Merlinus

We are only days into the second year of our reign. The bunting has been removed, the streets cleaned until they sparkle. A happy sigh has been collectively felt by a grateful nation. All the while, our advances in technology have brought tentacles of darkness into our homes, places of work, and yes, even our government offices. Over the past 48 hours, and especially over the past 24 hours, rumblings of discontent have found their genesis again on digiterra. We have not been remiss in our duties to our subjects, nor have we ignorantly refused to hear the beginning drumbeats--of war. What began as what has been reported as "an innocent joke" between two rulers now has thousands of nations preparing for, and actually engaging in combat. It is not merely the fact of aggression which brings us to the realization that our nation, our lives, and our world are at risk yet again, but rather the speed and intensity of that aggression. Merlinus is, for no reason other than our location on Planet Bob, at risk for the second time in a mere 12 months. We have learned many harsh and unforgiving lessons in this past year, however. We know that we are a part, an important part of an alliance who seeks first peace, then neutrality, then unyielding faith and loyalty to her allies. Merlinus is proud and quite honored to have remained as a member, no matter how insignificant, of The Order of Light during the recent past days of sadness and turmoil. To her credit, TOOL has recovered quite nicely. We rule our nation; we do not speak for our alliance. It must be said, however that the two are inexorably linked with, and as it should be, fortune and famine. The people of Merlinus will never forget those valiant heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice in our first conflict. Every citizen will answer the call of their Sovereign should it be again required of them. We are distressed that such a sophomoric and juvenile act, with every possibility of collusion between two now-warring factions, could bring terror and another "long night of the soul" to a planet already in such deplorable decline. If it needs be so, our streets will run with blood yet again; this time, however, the blood of our martyrs will be much more strongly mixed with the crimson life energy of our adversaries. Yes, Merlinus has learned much. We have learned the hard lessons of war that have not lost their bitterness through this time of peace, a time we only wish to continue. We do not seek war, nor seek out opportunities to prosecute war. However, if it becomes necessary, we will not be the adversary some might well remember from our first experience. We respected the lessons we were forced to learn, and have learned them well. We will do all our alliance asks of us, and remain completely willing to defend ourselves maniacally--to the very last pixel. Our aggression against our adversaries will be ruthless, relentless, and without mercy. Not a dare, but a word of advice and caution is hereby given to anyone believing otherwise. Your aggression against this realm will cost you. Dearly. We have experienced the "long night of the soul" before. We learned, at a very high cost, many lessons from that experience. The most important lesson learned during that time was that it was survivable. We survived that one. That doubt has been forever removed from our conscience. There is no longer a question as to if we will survive; we will. But, we will also do our very best to insure that you will not. Let there be Peace! In Peace, we reign. In War, we RULE! As this is most likely the last Peacetime correspondence to our people for some time to come, we hereby initiate the pre-determined war preparation strategy, and call upon every citizen to prepare now, while time is given to us to do so. This is NOT a drill. Shutter your doors and windows. Collect your crops, your weapons, your ammunition. Collect now your children, and remove yourselves to your safety environments. Check in with your Civil Wardens. Soldiers, prepare. May none of these things be necessary, but may they all be done immediately, with calm hearts and determined spirit. Wives, darn the socks of your family. Kiss your loved ones deeply, for they may have to linger for a long time. Prepare! Prepare to be called. Prepare to fight! Prepare to Win! Merlinus will not live on in defeat, but in Victory! Admin speed, our children. Fare Well! Best Regards, etc., M HRH Merlinus

Peanut Butter vs. Jelly?

So, a FAP has no Article III? Good luck to all! great fappin emoticon, too! LOL

We are pleased to announce the passing of our first year as Monarch, ruling Merlinus with a fair, but firm fist of Royal Monarchy. There have been many lessons learned, and many friends made. Sadly, some have passed on. The Great War took several thousands of our dedicated and loyal troopers, but their sacrifice (may they ever be blessed) has resulted in a larger, stronger and much more prosperous nation For a year, we have been proud to be a member of the premiere White Sphere alliance, The Order of Light (TOOL). Having had the opportunity to learn, grow and share with the many friends of this alliance has been of the greatest personal and national value. Learning through experience, we have served in government, diplomacy, military leadership and editorially with the alliance news organ, The TOOL Times! as well. Academically, we have contributed significantly to the alliance academy and Advanced Studies Institute as staff/mentor. Sadly, we have had to say "Fare Well!" to many of our alliance mates, including the establishment of some two new Lords Captain Commander. GrahamKeatley and Salmia have stepped down from that exalted position, and have helped raise an entirely new and capable government under the adept leadership of TheDakotans. We have seen the return of several former alliance mates, come home to the fold in this year. Some, like our good friend and mentor Jarrko, have released themselves to the needs of The RL. We wish them God Speed, Admin Speed, and the sure and certain knowledge of friendships awaiting. This first anniversary seems to have passed quietly enough within the realm, which is a blessing to us. That our people are going about the business of the nation, strengthening the economy while building our infrastructure and technological superiority via a very busy trade assembly, Merlinus is very slowly growing into a respectable nation. Our goal is not superiority, as such, but to achieve peacably our highest national potential. The population continues to slowly see growth, our landholdings are slowly improving, and taxes are still high as a result of the war, but more moeny is being kept in our population's purses than ever before. The people of Merlinus are content for the moment, while continuing the rebuilding effort the war requires of us. It is with some satisfaction that we report a moment being required to recall the "Great Sadness". Not by choice, but rather by necessity, we march forward into the new dawn. We are looking to increase our efficiency in all national areas, while doing all we possibly can to increase our value to our beloved alliance. Our goals remain focused, and we will continue diplomatic relations with our trusted friends and allies. We do remain vigilant, for that is the cost of freedom. All in all, it has been a good year. We hope this coming year will be better. The struggle continues. Best Regards, etc., M HRH Merlinus

Congrtatulations on the DoE, ROTN. You will learn and grow well with [color=#5D5D5D][font=tahoma, arial, verdana, sans-serif][size=2]Asgaard. [/size][/font][/color]

Congratulations on the Treaty. Good luck with the shared lives of others! o/Shinra

Congrats on the new leadership. Good luck.

This is a shameless bump, because The Order of Light (TOOL) IS all that, and a bag of chips, too!

Jarkko: From day one in CN, you have been my friend and mentor. You were the first person who became my friend, and that has only grown. You have affected every aspect of my game knowledge, and it has been (and will continue to be) your high standard that I try to emulate every day here. If, in my lifetime, I see such respect and admiration from friend and foe alike here, I will know that I have truly accomplished something that no game can give. Thank you for the example, the friendship, and the willingness to keep me honest. Fidelitas aeternam, phileo mio. Lux Aeternam!!

[quote name='Mr Damsky' timestamp='1294468258' post='2568339'] They will not end up helping me to rebuild they ruin my slot efficiency. Those "deals" would only net me four million dollars. I could make more money doing my own deals and this way I won't help my enemy. [/quote] It seems to me that doing these reparations, such as they are, will end your dilemma while adding to your uncontested coffers. Doing your own tech deals does nothing but encourage their babies to feed from your trough ad infinitum. Doesn't practicality co....uh, nvm.

TysLand claims itself to be a Protectorate of New Pacific Order? Where's the grief?