier Dunster, voted to lift the ban on investment in Free-Haven or Free Haven Enterprises by Borealish citizens.
Dunster expressed the hope that the dual moves will help dampen any move towards war between Ad Valorem and Free-Haven. The legislation also cleared the way for relaxed restrictions on travel between Borealium and any area controlled by Free-Haven or Free Haven Enterprises.

True Path delegates, increasingly at odds with fellow coalition partners, by and large opposed the compromise measure, preferring instead that the Commonwealth continue to unequivocally oppose the interests of Free Haven Enterprises.

BOREAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION VOTES TO EXPAND TERRITORY
(Shoretown, OCN) Meeting on Brock’s Island today, the Boreal Football Association has decided to approve a dramatic expansion initiative that includes adding six clubs from West Bradonia (Cottleton FC, Zeeland United, Grand Llewdor, Gandirshavn, Lofoten, and Bjorklund) and three from Teresh (Bron’Yaur, Garloz, and Sueru), and a new expansion club yet to be named to play on Brock’s Island.
The move would make the BFA the first comprehensively international football association on the continent.

The expansion would require changes to the four-tier structure of the BFA, possibly spelling the end of the Eastern League, the weakest of the four Major Leagues.
All 10 National League teams voted for expansion, as did all 10 Boreal League teams. All 8 Eastern League teams oppoed the measure. The Metro League split its votes, with Bourne, Hampton, Durham, West End, and Placid County voting in favor, and Metropolitan, Nassau City, and Freeport City voting against.

One proposed structure would create a 12-team “International League” that would include all nine new non-Borealish teams plus three of the squads from Borealish Bradonia. Sides in the former Bradonia are currently split between the Boreal League and the National League.

This proposal prompted cries of foul from Eastern League teams and some Metro League teams who protest that the state of football in Bradonia - both West Bradonia and Borealish Bradonia - is not quite up to full Borealish standards, especially the better National and Metro clubs, such as Springfield, Metropolitan, and Capital United.

The Tereshi national team is expected to fare respectably in the next Alliance Cup, but the Tereshi clubs are weak at present, due in large part to many players on current BFA sides; a BFA expansion into Teresh is designed in part to help the Tereshi clubs achieve greater parity with Borealish ones.

2003-06-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

DAVENTRY DISPATCH-TIMES
“The whole news, and nothing but the news.”

The Daventry Dispatch sat down with Finance Minister Alexander Gray (SD-9), the highest ranking Bradonian in the Borealish government, at his Runnymede offices.

DD: Greetings, Minister Gray. Describe your latest activity in Runnymede for us back home.

GRAY: I just got done doing the latest budget bill, which did not come easily between the health scandals, the desire to keep up with regional rivals militarily, and a sense that taxation has reached levels higher than that at which many Borealish feel comfortable.

Another new bill would accelerate the timetable for the proposed Severn-Great Blue Canal that Bradonia had talked for years about building, connecting the continent’s two greatest rivers into a superhighway of commerce. Both Borealium and West Bradonia have taken a keen interest in its construction.

DD: So, how would you describe Daventry’s place in an enlarged Commonwealth?

GRAY: Daventrites had long been used to the idea that their city was very much unlike anything else in their country. Only Gandirshavn rivaled Daventry as a center of international commerce. Only Llewdor rivaled Daventry as a center of education. No other Bradonian city had anywhere near the financial industry. It hurt to be separated from Gandirshavn and Llewdor a little, but the sting was lessened slightly by the common currency and the fact that the Borealish government has been sensitive to the needs of people in West Bradonia and Borealish Bradonia to be able to interact freely with one another.

In Borealium many of us saw a link to a larger export market, a more stable government, more security against unknown threats. The Borealish government would do more to improve roadways and railways. The idea of easier travel to Borealium appealed to many of us. Of course, having a larger city and much larger metro area in one’s own country may have some effect on civic pride, but Daventry and the surrounding environs has much to offer that the Borealish metroplex does not – milder summers, less hustle and bustle, and cleaner air.

DD: Why do you suppose the integration referendum was not backed more universal in the parts of Bradonia in which it was offered?

GRAY: Some of it is anti-tax sentiment. Borealish taxes are high compared to what many Bradonians had been used to. A lot of that is because of the large Borealish military, of course, which is something Bradonia is not used to. There’s also a dash of conservatism in some of the independence movement – Borealish are a lot less comfortable with religion in government, more tolerant of “deviant” behavior, and much more willing to intervene in international situations than was the case with the old Bradonia.

I would ask them if they thought they were better off before Borealium stepped in. If would ask them if they think they would be better off in West Bradonia. I think they know the answer. Who’s going to protect their land from Communist guerillas, or Tereshi or Varidu militias?

DD: The latest UN rates the People’s Republic of New Bradonia as a “powerhouse” economy. How would you respond to New Bradonian propaganda about “beating [Borealium] at its own game?”

GRAY: Assuming it’s not an error or a typo, it can’t last – it simply can’t. No matter how well run, no one running a centrally planned economy is going to be sufficiently omniscient to give a populace what they want the way a market economy can do.

Now, obviously, there are things a pure market would be unwilling or unable to do, such as distribute wealth in an equitable fashion, or provide goods whose value is non-excludable or is simply not easily quantifiable. Air and water quality is like that. Safer streets is not a “good” that can be bought and sold by each individual. Health care may be considered a commodity in some places, but health itself is not an excludable good.

However, a society that doesn’t allow private individuals to keep any of what they earn cannot remain prosperous. If it doesn’t matter how productive your work is, why work at all?

A state like that will collapse under its own weight because the first mistake it makes will bring the whole house of cards down with it, since there are no counter-forces to balance government actions. And since human beings are not perfect, there will be a mistake.

DD: So why is West Bradonia a separate nation from Borealium?

Well, Borealium did not attempt to integrate the entire country, and much of what is now West Bradonia – Zeeland and North Agnar - was entirely outside the proposed integration area.

Looking at West Bradonia, it formed as a reaction to what was going on in what is now New Bradonia. The peoples of central and north-central Bradonia were better served by the old government, less subject to the influence of Rimanter, or of Borealium. Centered on commerce and export light industry and agricultural goods, they had zero interest in a Leninist state. And while the idea of freer trade with Borealium appealed to them, high Borealish taxes to finance a large military machine did not.

PART 2, INTERVIEW WITH ALEXANDER GRAY

DAVENTRY DAILY: So, how would you explain the development of Communist thought in Bradonia?

GRAY: There had always been some Communist feelings in Bradonia – a moderate government was able to keep the feelings for revolutionary change to a minimum east of the Severn, particularly in the industrial areas. With Borealium coming in, it’s more or less the same principle. Borealium went through social upheaval once before, and while it did not have an explicitly Marxist-Leninist tone, a state far more willing to guarantee a decent living for everyone in the country came to power and has essentially hasn’t left power since. The Bradonian government aspired to the same goal, but had fewer resources at its disposal and had greater obstacles, especially in the west in what is now the People’s Republic.

Marxist revolutions have tended to happen in peasant, agrarian societies in which the “proletariat” differs radically from that found in the original theories. The west of Bradonia had always lagged behind the rest of the country in land distribution, in part due to the greater influence of Rimanter, specifically an area where Varidu very much held sway. By contrast, socialist thought in most of Breeland was moderate and had more initial success, and land reform was more feasible, since the Tereshi were more or less indifferent to Bradons living within and near their borders. It’s not even thought of as socialist thought anymore there, just good sense. Land distribution wasn’t as important in Folketing or Kalmar, since land does not necessarily reflect wealth in more industrialized areas.

Communist states often force themselves to industrialize overnight, without the more organic processes that drive industrialization in market-based economies. They want a real proletariat, a “means of production” above and beyond simple land-based agriculture, and possibly a military strong enough to repel hostile countries. Not that efficiency is the only metric, but an all-powerful state trying to turn a nation’s economy on a dime is going to be so inefficient as to preclude most of the good they aim to accomplish.

Note also that the goal is not necessarily the strongest economy, even in the long term, but the quality of life. New Bradonia, with a denuded environment, no rights for independent workers, and no right to start businesses, doesn’t sound much of a place to live for a variety of reasons.

DD: What are the prospects of a Bradonia united under one flag?

In the near future, that’s a pipe dream. There’s no indication that any of the three people want to be in the same state. Most of the Borealish territory is relatively happy with their new government, even if Runnymede is a long way away. New Bradonia as presently constituted is not a sustainable state, long term, and what is now West Bradonia may have no interest in the mess that the New Bradonians are going to make for themselves. The West Bradonians also by and large rejected the idea of joining Borealium for now, and we know what the New Bradonians think of Borealium.

Still, stranger things have happened. A short while ago, who would have thought that the Tereshi would have their own country, on good terms with both Borealium and Tavril Cross?

Borealium is only slowly moving away from the notion of the Commonwealth as a nation-state, toward the idea of a multi-national entity where peoples from around the world all reside. In fact, Borealium has long been multi-national, although now the perception across the county is slowly catching up with the reality.

I’m afraid that’s all the time I have today; a vote in the Assembly is forthcoming.

DD: Thank you, Minister Gray.

2003-06-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

FREEPORT HERALD
“Borealium’s Most Trusted News Source”

BRADONIA AT PEACE: WEST BRADONIA, TERESH, NEW BRADONIA, IN AGREEMENT

Territorial disputes in Mammunia, a region of the former Empire of Rimanter now split between Teresh, West Bradonia, and New Bradonia, have now been resolved, which has paved the way for a more lasting peace between the three countries.

Mammunia, bounded by the Severn and Argool Rivers and the Sharpe line (the old border between Rimanter and Bradonia), was a source of tension between both Bradonias and Teresh. The population of the region is primarily Bradon, but there is a large Tereshi minority, along with some Varidu towns, who were settled in Mammunia by Rimanter as a move against Bradonian irredentism.

The territory change increases by over a third the number of Tereshi on West Bradonian soil and decreases the Bradon population in Teresh by over one-half.

Agreements had already been in place between the Bradonias regarding Severn River navigation, and New Bradonia’s renunciations of any claims to Ertrin Emip greatly lessened friction between that country and Teresh.

The Borealish Foreign Ministry, through its Ambassador to Llewdor, Robert Stoerner, and James McCartney, head of the Borealish Interests Section (division of the Office of the Borealish Ambassador to Tavril Cross) in Boromir, observed the various agreements between the three countries, and was instrumental in the agreement between West Bradonia and Teresh that allowed all the other portions of the peace arrangment puzzle to fit together.

BOREALIUM TO DISPATCH DIPLOMATIC TEAM TO DEZZAR

The Foreign Ministries today was authorized to send a diplomatic team to Dezzar by the National Assembly this morning by a vote of 278-126, with 16 abstentions.

“Though there was much room for improvement, we felt Dezzar was progressing on its way to becoming a fully progressive state,” said interim Foreign Minister Richard Aldington (PA-3.) “This group is there to observe developments in Dezzar, and hopefully avert a civil war by bringing any and all sides of any potential conflict to a reconciliation of interests.”

With this move, The Commonwealth hopes to return to its usual pattern of international interventions, in contrast to its involvement on behalf of one side of the Bradonian civil war, or even its stabilization moves with regards to Teresh.

With the Bradonia and Rimanter situations in the west slowly cooling off, Borealium is now able to divert its military and diplomatic resources to the other side of the Tavril Sea to meet any needs that may arise there.

CITY OF NORWALK TO GET NEW NAME : ST. HELENA
(Norwalk, PRE) The City Council of Norwalk voted 8-3 to change its name to the City of St. Helena, in honor of a Christian mission built there in 1788. All four ethnically Tavril/Aeta councilmembers supported the change.

The mission was the northernmost of a series of missions built in order to facilitate the Tavril population to Christianity, the rest of which are on the Tavril Cross side of the border. Then a largely unsettled area, the builders of the missions accidentally built the mission on the Borealium side of then loosely defined national border, just south of the town of Greenwich, now the City of Greenwich. A village, Mission St. Helena, with a large number of Tavril/Aeta built up around the mission, with a university also named for St. Helena. The village of Mission St. Helena, including the university, joined the Towns of Norwalk and Fort Auckland to form the City of Norwalk in 1912, during a series of municipal aggregations in Preston County.

As constituted today, the City of Norwalk (St. Helena) is bordered on the north by the City of Greenwich, on the west by the Boroughs of West Greenwich and Ontario, on the east by the Tavril Sea, and to the south by the Dominion of Tavril Cross. It is the southern terminus of the M-1 freeway and the busiest border crossing between Tavril Cross and Borealium. Norwalk/St. Helena is a center of native Aeta culture and a popular way station, located about halfway between Wye’s Bay and Freeport.

After the Bradonian integration, the Borealish government was going to force the Borough of Norwalk to change its name, since it was smaller in size and younger than the Preston County City of the same name. Towns nationwide are being asked to change or modify their town names to prevent duplication as much as possible. The rule as to who must change is complicated, but it takes into account age of the town or city, as well as relative size.

Norwalk in the former Bradonia is an outer suburb of Daventry, and can now retain its traditional name.

2003-05-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

TRI-CITY TIMES
“We’re only immortal for a limited time.”

COLONEL WEST CAPTURED IN NORTH COUNTRY
(Laconia, STG) Lt. Col. Oliver West, thought to have some answers in the “Timber Wolf” scandal, was reportedly captured in a hunting lodge in St. George County. West is suspected of having information directly related to an alleged attempt to plot a military coup in either Bradonia or Pragmas. St. George authorities had no comments for the media as this story went to press.

STATE OF BOREALISH HEALTH CARE CALLED “SCANDALOUSLY LOW”
(Runnymede, IRV) A new United Nations report suggests that the Borealish health care system in sorry shape, well behind its peer nations of Tavril Cross and Pragmas, and substantially trailing neighboring Teresh. Some suspect that the Borealish average was dragged down by the Bradonian portions of Borealium and by the Bradonia conflict in general. Refugees from both Teresh and Bradonia were thought to contribute to the overloading of the Borealish health sector.

“What an embarrassment to such a country proud of taking care of its citizens!” declared freshmen Assemblyman Rev. Howard Braillier (SD-1). A speech by Green Floor Leader and Oakdale native Kendall Johnston (G-7) echoed Brallier, and called on the government to delay its military spending initiatives until the health crisis is resolved.

New Health Minister Allen Urich (FD-Bradford), the second-highest ranking Bradonian in the government, has a task of building the Borealish health care system up to snuff. He seems to have a government willing to give his Ministry all the help it needs.

JURY, JUDGE DECLINE TO IMPOSE DEATH SENTENCE IN “HUMAN SACRIFICE CASE”
(Barrington, SUF) A Suffolk County jury has sentenced five defendants, three men and two women, in the “human sacrifice” trial to life in prison without possibility of parole. The five, Douglas Fir, Richard Balsam, Martin Balch, Susan Larch, and Melody Pines, will serve their sentence in Borealium’s Supermax facility in Page County. Of the five, only Larch is a Tri-Cities area native. The defendants were convicted of conducting a series of ritualistic murders, that were intended to resemble old Druidic rites, in an area known as the Enchanted Woods.

Suffolk County prosecutors had sought the death penalty for Fir and Balsam; nonetheless, County Attorney Phil Larsen was nonetheless pleased that the defendants were brought to justice.

The sordid trial has sparked a media frenzy in Borealium, notorious for having an extremely low murder and crime rate.

2003-05-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

RUNNYMEDE DISPATCH

COMMONWEALTH ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL NUCLEAR TEST
(Runnymede, IRV) The Borealish government announced the results of a successful below-ground nuclear test at a remote offshore location on the almost uninhabited island of Krumrie.

Many Assembly Members were displeased at the announcement, but seemed relieved that it took place during a time of reducing tension in the area, and that no further tests are scheduled. Leaders of the Green and Social Democratic parties called for a freeze to such weapons programs, and have filed three different anti-nuclear bills.

Arrangements are being made to replace Ad Valorem with Teresh as the top supplier of uranium to Borealium. Most of the uranium imported by the Commonwealth is used for power generation; nuclear power supplies about 30% of Borealium’s energy.

COMMONWEALTH REDUCES TARIFFS
(Runnymede, IRV) In an effort to boost the technology sectors in Borealium, the National Assembly, under vociferous protest from True Path and Social Democrat lawmakers, decided to lower industrial import tariffs. Borealium had among the highest tariffs in the region before yesterday’s contentious vote, which should pave the way for changes in Borealium’s manufacturing sector.

In exchange for True Path floor leader David Cottman (TP-Rutherford) not following through on his threat for calling a vote of no confidence, Premier Jason Dunster (PA-3) dispatched increased local aid to Rutherford and Logan Counties, an increased infastructure construction budget that should help put more displaced auto workers in Greater Bennington, the home of the Borealish auto industry and the heart of TPC country.

Opposition Leader Arnold Layne expressed disappointment that the government caved into Cottman’s demands for special treatment for auto workers.

NEW MILITARY MODERNIZATION INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED
(Runnymede, IRV) On the heels of recent efforts by Pragmas and other countries to modernize their militaries, Borealium Central Command announced the DEATH (Deal Enemies A Tough Hand) program. Some observers were disturbed the program’s strange acronym. Short-term increases in military spending are expected as recruits are trained in more advanced equipment, and Borealium’s leading defense contractors are assigned to design newer and better equipment.

“Our last two theatres of operation [against New Bradonia and amongst Tereshi and Varidu militia] were against foes with inferior equipment,” said Col. Bruce Hampton. “There’s no guarantee that’s going to be the case in future conflicts.”

In addition, the Borealish military hopes to gradually scale back the use of fossil fuel in its vehicles, particularly naval vessels. Other details of the DEATH program were not disclosed to the media.

FIVE DEFENDANTS CONVICTED OF MURDER IN “HUMAN SACRIFICE” TRIAL
(Barrington, SUF) Five of six defendants have been convicted of murder in connection with a series of grisly human sacrifice child killings related to Druidic rituals in Suffolk County’s Enchanted Woods. The sixth, a teenage runaway, was found to be a less than willing participant, and will be sent to a psychological counseling facility.

Outside Suffolk County courthouse in Barrington, groups of pro- and anti-death penalty demonstrators clashed while judge and jury deliberated about the fates of the convicted of the defendants, two of whom may be the first people executed in Borealium in eight years.

Suffolk County Attorney Phil Larsen breathed a sigh of relief at the convictions, hoping that “the verdict will soon bring an end to this media circus of a trial.”

The penalty phase of the trial opens tomorrow.

Archived Borealish news can be found at http://borealium.blogspot.com

2003-05-12T06:08:00.000-07:00

FREEPORT JOURNAL
“Wake up to us.”

NEW GOVERNMENT SWORN IN
Premier Jason Dunster (PA-3) was sworn in a small, dignified ceremony in Capitol Park in Runnymede today. The new government includes a record eight parties: the leading Progress Alliance, the True Path Coalition, the Farmers’ Alliance, the Free Democrats of Bradonia, the Social Democrats, the Greens, and the Mahaska Peoples’ Party, leaving only the Communist Workers’ Parties of Borealium and Bradonia on the left, and the Loyal Opposition Conservative Progressive Union, the National Action Party, the Liberty League, the Bradonia Independence Party, and the Bradonia Fatherland Party in opposition. Of 420 seats, the governing coalition will control

Former Daventry City Council member Alexander Gray (SD-9) taking over as Finance Minister from Dunster. New Foreign Minister Jane Whelan (TP-6) is a sign of TPC’s unexpectedly strong showing, boosted by a Catholic minority in Bradonia. The MPP did not get a Cabinet position, but Floor Leader Artur Johnson (MP-White) did get a plum Legislative Affairs seat. The coalition is expected to be fractious, and possibly fragile, with centrists, liberals, and leftists trying to share a government. The opposition is equally divided, however, into conservative, libertarian, nationalist, and secessionist factions.

The new government faces many challenges, from integrating Bradonians into an increasingly diverse Commonwealth to maintaining military readiness, particularly at sea, to dealing with diplomatic crises across the region. Rimanter and Bradonia remain unstable places; relations with Ad Valorem and Pragmas remain under stress. The economy has become increasingly difficult to manage, with Borealium falling behind other nations in the region in non-industrial sectors outside of tourism, which has also taken a hit amidst regional instability.

AIR FORCE INKS DEAL FOR NEW BASE IN TERESH
Borealish Central Command announced an agreement to construct its first standalone Air Force base outside the Commonwealth. To be named after former Premier Robert Holstrom, it will located halfway between Ertrin Emip and Sharpestown, slightly uphill from the Swrni/Severn River, just south of Teresh’s cross-country rail line, in the Free Republic of Teresh. The Borealish military is expected to base future Rimantrian operations at this base, in addition to supervising the actions of still-unrecognized People’s Republic of New Bradonia in the area.

Payment for the land to be indefinintely leased by Borealium will come from two sources; one is Borealish assistance with reconstructing the main roads and railways in Teresh, the other an unspecified number of Borealium-made L-26 planes for a revamped Tereshi Air Force.

BOREALIUM – LOW ON COMPASSION?
Despite compassion being a virtue Borealish hold dear, it only ranks 13th among a list of 26 area nations in “most compassionate populace,” according to a recent UN study.
Borealium received high marks for compassionate government policies, in terms of caring for the less fortunate in the country, but many observers found the often shy and reserved Borealish demeanor to belie coldness.

“Most of the people around spent a lot of time looking at their shoes. Groups of people in bars and clubs kept mostly to themselves,” said a U.N. observer, who spent time in Plymouth and parts of the North Country. “Wouldn’t truly compassionate people be interested in the daily lives of others?” asked the woman, who was clearly experiencing culture shock. “Sure, few if any go hungry here, but it seems like a society that would rather be left alone.”

Delegations who visited the Metroplex, particularly Freeport, saw a more diverse group of people, some of whom were perfectly happy to talk to strangers.

RIMANTER NOBLES IN BOREALIUM : HELL FROZEN OVER?
Shoppers in Oxford-Crown were stunned to see relatives of the late emperor Joseph Mansfield exiting a private sedan outside the Aldington Hotel on Crown Street across from Oxford Triangle Park. Stunned photographers furiously snapped pictures – observers in the know looked aghast at the sight of a group of men and women once known to the Borealish as “The Enemy” furtively avoiding glances from a multinational group of observers on the streets of Freeport.

Neither Emperor Mansfield nor Empress Deborah, both thought to be dead, were in sight.

One passer by, a veteran of the border patrol, remarked “Whoever thought you would see this?” Another observer wryly noted “I guess that settles things. Borealium won.”

Borealium has proven a popular destination for former Varidu nobleman who felt insufficiently protected by Pragman peacekeepers or private security forces active in the area, from either revolting Varidu peasants, Bradonian rebel forces, or Tereshi militias. Borealish diplomatic and military corps have eased the passage of those seeking escape through either Teresh or West Bradonia, neither of whose population are particularly welcoming of Varidu elites. Like many other immigrant groups to the Commonwealth, their first destination of choice is usually Freeport.

2003-05-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

*NEWS FLASH*
CENTER-LEFT COALITION STAYS IN POWER: DUNSTER TO ASSUME PREMIERSHIP
In a closely contested Borealish election, voters handed control back to a Progress Alliance-led coalition.

More to come.

STATEMENT OF FOREIGN MINISTER-ELECT

While we would also like there to be international monitors in all of the former Rimanter - including Teresh - we would like to second most of the delegate from Pragmas' thoughts.

We are hesitant to endorse any solution that includes dynastic monarchy, but if that is the government the Varidu or Tezek choose, than the Commonwealth isn't inclined to "impose" a different form of government. The Tereshi, who have long suffered under monarchs of one stripe or another, have by and large chosen a different path.

We do at some level question the wisdom of the way Ad Valoran society is run, though that is a decision best to left to Ad Valorem.
Like Pragmas, we will do our best to uphold what we have taken as our duty in the region - to help build friendly and sustainable societies in our midst, so that someday we might not need to send our young men and women into harm's way to ensure tranquility in the region.

Jane Whelan (TP-6)
Foreign Minister-Designate, National Assembly
Commonwealth of Borealium

2003-05-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

*NEWS FLASH*
Voters across the Commonwealth will pick the next National Assembly tomorrow. Amidst a backdrop of a soft economy, numerous foreign policy struggles, and ideological differences in the Borealium’s two largest parties, there is much uncertainty.

Finance Minister and Progress Alliance leader-elect Jason Dunster (PA-3) is hoping that high marks on health, education, and environmental issues will return them to power , along with the help of new Borealish citizens from the Bradonian areas, who are expected to give a number of their seats to their left-wing coaltion partners, the Greens and the Social Democrats.

Prognosticators are predicting that the Conservative Progressive Union will substantially increase their leverage in the next Assembly and may force the Progress Alliance to agree to a “national unity” government that could leave the Social Dems, Greens, and possibly True Path on the outside looking in. Though it is highly unlikely for many reasons that Borealium will get its first true right-wing government since the Troubles, CPU leader Arnold Layne (CP-6) may get to be the next Premier.

Either group would likely welcome the relatively nonideological Farmer’s Alliance and the centrist Free Democrats of Bradonia to form a government.

2003-04-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

BENNINGTON JOURNAL
“Common sense is an uncommon quality.”

BOREALISH ECONOMY SLUMPING
Bennington Area Among The Hardest Hit

On the eve of elections, the latest economic numbers in Borealium are not good, which could prove bad news for the governing coalition, who have already been suffering foreign policy-related setbacks. The BFD Index is down nearly 456 points to close below 12000 for the first time in nine months. The slow economy of both West Bradonia and Borealish Bradonia is blamed for a drop in value of the ducat against most other regional currencies. The upside to this currency weakness could be a boost, particularly with regards to agricultural and mineral commodities exports in the near future, particularly as regional instability dissipates. Industrial recovery is likely to lag a bit.

Heavy industry has been especially hit hard, which has sent unemployment in Greater Bennington to its highest level in over a decade. Boreal Motors in particular is suffering as area militaries buy less heavy machinery and Borealish consumers buy fewer cars. Government investment in internal improvements in Borealium and its new immediate neighbors will, however, help the area’s large construction equipment sector.

SENSATIONAL MURDER TRIAL OPENS
“Human Sacrifices” by Druid-Inspired Cult Horrify Nation
(Barrington, SUF)
Six self-identified Druids go on trial in Suffolk County, starting tomorrow for a series of grisly ritualistic murders committed on the northern outskirts of an area known as the “Enchanted Woods.” A seventh cult member was committed suicide in his holding cell in Barrington last night.

The cult members would kidnap young children, mostly from the Bennington or Tri-Cities areas, abscond them to the Enchanted Woods area near Baldur’s Lake, and conduct elaborate rituals in which the children were stabbed to death.

In a move certain to cause further controversy, Suffolk County prosecutors have decided to seek the death penalty for two of the six defendants. The Commonwealth last put one of its own citizens to death eight years ago, for bombing a Cornwall County military installation, which killed eleven Borealish soldiers. The move is sure to spark anti-death penalty protestors, both in Barrington, and nationwide, as well as anti-death penalty legislative proposals in Runnymede.

National and area Druid and Wiccan organization were quick to distance themselves from this cult, saying that modern pagans shun human sacrifices. Local prominent Druids and Wiccans have received some hate mail from the area’s predominantly Catholic population, as a result of the murders.

Attorneys for the defense could not be reached for this story.

NEW ROAD REPAIR INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED
Outgoing Premier Young and Infrastructure Minister Stoerner have announced a new initiative to help repair roads and rail lines in West Bradonia and Teresh. The initiative is aimed at assisting over-land Borealish trade, which has suffered from the instability in both Bradonia and the former Empire of Rimanter.

The top priority is Highway 2 – including a parallel railroad - in Teresh, an extension of Borealium’s M-2, which connects Cornwall County in Borealium with Bron’yaur and eventually the troubled city of Ertrin Emip. When completed, cars and trains will be able to travel from Etrtrin Emip clear to Freeport. Also high on the list is a rehabilitation of M-9, connected Llewdor, West Bradonia with Daventry, and M-6 between Houghton-Dormont and the Severn River.

Greater Bennington is not expected to see any new motorways, as the M-8 from Plymouth to Daventry was largely unaffected by strife.

TERESHI CONSULATE A BIG HIT IN BENNINGTON
Ethnic Tereshi citizens and resident aliens in the Bennington area today flocked to the newly opened Consulate of the Free Republic of Teresh, located prominently downtown on Logan Avenue, two blocks from City Hall. Some were there to obtain permits to return to Teresh, most were there to obtain travel visas to return to see relatives, many for the first time since the breakup of Rimanter and the ensuing instability. Bennington is home to one of the largest Tereshi communities in Borealium.

2003-04-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

NASSAU COUNTY REGISTER
“Nothing is so powerful as truth.”

CONSERVATIVES INCREASE POLL NUMBERS : TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE?
(Freeport, FRE) The latest polls in Borealium indicate that the opposition Conservative Progressive Union is gaining support among Borealish voters unhappy with how the Progress Alliance-led government handled the Bradonia situation. The CPU was cooler to integration than the governing parties, but many of its members have advocated a harder line against the New Bradonia rebels than the government has pursued. Citizens of newly Borealish Bradonia, however, will help the Social Democrats and Greens, and that may be enough to return a left-leaning government to power despite projected gains for all three right-wing opposition parties within original Borealium; the far-right national alliance may even win a seat or two in the two Freeport-based districts for the first time this round. The centrist Free Democrats of Bradonia will probably figure in any coalition government, as will the Farmers’ Alliance, which will have a following on both sides of the old border. Elections are scheduled to be held next Friday.

FORMER COLONEL WANTED: IS HE “TIMBER WOLF?”
(Runnymede, IRV) The search continues for former Lt. Col. Oliver West, who is wanted for questioning in connection with the “Timber Wolf” dispatches, which allegedly purported to plotting military coups in Pragmas and possibly Bradonia. West has not been seen in Borealium in some time; Boreal Motors has announced he will be removed from that firm’s Board of Directors.

BOREALISH FOREIGN MINISTRY EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT WAHOOVIA
(Runnymede, IRV) An impending government collapse in Wahoovia has the Foreign Ministry concerned, both for the Wahoovians and for designs other entities may harbor about “We believe at this time that Pragmas has the best of intentions in that country,” said Foreign Minister Jill Abramson (PA-5), when asked about Wahoovia’s northern neighbor. “We are, however, curious as to what their procedures in their designated security zone might be.” Abramson also expressed grave concern about possible interference in Wahoovia by “Free Haven Enterprises,” an Ad Valorem-based concern whose aim is to set up “free haven” zones run free of any formal government. “We would prefer that such an operation not occur in the area, since it is bound to degenerate into a wretched hive of scum and villainy.”

AIR BOREAL TO INCREASE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
(Nassau City, NAS) Borealium’s largest air carrier has announced it will offer non-stop flights from Hansen International Airport to Bron’Yaur, Teresh ; Llewdor, West Bradonia, and Sion, Griqualand. Service will also be increased from Hansen to Uljup’, Pragmas, replacing service from Murphy International Airport, whose non-stop overseas destinations will be limited to destinations in Tavril Cross. Llarack and Veter will continue to be serviced from Hansen and Murphy via either Bennington or Daventry.

NEW NASSAU COUNTY COURTHOUSE OPENED
(Bourne, NAS) A new Nassau County courthouse was opened today, replacing the old, decrepit 1940’s-built structure just down Walnut Street from the new courthouse. Nassau County, growing by leaps and bounds, is relieved to have the project finished, which should take pressure off branch buildings in Nassau City, Middleborough, and Norwich. County Executive Richard Bender (PA) gleefully snipped the ribbon and declared the new structure “open for business.”

2003-04-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

Polls suggest that Jason Dunster, currently finance minister, will be our next Premier. The Gazzette’s Jennifer Sparks sat down for an exclusive interview with Dunster at his Norwich home.

Gazette: So, what would you say you and your party are running on, Minister Dunster?

Dunster: Solid readership with results. Our economy has remained good despite the necessary increase in military spending. If the situations in Bradonia and Teresh start to improve, and I have every reason to believe that they will, we will focus our public sector more on domestic concerns. In my humble opinion, Borealium is still the best run country in the region.

G: However, a lot of people’s minds are on foreign policy at present.

D: Well, yes, and we are making positive steps there as well.

G: So why did Borealish delegates walk out of peace talks?

D: I will accept credit and blame for being a proponent of the talks. Results were mixed. Hostilities have not restarted, and, there seems to be an equilibrium. We left without a treaty, and that’s unfortunate. The negotiations degenerated into a forum for other parties to pile on Borealium, and nothing productive was happening, so our delegation left. I suppose, technically, there’s a war, but in reality, I think actual hostilities are more or less over. I expect negotiations to yield something more amicable in short order.

We got bogged down on a territorial dispute, when the other side was making certain demands we could not agree to. We want to give the other side an agreement on freedom of navigation and commerce. It’s in everyone’s interest that that happens. Once the finance situation is fixed region wide, I could definitely see an agreement on a pan-Bradonian currency, although the asset seizure issue makes that problematic. Ultimately, a solution I’d prefer is a pan-regional currency.

G: The People’s Republic of New Bradonia has announced “liberation” of Borealish assets in their territory, and an intention to attempt to extract a fee for third parties trading by land with Borealium. What would be your reaction to those actions or potential actions?

D: Regarding the asset seizure issue, well, that’s clearly going to be a sticking point. That’s going to make diplomatic recognition difficult. The worst part about it is that it’s going to hurt middle-class exiles worst of all, since most of the wealthiest denizens of SWAB-held Bradonia had their money elsewhere. The largest Borealish asset in the area was a small tractor plant near Brodhjem owned by Boreal Motors. As of the present time, we’re not prepared to go to war over that issue.

As to the trade tariff threat issues, I think there’s some bluffing going on there, and there’s also some misunderstanding about our intra- and inter-regional trade. We haven’t been doing much international land shipping, except obviously to Tavril Cross, in some time. We prefer shipping by water, or in some situations, by air. It’s not as if Rimantrian or Bradonian – at least, rebel-held Bradonian - roads were all that reliable to begin with, let alone after the current crises started in both areas. I would hope they didn’t attempt to take the kinds of actions they are talking about, but the impact would be fairly minimal. Again, without more, it won’t affect things much.

G: How is your party and your government dealing with the challenge of integrating Bradonian people and institutions into Borealium proper?

D: While there many people better qualified the cultural aspects of integration than I, Borealish and Bradonians share a lot of common ties. I can’t speak for the opposition, but any Progress-led government will include Bradonian elements. Finance will be open. The Social Dems will be in our government, and they will have delegates on both sides of the old border for sure. We’re inclined to invite the Free Democrats of Bradonia. The Greens are in the government now, and as far as I know, are still interested in being in the next government. The Farmers’ Alliance – again, both sides of the old border – they’re in, and are likely to get re-invited if we run the show. In a normal situation, we’d try to get to 181, or now it’d be 206 seats – but in this sort of situation we’re looking for a little more than a one-seat majority.

Dunster Interview (cont’d)
G: The polls suggest that your party holds an advantage over the Conservative Progressive Union. What would happen if that changed? Would you join a CPU-led coalition?

D: Yes. We hope *chuckles* that’s not what happens, but we would join a National Unity government, whether Arnold [Layne] or I get to be Premier. Arnold and I would sit down and, I think, would make sure there were Bradonian elements in such a government. I have a lot of respect for Arnold – there are some elements in that party I’m less comfortable with.

G: Although demonstrations seemed to have calmed down, tensions with Pragmas seem to remain high? What would your government do, if anything, about this tension?

D:. There’s tension. No doubt about it. But there’s a lot common ground and that’s largely been forgotten about in these turbulent weeks. I expect there to be some cooperation with regard to Rimanter, and then, if anything happens, in Wahoovia. I do wish sometimes Minister Alabat would tone down things a bit, although I suppose some of our people have been guilty of bluster as well. But every time he comes out with one of his broadsides, NAP’s [Nat’l Action Party, right-wing nationalists] poll numbers go up. As for the whole sanctions thing, well, there was never much chance of that happening anyway.

G: What is the first thing you would you say to the world if elected Premier?

D: Well, come visit us. See everything we have to offer in our beautiful, safe country. We are a nation of the world and will continue to uphold our higher duties to the world.

G: Thank you, Minister Dunster.

2003-04-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

BAYTOWN GAZETTE
“All the news we can fit.”

FOREIGN MINISTER ANNOUNCES PROGRESS IN TERESH
Borealish Troops Scale Back Operations in Bron’Yaur

Foreign Minister Jill Abramson (PA-5) has announced that warring factions in Teresh have agreed to a new government framework. “We have just taken a crucial step in the creation of a new state rising from the ashes of the old Empre of Rimanter whose primary concern will be helping the long-oppressed people of Teresh control their own destiny.”

The new Tereshi Republic will receive some emergency aid from Borealium, and from any other willing nation. The biggest challenge to the Republic of Teresh is dealing with relations between the Tereshi and the Tavril and other minorities in the area, and differences between highland and lowland Tereshi.

The Borealish military commander in Bron’Yaur, Col. Steve Stevens, said “It will be a serious challenge bringing government by the people to an area that has seen nothing of the kind in its history. All we can do is guide the process along – the Borealish have a long history with the Tereshi in our own country, and we think that will help.” Borealish military units are beginning to leave Bron’Yaur, though a small guard will remain behind to help police the city. Military leaders hope to be able to vacate the Borealish “security zone” inside Teresh in a matter of days.

In a related story, a small cadre of Borealish troops, newly available due to reduce tensions in Bron’Yaur, are answering a request by Pragmas to assist peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts in Etrin Emip, about 100 km outside the borders of the newly established Free Republic of Teresh.

BOREALISH PARTIES CAMPAIGN IN EASTERN BRADONIA

The two large parties, the Progress Alliance and the Conservative Progressive Union, have conducted mostly low-key campaigns in Borealish Bradonia. They have by and large declined to run candidates for county seats (however, they are both running candidates in Holmes County, and the CPU is actively promoting candidates in Daventry City and Folketing County.) The True Path coalition is campaigning mostly in the border regions, but the heavily Catholic party does not expect much support from largely Protestant eastern Bradonia.
Smaller parties, who have had semi-formal allies in Bradonia for years, are more active. Farmers’ Alliance leader Darryl Stoerner (FA-Foster) was on Bradonian side of the Great Blue Valley trying to get votes for his party, which has reached an agreement with the Agrarian Party of Bradonia. Borealish Green Party leader Kendall Johnston (G-7) was in Daventry, pushing Green candidates in national elections there, hoping to make a claim to be the most truly inter-state party, as was Social Democratic leader Mark Davidson (SD-5). Davidson, the earliest advocate of inter-state integration, has suffered as the integration controversy spawned a short-lived civil war.
Crossing the border from the other side of things, Mashakan voters in Borealium will have a new option – the Mahaska Peoples’ Party, who will be campaigning in northwest areas of Borealium.
Meanwhile, the conservative Independence Party of Greater Bradonia suffered a setback of sorts when the Borealish agreed to allow West Bradonia control of what was expected to be their strongest electoral area. The government has given every indication that it will allow their delegates to be seated without restrictions, although it is unlikely they would be invited to participate in any government. They are running candidates in all Bradonian counties, and are favored to fetch at least the Morris County seat.

CHIEF JUSTICE WILLIAMS DIES OF STROKE
Douglas Williams, 78, in his seventh year of Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Borealium, was pronounced dead at National University Hospital this morning, after suffering an acute stroke. He leaves behind his widow, Betty Williams, and three children, all grown. Justice Williams, a former law professor at the University of Hartford, will be remembered as a practical, balancing voice on the sometimes contentious 11-member Court. The Assembly will bring up the issue of his replacement – candidates include outgoing Premier T.J. Young and Justice Minister Dean Taylor.

2003-04-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

These talks are quickly becoming futile.

We are leaving.

We do not recognize the so-called "People's Republic" of New Bradonia as a legitimate government.

However, the cease fire, as far as we are concerned, will remain in effect. Absent further provocation, we will not attack any territory west of the Severn. As long as the lines stay where they presently are, we will not initiate any new hostilities.

Any attempt to cross the Severn by the SWAB militias will result in immediate and massive counterattack on any and all territory currently held by SWAB.

We are turning over what we have agreed to turn over to the Free Land of West Bradonia. We will defend West Bradonian territory as it now stands, whether east or west of the Severn River and Folketing Bay, from any unwelcome foreign power, including the self-styled People's Republic of New Bradonia.

The SWAB is welcome to deal with Rimanter, Ad Valorem, or any other intruder into its territory, in any way it chooses so long as it does not attack either West Bradonian or Borealish territory. Any foreign power (other than West Bradonia) that assists them, however, may be subject to sanction by the Commonwealth of Borealium.

2003-04-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

Delegates from Pragmas trumpet our negotiating positions as signs of diplomatic weakness. We will not stand for this.

We have made several different offers to compromise in the interests of peace. And yet we have seen our gratuitous offers used as a blunt instrument to beat us over the head time and time again, and we grow tired of it.

So from here on out, we have now offered everything we are going to offer. We had hoped that there would be give and take, but all the other side has offered is to take and take and take some more. The Lenin regime and its sympathizers and well-wishers can either stop making unreasonable demands or face the consequences.

This government has not taken any actions to threaten the Empire of Pragmas. There has been anti-Pragmas legislation drafted by some imprudent members of the Assembly, but it has gone nowhere, and will continue to go nowhere as long as this government holds. There were threats made by a certain “Timber Wolf,” but they had zero chance of materializing since they were made without the authorization or the knowledge of this government; in no way did this mysterious entity speak for this Commonwealth. As for the demonstrations, our government does not control the actions of individual citizens until we have no choice. They will continue to be allowed unless and until they turn violent or threatening.

Jill Abramson (PA-5)
Foreign Minister, Commonwealth of Borealium

2003-04-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

STATEMENT BY PREMIER YOUNG TO NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Good evening, men and women of the National Assembly, and of the world. Tonight I address the Assembly, the Borealish people, and the world about matters of pressing importance.

There is propaganda emanating from the self-styled People’s Republic of New Bradonia that sullies our good name as a nation. They accuse the Commonwealth of being a power bent on conquest, occupation, and enslavement.

Anyone who knows Borealium as I do knows that could not be more wrong. Borealish workers and farmers are among the best treated and best off anywhere in the region, and in the world. And yet at the same time Borealium remains a good and friendly place to conduct business. Without being an overly militaristic society, we are a regional military power.

If we had the inclination to conquer or occupy all of Bradonia, we would have. We do have the military capability to do so. But such conduct would not be the Borealish way. Instead we held a referendum in half the country on integration. It may not have passed with uniform support region wide, but the simple fact is that it did pass.

In the interests of peace, and in the interest of a viable West Bradonian state, we have agreed to cede a large chunk of that territory to a state we feel we can trust. We are under no obligation to do so. We are certainly under no obligation to cede any territory to a state that we most emphatically do not trust. We had hoped that this gesture would satisfy some people, but apparently it has not. The Lenin regime continues to insist on unreasonable terms, and we are not even sure we could hold them to those terms if we were agree to them.

And they are doing nothing to persuade us that perhaps our mistrust might be unfounded. They are still engaging in terrorist activities. They are brainwashing Borealish prisoners. They have now accused us of deliberately toppling Bradonia’s former government.

What have we done? We offered the people of the eastern half of Bradonia the chance to become part of a fully functional democratic state. We sat back and did nothing while a terrorist organization provoked us. We sent food aid to a beleaguered populace; we were rewarded with more provocation. We declared war, and played by accepted rules of war, and then despite the fact that we were winning this war, we agreed to a truce. We have done everything we could to convince the world our motives were benevolent, and for that we have been pilloried, attacked, and ridiculed.

What have we offered an adversary that has done absolutely nothing to earn it? We have not only offered them the right of unsanctioned recognition, we have offered them the right to more territory than they could ever hope to win without a settlement. We have offered them, and everyone else in the region, unfettered Severn River access. We have warned third parties, specifically Ad Valorem, in no uncertain terms not to disturb an entity with whom we are still at war. We have even offered them help with ridding their country of unwanted intruders they had a role in inviting in the first place.

There are some in Borealium who think we should stop wasting our time talking to these people. There are some in Borealium who think that Ad Valorem’s provocation is a direct result of our showing weakness in the Bradonian conflict. I have thusfar clung to the hope that perhaps these negotiations will bring a mutually acceptable peace, but what is transpiring in San Benet is giving me some reason to question those hopes.

Our patience is being taxed. While we are reluctant to restart armed conflict, we will do so if the alternative is compromising Borealish security. Our patience is not infinite.

I am here to tell the world that the Commonwealth is doing all it can to stop this conflict before it escalates any further. But if we are left with no choice, we will fight and win. Our adversaries will most assuredly not like the results.

Thank you and good night. May the Good Lord save our fair Commonwealth.

2003-04-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

FREEPORT HERALD
“Borealium’s Most Trusted News Source”

BRADONIAN WAR TALKS CONTINUE IN SAN BENET
(San Benet, TC) Talks continue here in San Benet between the various parties involved in the Bradonian civil war. Land allocation is said to be the major remaining issue, and the parties are said to have agreed to several common terms of acceptance. Rumors are spreading that talks have reached an impasse, but they cannot be confirmed. The mood on the streets of San Benet remains optimistic, for now.

Borealish diplomats, who had previously insisted that New Bradonia not be allowed to exist, surprised many observers by agreeing to a cease fire. Observers were also somewhat surprised when the government agreed to cede any territory east of the Severn to West Bradonia, although the announcement that Llewdor would be the capital of a West Bradonia state was welcomed in that city.

TERESHI FACTIONS IN NEGOTIATIONS
(Bron’yaur, Rimanter) Meanwhile, while talks on Bradonia are occurring in Tavril Cross, key staffers for Deputy Foreign Minister Jane Whelan (TP-6) is supervising talks between two large warring Tereshi factions in northeastern Rimanter. Economic aid from Borealium is expected to give the factions incentive to settle. Small military units that were intended to be sent to Bradonia were instead used to surround Bron’yaur, lurching forth from the Borealish security zone, so that no further warring forces could cause further damage to that city this afternoon. Talks are being held in an undisclosed location within the Borealish security zone but outside Borealium proper.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN HOLDING PATTERN
(Runnymede, IRV) Foreign policy bills in the National Assembly have been suspended pending a possible resolution of the Bradonian civil war.

Progress Alliance and True Path lawmakers seem to have scuttled a Pragmas sanction bill for the time being, but Randy Ballenger’s (CP-8) legislation may have gathered extra steam when the Pragmite government installed a Pragmite nobleman in parts of Rimanter under domain of peacekeepers from Pragmas.

Public anger at Pragmas persists, though the demonstrations have subsided for the time being, pending the negotiations regarding Bradonia and Rimanter. The National Action Party, which has insisted Pragmas is hostile to Borealium, expects a bump in upcoming election polls.

The government remains silent on the nuclear testing issue. “During these sensitive times when everyone is on edge, with failed states and chaos all around us, is not the proper time to address that issue,” insisted Defense Minister Paul Randall (PA-2). Other countries have suggested that the Commonwealth has gone nuclear, allegations that have gone unanswered.

OPPOSITON PARTIES HOLD CAUCUSES
(Runnymede, IRV) Arnold Layne (CP-6) beat back right-wing opposition from Adam Hart (CP-1) in Conservative Progressive Union caucuses last night, prevailing on the first ballot. The CPU senses that it can make major gains in the National Assembly in upcoming elections, and has at least an outside shot at having the first crack at forming a coalition government. CPU lawmakers decided to stay the course, and hoped presenting a more practical and sensible voice in Runnymede would appeal to swing voters both inside and outside the Metroplex.

In other news, there were no changes in the leadership of either the Liberty League or the National Action Party in their leadership caucuses.

FREEPORT CURFEW LIFTED: CITY CELEBRATES
(Freeport, FRE) Freeport lifted its midnight curfew, effective today. Mayor Harold Beckett (PA) expressed relief that Freeport’s famed nightlife can resume once more. Businesses had been clamoring for less restrictive movement policies, and, once the cease fire was announced in the Bradonian civil war, lobbied the City Council to repeal the curfew.

SIMIAN STORM UNLIKELY TO HAVE MUCH LONG-TERM IMPACT; DISEASE POSSIBLE
(Marlborough, MRL) Borealish scientists have concluded that the introduction of monkeys by Esmael into the Bradonian landscape are unlikely to have much impact on the area. Bradonia, mostly cold grassland, is very different from the warm, subtropical climate of Esmael. “It is hard to imagine Esmaeli monkeys surviving in the Borealish north country; it would be even harder for them to survive in the even harsher landscape of western Bradonia, even in the more temperate coastal areas,” said Daniel Bronsky, a Professor of Biology at University of the North.

Esmaeli forces deployed genetically-engineered monkeys to western Bradonia as part of “Operation Simian Storm.” One possible problem, said Bronsky, is that there might be some diseases that spread to either livestock or people. But he discounted that possibility somewhat by saying “It is difficult to spread diseases across species without some conditions that are unlikely to occur here.”

2003-04-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

BOREALISH NEWS IN BRIEF

CEASE FIRE IN BRADONIAN CIVIL WAR; NEGOTIATIONS TAKING PLACE
(San Benet, Tavril Cross) Fighting has ceased for now as discussions are taking place in this resort city between the Free Land of West Bradonia, backed by the Commonwealth, and the People’s Republic of New Bradonia, along with delegations from Borealium, Pragmas, and Tavril Cross.

FIGHTING IN BRON’YAUR INTENSIFIES
(Bron’Yaur, Rimanter) Two rival factions of Tereshi militia were reported to intensify combat for this largest city in eastern Teresh. The Democratic Union of Teresh (TUD) forces clashed with the rival Righteous Patriotic Tereshi Forces (DMT) in heavy fighting today. Bron’Yaur is located approximately 95 km south-west of Fort Alton, lying approximately 65 km outside the security zone.

The northeast of Rimanter, populated mostly by Tereshi, is the one area of Rimanter largely outside the control of peacekeepers from Pragmas and Tavril Cross. Borealish forces were reported to move into the area to prevent further escalation of warfare.

TIMBER WOLF SCANDAL DAMAGES INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
(Runnymede, IRV) As the government searches for information relating to an unknown individual thought to be connected to the Borealish military, the scandal is creating another headache for T.J.Young’s outgoing government. The _Freeport Sun_ first reported about the dispatches, and word quickly spread that a rogue element in the Borealish military was trying to engineer a military coup in Bradonia, Pragmas, or both.
Some speculate that the Timber Wolf incident was an attempt by foreign spies to discredit the Commonwealth.

DUNSTER BEATS RANDALL, HOWARD IN PROGRESS ALLIANCE CAUCUS
(Runnymede, IRV)
In a victory for the liberal wing of the Progress Alliance, Finance Minister Jason Dunster (PA-4) became the Progress Alliance’s nominee for Premier in upcoming elections. Dunster beat more conservative Defense Minister Paul Randall (PA-2) as well as backbencher Dean Howard (PA-Marshall) and a field of four other candidates. Most analysts concluded that the choice of Dunster as nominee would send a conciliatory message to Bradonians, and to followers of the Social Democrat and Green Parties. Dunster prevailed in the fourth round of balloting.

FOOTBALL SEASON TO START NEXT WEEK
(Freeport, FRE) Football season in Borealium kicks off next week as BFA squads begin play. Capitol FC goes into the season favored to win, but prognosticators have not ruled out Springfield defending its title.

2003-04-19T22:34:00.000-07:00

THE DAILY HAMPTONIAN
“Bringing Hampton To The World. Bringing The World To Hampton.”

AIR FORCE BOMBARDS AREA AROUND GANDIRSHAVN
(Bradonia) Sensing the battle is going poorly in Gandirshavn, the Borealish air force commenced an intense bombing campaign directed at forces surrounding the city, with a force so far unseen in this war. “We waited until the last possible moment to commence bombing activity, but we will not allow the largest port in West Bradonia to fall into enemy hands.”

BOREALISH, WEST BRADONIAN FORCES COMMENCE NEW OFFENSIVE
(Bradonia) Moving south from its base near Stenholm in southern Zeeland, Borealish armored corps began a slow southward advance in order to assist West Bradonian troops advancing westward from Llewdor. In other news, Borealish military units are advancing westward and southward from the now-secured Houghton-Dormont and Groton-Barnstable areas.

WEST BRADONIAN PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT SEATED IN LLEWDOR; GOVERNMENT AGREES TO CEDE RIGHTS TO LARGE AREA
(Llewdor, BLA)
The Provisional Government of the Free Land of West Bradonia is being set up in Llewdor today. The Borealish National Assembly has given its quick approval to a plan by Leader of the Loyal Opposition Arnold Layne (CP-6) to give the Free Land of West Bradonia sovereignty over Breeland, Blair, and Howard Counties. The military situation is not expected to immediately change. “Soon we will, with Borealish and Esmaeli assistance, win control over the remainder of Bradonia.”

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO CONSIDER SANCTIONS ON PRAGMAS
(Runnymede, IRV) Six Conservative Progressive Union Assemblymen this morning have submitted a bill to the National Assembly to place Pragmas under economic sanctions for its conduct in the Bradonia situation. “Pragmas this morning has formally declared its support for a terrorist enemy of Borealium assuming power in Bradonia,” said Ranking Opposition Defense Minister Randy Ballenger (CP-8), one of the six co-sponsors, this morning. “We must send a message to the world that we do not find this acceptable, and that anyone else who slurs our good name to the international community can expect the same treatment from this Commonwealth.”

Assemblyman Walter Burks (NA-Darrow) would go still further. “Pragmas has all but threatened us with war if we do not allow these terrorist guerillas to assume power. What will it take before our great nation calls their bluff and dares them to fight us! Support of an enemy? They have done that. Insulting our nation to the world, spreading lies and hatred? They have done that. They have done everything they could to provoke and enrage our nation, and yet this government continues to sit on its hands! Pragmas has no interest in playing nice! It is high time we expelled these anti-Borealish diplomats from our land!” Barring further actions by Pragmas, Burks’ call will likely go unheeded by the great majority of the Assembly.

Finance Minister Jason Dunster (PA-5) announced his opposition to the measure. “While I believe their statements are somewhat misguided, I still believe the Pragmite government has the best of intentions. The last thing we need to do is escalate an already delicate situation. When push comes to shove, I trust that they will realize their interests do not lie with needlessly antagonizing our Commonwealth.” Defense Minister Paul Randall (PA-2), who had threatened other nations with sanctions if they recognized New Bradonia, was not present in the Assembly. Foreign Minister Jill Abramson (PA-5) was also not present; she had been up late last night trying to calm down an angry mob at the Embassy of Pragmas.

ANGRY MOB SURROUNDS PRAGMITE EMBASSY; TENSIONS HIGH
(Runnymede, IRV) Demonstrations continued outside the Pragmite Embassy in Runnymede last night. The ralliers expressed rage at Pragmas’ strong language accusing the Commonwealth of coveting a colony in Bradonia. “Go home!” screamed the marchers as they carried “No to SWAB” and “Save Free Bradonia” signs, ripping up pictures of Pragmite leadership and royalty and burning Pragmite flags.

Runnymede Police once again had to call in reserve units to deal with the enraged crowd. Foreign Minister Jill Abramson (PA-5) appealed to the crowd for calm at 3:00 this morning.

HAMPTON BRACES FOR WAR
(Hampton, HAM) Hampton-area residents waved goodbye to many of the ships at South Hampton Naval Station as they are dispatched to aid West Bradonia in that country’s civil war. This city and area has a long history with the Borealish Navy.

“I just hope it’s over soon,” sighed Mary Connolly, whose husband was among those sent to Bradonia this morning. Hampton Mayor Jacob Haskell was on hand to send off his oldest son, Martin. “I hope this war goes smoothly. With the involvement of Esmael, and our overwhelming naval and air superiority, I think it will. When those guerillas have to face the full might of our resolve, I am confident that they won’t stand a chance. I just hope for Hampton’s sake it ends quickly, since tourist season in the area is not far away.”

Premier and North Hampton native T.J. Young was in Runnymede last night addressing the Assembly, the Commonwealth, and the world, during which he declared an intention to leave Runnymede and return to the Hampton area and his family.

DAILY HAMPTONIAN : EXTRA!!
WHO IS TIMBER WOLF??
That is the question on the world’s mind today. What person or persons, if any, within Borealium, wanted to plot to overthrow the government of Pragmas? Was it, as many suspect, a rogue element in the Borealish military? Was it a plot by New Bradonia guerillas? Is it a fabrication of Pragmas leaked to the _Freeport Sun_? Or a fabrication of the _Sun_ itself, seized on by Pragmas to discredit the Borealish government? No one knows for sure. Premier T.J. Young has promised to “get to the bottom” of the Timber Wolf situation, if there indeed is one.

Pragmas Chancellor Anna Posoc read the shocking text of the Timber Wolf letters to a person or entity known as “Infinite Walrus” last night, and Premier Young immediately disavowed any knowledge of the plot, and announced that the Borealish government would not tolerant any such conduct by its military or by anyone else.

“They should have come to us when they found the letters,” said Foreign Minister Jill Abramson (PA-5), in an exclusive interview with the Hamptonian. “I can’t imagine they thought for a minute Timber Wolf had our support. It would have saved both our nations a major headache. Now there is increased tension in a time when there was already plenty to go around."

The Timber Wolf story is the topic of the moment across Borealium. People in offices, cafes, and everywhere are heatedly debating the controversy. The government, meanwhile, wishes that it would simply go away.

2003-04-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

STATEMENT OF PREMIER TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (BBS Broadcast)

Good evening, men and women of the National Assembly, citizens of the Commonwealth of Borealium, and citizens of the world.

Before I begin, I regret to inform you that this will be my last term as Premier of the Commonwealth. I intend to step down at the next opportunity, and hope that I will enjoy life after the Premiership as much as I have thusfar.

I call this address to answer accusations against our Commonwealth levied by the representatives of the Empire of Pragmas, and to announce to the world our intentions in Bradonia, Rimanter, and elsewhere.

The Timber Wolf dispatches, whether they are accurately reported by Pragmite agents or by the _Freeport Sun_, are quite disturbing, to say the least. I daresay they are shocking. Let me be crystal clear that this government will not tolerate efforts to plot military coups in foreign countries on the part of any of our military forces. I believe I speak for my entire nation when I say that the very last thing I would want is to see our region degenerate into a cesspool of intrigue, deceit, and assassination. If there is indeed such a person as “Timber Wolf,” they will be found and punished, I assure you. I encourage any Pragmite agents to come forward with evidence of the existence or identity of Timber Wolf or Infinite Walrus, or anyone else issuing communications along such lines.

Our modest security zone in Rimanter exists for two reasons – one, to deal with an emerging refugee crisis in our southern and western borders; and two, to make other potentially hostile powers, whether from within or without Rimanter itself, think twice about attempting any land grabs in the immediate vicinity. The security zone has not expanded one square inch since it was announced, and might I add that the situation of the Tereshi within the Security Zone is far superior to that in the remainder of Rimanter. The hope in Borealium is that the refugee crisis will eventually abate and we will able to withdraw from Rimantrian territory. We have no interest at all in any new territory in Rimanter, and have every interest that all of the peoples of Rimanter are taken care of.

We are cautiously optimistic about the efforts of Pragmas in southern Rimanter. If and when the Bradonia situation improves, we would be happy to engage in an effort in the east of Rimanter similar to what Pragmas is doing in the south of that troubled area.

Regarding West Bradonia, there is clearly a civil war that affects us. To put in the simplest terms, one side is hostile to Borealium, and the other side is not. We have made a commitment to support the Free Land of West Bradonia, and we intend to keep that commitment, for we are not a nation that goes back on its word. We are not going to ask the valiant defenders of a free Bradonia to submit SWAB rule, nor would we ask them to abandon their land and move to Borealium, though they are free to do so should they so choose.

While we will readily admit to aiding and supporting the provisional government of the Free Land of West Bradonia, we deny designs on any further acquisition of territory in the former Bradonia. Our direct offensive military strikes on SWAB began when hostile forces affiliated with SWAB shot down planes providing food aid to besieged civilians, and no sooner.

Regarding the Bradonian disputed territories, the terms of the referendum were accepted nationwide. We assert jurisdiction over the entire area, for the time being; however, we are in discussions with the Free Land of West Bradonia about ceding a large area of territory east of the River Severn, including the old capital, Llewdor, to a West Bradonia state.

Our vision of integration and protection of West Bradonia is of a viable, independent, stable, and non-hostile West Bradonian state at our borders. We do not want gangs of roving thugs terrorizing the populace or armies with poisonous ideologies and questionable tactics amassing at their borders or in their cities freely. We have the duty and the power to prevent such things from happening to the Bradonian people, and we intend to use that power to honor that duty. We will continue to reject calls that we do anything to the contrary.

Pragmas has accused the Commonwealth of attempting to seize a colony in Bradonia. If that were our intention, surely you would have to agree that this is a very strange and quite suboptimal method to go about doing so.

While we do not want a war, we do not find the alternatives at present acceptable.

The so-called “solution” involves accepting a hostile, terrorist state run by Communist guerillas at our borders. It is not something far-off Pragmas would have to deal with, which might explain why they seem so cavalier about consigning Borealium to such a fate. I ask the Pragmites - if they are neither patrons nor well-wishers of the SWAB terrorists, why are they so eager to propose a peace with terms favorable to them? It seriously calls their neutrality into question.

It is our national policy not to negotiate with terrorist groups for any reason, which we have reiterated countless times.

If it is the case they indeed did not engage in terrorist activity in the Groton-Barnstable area, they at the very least, by quickly claiming responsibility for the attacks, announced their hostility to the election process and to Borealium and its supporters. If they lied about their involvement then, why should anyone lend credence to any assertion they might make about Borealish forces being the culprit now?

Even from a non-Borealish perspective, the SWAB guerillas are far from innocent. They have attempted to seize land that clearly belonged to another fully formed state. They have laid siege to cities that wanted nothing to do with them. Who is to say where they will stop if we do not fight them?

This is precisely the reason the Commonwealth has maintained the level of military readiness that it has for all these years. We refuse to place ourselves at the mercy of those who take up arms against us. We refuse to abandon our vital interests to those who would demand we compromise our national security so that their government can mock our intentions on an international stage. We refuse to be intimidated, for to cower in the face of a threat is to invite more threats.

Good night, fellow men and women of the Assembly. May the Good Lord bless our fair Commonwealth.

2003-04-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

BENNINGTON BEACON
“Enlightening the North County since 1912”

ARCHBISHOP SWEENEY DIES OF HEART ATTACK
(Bennington, RUT) Archbishop Michael Sweeney of Bennington, beloved in the local community, died yesterday of a heart attack. He was 73 years old. Archbishop Sweeney will be remembered fondly in Bennington as a crusader for the interests of Bennington’s inner city poor, and for his sometimes controversial support of “liberation theology,” that at times won disapproval from the Vatican, who otherwise appreciated his often traditionalist stances on Church issues. When told of the news, Bennington Mayor Daniel Trainor wept openly. “Archbishop Sweeney will be in our prayers tonight,” the mayor said. The Archdiocese of Bennington covers much of the northern half of Borealium and is surpassed only by the Archdiocese of Freeport in number of parishioners.

BOREALISH FORCES OCCUPY CRUCIAL SITES IN ZEELAND
(Cottleton, Bradonia) The Borealish Navy established a beachhead in this port city at the mouth of Folketing Bay. West Bradonian regulars had controlled the city, but it was not well fortified and Borealish feared a surprise attack by hostile forces from the sea despite Allied naval superiority.

The army also established position at Stenholm in southern Zeeland, to prevent any further northward advance of SWAB forces.

BOREALIUM WELCOMES ESMAEL TO BRADONIAN CIVIL WAR
(Runnymede, IRV) War planners at the Defense Ministry complex welcomed a delegation from Esmael today, and a joint planning session between the two nations along with West Bradonia occurred. Strategy and future provisions for a post-war West Bradonia were discussed.

ANTI-PRGAMAS DEMONSTRATIONS SWEEP BOREALIUM
(Bennington, RUT) Raucous demonstrations protesting alleged aid by Pragmas of the SWAB guerillas of the People’s Republic of New Bradonia occurred in several Borealish cities yesterday. They were spurred on by a report in the _Freeport Sun_ that alleged that Pragmas was the power behind New Bradonia forces now at war with the Commonwealth. As of press time, the government of Pragmas has neither confirmed nor denied such accusations.

In Freeport, a ticker tape parade for the BHL Champion Sharks was turned into an impromptu rally when Sharks Coach Ross Chandler told an agitated crowd “We now must all come together to support our troops in Bradonia and Rimanter. Our mighty nation will crush terrorism and all who support it!” and suggested “paying a little visit to the representatives of those states aligned against us.” Hockey fans marched from the area around the Shark Tank on 4th Street uptown to the Pragmas consulate on Erickson Avenue.

In Runnymede, angry protestors, led by National Action Party officials, burned the Empire’s flag and chanted “Go Home” at the Pragmite Embassy at West Capitol and Oak Streets. The Runnymede Police needed to call in Reserve military units to restrain the angry demonstrators and arrest a handful of violent individuals tossing rocks at the compound. The protestors dispersed after a tense four hours. Across town, a peace rally consisting largely of college students marched down North Governor’s Street past the Premier’s Residence.

Here in Bennington, nationalist demonstrators hurled angry epithets at Workers’ Party headquarters, but protests on both sides were generally smaller and more muted. City Councillor Jeff Almont expressed relief that the hockey fan-fueled mayhem took place in Freeport and not here, but added, chuckling, “I’m also a Barons fan.”

Most government officials have refused to comment on the allegations, although Finance Minister Jason Dunster gave a speech urging caution in hurling accusations at fellow Alliance and UN Member States. Other lawmakers have commented, most calling for cooler heads to prevail but some voices demanding that Pragmas categorically deny any support for the New Bradonia forces.

COTTMAN ENDORSES “LAYNE PLAN” FOR BRADONIA
(Runnymede, IRV) True Path Coalition Floor Leader and Welfare Minister David Cottman (TP-Rutherford) has thrown his support behind Leader of the Loyal Opposition Arnold Layne’s (CP-6) land cessation proposal. Calling on all True Path lawmakers to endorse the plan, he said “The Bradonians of West Breeland wish to be part of an independent Bradonia, and we should respect that right. It will improve our image as a benevolent nation, which may have been somewhat damaged by recent events.”

Layne elaborated on his plan, stating that the land now referred to as Breeland, Blair, and Howard Counties (in addition to small slices of Pembroke and Holmes Counties) would become part of a constituent state of West Bradonia. The area ceded might be expanded to include parts of Folketing County as well. “A viable West Bradonian state is in the interest of us all,” added Layne.

TERESHI REFUGEES NEED YOUR HELP!
(Bennington, RUT) The North Country Teresh Foundation, together with the Archdiocese of Bennington, has urged unemployed Bennington-area residents, particularly those who speak Tereshi, to sign up for National Service in the Tereshi Security Zone set up by the Commonwealth to deal with the worsening Tereshi refugee crisis. More Borealish are needed to feed refugees from war-torn Rimanter. The dissolution of the Empire of Rimanter is yet another international headache in an increasingly unstable region; Borealium has been an island of stability in these troubled times.

2003-04-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

THE FREEPORT SUN
“The greatest paper in the greatest nation on all Earth.”

EXCLUSIVE! PRAGMAS SUPPORTS NEW BRADONIA!!
In what is sure to touch off a national scandal, the _Freeport Sun_ has brought you, the reader, an exclusive! The _Sun_ has uncovered secret, back channel communications that contain an admission from a high-up general that Pragmas is responsible for aiding and equipping the SWAB guerillas, who refer to themselves as “The People’s Republic of New Bradonia.”

This anonymous general stated that his government describes Pragmas’ aid of SWAB to be a “means to an [streategically useful] end,” in communications with an unknown Borealish military leaderl, known only as “Timber Wolf.” Government officials, most notably Defense Minister Paul Randall, have already gone on record as saying that states providing such assistance are to be sanctioned and possibly to be attacked.

Top leaders could not be reached for this story. We did find some National Assembly backbenchers to discuss the issue, however.
“I refuse to believe Pragmas, for all its erratic diplomatic behavior, would sponsor such an obviously dangerous group in such a delicate situation.” – Winifred Chalmers (CP-4)
“I would prefer to see more evidence before taking action. In times such as these, rumors can spread like wildfire. I hesitate to believe the Pragmites are aiding a nation so hostile to a key trading partner, without more credible evidence.” – John Barron (TP-Hartford)
“I hope for Pragmas’ sake this is not true. It would destroy their credibility as a neutral party, first of all. It would expose them to sanctions as well, which in the long run would not be good for either nation.” – Frederick Grimes (PA-6)
“I am very concerned about this revelation. It would place any international plans that involve Pragmas in pacifying Rimanter in serious jeopardy.” - Stanley Gardner (TP-10)
“I’d rather we left Bradonia, personally. But we cannot allow Pragmas to undercut us in this fashion.” – Matthew Steiner (LL-4), Liberty League Floor Leader
“I don’t understand why we haven’t attacked Pragmas already. They are clearly our enemy.” – Robert Hale (NA-10)

BOREALISH OFFICIALS REJECT PRAGMAS PLANS
Borealish government officials brushed off negotiation plans by Pragmas this morning.
“We recognize only the Free Land of West Bradonia as the legitimate government of Bradonia west of the River Severn. We will not negotiate with the SWAB terrorists or their supporters, whoever they might be,” said Defense Minister Paul Randall in a prepared statement. (PA-2) Foreign Minister Jill Abramson (PA-5) added in rejecting the so-called “Alabat Plan,” that while the Borealish “do appreciate international interest in the Bradonian conflict, we will not allow a cabal of terrorists to run a nation on our very borders. I would ask Pragmas if they would allow such a state at their borders. I think not. Our interests lie in a fair demarcation between an independent West Bradonian state and Borealium.” Infrastructure Minister Darryl Stoerner (FA-Foster), himself part Bradonian, said “The key to success with the people in the disputed territory in this case is to show the relative prosperity of Borealish farmers in a working state versus the plight of Bradonian farmers in either an anarchic or a totalitarian situation in their area.”

Neither Abramson nor Stoerner would offer substantive comment about revelations of Prgamite support of SWAB, as reported in this morning’s _Freeport Sun_. Randall could not be reached for comment.

TANKS ROLL INTO PALMER, PLANS BOMB TRANS-SEVERN POSITIONS
The Borealish army has brought in its tank corps to bear on the overnight SWAB river crossing at Palmer, routing poorly equipped SWAB armies. Several prisoners were taken and transported to an undisclosed secure location in Borealium proper, where they will be interrogated.

All crossings north of Acworth over the Severn have been secured; all crossing to the south of Acworth are being destroyed.

Borealish Air Force bombed SWAB presences in the western bank of the Severn River this morning. The camp nearest to Palmer was destroyed.

THE FREEPORT SUN
“The greatest paper in the greatest nation on all Earth.”

OPPOSITION LEADERS FLOAT NEW PLAN FOR BRADONIA
Leader of the Loyal Opposition Arnold Layne (CP-6) has proposed a cessation of some newly Borealish territory on the east bank of the River Severn to the Free Land of West Bradonia, including Llewdor, which could continue to be the capital of the West Bradonian State after the war has ended. “We would be better off from a military, diplomatic, and political standpoint, if we were to be fighting for further Bradonian independence rather than further annexation, particularly if we expect West Bradonian assistance with removing any threat to newly Borealish Bradonia,” Layne opined. By his side, Ranking Opposition Defense Minister Randy Ballanger (CP-8) echoed Layne’s comments. “Our goals in this situation do not involve wholesale annexation of Bradonia, they involve forming a new government free of terrorist influence and improving the economic situation, and I think the Conservative Progressive Union plan is the best way to accomplish that goal.” When asked about the Pragmas plan, Ballanger angrily mused “Pragmas should know better than to meddle in affairs far beyond their borders, and on behalf of militant terrorist groups no less. The international community should not look kindly upon this.” Government officials could not be reached for comment.

PROGRESS ALLIANCE TO HOLD PARTY CAUCUS
The governing Progress Alliance will hold caucuses over the weekend to choose a new leadership team. T.J. Young is stepping down as Premier and has not endorsed a replacement. Among those expected to stand for Party Leader are Defense Minister Paul Randall (PA-2), Finance Minister Jason Dunster (PA-3), and mounting a challenge from the party’s left wing, longtime Marshall County Assemblyman Dean Howard.

EARTHQUAKE GIVES NORTH COUNTRY RUDE AWAKENING
A small earthquake struck the North Country this morning at approximate 6:20 AM BST. Said to be epicentered on the almost uninhabited island of Krumrie, Drake County, It measured a 5.2 on the Richter scale, and was felt in Drake’s Bay, Charlestown, and Laconia, and very mildly in Cold Harbor and Plymouth

Northern Borealium has not seen seismic activity in decades, and most quakes are epicentered further west than Krumrie.

NEWS IN BRIEF:
Actor Steven Wallace won a $6,000,000 libel suit against the _Sun_ for alleging that he committed perjury during his ugly divorce proceedings with ex-wife Emma Lowell.

Center Martin Barry of the Freeport Sharks has been named MVP of the BHL playoffs. It is Barry’s second playoff MVP award, having won the award two years ago.

New polls shows a marked increase in the support of right-wing opposition parties, in particular the National Action Party. Voters outside NAP’s traditional stronghold in the southwest may be considering pulling the lever in the next election for Bill Condon’s party, however unfashionable it may prove in Freeport and surrounding areas. Governing parties are suffering, and Arnold Layne has at least an outside shot at unseating T.J. Young’s chosen successor as Premier.

2003-04-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

FREEPORT HERALD
"Borealium's Most Respected News Source"
WAR FURY GRIPS BOREALIUM

(Runnymede, IRV) The headlines on Borealium’s newspapers this morning screamed “WAR!” The Freeport Stock Exchange was declared closed for the day, many government facilities across the country were placed on high-level lockdown.

“Effective as of 12 Midnight, we have declared a state of war exists between the Commonwealth of Borealium and self-styled People’s Republic of New Bradonia,” said Premier Young. We recognize the Free Land of West Bradonia as the legitimate government and call on all nations of the world to restore freedom to all of Bradonia.”

Defense minister Paul Randall gave a stern warning to the international community. “Anyone recognizing the New Bradonia government will be immediately sanctioned by Borealium as a terrorist sponsor state. Anyone giving them aid will be considered an enemy of the Commonwealth of Borealium – diplomatic relations will be suspended, all trade will be halted, and all their nationals will be expelled from the country.”

An angry mob of flag-waving war supporters surrounded Workers’ Party headquarters in Runnymede this morning. Runnymede Police had to restrain the demonstrators, who called for the government to expel its delegates from the National Assembly for disloyalty. They were spurred on in part by an editorial in the Capitol Times, which accused the Workers’ Party of “committing treason by giving aid and comfort to the enemies of Borealium.”

AIR FORCE, NAVY DISPATCHED TO WEST BRADONIA

(Northern Command, PAG) The Borealish Navy dispatched ships to be sent to aid in the defense of the city of Gandirshavn and declared a blockade on that port effective immediately. Any ship caught carrying contraband cargo will be seized, the cargo will be confiscated, and any person on such ship will be held prisoner indefinitely.

The Air Force has moved a good portion of its aircraft to the Llewdor and Daventry areas – the stated purpose was to defend against any possible SWAB incursion into Borealish Bradonia.

Local:

FREEPORT DECLARES FIRST CURFEW IN 30 YEARS:
(Freeport, FRE)
For the first time in three decades, the City and County of Freeport has reluctantly declared a midnight curfew. “We are in a state of national emergency,” declared Mayor Harold Beckett. (PA) All 16 members of the City Council supported the emergency law, passed in response to the newly-declared war in Bradonia, and the situation in Rimanter.

BRADONIAN EXILE HAS MIXED FEELINGS:

(Freeport, FRE) Myra Jeppson, daughter of Bradonian shipping tycoon Walter Jeppson, sits in The Pewter Pot, an upscale bistro on Nassau Avenue in the trendy Oxford-Crown shopping district in Freeport, near the west bank of the Irving River, just northeast of Downtown and the Old City. For the past few days, she has been living in her family’s high-rise apartment with a view of Kendall Park. Ms. Jeppson, 22 years of age, had been involved with the Lutheran Church, helping build housing for the poor, in Gandirshavn until her family ordered her to leave Bradonia and their civil war for Borealium. She has been around Oxford-Crown with Lucius Crassus, son of the owner of Pit Viper Security.

Freeport in general, and Oxford-Crown, in particular has for many years been a popular place for exiled aristocrats to mill about, an irony in a country that prides itself on producing no such people to send anywhere else in such a fashion. “My father has always been suspicious of Borealish motives in my country, but many of us have come to the conclusion that the choice is an unhappy one, between Borealish rule on the one hand and chaos on the other. What is sad is that whoever is in charge of Bradonia in the future – Borealish, Spartacists, Counter-revolutionary, whomever – they will some motive other than producing the best Bradonian society there could be.”

When asked whether she would support Borealish annexation of all of Bradonia, she simply sighed and offered no comment as her Borealish Stew arrived.

Sports Headlines:
FREEPORT SHARKS TAKE SILVER CHALICE FOR 4TH YEAR IN A ROW

BOREALIUM VIKINGS OPEN ALLIANCE BASEBALL SEASON WITH DRAW

Life Headlines:
ALFORD UNIVERSITY WINS QUIZ BOWL NATIONALS

AGENTS OF FORTUNE “ORANGE” ALBUM DEBUTS AT #1

CRIME RATE IN FREEPORT DROPS EVEN FURTHER; PLACID, NASSAU RATES INCH UP

2003-04-15T23:26:00.000-07:00

(Llewdor, Bradonia) The integration referendum has passed by with a 53.6% margin.
County Yes No
FOLKETING STATE
St. Joseph County 2,146,086 1,154,321
Folketing County 930,302 770,458

BREELAND STATE
Blair County 665,312 897,432
Breeland County 133,865 409,321
Holmes County 1,214,321 709,543
Pembroke County 368,412 325,184

KALMAR STATE
Kalmar County 396,720 335,210
Howard County 247,192 350,006
Morris County 310,209 402,504
Bradford County 671,333 689,165

UPPER MAHASKA STATE
White County 87,508 145,006
Cambria County 193,217 168,611
Bradonia-Mahaska 45,301 48,232

TOTAL 7,409,798 6,404,993

Borealish officials are expected to comment shortly on the vote results and their implications.

(Near Boromir, Bradonia) A Borealish cargo plane was shot down this morning in the skies over western Bradonia. More on this story as it develops.

(Freeport, Borealium) The Freeport Police have been trying to keep the peace on an uneasy city, and keep large groups of rival protestors apart. Pro-military and anti-military demonstrators clashed for the third straight day in this largest Borealish city. Protestors demanding withdrawl from Bradonia shouted in the streets surrounding Herald Square. Martin Quarles, husband of Worker’s Party floor leader Leticia Quarles (WP-3), began a hunger strike to demand negotiations with New Bradonia separatists. “Support our Troops” demonstrators organized at the Navy Yard, and marched along Harbor Avenue to Founders’ Square.

(Runnymede, Borealium) In the National Assembly today, tensions grew heated as Assemblyman Hazel “Hootie” Bush-Creed (CP-Arlington) openly mocked Martin Quarles’ call for a hunger strike, which prompted angry denunciations from Travis Doves (G-4). A measure authorizing military force for pacifying Bradonia passed 244-80 with 36 members voting present. After the vote the five-member Workers’ Party delegation walked out of the Assembly and vowed not to return for the remainder of the day’s sessions. A move by National Action leader Bill Condon (NA-Kent) to expel them from the Assembly failed, obtaining only 61 votes; a move to censure the Workers’ Party delegation offered by Leader of the Opposition Arnold Layne (CP-6) fell 25 votes short after Premier T.J. Young (PA-4) took the floor to speak against the measure. In other Assembly news, the Assembly rejected another death penalty proposal offered by Roger Fletcher (CP-7).

(Bennington, Borealium) The Rangers stayed alive in the Silver Chalice finals, behind Jim Lynn’s shorthanded goal and the stellar goalkeeping of Fred Rice, pulled off a 1-0 upset of the favored Sharks yesterday afternoon, amidst increasingly anxiety over war and instability. The series moves to a turbulent downtown Freeport tonight as the Sharks, still leading 3-1, try to keep their hold on the Chalice. A standing-room only Bennington crowd erupted in jubiliation when it was announced during the second intermission that the Empire of Rimanter had collapsed.

2003-04-15T23:24:00.000-07:00

STATEMENT OF BOREALISH MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

These are trying times for the Commonwealth of Borealium. We have two failed states degenerating into anarchy at our borders. We are doing everything we can to rectify the situation, and sadly, in the real world, that includes the projection of military power. This is precisely why Borealium has for so long kept a strong military on hand amidst many calls, both from within and without, to scale back allocation of our resources on armed services.

As for Rimanter, we welcome any international assistance whatsoever with attempting to create the best possible situation for the various peoples of that late Empire. For our part, we are working on protection of the Tereshi people in particular, since many of them have made their homes, for one reason or another, on the Borealish side of the border.
A unit of the Borealish Army with many Tereshi are being dispatched to ensure that local public sector functions suffer only minimal disruptions.

Regarding Bradonia, surely we would expect Pragmas or any other nation to take a similar interest in a neighbor whose government is collapsed and is now infested with terrorists. If you further shared ethnic and cultural ties to this neighbor, you might be inclined to handle the situation yourselves, as we in Borealium have attempted to do.
We suspected Rimantrian involvement in the Bradonia instability, and so moved to prevent any incursion by that country – with whom our relations were uneasy at best – that would cause an additional security threat and to Borealium, not to mention increased border patrols.

For years we watched Bradonia, hoping they would make a commitment to their security, and not rely on the uneasy détente between Borealium and Rimanter to keep the peace. Sadly that did not happen and when the crisis we had anticipating for some time materialized, we decided to step in to fill the power vacuum, since Rimanter has its own problems and was unwilling to do anything about the Bradonian situation. We did not disclose these plans in advance for obvious reasons. The alternative is having a highly unstable, Leninist, dictatorial regime at our borders, with a governing ideology that directly threatens Borealium’s national security. We find this alternative unacceptable, and we are equipped to do something about it.

We would not begrudge if Pragmas were to do the same to a similar neighbor, if they had one.

Note that we have never expressed any real interest in acquiring any portion of Rimanter, although we are prepared to occupy a small security zone, both for military protection from any potentially hostile and unstable entity and for some space outside Borealium’s borders to deal with a Tereshi refugee situation. We would be happy to defer to Tavril Cross with regards to territory located south of the Tavril-Borealish border.

For the remaining portions of Bradonia, we were prepared to deal with the situation uniliaterally if we needed to, but are now unable to do so due to the emergence of this Rimantrian crisis.

Jill Abramson (PA-5)
Minister, International Affairs
Borealium National Assembly
Runnymede, Borealium

2003-04-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

NEWS FLASH

(Groton, Bradonia) A Borealish military garrison has set up shop in this Bradonian city that was the site of arson attacks aimed at integration supporters last night. Troops from Fort Anderton in Warren County are safeguarding key facilities in the Groton-Barnstable area. Smaller deployments were reported in the area around Llewdor, in the Houghton-Dormont area along the present Borealish border, and near Lake Umbagog, which is currently shared by Borealium and Bradonia.

(Runnymede, Borealium) The normally quiet Embassy District in the Borealish capital is under heavy police protection today following unrest in Bradonia surrounding the “integration” controversy. Commonwealth Police and Runnymede P.D. officers are keeping a particularly close watch on the Embassy of the Empire of Rimanter. Rimanter, always unpopular with the Borealish, is often the first country suspected whenever a hostile act anywhere occurs that involves Borealium. In this case, Rimanter, Bradonia’s neighbor to the south, is suspected of coveting Bradonian territory.

(Laurelton, Bradonia) The actions by the Spartakist sepeartist of New Bradonia seemed to have backfired in a way. The few people willing to talk to BBS reporters at Snowden Square Mall, an upper-middle class shopping centre, expressed concern over last night’s fire attacks and wondered if Laurelton would be next. The Independence Party, who had long warned others in Bradonia that this day would come if they did not take national security more seriously, is reeling. Said Independence leader Douglas Simms, “The Spartakists will kill us. They will convince far too many Bradonians that Borealish rule is the only alternative to anarchy, or worse, in a way that Borealish could never do themselves.” Pro-independence supporters in Groton were shouted down by onlookers, who accused the demonstrators of being “terrorists” and “Communists.”

(Daventry, Bradonia) The current unrest in Bradonia has at least one man smiling, because business is booming. Mark Crassus of Ad Valorem, head of Pit Viper Security, a private security firm, is raking in a lot of money these days. “Bradonia, while always slightly unstable, and weak from a military perspective, had barely been on our radar screen. This whole continent in fact hadn’t seen much demand for our services. But when the government collapse in Bradonia happened, and Marxist guerillas began showing up, it meant we had to open an office here to handle all the business.” Crassus’ firm prides itself on its brutal, efficient service. “We shoot to kill, simple as that. Trespassers are shot on sight, unless our clients request otherwise, which they seldom do. We’ve dealt with Communist guerillas and right-wing paramilitaries before. Nothing scares us.” Ad Valorem, a country where the well-off do everything they can to avoid contact with the less fortunate, is an ideal base of operation for such a company.
When asked what rates his company charges, Crassus grinned, replying “If you have to ask, you can’t afford us.” Pit Viper has come under attack in Ad Valorem and other nations for its controversial tactics. Last night’s arson attacks will doubtless spur many wealthy Bradonians to consider hiring Pit Viper, particularly if the Borealish military ever withdraws its forces from the area; their hastily-opened compound is located on the outskirts of Daventry.

(Nassau City, Borealium) Hansen International Airport has finally been opened. Hansen, located on a mostly man-made island off the coast of Nassau City, will now become the primary destination of international travelers to Freeport and much of the remainder of the Metroplex, taking that burden from the smaller and overtaxed Murphy International Airport. Hansen has world-class security facilities and spacious terminals and is equipped to handle super-sonic aircraft. Ferry service will be used to carry all passengers to and from the airport – no private vehicles are allowed on the island.

2003-04-08T20:56:00.000-07:00

NEWS FLASH

(Daventry, Bradonia) Voting in this largest Bradonian city is proceeding largely without incident. Exit polls region wide note a close vote. Daventry Mayor Rosella Gwydion (SD) a pro-integrationist leader, urged her citizens to back integration as a way to ensure a prosperous future of this major commercial trade center. “Imagine the political force and economic engine that could combine the great financial markets of Freeport and Daventry, the industrial centres of Kalmar and Bennington. One great, shining, Commonwealth of social justice from Folketing Bay to the Tavril Sea.” The Borealish government is counting on Daventry’s population to provide key pro-integration votes.
Anti-integrationist demonstrations were the order of the day in Llewdor, which had been the capital of Bradonia, and in Groton-Barnstable in western Kalmar state. “We say no to annexation!” shouted Ellis Wesley of Torbin. On the Borealish side, Social Democratic leader Mark Davidson (SD-5) has been tireless in his efforts to work with the Social Democratic Party of Bradonia and its supporters to ensure the vote passes. Premier T.J. Young (PA-4) has extended an invitation to Davidson and the SD’s to join the government, whether integration passes or fails. Exit polls in Borealium are running about 65-35 in favor, with most “yes” votes coming from either the Metroplex or from areas nearest the Bradonian border.

(Runnymede, Borealium) Premier T.J. Young has announced his intention to step down as Premier after the next election. He has expressed interest in serving on the Supreme Judicial Court and is expected to be nominated to that post if succeeded by a friendly government. The Premier would like to return to North Hampton upon leaving office.

(Barrington, Borealium) Education & Sports Minister Kendall Johnston (G-7) made it official today, tying the knot with longtime partner Richard Fox. Johnston, a hero in the Tri-Cities area for leading his hometown Rebels to 4 Silver Chalices, met Fox, a onetime goaltender for the Oakland Bears, in college. Johnston and Fox are planning to adopt a refugee child from Curia. The Curians are unlikely to be happy about this, but Johnston has made a career of infuriating opponents, whether as a hockey star, an environmental activist, or Green leader in the National Assembly. Premier T.J. Young flew into Barrington from the Bradonian campaign to attend the ceremony, as did several other heavy hitters in Borealish politics.

(Freeport, Borealium) Shark-haters wince yet again. Game 1 of the BHL Silver Chalice Finals went to the home Sharks of Freeport, who triumphed 5-2 behind Keith Chapeau’s sensational hat trick – the Fourth Street crowd went wild, throwing Goldfish crackers onto the ice, per a bizarre Shark Tank tradition. “Feed the Sharks!” chanted the capacity crowd. Game 2 will be tomorrow night at the Shark Tank, before the series moves to Bennington’s Mattatta Stadium for Game 3.

2003-04-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

*NEWS FLASH*
(Hackettstown, Borealium) A Preston County jury has refused to convict Rev. Howard Braillier, a Unitarian minister from Seaford, for violating Borealish immigration laws by secretly importing and harboring escaped slaves from the Confederacy of Bonhomie. Minister Braillier, in a press statement, told the Borealish Broadcasting Service and a cheering crowd, declared “I thank the people of Borealium and the people of Preston County for supporting me, and for the rights of human beings everywhere, however uncomfortable it makes our diplomats and politicians. We demand an end to coddling of regimes that condone the barbaric practice of enslaving other humans!” In setting Rev. Brallier free, the jury foreman expressed shock that the Borealish government would consider his actions criminal. Preston County Attorney Paul Downing expressed sympathy with the plight of Bonhomian slaves, but stated that “This sort of situation needed to be handled through legal channels, since now this trial is likely to provoke an unwanted international incident.” Rev. Braillier’s trial had been a cause celebre in many circles in Borealium, prompting anti-government protests in Hackettstown and many other cities. The slaves, as are most Bonhomian slaves, were of native Tavril ethnicity, and Hackettstown’s local Tavril population staged numerous pro-Braillier rallies. Spokesman for the Borealish government in Runnymede could not be reached for comment.

(Hastings, Borealium) The collapse of Borealium’s neighbor Bradonia has triggered much debate across within Borealium, especially in the western border regions, including this Kings County town just across the Great Blue River from Bradonian territory. Talks are underway between local leaders in eastern Bradonia about an arrangement that would allow three Bradonian constituent states to join the Commonwealth. Reportedly the four states (Upper Mahaska, Kalmar, Breeland, and Folketing) and would be allowed to subdivide themselves into a total of either eight or ten Counties; however, much of Upper Mahaska State would likely be added to the territory of Mahaska County. Plans for integration of Bradonian representatives into the Borealish National Assembly as of yet unclear. Borealium’s four coalition parties all support the measure, but the three right wing parties have enough votes to block any new territory incorporation should they choose to do so. Opinions in Hastings diverged widely; Stonevale shoe salesman Tony Collins, who describes himself as a “traditionalist,” was solidly against any annexation, asking why anyone would want “more communist territory in Borealium.” Hastings dentist Phil Banks disagreed strongly, saying, “this is a rare opportunity to make a great nation even greater by peaceful expansion to include a people whose values are remarkably similar to ours. It would also make crossing the river much more convenient, since it would be only a county boundary rather than a border with a foreign country.” Some reports indicate that the Domain of Llarack and Veter are engaging in similar discussions with western Bradonian local leaders.

(Borealium)
In BHL news, the battle for the Chalice continues, as the semifinals. The Hampton Blues, behind rookie sensation Levon Daniels and tough as nails defenseman Reggie Dwight, lead the upstart Bennington Rangers 2-1 at. The Rangers, who crawled back into the series with a 2-1 win in their home ice at Matatta Stadium, are counting on young Danny Bailey to help bolster their lackluster power play. “Levon is a good man to have on your team,” opined coach John Hall. “I think we have a date with the finals.” Game Four is tonight in Bennington.
The Sharks, behind the superb passing of Nate “Tiny” Dancer and his line mate are looking to sweep the Senators. The Senators look to goaltender Robert Ford and crack defenseman Benny Nikita to stop the Shark scoring onslaught. Senators coach Elton Oates is optimistic about his chances tonight, declaring “We’re still standing. I think it’s going to be a long, long time before we’re eliminated from these playoffs.” Game Four will be Saturday night at Runnymede’s Capital Centre.

2003-04-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

(Runnymede, Borealium)
Foreign minister Jill Abramson (PA-5) is pleased to announce plans to open several new embassies. The first three are proposed for as yet unknown cities Hank Lime and Bradonia and in Dobirenne, Tavril Cross. Abramson also expressed that he was happy that other countries were setting up diplomatic embassies and missions in Runnymede.

(Hartford, Borealium)
Infrastructure Minister Darryl Stoerner (FA-Foster) has announced new plans to extend the M-20 expressway northward from its current terminus just north of Hartford with the growing capital city of Runnymede.
In other transportation news, Stoerner proposed an extension of the Shore Line from its current endpoint in Greenwich to a site Norwalk near the Tavril border.

(Freeport, Borealium)
The architectural firm of Page & Plant announced plans to build Borealium's tallest building for the World Headquarters of Evermore, the country's largest defense contractor. In addition to Evermore, several financial service firms are expected to help fill the 90-story tower, which will be located at 401 W. Commonwealth Avenue in the heart of Freeport's financial district. The current tallest building in Borealium is the Commerce Bank Tower at 300 N. 2nd St, also in the financial district.

2003-04-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

Eek...my long neglected Borealium blog! We'll be posting new stuff from now on.

2003-02-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

National Assembly Votes 186-174 to Eat Beaver
(Runnymede, Borealium) The National Assembly has just narrowly approved legislation that allows the use of the beaver, Borealium’s national animal, as food. Bill supporters, including Randall Savage (LL-8) cited beaver overpopulation in Borealish forests as well as the issue of personal freedom. Fellow Liberty League Assemblyman Richard Flair (LL-Havelock), a farm owner in Havelock County agreed, saying that “Beaver is very tasty, and it puts me in the mood to plow.” Most of the conservative members of the Assembly agreed, but Green leader and Education minister Kendall Johnston (G-7) objected. “This makes us a national laughingstock. Do you know how many silly headlines this is going to generate for our proud country?” Added Progress Alliance backbencher Wayne Hoover, (PA-6) aren’t we supposed to be encouraging less meat consumption for Borealium’s national health? Premier T.J. Young could not be reached for comment.

Country Ranked 16th In Region In IQ – Scandal Ensues
(Freeport, Borealium) A new UN survey ranks Borealium 16th among QB Alliance countries in IQ. Students at Borealium State here in Freeport reacted mostly with dismay. “Disheartening,” said one student. “Perhaps our society has become too parsimonious with fiscal remuneration to educational professionals. But it could be worse. We could be Rimanter,” referring to Borealium’s neighbor, who finished dead last among the 37 nations of QB Alliance. Another student remarked “Well, I’m not sure IQ matters all the much in the final analysis. There are multiple manifestations of what is colloquially referred to as ‘intelligence.’” A third student was heard to say “Go Beavers!!”

And now for the latest in BHL action…the games are getting more intense the regular season draws to a close. The Sharks are sinking their teeth further and further into gaining home ice throughout the playoffs, as they devoured the Oakland Bears, 5-1 behind left-winger Bert Brecht. The Bears are in danger of relegation to the B-League and have a tough schedule ahead; they are counting on scoring ace Fred Schiller to keep their heads above water as they head to Hudson to face the Hawks tomorrow. The Sharks’ crosstown rivals, the Mets, look to nail down a playoff spot Tuesday after a OT 4-3 triumph over the Preston Greys at Smyth & Watson Arena behind Ross Gunther; with some luck, the East Siders can get home ice for the opening round.

2003-02-20T23:52:00.000-08:00

Important Announcement:

Any baseball-playing member of QB Alliance is hereby invited to join the Alliance's baseball league.

Plans are to hold the draft on Yahoo! on Saturday at 6:55 EST. Unless there are objections.

The League ID# is 21748
The password is beltway.

Thank you.

Kendall Johnston (G-7)
Minster of Education and Sports
Borealium National Assembly
Runnymede, Borealium

OOC: It's a head-to-head fantasy baseball league. This could lead to more cool discussions (read "trash talking") on the board.

2003-02-20T23:51:00.000-08:00

(Runnymede, Borealium) This week's election results in Borealium were announced today. The big winner appears to be the rural-based Farmers’ Alliance, who gained enough seats to force their way into the current Progress Alliance-led government, along with the True Path and Green Parties. FA leader Darryl Stoerner, of Foster County, will reportedly ask for the Infrastructure Ministry; a key priority for his party is possible construction of an M-9 freeway in the west of Borealium. Premier T.J. Young is expected to remain at his post, and most major Ministers should remain unchanged. The government’s management of the economy was judged adequate by most voters (though the far-right opposition did gain a few seats, mostly in the north and west of the country) and the spat with Rimanter and events in Tavril Cross were considered to have little impact on the results. There is some peril for Young’s government, since any possible governing coalition would involve at least four parties and could prove fractious.

(Bergen, Borealium) There were celebrations in this small Hampshire County town on the Bradonian border today, as the last leg of the M-8 expressway was finally opened for traffic today. Previously, traffic bound for Bradonia from the Greater Bennington area could only travel on M-8 as far as Windwood in Warren County, having to switch to the two-lane, winding Highway 85 for the last 130 miles of the trip. “This is a great day for the people of Borealium, particularly here in Hampshire County, and the people of Bradonia as well,” declared Assemblyman Fred Randall (PA-2), Infrastructure Minister. “Traffic can flow more freely through the vast northwest of Borealium.”

(Borealium) And now for the latest BHL news:
The Bennington Rangers continued their successful road trip, dispatching the Hartford Wolfpack 3-0 behind the solid goaltending of Gus Mahler. Can the Rangers get home ice for the first round? It will depend in part on whether the Baytown Vikings and their star right-winger Ricky Wagner can take care of business at Bayrun Arena against visiting Nassau. The bullies of Bourne, looking to hold off the Rangers, among others, are counting on defenseman Albie Berg to confuse the potent Viking attack. Hampton look to tighten their grip on third place as they visit Runnymede to do battle with the Senators, who are looking to “red tape” the Blues and prolific scorer Gordon Stravinsky.
(Oddsmakers still favor the juggernaut Freeport Sharks at 3:1, dropping slumping Tri-Cities to 6:1, which is also where the Blues and Rangers sit. The Senators are at 7:1, the Freeport Mets and the Vikings at 9:1. The field still sits at 7:1.)

2003-02-17T17:38:00.000-08:00

(NEWS FLASH)

(North Hampton, Borealium) Voters went to the election booths today to elect Borealium’s 124th National Assembly Premier T.J. Young and his Progress Alliance are expected to remain in the drivers’ seat, but how many parties will be along for the ride remains to be seen. “Election Day always makes me proud to be Borealish,” said Young. “We have what so many countries all over the world want – a free, fair, balanced, well-functioning electoral system.” When asked about the assassination attempts made in Tavril Cross in his presence, he replied “Well, like any human being, I was fearful, for both my own life and the lives of all the attendees, but it would be cowardly to cave into terrorists – it will only encourage them.” After voting today in his home precinct in Hampton Heights, he left for a weekend of skiing and merriment in the North Country.

(Freeport, Borealium) Security at Murphy International Airport, the nation’s largest, has been ramped up in light of the happenings in Tavril Cross. Although some Borealish are world travelers and quite accustomed to a less permissive climate, most citizens, due to the relative peace in Borealium in the past few decades, have had to adjust to new security measures in large public spaces.

(Borealium) And here is a summary of tonight’s BHL action:
Met fans celebrated up and down Fourth Street tonight as their team managed a 1-1 draw with their bitter cross-town rivals, the Sharks, at the Shark Tank. The win puts the Mets into a fourth place tie with the Senators of Runnymede, who dropped a 3-1 decision to the surging Bennington Rangers. The Rangers would love nothing more than to deny the cross-town Barons, who skated to a 2-2 disappointing draw with Plymouth at the Ice Palace tonight, a playoff spot. Oddsmakers put the Sharks at 3:1 for the Silver Chalice, with Tri-Cities at 5:1, Runnymede, the Rangers, and perennial bridesmaids Hampton at 7:1, and the Mets at 11:1. (The field is at 7:1.)

2003-02-16T11:48:00.000-08:00

This is a blog devoted to the Commonwealth of Borealium. What is Borealium, you ask?

It's a fictional country that exists in the game Nation States. For more information on Borealium, click here.

Soon we'll have maps of Borealium, articles that discuss Borealish history, politics, and culture, and possibly other things, depending on how much spare time I happen have any given day.

And by the way, here's my real-life blog. And my other project, Jukebox From Hell.

2003-02-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Forum Borealium.