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Military Action in SECFanatics

On June 1, 2020, the Crown Prince of the Realm Onder Kelkia authorized the Jomsviking of Balder to assist the notorious raider faction known as The Black Hawks in the occupation of notable embassy-collector region SECFanatics, in addition to the North Pacific Army, the Europeian Republican Navy, Lone Wolves United, The Land of Kings and Emperors, Karma, and the Social Technocratic Union. This became possible due to the deletion of SECFanatics' well-respected founder RBBF by game moderators during the morning hours of the day prior. Although no evidence exists in the forums to give an indication of why this happened, The greater low countries, of the region The Clover Confederation alleged that he was in personal communication with RBBF and that the likely reason was RBBF's participation in a role-playing thread that violated game rules. There was a great outpouring of sympathy for the natives of SECFanatics by representatives and random citizens from the myriad other regions that RBBF extended the hand of friendship towards over the years that he maintained SECFanatics in its original form, both to express indignation at the controversial practice of raiding and to vituperate against the Black Hawks in particular, as several had experienced TBH's characteristic manner of arbitrary military intervention in the past. Some from SECFanatics' embassy regions advocated for summoning the 10000 Islands Treaty Organization (TITO) and even the North Pacific Army to oppose the Black Hawks, the latter in spite of the fact that the NPA was actively and publicly assisting TBH in the occupation. This reporter felt it would be prudent to document the indelible impact that SECFanatics' efforts of outreach had upon the extensive list of embassy regions it accumulated over the course of its existence and so official statements were requested of several notable individuals. St. George, Lieutenant of the United Defenders League, of The Rogue Nation of The Notorious Mad Jack had this to say: "The unprovoked and unjustified raid of SECFanatics represents a new low for the forces of raiderdom. It is especially disappointing to see the North Pacific Army involved and as always, to see a lack of response from other defenders. This just reinforces the need for the continued existence of the United Defenders League and we invite all who share our disgust at the actions of the likes of Jakker, Ms Bad Life Choices and Guy-puppet McMasterdonia to join us in putting on their green tights and fighting injustice." The ambassadors reception, an important official of SECFanatics' rival embassy-collector region, The Embassy, declined comment, citing Balder's participation in the raid as the reason. Ostrovskiy, the Founder and WA Delegate of the region Compatibility, was also invited to comment and stated his or her intention to rally a defender task force to oppose the occupation, until he or she became aware of this reporter's affiliation with one of the raiding armies, whereupon communications understandably ceased. However, Ostovskiy later went on record both on SECFanatics' RMB and in a personal communique that he or she had experienced a shift of opinion about the Black Hawks, deciding that their invasions could bring lesser-known regions better publicity. The Black Hawks' point for the raid, The Queendom of Wedgest, was also asked for comment on whether the Black Hawks had any underlying motivations for the raid and whether power would be restored to the natives at some time in the foreseeable future, but did not respond. However, observation of public statements made by members of the raiding force indicates that the occupation of SECFanatics was only ever meant to be temporary. In addition, some representatives of SECFanatics' embassy regions responded to the invasion with an attitude of puckish exuberance. For example, Yashou japan, Founder and self-appointed President of the Union of Liberty, expressed a desire to join the Black Hawks upon learning of SECFanatics' occupation, demonstrating that the Hawks' idiosyncratic marketing techniques are not totally ineffective. A minor argument also ensued between the Black Hawks' leader Jakker and The Ambassadors Reception on SECFanatics' regional message board about the apparently indiscriminate behaviors of embassy-collectors in their endeavors of diplomatic outreach, with Jakker taking such regions to task about showing no reservations about establishing ties with regions governed by questionable administrations or ideologies. The very same day as the raid was conducted, Federal ashiknya, an alleged friend and close ally of RBBF, founded SECFanatics Reborn as a tribute and successor region to the original. Only time will tell if this new embassy-collector will outlive or outstrip the accomplishments of its predecessor. Meanwhile, the occupation force of the original SECFanatics gave out orders to disestablish all previously standing embassies and reject or abort construction of all new embassies, amounting to a total of 2670 embassies destroyed in all. On June 6, Leonidas valdez of Old Zealand made a sentimental speech in testament to RBBF's ambition to bring the NS World together, claiming that the occasion marked "a very special funeral" and that SECFanatics "almost beat The Embassy" for having the most embassies. On June 12, a small group of defenders, apparently affiliated with or supported by the Anti Fairy Pact, retook control of SECFanatics and sent out new embassy requests to all of SECFanatics's former embassy regions, including several defunct and fascistic regions, earning a disapproving comment from Jakker about the handling of the restoration. On June 16, the Black Hawks called reinforcements into the region, forcibly expelling the defenders, ejecting the vast majority of SECFanatics' residents, disestablishing its embassies all over again, and putting SECFanatics under password-protection to prevent further defender interference. From what can be determined, the initial raid of SECFanatics was genuinely intended to be merely a transient occupation, in part due to the influence of The Black Hawks' allied organizations upon the raid's conduct. However, the retaliation of the defenders invited a harsher policy upon re-occupation. The defender interference, in addition to the lack of involvement by organizations outside of The Black Hawks themselves during the second occupation, are likely what contributed to the decision to permanently destroy SECFanatics and scatter its regional community.

The Storting Ratifies Exciting New Legislation

On May 30, Culture Minister Linkin Maximum (Linkin ii) presented a bill to the Odelsting, lower house of the Storting (Parliament) of Balder, entitled The University of Balder Act. The purpose of this act, as the name implies, is to give the state mandate to an official institution dedicated to the education of Balder's citizens on subjects both academic and technical. Per the stipulations of the bill, the University would be maintained under a Chancellery responsible first to the monarchy of Balder and second to the Storting, staffed by a Chancellor to be appointed by His Majesty King North East Somerset under the recommendation of the Statsminister (Prime Minister) and a Vice-Chancellor to be appointed in turn by the Chancellor proper. The Chancellor may be dismissed by a 2/3 majority vote in both houses of the Storting, while the Vice-Chancellor may be dismissed by the Chancellor as he so desires. Of course, appointees to both offices may be unilaterally switched in and out as it suits His Majesty's liking as well. The responsibilities of the Chancellor shall be to supervise the faculty and curriculum of the University, to decide upon courses of study, policies, and programs, and to determine admissions as appropriate. The supplementary role of the Vice-Chancellor shall consist of making recommendations to the Chancellor about matters regarding policy and to execute tasks delegated by the Chancellor to increase the efficiency of with which the University administration may discharge its bureaucratic functions. Although subject to heavy government control, the University shall be organized as a private institution principally responsible for its own affairs, intended to operate without the need for direct government management. Another bill of reasonable importance was proposed to the Odelsting on June 9, named the Justice for the Realm Act. This act was drafted to replace an earlier version of the same legislation, known by the same name, which was drafted, ratified, and enacted in the year 2013. Whereas the older version of the law instituted a highly unorthodox criminal justice system, entailing arbitration by a party to be mutually appointed by both the plaintiff and defendant to guarantee neutrality, in addition to eschewing a formal judiciary, the new bill establishes the High Court of Balder to order the juridical affairs of the realm, dovetailing with common sensibilities about how justice and adjudication should be administered in a modern legal system. The High Court shall consist of the Chief Justice, who is also ex officio the Vice-Delegate of the Realm, and two Associate Justices to be nominated at His Majesty's leisure and confirmed by a majority of the Lagting (the Storting's upper house). The bill also creates a bar association for Balder, to be regulated by the High Court for the purpose of providing the common citizenry with a pool of competent and readily accessible public legal representatives. Both bills were separately proposed to the Odelsting and the Lagting and passed unanimously, promptly receiving His Majesty's royal assent to go into full legal force. Only time will tell how these acts will change how the usual business of government and society is conducted within the Realm of Balder, but in this reporter's opinion, the effect is likely to be a positive one.

Interview With Incumbent Statsminister Fuzzy (Fooooooooo)

Veles/Rubor:

How did you first come to Balder? What circumstances led you to be selected for Statsminister and why do you believe that you were chosen by His Majesty King North East Somerset over other possible candidates?

Fuzzy:

I joined Balder in August 2012. I just refounded my nation and was looking to get involved. Since I had ended up in Balder I thought I would try there first.
I wanted to stand again as I fancied the challenge again. As for being selected, I won the election, so that decided it for the King.

Veles/Rubor:

To be nominated for Statsminister, you must have held the confidence of both houses of the Storting previously. What notable achievements and relationships did you have before your appointment that may have influenced your nomination?

Fuzzy:

Well, I've been in the region nearly 8 years now. During this time I've served across virtually every position from Vice-Delegate downwards, including a previous term as Statsminister. I've been a minister almost constantly for the past 2 years and a prince for almost 18 months. I've got a long record of service that I think speaks well for me and gives people a certain confidence in my ability to hold the position. In terms of achievements, recent ones as FA minister include being involved in negotiating the Treaty of Aarhus with TEP and negotiating the agreement between Balder and NSToday. I also serve as our region's representative to the organisation.

Veles/Rubor:

In your personal opinion, what should be the immediate priorities of the current administration under your premiership? If there were one singular goal or principle that your leadership should stand for, what would it be?

Fuzzy:

The immediate priorities for my term are getting new members more involved and getting activity levels up. I think that's the main goal for the term to be honest. A close second are the various cultural and legislative projects we're undertaking, primarily the university. But they're largely done now, which is a great achievement, so it really is focusing on activity, and looking for ways to use the university to help with that.

Veles/Rubor:

(What about the second part of that?)

Fuzzy:

As in singular goal or principle? Activity

Veles/Rubor:

What would you say is the most exasperating or difficult aspect of the responsibilities that come with being Statsminister?

Fuzzy:

I think the most difficult part is maintaining momentum. It's easy to come out and make some big speech at the start, but its not easy to keep everyone motivated and busy. I think the exasperating things are when things you try don't seem to be working. For example with drawing new members into the region, it's not always an easy thing to measure, so it can be a frustrating goal at times as you sometimes feel like you're having little to no effect
And there's no easy answer. You just have to keep trying new things and seeing what sticks

Veles/Rubor:

What is the aspect of being Statsminister that you personally most enjoy?

Fuzzy:

THE POWER
Kidding
I most enjoy being able to serve the region I've been a part of for so long, and being able to shape and drive an agenda that allows me to have a positive effect here
It allows me to put ideas into practice and hopefully improve Balder and make it a more fun place to be

Veles/Rubor:

Lastly, what is your opinion on the consitutional monarchy of Balder as currently constituted? Are you happy with the current balance of power between the monarchy and the Storting, or do you believe that one party or the other should possess a greater share of power than it currently does?

Fuzzy:

I think it's an excellent system, and one we've refined over many years. While I'm sure there are further refinements to come, I think it's in a very good place currently and represents a good balance of power between the Storting as legislature and the Monarch as head of state

Veles/Rubor:

Alright, that's good
Interview concluded

Fuzzy:

Coolbeans

Veles/Rubor:

Thank you for your time and cooperation

The North Pacific Hosts RaiderVision 2020

On June 9, Pallaith, Foreign Minister of The North Pacific, announced that his region would be hosting this year's RaiderVision contest. RaiderVision is advertised as a fun, competitive, annual song competition where anyone can submit a song or song remix on behalf of their region. Each contestant will have the right to rank another 5 contestants' submissions to assign a relative number of points, and the contestant with the greatest share of the points by the end of the judging period will be awarded a personal prize and win for their region the right to host the following year's RaiderVision contest. Prizes for the highest-ranked contestants will be the Whole Note Award for first place, Half Note Award for second, Quarter Note Award for third, and the Moves Like Jakker Award for the favorite of the crowd. One song may be submitted per contestant, and any number of contestants can theoretically represent their region. Regions can also appoint their own representatives to supervise the contest to place votes on contestants, with an upper limit of 10 representatives per region. A public poll will be held afterwards to determine the crowd favorite submission for the Moves Like Jakker Award. Although organized under the auspices of RaiderCon, RaiderVision aims at being an inclusive event in which anyone can participate and show the NS World their passion for music. The Black Hawks will be in charge of maintaining the offsite infrastructure for the contest in the form of the RaiderVision Discord server. From June 15 to June 29, submissions for songs from contestants will be accepted, and the judging period will ensue on June 30 to conclude on July 6. The Awards Ceremony to close the contest off will be held on July 7, where the results will be publicized in next month's issue. Contestants' submissions may be posted within the RaiderVision Discord server or on the RaiderVision 2020 forum thread.

Election Season in The South Pacific

June 1, 2020, marked the beginning of the triannual election season in the expansive game-created region known as The South Pacific, and according to the law and custom of that exotic and distant realm, the Election Commissioner Tsunamy announced the inception of the nomination period for candidates. Tsunamy also laid down the formal procedure by which the rest of the election season would be conducted: Declarations of candidacy would finalize on the 7th of June, campaigning would begin on the 4th and conclude on the 11th, and the actual ballot-casting would be reserved for a stretch beginning on the 11th and concluding on the 14th. This procedure was laid out in detail by Article 4 of TSP's Elections Act, which also stipulates that the candidate for each government post with the largest share of votes must be declared the minister-elect for that post by the Election Commissioner, to assume office on the following week. The intervening period of 7 days is reserved for handling of disputes concerning the election results and to give the incumbent administration sufficient time to prepare for evacuation of office. Nakarisaune, North prarie, Agalaesia, and Nation Name Point Point Point were nominated for the office of the Prime Minister, specified in the Charter of The Coalition of the South Pacific as the head of government and chief executive. The Cabinet posts that together with the premiership constitute TSP's executive branch also received numerous recommendations. Rabbitz, Erinor, The David Kingdom, and PenguinPies were nominated for Regional Affairs. Qaweritoyu, Pencil Sharpeners, and Qvait were nominated for Foreign Affairs. Fihami and The imperial frost federation were nominated for Military Affairs. All nominees save for Agalaesia accepted their nominations, in addition to making their own nominations of well-respected comrades to the offices up for vote. Agalaesia declined the nomination with the excuse of being worn out by events. Nakari's platform for the PM election emphasized their dedication to upholding TSP's democratic values and defender military policy, proactivity in keeping Cabinet ministers at their appointed tasks, dynamic response capabilities to both domestic and foreign political upheavals, increasing transparency of government deliberations, and streamlining the procedure for citizenship application. Agalaesia changed his mind about participation in the PM elections and posted his own campaign platform, consisting of increasing government transparency, establishing a joint Cabinet agenda and a General Assembly voting bloc, shuffling of Discord server logistics, and increased recruitment for all government ministries. However, Agalaesia withdrew from the campaign all over again after a couple of days. North Prarie's campaign platform focused around emphasizing TSP's defender values, with repeated reference to the ideology of "defenderism," increased government transparency and integration of government ministries, and staffing advisory positions with proven policy experts. The final candidate for the PM election, Nation Name Point Point Point, had no campaign platform, except to briefly reassure his prospective constituency that his campaign was "not a joke." The candidates for other Cabinet positions had their own campaign platforms to run on. The Minister of Regional Affairs candidate Penguin, for example, promised to spread the influence of TSP through card farming activities, expansion to online video gaming platforms, and the creation of a new welcome telegram for TSP's legislators. Rabbitz pledged to use the Regional Affairs ministry to promote a writer's program to improve the quality of TSP's media publications and the institution of a "point system" proposed allegedly by Agalaesia to reward participation in regional social activities. Erinor's campaign for Regional Affairs centered principally around promoting roleplay activities, making TSP's regional culture richer by augmenting or changing the region's theme, and prioritizing substance over style in TSP's regional media publications. On a more alarming note, the campaign platform of Pencil Sharpeners took a disconcertingly radical edge, promising to cancel all of TSP's long-standing alliances, waging war on The Pacific, and sponsoring a coup of our own beloved region Balder. Pencil Sharpeners spoke dismissively of our proud kingdom, comparing it to a sloth with a barely detectable pulse that could be easily knocked out of its perch and eviscerated. Hopefully, these perturbing, sadistic, and jingoistic comments by the Minister of Foreign Affairs candidate were only meant as some manner of impudent jest at Balder's collective expense. Qaweritoyu's campaign platform invoked the need for more lucid and forthcoming communication between TSP and her diplomatic relations. Qvait's campaign platform made mention of rapprochement with The Pacific and Osiris and building on inter-regional affinities with other significant defender regions with similar values. Incumbent Minister of Foreign Affairs United federated states of omega took the liberty of arranging a debate between Qvait and Qaweritoyu for the benefit of TSP's voter base. The race for Minister of Military Affairs, meanwhile, appears to be going virtually uncontested in this reporter's opinion to FiHami, on account of rival candidate Imperial Frost Federation's inability to produce a compelling campaign pledge and general apathy towards the matter of the election. The election concluded on June 14, and Tsunamy announced the election results as such: Nakari for Prime Minister, Erinor for Regional Affairs Minister, Qvait for Foreign Affairs Minister (thank heaven), and FiHami as Military Affairs Minister.