1985

==International==
===Duntara Helikon Games Conclude===
Thousands of athletes and spectators convened at the coastal city of Duntara to view the spectacle of the 1984 Helikon Games. A relative underdog, Adamar emerged as the surprise champion of the games, topping the medal table with 42 golds and 109 total medals. The Empire of Adamar's athletes excelled particularly in individual sports such as track and field, swimming, and weightlifting, though their performance in team sports lagged behind. Adamar’s delegation reflected its ethnic diversity, though ethnic Adamaris significantly outperformed their Rassto and Skalan compatriots. Perinost was narrowly trailed in second place, and excelled in many of the team sports, dominating in the much watched Lacrosse final. The FVRC followed third in the standings, its most successful Helikon showing in the history of the young Vanguardist nation.
1984 Helikon Games Medal Table
Rank	Nation 	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
1 	Adamar 	42 	38 	29 	109
2 	Perinost 	37 	37 	34 	108
3 	Federal Vanguardist Rëal Commonwealth	31 	23 	28 	82
4 	Kenshi 	16 	22 	16 	54
5 	Tisorzag 	16 	11 	6 	33
6 	Bakian Vanguard People's Union 	14 	10 	7 	31
7 	Volta 	12 	7 	10 	29
8 	Aveen 	11 	10 	9 	30
9 	Gondar 	8 	5 	10 	23
10 	Sistan 	7 	5 	11 	24
===Drycen Sponsors AIS Sanctions on Savia===
Following the Vanguard of International Revolution (VIR) terrorist attack in Drycen, a government investigation has presented evidence linking the terrorists to funding and training provided by the government of Savia. Representatives of the Drycen government have brought forward sweeping economic and security sanctions against Savia, including the country's classification as a state sponsor of terrorism. Coalition states have offered support to the resolution, and joined Drycen in recognizing Savia as a state-sponsor of terrorism. It is widely expected that the FVRC will utilize their AIS veto of the resolution. Full text to read here.
===Snap Election Sees New Lalian Government===
Following the seemingly inevitable collapse of the Cossiga conservative government, a snap election has seen the surprise victory of Ricardo Trent, and his emergent 'Democratic League'. A former law student and anti-Phalanxist resistance member, Trent became the president of the Lalian Confederation of Trades Unions, before joining the People's League, and taking the position of party leader after the tragic death of the previous party head. In the lead up to the election successfully negotiated a merger between the People's League and the Democratic Coalition Party, forming the new Democratic League. Trent and the party have more firmly rejected their former party's Vanguardist roots, and promised a moderate, stable and economically focused government. A trilateral coalition between the Democratic League, Coronite Democrats and the Conservative Party is widely expected to soon form government. Both vanguardists and members of the religious and nationalist right have denounced the prospective coalition as a continuation of the ineffective conservative government and a betrayal of the people of Lalia.
===Skirmish Sets Fire to Oil Field on Bh'matan/Amari Border===
Despite the cessation of direct hostilities, the Bh'matan/Amari border remains endemic with low level violence. While significant portions of the oil rich interior has been seized by Bh'matan forces, the exact location of the border remains a subject of debate, and the inhospitable desert has made it impossible to permanently garrison and patrol. Instead regular raids by both Bh'matan and Amari militia forces have become common, attempting to seize strategic oil wells, mineral and water deposits. A recent raid by Amari forces lit a contested oil field on fire, with no emergency services easily able to respond or access the area, the well remained burning for months. The conflict has disrupted oil production of both countries and caused a global spike in petroleum prices.
===Bh'matan Hadar Placed Under Martial Law Following Terror Attack===
With a growing resistance to occupation, Hadaran extremists detonated a bomb at a Bh'matan military roadblock, killing 24, and injuring a further 50. Further acts of violence and civil disobedience have become increasingly common. In response the Bh'matan government have placed the region under martial law, and limited the civil rights and movement of anyone in and out of Hadar. The Bh'matan government has accused Perinostian and Coalition supplies as responsible for supporting terrorists within Hadar, and has demanded that all humanitarian support be subject to government approval, Perinost has thus far denied this request.
==Coalition==
===Federation Party Candidate Dewey Hortman Wins Presidency of Perinost===
In an unsurprising result, liberal Federation Party Candidate Dewey Hortman beat out conservative Constitution Party candidate, and incumbent-Vice President Bill Buckley, for the Presidency of Perinost. The Constitution Party Clements Administration has become increasing unpopular in the lead up to the election, marred by slumming economic growth, and a perceived mismanagement of the drug crisis and Anzian unrest. The incoming Hortman administration has promised a focus on Perinostian domestic concerns, including stagnating wages, economic disparity, and a flagging healthcare system. International observers predict that the Hortman Administration will be far less aggressive and assertive internationally compared to the Clements Administration. Federation party insiders have already expressed discontent with having to inherit the complex and controversial involvement in the Anzia conflict.
===WorldNET Headquarters Experiences Major Accident===
The recipient of significant government investment under the Clements Administration, intended as a competitive network to VICNet, the headquarters and server storage for the WorldNET system experienced catastrophe, as onsite generators experienced cascading failure, overloading critical systems and causing a fire throughout the facility. While the director of WorldNET has indicated plans to rebuild, the incoming Hortman administration has seemed skeptical of additional funding, and more willing to allow the adoption of VICNet.
===Construction Begins on Advanced Particle Synchrotron (APS) in Aveen===
In conjunction with the Perinostian government, construction has begun on a massive particle collider in central Aveen, known as the Advanced Particle Synchrotron (APS). The APS is hoped to usher in a new era of understanding of particle physics and theoretical science.
===Two Dozen Perinostian Peacekeepers Killed in Ambush in Anzia===
Two dozen Perinostian military peacekeepers, and approximately 100 government soldiers, were killed in a large ambush of a security outpost on the outskirts of the city of Lagucera. The attack was perpetrated by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Anzia (RAFA), a vanguardist affiliated narco-group, that controls large swaths of the the Anzian interior. Gen. Ramón Huerta and President Clements have both condemned the attack and rowed retaliation against the lawless and criminal insurgents.
===Crown Prince Hidoshi of Kenshi Suspended From Royal Duties===
Following the ongoing controversy of his recent hit and run allegation, Crown Prince Hidoshi has been suspended from Royal Duties, the Emperor and Crown Prince issued a joint apology to the nation for the embarrassment. Despite increased dissatisfaction with the Imperial family by the Kenshi population, most public protests have so far subsided. While a handful of parliamentarians from the Harmony Progressives, the liberal opposition party, have proposed removing the Imperial criminal immunity protections, and hosting a referendum on the place of the Imperial Family in Kenshi society, the proposal has not gained serious momentum in the Kenshi Parliament, and the governing conservative Sakura Alliance seems content to move on from the scandal as quickly as possible.
==FVRC==
===Confessional Rights Act Brought Before FVRC Sparks Protests===
Sponsored by government member Javed Kharter, the Confessional Rights Act has divided public opinion across the political spectrum. Hardline vanguardist citizens, politicians and business owners have complained about the lack of transparency for religious citizens, and the security risk they may present. Liberal and religious citizens have come out in force to protest the Act, decrying the erosion of religious freedom, and the imposition of state control into independent churches. Thousands of rural protestors have flocked to Tel-Marteen to protest the proposed legislation, with smaller protests occurring in Bouldad and other cities across the FVRC. They have been met by Vanguardist counter-protests, many of which have been supported or led by senior VIU party members. Local police forces have been monitoring the protests, and they have so far remained largely non-violent, though sporadic acts of vandalism have been frequent.
===Military Draw Down Along Esmeld Border===
While tensions remain high, military forces have been drawn down from a high alert status, and civilians have begun to return to the region.
===Citizens Defence Divisions (CDD) Expanded into National Guard===
Following the tense standoff in the prior year, the oversight authority for the Citizen Defence Divisions has been removed from Section 2 (military and national security), and placed under Section 4 (internal affairs). With new equipment and manpower offered to expand the divisions into a proper National Guard. Many vanguardists have applauded the move, though some hardliners have expressed discontent that the CDD was not given full military authority. The CDD has been maintaining security in the capital region during the recent protests.
===Dimi Manned Flyby Successful===
The first ever manned flyby of Dimi has taken place on the Victory-1 space vehicle. The crew included FVRC Mission Commander Samir Al-Hadid, FVRC Pilot and Navigation Specialist Nadira Qassim, BVPU Systems Engineer Étienne Moreau, and Getzian Planetary Scientist Amy Park. Victory-1 was launched from the FVRC Bridgehead Station on Minerva, and used a gravity assist to make a pass through the orbit of Dimi before returning to Al'ard. Valuable imagery and scientific data was gathered about Dimi before the capsule returned back safely to Al'ard. The mission is considered a success of both the FVRC space program, and of humanity at large. In greeting the returning exonauts, Chairman Al’Rakia stated that soon Victory-2 would deliver humanity to the surface of Dimi, and further missions would follow
===Major Oil Reserve Discovered in Northwest FVRC===
A previously unknown major oil field was discovered in the Northwest of the FVRC, indicating a supply of billions of dollars worth of untapped oil.
===Vanguardist Media Dominates Bacchus Awards===
Celebrating the year's achievements in movies and film, Kallywood swept through the 1984 Bacchus awards, with 'Behind Enemy Lines' - A heroic tale of First Lieutenant Kamal Huri’s sortie, ejection, and trek through the Esmeldi hinterlands, evading Junta search parties and narrowly avoiding execution by burning alive at the hands of the mad Colonel-Priest Bazda, winning best picture. Hotel Rosnov, The Correct Stuff, and Good Morning Bakia all received nominations.
Among the television awards
Atheism Trek, The Next Generation - Decades after the original crew set forth in their rational and atheist quest to explore the galaxy, a new crew embarks on new adventures. Along the way they will discover new life and new civilizations, face challenges that will make them question their morals, and experience some situations that seem remarkably allegorical to the challenges of Al’Ard. Won best performance in a television series for Badrik Suwayrat.
The Workplace - Djim works at a papyrus supply company, and has to deal with the constant shenanigans of his boss Meekal, the weird behaviors of his coworker Diot, while trying to win the affection of P’ham, the attractive receptionist. Recurring gags include Diot having a new and increasingly esoteric religion each episode and the Boss Meekal trying and failing different methods of governing the office. (in one episode he puts every decision to a vote, leading to disastrous results). Won best comedy series.
Adhair Vice - Al’Crockett and Hubbs are two Vice Detectives in the breezy tropical city of Adhair. Wearing slick jackets and driving fast cars, these two are on the hunt for the worst drug dealers and gang bosses in this neo-noir crime thriller. Won best original score.
Beachwatch - Halat’s most attractive lifeguards have to face down a variety of inconsequential interpersonal challenges, all while saving people from all manner of beach related dangers in this new drama. Lead actor Dawood al-Hassiluf received a nomination for best lead of a drama series, however the show has swept local awards and gained critical popularity in former Gondarian states.
The V Team - In 1972 four members of the military’s elite Pink Berets unit were put in rehabilitation for a crime they didn't commit. They escaped to Khar’Kid and now work as soldiers of fortune while trying to clear their names and avoid capture by a recurring cast of charismatic but often hapless section 10 agents. Along the way they go up against underground cults, South Bakian terrorists, and Adamari infiltrators. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire... the V-Team. Won best supporting actor for Mr. V for his character Basim al-Barqasi.
The FVRC’s Funniest Home Videos - Using our brand new VicNet submission system, you can now send us your funniest home videos. Each season a winner will be selected and receive an all expenses paid trip to the Taynabi Island Resort. Deemed ineligible for the Bacchus Awards.
==Adamar==
===Skalan Investment Prompts Mixed Response===
Following a period of increased tension and violence within Adamari-Skalan, the Emperor has approved significant investments to social services and education within the occupied region. Although this has generally been positively received, with videos of newly constructed school facilities and happy children broadcast on state media. However, many have expressed concern over material from a leaked textbook, expected to be issued as part of next year's school curriculum. The new curriculum and material seems to heavily emphasize Adamari Imperial propaganda, with most of Skalan history censored or redacted entirely, and a focus on the importance of loyalty to the Adamari Imperial family. In what is suspected to be a response to Governor Augustus Karrle's oversight report on police misconduct, the head of the Korenetshi Special Police District (KSPD) has been replaced, along with several other staffing changes, in a reorganization of policing and security forces within the region to focus both on a crackdown of the Skalan resistance movement, as well as limiting anti-Skalan abuse. International commentators have referred to this as the beginning of a "silk fist" approach to the occupation of Skalan, an outwardly facing accommodating regime, backing by the threat of overwhelming force.
===Southern Alliance Linked to Karujo Drug Trade===
Long considered the proxy of Adamari influence in Helmand the Southern Alliance has been linked to a massive operation growing, harvesting, and distributing the narcotic drug Karujo. Investigative journalists from the Vettsin Chronicles spent several months imbedded within Helmand, detailing the chaotic and abusive control of the Southern Alliance, and most particularly their control over the lucrative karujo drug trade, the plants for which flourish in the Helmand climate. This has contravened the existing narrative that the karujo drug trade was primarily supplied from the Helmand Liberation Front and other insurgent groups. The Southern Alliance has used networks within Adamar and surrounding nations to traffic 90% of the world's karujo, including across the Rhaeg Gulf to international buyers. President Hazzam Wahdat is suggested to be personally connected to the drug trade, have amassed significant wealth for himself and his family, while siphoning development aid that has been sent to the country. While the story has been prevented from circulating in Adamar due to government censors, it has increased international pressure on Adamar's financial support for the group.
===Assassination Attempt Against Governor Karrle===
A car bomb outside of Governor Karrle's residence exploded, killing the Governor's driver, and a member of his security detail, and injuring two civilians passing by. It is currently unknown if the explosion was the result of Helmand terrorists of Skalan separatists.
===$2 Billion in Aid Towards Rebuilding of Alberca===
While Adamar's military posture in Azul has been widely criticized by the international community, a recent investment of $2 billion towards rebuilding the wartorn city of Alberca has seen the quick deployment of food, medicine, and reconstruction materials. Many war weary citizens within Alberca have expressed their appreciation for the Emperor and Adamar.
===Age of Transcendence Religious Rhetoric Increasingly Common===
In temples and at Cyclic religious services across Adamar, religious sermons have increasingly begun speaking of an 'Age of Transcendence' which will heralds a prophetic shift in the Cycles to raise true believers over their natural limitations. This has spread as rumours of miracles occurring during religious ceremonies have grown, with citizens reporting suddenly gaining a feeling of well being and health, and overcoming past medical conditions.
===Unknown Skin Condition Affecting Adamari Citizens===
A previously unknown skin condition, causing greying, hardening and wrinkled skin has become noticed in some Adamari communities. The condition is rare, and appears not to be infectious. Those affected seem otherwise healthy, aside from a loss of hair. Some religious leaders have indicated that the greying should not be feared, but is rather a sign of wisdom of the flesh bracing for change.