The Alliance of Dictators

Island Zero wrote:

OOC: Wait, you aren't the same person?

OOC: I'd say it was pretty obvious. One is a goat-god something, the other is, well, a normal, MT-country with nothing that makes me recoil in regards to RP.

Zhongwangguo wrote:

Dear Deputy Prime Minister For Foreign Affairs Spencer Lowenthal,

The Huangdai has today written to me giving his blessings for the Middle Kingdom to join the International Monetary Fund, the International Assembly and the International Bank for Development.

All the necessary bureaucratic and legal preparations have been made for the the Middle Kingdom to join these wonderful agencies, further embracing our duties and responsibilities to the international community. As such, I wonder if the Artarumen Empire is still open to us officially requesting to join the International Monetary Fund, the International Assembly and the International Bank for Development?

Warmest of regards, ‎

Ming Lin
Senior Secretary of Minister of Foreign Affairs
Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Dear Ming Lin,

The Artarumen Empire is greatly honoured by the Middle Kingdom's decision to join the International Monetary Fund, the International Assembly, and the International Bank for Development. There is little doubt that the entry of the Middle Kingdom into these institutions will further legitimise them and allow a more stable, secure, and prosperous world to be forged in the future. Naturally, the Artarumen Empire is more than willing to advocate for the entry of the Middle Kingdom into these institutions to other members.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) requires member states to devote a certain portion of funds on an annual basis to be accumulated in a central fund denominated in pounds sterling, to be allocated to member states of the IMF in times of economic hardship and crisis, to be decided by the Board of Governors. As a prerequisite of entry and continued membership, the IMF requires that its member states maintain consistently transparent economic data and provide this data regularly to the IMF and provide funds on an annual basis.

The International Assembly (IA) requires that its member states maintain permanent representatives in Rumlew as ambassadors to the IA. A simple majority vote of member states is necessary for a state to be accepted into the IA.

The International Bank for Development (IBD), similar to the IMF, requires an annual contribution to its budget, with every member state being represented equally on its Board of Directors.

As always, it is a great pleasure working alongside the Middle Kingdom.

Regards,
Spencer Lowenthal
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

OOC: It's always useful if you can tag me in an IC post if you aren't quoting one of my posts! Otherwise, I might miss it.

Umbraen wrote:

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Ambærosinom Harbor

The capital of the Palatinate, Ambærosinom, was often called "the Rainy City" due to the commonality of rainfall in that region of the country. Only in the winter, when the snows came, did the rain let up. The weather surrounding the city was almost always dark, cold, cloudy, and stormy. It was often said this was a sign of Andræda's protection; the stormclouds that often lingered being commonly referred to as "Andræda's Shield" with affection by the city's residents. Terrible weather for a beach day, but then again there were few beaches near the city as much of it's coastline was occupied by the city's immense dock system. The capital doubled as the largest city, and thus the most economically prosperous city. As a result it had a large dock system to address the innumerable ships coming and going with cargo, resources, tourists, and immigrants.

Grand Admiral Apolloniæ Sabeniou stood at the docks looking out onto the water. The rain had stopped a while ago but the clouds had yet to disperse and probably wouldn't any time soon. It was fine for Sabeniou. The admiral enjoyed the rain; water, really. She was a navy girl through-and-through having captained vessels since she was just a toddler in the bathtub. That was centuries ago now. She was old, even for an elf. It could be said that her having made it this far and lasted this long was a testament to her wisdom. Surviving in the political climate of Umbræn was neither easy nor pleasant, certainly not for someone as important as the Grand Admiral. Those scoundrels in the Army were always looking for ways to put the Navy in it's place, whether through legitimate or illegitimate means.

The in-fighting between the Army and Navy was a centuries-old rivalry, and a bloody one at that. The reasons for it had ended long ago yet the bitterness remained all the same, lingering and growing stronger with time. Elves had long lives, long memories, and held long grudges. Many civil wars were started through the conflict between the two military branches, and many Palatine-Regent's found their lives shortened for taking sides in the rivalry. It was a national embarrassment. These two branches were meant to protect Umbræn from foreign threats, but how could they do that while at each other's throats? It was by miracle no foreign power had exploited this instability for their own gain. The only thing that seemed to unite the Army and Navy was their hatred for the position of Palatine-Regent, something they saw as irrelevant; a tumor to be surgically removed. But as time went on the rivalry began to subside. The younger generations saw it as pointless, unnecessary, and petty. There was interest on both sides to see the old grudges put out to pasture.

Sabeniou was one of them. She'd been working at silently and slowly removing the Navy's Old Guard and replacing them with younger, more open-minded officers. She'd been largely successful in the endeavor to the point she felt it was time to take the next big step: extend an olive branch to the Army. This wouldn't be easy. The animosity between the branches was a substantially easier beast to slay than the other beast, which was the Army's Field Marshal Doria Tulliæ. Tulliæ had a reputation both in the Army and outside it as a complete fool. She was neither clever nor subtle and invoked neither loyalty nor admiration from even the most die-hard army girls. From the dubious circumstances of her birth which suggested an incestuous affair, to the bizarre affection the previous Field Marshal had for her hinting her promotions were a result of loyal 'service' on her knees, rumors were abound about the Field Marshal, her status, and her rank. As a soldier she was reckless; as an officer she was incompetent. By all means she should have been assassinated by now, but perhaps her successful career was simply a cruel jest of Malkom.

Whatever the case, Tulliæ was unpopular. An inbred warmonger trying to make a name for herself was the general consensus among the populace, including Army troopers. Sabeniou in particular despised her, regarding her as a buffoon; an imbecile with which disaster was inevitable. But Sabeniou was also the better woman. She could deal with people she couldn't stand. She was patient. She didn't expect Tulliæ to respond to her missive at all, so she was pleasantly surprised when Tulliæ accepted her invitation to meet privately at the city docks.

"Field Marshal." she said respectfully. The Field Marshal merely huffed. "What do you want, Fish-Shagger?" Tulliæ said, as rude as ever. Sabeniou simply chuckled and shook her head. The admiral turned back to the sea and looked out over the ocean.

"I'm old, Doria. Too old. Too old for hate, too old for schemes, too old for politics. I'm done with it all. I've done what I could in this life to make this country a better place for every Drow in it. I've done it all. And I'm finished. Almost, anyway. By the Three, I'd like to think I did more than enough but it hardly seems like it sometimes. I want to commit one, last grand contribution to this great country before I retire. And I'd like you to help me.

Tulliæ raised an eyebrow. "With what?" she asked harshly, as if questioning the admiral's motives.

"Peace. Between the branches; between the country. You know as well as I that as it is we are too weak. It's only a matter of time before some foreign imperialist tries to exploit that weakness, and we'll both lose as a result. I don't want it to come to that. I don't want foreign submarines in our waters or foreign planes in our skies or foreign tanks on our streets. Do you?"

Tulliæ folded her arms but remained silent.

"I'll take your silence as a 'yes'. Of course, you and I both know that there can never be peace between the branches as long as certain people remain in power. Certain people who do not help the healing process, but hinder it."

Tulliæ snarled. "The bitch Demetriou, of course." she answered confidently.

"Once those certain people have been removed, then the branches can reconnect and the country can heal. Grow stronger. Better than the old empire ever was, for the good of all Drow."

Tulliæ smirked and lifted her chin, holding her nose high in the air as she did so. "And of course you need the Army to ensure your coup is a success."

Sabeniou tilted her head down. "The only way the branches can mend their schism is if they come together. By whatever means necessary."

"Then the Army, and thus myself, will rule all of Umbræn. No exceptions." Tulliæ demanded, ever the negotiator.

Sabeniou sighed and shook her head as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "F*cking idiot..." she muttered to herself. Sabeniou collected and composed herself, turning around to face the marshal. She adjusted the raincoat covering her uniform and cleared her throat before nodding. "You'll agree, then, to help make our country whole again?"

Tulliæ stroked her chin for a moment, thinking. "Fine. I'll enjoy hearing Demetriou's screams when I have that slut crucified on top of the palace. And don't get any ideas about crossing me, little mermaid, because I'll see it coming." she said smugly.

Sabeniou wanted to reach out and slap her, but she restrained herself. "Rest assured everything will work out for the better." she said before saluting the marshal, albeit reluctantly. "Dismissed." she said before departing the scene.

Tulliæ scowled. "You don't give me orders, you old hag." she muttered under her breath with spite.

Sabeniou and Tulliæ had made their preparations. When they were finished, the two military officials had met at the Silver Palace to enact their plans. A joint coup between the Army and the Navy was unprecedented; no one would have expected it or seen it coming. It was simply impossible to fathom. "Are you prepared?" Sabeniou asked. Tulliæ scoffed and folded her arms. "I'm going to shave that bitch's head and hang her by her ankles." the Field Marshal said with a vicious smirk. Sabeniou rolled her eyes. "You're very charming, you know that?" she said sarcastically before opening the door to the Palace.

The two women were accompanied by two officers, each, from their respective branches. The Palace Guards paid no mind to it. The officers were all unarmed and the Guards were a mix of Army Troopers and Naval Marines and therefor were subject to the orders of the Field Marshal and the Grand Admiral, respectively. They didn't need to ask for directions. This early in the morning, Demetriou would've been in the bath being "attended to" by her servants. She was a routine creature, and would be caught off-guard.

As the officers approached the doors to the bathing room Tulliæ stopped and pulled a gun from her jacket, shooting the two guards - an Army Trooper and a Naval Marine - at the door dead before they could react. The other officers reacted with surprise and shock, though Sabeniou was furious. "What the f*ck are you doing!? This was supposed to be bloodless! One of those soldiers was yours!" she shouted angrily. "A noble sacrifice. Can't take any chances." Tulliæ said. It wouldn't be long before more guards came to investigate. Sabeniou shoved Tulliæ aside and grabbed the gun from her hands before opening the door. "You're an idiot." she said, gritting her teeth.

Tulliæ strutted into the bathing room with her arms behind her back and her head held high, a smirk written across her face. "Well, well, well. Here she is: the oh-so-clever bitch and her harem of sluts." Demetriou was seated in the rather large bath, surrounding by her terrified servants. The Palatinate-Regent, however, was no afraid. Rather she was unamused. "Doria, my dear! A coup? I always knew you had it in you! Just needed someone smarter than you to help you pull it off. Plenty of those around. It must hard, hm? Knowing you're such an incompetent buffoon that you earned your position on your knees rather than on the battlefield? I'll admit you must be rather skilled with that tongue of yours to have gotten as far as you have. Perhaps the only skill that can make up for your inbred mind." Demetriou said as she slipped a glass of wine to her lips. "I am not inbred!" Tulliæ shouted with seething rage. Demetriou smirked. "No, no! Of course! Purely a rumor." Tulliæ folded her arms. "It's over, bitch. You're out of power as of now. Get out and ditch your sluts so you can face a firing squad." Tulliæ said brandishing a pair of handcuffs. "Oh my! You want to see me naked and tie me up? Why Doria, I had no idea you were so-"

"Shut your whorish mouth!" Tulliæ interrupted. "Maybe I should just kill you right her. Admiral, give my gun." Tulliæ asked, outstretching her hand in Sabeniou's direction while keeping her hateful eyes trained on Demetriou. As Demetriou's mouth widened into an ever-growing smirk Tulliæ wondered what she was up to. Then she felt the barrel of the gun pressed against her skull and she gently turned to see the Admiral holding the gun against her head. "Apolloniæ... what the f*ck are you doing?" she asked. Sabeniou's expression was a mix of disgust and hate. "Serving my country." Tulliæ looked around at the other officers, particularly the Army ones that had accompanied her. "Don't just stand there! Do something!" Tulliæ shouted, but the officers refused to move. They disregarded their superiors' orders altogether. Tulliæ turned back to Sabeniou, then Demetriou. "What the f*ck is this!?"

"This?" Demetriou asked as she gentle nudged her servants aside and rose from the bath. "Why, this is a coup Field Marshal. Not the one you were expecting, but oh well. We can't always get what we want, hm?" She walked to the side of the room and picked up a towel and began to dry herself off. Tulliæ looked back to Sabeniou. "You said you wanted to get rid of Demetriou!" Sabeniou raised an eyebrow, "Did I? I don't recall saying anything particularly damning or treasonous. You, on the other hand..." The Admiral produced a recorder, which played the entire conversation between Sabeniou and Tulliæ on the docks. She was right: everything she said was vague and would never hold up in a court of law, whereas Tulliæ was, well, rather damning. No lawyer in the world could save her from that. "Like I said, Field Marshal. You're an idiot." the Admiral said, tossing the recorder to Demetriou. Honoriæ looked over the recorder. "Hm. We'll have to edit your lines, Admiral. Don't want people to think you're a traitor when we release this to the public. I'm sure we can find another scapegoat in the Navy." Sabeniou nodded. "I know a few ladies who'd deserve it."

Demetriou smiled as she put on a bath robe. "I knew you would! And as for you, Field Marshal - well, I'm afraid this will be our last meeting. Have fun in prison." Tulliæ was furious as two guards entered the room to arrest her. "You can't do this! I lead the Army! I AM the Army! You'll have a civil war on your hands!" Demetriou swung the belt on her robe around. "Oh? I guess you weren't informed that your collaborators have all been arrested and replaced? It should be finishing up as we speak. The Army is officially devoid of rats. Navy, too. How unfortunate. It seems the old wounds weren't as deep as most thought, and that your influence wasn't as large as you believed. But that's hardly surprising; nobody likes an incompetent superior, do they?" Honoriæ turned to Sabeniou. "Why Admiral, I believe that makes you a heroine! Congratulations." Apolloniæ simply smirked and chuckled. "I guess so, ma'am."

Tulliæ growled as the guards handcuffed her. "You bitches! I'll have your tongues cut out and fed to dogs, you hear me!? This is not over!" she shouted as they dragged her away. "Oh, guards!" Honoriæ shouted. The guards stopped to turn to her. She gestured to the two dead guards outside the door. "It seems the 'good' Field Marshal decided to execute your comrades. Tell me, how do you feel about that?" she said, her smug smile faded as she let a little anger out. The guards looked at each other, then at Doria. Without speaking they began to beat and assault her viciously, with everyone else simply watching. Even Sabeniou, who would normally object to such a thing, decided to let it pass. By the time the guards were finished Tulliæ was spitting blood. "Feel better?" Demetriou asked. The guards grabbed the Field Marshal off the floor and hauled her away.

The Palatine-Regent turned to the Grand Admiral. "Unfortunate about that. I'll make sure their families are compensated. They'll be given heroic burials." The Admiral sighed. "Suppose I should've saw it coming. But perhaps I thought she was better- smarter than that. Just another reason to get out of this mess." Demetriou nodded at the Admiral's words. "Enjoy retirement, Apolloniæ." The Admiral nodded and then saluted Demetriou. "Will do, ma'am." the Admiral said as she left the building.

Honoriæ turned to the two Army and two Navy officers that remained. "Now then, the houses have been cleaned. Now it's time to rebuild and make this country something to be proud of again. First, we're dropping that stupid 'Regent' part of my title. As of now the Regency is officially over."

OOC

An Countryball with exceptional vision

by The Democratic States of Troois Sul

Read factbook

Anybody else want a countryball?

Troois Sul wrote:

OOC

An Countryball with exceptional vision

by The Democratic States of Troois Sul

Read factbook

Anybody else want a countryball?

OOC: This is getting out of hand! Now there are two of them!

Troois Sul wrote:

OOC

An Countryball with exceptional vision

by The Democratic States of Troois Sul

Read factbook

Anybody else want a countryball?

OOC: The We don't have a Pretitle of Island Zero has competition.

Mixed Company
Veradax/Umbraen Cultural Fair, Opening Night

It was opening night, VIP exclusive due to security concerns. All sorts of high profile politicians and businessmen would be in attendance along with the odd scientist and military official. The only cause for concern were the Haters in attendance to watch over their section of the fair. Undoubtedly they’d be harassed in later nights when the foreigners with less self-control showed up. Though the Alynites were expecting some lively conversation, and the Acolytes didn’t expect much of anything.

The first to arrive – discounting the media - were a small group of scientists from the Imari Institute, always prompt. They were accompanied by Dr. Zxerque and Dr. Kravas, who were not associated with the Institute. Few in number as their reasons for being here were more specific than enjoying the fair. Next came a gaggle of politicians and bureaucrats, mostly faceless, though there were a few ministers among them. Businessmen and various celebrities trickled in at various times, not exactly being a unified force of any sort. Among the last to arrive was Executor Sonre, who had made the trip with the hope of meeting her counterpart. Umbraen officials would be arriving slightly later, there had been a delay due to weather.

Zxerque and the rest of the scientists tended to stick together, while the others were more spread out. At this time the Umbraen officials would make their entrance, only slightly inconvenienced by the brief delay.

OOC: Sorry for the wait, and the short post.

Artarum wrote:

Dear Ming Lin,

The Artarumen Empire is greatly honoured by the Middle Kingdom's decision to join the International Monetary Fund, the International Assembly, and the International Bank for Development. There is little doubt that the entry of the Middle Kingdom into these institutions will further legitimise them and allow a more stable, secure, and prosperous world to be forged in the future. Naturally, the Artarumen Empire is more than willing to advocate for the entry of the Middle Kingdom into these institutions to other members.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) requires member states to devote a certain portion of funds on an annual basis to be accumulated in a central fund denominated in pounds sterling, to be allocated to member states of the IMF in times of economic hardship and crisis, to be decided by the Board of Governors. As a prerequisite of entry and continued membership, the IMF requires that its member states maintain consistently transparent economic data and provide this data regularly to the IMF and provide funds on an annual basis.

The International Assembly (IA) requires that its member states maintain permanent representatives in Rumlew as ambassadors to the IA. A simple majority vote of member states is necessary for a state to be accepted into the IA.

The International Bank for Development (IBD), similar to the IMF, requires an annual contribution to its budget, with every member state being represented equally on its Board of Directors.

As always, it is a great pleasure working alongside the Middle Kingdom.

Regards,
Spencer Lowenthal
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

OOC: It's always useful if you can tag me in an IC post if you aren't quoting one of my posts! Otherwise, I might miss it.

Dear Deputy Prime Minister For Foreign Affairs Spencer Lowenthal,

I would like to begin this letter by expressing my humble gratitude for your support and advocacy in assisting the Middle Kingdom to expand its portfolio of international commitments. It is the imperial government's view that mankind stands to benefit by the Middle Kingdom increasing its stake in shared responsibilities. We greatly value your friendship and your suggestions on how we can expand our commitments to the international community. So once again, thank you.

The Middle Kingdom is thrilled to contribute its fair share to the IMF and the IBD by considerably surpassing the minimum contribution requirements. We have blessed with increasing prosperity and good fortune, and are now delighted to be in good company with the Artarumen Empire as our closest ally. Consequently, we see it only befitting to share with the world by paying our fair share of monetary contributions. We hope these contributions can be used to help other fellow developing economies who are not as fortunate as us within the IMF and IBD so that they too can prosper. The Middle Kingdom intends to be fully transparent concerning its economy by regularly publishing relevant and accurate economic data.

We also look forward to joining the IA. We will pursue friendly relations with all IA members by establishing direct diplomatic relations with sovereign members, and consult with Liudan concerning those former colonies still dependent politically and legally on the Artarumen Empire for governance. We are certain mutually beneficial relations between the Middle Kingdom and IA members will go a long way in helping advocate and uphold the revered values of dialogue and international law that are conducive to global security and trade.‎
‎
‎

Regards,

Ming Lin
Senior Secretary of Minister of Foreign Affairs
Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs

OOC: I apologise for forgetting to tag you. I sometimes type out the contents of my posts in a word processor first, before transferring it here and editing the formatting. I often tag other roleplayers during the format editing stage. I must have somehow forgotten to tag you during that phase.

OOC: Because I had two extra notifications this morning.
https://i.imgur.com/AVVzGLH.png
The Democratic States of Troois Sul