1981

#### Support for Amar

While previously faltering from low military supplies, Amari forces have received large shipments of military aid from Adamar and EAP states, delivered in large, heavily defended naval convoys, the Adamari navy has also transferred control of several older destroyers to Amar, with repayment for the ships to occur at a later date. Small arms, ammunition, artillery and light vehicles have been immediately deployed to the front lines, while Adamari trainers have begun to train Amari soldiers in the use of more technical military equipment and vehicles.

#### Support for Bh'mata

Low interest loans have been provided from the FVRC for the purchase of military equipment, along with shipments of F1 liberators, artillery mechs along with older MSABs, small arms and other equipment and munitions delivered via ekranoplan. VMPUT nations have also pledged aid to varying degrees. The FVRC Polestar has provided arial support and freedom of movement navigation for ekranoplan shipments. While some material has been shipped overland through Kalmo, the Kalmo government has been reluctant to be seen engaging in the conflict, and sea navigation has made the naval routes to Kalmo less efficient than direct routes to Bh'mata.

#### International Tension

Adamari naval convoys have intersected closely with FVRC ekranoplanes, causing significant tension. While seemingly accidental, one ekranoplane was capsized after been buzzed by nearby Adamari carrier planes, the ekranoplane lost control in the choppy ocean water and quickly sunk with all supplies on board. 2 FVRC airmen were drowned while the remaining 3 were rescued by the Adamari convoy. The Coalition has not come down strongly on one side or the other in the conflict, and continue to sell weapons and other military supplies to both Amar and Bh'mata.

#### State of the conflict

Bolstered by aid and successfully regaining the initiative, Amari forces have pushed back through the Tamald Desert, liberating a number of key supply hubs and highways, and securing the logistical lines between the East and West of the country. However despite some success in this counterattack, Bh'matan forces still remain control of most of the border region and large swaths of territory into Amar. Bh'matan air power, supplied by FVRC donated F1 liberators, have provided crucial in allowing Bh'matan forces to neutralize recent counter attacks and prepare effective defences while they reorganize their frontlines. Amari naval power however, has succeeded in stymieing Bh'matan supply lines and delaying much needed reinforcements, while keeping their own international supply lines secure.

#### Amar - Forces

Lead by High Cleric Anmol Sardis and a council of like minded clerics, political leadership has stabilized since the attempted coup, but there are still elements of the military and government who dislike the reformist nature of the High Cleric. Thankfully, the Bh'matan invasion has caused many remaining dissenters to put aside there differences to fight back the invaders. Amari forces are numerous, but lack experienced units and a disciplined officer corps. They have suffered lack of air power (though anti-air measures have helped mitigate some of this disadvantage), but have high quality Adamari infantry equipment and naval support.

#### Bh'mata - Forces

Lead by President Sa'dun Nakama of the ruling Mardri party since the 1968 coup, power has been increasingly centralized in the office of the president. While not as large on paper as the military of Amar, the Bh'matan military has been considered one of the best in Azul, with well trained and experienced soldiers and NCOs, the Bh'matan airforce has also been bolstered by FVRC support, and is largely dominant in the skies. However, the officer corps of the military is largely appointed based on party loyalty to elite Mardri party members, this has led to very mixed results of military leadership, and a distrust of commanders from lower ranking soldiers.

### BVPU Releases Domestic Alanus Virus Vaccine

The first development of the St. Bayard Biomedical Institute, the BVPU has announced the production of a domestically produced and researched vaccine to the Alanus virus, with 75% efficacy.

### Martial Law in Leerdam, United Province

After a Lagrimas de Olvido suicide bomber severely damanged a newly constructed oil refinery in the port city of Leerdam, Prime Minister Brouwer has declared martial law in the city. BVPU peacekeeping forces have entered a heightened security posture, with BVPU citizens advised against travel to the country.

### Noryeagar Spy Expelled from United Province

The United Province government has announced the detainment and immediate expulsion of an undeclared foreign agent from Noryeagar, suspected of attempted to infiltrate United Province civil society while illegally in the country.

### Intruder Killed Trying to Breach St. Bayard Biomedical Institute

Security personnel shot and killed a man trying to enter the St. Bayard Biomedical Institute with a stolen ID, after discovering the body of the man he was meant to be impersonating. No further details are known, and the BVPU has promised to investigate and prevent any further breaches.

### Banyoles Region Settlement Reached

After a series of negotiations, Gen. Hardtie and Secretary Gen. Varlin have reached an agreement on military control of the Banyoles region, with the lower third (and most sparely populated), under Bakian Republic jurisdiction, the central third under joint BVPU-Republican military authority, and the Northern (and most populated) third under exclusive BVPU control. The entirety of the Banyoles region will remain under de jure BVPU civilian control, however it will operate as a special administrative region with citizens of the region permitted to travel to and from the Bakian Republic. The Bakian Republic also given consideration in choosing the regional governor of the region and permitted to exercise a veto on selected candidates.

### Duke Jakov Dilovik of Sistan comes of Age

Having been under a regency since the assassination of his uncle Prince Milo Dilovik, Jakov has finally come of age to lead the Dukedom of Sistan. While a shy and unassuming young man, Duke Jakov has been heavily influenced by his Adamari tutors, and has even professed to be a follower of the Path of the Cycles. While power remains decentralized into the hands of landed aristocracy, and the influential government advisory council, the accession of Duke Jakov to the throne is thought to herald an era of closer cooperation in the Adamari orbit.

### Lalian Election Victory for Conservatives/Far-Right

In the five years since their last election and the establishment of Lalian democracy, Lalian politics has become increasingly polarized. Many voters have rejected what they see as the complacency and corruption of the mainline Lalian Vanguardist Party, and the ineffectiveness of much of the political centre. While the People's League consolidated disillusioned vanguardists and left-wing voters, the Conservative Party, God's Will and Golden Spear experienced the most success. The Lalian parliament is now frozen in a deadlock, with the Conservative Party seen as the most likely to form government, they would need a coalition including the far-right and the moderate centrist Coronite Democrats. Coalition talks are currently fiercely underway, with the Vanguardist Party still hopeful they will survive with a minority government. The Conservative Party is the most pro-Coalition party in parliament, and seeks to strengthen cooperation with Perinost in particular, the Golden Spear is far more resistant to this idea, and some party members have even talked about pursing war crime charges against Perinosti soldiers for crimes committed during the occupation.

### Stoltenburg-Lau Railway Reestablished

In a show of cooperation and opening trade between the two states, Gondar and Lautag have reopened the long Stoltenburg-Lau rail corridor, famous for ferrying goods to and from the Gondorian heartland from the port city of Lau. This may be a sign of normalizing relations between Gondar, and the Principalities of Lautag, Namen and Villach.

### Five Killed at Durania/Volta Border in Accident

In the middle of the night, Volta border guards seemed to have mistaken a Duranian patrol with a Gondar incursion and opened fire, sparking a quick firefight with three dead Duranians and two dead Voltans.

### Gondar Special Forces Division Disbanded over Phalanxist Ideology

In a scandal for the government of Chancellor Willi Wallraf of the Corinite Democratic Union of Gondar (CDU), media reports revealed the prevalence of Phallanxist ideology among an elite special forces division of the Gondar Defence Force. The unit was found to have officers distributing Phallanxist propaganda, and speeches to division members. The unit has been disbanded, and Chancellor Wallraf has reiterated that Phallanxism will not be tolerated in Gondar and its ideology is anathema to Gondarian values.

### Volta-Lalian Skirmish by San Piero

Golden Spear militia members and Volta border patrol guards seem to have clashed, it is unconfirmed who attached first, with Lalians claiming that Volta guards starting shooting across the border, and Volta stating that is was Golden Spear militia (with the support of local authorities) who started shelling mortars at Voltan guards. There have been several wounded on both sides, but no confirmed fatalities.

### Alanus Virus Outbreak in Northern Savia

A remote town in Northern Savia was reported to experience a surprisingly large Alanus outbreak. While not unknown, the proliferation of vaccines and preventative measure have made outbreaks far smaller and more rare. It took the Savian military several days to contain the outbreak and eliminate the infected. Foreign media was denied access to the area.

### Western Zheph Independence Activists Gunned Down by Police

During a peaceful rally in support of independence, activists were attacked by national police, who claimed the protestors were inciting violence. Seven activists were shot and killed while attempting to flee, the youngest is thought to be 14 years old. The government maintains that they were armed insurgents and has restricted foreign media in the area.

### Delameran Use Grows Across Sorbia and Ardenica

Spurred on by the growth of cartels in Anzia and Zheph, and the increasingly large demand for the illegal narcotic delameran or "del", the drug has surged in popularity across multiple countries in Sorbia and Ardenica. It is used both by the middle class and wealthy as a powdered stimulant, and is also popular in lower income communities in a free based crystallized form often called "rush".

### Southern Alliance Seizes Papin in Helmand

For the first time in it's history, the uneasy Southern Alliance has made significant gains North of the capital of Lashragh, taking the strategic city of Papin, and opening up the path to the rest of the Northern territories. The alliance still remains fractious, with many suspecting likely conflict between them after the shared threat of the Northern warlords is removed. The four prominent factions are:

1. The Wahdat Movement: a tribal and militia group led by Hazzam Wahdat and his familly, primarily concerned with increasing his personal power and that of his family and family's tribe - Hazzam Wahdat currently acts as provisional President of Helmand
2. Union of Holy Justice: a regional religious movement worshiping a version of Orolsi (the Corinite/Ravelian god) - administering rule of law
3. The Democratic People's Alliance: a large militia group publicly interested in the formation of Helmand as a democratic liberal country and most interested in attracting international aid and support - managing economic activity
4. The Saberka, an Skalan ethnic militia, made up from the Skalan population native to Southern Helmand - responsible for logistics

### Breakthrough in Human Cloning Announced in Getzi

Nivalis the biotech subsidiary company of the Janus-Caishen Corporation, announced this year a significant break through in the field of human cloning. Nivalis has promised that this would be a breakthrough in organ donations and eliminate the risk of bodies rejecting transplanted organs.

### Young Getzian Computer Entrepreneur Wins the Novena Tech Show

In the Getzian city of Novena, young entrepreneur Gideon Wells, CEO of the Contoso corporation has made headlines with the unveiling of their innovative new personal computing device, the Contoso PC, some suggest this could herald the start of a new era of computing for the average person.

### Conflict in Eastern Azul

#### Street Fighting in Alberca

The situation has deteriorated in the fought over city of Alberca, with soldiers of the Port Bagrov Emergency Authority (PBEA) fighting street by street against Sami militia members from the Republic of Calahora. The size and former prosperity of Alberca has made it the poster of Azulian post-colonial conflict, and drawn significant international media and attention.

#### Accen Liberation Front (ALF) Bombs Military District in Kitanda

The ALF, fighting for an independent Accen state in Azul, used suicide bombers to bomb a military garrison district in Kitanda during a Kalmoan holiday, killing 48 Kalmo soldiers and injuring 100 more. The ALF has been strongly associated with Motru, with the many of its leaders being prominent members. The government of Motru has distanced itself from this attack, saying that Motru based ALF is not asocciated with the Kalmo branch of the ALF. President Goudjil of Kalmo has gone to visit the site of the attack and pay respects to the families of victims. He has claimed that there cannot be peace if neighbours harbour terrorists within their borders.

#### Rosnov Makes Significant Gains Against the Empire of Azul

Despite a lack of manpower, Gen. Ramzan Mladić has successfully lead several expeditions against the Empire of Azul, pushing back the poorly trained and equip militiamen, and seizing villages and resources. It is believed the the leaders of the Empire of Azul are plotting escape opportunities before their remaining army defects around them.

#### AIS Mission Authorized in Duadan

Organizing in the capital of Port Gada, the AIS multilateral stabilization mission has the mandate to support local government institutions and humanitarian activity, including conducting operations into the heartland of the country to monitor economic devleopment and conduct peacekeeping against gang violence.

## Coalition

### President Clements of Perinost Begins His Second Term

After a strong re-election victory in the 1980 Presidential election, President Ronald Clements of the conservative Constitution Party has started his second term with plans for a strong focus on domestic economy, increased military spending, and competing in the space race. In his state of the Union President Clements attacked both Vanguardist and Monarchist rivals, stating "Perinost is the greatest country on Al'ard, we will never be subject to the whims of unelected tyrants, either old men on their thrones, or party bureaucrats to afraid to count every vote."

### Frontier Party Leader Michelle Roland Wins Aveen Election

Winning a stunning majority government, Michelle Roland, leader of the conservative Frontier Party, has become Prime Minister of Aveen. While still forced to balance a diverse right-wing party coalition, Prime Minister Roland has vowed to increase cooperation with Perinost, and has already reached out to President Clements on negotiating a free trade agreement between Aveen and Perinost, as well as pursue Coalition membership.

### Dytov Begins Joint Infrastructure Program with Burgen

In the first major rapprochement since the collapse of Greater Dytov, Dytovian President Lev Falkov visited the former Dytovian republic of Burgen to sign an agreement of a major development project. While the inflated cost of the project has international observers criticizing it as simply a way to siphon state funds into the hands of corrupt oligarchs, there is no question it will integrate the Dytovian and Burgen economies.

### Biotech Company Niponetics Forms in Kenshi

With government support, the company Niponetics has centralized many of the country's leading biotechnology and genetic engineering experts. The company's primary focus seems to be building previous work the government had done on the genetic modification of animals, primarily fish and live stock for the purpose of greater and more nutritious food yields.

### MPOC Nations Invited to Coalition Naval Exercise

Noryeagar, Hofeni, Lahr, and Mauland were invited to the Trident Exercise, a cooperative naval military exercise hosted by coalition countries. This year's exercize took place in the Western Cyclican Ocean off the coast of Perinost, and included naval elements from each of the MPOC nations.

## FVRC

### 1981 Snap Election Results in First ever Majority Government

Riding on a wave of popularity from growing international influence, domestic development and the Zaki Act, the VIU has won a stunning victory, securing an outright majority of seats in the assembly, the first of any party in the history of the FVRC. Its dominance of the Vanguardist vote has left the VIU as the only vanguardist party with any assembly seats. A number of recently legalized parties have also gained representation, including the socialist People's Revolutionary Movement, the populist liberal Forward party, and the populist, militarist Obsidian Path party.

### Yusef Baquir Avoids Arrest

Famed nuclear scientist and the architect behind the infamous Yu-Baq network, Yusef Baquir narrowly managed to avoid capture by FVRC authorities, though his network within the FVRC has been dismantled and many associates have been arrested. FVRC authorities are adamant that Yusef Baquir will be brought to justice and have cooperated with Perinosti intelligence to dismantle his network globally. However, Baquir remains a popular figure in many developing countries and radical vanguardists. It is not yet known where he might have found sanctuary.

### Thermonuclear Detonation Occurs on Minerva

Those looking at the night sky may have noticed a sudden bright spot on the surface of Minerva, it has been confirmed by FVRC authorities that this was the detonation of a new thermonuclear weapon above the surface of Minerva, within the FVRC's claimed territory. The test quickly drew international condemnation from countries arguing that FVRC was weaponizing space and polluting the resources of the solar system. Kenshi and Perinost have offered no comment, aside from affirming the FVRC's authority within that area of Minerva.

### VICNet Use Expands Across FVRC

Largely beginning with government buildings, but slowing making its way to private businesses and personal homes, VICNet terminals have become the latest technological development in the FVRC. Championed by Chairman Al'Guts of Section 5 Innovation, skeptics have said that the passing fad of VICNet is likely to blow over and it will ultimately be a waste of government resources.

### TRAITOR Act Passes Assembly

The Terrorism Removal And Intelligence Toughening for Outsmarting Rivals Act has passed through the VIU controlled assembly. Focusing on the new use of VICNet and other forms of communication it authorizes additional police powers to detain and interrogate suspected Lagrimas De Olvido terrorists, or other state traitors on suspicion of aiding and abetting terrorist or treasonous acts. Security forces will also be authorized to grant administrative pardons, to persons with skills in need, hiring in demand staff out of rehabilitation, minor/non political crimes can now be expunged in exchange for faithful service to the state intelligence bureaus for a supervised parole period.

### Tanaybi Special Political Zone Authorized

The FVRC government has approved a special political zone on the island of Tanaybi. It has long been an island with strong collectivist traditions, autonomous authority has been given to a local administrative technocratic council made up of local experts and qualified persons. The 9 member council will consist of representatives for: Finance, Agriculture, Police, Industry, Maritime, Infrastructure, Science, and Culture. The culture officer will be elected by all citizens, the agriculture member will be elected by all farmers, and the science member by all scientists on the island. The other 6 roles will be selected by computer assisted calculation of the most qualified individual on the island in each category. Leadership of the council will rotate monthly. The citizens will be promised that the system of government on the island will be put to a referendum in 5 years whether to return back to direct administration by the central government, or keep their local government. Although the central government retains the authority to dissolve the local government at any time.

### Campaign Against Delameran Use

Najah Al'Rakia has launched an anti-drug campaign to warn FVRC citizens against the dangers of illicit drug use.

### FVRC Citizens Executed in Esmeld

Five teenagers from the FVRC's border region with Esmeld were apprehended by Esmeldian authorities after a night of drinking saw them cross through an unguarded section of the border. Esmeld has accused the men of illegal espionage and desecrating a nearby Bana Ortho monument, the state religion of Esmeld. Despite fierce protests from the FVRC government, and appeals from the parents of the teens, the boys were quickly put on trial and found guilty. As is penalty for spies and heretics, they were sentenced to death by firing squad. This has sparked mass outrage throughout the FVRC.

### Azul Fund - Division of the Vanguard Development Bank is Established

Focused specifically on development loans in post-colonial Azul, the Azul Fund of the VDB has begun releasing small loans to a number of newly independent nations, most prominently helping to fund a highway and rail corridor between Tamaly and the Tamaran People's Republic.

## Adamar

### Oberlan Initiative Leads to Cancer Breakthrough

The Oberlan Initiative has been announced as a concentrated funding and recruitment program to further support Adamar's most advanced medical facilities and attract the brightest minds in medical research from across Al'ard. The flagship of this program is Progenitor's Paralith Project. While still in development, it has stunned the medical community as one of the most effective cancer treatments ever seen. Its ability to assist with cancer remission, while not perfect, is nothing short of miraculous compared to previous treatment options.

### Gallorax Program Announces in Harkrade

In response to the controversial Stoltenburg Conference dividing lunar sovereignty, the Gallorax Program was announced in Harkrade this year, including delegates from Adamar, EAP members, the Bakian Republic, Sistan, Noryegar and Tisorzag. Delegates have discussed next steps of technology shares and coillabrative exploration of the solar system. The Gallorax Program has made no blanket claims to sovereignty, and is open to further extending membership. It has been viewed far more positively by the international community for its inclusive nature, and the AIS has commended the early collaboration of the program.

### Imperial Visit to Bakian Republic Reaffirms Close Relationship

Emperor Arkhan and Gen. Hardtie met during a state visit to the Bakian Republic, both to welcome Bakia into the Gallorax Program, and to affirm the close relationship shared by the two nations.

### Noryeagar Accepts Adamari Security Advisors

Given the unstable nature of the United Province to its south, the Kingdom of Noryeagar has gratefully accepted Adamari security advisors, as well as closer economic cooperation on oil sales and refinement.

### Disciples of Haakon Denounced by Adamar

While denounced by the Adamari government and with organized cells significantly curtailed in Adamar proper, the Disciples of Haakon continue to operate internationally and maintain the righteousness of their cause. The most significant concentration of the group seems to have relocated to Amar to assist in a holy war against Bh'matan aggression.

### Emperor's Mercy Establish Camps in Bazna and the PBEA

The Emperor's Mercy has successfully established humanitarian aid camps in Bazna and the Port Bagrov Emergency Authority, especially at the outskirts of the city of Alberca, where a continuing stream of wounded soldiers and civilians have been coming for aid. Both nations have expressed their thanks to the Empire and their openness to further dialogue in the future.

### Justice Minister Carl Falk Advocates for Constitutional Monarchy

A leak recording has been released of Imperial Justice Minister Carl Falk in a private meeting, expressing his optimism for the change in the power of the Tisorzagian Monarchy, and his hope for similar restriction on the power of the Monarchy within Adamar. He went on to complain how his role was limited by an absolute monarch, and how Adamar would need to eventually transition to a democracy or it would risk stagnating. It is unknown how these surprisingly frank admissions were recorded, but they have spread quickly through international and unofficial domestic media before the government has had a chance to censor it. Carl Falk has remained silent, and many nationalists are calling for his arrest on the grounds of treason against the Emperor.