Sigurd Odinnson

[quote name='Rotavele' timestamp='1325892951' post='2894342'] The Aggressive Actions of The Kuklos Confederacy and The Gallifrey Confederacy have been noted. We have had no contact with the Yaza Hajin, if anything we've been killing them. The Imperialist Regime in Grand Papua have no right to accuse us of such. We have not even spoken to the Yaza Hajin. We demand you move your forces or face the Consequence of a Face-To-Face Stand Off. [center][b]*MOVEMENTS*[/b][/center] 70,000 PRN Personnel, 1000 tanks, and 30 squadrons of F-35 Lightning II Air Ships began focusing on and re-conning the Threat of Military Invasion, outside the Gulf of Guinea. The Najambia Missile Defenses have been on Full Alert in the Area and the threat of Invasion heightens militancy in Najambia. The Civilians feel threatened by the Invasion Threats of Grand Papua and begin to watch the news Carefully. [/quote] OOC: Aggressive actions? All I've done in this thread is endorse the Papua. The message of material aid was sent [i]through secure channels[/i].

In Helsinki, it seemed even colder than in Paulstadt, despite the temperature being the same. The Finnish guards were impeccably dressed as they received Kahlstein and his delegation of carefully selected members of the Brothers. The monks, with their black habits and crimson scapulars seemed far warmer than he did in his uniform as Magister of Foreign Affairs. As he was shown to his limousine, he turned to the Foreign Minister Taneli Ruotsalainen and complimented her on the display. As the car swerved through the streets of Helsinki he took note of the beauty of the city. As he arrived at the Helsinki People's Parliament and waiting to be introduced to the body.

[quote name='Pravus Ingruo' timestamp='1325861230' post='2894090']The Vizier opened his mouth to say something, and Solomon noticed a glint in his eye and delivered a sharp elbow to his side. Church's mouth shut and a gracious nod followed. Solomon smiled and shook the man's hand. "I'm sure, by the end of the day, something will be accomplished by this conference." Once the man and his delegation were well out of ear shot, Church turned to Solomon. "So what'd you elbow me for? Who was that guy?" Solomon merely rolled his eyes. "Just the delegation of the guys we kicked out of Cuba. Like you didn't know. Ass." [/quote] "Well he didn't seem very hopeful about things," Erdstrom commented to one of his delegation, "I hope others are somewhat more dedicated to the goal of the Forums." He looked about and saw he was situation near Marie Littlewood of the Louisiana Federation, and approached her. "Madame President, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Graf von Erdstrom, the Adjutor of Monies and Merchants for the Confederation of Kuklos. Magister Oberheer and Kahlstein have both spoken very highly of you. I hope we can accomplish much in the ways of trade cooperation here at the Forums."

[quote name='xoindotnler' timestamp='1325831743' post='2893880'] Can you make the text smaller? I'm afraid I can still read it. [/quote] There's really only two words that you need to read on that particular graphic: "Kreuzzeitung" and "Victory". It's a special edition. [quote name='Proest' timestamp='1325835955' post='2893943'] You are [i]aware[/i] it is 2012, yes? [/quote] Yes, I am. Check again. Everyone's a critic...

The Supreme Pontiff of the Confederation of Κυκλοι wishes to condemn in the harshest terms the evil of the Najambian regime. Being a small nation, and indisposed towards active Kuklosian military intervention in foreign lands, the Confederation nevertheless pledges material support to any nation, especially African nations, who take steps to exterminate the cancerous evil which now festers at the heart of that continent.

The Kuklos Confederacy, in the interests of destroying odious heresies and evil, publicly supports the actions of Grand Papua. The following message was sent to Grand Papua [i]through secure channels[/i]: [quote]To the leader of Grand Papua: In the case of a major war breaking out on the African continent against the evil regime in place and its tools of destruction and genocide, the Kuklos Confederacy can unfortunately not pledge military aid to Grand Papua, but will endeavour in every way to make available to the armies of Grand Papua supplies and oil from our ample petroleum reserves. If Grand Papua is interested, we offer a Lend-Lease Programme by which Grand Papua will receive supplies and petroleum from the Confederacy free of charge for the duration of hostilities, if Grand Papua will agree to repay at a discounted price the value of supplies and fuel consumed and the return of unused supplies after the cessation of hostilities. With Respect and Blessings, Sigurd Odinnson Pontifex Maximus of the Confederation of Κυκλοι[/quote]

[center][size="5"][u][b]Military Organisation[/b][/u][/size][/center] [size="5"][u]Military Ranks[/u][/size] All Military Power in the Confederation is vested in the Knights of the Κυκλοι under Knight-Commander Bedford Forrest. The core of this body was the original Knights of the Bloodied Sword which roamed Europe for several years as soldiers of fortune before joining Sigurd Odinnson’s group under the Order of the Brothers of the Holy Name. Briefly, during the Cuban expedition, the ranks were simply divided as Ritter-Kommandant (Knight-Commander) Ritter-Leutnant (Knight-Lieutenant) Ritter (Knight) The ranks were subsequently enlarged with the arrival in the present Confederation to include more ranks and allow for divisional organisation of the armed forces. They keep the basic structure of the original KBS, but extend to include the specific command each rank has. The present ranks are: [b]Ritter-Kommandant[/b] (Knight-Commander) – Head of the Armed Forces [b]Rittermarschall[/b] (Knight-Marshal) – Field Marshall, commanding a theatre of battle [b]Ritter[/b] (Knight) – General, commanding an army [b]Oberstritter[/b] (Colonel Knight) – Colonel General, commanding a specific type of Legions in the field [b]General[/b] – Major General, commanding between 1 and 3 Legions [b]Oberst[/b] – Colonel, commanding 1 Legion [b]Oberstleutnant[/b] – Lieutenant Colonel, commanding 1 Kohort [b]Brigadier[/b] – Brigadier, commanding 1 Brigade (detached) [b]Leutnant[/b] – Lieutenant, commanding 1 Batallion [b]Zenturion[/b] – Captain, commanding 1 Zenturium [b]Feldwebel[/b] – Sergeant, commanding 1 Zeltgemeinschaft [b]Gefreiter[/b] – Corporal, commanding 1 Feuerbrigade The military units of the Knights of the Kuklos are as follows: [b]Knights of the Kuklos[/b]: 34,344 men (Armed Forces) [OOC: as of 6 January 2011] [b]Armeegruppe[/b]: between 5-10 Armies (Army Group, Theatre) [b]Armee[/b]: 20,000 men (Army) [b]Legion[/b]: 3,000-5,000 men (Division) [b]Kohort[/b]/[b]Brigade[/b]: 1,000-3,000 men (Brigade) [b]Batallion[/b]: 440 men (Battalion) [b]Zenturium[/b]: 80 men (Centuria/Company) [b]Zeltgemeinschaft[/b]: 20 men (Contubernium/Squad) [b]Feuerbrigade[/b]: 4 men (fireteam) In addition to this, there are specific Legions which together fall under the command of the Oberstritter for that sector - these include [i]Infantrielegion[/i] (Infantry) [i]Grenadierlegion[/i] (Heavy Infantry) [i]Jägerlegion [/i](Mountain) [i]Artillerielegion[/i] (Artillery) [i]Panzerlegion[/i] (Armour) [i]Ritterlegion[/i] (Mounted) [i]Flugritterlegion[/i] (Air Cavalry) [i]Technikerlegion [/i](Engineers) [i]Kommunikationlegion[/i] (Communications & Radar) [i]Flaklegion [/i](Anti-Air) [i]Spezialeinheitlegion[/i] (Special Forces) [i]Triarii [/i](Home Guard, reserved for Veteran troops) [i]Fliegerlegion[/i] (Flying Korps, Army Air Force) In addition to the main body of the Knights, there are also two Auxilliary branches to cover naval vessels. These troops under the designated [i]Armata[/i] of the Knights are headed up by Admiral William “Bull” (Freiherr von) Barbary, who was in charge of requisitioning all ships and other sea-going vessels under Forrest in the Knights of the Bloodied Sword. He answers directly to Ritter-Kommandant Forrest in all matters. The ranks of the Armata differ from the rest of the Knights, being sea-borne. [b]Großadmiral[/b] (Grand Admiral) – Head of the Navy and all Fleets [b]Generaladmiral[/b] (General-Admiral) – Admiral in charge of a theatre of battle [b]Admiral[/b] – Admiral, commanding a Fleet (at least two task forces) [b]Vizeadmiral[/b]– Vice Admiral, commanding a Task Force (up to three flotillas) [b]Konteradmiral[/b] – Rear Admiral, commanding a Flotilla (up to five ships of the same type) [b]Kommodore-Admiral[/b] – Commodore, commanding a Carrier Battle Group (one carrier + two flotillas) [b]Kapitän-zur-See[/b] – Captain, commanding a Carrier or Battleship [b]Fregattenkapitän[/b] – Frigate Captain, commanding a Frigate (Battlecruiser, Cruiser) [b]Korvettenkapitän[/b] – Corvette Captain, commanding a Corvette (Destroyer, Minelayer, U-Boat, Minesweeper, etc. [b]Leutnantkapitän[/b] – Lieutenant, commanding a Boat, or First Mate aboard a Ship [b]Fahnträger[/b] – Ensign, serving as Second Mate of a Ship [b]Unteroffizier[/b] – Passed Midshipman, awaiting commission as Lieutenant [b]Seekadet[/b] – Midshipman, commanding 1 Feurbrigade The Armata chiefly concerns itself with river patrol along the Mississippi, Missouri, and Minnesota Rivers, but is also deployed to defend Kuklosian interests in Lake Superior, which is divided up into three zones: the Canadian, Midwestern, and Kuklosian, with the Kuklosian being known as the “Kuklosian Seaway” under regular patrol by the Armata: [img]http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/8872/lakesuperior.png[/img] [size="5"][u]Military Uniforms[/u][/size] It is hard to determine a standard uniform for the army of the Confederation because individuals lords are required to summon soldiers at the call of the Pontiff. Each Fürst is expected to raise an army to himself for the defence of his lands against foreign aggression and native thievery, but his actual rank in the army typically is no higher than an Oberstleutnant, but no lower than a Zenturion. The so-called “Enlisted Officers”, what might in other places be called NCOs, are drawn from the Edlers and Herrs, while the actual soldiers are typically peasants – except in the case of cavalry (mounted, armoured, air cavalry), which are almost always derived from the lowest ranking Ritters. There are some general trends all uniforms follow. First of all, they are all tunics of medium length with utility belts. They are generally coloured white, grey, slate, or cream, and all wear black slacks. Beyond this, soldiers are largely expected to maintain order according to their immediate commanding officer, who is typically their own liege-lord. Disobedience and insubordination are dealt with swiftly by superior officers rather than individual commanders largely to prevent abuse. However, nobles are generally trusted to treat their soldiers (and serfs) fairly and justly, and when rumours abound about a particular noble, he faces retribution “of the severest species” according to the code of military honour. Uniforms are much more uniformed when one looks at the government. All Brothers (OBHN) are required to wear religious habits, consisting of a black robe and hood with a crimson scapular. Novices do not wear the scapular, but can be seen in black cowls and white belts and typically remain hooded, since they do not wear a tonsure. They are rarely seen, however, since the harsh novitiate of the OBHN requires complete severing of contact with all other people, often for years at a time, during which the only communication the novice has, aside from prayer, is orders to do tasks by their Superior. The Superior of a monastic community is distinguished by his beard, which remains unshaven while he is Superior or Abbot, as well as by his white cloak, which replaces the crimson scapular. Ordained members of the OBHN, i.e. those who may function as priests outside of the OBHN and are entitled to preach publicly, are distinguished by a golden pectorale of the Chi-Rho symbol. The Order differs significantly from the Brothers because of its explicit role in the administration of the Faith. Its members do not wear monastic robes but cassocks, coloured according to their specific role. The sole exception is in security, which wear trousers and Roman collars to facilitate easier movement. Security always dress in crimson and a white Roman collar. Other colours for the cassock include black for novices in the Order, purple for members of the Inquisition, navy for military police, and white for chaplains. In addition to the cassock, all branches wear a white fascia (a sash worn around the midsection), and a mozzetta matching the colour of their division. The exceptions to this are novices, who wear a black fascia, and ordinary priests of the chaplaincy, who wear no mozzetta and whose cassocks use hooks instead of buttons. In addition to these habits, Pontiffs Minor (essentially, bishops) of the Inquisition also wear a golden cope and a silver pectorale of the Chi-Rho. Likewise, Superiors of all branches have black piping to distinguish them from lower-ranking members and are distinguished by the pectorale of the Chi-Rho. The Knights of the Kuklos, being the military, are only uniformed at the highest level. Here, generally only Ritter-Kommandant Forrest is distinguished by his blue-grey tunic, white pants with gold stripe, and mirror-finish (typically) black riding boots. His collar is gold with the Chi-Rho symbol to distinguish him as Ritter-Kommandant. Also, as a recipient of Odinnson’s Blutkreuz (full name: [i]Kreuz des heilige Blut[/i], or “Cross of the Holy Blood”) medal, he wears a red sash and the Blutkreuz itself about his neck. He also wears a gold sash from which hangs his cavalry sword. All his subordinates wear white tunics and black slacks with red collars and gold stars to distinguish their ranks. They wear belts, rather than sashes, which are silver with a buckle bearing the Chi-Rho. The Ranks of the Confederation are as follows: [b]Ritter-Kommandant[/b] – Golden Chi-Rho, Yellow collar [b]Rittermarschall[/b] – Four golden stars, Red collar [b]Ritter[/b] (Knight) – Three golden stars, Red collar [b]Oberstritter[/b] – Two silver stars, collar according to Legion type [b]General[/b] – Two golden stars, Red collar [b]Oberst[/b] – One golden star, Red collar [b]Oberstleutnant[/b] – One silver star between two vertical bars [b]Brigadier[/b] – One silver star, collar according to type of Brigade [b]Leutnant[/b] – Three silver vertical bars [b]Zenturion[/b] – Two silver vertical bars [b]Feldwebel[/b] – One silver vertical bar [b]Gefreiter[/b] – Silver X Collar colours differ based on the type of Kohort or Legion: [i]Infantrielegion[/i]: White [i]Grenadierlegion[/i]: Black [i]Jägerlegion [/i]: Indigo [i]Artillerielegion[/i]: Purple [i]Panzerlegion[/i]: Green [i]Ritterlegion[/i]: Yellow [i]Flugritterlegion[/i]: Dark Green [i]Technikerlegion [/i]: Grey [i]Kommunikationlegion[/i]: Orange [i]Flaklegion [/i]: Blue [i]Spezialeinheitlegion[/i]: Dark Yellow [i]Triarii[/i]: Red [i]Fliegerlegion[/i]: Bright Blue Regardless of the uniform the soldier is wearing (and they [i]do[/i] vary) this rank system is always in place to distinguish rank. These are illustrated below: [b]Ritter-Kommandant[/b] [img]http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/6505/ritterkommandant.png[/img] [b]Rittermarschall[/b] [img]http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/5635/rittermarschall.png[/img] [b]Ritter[/b] [img]http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/451/ritter.png[/img] [b] Oberstritter (Anti-Air)[/b] [img]http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/2522/oberstritter.png[/img] [b]General[/b] [img]http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/5649/generalh.png[/img] [b]Oberst[/b] [img]http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/9675/oberst.png[/img] [b]Oberstleutnant[/b] (Flaklegion, Mark Schoenhausen) [img]http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/4688/oberstleutnant.png[/img] [b]Brigadier[/b] (Flakbrigade, Minneburg [fmr. Minneapolis]) [img]http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/5733/brigadierb.png[/img] [b]Leutnant[/b] (Grenadier, Mark Humboldt) [img]http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/3159/leutnant.png[/img] [b]Zenturion[/b] (Grenadier, Fürstentum Mesüre) [img]http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/5207/zenturion.png[/img] [b]Feldwebel[/b] (Grenadier, Minneburg) [img]http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/776/feldwebelc.png[/img] [b]Gefreiter[/b] (Grenadier, Mark Falkenland) [img]http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/8315/gefreitero.png[/img] [size="5"][u]Military Administration and Governance[/u][/size] Military Administration in the Military Border Territory means that the political divisions in that area are also divided among military units, thus the normal political divisions do not apply. The Military is also divided into Political Ranks, some of which resemble noble titles, but should not be confused with them, as not all nobles are in the military, and outside of the MBT, those possessing Military Political Ranks do not retain their title. For example, Joachim Freiherr von Karlstad is a Freiherr or Baron by title, shown by the fact that his title is contained in his name; Lieutenant George Johnston, however, is a Freiherr by rank only, and cannot therefore refer to himself as Georg Freiherr von Johnston, though as long as he resides in the Military Border Territory, he retains the privileges of a Baron, including an income from tribute paid by individual Estates in his Barony. [u]Political Military Ranks are:[/u] [b]Herrscherr[/b] (Ruler): Ritter-Kommandant, in command of the whole of the MBT [b]Margraf[/b] (Margrave): Oberst – Rittermarschall, in command of a Mark [b]Burggraf[/b] (Burgrave): Oberstleutnant – General, in command of a Burg [b]Gauherr[/b] (Lord): Leutnant – Oberstleutnant, in command of a Gau [b]Raugraf[/b] (Rawgrave): Zenturion – Oberstleutnant, in command of an uninhabited or sparsely inhabited Rauland [b]Stadtherr[/b] (Lord Mayor): Zenturion/Leutnant, in command of a Weiler, Dorf, or Stadt [b]Freiherr[/b] (Baron): Zenturion/Leutnant, in command of a Herrs’gebiet [b]Herr[/b] (Lord): Zenturion/Leutnant, in command of an Estate [u]Military Political divisions are:[/u] [b]Mark[/b]: District, or roughly 5-8 Gaus [b]Burg[/b]: Fortified City, any major city consisting of more than 20,000 inhabitants and possessing a Cathedral [b]Gau[/b]: County, consisting of a city and several Zenturien, Weiler, and Dorfen [b]Stadt[/b]: City, a settlement consisting of at least 5,000 inhabitants [b]Dorf[/b]: Village, a settlement of at least 500 inhabitants [b]Weiler[/b]: Hamlet, a settlement consisting of at least 50 inhabitants [b]Herrs’gebiet[/b]: Township, consisting of at least 5 Ritterguten, short for Herrschaftsgebiet [b]Rauland[/b]: Uninhabited Township, consisting of at least 500 Acres but less that 5 Ritterguten [b]Rittergut[/b]: Estate, consisting of at least 100 Acres

[quote name='Tidy Bowl Man' timestamp='1325835166' post='2893932'] "New Cambodia finds these references to Christian fellowship repugnant and feels that such a basis for a government is a piss poor one at best. Vicidalia is far better off with a stable governance than its former corrupt Christian regieme whom we personally experienced showing a blatant disregard for the safety and well being of one of their own children during a diplomatic function in New Cambodia." -Suvah [/quote] [b]NOT PUBLIC[/b] As the notice of the recent comment to his speech crossed his desk, Odinnson looked up at Cancellarius Schildhafen. "What's this?" "It's the response from New Cambodia to your recent speech, your Holiness." Schildhafen responded with some deference, "I'm sure they're expecting a response." "Well, let them wait. We've made our official statement regarding the matter, and I'd prefer to get a better sense of what the rest of the world has to say before letting a bunch of Asiatic savages pull us into a possible Foreign Affairs fiasco. Besides, the blatant vulgarity of the statement will only harm them in the eyes of anyone well-versed in diplomacy," Odinnson was more than a little indignant at the profane language used by the Cambodian government - it seemed to provoke him even more than their blatant anti-religious attitudes. "It would nevertheless perhaps be wise to redouble our support for the fallen government." Schildhafen rejoined. "The message has gone forth to them; aside from contacting them directly I'm not sure what more can be said on the matter. In the meanwhile, let's just let the matter sit until further international response has arrived regarding this whole matter - indeed, let Vicidalia respond to it. I'll be eager to see what sort of response we see arise from these rebellious plebeians now that we've publicly endorsed their former government." The Pontiff said with a tone that made it clear his was the final word on the matter. Schildhafen pondered for a moment, but then responded, "we did say that we recognised that there was a government in Vicidalia, though we did not officially recognise that government in the diplomatic sense of the word. Perhaps we ought to be clearer about that." "That is a fair point; indeed, we ought to make it clear - draft up a public statement from the government." Odinnson responded and handed the paper with the Cambodian message back to Schildhafen, "and burn this rubbish." [b]PUBLIC[/b] The Government of the Confederation of the Kuklos wishes to clarify an earlier statement regarding recognition of the Republic of Vicidalia. While the statement released stated that the Pontifex Maximus of the Kuklos does recognise [i]that there is[/i] a government in Vicidalia, and that some semblance of law and order exist, the Confederation withholds recognition of the [i]legitimacy[/i] of this government indefinitely.

The Pontiff was less than pleased. He remembered with bitterness the treatment his people had received at the hands of the arrogant government of the Empire of Pravus Ingruo in Cuba. That they were hosting a tremendous opportunity for the expansion of the Kuklosian petroleum industry – now owned and operated by Magister von Oberheer, part of the reason he was assigned to handle the Magisterium of Monies and Merchants. In order to make it clear that the Confederation was interested only in a trade agreement, it seemed appropriate that Oberheer should handle this “American Forum” gathering. Odinnson duly assigned him the task of preparing a delegation and sending them to New York City. [b]Later[/b] Adjutor of Monies and Merchants Henrik Graf von Erdstrom was a farmer by trade, despite his birth. His father, likewise, had been a farmer his whole life, the family having been disinherited from their original holdings some time in the 12th century. His return to nobility upon the arrival in the Americas was one he took with mixed vindication and disappointment—now he would be managing his estate in Erdstrom rather than doing the planting and growing he so enjoyed on his rather small farm in Germany. Nevertheless, it was undeniable that he had skill as a manager and administrator, and it was skill enough to impress the Pontiff and assign this son of an old comrade to a position of power. Foreign Affairs, though, was a department in which the young man had no experience whatever, so he was baffled when Magister von Oberheer had instructed him to gather a delegation of nobles from each of the Confederation’s major industries – being farming, animal husbandry, logging, mining, and oil-drilling. The first and last of these were by far of the greatest importance, and Erdstrom knew this. He was a representative of the first – his fief outside of Aberdeen produced tremendous crop of corn and he had also adopted raising hogs as well. Unfortunately, the land was not his hoped-for fief along the Mississippi near Dubuque, but it was sufficient. Oberheer, however, wanted the interests of the Petroleum Fiefs in the Northwest of the Confederation represented strongly – there were high hopes of entering a cartel with other oil-trading nations to form what Oberheer had already termed the American Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Nations (AOPEN). Whether the name stuck in New York or not remained to be seen. [b]In New York[/b] The delegation under Adjutor von Erdstrom arrived in New York City shortly after midday. Von Erdstrom had arranged for cars to be waiting to take the delegation first to their hotel accommodations; the delegation and bodyguards had reserved a floor of the Plaza Hotel for their use. After they had done this and prepared for the trip to the UN Building. The delegates were all noblemen, but only two had taken vows in the Order, meaning with the exception of these two wearing their charcoal grey habits, the men arrived in military-style dress. Erdstrom’s white tunic was lined with gold buttons and black trim over black pants with a ride stripe down the side. His sash of black, gold, and green denoted membership of the Magisterium of Monies and Merchants. He was accompanied by two nobles wearing matching black uniforms of the former Niflungan Wotanssohne, with silver trim and the arms of the Confederation on their shoulders. They were representatives of the mining and oil industries, and had especially strong interest in a positive execution of the meeting. Erdstrom, however, would be doing most of the talking unless one of the two were specifically addressed. The four delegates with Erdstrom were visibly unimpressed by the City, one remarking how filthy it appeared even from inside the limousine. “They could use some of our counter-metropolising measures here,” Erdstrom had said. The lot of them, of course, hid their general disdain of the place when they arrived at the old UN Building and entered escorted by Pravus security. While the uninitiated nobles took interest in the other delegates at the meeting, Erdstrom and the clerics were specifically interested in finding their place and getting to business. Erdstrom spotted from a photograph the Secretary of Foreign Affairs for the Empire and Vizier Church and sought them out. “Your Excellencies,” he said with his soft, but nevertheless distinctly [i]German[/i] accent, “it is a pleasure to meet you; I am Henrik, the Duke of Erdstrom, and have arrived with my delegation. We very much hope it will be a very productive gathering for the interests of all involved.”

[b]SPECIAL EDITION![/b] [center][img]http://images.tgecn.com/mop/Kreuzzeitung/Kreuzzeitung3.5.png[/img][/center]

o/ to peace.

[quote name='graniteknight' timestamp='1325824557' post='2893730'] Bishop Wojtyła of the Catholic Church of Australia smiled benignly at Frater Ioannis (OOC: Frater Ioannis, frater Ioannis,Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous? Sonnez les matines! Sonnez les matines! Din, dan, don. Din, dan, don Sorry had to do it) making the sign of the Cross at the gentleman and Blessing him in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Wojtyła let Ioannis into the limousine where Flemming waited to discuss faith. [/quote] OOC: we need to figure out what just happened. Did the Bishop meet me at the limo or a dignitary?

[quote name='Markus Wilding' timestamp='1325718392' post='2892704'] As this was received, a message would come some time later. [quote] TO: Sigurd Odinnson, Pontifex Maximus of the Kuklos FROM: Party Boss Sari Paatelainen SUBJ: RE: RE: Relations Sir, Your fears are well-founded. For too long, Communist nations have been painted with the same brush they were given when the Soviet Union was alive, and I can assure you, Finland does not attempt to persecute or otherwise silence the voices of the religious. To call Finland atheist would also be false. Finland continually attempts to satisfy the needs of the religious of all sects, from Protestant to Jewish. If it so pleases you, a delegation can be sent to Finland to observe for a few days in a Finnish embassy building, overlooking the very heart of Finland itself. I would be overjoyed to meet this delegation if you decide to send them. Regards, Party Boss Sari Paatelainen[/quote] [/quote] [quote]To: Party Boss Paatelainen From: His Holiness Sigurd Odinnson, Pontifex Maximus of the Kuklos RE: Relations I received your reply to my query with tremendous satisfaction and would be pleased to take you up on the offer of a delegation. I will dispatch an ambassador and accompanying diplomats under Karl von Kahlstein, our Minister of Foreign Affairs. If you respond positively to this note, I will dispatch a plane immediately to your capital. With Respect and Blessings, Sigurd Odinnson Pontifex Maximus of the Kuklos[/quote] OOC: never got a response to my note, so my diplomat is ready to go but he needs confirmation.

As Adjutor of the Administrator of the Faith, Frater Ioannis did not expect to ever leave the Confederation on such business. But nevertheless here he sat, existing an aeroplane in Australia. He could see the heat rising off the tarmac; it hardly looked invited given his black robes and the crimson scapular he was wearing as a Brother of the Holy Name. As he stepped out of the plane he put on his round sunglasses and the broad-brimmed black hat to protect his eyes from the sun. Around his neck he wore a silver Chi-Ro, the emblem of the Emperor Constantine and the symbol of the Order. The tarmac was hot, as he expected, but the cars were waiting immediately in front of him, which was somewhat reassuring. Less reassuring was the very heavily unformed government officials. He was far from home, and he had an especial distaste for communist mistreatment of believers. He had been ordered, though, to keep an open mind. It would be easier when he had met with some of the Australian religious leaders. His understanding was that a summit was being called to this end for the satisfaction of the Pontiff of Kuklos. “Greetings; I do hope the ride to meet your leader will not be too long,” he said gazing at the sun and smiling at the dignitary standing by the door to the limousine.

[quote name='Evangeline Anovilis' timestamp='1325814532' post='2893631'] We would do that, if these posessions were not made out of the blood and bones of our people. Not only have countless nobles profited from the system of serfdom and the forced labor, but also was the country robbed of millions of Vicidalian Lunas (our new currency), when the noblesse left our shores. Vicidalia will not stand this blatant parasitism. [i] Valerie Bourquet[/i] [/quote] In a public statement, the office of the Pontifex Maximus of The Confederation of the Kuklos announced that "it is clear that the government of this new Vicidalian Republic does not speak for Vicidalia or her eternal traditions, but that it is little more than a puppet of an imperialist power. The rhetoric used in recent messages to the government of Kuklos, including references to "possessions.. made out of the blood and bones of our people" as well as accusations that the Old Nobility, endowed with their position of rulership by that ageless Tradition and Wisdom of Providence, "robbed" Vicidalia of "millions". The impending violence which has been done on the nobility by this so-called Republic excuses the nobility taking their property with them when they fled the country, if such a "robbery" actually occurred. I again make appeals in the spirit of fraternity and true Christian fellowship to this nobility to establish a legitimate government-in-exile if it is their desire to do so."

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1325811454' post='2893600'] [i]“Madame, it is a pleasure to welcome you to our temporary capital. If you do not mind the walk, we have a special car waiting for you past the guards.”[/i] "Oh it won't be a problem at all Excellency. I have to thank your country and your Pontiff for being so quick with the reply to my letter. I know it came across as strange, but that has always been my game. Keeping people unsure of what I'm truly all about." She said with a laugh and then she and Nika walked with Giroux past the guards and towards the the car that was waiting for them. If the Kuklos guards found the Amazons' clothes a strange mixture, Angelika and Nika both agreed that the Confederacy had breached the gap between the Medieval and the Modern. Men in long robes looked on them with serious faces and the cold war only heightened the sense that they had been pushed back several centuries. In the back of Nika's mind she almost looked forward to a confrontation, it would give her a chance to use her spear skills against the solemn religiosity that bled from the ground. This was a Paternal world, vastly different from the Amazons own idea of life and governance, but that produced some of the strongest friendships, those who could look past the short comings and focus primarily on the mutual strength that both peoples required. As the car began to drive off towards the Regierungsbau, the nation's air force flew over head and upon the women's observation, Giroux kindly explained, though his choice of words made both Amazons uncomfortable. Nika glared at him, but Angelika was more subtle, reacting towards the positive points the Minister had made. "Well it is good that your country can make concessions for the people who lived in this region before the rise of your nation. Civilization may be one of the great things of humanity, but a nomad is no different than a city-dweller in mind or emotion. 'Savage', Excellency, would not be a term I would use. You would be surprise how much you can learn from those who have a strong affinity to the land and the Earth. Our Queen is very...vocal...about such things. That said, I would rather meet the Pontiff now, if that is at all possible." [/quote] The Aston rolled up to the front entrance of the Regierungsbau, as soldiers with Mauser rifles hanging from their shoulders rushed to open the door for Angelika and Nika. They stood at attention as Giroux and the delegation pulled up in the car behind her and escorted the two foreigners up the steps. Inside the great hall, it was obvious that renovations were underway as the ladies were escorted to the office of the Pontiff, recently hung with the Pontifical Arms – the Eagle’s head bearing the Tiara of three Crowns. The doors opened as Giroux escorted the ladies in. Odinnson stood and looked the two women over. The uniforms were certainly not what he expected, nor the weapons on their backs. He hoped they hadn’t notice his eyebrows’ involuntary motion upwards as he began, “Your Highness, it’s a pleasure to meet you so soon after our correspondence. I do hope your journey was comfortable.” He lifted his hands in greeting; Angelika extended her own and took his right with a curt bow. “Thank you, very much, sir. The journey was quite comfortable, it's brisk outside so I'm glad to be warming myself back up,” She responded. “Of course. The winters here are somewhat harsher than what we were used to in the Thuringian Forest. I imagine, however, that you have encountered similar in your travels.” Odinnson recalled how cold it had been in Duluth when he landed. “Do you drink alcohol?” It was one of his vices. “I do, I'm actually a self-proclaimed connoisseur.” the Princess responded, eyes flashing. “Splendid, very much like myself.” Odinnson had not missed the change in her expression, “Do you enjoy whiskeys? I can call for a glass - it seems to act as a good quick-fix for the cold, I find.” “Yes, that would be just fine, Excellency and one for my associate here,” she motioned to Nika, “We'd both be thankful.” “Of course.” Odinnson said briefly as he rang for drinks to be delivered to the office. It would be a favourite whiskey of Irish origins – something Forrest had introduced him to. The latter had given up alcohol after reading that his ancestor had been a teetotaler. “By the way, and do please pardon my asking, but I did not properly catch the name and title of your associate. I assume she is your bodyguard?” Angelika looked at Nika and back to the Pontiff, “My Sister's Companion actually, the Companion of our Queen. Nika Radinkova.” Sigurd rose to acknowledge her, “It's a pleasure to have you with us, Ms Radinkova.” “Equally, Excellency, thank you for having me.” she responded. Odinnson raised an eyebrow at the word “excellency” - he had never liked the title and specifically made it such that he would never go by it. He contemplated saying something when the drinks arrived and he decided against it, “Ah, good then, now that we're settled we can get down to business.” He motioned to the chairs. Angelika assumed a place immediately across from Odinnson, with Nika beside her. “My understanding is that you both are rather "free agents" at the moment in international affairs.” “Well it is a bit more complicated than simply being "Free Agents" in international affairs. I am a refugee of the Austrian Empire when my sister ruled, before the collapse of the state and the rise of Nordic Socialism throughout Central Europe,” Angelika responded. “I am currently a citizen of the Great Horde of Tianxia, but there is a plan for a new country currently in the works, a Confederation of the various Amazon Tribes my sister has gathered to her banner as Queen.” The Pontiff leaned forward slightly at hearing the plans for a new government in Asia. A valuable ally to have and a means to stave off Horde invasion. “I take it that your sister has gathered a significant force to her side? Where, pray, would this new nation locate its capital?” Angelika detected Odinnson’s increased interest. “Ideally, it would be on the coast of Pontus, in northern Turkey, perhaps replacing the city of Trebizond. There is an ancient temple there, the Temple of Hippolyta. It is where my sister took the mantle of Hippolyta and became Queen of the Amazons herself. That of course depends if we can negotiate with the Rebel Army for said territory.” “That brings me to another question I had hoped to ask,” Odinnson leaned back in his chair again. “It is my understanding that you are a pious and religious people, but I have not been made privy to the nature of your faith. As you probably know, we of the Kukloi are not a conventional religious community, though our belief teaches us that we are inheritors to the teachings and tradition of the Living God.” Angelika took a serious tone, “our faith comes from a belief that everything in the world is divine, that everything contains, to some degree, a spirit and that these spirits are all around us. In that regard we are a Shamanistic people, at the same time, the Queen has been given her mantle by the Daughter of Ares and has as such, become the child of the War-God Himself. Ares, Artemis, and the demi-god, Hippolyta make up our pantheon.” Odinnson sympathised with the polytheism, having made that error himself, but chose to focus instead on the positive things he heard. “Your faith in the Divinity of All Things clearly indicates a close relation to the Divine. Our own belief is similar; I am very pleased to hear this. It is often the case that polytheistic understandings of the divine easily slip into the realm of superstition that cuts them off from the Light.” “While I have heard many a story from my sister and others, I tend to focus on reality as much as possible,” Angelika seemed to misunderstand what he said, but no matter. “A firm grip on this world is what makes one capable of dealing with those challenges we face. Speaking of these challenges, I should say that you have great challenges before you,” he responded. “Creating a nation was and will never be easy, Excellency. But I think you will soon see, we take pride in our strength.” Angelika’s voice changed somewhat. The Pontiff raised his eyebrow again at being called “excellency” but let it go again. “You are right, it has never been a simple task -- we here in the confederacy have worked hard to accomplish what we have and we yet have rebellious denizens,” he let out a sigh. “They took the natives of this land and forced them into glorified prisons, and now attempt to use these same natives to overthrow the government of the Confederation,” he stood and moved toward the window of his office, “they will fail, of course. All rebellions ultimately fail their goal—but the cost will be great,” he turned toward the women as Angelika interjected, “Sir?” she said with measured interest. “Indeed?” Odinnson looked at the women inquisitively. “People in your nation are trying to use the natives of these territories to over throw you?” both Nika and Angelika seemed to take great interest in the subject, making the Pontiff somewhat uneasy. “Attempts are being made, yes,” he responded, “but I have the leader of one of the tribes in the city today. My hope is to abolish these absurd "reservations" and allow the natives to move freely in the wilderness.” “Yes, that is what your Minister who met us at the airport said,” Angelika interrupted again. She seemed perturbed by something Adjutor Giroux had said. “I am sure they will see the wisdom of accepting this offer of cooperation rather than joining the rebels,” he continued, “you may find their culture interesting. They have a similarly shamanistic approach to the world. They accept the divine as children - just as it is taught that we ought to accept it. It's quite admirable.” “I would hope so, but as a sign of friendship, Nika and I can fend for ourselves fairly easily. Is there anyway we could possibly be of help—to show our dedication to the future of an alliance? I feel it would be good to protect a people so close to our own.” Angelika looked eager, and Nika reflected her mood. Odinnson moved to sit down again, “As of right now, Ritter-Kommandant Forrest is in charge of putting down the rebellion. He does not share my admiration of the natives, I'm afraid.” Odinnson looked off, “At any rate, I would not like to have my guests put in harms way. It would be a terrible insult to your sister if you were to fall on the field of battle here when you have so much more valuable work to do for her. I suggest that you take your time in the Confederation to tour and meet with those [i]friendly[/i] to the government, rather than meet the rebels in battle.” He paused, and then asked, “Is there anything which interests you specifically?” The Princess von Hapsburg rejoined, “I assure you, Excellency, that it would be of no insult to myself or my sister. But during our tour I would be glad to speak to whomever. However, I would say, if your Ritter-Kommandant has no admiration, I would be happy to enlist my own service. It would be a great honor.” “My goal is not to raise the natives as an army,” Odinnson responded with some firmness, “that would be doing exactly what the rebels wish to do. I merely want a guarantee that they will not allow themselves to be exploited by the rebels. Forrest believes our time is better spent by moving them north. I believe that we can accomplish what we need by simply getting rid of the reservations.” Angelika nodded, replying “I can only hope it is a painless process.” Odinnson’s features softened, “It is likewise my hope. The leader will be staying at the same residence as you and your companion, however, and if you do encounter him, I would certainly like to hear your impression of him,” Odinnson paused—he did not want to give the impression he was using his guests as spies, “I will be meeting with him after this, of course, but I do love to hear others' opinions.” Fortunately, his guest seemed to understand “Of course. Completely understandable.” He attempted again to distract them from the violent subject, “In the meantime, is there anything of specific interest you would like to see in my nation? We have an air taxi available to take you to any of the places where the rebellion has not taken root,” he said, “we have beautiful wilderness to see and our military has established a sizeable barracks on the outskirts of the city—depending, of course, on what interests you more.” “Off hand, no,” Angelika responded, “but if you would give my associate and I a few days to tour and make up our minds. I'm sure we could present a schedule.” “Please,” Odinnson responded warmly, “my Adjutor of Foreign Affairs will be happy to help you in whatever way you desire. We do not have any sort of schedule designed for you simply because I was so unsure as to what would be appropriate.” Angelika nodded in response as a thought occurred to the Pontiff. “Do you enjoy dancing? We of the clergy do not attend, but not all of the nobility is devoted to the religious life, however strong their belief. I believe a State Ball is being planned for tomorrow night.” “Well then, perhaps after our Confederation is formed formally we can agree on an alliance? Since the loss of our friends in Vicidalia both the Horde and the Amazons have lost a friend on the continent. A prosperous nation as your own would an honor to call ‘friend’.” She then answered the question posed, “Also, I think a ball would be lovely. Nika?” She turned to her companion “A lot of fun, I’d definitely go,” Nika responded. “Excellent, then. I have to confer with the Brothers before a formal agreement can be reached, but I assure you so long as I reign you will have a friend here in the Confederation.” He looked at the clock, “Unfortunately, I believe that the tribal leader of the Anishinabe is waiting for his meeting, and I don't want to be impolitic. You ladies may tour the capital as you wish, I will have Adjutor Giroux send for a car to take you to your accommodations.” “Of course,” Angelika responded, standing, “Until we meet again then Pontiff, it was a pleasure.” Sigurd stretched out his hand to her and she received it, as he raised hers to his face pretending to kiss it, nodded to the door and rang for the Adjutor. Giroux arrived instantly – he probably had not strayed very far from the door in the first place. He guided the ladies down the hall and to a new car, this time a limousine, which was waiting in front of the capital to take them to their accommodations at the government diplomatic quarters. The building was originally designed as a ruler’s residence, but since Odinnson had taken up less grand accommodations in the soon-to-be St. Eckhart Abbey, it was never used for government officials. [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Minnesota_Governor%27s_Residence.jpg/800px-Minnesota_Governor%27s_Residence.jpg[/img] Government Diplomatic Quarters [quote name='Markus Wilding' timestamp='1325813661' post='2893623'] OOC: (Forgot to mention) Make a separate thread, please. Let's not clutter this one up [/quote] OOC: will do.

To: President Wilmington of the Continental Republic of America From: Magister Karl Ritter von Kahlstein Re: American Forum Your Excellency, The Confederation of Kuklos would be interested in discussing continental solidarity, but if it is to happen we would be more interested in a economic regional treaty rather than a political treaty. We will send a delegate to the American Forum when its exact time and location are announced to more clearly pronounce our government's precise stance. With Respect and Blessings, [b]Karl Ritter von Kahlstein Magisterium of Foreign Affairs Confederation of Κυκλοι[/b]

[quote name='Evangeline Anovilis' timestamp='1325787650' post='2893409'] [b]Public[/b] Today the Revolutionary Council of the Republic of Vicidalia hasdecided to begin a program to reconstruct the country, after the devastating policies of the monarchy. The government will, together with our Lunar friends and liberators, try to repair the massive damages, as well as to consolidate the budget. As the last step will also mean a decrease in army size, our army will be centered around a defense from the seaside, given the most likely attack coming from there. Also, the Republic today seized the properties of the old nobility, including the CCCV. The debate is still ongoing how to handle the immense riches the corrupt administration of our prdecessors has stolen from the people. In order however to prevent a new rise of such corruption, the Republic announces its intention to reform our government along the lines of our liberators, the Lunar Republic. [/quote] The Confederation of Κυκλοι wishes to express its strong disapproval of the Republic of Vicidalia's actions in regards to the property of the nobility of Vicidalia and the lack of respect being shown by the Republic for private property rights. It condemns the deprivation of the blood nobility of the Grand Principality of their rightful titles and properties and wishes to convey encouragement to those deprived of lands and properties. It further appeals to the Republic to respect what has been ordained by tradition and history and tread with a lighter step rather than become what you unfairly accuse the Grand Princess and her nobility of having been. [i]Karl Ritter von Kahlstein Magister of Foreign Affairs Confederation of the Κυκλος[/i]

[quote name='Tanis777' timestamp='1325754345' post='2893237'] The Californian Republic extends a warm welcome to the Kuklos Confederacy and it's independence from Canada. We welcome another brethren to the ranks of American nations. We hope our relations will just be as great as we currently do with the Canadians. Kevin O'Malley Secretary of State of the Californian Republic [/quote] The Kuklos Confederacy happily accepts the Californian Republic’s overtures and hopes that there will be no opposition in establishing an embassy in the Californian capital. Andreas von Schildhafen Cancellarius of all Kukloi [quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1325780570' post='2893358'] "Rather odd people, don't you think?" Angelika left Ehestadt the moment that the letter from the Kuklos arrived, with Theresia's Companion, Nika Radinkova, having come back from the Western Front, the Princess enlisted her assistance on the journey East. The two Amazons left by plane early in the morning, flying the colors of the Great Horde's air force as they passed over the Pacific Ocean and the shores of North America. For Nika, who had never seen the outside of Vaule for much of her life and in the past year had found herself touring much of Asia and now North America, the normally reserved woman was bouncing through the plane. She would run to every window of the jet and look down over the forests and deserts and badlands below, all culminating in an amazing experience. Finally, after exhausting herself, she returned to her seat. "Odd?" Angelika laughed and rolled her eyes passing the letter towards the Russian. The two brunettes were probably the fiercest two women in the Amazon Tribe and Nika was slowly becoming a warrior to match. It made Angelika very proud to pull her away from the still ever-dainty presence of the Amazon Queen. "We need these people as allies, we have little in the way of friendship within North America, not that Vicidalia is gone, but I dislike the thought of being allied with people who are so obviously elitist." After scanning the letter, Nika shrugged. "Overly pious men. What do you expect? I'm sure we're dealing with the absolute core of Paternalism." "We I made no promises to Theresia, if the Kuklos appear to be nothing but moronic racists, we'll be better off without them, but we'll give them a chance. That's the very least I can do, is give them a chance." The Tianxian Jet descended a few hours later into Paulstadt and the two Amazons walked down from the plane onto the tarmac to meet the delegation. Angelika and Nika dressed strategically, they wore long white officer coats from the old Austrian Imperial Army, two cockaded hats that gently caressed their brown hair and the ceremonial spear of the Amazons tied to their back. Walking across the tarmac, the two Amazons bowed their heads at the delegation and then Angelika outstretched her hand. "I am Angelika von Hapsburg, Centurion of the Amazons. This is my guard and companion of our Queen, Nika Radinkova. We are here for an audience with your Pontiff." [/quote] The wind whipped across the tarmac after the recent snow storm. “Well’ere’s an odd bloody pair,” John Hendrix turned to his companion Knight, part of the contingency sent by Commander Forrest to guard the airport against possible sabotage, “I don’ mind a woman in uniform, but wha’s those two sticks on ‘eir back?” His partner, Ed Burns, replied with a sigh, “I swear ah’ll go deaf tryin’ to decifer yer manner o’ speakin’. It looks like some kinda ceremonious thing – you know how foreigners kin be. ‘Sides, it do’n’t bother the big-wigs none.” He motioned with his rifle toward the delegation from the Magisterium of Foreign Affairs. “Yeah ‘ats very nice, but it still looks damnable strange ta me.” Hendrix and Burns both shut up and straightened to attention when they saw they were in view of their commanding officer. They had travelled far and wide with Commander Forrest and were well aware of what directives he had issued to his local Kommandants. [img]http://media.cleveland.com/business_impact/photo/winter-storm-90f4f5c276d5f784.jpg[/img] [b]Airport Tarmac[/b] The delegation was less taken aback at the strange combination of tribal and European baroque styles. Magister Kahlstein was busy preparing for his trip to Finland, but his [i]Adjutor[/i] of Foreign Affairs and apprentice was there to meet two ladies. Hugo von Giroux’s family was originally from Alsace, and, as his name suggested, they had been somewhat affected by their French surroundings. Giroux was a dedicated Adjutor, though, and as effective if not more than some of his pure-blooded counterparts. “Madame, it is a pleasure to welcome you to our temporary capital. If you do not mind the walk, we have a special car waiting for you past the guards.” He motioned in the direction Burns and Hendrix, now fully at attention and looking far sharper than their minds ought to have allowed. Behind them was an archway that led down stairs underneath the terminal. The tunnel had just been put in, so the tiles and floors were clean, though the planned murals on the walls and ceilings had not been completed. It led to the street on the other side of the terminal, and had been specially laid out and designed with receiving foreign dignitaries in mind. Giroux led the women through the passage-way with the five-man delegation accompanying him. Two of them were brothers from the Order of the All-Seeing Eye, and were attired accordingly with their long black robes just barely hiding the boxwood sandals they wore. Their sashes were very clearly hemp, but both were disciplined enough to hide the discomfort being caused by their hair-shirts. Also in the company were two crimson-clad clerics, sporting Roman collars but not in the traditional black the Latin Church prescribed. The red signified diplomatic detail from the Order as well as their stance as elevated Priests, privy to some of the secrets of the Brethren and the Inner Circle. Giroux himself was dressed plainly – a black suit with a simple crimson-lined cloak and a blue-and-gold sash denoting his department in the Magisterium of Foreign Affairs. The only sign of power was the fur collar on the coat, and even that was not as ostentatious as some of the military uniforms. He had removed the black fedora (broader brimmed than most) he had been wearing and was carrying it as he escorted the two foreigners to the silver Aston Martin Rapide the Magisterium had obtained from a dealer in the south near Sustadt (formerly Sioux City). As the ladies climbed in the car, a squadron of fighters swooped overhead for landing at the airport. The two visitors looked up as Giroux explained, “the Pontiff sent them south to photograph the territory around the Mille Lacs region. We’ve heard of some rebels moving north to confer with the former natives of this territory that they’ve forced to live on reservations. We have some plans underway to allow the savages – they call themselves Anishinabe in this region – to roam as they wish or establish freeman farms on those lands not owned by the nobility. They seem a largely nomadic people, and with the amount of wilderness in the Zweistromland, it seems terribly inequitable to contain them on reservations as if they were some sort of disease. Their leader is also in Paulstadt this week to discuss property rights on noble land.” They boarded the car and were off to the centre of the city to meet with Odinnson, who was now in his office in the Regierungsbau – the former Capitol Building of Paulstadt. "It should be only a fifteen minute drive to the Regierungsbau from here, but if you ladies wish we can take you to your state accommodations before your meeting with the Pontiff; he has assured me he is willing to adjust his schedule according to your desires. [img]http://welcomehomehealthcare.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/minnesota_republican4.jpg[/img] [b]The Regierungsbau[/b]

Kuklos Confederacy - Sigurd Odinnson

[quote name='PresidentDavid' timestamp='1325732155' post='2892945'] [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Seal_of_Texas_Secretary_of_State.svg/200px-Seal_of_Texas_Secretary_of_State.svg.png[/img] The Republic of Texas hereby recognizes the Kuklos Confederacy's Independence from Canada. We hope to have a stable, and functioning neighbor to our north that will stay in good relations with Canada, the newly formed Louisiana Federation, and ourselves. [i]Matt Damon[/i] [b]Texas Secretary of State[/b] [/quote] The Kuklos Confederacy welcomes this recognition and wishes to extend a warm hand of friendship to the Republic of Texas. As two petroleum-producing nations, the Department of Monies and Merchants wishes to extend an invitation to the Texan Ministry of Trade as well as to independent Texan Oil Companies to visit the Shale Oil fields of Kuklos with the hope of establishing an organisation in North America focusing on the trade of petroleum products to the outside world to both increase solidarity in North America as well as to secure North American influence on the global market. With Respect, Matthais Ritter von Oberheer Magister of Monies and Merchants Andreas von Schildhafen Cancellarius of all Kukloi [quote name='graniteknight' timestamp='1325735629' post='2893009'] To: Sigurd Odinnson, Pontifex Maximus of the Kuklos From: John C. Flemming Australia under no circumstances restricts the rights of citizens when it comes to religion- We wish to still gain positive relations with your nation and we hope to gain them. Sincerely, John C. Flemming [/quote] Odinnson examined the short reply from the Australians back in his office in Paulsta--[i]Paulosopolis![/i] he cursed to himself; now even he was falling into the habit of calling it by its German name. The Australians had not offered him any extension of an invitation. Perhaps, though, he could go around that. [quote]TO: John C. Flemming FROM: Sigurd Odinnson, Pontifex Maximus of the Kuklos If there are no restrictions on the religious rites of the citizens of Australia, it is my desire to send a delegation to your nation, which may converse with various religious bodies. If this is acceptable, please expect a delegation in your capital within the week to open an embassy. With Respect and Blessings, Sigurd Odinnson Pontifex Maximus of the Kuklos[/quote] [i]That ought to accomplish what needs be accomplished,[/i] Odinnson thought to himself as he opened a strange letter that had made its way onto his desk. [quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1325740324' post='2893079']To: HH Sigurd Odinnson, Pontifex Maximus of the Kuklos From: Angelika von Hapsburg, Centurion of the Amazons Your Eminence, The arrival of new nations is always a sign of our world's ever growing prosperity and the strength of humanity. North America especially has been recently teeming with nations, all which show signs of excellent destinies ahead. I have heard, through the grapevine, the tale of your people and their extrodinary journey to the prairies of North America and I can tell you, my people of Austria have undergone the same exodus and transformation through hardships and the struggle to be an independent people with an independent destiny. While at the moment, I am an independent agent, more loyal to the Great Horde of Tianxia, than any other state, I would like to ask for the opportunity to meet with you and discuss a future friendship. My Queen and Sister, Theresia von Hapsburg, is in the process of liberating territory across the Asian Steppes and in time this will become our new home. Consider this then a jump start to an alliance that will come in the future. I am sure there are things in our possessions of interest and at the very least, you can depend on the Amazons as reliable allies in the future, if anything would come to such a display. That said, I hope you take time to read this letter and reply accordingly. I away your response with much anxiety. Sincerely, Angelika von Hapsburg [/quote] [i]One is forced to wonder if she's aware of our strict Salic Law,[/i] the Pontiff mused. Nevertheless, it was an interesting note. No doubt, the Austrians of which she spoke were in a very similar situation to his followers. She had gotten all the titles and addresses wrong, but that was clearly not on purpose. An alliance with an Asiatic nation would not be pleasing to the majority of the Inner Circle, who regarded them as childish savages at best, and blood-thirsty brutes at worst. This woman, though, seemed refined - and she doubtlessly arose from an elevated bloodline. If that bloodline had remained uncontaminated by the modernism and liberality that had destroyed the old aristocratic families that he had uprooted in Niflungland, there was a possibility of close relations. "Schildhafen!" his voice echoed down the empty hallway of the capitol building - after a few seconds, though, he heard stirring and footsteps several doors down. Schildhafen stumbled out of the door with unkempt hair and the beginnings of a beard: he had clearly spent the night in his office, something which would displease his wife immensely. Odinnson looked on with a deliberately nonplussed expression on his face. "I should say you're falling into government work rather well." "Yes, I shall have to speak to Baron MacAilpin about that," the young man quipped in reply, referencing Odinnson's trusty Prime Minister in his days at the head of Niflunga, "he frequently complained that government had reversed his sleep schedule." "Well, don't fall into the old Scot's habits. He's been reassigned for a reason." Odinnson had sent his long-time friend into the lower ranks of government when he refused to retire. One of the few Niflungans who had remained Christian after Odinnson's party had taken power, MacAilpin was also one of the first out the door when the rift in the National-Aristocratist movement first formed. "Surely you have a reason for waking me up - or even being here when the building is closed," Schildhafen ignored the Pontiff's advice, "who could have contacted us this time? And what sort of diplomatic mission am I to go on?" "Oh no, no missions today," Odinnson chuckled to himself, "no, young man, I'm going to be asking, oddly enough, for your [i]opinion[/i], if you can furnish it without a cup of coffee." "I'll try my best, Your Holiness." The Chancellor followed his Pontiff into the latter's office and soon found a letter thrust into his hands. He adjusted his eyes and read it. "Well that's an odd one." "I had a similar thought, but she sounds like she's worth meeting. What do you think? Should we go hunt her down or invite her here?" "If we want to gauge her as an individual, it would be better to have her in our borders. I'll send a note to Forrest and to the Grand Inquisitor to keep themselves aware of her when she arrives and if she attempts any espionage, she'll wish we had a normal police force." Schildhafen was never quite sure if he approved of the Inquisition as it was run by the Order of the All-Seeing Eye. The medieval inquisition had always preserved its dignity by never soiling its hands with executions and torture tactics - it left them to the secular authorities; but in the Confederation, there [i]was no[/i] secular authority. "Yes, I've been thinking Graf von Hörbinger enjoys his job too much," Odinnson sighed; it was difficult to find a genuinely pious man to execute that necessary function of the state. Too often the temptation of pride and power interfered. On the other hand, Hörbinger had always proved himself so effective that it was difficult to replace him. So this world's imperfections would unfortunately continue to infect the Pontiff's government. "But his services may not be needed -- she doesn't seem like a spy, and her claim to Habsburg blood is indeed accurate," he motioned to an open copy of [i]The Descendents and Cadet Branches of the Houses of Habsburg, Bourbon, and Lorraine[/i] on his desk, "so I think we could benefit from a visit." "The key then, is how does she get here and where do we put her?" Schildhafen filled in exactly what the Pontiff had planned to say. "Exactly my thoughts. I'll draft a letter of response. There are a number of heretic churches in the city we are making efforts to convert into monastic housing. Perhaps we could put her in one of the nunneries--" "Or some place more comfortable. There are at least two hotels still functioning in this city that can house her in luxury befitting her bloodline, if it's true." The Chancellor cut Odinnson off -- sometimes the zeal of the Pontiff led him to forget certain aspects of diplomacy. "Or that, indeed. Well we'll decide that if she shows up." Now, I recommend you take the rest of the day off and go home to your wife; we are pious men, and ought to eschew luxury, but sleep in even the softest bed is often a necessity. "As you command." Schildhafen could have collapsed with joy at the thought of a day off - he hadn't had one since Cuba. Odinnson meanwhile turned to his papers and removed his fountain pen and letterhead to draft his letter of reply to this Habsburg Princess. [img]http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/7287/odinnsonletterhead.png[/img]

[center][img]http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/5919/armsofkuklos.png[/img] [size="6"][font="Georgia"]International Factbook for [u]The Confederation of Κυκλοι[/u][/font][/size] [size="5"][font="Garamond"][i]Confederatio Kuklorum[/i] [i]Kukloische Bund[/i] [i]Ομοσπονδιακό Κύκλων[/i][/font][/size] [img]http://images.tgecn.com/mop/maps/KuklosKonfederacy7.png[/img] Peace Flag [img]http://images.tgecn.com/mop/maps/KuklosWar.png[/img] War Flag[/center] [size="5"][u]Brief Overview[/u][/size] [b]Government[/b]: Feudal Monarchy under Supreme Pontiff [b]Religion[/b]: Nominally Catholic, actually Neoplatonic Orthodoxy [b]Population[/b]: 9,893,527 [b]Capital City[/b]: Paulstadt (Paulosopolis, fmr. St. Paul) [temporary]; Eccardopolis [under construction] [b]Largest City[/b]: Minneburg (fmr. Minneapolis) [b]Currency[/b]: Thaler [b]Major Industries[/b]: Agriculture, mining, oil-drilling, shipping [b]Ethnicities[/b]: 20% German, 40% German-American, 20% Scandinavian-American, 10% Irish-American, 6% English-American, 3% Amerindian, 1% Other European-American [b]Languages[/b]: German, English, Latin (administrative, religious), Greek (religious) [b]Fertility rate[/b]: 15.81 [b]Birth rate[/b]: 3.13 [b]Suffrage[/b]: Males over 25 with titled noble lineage [size="5"][u]National Institutions[/u][/size] [b]Official Charter of Foundation[/b] [quote] I. We gathered here, made brethren by that Great Truth Manifest which did reveal Himself to us in the land of our fathers, and, as witnesses to the Light of this Truth, declare ourselves a sovereign nation of common blood, common soil, common wisdom, and common ignorance. Beneath the sway of the mystical Circle of ordained Priests and earthly Lords we shall be united as a sovereign [i]Confederation[/i] of autonomous estates and manors, united by the Supreme Pontiff and ordained vessel of the Truth and Wise Governance, who shall be sovereign Lord of All Manors, Grand Master of the Order of the Brethren of the Holy Name, and Sovereign of All [i]Κυκλοι[/i]. Thus shall we be the [i]Confederation of the Κυκλος[/i] or [i]Confederation of Κυκλοι[/i], known to outsiders as the [b]Kuklos Confederacy[/b]. II. We shall be a Circle of Believers in a single, common faith, taught to us by the single Λογος, who is Christ, and revealed to his followers throughout the history of our people. We shall be devoted to the defence and service of the Light of the One, of whom is the Λογος and from whom the Λογος flows and by whom, through the Λογος, all things are made. We shall take upon ourselves the motto and device in the mystical tongues of the ancients that [i]deo vindice[/i] or [i]θεός τόν ἐκδικητήν[/i] – for “God vindicates” us and “God avenges” wrongs against us - that none may do us wrong with impunity before the One. III. The Law of this Confederation shall be that which is made by the [i]Pontifex Maximus[/i], overseeing the Inner Circle of that [b]Order of the Brethren of the Holy Name[/b]. It shall be enforced by the Outer Circle, who shall be the [b]Order of the All-Seeing Eye[/b]. It shall be obeyed by all Circles, who stand beneath the illumined Gaze of the One whose sight is full of light, and Who dictates law and order to the Brethren of the Holy Name, mystical and ineffable, of the One. IV. The Governance of this Confederation shall conform to the teachings of National-Aristocratism, as proposed and expounded by Sigurd Odinnson. V. The Armies of the Confederation shall be commanded by the Grand Master ([i]Magister Maximus[/i]) of the [b]Knights of the Κυκλοι[/b], who shall be detached from the Order of the All-Seeing Eye. He shall be styled Magister Maximus and Ritter-Kommandant ("Knight-Commander"), subject only to the Pontifex Maximus. VI. The Banner which the Knights of the Κυκλοι shall carry before them shall be a white-fimbriated symmetric blue cross on a red field with a white-fimbriated counterchanged saltire of blue and white. The flag which shall be borne on all vessels and buildings in peacetime shall be as blood, and in its canton shall bear a white-fimbriated symmetric blue cross with a single white star in its centre on a red field with a white-fimbriated counterchanged saltire of blue and white. VII. The Arms of this new Confederacy shall be gules a saltire azure, fimbriated argent; for grand arms, an eagle sable armed and langued sable, Crowned with the Pontifical Tiara. VIII. The State dress of the Pontifex Maximus shall be a Tiara of three crowns in imitation of the Papal Tiara, bearing the crown of a Duke of Hochheim, the crown of the Elector of Zweistromland and the Royal Crown of Eccardopolis, which shall be the Manor of the Pontiff himself. The Pontiff shall be styled "Your Holiness" and "His Holiness". All bearing the title Magister Maximus shall be "Your Grace" or "His Grace". None of the female sex, nor any non-initiate to the Order of the Brethren of the Holy Name shall bear these titles.[/quote] [u]Government[/u] [b]Noble[/b] [u]Diet of Estates General[/u] ([i]Generalständestag[/i], [i]Comitium Communum Statuum[/i]) [indent]Gathering of the Nobility, Clergy, and Representatives of Landed Gentry for the entire Confederation, called thrice yearly by the Pontiff to handle manorial disputes, tax and tariff adjustments, and once every two years to elevate new members of the nobility. It may also gather of its own accord to petition the Supreme Pontiff for immediate action in regard to a certain thing, such as an inheritance dispute upon the sudden death of a nobleman. Only [i]titled[/i] nobles (explained below) are entitled to voting membership, and are elected from their general district yearly (i.e. only one Count from every Duchy, one Prince from every County, etc.), called by the King every ten years and intermittently when the occasion demands. The [i]Comitium[/i] at given times may find itself divided into leagues; as of the present, there are three, each stressing the importance of a different aspect of manorial administration. These are [list][*] The Agricultural League ([i]Concilium Georgicus[/i], [i]Bauerliga[/i]) focuses not just on farming and husbandry, but on the importance of a Lord to directly administer his manor rather than pursue his wealth through private companies and mercantile ventures. The Agricultural League are staunch opponents to the institution of slavery as a threat to contractual serfdom. [*] The League of Merchants ([i]Concilium Mercatorum[/i], [i]Kaufmansbund[/i]) is in direct opposition to the AL on the issue of a Lord’s necessary involvement with his estate, and is in favour of lower taxes in general, supporting the right of individual nobles to deploy their serfs in non-agricultural capacities (such as factory workers and miners) and supplement their work with slave labour. The LoM is by and far the strongest proponent of a slave trade in the Confederation. [*] The Soldiers’ League ([i]Concilium Militum[/i], [i]Kämpferbund[/i]) is the smallest league, chiefly concerned with the manner in which soldiery is raised from the estates and supporting a general draft of serfs to support the military. Most of its positions are opposed by the AL except for its criticism of the used of serfs in capacities off the Lord’s given estate. It otherwise generally allies itself with the LoM. [/indent] [b]Ecclesiastical[/b] The Order of Brethren of the Holy Name ([i]Ordo Fratrum Nominis Sanctis[/i], [i]Orden der Brüder des heilige Name[/i]) [indent]Often simply called “the Brothers”, the OBHN is the principle religious body of the Confederation, this is headed by the [i]Magister Maximus[/i] and Pontifex Maximus under his religious name as Frater Heraclitus. It is headquartered presently in the city of Paulstadt, but will move to its permanent home upon the completion of the St. Eckhart Abbey, connected to St. John Chrysostom University just outside of the city. It’s patron is St. John Chysostom and its motto is "οὐκ ἐμοῦ, ἀλλὰ τοῦ λόγου", or "Not by me, but by the logos". It’s religious attire is a black habit and crimson scapular.[/indent] The Holy Order of the All-Seeing Eye ([i]Ordo Oculi Providentiae[/i], [i]Orden des Allsehendes Auge[/i]) [indent]The police and military religious order, more often simply called “the Order” and cofused with its most visible representative, the Inquisition. It oversees all police, military, and espionage work within and outside of the Confederation. At its head is the feared [i]Cognoscens Maximus[/i] (“Grand Inquisitor”) Maximillian Dietrich Graf von Hörbiger, who also oversees the National Inquisition to root out heresies and religious rebellions. [/indent] [b]Royal[/b] His Holiness the Supreme Pontiff of All Κυκλοι ([i]Pontifex Maximus Kuklorum[/i]) [indent]His Holiness the Supreme Pontiff is chief executive, Head of State and Head of Government for the entirety of the Confederation. His actual office is Imperial in nature, both serving as a liege-lord to all noble subjects and also being elected as Supreme Pontiffs by the assembled Electors of the Estates General at the command of the preceding Pontiff. The Pontifex Maximus resides outside of the Estate system, and therefore has very little to do with the Estates General unless specifically summoned. He holds control over the appointment of Ministers and well as the elecvation of new nobles.[/indent] The Cancellarius, Magisteria and Adjutoria [indent]The Magisteria are offices which administer specific aspects of business within the Confederation. Each Magisterium is split in administration between a Magister and an Adjutor – being the primary and the secondary executives of the Magisterium. Roughly, these are the ministries. At the head of all the Ministries, and also overseeing the Diet of Estates General in the absence of the Pontiff is the Cancellarius or Chancellor of the Confederation. All Magisters, except that of War and Intelligence, who is also the [i]Magister Maximus[/i] of the Knights of the Κυκλοι, and the Cancellarius are members of the Brothers, though not all are initiated to the Priesthood. The Magisters are [list] [*][i]Cancellarius[/i] of the Confederation : Andreas Jürgen Ritter von Schildhafen [*][i]Magister[/i] of Foreign Affairs : Karl Ritter von Kahlstein [*][i]Magister[/i] of Monies and Merchants : Matthais Ritter von Oberheer [*][i]Magister[/i] of Education and Public Enlightenment : Joachim Freiherr von Karlstad [*][i]Magister[/i] of Farming and Husbandry : Frederick (Ritter von) Shepherd [*][i]Magister[/i] of Administration of the Faith : Jorg Graf von Linz (Frater Georgius) [*][i]Magister[/i] of Illness and Hospitals : Gerhard Johann Freiherr von Gotter [*][i]Magister[/i] of Armament and Weaponry : August Joachim Landgraf von Borchard [*][i]Magister[/i] of Justice and the Inquisition : Maximillian Dietrich Graf von Hörbiger [*][i]Magister[/i] of War and Intelligence : Bedford (Ritter von) Forrest[/list] [/indent] [b]Military[/b] The Knights of the Κυκλοι [indent]The Armed Forces of the Confederacy, the Knights of the Kuklos are headed by Magister Maximus and Ritter-Kommandant (Knight-Commander) Bedford Forrest, officially titled Bedford Ritter von Forrest, which he rarely uses. His knights have the distinction of actually being horsemen, since he uses cavalry to patrol the often rough terrain of the Confederacy quickly and silently. In the MBT, his horsemen are known to strike in the night against suspected rebel strongholds wearing crude masks to cover their features, usually armed with pistols, shotguns, and swords to accomplish their deed of discouraging rebellion through fear.[/indent] [size="5"][u]Geography and Polities[/u][/size] [img]http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/8081/kuklosmap.png[/img] [b]Political Subdivisions (Kukloi):[/b] [i]Paulstadt[/i], the area immediately surrounding the former metropolis of Minneapolis-St. Paul [i]Zweistromland[/i], the “land of two rivers” is the territory between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, used largely for farming and quaries. [i]Military Border Territory[/i], a stretch of land on the Confederacy’s southern border under direct military control due to the threat of rebellion as well as for security of the border against immigration. [i]Auerochse[/i], named for the ancient Aurochs, this territory is used mainly as grazing territory for animal husbandry and is home to almost all of the Confederacy’s free-roaming bison. [i]Dakota[/i], so named for the savage tribe that inhabited this beautiful, but largely depopulated, land in the north of the Confederacy. It is now the source of the Confederacy’s massive shale-oil reserves, and possibly the richest of all the territories. These "Κυκλοι", or "Circles", constitute the Kingdoms of the Confederacy, each of which has its own ruler in the Order of Brethren ("the Brothers"), but the real political subdivisions are the hundreds of thousands of manors, estates, and plantations which dot the landscape and which are owned and administered by Lords either in the Inner or Outer Circle of the Confederacy’s government, or local members of the Aristocracy. The ratio of freemen to serfs in the Zweistromland Kuklos is roughly 1:3, while it is 1:6 in the Auerochse Kuklos. Smaller lords and knights own the plantations in the Military Border Territory, which are worked almost exclusively by slave labour derived from prisoners and rebels. Serfdom is nowhere to be found here: the freemen of the MBT are not allowed to enter such a contract. The Dakota Kuklos represent one of the few places where serfs are almost the exclusive form of labour used for [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fracking]fracking[/url] and drilling. [b]Social Ranks and Manor System[/b] The economy of Kuklos is largely dependent on a system of tariffs exacted by the Pontifex Maximus as Lord of his own Manor as well as the several thousand fiefs over which he has absolute control as Monarch of the Zweistromland Kuklos and elected Pontifex Maximus by the other rulers in the Confederation, each having the title “Dominus” except the ruler of the Military Border Territory, which is a non-voting member of the Confederation. None of this is written, lest the Tradition it represents be made into fragile Law. The rulers of the Kukloi are: Zweistromland Kuklos : Dominus Sigurd (Odinnson) I, Kurfürst (Elector) von Zweistromland Aeurochse Kuklos: Dominus August (Joachim Landgraf von Borchard) I, Kurfürst von Aeurochse Paulstadt Kuklos: Dominus Karl (Ritter von Kahlstein) I, Kurfürst von Paulstadt Dakota Kuklos: Dominus Matthais (Ritter von Oberheer) I, Kurfürst von Dakota Military Border Territory: Dominus Bedford (Ritter von) Forrest, Markgraf von Heeresmark Each of these executes certain power over the manors under them. The Military Border Territory is unique in that it is entirely under military administration, and therefore military ranks (used below) are used instead of the official Manorial Titles. These Manorial Titles are as follows: [b]Kurfürst[/b] (Elector) [von] – Electorate* [b]Erzherzog[/b] (Archduke) [von] – Erzherzogtum (Archduchy*) [b]Herzog[/b] (Duke) [von] – Herzogtum (Duchy) [b]Graf[/b] (Count) [von] – County (Grafschaft) [b]Markgraf[/b] (Margrave) [von] – Mark (March) [b]Landgraf[/b] (Landgrave) [von] – Landgrafschaft (Landgraviate) [b]Fürst[/b] (Prince) [in] – Fürstentum (Principality) [b]Burggraf[/b] (Burgrave) [von] – Burg (Metropolis) [b]Freiherr[/b] (Baron) [von] – Freiherrschaft (Barony) [b]Edler Herr[/b] (Noble Lord)** [von] – Herrschaft (Lordship) [b]Ritter[/b] (Knight)*** [von] – Rittergut (Knightly Estate) [b]Edler[/b] (Noble)** [von] – Gut (Estate) [b]Junker[/b] (Junior Noble)** [von] – Herrenhaus (Lordly Manor) *(All Electors are also whatever their original noble title was before being made an Elector. This is called their [i]real title[/i]. **These are [i]untitled[/i] nobles, meaning that when their names are written they exclude their titles. Compare, for example, Joachim [i]Freiherr von[/i] Karlstad to Anton von Reichengau, Edler von Reichengau – in the latter case the title is after the name rather than part of the name. This distinction exists to separate those eligible to be members of the OBHN from those who are not. ***The Ritter (Knight) is an exception of the “lower nobles” in that he gains his title through military service to a higher Lord. In this way, while an Edler Herr will answer to a Freiherr in the hierarchy, a Ritter will be a Retainer to none lower than a [b]Graf[/b], but likewise a [b]Ritter[/b] may not be Lord of a [b]Markgraf[/b] , [b]Landgraf[/b] , [b]Fürst[/b] , [b]Burggraf[/b] , [b]Freiherr[/b] , or [b]Edler Herr[/b] – essentially he exists outside of the hierarchy, since he is equal to the immediate retainer of any who elevates him; therefore, if a Ritter is elevated by a Kurfürst, that Knight may still only be Lord of an Edler or Junker, but he cannot be made answerable to anyone lower than an Erzherzog. Likewise, if elevated by a Herzog, he may be Lord over only an Edler or Junker, but cannot be made answerable to any lower than a Herzog, and so on. Thus, all the Ritters who are in the OBHN and therefore in the government as Magisters have all been elevated as Ritters by the Pontifex Maximus himself. As explained above, they retain the title “Ritter” even when elevated to Kurfürst, as Matthais Ritter von Oberheer and Karl Ritter von Kahlstein have. The Estates themselves all answer to one another, and have set ranks both in the manorial elections (titled nobles gather to elect representatives to petition the government for changes to local policy regarding serfdom contracts and the division of inheritance, in addition to other issues, such as tax policy). These ranks, however, can also be somewhat confusing because certain nobles may be both of a higher rank (like a Graf) as well as a lower rank (like a Freiherr) depending on inheritance and assignment of territories by given lords. For example, for services rendered, an Edler may find himself assigned to a full Fürstentum by a fortunate marriage; he will retain his original Gut and there be Edler, but will become Fürst elsewhere. In order to prevent abuse as well as to protect inheritance, the Manorial Court ruled that no lord could possess two estates within the same Kuklos. [size="5"][u]History[/u][/size] The Confederation of Κυκλοι was formed by followers of Sigurd Odinnson, who left the land of Hochheim in central Germany in search of a new land after careful consideration with the Elders of Hochheim. These elders had welcomed Odinnson and his Order of Brethren of the Holy Name after the latter had left Niflunga, the nation which he formed with Sigurð Angatyrsson on the basis of National Aristocratism, a political ideology whose central tenets include the rule of a strict caste system dominated by nobles elevated by a single ordained Leader of government, the rule of this single, absolute leader by decree, national economic independence, and the domination of society by a single unified spiritual Weltanschauung. The National-Aristocratist movement split in half after a massive conversion event on April 30, 19--, when then-Vísir Odinnson and his inner circle had a powerful revelation of the nature of divinity and of their ordained mission. Those who did not witness what soon became known only as The Event were sceptical, and unwilling to leave their polytheistic faith of Ásatrú. Their leader, Siegfried Hohenstaufen, challenged Odinnson’s leadership, to which Odinnson responded “in the interest of avoiding bloodshed” to step down and leave. He found a home in the small village of Hochheim, where he and his followers (then just fifty in number) were welcomed by the Elders of the town and he revealed as the Pontifex of the religious community there. After some time of peaceful existence, it was decided that he take his followers and seek a new home which was more suited to them than the tiny village under German control. He and his community, now in much larger numbers, travelled Europe in search of a means to leave the continent. Along the way, they encountered a mercenary band under the direction of Bedford Forrest, an American born in Europe was was in search of his family and identity. His followers, the Knights of the Bloodied Sword, had made a living as soldiers of fortune, dealing arms and assisting various groups with their ideological goals. They came from all over Europe, some Irishmen, some from France, some of Scandinavia, and an odd American in the mix. While some of the Knights had drifted toward various ideologies themselves, the core of the group became obsessed, like Forrest, in finding an identity for themselves. Forrest spoke German and English, so they spent most of their time working in places where these languages could make them money. When Odinnson encountered them, they had commandeered some cargo ships and were planning of shipping out to Africa to overthrow a government there and “play with the big boys” as one of them described it to the Pontiff. Odinnson convinced them that they had been placed in his path and had a purpose to which they had not yet been made privy. He invited them to join him and sail instead for the Americas, where he hoped to establish his own small national community. Forrest, eager to discover his roots, and his men, eager to serve some purpose, joined the religious band and sailed to the Caribbean. They landed on the island of Cuba and, finding what they thought was a chaotic tribal government, made an attempt to seize the land and establish the Confederation of Kuklos. The effort, however, proved abortive when the military power of Pravus Ingruo became involved and threatened destruction of the fledgling nation. Odinnson, concerned to lose what little he had, ordered a new ship found and new tides explored. After a brief interlude in Trinidad at the invitation of a sympathising government, the Kuklosians found themselves contacted by the government of Canada, hearing of their plight and offering them a sizeable homestead. Odinnson ordered them to sail for the St. Lawrence, which they navigated unmolested before entering the Great Lakes. They landed at Duluth two weeks later, and the Confederation of the Κυκλοι was born. [b]Original Declaration of Purpose ("Constitution")[/b] [quote]We here assembled, made brothers by that great Truth which did reveal itself in the land of our fathers, and, in the Light of the Heavens did guide us to this new and rich land, declare ourselves a sovereign nation, a community of blood, of toil, of common knowledge and common ignorance. Here, in this land of plenty, shall we make our home, raise a nation to ourselves and an army for common defence. Long may the light shine on our Circle. We shall style this community the Confederacy of the Κυκλος, or Kuklos Confederacy, being a Circle of Believers and those devoted to the defence and service of the Light of the One. Under His Single Great Eye shall we accomplish all, build all, conquer all within and without ourselves. In Him are we vindicated. So shall we take the motto and declare, in the mystical languages of our fathers, deo vindice – θεός τόν ἐκδικητήν – for “God vindicates” and “God avenges”. The Law of this Confederacy shall be that which is dictated to the Inner Circle of those Brothers of the Holy Name. It shall be enforced by the Outer Circle, the Order of the All-Seeing Eye. It shall be obeyed by all circles, who stand beneath the Gaze of that One whose sight is ever Lit, and who dictates law and order to the Brothers of the Holy Name, carefully guarded, of the One. The Armies of the Confederacy shall be commanded by the Grand Master of the Knights of the Kuklos, who shall be subject to the Order of the All-Seeing Eye. He shall be styled Grand Master and Knight-Commander, subject only to the Pontifex Maximus, whose power shall extend over all Circles, all brothers, and all orders. This Pontiff shall be as a bridge, a vessel through which the message of that Unnameable One is carried to all Circles. The Banner which the Armies of the Confederacy shall carry before them shall be as blood, bisected with two crosses which shall be the blue, which is the colour of the soul, and white of its chastity, bearing the stars which manifest that light which “shines forth in the darkness” and which that darkness comprehends not. Thirteen shall be the number of the stars, arranged such that the outer cross, which shall be a saltire, shall bear eight and the inner cross shall bear four of equal size and a single large star in the centre of the flag, for that single star which guides all men to the Light of the World.[/quote]

The Confederation of Kuklos is watching the collapse of a legitimate government and its replacement with a peasant republic with some trepidation and anxiety. It publicly extends an invitation for all standing monarchies and conservative governments world-wide to stand together against the ever-present thread of anarchy and rebellion. For, in the words of a great religious man, [quote]whosoever can, should smite, strangle, and stab, secretly or publicly, and should remember that there is nothing more poisonous, pernicious, and devilish than a rebellious man. Just as one must slay a mad dog, so, if you do not fight the rebels, they will fight you, and the whole country with you. -Fr. Martinus Lutherus[/quote] The Supreme Pontiff of the Confederation therefore extends reluctant recognition that there is now a republican government in power in Vicidalia. He will supply comfort and aid to any and all refugees affected by this rebellion.

Odinnson reviewed the response from the Finns. He was surprised; he had expected his rather cold response to the communists to drive them off - but they seemed eager to establish relations nevertheless. Such eagerness deserved better attention than he had thus far given them. [quote]To: Party Boss Paatelainen From: His Holiness Sigurd Odinnson, Pontifex Maximus of the Kuklos RE: Relations I received your reply to my query with tremendous satisfaction and would be pleased to take you up on the offer of a delegation. I will dispatch an ambassador and accompanying diplomats under Karl von Kahlstein, our Minister of Foreign Affairs. If you respond positively to this note, I will dispatch a plane immediately to your capital. With Respect and Blessings, Sigurd Odinnson Pontifex Maximus of the Kuklos[/quote] He then turned to the other news that had arrived at his home. Australia had extended recognition and wanted to establish an embassy. "All the communists are taking an interest in us..." he grumbled. He decided to wire the same telegram to Australia that he had wired to Finland - perhaps he'd get the same reaction. [quote]To: The Leader of Australia From: His Holiness Sigurd Odinnson, Pontifex Maximus of the Kuklos RE: Relations The Confederacy, as you might imagine, is somewhat reluctant to establish relations with Communists due to the openly atheistic and often militant anti-religious nature of policies both within and outside of such countries. If the government of Australia can furnish proof that maltreatment of religious institutions and deprivation of spiritual improvement are not policies of the state and are not tolerated by the state, the Confederacy of Kuklos will be interested in establishing relations. However, it is the expressed stance of the Confederacy that no greater crime against humanity can be committed than the deprivation of access to religious and spiritual satisfaction, and that godlessness on the part of parties or states amounts to a greater offence than any other action a state might take against its own or foreign people. We cannot therefore guarantee that Our government will accept any outreach by the Australian State, regardless of Our own good will. With Respect and Blessings, Sigurd Odinnson Pontifex Maximus of the Kuklos[/quote] [hr] In his office in central Paulosopolis (or Paulstadt, as most of his staff had taken to calling it), Kahlstein sat reviewing two documents. The first was a private wire from the King of New Spain; the other was an order from the Pontiff to gather a delegation and depart for Finland. He had hardly established his offices in the new Confederacy and he was already being ordered to a state visit. He pressed his fingers to his wrinkled temple - he was an old man, already in his late fifties when Odinnson had recruited him to the Knights of Othin's Eye some twelve years prior. He also hated flying. Then again, he could see what he and only he would do for this assignment - he had as of yet a poor staff and no one who had the ability to handle such a delicate assignment as a diplomatic visit to a communist nation. He decided he would handle the matter of New Spain before making preparations for his Finnish trip. [quote]To the Illustrious and Honoured King of New Spain, We thank you graciously for your hospitality shown to our pilgrims. In the spirit of asceticism in which all truly humble pilgrims take their journies, our delegation shall be traveling to your capital over land, eschewing the comforts and speed of air travel. I expect them to arrive within the week. The next communique your Foreign Office should receive shall be from my representative Ritter-Magister von Braunschweig. With Respect and Blessings, Karl Ritter von Kahlstein Minister of the Foreign Office of the Kuklos[/quote]

[quote name='Owned-You' timestamp='1325697143' post='2892376'] "New Spain formally recognizes the Kuklos Confederacy. Welcome to the world stage." - Emilo Bourbon [/quote] “Well that’s good to hear” Odinnson said to no one in particular watching the news in his new house on the outskirts of Paulosopolis. It was a simple house; the building itself wasn’t important – a small, ranch-style dwelling – but the land it sat on had been selected for the headquarters of the Order of Brethren of the Holy Name, his monastic government. The stone quarries had to produce enough granite for the building, but the clearing of land had begun at least. The housing development in the suburbs of the city had been cleared, and its residents moved. The city itself was not long for this world – the metropolitan city was an abomination Odinnson planned to clear away from his new land. He reached for the phone and called Schildhafen at his office in Paulosopolis. “Chancery.” The soft, youthful voice of Schildhafen wasn’t cut out for this position. He sounded like a secretary, not a Head of Government. “Have you been watching the news regarding our declaration of independence?” Odinnson asked. “I’ve seen some recognitions, yes, but by and large I’ve been busy with internal affairs, Holiness.” Schildhafen was clearly straining under his responsibilities. “Well, scratch out a memo and send it over to the Foreign Office. I want diplomatic contact established with New Spain – there’s a possibility for good relations there. The government is monarchist and, from what I can tell, religious. Extend our warmest regards and send them a delegation for a pilgrimage to the Guadalupe [i]tilma[/i].” Odinnson referred to the Cathedral in the capital of New Spain, “make it clear to the Archbishop that we are followers of The One. When our Eccardopolis is completed, we will have a city and Cathedral to rival any Roman ediface, but until such time we must show diplomacy towards the Papal authority and followers of the Papal teaching.” “I can do that. Let me call for the Foreign Office and send von Braunschweig; he has distant relations in the Bourbons through the Habsburg line, and I think he’s also connected through family ties to the House of Luxembourg: they may favour a cousin.” “God has placed a fine mind in the office of Chancery. Very well, let me see the document before you send it off. That is all.” Odinnson hung up. He stood up and went into the adjoining room that had been converted into a temporary library. He knew he had a copy of the [i]Descendents of the Habsburg Family of Spain, Portugal, Austria, and Brazil[/i] somewhere in there and wanted to trace out how close von Braunschweig was to the Bourbons in New Spain. [b]One Hour Later[/b] After a knock on the door, the Pontiff opened it to see a runner standing before him with a message. He threw the boy a silver coin and turned inside to open it. [quote]To the Illustrious and Honoured King of New Spain, The Confederacy of Kuklos wishes to convey deep thanks for the recent motion to recognise our fledgling state. We are a deeply religious community, dedicated to the service of The One and His Messenger on Earth. It is therefore with deep humility that the Order of the Holy Name petitions Your Majesty and Your Majesty’s Archbishop of Mexico City to make pilgrimage to the Holy Site there and do homage to Our Lady. Our representative, Rainer von Braunschweig, is a Knight-Magister of the Order and we believe of distant relation to your ancient and honourable family. We hope that you will show him all hospitality on his visit and that our religious devotions and prayers may produce a harmonious relationship between our two peoples. With Respect and Blessings, Karl Ritter von Kahlstein Minister of the Foreign Office of the Kuklos[/quote] [i]Looks good.[/i] Odinnson thought as he walked to the phone to give the order for the message and the delegation of pilgrims to be sent to New Spain. He then turned his attention to the message he had received some time before from the Finns. [quote name='Markus Wilding' timestamp='1325698993' post='2892398'] The following would be sent to Kuklos's office of foreign affairs: [quote]TO: Kuklos Confederacy Office of Foreign Affairs FROM: The Desk of Party Boss Sari Paatelainen, Helsinki, Finland SUBJ: Independence We in Finland are always pleased to see new nations arise from the ashes of others. While Finland is a Communist nation, we feel as if it is always worth the time to establish relations with non-communist/socialist nations. We invite you to Helsinki's People's Parliament, where our head of government is located to begin discussions of trade treaties. We hope to hear a response soon. Signed, Party Boss Sari Paatelainen[/quote] [/quote] He sat down and typed up a brief message and called for a runner to send it to the Foreign Office [quote][b]To: Party Boss Paatelainen[/b] [b]From: His Holiness Sigurd Odinnson, Pontifex Maximus of the Kuklos[/b] [b]RE: Relations[/b] The Confederacy, as you might imagine, is somewhat reluctant to establish relations with Communists due to the openly atheistic and often militant anti-religious nature of policies both within and outside of such countries. If the government of Finland can furnish proof that maltreatment of religious institutions and deprivation of spiritual improvement are not policies of the state and are not tolerated by the state, the Confederacy of Kuklos will be interested in establishing relations. However, it is the expressed stance of the Confederacy that no greater crime against humanity can be committed than the deprivation of access to religious and spiritual satisfaction, and that godlessness on the part of parties or states amounts to a greater offence than any other action a state might take against its own or foreign people. We cannot therefore guarantee that Our government will accept any outreach by the Finnish State, regardless of Our own good will. With Respect and Blessings, Sigurd Odinnson Pontifex Maximus of the Kuklos[/quote]