recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Bodyguard

**Bodyguard** is a British television drama series that first aired on BBC One on August 26, 2018. The series was created and written by Jed Mercurio and stars Richard Madden as Sergeant David Budd and Keeley Hawes as Home Secretary Julia Montague.

The series focuses on Police Sergeant David Budd, a British Army veteran who suffers from PTSD. Now working for the Royalty and Specialist Protection Branch of the Metropolitan Police, he is assigned as the bodyguard for the Home Secretary, the Right Honourable Julia Montague. Her political beliefs are in direct opposition to Budd's and he must reconcile his personal feelings with his professionalism.

## Synopsis

Set in and around the corridors of power, Bodyguard tells the fictional story of David Budd (Madden), a heroic but volatile war veteran now working as a Specialist Protection Officer for the Royalty and Specialist Protection Branch (RaSP) of London’s Metropolitan Police Service.

When he is assigned to protect the ambitious and powerful Home Secretary Julia Montague (Hawes), Budd finds himself torn between his duty and his beliefs. Responsible for her safety, could he become her biggest threat?

## Production

Bodyguard was commissioned by the BBC from World Productions in 2016. At the time, the production company was independent, but was bought by ITV Global Entertainment in 2017. As a result of the buy out, ITV Global Entertainment handles international distribution resulting in Netflix being granted the international distribution rights for outside the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The series was filmed mainly in London, including locations such as the Whittington Estate and Battersea for Budd and Montague's flats respectively. CityPoint near Moorgate and Woburn Square in Bloomsbury were the filming locations for the majority of episode six's scenes. The train scenes for the first episode were filmed on the Mid-Norfolk Railway. Several well-known BBC journalists, including Andrew Marr and Laura Kuenssberg appeared in the series as themselves.

## Episodes

* Episode 1
* Episode 2
* Episode 3
* Episode 4
* Episode 5
* Episode 6

## Reception

Bodyguard achieved the highest viewing figures for a new BBC show since 2008, beating the season two finale of Downton Abbey. The final episode of the series drew 10.4 million viewers.

The series garnered positive reviews, with Rotten Tomatoes giving the series an average of 8.8/10. However, the praise was not universal, and criticism was levelled at the series for its portrayal of Nadia Ali. Some felt that the depiction was Islamaphobia since it replaced the stereotype of oppressed Muslim women with the stereotype that all Muslims are terrorists.
Tahir Mahmood

**Tahi Mahmood** is a Public Relations Advisor who begins working for Julia Montague after his predecessor is fired.

## History

Hired to be Julia Montague's PR Advisor after his predecessor was fired, many dismissed Tahir's appointment as nothing more than a PR stunt due to Julia's hardline on terrorism. Due to his new role, Tahir finds himself a target for more than just political machinations.
Anne Sampson

**Anne Sampson** is a Police Commander and head of Anti-Terrorism Command.

## History

Anne Sampson is a woman of unbreakable conviction and unparalleled professional standards. When her boss, Julia Montague, proposes to allow the Security Service to conduct an investigation into terrorism, Sampson is caught between policing and politics. To get to the truth, Sampson has to find a way to cut through the political machinations.
Nadia Ali

**Nadia Ali** is a Muslim woman who is implicated in an attempted terrorist bombing alongside her husband.

## Personality

Nadia’s personality is very complex. In the first episode she appears to be frightened young Muslim woman who is just obeying her husband. As the show develops Nadia is called upon to interviews by Counter Terrorism Command and she plays the main characters like puppets according to her version. In the last episode however she’s called again to give a statement for the police. There Nadia reveals that she was behind every single bomb attack since the first episode. She also revealed that she was the bomb maker who killed Julia.
Willowstar

Willowstar is the current leader of RainbowClan. He used to be a kittypet until being abandoned as a juvenile. Riverstar took him in but he wanted more freedom, deciding to revive one of the ancient clans..."RainbowClan". He is childish, anxious and a skilled fighter.

"*If you're going to blame my Clan for the death of your warrior -*"
Lorraine Craddock

**Lorraine Craddock** was the Chief Superintendent of the Royalty and Specialist Protection and David Budd's commanding officer, She was removed from the position and the Metropolitan Police Service after her arrest by David Budd.

## History

CSI Lorraine Craddock assigned David Budd to protect the Home Secretary Julia Montague due to his military training and experience. Loyal to her officers, she supports David when his comes under suspicion.

## Relationships

### Romantic

No known lovers / romantic relationships.

### Professional

David Budd - She was quite good professional friends with David Budd until he arrested her after he found out about her ties with Luke Aitkens.

## Career

Lorraine Craddock was the Chief Superintendent of the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command of the Metropolitan Police Service before she was arrested by David Budd for multiple charges including Murder.

Before her firing Lorraine oversaw the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command specifically the Principal Protection Officers.
Stephen Hunter-Dunn

**Stephen Hunter-Dunn** is head of the Security Service (MI-5).

## History

An ally of the Home Secretary, Julia Montague, Director General Stephen Hunter-Dunn heads the Security Service. His private meetings with Julia begin to raise suspicions, and increases his rivalry with the Head of Counter-Terrorism, Commander Anne Sampson.

## Trivia

In reality, the Home Secretary has executive control over the Security Service, but decisions on key operations rest with the Prime Minister.
The Democratic Republic of Toumaren

***The Democratic Republic of Toumaren***

The Democratic Republic of Toumaren is a small, pleasant nation, remarkable for its frequent executions and irreverence towards religion. It is a Country in the Tor: The New Adventure *Roleplay*. The Main Protagonist of the Roleplay aside from the Grand Duchy of Daneuberg. The nation is currently at conflict with the Brazilistanian insurgencies, they now have teamed up with the Daneubergian Forces to start the wipe out.

## **Geography**

Toumaren is located in the Northern part on the Right of Neuer Welt, the continent to have a war in the Special Region. The northern borders of Toumaren are located slightly to the south of Demonia and the Blankenfelde Mountains. While the exact borders of Daneuberg are whether shown or not, it can be assumed based on events in the Roleplay, that from the border of Blankenfelde in the north to a mountain range in the West that separates it from Daneuberg. Toumaren presumably borders Cascade Sea to the east, and may be bounded by the Mountains to the South.

The largest city, and the capital of Toumaren is **Dinsmark**, located in the Centris-Eastern part of the Country.

## **Conflicts**

Toumaren is now currently at war with the Brasilistan Insurgencies, they call this "Operation Clean Sweep" with both sides bringing out their most lethal weapons to fight each other. The current war is described in 3 words. "When Diplomacy Fails"

## **Other Informations**

**National Anthem**: Ausfurstanden Aus Runien

**Official March**: Der Heimliche Aufmarsch

**Capital and largest city**: Dinsmark

**Official language and national language**: German

**Nationality (2020)**

93.0% Toumarenean Citizens

7.0% foreign nationals

**Religion (2020):**

• 99% None

• 1% Unanswered

**Demonym(s)**: Toumarenean

**Government**: Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic

**Currency**: Toumaren Euro

**Date format**: dd/mm/yyyy (AD)

**Driving side**: Right
Jen

Silhouette of Jen

**Jen** is the smallest city in the Greater Holsord Region. Though small it has a very fervourous populace who mostly support Sordish nationalism, therefore, foreigners stay away.

The city is situated on several hills south towards the Lespian border. Known as the city of solitude, Jen is a logistical city that plays a role in the trade with Lespia.

## Description

The residents here are employed mainly in the transportation and storage industry. A small but significant percentage of Lespian goods comes through the mountains from Merlotia. Here they are stored, counted and sent towards Holsord.

The areas surrounding Jen aren't suitable for agriculture or farming due to a very barren landscape. The river gives life to the areas around it, but the speed of the stream is too high to effectively make use of it.

The residents of Jen used to support the United Sordland Party and particularly Tarquin Soll, but ever since the leadership changed they have increasingly supported the National Front Party. Jen is currently one of the strongholds of the NFP. Many still regard the city as a refuge for extremists who have a hard time being accepted at other parts of the country.
BO-64B 'Daneuberg Apache'

The Gründer Apache is a licence-built version of the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter for the Daneubergian Army Air Corps. Changes from the AH-64D include Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines, a new electronic defensive aids suite foldable blade & tailfin to reduce area consumption and to be able to operate from ships, state-of-the-art glass cockpit, carbon fiber & reinforced armor for increased survivability, enhanced seat, a separate engine thrust for maximum efficiency, a fly-by-wire, power-by-wire, fly-to-waypoint, hotbox and steerable blade somewhat like the UH-60 Blackhawk and stealth technology.The helicopter was initially designated GAH-64 by Gründer and was later given the designation Apache BO-64 (also written as "BO-64B") by the Ministry of Defence.

**Role:** Attack helicopter

**National origin: Daneuberg**

**Manufacturer:** Gründer

**Status:** In service

**Developed from:** Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow

**General characteristics:**

**Crew**: 2

**Length**: 17.7 m (58 ft 4 in with rotors turning)

**Rotor** **diameter**: 14.6 m (48 ft)

**Height**: 3.87 m (12 ft 8 in)

**Disc** **area**: 168.11 m2 (1,809.5 ft2)

**Empty** **weight**: 5,165 kg (11,387 lb)

**Loaded** **weight**: 8,006 kg (17,650 lb)

**Max** **takeoff** **weight**: 9,525 kg (21,000 lb)

**Powerplant**: 2× Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca RTM322 turboshaft, 1,693 kW (2,270 hp) each

**Performance:**

**Never exceed speed**: 365 km/h (197 knots, 227 mph)

**Maximum speed**: 293 km/h (158 knots, 182 mph)

**Cruise speed**: 259 km/h (140 knots, 161 mph)

**Range**: 537 km (290 nmi,334 mi)

**Ferry range**: 1,700 km (974 nmi, 1,121 mi)

**Service ceiling**: 6,400 m (21,000 ft)

**Rate of climb**: 12.7 m/s (2,500 ft/min)

**Armament:**

* **Guns**: M230 Chain Gun, 1200 rounds or 1 × 20mm (0.787 in) M197 Cannon
* **Hardpoints:** Four pylon stations on the stub wings. Longbows also have a station on each wingtip for an AIM-92 Stinger twin missile pack.
* **Rockets:**
	+ Hydra 70 mm,
	+ CRV7 70 mm with Flechette (Tungsten dart) or High-Explosive Incendiary Semi-Armour Piercing (HEISAP) warheads
	+ APKWS 70 mm air-to-ground rockets
* **Missiles:**
	+ AGM-114 Hellfire
	+ SPIKE
	+ HOT3
	+ Starstreak
	+ Brimstone
	+ IPO-1

**Avionics:**

* Lockheed Martin / Northrop Grumman AN/APG-78 Longbow fire-control radar
* Chaff & Flare Dispenser
* Radar Warning Reciever
* Infared/Heat Seeking Warner
* Tactical Planning Computer
* IFF, Datalink
* Gründer laser ring gyro and GPS Nav/Attack system
* Thermal & Night Vision Sights
* Waypoint Track n' Fly
* AN/ALQ-18 Electronic Warfare Suite (mounted internally)
* Electronic Countermeasures
Chanel Dyson

**Chanel Dyson** is Julia Montague's Public Relations Advisor.

## History

Chanel is obviously from a wealthy family but refuses to talk about where the money comes from. In her role as Public Relations Advisor to the Home Secretary, she is often out of her depth and doesn't take the job as seriously for Julia wants her to.

## Memorable Quotes

Paid for with Nazi gold.

I don't need their shitty cab.

You narcissistic, smug prick.

I'm either deceptively deep or deceptively shallow.

We could sit here and talk about corporate law all night and neither of us would be any the wiser.
Remus Holstron

**Remus Holstron** is a Sordish politician, Member of Assembly, the founding member of the National Front Party (NFP), and its current Group Deputy Chairman. He has been serving in the Grand National Assembly of Sordland since 1937. He is nicknamed ‘the Iron Wall’ by the NFP supporters.

## Biography

Holstron is allegedly one of the soldiers who worked under General Luderin that helped establish the Young Sords. He is believed to have been active within the organization during the Sordish Civil War. He was blamed by the Bludish Freedom Party and the Communist Party of Sordland for having been behind many of the atrocities that took place against the Bludish and the communists between 1927 to 1930. He has denied such claims and holds no official membership position in the Young Sords.

As a founding member of the NFP, he promoted ethnonationalist policies in the 1930’s and became a famous figure for his aggressive speeches in the Grand National Assembly. Kibener heavily protested against his political stance, saying that ‘Mr. Holstron and many others in our leadership created an unapproachable and unreasonable political movement which is expected to lose in every election.’

With the rise of Kesaro Kibener in the 1940’s, he lost his influence in the party and resigned in 1949 after Kibener was voted in as the leader. He was later invited by Kibener to rejoin the party ahead of the 1953 elections and was appointed as the party’s Group Deputy Chairman.

## Role

Holstron serves as the Deputy Chairman of the far-right National Front Party. Due to his lack of influence by the game's start, he only appears in a few specific circumstances. If the player appoints Gloria Tory as a member of the Supreme Court and Albin Clavin as the new Vice President, Holstron will become the new Speaker of the Assembly. He will also regain the role as the Leader of the NFP if Kesaro Kibener is arrested or assassinated. Should the player successfully pursue a dictatorial constitution, then retire and endorse the NFP, Holstron can become the next President of Sordland.

Compared to Kibener, Holstron is much more vocal about his hatred of the Bludish people. Should he appear in the Presidential Debate in the end-game, he would go so far as to say the streets are better without Bluds when Mansoun Leke criticizes the NFP for poisoning Fetih Ejall, while Kibener in the same scene would only warn those he deemed to be traitors (namely, communists and Bludish separatists). He would also snap after Leke states that no minority in Sordland will be safe without him being the President, even referring to them as "Bludish scum".

Similarly to Kibener, he would call for a total conquest of Rumburg and reclaim Merkopa during the foreign policy section of the debate. Holstron's concluding sentence is also more ominous than Kibener's, with him stating that only Sords shall belong to Sordland, in contrast to Kibener's concluding sentence of simply stating "Sordland belongs to it's own people". Holstron is the leader of the most extreme “Sordist” faction of the NFP that promotes radical ethnonationalism, and he opposes Sollist civic nationalism.
Deepak Sharma

**Deepak Sharma** is a senior detective in the Metropolitan Police's Counter-Terrorism Command.

## History

DCI Deepak Sharma is a senior member of the Counter-Terrorism Command under the leadership of Commander Anne Sampson. He leads the investigation into a spate of terrorism attacks, but when the investigation stall he beings to formulate a theory as to how the terrorists are getting inside knowledge.

## Memorable Quotes

We're being told that you're suicidal, and now here you are in a suicide vest.
Louise Rayburn

**Louise Rayburn** is a member of the Counter-Terrorism Command.

## History

DS Louise Rayburn works under DCI Deepak Sharma as part of the Counter-Terrorism Command. She interviews Julia Montague's Principal Protection Officer, PS David Budd after a serious incident and subsequently forms a professional bond with him.

## Memorable Quotes

The f\*\*\*er has played me since day one.
House Toras

**House Toras** is the current ruling family of Rizia and the most powerful of the country's three royal houses. It controls the throne as well as the province of Monqiz and the city of Iza.

Its members are descended from Heinrich Toras, a Valgish prince who married the Marquise of Monqiz in the early 1100s and established himself as ruler of the city-state. With the help of intermarriage with the Valgish Empire, his dynasty maintained a stronghold over Monqiz throughout the Markian era and, upon the foundation of the Kingdom of Rizia, assumed control of surrounding Valenqiris.

The family maintained a tradition of intermarriage with the Valgish Empiretook the throne in 1810 following Duke Willem Toras' arranged marriage to Ariana Rubaz, daughter of the ruling Rubaz family, and the subsequent War of Rizian Succession.

Since then, rulers from House Toras have also held the title of Duke (or Duchess) of Valenqiris. The family has kept control of Porte Drazon for four generations, and assumed governorship of Iza following the uprising of 1926. They are supported by the majority of Rizians, despite a dip in popularity during the reign of Valero "The Frail".

Much of House Toras' wealth still comes from its control of shipping through the Port of Monqiz, as well as its abundant agricultural land and vineyards and its part-ownership of the Rizian Oil and Gas company.
Independents

In Sordish Politics, Independents are those who associate with none of the major political parties. Because of this, they are exempt from the 10% threshold a party needs to hold seats in the Grand National Assembly.

As of the 1953 elections, there are 10 independents. While they are not one party, they have Mansoun Leke representing them as a leader. Bernard Circas is a prominent independent, with him being one of the only Malenyevism politician in the Grand National Assembly.

Most commonly, independent politicans are left leaning, representing minorities or radical ideologies.

## List of Independent politicians

* Mansoun Leke
* Katarina Horten
* Bernard Circas
Lenkurg

Silhouette of Lenkurg

**Lenkurg** is the second largest city in the Agnland region. Economically it benefits from the strategic position between Lachaven and Arvory. Many logistics companies have depots to support the trade towards Agnolia. The small Lenkurg port has minimal but still crucial ship activity.

## Description

During the last decade the decaying infrastructure has hampered economic growth, but a thriving fishing industry has kept many Lenkurgians employed. The thousands of tons of salmon are packaged and distributed all around the country. Many Sordish citizens enjoy it with salt and butter. Though relatively cold compared to Benfi, the best beach of Agnland is located here. Being close to the sea gives a sense of commonality because everybody swims together during summer months.

The fishing city is known for its colorful fishermen's boats and social tolerance. In the past decades it bacame an open-minded Wruhecism haven.

The old city centre has landmarks from the Markian era. Lenkurg is less diverse compared to Arvory but it has a large portion of Wruhecist believers that have formed a sub-culture. The recent influx of migrants coming from Agnolia caused somewhat of a housing crisis which the construction companies from Arvory are exploiting.
Season 1

The **first season** of Bodyguard premiered August 26, 2018 and ended September 23, 2018. It was broadcast on BBC. It consists of six episodes, all written by Jed Mercurio. Thomas Vincent directed the first three episodes, with John Strickland directing the last three episodes.

## Cast

### Main Cast

* Andy Apsted
* Anne Sampson
* Chanel Dyson
* Charlie Budd
* David Budd
* Deepak Sharma
* Ella Budd
* Frances Montague
* John Vosler
* Julia Montague
* Kim Knowles
* Lorraine Craddock
* Louise Rayburn
* Luke Aikens
* Mike Travis
* Nadia Ali
* Richard Longcross
* Richard Montague
* Rob MacDonald
* Roger Penhaligon
* Stephen Hunter-Dunn
* Tahir Mahmood
* Tom Fenton
* Vicky Budd

## Reception

Bodyguard achieved the highest viewing figures for a new BBC show since 2008, beating the season two finale of Downton Abbey. The final episode of the series drew 10.4 million viewers.

The series garnered positive reviews, with Rotten Tomatoes giving the series an average of 8.8/10. However, the praise was not universal, and criticism was levelled at the series for its portrayal of Nadia Ali. Some felt that the depiction was Islamaphobia since it replaced the stereotype of oppressed Muslim women with the stereotype that all Muslims are terrorists.
15-Day War

The **15-Day War**, also known as the 1870 Rumburgian-Sordish War, was fought between the 5th and 20th of October 1870 by Sordland and Rumburg.

## Prelude

In the months prior to the conflict, tensions became increasingly heightened after King Egmund cancelled the Friendship Deal between Sordland and Rumburg, which allowed Rumburgian ships to use the Sourne River, which flows from Alferdon, Crimsrad, Estord and Lachaven to reach the Markian Sea. King Alfred II of Rumburg reiterated his position: the closure of the Sourne River to Rumburgian shipping would be a cause for war. King Egmund announced in May that the river would be closed to all Rumburgian vessels, and then mobilised Sordish forces along the northern border with Rumburg.

## Conflict

On October 5th, Rumburg launched a series of preemptive attacks against the Sordish forces along the Rumburgian border. Simultaneously, Sordish forces launched a ground offensive into the city of Crimsrad but were immediately pushed back.

On the 10th of October, a group of ethnic Rum’s living in the city of Estord organized guerilla attacks and sabotage missions that were aimed to cut the supply line of the Sordish forces. This resulted in the Sordish Imperial Forces to react by forcefully relocating all ethnic Rum’s living in the Nargis region to the border where battles were taking place.

In the event known as the Estord Incident, many Rumburgian lives were lost when they were pushed into the frontlines by the Sordish soldiers. Some sources claim that spontaneous killings by the soldiers also took place for several days.

After both Rumburgian and Sordish forces suffered casualties without any military successes, Rumburg and Sordland agreed to a ceasefire on the 20th of October, 1870. The signing took place on a train in the outskirts of Estord, in a forest that is now called the 'Forest of October.'

## Consequences

The tragic events of the October 1870 ended in a stalemate but claimed many lives nonetheless. The actions of the Sordish Imperial Forces in perpetrating the Estord Incident are still a source of bitterness between the two countries.
Oligarchs

The **Oligarchs** are the few elites that have gained their riches by buying state assets cheap from privatisation efforts and ended up holding vast industrial complexes.

The consensus is that dozens of them are in the Lotherberg Group and some even are in the National Business Council. While it is true that they hold a vast amount of wealth in the country, they also often engage in foreign direct investments to secure their financial interests abroad.

## Role

At the start of the game, the Oligarchs has a powerful grasp on the Sordish economy, able to cause a knock-on effect by pulling out investments. Throughout the course of the game, the Oligarchs will approach you with multiple offers, in an attempt to seize control of the Lotherberg Group, the centerpiece of power for the faction as a whole.
House Sazon

**House Sazon** is one of the three royal houses of Rizia. Its members are descended from the ruling family of the province of Brenas, which is their current domain, and its sigil is a cactus. The current head of the house is Duke Manus Sazon, leader of the Rizian People's Party and the son of Lucas Sazon.

Originally one of several noble families that alternated control over the city of Iza, the Sazons increased their sphere of influence during the War of Rizian Succession, when Duke Fedo used his blood ties to the royal family to lay claim to the throne. In the following century the Sazon family retained control of the Province of Brenas, though no members made it into the central government.

In the years leading up to the 1926 Uprising, House Sazon was rumored to have been colluding with Arcasia in undermining the monarchy. This culminated in the betrayal and execution of Duke Lucas Sazon, as well as the subsequent exile of his wife Angelica and the loss of the Zille region to Wehlen, weakening the family significantly. However, the Sazons were allowed to keep their hold on Brenas' minor cities including Sallabes, Jales and Argno after swearing an oath of fealty to the crown.

Historically, the Sazons are known to be patrons of arts and education, diverting significant funding to the University of Iza as well as cultural venues throughout Brenas and Rizia Imperii.
Rob MacDonald

**Rob MacDonald** is the Special Advisor to the Home Secretary, Julia Montague.

## History

Loyal and supportive to the Home Secretary, Rob MacDonald also has a secret romantic crush on Julia.

## Memorable Quotes

Let's have some nice food, a couple of drinks, on me.

Couple of prawn crackers going if you want some.

A little bird told me you were Johnny on the spot at the 1st October.
House of Delegates

The **House of Delegates** is a parliament in which the delegates of each noble house of Rizia come to discuss legislature. It is comprised of 70 seats, 44 of which belong to the Rizian National Congress (led by the Baroness of Qaleo, Daria de Rava), and 26 belong to the Rizian People's Party (led by the Duke of Brenas, Manus Sazon).
Alfred Kcirbuk

**Alfred Kcirbuk** is a Sordish film director, producer and screenwriter. He is one of the most influential Sordish directors of the decade, and the only Sordish director to ever be nominated for the prestigious Motion Picture Awards in Arcasia.

While in his twenties, Kcirbuk directed a number of stage productions for the state theaters, including an adaptation of the famous ‘Ungur’ with an entirely Bludish cast. His first film was ‘Resident Karl,’ a controversial movie with socio political commentary on Sordland, which is consistently ranked the greatest Sordish film ever made. It was later banned in Sordland by Tarquin Soll in 1940.

By 1945, Kcirbuk was a filmmaker of international importance, with several of his films being screened in various other countries. He wrote and directed famous movies such as ‘Rebeka’, ‘A Touch of Satan’ and ‘Eyes Wide Open.’

In 1953, his film ‘The Sordish Dream’ was nominated for the best foreign film in the Arcasian Motion Picture Awards.
Sordish Petroleum

Founded by the Renan family in 1849 as a state asset, the **Sordish Petroleum** is the main extractor of oil in Sordland. It is focused in and around Estord, where one of the three largest oilfields in the Merkopa continent lies.

The corporation ran into many issues due to the transitional governments and infighting between Sordish regimes, but has survived many political takeovers due to its strategic importance of fueling the critical transportation and manufacturing requirements of the state. Currently, it still extracts most of the oil needs of the country from the North of Nargis.
Lachaven

Silhouette of Lachaven

The prestigious city of **Lachaven** is the financial center of Sordland. It contains the largest port in the country which also is the third-busiest on Merkopa. Located in the Nargis region, the city is prominent for the entertainment and tourism industry which draws millions of visitors every year. The main opposition party, the PFJP, have a strong presence in the city.

## Description

Lachaven is a sprawling port city and the primary trade hub of Sordland. Tall mountains surround it, creating a near to perfect natural harbour, which bewilders new visitors. Most of the international sea trade to Sordland flows through this city. Many Lachaveners call the city ‘The Gateway’ for that particular reason besides others.

Dozens of container and cruise ships can be observed anchoring and leaving port within the same hour. The top five exports of the city are furniture, motor vehicles, clothing, electrical machinery and pharmaceuticals. They are exported in mass to countries like Arcasia, Lespia, Valgsland and United Contana, providing significant economic wealth to the area. The National Business Council has a board full of wealthy individuals who spend their good fortunes on their luxurious lifestyle.

The Lespian architecture of Lachaven creates a very unique skyline compared to the other less imaginative cities. This city is also home to numerous theatres, art exhibitions and a glamorously vivid night life known throughout the land. The famous Republic Avenue stretches for several kilometres through the city. It is decorated with palm trees and sculptures from many notable artists. The Evaria Gallery of Art, The Maroon Theatre and the Lachaven Opera House draws thousands of art lovers every month.

The two most significant educational institutions here are the Lachaven Business School and the Isambard University of Lachaven. In addition, the lover’s street filled with the best bars and clubs cause many young students to flock to the city to enjoy an intriguing weekend. Moreover, a booming tourism industry exists with nearly a million tourists a month coming to see historical landmarks such as the Basilisk of Baal or the Great Library of Wruhec.

Most of the People’s Freedom and Justice Party support comes from this city even though the party was founded in Holsord. As can be expected, the most liberal part of the population in Sordland resides here. Obviously, it is not very hard to spot them with their privileged, defensive and somewhat educated behaviour.
Basilisk of Baal

The **Basilisk of Baal** is an ancient historical monument in Lachaven. Visited by thousands of tourists every day, archaeologists suggest that it is more than 2500 years old.

The language written on the Basilisk indicates a completely different grammatical structure compared to Merkopan languages. Twenty years ago, a famous archaeologist named Ulzin deciphered the text, which indicated that it was a monument to the Moon God, who protected the people during the cold of the night.

The basilisk is one of the most popular spots to visit in Lachaven, together with the Library of Saint Wruhec.
Estela Toras

**Estela Toras** (nee Bartos) is the Queen Mother of Rizia, mother of King Romus Toras and the widow of the late King Valero Toras.

Born into a fishing family in the harbor district of Zille, she moved to Porte Drazon in her late teens. She found work waitressing at the Sunset Lounge, a cocktail bar frequented by the city's wealthy elite. It was there that she met Valero Toras. Their courtship and subsequent marriage was the subject of much scandal among Rizian royals and the general public, with rampant speculation that Valero would be disinherited as heir to the throne. Surprisingly, Queen Lyza was able to persuade the Royal Council to approve of the marriage, and bestowed noble status on Estela and her parents in order to legitimize the union.

As Queen Consort, her gregarious charm and daring fashion sense gradually won over the public, especially abroad. However, she could not fully escape accusations of 'vulgarity' by the press, and was said to be dislike by members of House Toras.
Golcondism

**Golcondism** is a fundamentalist and extremist branch of Wruhecism within the broad framework of Nurity. It is recognized for its emphasis on warrior culture and the pursuit of a physical manifestation of heaven on earth. It diverges from mainstream Wruhecism with its advocacy for liberation from worldly ties, promoting a life where followers cast away material possessions, refrain from sexual relationships, and engage in rigorous prayer and meditation. It is underpinned by the belief that through this austere lifestyle and intensive spiritual discipline, a divine society reflecting the ideals of the Divine God can be established.

The central tenet of Golcondism is the concept of Golconda, the divinely ordained state where the material world aligns with the spiritual, offering salvation and enlightenment to all. This notion is further underscored by a strict hierarchy within Golcondist communities, which range from novice "Seekers" assigned to menial tasks, through mid-level "Disciples" conducting advanced studies, to upper-level "Adepts" who serve as teachers and mentors. Some communities, however, have been criticized for gender-based oppression as they disallow women from advancing past the "Seeker" status.

Golcondist communities often form around martial discipline and spiritual growth, centering their practices on physical strength, courage, and self-sacrifice. This warrior culture is deeply ingrained in Golcondist practices, preparing its members for the trials they may face in their pursuit of Golconda through rigorous martial training, meditation, and the study of sacred texts.

Despite sometimes clashing with other branches of Nurity due to its extremist views and militant approach, Golcondism continues to wield influence within the larger Nurist tradition. Its unwavering conviction and commitment to a rigorous path to spiritual enlightenment allows it to maintain its position as a powerful sect, attracting followers who align with its combative approach to spirituality.
Lespia

Flag of the Republic of Lespia.

**Lespia**, officially the **Republic of Lespia** (Lespian: *Repúblicco de Lespia*) is a country within Eastern Merkopa. It is bounded by the Verloa Bay and the Sudis Sea to the south and the Antacean Sea to its east. The country shares borders with Sordland to its north and Wehlen to its west. It also has maritime borders with Rizia to the south. The country has an estimated population of 79 million. Its capital city and largest city is Perla. It is currently led by the prime minister of Lespia, Patricio Alvarez, elected in 1949.

Lespia is a major power within the region, being economically and militarily superior to a majority of its neighbors. The country has cordial ties with the Republic of Arcasia, which led to its ascension as a member of the ATO in 1950. Despite being a wealthy country, Lespian people suffer from very high levels of inequality between the poor and the rich, having below average civil rights record with very good political freedoms. Lespia has recently become a center of Eastern Merkopan tourism and entertainment.

It is the 5th largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. It is a member of the Organization for Merkopan Economic Development (OMEC), the Arcasian Treaty Organization, and the Alliance of Nations.

## History

Lespia is one of the oldest countries on the Merkopan continent, emerging as a kingdom in the early 9th century. It was conquered by the Markian Empire in the 11th century, which ruled the area for nearly 6 centuries. When Lespia became independent again in the 17th century, it emerged as a federation of small city states, princedoms and duchies, ruled by an elective monarchy in Perla.

Republic of Lespia was formed during the Century of Revolutions, following a peaceful revolution in 1850, inspired by the Arcasian revolution. For much of the modern period until the 19th century, Lespia ruled over a large area of land in the Antecaen Sea as well as several colonies in the continent of Rika.

The country was heavily criticized by the international arena for shutting down their borders during the Wehlen Civil War. In the 1930's, Lespia went through a great economic boom and emerged as a global economic power in the late 1940’s.

Arcasia is regarded as Lespia’s closest ally in the region, which has had very close ties with the nation for nearly a decade. After Patricio Alvarez became prime minister, he approved the housing of Arcasian military personnel in Lespia, and in 1950, joined the Arcasian Treaty Organization.

## Trivia

* Linguistically and culturally, Lespia bears some similarities to Portugal.

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1953 elections

General elections were held in Sordland on Thursday, November 5, 1953 to elect MPs to all 250 seats in the Sordish Grand National Assembly. The 1953 Sordland presidential election was held simultaneously. The USP ticket of MPs Anton Rayne and Petr Vectern won against the PFJP and NFP tickets. The election took place against the backdrop of the 1951 recession and the intensifying Cold War.

Leading up to the 1953 election, the Alphonso administration had failed to achieve many of its promised reforms due to obstructionists within the United Sordland Party. On July 14, 1951, the stock markets crashed, beginning the Recession of 1951 (due to fast-track privatization and general mismanagement). Additionally, Alphonso's cabinet had since resigned and on March 1953, Anton Rayne had recently been elected as the new chairman of the USP.

Despite growing opposition, the USP managed to maintain a slim majority in the Assembly. This was widely credited towards the election threshold, which saw both the Communist Party of Sordland and the Worker's Party of Bludia not gain any seats, despite being close to 10%. Many of the lost USP seats went to the PFJP and NFP. Gloria Tory was re-elected as Speaker of the Assembly. Tarquin Soll has a permanent seat in the Assembly.

## Results Summary

### Assembly

A majority requires 125 seats, a super majority (2/3) requires 167 seats.

 Worker's Party of Bludia | 0
 Total
Captain Tastrius

> "I am sorry, Ezme... but it all must end eventually." *-Tastrius, responding to Ezme's unwillingness to end their curse.*
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Tastrius was a Tiefling man and pirate captain of a crew cursed to never die. His goal was to find a way to end said curse and allow himself and the rest of his crew, especially his helmsperson Ezme, to be able to be laid to rest. A guest character from Episode 54: A Dead Man's Tale to Episode 55: Till Death Do We Part, he was played by JoCat.

## Description

### Appearance

Tastrius is a husky, heavyset Tiefling man with pointed horns. His face is covered in an unkempt beard braided in some parts but in desperate need of a shower. He's dressed in ragged privateer garb with a torn-sleeved jacket and a ruffled white shirt with blue fabric curled around his waist and dark grey pants, along with a blue bandana around his head, and he gives off the appearance of someone who has been through hell and back.

## Background/History

Captain Tastrius was a pirate captain who sailed the seas before he and his crew were cursed after his helmsperson resorted to desperate measures when their crew and their business began to fall apart. Him and his crew became immortal, but each time they grow tired or injured, the fatigue stays and the flesh of their wounds simply gives away into spectral energy.

To end the curse of immortality he and his crew were given, Tastrius went on a search to find an artifact hidden beneath the waves that was mentioned in a journal by his helmsperson. Unfortunately, because of the curse and the hundreds of years they spent alive, Tastrius is the only one with a trace of sanity left as the rest of his crew have gone mad and attempt to track him down.
Mike Travis

**Mike Travis** is the Minister of State for Counter-Terrorism under the Home Department and works closely with Julia Montague.

## History

The Minister of State for Counter-Terrorism, Mike Travis becomes increasingly concerned when Julia Montague leaves him out of important meetings with the Director General of the Security Service.
Cardesse-Montaklar

Flag of Cardesse-Montaklar

**Cardesse-Montaklar**, officially the **Province of Cardesse-Montaklar** (Rizian: *Prochia di Cardesse-Montaklar*), is the southernmost province of Rizia and has historically been associated with House Azaro. Its capital is the city of Montaklar. It is bordered by Brenas to its west, Rizia Imperi to its north, Valenqiris to its east, the Pales Administrative District to its south, and Morella to its southwest.

From the regional capital city of Montaklar to the rural Cardesse region, this province embodies the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The Alca River Valley hosts a diverse array of industries, powering Rizia's technological advancements in weaponry, automobiles, and industrial equipment.

In addition to its industrial importance, the province holds Plavo, a Wruhecist sanctuary. Despite this, Cardesse-Montaklar embraces a largely secular outlook. The province's historical longstanding relationships with the Republic of Morella and the Empire of Moridia have fostered cultural and economic exchanges, enriching its socio-cultural fabric.

Its landscape features a mix of ancient architectural landmarks from House Azaro and modern industrial complexes, symbolizing the province's balance between its heritage and progress. This unique character makes Cardesse-Montaklar an integral component of Rizia's national identity and global presence.
Ciara Walda

**Ciara Walda** is a Sordish academician and politician who serves as the Minister of Education, Technology & Research of Sordland. She became a member of the United Sordland Party before the 1953 elections. Prior to becoming a minister, she was elected and served as an independent MP.

## Biography

As a member of the assembly, Ciara has been aggressively promoting educational reforms and supported socialist politics. Although she has been targeted many times for her ideals, she remains to be a popular politician, particularly among women. She is a staunch supporter of women’s rights and slowly gaining fame among the reformists for her progressive rhetoric.

Before her political career, Ciara taught philosophy and political sciences in several major universities, including the Lachaven Business School and Deyr University of Culture. She has written many academic articles, some of which were published in well-respected journals world wide.

Ciara joined United Sordland to campaign for Anton Rayne’s candidacy in an effort to reform the governing body of the party. She was appointed as a minister after the elections.
Free Cities

The **Free Cities**, formally recognized as the **Holy Federation of Free Cities of the Faz and the Nafaz**, constitute a federation of theocratic city-states. Its governmental operations are directed from Jathlas by the Diven, an elected council composed of Dastnurist religious leaders. The country doesn't possess a singular head of state; instead, it is typically represented by a Divine Speaker, chosen by the Diven. The present Divine Speaker is Andre, and Jathlas is the capital city.

Although the Dastnurist Sanctuary's authority in Jathlas has its roots in early Nurity, it was only in 1921 through the Wahr City Treaty that the Free Cities emerged as an independent state. This evolution can also be traced back to the Holy League, which governed the region of present-day Solme-Maor between the 17th and 19th centuries.

In the chaotic aftermath of the 19th-century Moridian Wars, which fragmented the Republic of Moridia into warring factions, the coastal region of Faz proclaimed its independence. Assisted by the Holy League, Faz emerged victorious from a brutal independence war. However, the Holy League disbanded due to religious discord within two years. This dissolution led to the Dastnurist Brotherhood gaining supremacy and unifying the numerous small states that had declared independence in Faz and along the Nafaz Grand Canyon under a single government.

The Free Cities are governed by a unique theocratic system. Each city-state is managed by an elected council of local religious leaders who enjoy significant autonomy. Even though the country operates as a Dastnurist theocracy, it is home to millions of individuals adhering to various faiths and implements an open-border policy. The Free Cities and Arcasia share close ties since the inception of the former, with Arcasia considered its closest ally. However, the Free Cities' primary adversary is the Nurist Republic of Derdia.

Known for its robust economy and commendable civil rights record, the Free Cities nonetheless experience restricted political freedoms. Six of Nurity's twelve holy cities are situated within the Free Cities, transforming the region into a hub for the Dastnurist faith. The Free Cities attract millions of tourists annually due to their rich religious and cultural significance.

It is a member of the Arcasian Treaty Organization and the Organisation for Merkopan Economic Development, and it is a part of the Alliance of Nations.

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The Radical

**The Radical** is a far-left newspaper in Sordland. It is widely regarded as one of the most critical and anti-establishment newspapers in the country, and many journalists associated with the paper were arrested during Tarquin Soll's purge of political dissidents. It was founded in the wake of the 1927 military coup against Artor S. Wisci, the progressive first President of the Republic of Sordland.

The paper prides itself on its commitment to questioning authority, and loudly promotes radical social, political, and economic changes in Sordland, always against those promoted by the State. Its journalists have also expressed support for Bernard Circas, the recently elected first communist representative to the Grand National Assembly.

The Radical has been associated with the Sordish Communist Party, Red Youth, the Worker's Party of Bludia, the Bludish Freedom Front, and socialist countries like United Contana and the Democratic Republic of Valgsland, though it is not clear to what extent the journal has direct ties to any of these organizations.

It is highly critical of the ruling United Sordland Party, the National Front Party, the Young Sords, the Oligarchs, the Supreme Court, and the capitalist policies of former president Ewald Alphonso. In truth, its only function is to act as an incendiary newsreel of constant critics against the player's administration, which should not be taken as a serious depiction of the Sordish public opinion. It is also well known for its position concerning the discrimination suffered by the Bludish citizens.
Leiren

Silhouette of Leiren

The quiet and well-managed city of **Leiren** is located between Valgen and Benfi in Gruni region. Public services are above the Sordland average here.

Residents prefer to live in solitude and are somewhat detached as the negligible migration out indicates. Consequently, this led outsiders to believe that living in Leiren is great, which is half-true.

## Description

Situated on the hilly and shrub filled Gruni countryside is Leiren. One finds solitude here is unlike any other place. It’s not about the geography but about the philosophy. Upon entrance one notices that life flows much slower. People aren’t stressed, nor much concerned about what is happening in the country or in the world.

The city is famous for the variety of healing herbs it grows thanks to the unique climate conditions. These vital ingredients are sold to pharmacies in the region and beyond.

The idea of the slow city came from the successful mayor Delmond Locke. His municipal administration set a new standard on how to properly utilize city funds to the benefit of the people. Instead of wasting funds on luxurious cars, bodyguards and estates, he spent them on aiding the poor, building more recreational areas and reducing the price of local public transport.

Within one-decade the amount of people coming to the city tripled the ones leaving. Leiren became the quiet alternative to Benfi.