Qualinost Times

[Brecilia]

The Qualinost Times​

16/10/1956
5 Sou​

Halla Now Protected​

The halla; our nation’s proud and majestic animal. These white stags have been our people’s companions since we were but disjointed clans. However, due to the rising value of their antlers and skins, poachers have been slaughtering untold numbers of the creatures. The Keeper Maired herself made it clear that such treatment of our people’s oldest friend would not go unpunished. The Committee of National Heritage declared that the halla, being a symbol of our past and our pride, would be made a protected species. Hunting the animals is now a federal offense, and now the government will be doing all it can to stop such pointless bloodshed.

Military to Receive More Funding​

Knowing the threat of outside invasion, though unlikely, is still a very real problem, the Keeper announced an increase in defense spending. The Warleader Badan Glace has mentioned plans to upgrade bases, and to increase funding of the Brecilian National Flying Corps. He is relieved that his pleas got through, as now new recruits can look forward to training with brand new equipment and uniform, as opposed to anything left in the quartermasters’ storerooms. Though largely supported, the vocal Amaranthine citizens were in protest. Their anti-military stance has been made well known, as they have previously protested the Mandatory Service Act (1912) and the Creation of the Armored Forces Act (1941). Their cries have largely been ignored, though their attempts to prevent this budget increase have earned them the scorn of many citizens.

Election​

The November elections have riled the people up. Speeches and promises from each party are filling the air of Qualinost, and one finds it hard not to be caught up in it all. The dominant Qualinesti group has found a new face, son of the former Warleader, a young Gerallt Caddel. The beloved Keeper Maired has announced her changing of parties, and will be running for the Arlathani. This is likely to do with her falling out of favor with the Qualinesti. The Silvanesti offer current Warleader Glace as their choice, and the Amaranthine Eirwyn Mortimer. Public opinion seems to still favor the Qualinesti, but with big names running for the Arlathani and Silvanesti, it will be no easy contest.

 

[Brecilia]

The Qualinost Times
​

17/10/1956
5 Sou
​

Mockery of Druid Tradition
​

International musical talent, Tom Mention, paid a visit to the Silvanest Emerald Amphitheater, to perform songs from his latest album Prejudice. His visit was met with much fanfare, and the amphitheater was filled. However, one of the songs performed to his audience went by the name of "Thank the Gods", which made fun of an account of a Druid healing ceremony. He was quoted as saying that he wrote the song to point out the hypocrisies and "lack of common sense" in larger Druid organizations. Naturally, the Brecilian Druid Congregation was livid that such an affront to their beliefs would be allowed. Druidism practitioners across Brecilia are similarly angered, and some even called for a law suit against the artist. Keeper Maired made a public statement on these pleas. "The practice of Druid doctrine and rituals is a widespread piece of Brecilian culture, without doubt. But calling for an artist to be punished based upon their own beliefs is going entirely too far. With our government's constant focus on the individual freedoms of our people, the thought of the Druid Congregants being able to demand silence or compliance from someone of a different belief is an appalling hypocrisy. I myself am Agnostic, and as I have treated the Congregation with respect and tolerance, I ask the Druid practitioners show the same to artists and citizens."

Seeing this as an opportunity, no doubt, to increase their approval ratings, the Silvanesti candidate Baden Glace was quick to pounce on the topic with his own speech. "What the Keeper fails to understand, is that with this public insult to our beliefs, it is our people he mocks. Druidism has, and doubtless forever will be, a vital institution at the heart of the Brecilian, nay, Dalish culture! Were we to allow this toxic behavior toward our past continue, it would only serve to weaken us. This type of slander is exactly the reason Brecilia needs a Silvanesti government. Our vision is of a land united in spirit and mind, devoid of infighting and protected from aggressive anti cultural or religious behavior. Though Ser Manchen may get away with this reprehensible behavior, with the Silvanesti in Qualinost, no one else will."

Eirwyn Mortimer, candidate for the Amaranthine, gave a speech similar to that of the Keeper, beseeching people to end this foolish notion of stifling freedom of speech. The outrage of the Brecilian people is clear, however, as approval ratings fall for the Arlathani and Amaranthine, and the Silvanesti gain a surprise bolster of followers. Could we see a Silvanesti Keeper sometime soon? Make sure to register to vote for the next Keeper, and any other offices, right away if you haven't already. Voting begins November 25th, and ends on December 1st. Be ready for it.

The Arlathani support has fallen to 11%, Amaranthine are down to 8%, and Silvanesti has risen to 17%

 

[Brecilia]

The Qualinost Times​

18/10/1956
5 Sou​

Amaranth Museum of the Arts​

The city of Amaranth has always been a historic city. Since its establishment in 1415, people have flocked to it for its cultural and artistic heritage. But despite there being a good many artists in both Amaranth and Brecilia's histories, art museums have usually been small affairs, frequented only by those seeking inspiration or those deeply interested in the arts. But a new, larger, and more visitor friendly museum in Amaranth seeks to change that. The Amaranthine have been planning and working for months on it, and finally the Amaranth Museum of the Arts has been opened. Eirwyn Mortimer himself, candidate of the Amaranthine party was there to welcome the hundreds already waiting to get a look inside. Unlike the other smaller museums around the city, the AMA holds an impressive and varying collection of our finest arts. From sculptures and statues from the original Hall of the Landsmeet, to paintings from the renaissance, to ornate swords and dress from the days of the Dalish clans. There are exhibits dedicated to several newer artists as well. A hall full of Arianwen Maddex's finest paintings, a collection of ceremonial armors and swords forged by Saith Cadigan, and the statue "Eofnach", carved by Powell Hanmer all reside here. Combine all this with architecture reminiscent of old Silvanest and classical music playing softly over speakers, and it creates a wholly wondrous experience. The crown jewel of the AMA is a massive mural, taking up the whole of the central hall. On the west and east walls are paintings depicting two connected scenes; one is of a battle between Silvanest and Qualinost, back during the ages of the divided city states, while the other shows the island of Amaranth, and people streaming into boats to escape the war. Above, painted on the ceiling, the Gods of the Brecilian Pantheon are displayed, with a brilliant depiction of Cysur behind them. Each different piece was painted by a different artist, and each has a unique style. Maelon More painted the west wall, Iorath Teague the east, and Gwyn Penrose the ceiling. Such a beautiful gift to the city, a project previously denied by the Qualinesti Budget-Allocation Committee, has earned the Amaranthine a big boost in public support. This is most certainly due in part to how well Ser Mortimer handled himself, showing the utmost respect and intelligence while touring the exhibits. Though this certainly cost the party in funds, it has won the hearts of Amaranth.

Qualinesti support has fallen to 50%, and Amaranthine has risen to 22%

 

[Brecilia]

The Qualinost Times​

19/10/1956
5 Sou​

Possible Army Restructure​

One of the largest problems the people of Brecilia have with the Brecilian Army is the Mandatory Service Act. The demanding policy both drafts people into the army, and then takes them away for training, no questions asked. It is possible to refuse drafting, but a hefty fine must be payed. In a surprise statement from Silvanesti candidate Baden Glace, the Silvanesti have revealed a new plan to address this divisive act upon Glace's election. "I have debated with my party, and we have come to agree on an important decision; the Mandatory Service Act has got to go. It is cruel and unnecessary for our government to forcibly seize people to be made soldiers, especially so in times of peace. Should we secure power, the Silvanesti promise this above else: There will be no further mandatory service! The act will be done away with. Our already standing army will be maintained, but by volunteering only will anyone be taken away right at the legal age of service." With the typical stance of the Silvanesti being overly-militant and aggressive, the recent behavior of Warleader Glace is earning them an interesting boost of support. And with those in the Amaranthine and Qualinesti having been behind the Mandatory Service Act, with an Amaranthine Keeper and a largely Qualinesti Tribunal, both have taken a hit. When the people who are supposed to be the most militant and hostile party begin questioning your military stance, perhaps it's time for a change.

Distant Escalation​

Despite the relative quiet that Brecilia has enjoyed, largely due to its past isolation, it seems foreign politics have been far less peaceful. This morning, at around two o'clock, the island of Farah was barraged by Kadikistani artillery, killing five soldiers of the Islamic Republic's Green Army. Prior to the Green Army's arrival, evidently Kadikistani drug smugglers were engaged in a firefight, which had already taken the lives of five Jurzani citizens. An address came shortly after from the office of the President himself. This coming so soon after Kadikistan's announcement that their southern navy would be mobilized, there is certainly a very real threat. Polling in the streets of Qualinost led to many being concerned as to how this would affect Brecilia, as newly opened trade routes would almost certainly be threatened by naval conflict. The party leaders, though not communicating before the address was issued, largely share a consensus. The polling says Warleader Glace put it best. "How long before something like this starts happening to us? With our reintroduction into the world stage, we must always be watchful of hostility and conflict. I am in no way arguing for a renewed isolation, not at all. But I must restate my major point this election. If Brecilia is to survive in international politics, the army needs more funding. For better training, better equipment, and better support. Because if something like this ever happens to a Brecilian island, to Brecilian people? We need to be ready for that."

Amaranthine support is down to 16%, Qualinesti to 43%, and Silvanesti support has risen to 30%.

 

[Brecilia]

The Qualinost Times​

20/10/1956
5 Sou​

Sole Kadikistani Survivor?​

Yesterday, the Times published a story, with the information present, about the tragic events on the island of Farah, or Dnjert, in which soldiers of the Green Army reportedly sought to cease a drug-smuggling event, and were bombarded by Kadikistani artillery. Only a short while ago, however, news came from Kadikistan of a survivor of the incident, a Cpt. Sergei Moravscik. The account given by the captain insists that the Kadikistani were taking out Jurzani bandits, and were then fired upon by a waiting Green Army. Unfortunately, due to the Times' rush to put out the story, we have been called out by the Kadikistani. The editor in chief of The Qualinost Times, Griffith Brickell , formally apologized just minutes ago over Radio 3. "We were quick to leap on it, and in doing so, only used one side of the story. This sort of reporting from us was a bad decision, and we should have waited until we knew more for ourselves of the incident. One way or another, people's lives were lost on Farah, or Dnjert. And, this being so distant, we have no business picking sides. I want it to be made clear, the Times is in no way aiming to print propaganda, from any side, of any conflict. We need to be more cautious when reporting on these things." Brickell promised that any foreign news revolving around any conflict will be written and published in a more measured way, to avoid the spreading of false or reactionary information. Due to the obvious conflicting stories, and the lack of Brecilian witnesses or information, the Times will not print more on these events until definitive evidence is presented.

Other News
AMA Already Most Popular Place in Amaranth (p.4)
Invasive Insect Species Due to Trade? (p.5)
Full Transcript of Brickell's Address (p.7)

​

 

[Kadikistani Union]

Secretary of the Bureau of Information of the Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

"We commend the editorial staff of the 'The Qualinost Times' for recognizing their mistakes and taking the necessary steps to make amends. Indeed these men are an example that many leaders across the world should follow so they might learning from their mistakes. The newest technologies in communication dissemination are evolving extraordinarily fast and make it difficult for media to bring objective news which is a redeeming factor, but it as an ancient wisdom that patience is a virtue. Especially when dealing with highly sensitive subjects such as the confrontation with the Jurzani Green Army on Dnjert island. There is always two sides to a story."

Signed,
_X_
Maj. Yevgeny Stojanović
Secretary of the Bureau of Information of the Democratic Republic of Kadikistan
Central Newspapers of Kadikistan

 

[Brecilia]

The Qualinost Times
​

21/10/1956
5 Sou
​

Amaranthine Going Strong​

Recent debates over past policies of the Brecilian government has once more ended up falling upon the Mandatory Service Act. With the Silvanesti leader, just prior to the debates, announcing the party's plan to abolish it, people were abuzz for hearing how the others would respond. To no real surprise, both the Arlathani and Qualinesti candidates still maintain that the act is in the best interest of Brecilia's defense. However, when it fell on Silvanesti candidate Baden Glace to state his position, the crowd's enthusiasm crumbled. Glace announced that, though the Silvanesti were indeed planning to abolish the act, it was to replace it with their own, the so-called "Necessity Draft". The draft would allow the Silvanesti government call to service any people enlisted in the reserves, whenever they and the Tribunal deemed it was necessary. In effect, the act could be abused to draft and bring in recruits due to there being slight tensions anywhere, that might do harm to Brecilia. The audience was none too pleased. The Warleader insisted he had spoken the truth earlier, as the new act would not apply to those under 28, unless there was an active war. When it came to the Amaranthine party's Eirwyn Mortimer, however, their allegiance swayed. Mortimer stated: "Until just now, myself and my party were under the impression that we and Ser Glace were in agreement. Instead, it seems the Silvanesti wish only to implement their own faulty system, in hopes it will better please than the callous standing one. I will instead take up his earlier statement, and make it literal. No longer will people be taken from their homes. By volunteer only will people join the standing army, apart from in times of war. Young men will still join into the reserve, but provided we see peace, they will not ever be dragged into service unwillingly." With such a promise, young men in the army have started pledging their votes to the Amaranthine, a wildly uncommon occurrence.

Silvanesti support has fallen to 15%, Amaranthine has risen to 31%

 

[Brecilia]

The Qualinost Times
​

22/10/1956
5 Sou​

On Foreign Policy​

One of the most important issues that the new candidates are facing this year is the issue of foreign policy. The most recent policy debate, held in Silvanest, addressed this important topic this morning. Keeper Maired's policy of cautious re-integration was most certainly necessary to ease Brecilians back into the world and to bring focus back to world politics, but now people believe more must be done. Maired's plan to maintain her course, and continue slow and quiet re-integration was, though accepted, not particularly popular either. Baden Glace has stated that his plan would be to begin limited trade with some countries, but largely stay withdrawn politically. Easily the most rejected plan was the Arlathani's, who suggested that the state should revert to a stance of isolationism, and focus only on its own affairs. Amaranthine candidate Ser Mortimer once more won the audience. "Brecilia has for too long cowered away and refused to participate in the world. But these days, we cannot continue to pretend we are unaffected by foreign events. There are sure to be problems with returning to world politics, its inevitable. But the benefits are so much more numerous. By simply participating in world politics, we will open the gates to new ideologies, new cultures, new industries, and new products. I fail to see how my opponents claim this to be detrimental to our people. Because through this, Brecilian culture, industries, ideologies will spread as well. At the very least, it will benefit us economically. But if we become active, if we stand up and give ourselves a voice in this world, then I promise you, good will come of it. And if we remain withdrawn and cut off, without allies or friends? We stand to lose a lot."

Other News
Ser Mortimer's Speaking Successes (p.3)
New Military Hardware Testing (p.7)
Family Climbs Mt. Ymerodrol (p.13)

 

[Brecilia]

The Qualinost Times
​

30/10/1956
5 Sou​

The Vote Draws Near​

It's almost the end of October, and that means that the vote is officially less than a month away. Remember, for those who cannot make it to the physical vote in the allotted time, the 25th of November to the 1st of December, you can register to vote at the early ballot stations. If you participate in the early ballot, the 15th to the 25th of November, you cannot then vote in the general ballot. Multiple polls have been held across the nation, to try and figure just who is likely to win this year. Multiple reports say the results in the capitol are largely in favor of the Qualinesti, but the Amaranthine are in the lead practically everywhere else. Multiple rallies have been held by the Amaranthine across the southern parts of Brecilia, and citizens who last year showed growing signs of voter apathy have been riled up in support of Ser Eirwyn Mortimer. For the first time in a long while, the Times would like to lend their support to the Amaranthine. Typically, the Times has stayed in favor of the Qualinesti, only endorsing three candidates outside that party and abstaining twice, in over sixty years. However, the staff and families of the Times agree that some of the reforms Mortimer is promising are indeed needed, and we would be remiss not to voice our support for him. Be sure to visit your local citizen's hub to check if you're registered for the vote.

Other News
Fire in Silvanest Factory, Two Dead (p2)
Resurgence of Gothic Art Style in Amaranth (p6)
How Costly is Maintaining our Highway? (p10)

 

[Brecilia]

The Qualinost Times
​

31/10/1956
5 Sou​

400th Anniversary: Battle of the Silvan Hills​

Back in the days before the formation of the Allied States, in the year 1556, a massive battle took place just south of Silvanest. The invading army, from a kingdom since vanished, marched into Brecilia to claim Qualinost. The Army of the Dales met them in the foothills, and drove them back. Today is the 400th anniversary of the battle, and in honor of the many who fell the Brecilian Military Historical Foundation and several hundred volunteers met and filmed a reenactment of the battle. The full reenactment lasted an hour and a half. Hundreds more had gathered to watch the battle, and upon its completion the participants were thanked with a rousing cheer from the audience, and warm drinks. The Foundation has attempted to organize such an event before, but has never had the budget. Once more showing his abilities in wooing the people Ser Mortimer of the Amaranthine stepped in and, through a fundraiser, payed for almost the entire event. People were certainly entertained, and his dedication to the history and memory of Brecilia does him credit.

Expansion of the Armored Corps​

The Warleader, Baden Glace, has made clear his desires to expand upon Brecilia's armored battalions. Recently, with authorization from the Keeper, he made a move to secure a large improvement. Warleader Glace has announced to the public that one of Brecilia's largest military engineering companies, The Anhydraidd Corporation, will be receiving three new designs from a deal with the Kadikistani Tank Industries. As a special treat at the Brecilian National Military Museum, in Silvanest, the Warleader stated they would be shown off with other machines at the next event, scheduled roughly for mid-April next year. The Marshal Cae Kenyon Esau was very supportive of introducing foreign vehicles into Brecilia's national armory. "Obviously, Brecilian isolation has provided us a good deal of security and peace, but one thing it did not aid us in was the development of weapons. Do you know how late we were actually getting firearms? We can't afford to be behind the curve militarily anymore. And seeing as the Armored Corps is still a very new addition for us, accepting foreign models may very well help us develop better technology ourselves later on. These designs will help us to learn, and to protect ourselves in the case of any immediate danger, however unlikely."

Other News
Gothic Mural, Vandalism or Masterpiece? (p6)
Protesters Defend Ancient Temple (p9)
Silvan-Qual Rail Upgrade Completed (p13)