Novas Roma, Italia, and Outreach are under the protection and supervision of the Reich. We are making immediate moves to assist the governments of these systems. If the DKC or any other party is interested in assisting our efforts, we ask that funds be transferred directly to the Reich.*


(*-Reason being that the aid may be intercepted if sent directly, we have a more proper understanding of the needs of our friends and allies and are in a better position to assist the effected systems. Again, the systems are in the Reich's sphere of protection and supervision. Any nation interacting with them directly without the expressed permission of the Reich will be dealt with accordingly.)

edit:
The former involvement of Luktopian agents in Novas Roma was a reaction to the former belligerent government of the Italian Empire. The government of Luktopia is no more chaotic than your own nation and I would suggest that you treat our neighbors with respect.

The Federal Republic is proud to announce that we will be beginning a new program of military R&D in order to bring our fleet into a state of readiness equal to the threats posed by the troubling times we live in. The recent wave of terrorist attacks combined with the troubling situation arising in the former Italian Empire have convinced us that any nation not prepared to defend itself against determined, well armed attackers has little hope of survival.

In domestic news right wing opposition leaders spoke at an anti-government rally today, decrying the FRRK's membership in the Free Commerce Association. Senate Minority Leader Alphonse MacDonald was particularly vocal in his opposition to the economic alliance, echoing FNC diplomatic statements by expressing his belief that the Federal Republic's membership was simply another mark of the current administration's servile relationship with the USSR. He was however just as vocal in his opposition to the OEA, saying that if the FRRK could not find an economic alliance that was, quote: "free of meddling superpowers" then it should not try to gain membership in any alliance at all. The administration was careful to distance themselves from the opposition platform, maintaining that the FCA remains the best option for the FRRK at this time.

This is the Brazilian News Network with the final election results just coming in from all across the Unitary.

All agree that these elections have been an absolute shocker to the political scene of the Unitary. Right into the first stage of voting, the "socialist majority" led by the PPSU believed they had the entire affair neatly sewn up. With an astonishing lead in the polls and apparently incredible governmental record and manifesto, the outcome seemed certain. At least until the first exit polls came in.

An undercurrent of frustration and boredom was vented in this election against the left wing parties, our own correspondent determined that the "socialist majority" were experiencing the equivalent of a political bubble, that burst when faced with real challenges. No amount of media hype from left wing newspapers or other socialist groups can now hide from the fact that the "overwhelming support" for the Five Year Plan and Democratic Socialism was nothing more than an illusion and a sham, propagated by the PPSU. The fact that the ruling party bought into this sham is of unquestionable surprise, and in the eyes of the people (says our correspondent) a mark of supreme arrogance.

With this in mind, the shock results seem less surprising. With the New Peoples' Party, and the Federalist Party securing a combined majority in Congress with 53% of the seats, riding on a clear majority share of votes cast. Whilst the majority is not veto proof, or totally dominant, the message is clear: the "socialist majority" is now a minority, alongside the more far right parties of the Brazilian spectrum. The Presidential election likewise follows the trend, the first round of voting saw the incumbent and Mrs Josephina Rodriguez proceed to the second round, eliminating five other potential candidates in the process. With second preferences allocated, Mrs Rodriguez secured a comfortable lead.

With the new administration sworn in later today, we already have an inkling of what is instore for Brazil. President-Elect Rodriguez announced her commitment to her manifesto ideals, and to great applause announced the suspension of the economic alliance within the FCA. The original move to enter this economic alliance proved a deeply unpopular move with the public, and to suspend said alliance earns the President-Elect some easy popularity whilst also satisfying ideological requirements. She confirmed that this was a temporary suspension until a "better deal for Brazil" could be secured, "one which satsifies all". Further to this announcement the economic planning agency was deferred to the control of a new committee of business experts and leaders to make state planning driven more by the economy than by political whim. "The Unitary must embrace a new economic path linked to the swells and troughs of natural markets forces. Only through harnessing this can we hope to succeed." Whilst not complete economic liberalisation, it is a "step in the right direction" according to an aide to the President Elect.

Further announcements on policy are expected within the first few months of the administration, many wait with bated breath to see the effect of the Rodriguez era on foreign policy and diplomatic relations.

A statement has been released from the Supreme Commander's Office:

"Due to the proposed amount of heavy celebrations for the Supreme Commander's Birthday, orders and statements have been limited to a trickle as the entirety of the Democratic Federation is prepped for a week of EPIC PARTYING."

read as: I'm gonna be out for a while considering the vast quantities of alcohol my friends want me to drink for my 18th, if you need me, just send a PM or a message via MSN.

The President of the Republic of Hesperus today approved the Duquesne plan. A five year plan to start modernising the military. The attempts by the navy to increase the navy threefold were overruled as the president wants to make clear that the RHN is for the defence of Hesperus and its interests.

President Josephina Rodriguez was officially inaugurated today as the new leader of the Brazilian Unitary. To the massive crowds present, and to vast television audiences, she gave this address:



In other news:

The Unitary confirms the signing of a binding economic and military alliance with the Federal Republic of Rigel Kentaurus independent of the FCA and along standard procedure. Other FCA alliances are suspended as per original announcements.

A Congressional Military Review is initiated under the auspice of the Minister for Good Government (the Unitary's chief diplomat and government co-ordinator). The stated aims of the programme are a comprehensive reassessment of the Unitary's defence requirements.

Key business leaders attend a summit to confer on investment and progression in the Unitary's economy. Confidence on the internal stock markets ride high as many industries are handed to the direction of state employed managers.

Several key figures in the PPSU administartion announce their retirement from public life today. Memoirs are expected very soon, promising details about the inner workings of the "socialist majority" cabinet and government at large.

Prime minister Cosgrove sent his apologies to the Reich today for the misunderstanding over the wording of a recent declaration. "We did not intend for this to be a threat in any way, shape, or form. The guys who wrote the declaration were unaware of the control the Reich already had in the situation. The have been dealt with accordingly, and the DKC is glad to see that the situation in the former Italian Kingdom is being dealt with."

A former defense minister had this statement to make. "If anyone thinks that we were going to go in there and conquer the entire damn place, then they're dead wrong. The DKC is not yet militarily capable enough to do that sort of thing. It would be like Paraguay trying to annex Brazil during WW2. Hopefully we won't get into a shooting war over this."

turn deadline is friday

EDIT:
The New Weimar Republic has sent aid to a friend

This aid should get our "friend's" citizens back on their feet

So dear Friends, may you sleep tonight feeling a little better about yourself.

And this has been the news, I'am Sigmund Jahn, Goodnight!

There is no Italian Empire.

They collapsed this turn, so any aid you send to them will mysteriously vanish to the Island of Lost Items, like your TV remote, car keys, and spare change.

If you have spare money you could always send it to me! I'll put to better use than the former Italian Empire will.

It'll go to backing Novas Roma and Italia against rebels if you don't revise your turn order, which is what I assumed you wanted to do anyway.

Need Mobius' turn, CaptainHaslet check your email.

While the Empire itself was not afflicted by the recent economic downfall as much as numerous other powers, it still wishes to extend its open position on seeing to the betterment of the overall situation through joint efforts with said powers. "No matter how bad it [the economy] may seem, one must always remember; it could be a lot worse", was the statement an informal government report ended with.

Also the Empire wishes the best of luck to all who have taken it upon themselves to see that the once proud Italian Empire is brought back up to speed from its recent and unexpected downfall.

I plan to do this turn on Sunday.

Just a GM question, though: for a few turns, in news, in other posts in the thread, and via IM, I've been emphasizing that the powers and rebel groups under the various nations' control have been requesting economic support. Out of wartime, very few players have attempted to actively aid their vassal states economically (or even militarily, with unit aid). So last turn I posted:



to try to get that message across a little more forcefully outside of news reports which can be seen as fluff. I'm not sure why, but the tradition has largely continued, with a couple players giving large foreign aid payments but many large "empires" not doing so.

Basically I want to stress one more time that not giving back to your client states - not as much as you get from them, but a little - is going to be the most effective way to persuade them toward staying with you. The same is true for other players' vassal states - if other states don't back up their commitments, it's unlikely they're going to want to stick around in their sphere of influence.

Influence actions are a diplomatic means of guaranteeing support, as well as one that bypasses any sort of foreign aid arms race, but they're a shortcut and as much based on security as economy. Modest but continued aid is just as effective in times of peace, and foreign investment will also benefit a state's economy.

So here's the deal: if you think something is strangling gameplay in this case or in general, I want to hear about it. Maybe it's just a miscommunication, but if you're having trouble with game mechanics that could be changed for the better, let me know in this thread or via PM. Suggestions are always welcome - this game is going really well and better than I thought it would, but there's always room for improvement.

The difference between influencing a state and sending them money was/is a little foggy in my mind, hence why I've been favoring influencing over sending aid.
(The logic being: "Hey, it costs more. It must do more.")

So perhaps a little clarification could help?

As is, the differences that I see are:
-Aid is cheaper.
-Influencing supersedes foreign aid.
-Aid is more economically focused.
-Influence is diplomatically focused.
-Aid might benefit vassal's economy.

Might be a little longer, I have 18 news items to do, but all the turn stuff is done.

Wow, big turn. Good luck!

This should be.. Interesting

Waiting with bated breath...well, not really, but I have been waiting for this turn for a while what!

inb4 My fleets get blown up by mines, Kuiper gets blown up, and someone's nation collapses.

kuiper got blown up by mines, your fleet collapsed, and your nation blew up!!

Well shit.

Gotta say, I am dying for the start of the next turn. With 18 news events, only a few of which I think I know, its going to be one hell of a fun turn.

Well, my typical MO with the news stuff is to shove the stuff that's not big enough to write up into the Other Headlines section, so don't expect 18 paragraphs of :words:, but it should be a pretty significant turn.

edit: damn it i keep sniping new pages when i should be posting new turns on the top of those pages!!

news items that involve me: most likely none

take it as you want ladies

I swear if I get fucked over I'm declaring Jihad against everything!

Jihad against the Cooperative and suffer.

Bah! No superpower can match the awe inspiring terror of overly-fanatic cannon fodder! Jihad, I say! Jihad!

On second though, a Jihad against anything in this universe would be a bad idea.

Indeed it would be. No Jihad has had to deal with angry Vikings.

yeah they have
Byzantine Varangian guard
i dont think they enjoyed the experience

Touche, the fact I failed at Byzantine and Nordic History there is very much distressing....

From the Office of the Crown Regent:

In light of the recent violence in the Orion Region, the Federal Nordic Cooperative Defense Forces will be creating a new unit of shock troops to combat potential national threats. We are thus, reinstituting the Varangian Guard.

Yeah, well if either of you try anything you'll be faced with the full force of wave after wave of...uh...Rigelian, uh, fury?

I don't really have an ethnicity to draw from here.

I dont really have an ethnicity to make my nation and its news more believable either, so in the name of fun and non-canon. I declare Hesperus to be a korean/havenite planet for the duration of balance of power.