Egelion

[Louis]

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As a new era of life begins in Egelion, the culture has begin to shift towards a more uplifting and romantic style. With the threats of poverty, global tensions, and republican threats now over for now, many have begun to look for the pleasures in life. What keeps us entertained? What keeps us focused on what we love? What...do we love? Many have begun to express themselves through several types of art. Local artists spend their time in local shows and museums, young adults venture into electronic music software online, and many students continue with their venture in classical music.  However, despite all the types of art and music going around, none can comprehend or deny the rise of ballads and vintage music. A sense of melancholy, passion, and nostalgia has surfaced in Egelion. Many do not understand where this rise has come from. Many attribute it to the nostalgia of Egelion's earlier history, while some simply believe that the recent prosperity has led to a shift in focus from statecraft to culture. While the arts have always been important in Egelion, none can say that the rise now is similar to previous eras of cultural expansions. Currently, the focus is on music--specifically ballads, waltzes, and other vintage romantical music. The music has begun to trend on social media and streaming platforms. There are currently social media trends that involves people proposing and "asking out" their loved ones with slower, romantic music in the background. Nothing revolutionary of course, but this is part of the nationwide trends towards a sense of overall "love".

One of the bigger voices of this trend towards ballads is singer Maria Mercedes from Altea. At 44 years old, she is one of the main voices of this movement in culture. Her mezzo soprano voice, joined by her admiration of Gaduri instrumental music has made her the most popular woman in Egelion's music industry. Together, with other artists such as Jennifer Maldonado and Dora Ramirez, Mercedes is leading an evolution in music. Why should all popular music be pop? Why must surf-style and electronic music be our norm of what is "good"? Of course, good music is all subjective, but in Egelion, there is an attempt to change the narrative of music. While we may not understand lyrics or fully understand the sounds, it is not about those aspects. Music is about the feeling it invokes in an individual. It is about what the song makes you feel. How can we better understand music on an emotional level? Maria Mercedes writes in her newest book about her passion in her music. "For me, it's not about popularity but passion in the music. Sublimity and passion in the music is my focus. Longing--such terrible longing in a song can do so much for the individual. I seek not the high charts, but to reach the height of the human emotion in my music." 

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[Video: https://youtu.be/1xlj-zAWEfg?si=6TNFbd9eCT9vlQfu]

[Louis]

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At a highly illustrious event in the heart of the royal capital, King Artemio and Queen Anastasia Alejandra were officially crowned and proclaimed sovereign of the Kingdom of Egelion by the 78 year old Arch-Patriarch of Canrille. The event, televised throughout the globe, lasted over three hours at the Basilica of Our Lady of Egelion. King Artemio had the Montalivet State Crown placed on his head and was blessed by the arch-patriarch much like his father forty years ago. King Artemio becomes the third monarch from the Montalivet-Sildavia dynasty to rule Egelion after hundreds of years of instability and false monarchies. The people of Egelion, despite living in an illusionary democracy, are happy with the current dynasty and have praised the previous monarchs for adopting a humanitarian and left-leaning ideology for the past century.

Most importantly, King Artemio's coronation have brought new titles onto the Egelian Royal Family. Because of his marriage to the Tsarina Anastasia Alexanderova and being a direct descendant of Prince Karoly, the last recognized heir of New Endralon and Old Trigunia, King Artemio has assumed the titles: "Great Prince & Tsar of Trigunia" as well as "King of the United Kingdom of New Endralon and Kizenia". The Office of the Royal house confirmed that the King of Egelion will now begin to use these titles officially thanks to the well documented and confirmed connections to the Zyldavian, Rothringren-Traugott, and Orleans-Vasser dynasties. King Artemio, whether recognized by other monarchies or not, will now be an official claimant to the thrones of most of the Kerisian continent excluding the branch in Dolgava. King Artemio has promised that his main focus will be on running the government in Altea, but will also focus on making political progress in Nadiya. With Egelion being a liberal absolute monarchy, decision making and undivided attention is crucial. Thanks to the powers of the Royal Council, King Artemio will be given time to campaign in Nadiya and potentially begin movements to include New Endralon and Kizenia into regional conversations. As head of a large dynasty that now covers three nations, King Artemio will have a very busy time to adjust to the life of sovereign. For now, he and the Queen will hold celebrations at Villamor Palace officially, allowing residents of Altea to surround the palace to take part in a historic national holiday. 

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[Louis]

Since the beginning of his young reign, King Artemio has traveled throughout Egelion hoping to catch an insightful glimpse of the current state of the nation and visualizing first-hand what the nation's residents desire from the new head of state. As he traveled from Norterra in the north all the way to Cartablanca in the south, King Artemio found a nation living comfortably and happily. While he was satisfied with what he saw in rural and suburban areas, the heavily populated urban areas brought his attention. During his conversations with local leaders and regular citizens, King Artemio became concerned with the current reach and efficiency of the nation's CROWN Welfare System. Established in 5629 by King Romulo during the early Egelian reformation, the CROWN Welfare system was a 450 Billion Egelian Crown investment meant to adress the clear lack of social assistance in the nation. Since its creation, the CROWN welfare system has helped lower unemployment rates, keep poverty effects low, and has guaranteed public health insurance for over 73% off the Egelian population. Yet, during King Artemio's tour of Egelion, he found that the system is in need of desperate modernization and new programs to keep its systems fully-functioning. 

At a presser at Sorseula Palace, High Councilor Formoselle y Castilla, announced that King Artemio would meet with all 200 members of the Royal Court to talk about his new decree: a 300 billion Crown investment into reforming the CROWN Welfare System. According to details released by Formoselle y Castilla, the expansion of CROWN would seek to add new medical professionals, a university-to workplace apprenticeship system, more inclusions and regulations of the unemployment service, increased benefits for Crown Insurance holders, an expansion of the child-care system within Crown Insurance, and finally adjusting the tiers of income for those on Crown Insurance. These several changes would not replace the current funding for the welfare system, instead be in addition to it. High Councilor Formoselle y Castilla stated that overall expenditure on the Welfare system alone would be in the 700-800 billion Crown mark for the royal government--a move that King Artemio prioritized over other measures such as continued military expansion. When asked about other expenditures, the high Councilor stated that the  King would much rather prioritize concerns over education, welfare and the pension, instead of other sectors such as the military and tourism. "At the end of the day, His Majesty wants to ensure that the people of the kingdom have the right to a job, have the right to an education, and have the right to enjoy their life properly. While we still support the current robust state of the armed forces, their priority at the moment is sidelined--not eliminated."

Royal Councilor Ibarra, who speaks for the Royal Treasury, states that current funds for the expansion of the CROWN System exist but take away a large chunk of the saving and surplus that the government has operated on for the past several years. While funding is not an issue at the moment per the Royal Treasury, they caution Altea not to overindulge in extra spending simply because it has the means. The fiscally conservative Ibarra family stated that the surplus found at the treasury should be instead reverted to a long-term investment fund or an emergency-day fund to avoid constant withdrawals by the royal government. Even at this stage, the King and the council remain hopeful that the current and future funding for the CROWN system is in itself a long-term investment of the Egelian people and their future prosperity.

[Louis]

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With financial stability and responsibility a high priority in Altea, the financial and banking community in Egelion have now had their third straight year posting above average returns on investments and an increase in international competition. Banks like Cascabel-Otienda, Santamer, and Villar y Zepeda have all begun to make a statement in the eastern hemisphere as far as access to global capital and stable policies. Just last year, the Royal Treasury, led by Royal Councilor Ibarra, announced new regulations and fiscal policies that would maintain Egelion's current financial stability by avoiding overwhelming spending and setting up safeguards at the nation's banks. This has led to an improvement of confidence within Egelian banks, who are not only established in Kerisian markets but international one's as well. Royal Councilor Ibarra's vision for the Egelian Crown is to be stable and easily available for international customers. With Cascabel-Otienda's expansions abroad, Egelian Crowns are now easily becoming available and are shadowing the Canrillaise Fleurs (CFR) in some areas.

With exceptional confidence in the Egelian currency and its position, Royal Councilor Ibarra stated that his family's private bank, Banco Ibarra, will be directly consulting with the Royal Treasury to create the Egelian Investment Fund (EIF), a new collection of Crowns that would be focused on direct investments in different global projects and regions. Royal Councilor Ibarra looked to the recent project with Tukarali that resulted in the successful expansion of its rail and port services in the nation. The EIF would be used for larger scale projects and for potential modernization activities in developing nations. Sources that work with the Royal Councilor say that the investment fund will not overshadow other Egelian financial entities that are operating abroad, rather work alongside. 

Banco Ibarra's responsibilities within the state fund are for "limited access funds" and in-depth regional economic "consultations". Banco Ibarra has stated that all of the funds associated with the EIF are given directly to by the state, but have asked Banco Ibarra to remain open for loans and financing for stability purposes. Many are asking question whether the Royal Councilor has a conflict of interest by having his own company work alongside the government's first ever investment fund. The High Councilor of the Royal Council dismissed the concerns stating that Ibarra was "the only person who could help bridge cooperation between the company and the government." 


Thanks to recent deposits made possible by Petroleon and an influx of trade made by possible by recent port expansions, the EIF is already gathering a robust capacity, nearing over 2.3 Billion Egelian Crowns. As more deposits are made thanks to steadfast governance, many have wondered where the first investments will be. Several Dovanian nations come into mind as well as the possibility of investing into Selyan projects in the next few years. Royal Councilor Ibarra stated that the existence of an investment fund signals that Egelion has reached unseen levels of prosperity in the nation's history and is ready to begin sharing it with the world. With the absence of a major investment entity on Terra the EIF is set to plug in the gap. "Terra is currently experiencing the long-term effects of absent leadership", said Royal Councilor Ibarra. "With this investment fund, we are prepared to take another step to reform the spirit of cooperation in Terra. We are happy to provide and work together on all economic fronts with any nation, near and far."

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[Louis]

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Royal Councilor Mondragon II and Royal Councilor, the Duke Montalivet have announced a new coordinated effort between the Institute of Egelian Diplomacy and Castillo Garibaldi respectively, to intervene in the ongoing political crisis in Rildanor. According to the IDE, Mondragon attempted to establish a diplomatic line to Rildanor a couple days ago and was met with "complete and utter disrespect and disregard" by Rildanorian officials who told Mondragon to "avoid interfering in domestic issues". The Royal Councilor however has able to communicate with officials on the Island of Meriath, who seemed 'relieved' to receive international communications. After a long conversation with Meriath officials, Royal Councilor Mondragon announced that the Southern Armada, consisting of over 20 state-of-the-art vessels and one renovated medium-sized Velazco-Class Carrier (renovated Beiteynuese Carriers), would begin maritime patrols and observations off the coast of the Island of Meriath. This move, supported by Castillo Garibaldi (Home of the Royal Directory of the Armed Forces), will be facilitated by the nations' ability to dock and refuel in Mordusia thanks to a deal agreed on years ago.

Royal Councilor Montalivet, retiring in two years, stated that the Southern Armada will ensure that all trade in the region has safe passage to the Northern Anantonese Ocean region and 
east to the Sovereign Sea. Trade from Canrille and Southern Majatra often passes through Rildanor for refueling and as a final stop before reaching northern destinations, making it crucial stopping point for global. Egelion's own trade network into the Canrillaise states and Istalia passes through these waters leading to a stronger sense of intervention by the IDE. The Southern Armada's command under Major General Hernan Bermudez will ensure that Meriath and its surrounding waters are safe for trade. Royal Councilor Mondragon II stated that Altea would be working directly with Meriath to ensure that the policies coming from Labonne avoid the well-being of the people of Rildanor. "Frankly put, we will not allow yet another fascist state to ruin a good people and send the region into chaos. By reason or by the sword we shall minimize the grave, inept political direction of the state of Rildanor".

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[Louis]

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This evening, King Artemio announced that the Kingdom of Egelion is officially at war against the fascist Vasseur government of the Union of Rildanor. The announcement, anticipated by some political analysts, came after the Vasseur government announced an invasion of the Island of Meriath--a direct assault against the people of Rildanor itself. Due to Rildanor's position as a hub in the southern Anantonese, the Southern Armada and a large 10,000 troop strike force was sent to the Island of Meriath per a discussion with the officials on the island. The Southern Armada's proximity to the Island of Meriath gave the Armada an opportunity to strike almost immediately.

As soon as Altea received the communication that Meriath was in trouble, the Southern Armada and the strike force of the Royal Marines was given the permission to engage with forces. The large Yadraz-Class destroyers sent large volleys of cruise missiles towards targets on Meriath causing large explosions and a dark black smoke to rise from the island. Jets taking off from the Velasco Class Aircraft Carrier launched several strikes in Meriath. Rildanorian troops coming from the mainland to Meriath were sunk by aircraft and by Amateria-Class Frigates as part of the strike force.  Currently, the Southern Armada has reported no casualties or losses.

According to early reports by Castillo Garibaldi, no Egelian troops have landed on the beaches of Meriath yet as the Royal Air Force has begun to use ICBMS and Hypersonic Glide Missiles of the ATENEA System. ICBMs have launched from the Egelian mainland and have no chance of being intercepted by offensive-troops in Meriath. Hypersonic missiles, a new development by the Royal Directory, are now seeing their first time use in conflict, hoping to bring the invasion force to a standstill and turn the tides of the conflict. Royal Councilor Montalivet has stated that all "plans and strategies that were carried out by the Egelian Armed Forces have been successful and effective". According to Castillo Garbaldi, the Egelian attack took the Rildanorian government by surprise as the mainland had no intelligence of Meriath cooperating and plotting directly with Altea--leaving them in an awkward response position. No targets on the mainland are currently targeted except for invasion-launch location, no civilians have been involved in the conflict yet. Castillo Garibaldi stated that the current focus is on military targets on Meriath and for the defense of of the island. "Let's be clear...", says Royal Councilor Montalivet. "We are directly fighting an active fascist government going against its own people. We are not deceived. We are not falling for its democratic excuses--for every minute we waste is the true end of a democratic and free Rildanor."

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[Louis]

Royal Councilor Mondragon II spent the day at the Institute of Egelian Diplomacy speaking to the press about the Royal Government's decision to hastily join a war across the world, when it seemed that it did not include Egelian interests. Royal Councilor Mondragon II answered several question by international media, who wanted more insight on Egelion's intervention. Seemingly, the attention on Rildanor is very international at this point, garnering the attention from many world governments. However, there was no major response apart from governments claiming to support a diplomatic route with the Vasseur government. According to the Royal Councilor, Altea received several messages and classified communication from the Island of Meriath days before the invasion by the Vasseur government. In confirmation with the Institute of Egelian Intelligence (IEI), who used the ATENEA surveillance satellites to scope the region, there were varying reports that the Vasseur government was preparing a major escalation against Meriath--forcing the government on the island to reach out for help. The events in Meriath were not unknown to Altea, as there were many indications--and direct communications that conflict was brewing.

According to the royal councilor, Altea was chosen as a plea for assistance thanks to the proximity of the Southern Armada to Meriath and the quick response the Egelian Armed Forces have recently touted. "At the end of the day, we were sent a plea for assistance against a fist of tyranny", said Mondragon II. "Luckily for us, we were not held back by democratic processes or legislative hold-ups. The king's power over our armed forces and our direct decision to act may have saved Meriath from complete destruction. How would Meriath have survived if we waited for all the world's democracies to even agree that the Vasseur regime is far-right in its power?" Royal Councilor Mondragon stated that although Egelion's decision seemed erratic or our of nowhere, its actions were in direct response to a plea for help, and could not wait for the usual global order to respond accordingly with delay. "While we currently acknowledge the difficulties our intervention may create, we are certain that this conflict will remain extremely local and will not hinder surrounding areas. We truly believe, the conflict as it stands, is in our full control".

[Louis]

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The Royal Directory of the Armed Forces in Cartablanca has stated that a 10,000 troop rapid response unit from the Royal Marines has made its way to the Island of Meriath to help clear our any final resistance from the Vasseur invasion force of the mainland. According to recent reports, the Southern Armada has been extremely successful in containing the spread of Vasseur forces from the Union and have been able to isolate the forces which have already landed on the island. The 10,000 Royal Marines were transported with several Leopard tanks, transport vehicles, armed vehicles, and bulldozers to help with a large counter attack planned on Meriath. According to recent intelligence releases the entire northern half of the Island is in Egelian-Meriath control, while the southern and western parts are still in Vasseur control. 

Castillo Garibaldi confirmed that during the initial phases of the war, the ATENEA missile system launched over 20 ballistic missiles to several military targets on Meriath and on coastal Rildanor to contain the strength of the invasion force. 3 Hypersonic glide vehicles were launched from the southern armada in the Anantonese and all hit their targets efficiently. There were no reports of rogue missiles going off target. The Royal Directory has stated that the missiles strikes before the missile barrages of the Southern Armada made it possible for the island to hold on for a bit longer and wait for the necessary reinforcements. 

With all 10,00 troops and the necessary equipment to carry out several offensive strikes, Vasseurist forces have now set up several defenses on the southern parts of the island--ready for a final offensive. Each day, the Egelian Air Force and the Armada have sent missiles volleys to ensure that all defenses have weakened before sending in a coalition counterattack. According to sources on the island, including imagery released by Castillo Garibaldi, several installation have been significantly damaged and have been taken over by the Royal Marines. Reports say that Vasseur forces have been adopting a "scorched earth" strategy and are burning towns and villages along the way. Royal Councilor Montalivet stated that if caught, perpetrators and the Vasseur government would be considered in contempt of war crimes--but more evidence is needed. It is expected that the coalition forces will take Meriath and secure it in a couple of weeks.

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[GreekIdiot]

Amudim
Himmelshtern pledges tactical and operational support to Egelion; Kohav to help coordinate evacuation of Rildanorian-Yeudis
October 5661
https://forum.prtcy.com/thread-3-post-8978.html#pid8978

[Louis]

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Royal Councilor Montalivet and Royal Councilor Mondragon II have announced that an official ceasefire has been proclaimed between Egelion, the Union of Rildanor, and the Free Republic of Rildanor (Meriath). The announcement came after Egelian and Meriath forces took complete control over the entire island after a successful counterattack by coalition forces. After the island was secure, a communication was received by the Royal Directory that called for an immediate ceasefire. The ceasefire does not officially end the conflict, but puts it at an indefinite pause.

Upon the announcement of a ceasefire, the Armada settled itself on Meriath du Mer Naval Base on the northern portion of the island. This naval base was previously owned by the United Kingdom of Lourenne, however, thanks to quick intervention and negotiations by Altéa, the base is now officially under Egelian control. Renamed to Meriat del Mar, the new base will be the official home of the Southern Armada. With a planned expansion of the base, Meriat del Mar will house several Egelian troops and serve as a major base of operations for the entire Anantonese Ocean. 

With a temporary end to the war, the IDE has pledged to invest in Meriath, with the blessing of His Majesty King Artemio. The newly created Egelian Investment Fund will be used for the first time to repair Meriath's damaged infrastructure and to usher in a new era of modernization for the free government. The IDE has acknowledged and recognized Meriath as the true government of Rildanor and will begin investing millions of Crowns to bring the country up to sustain itself. The plan to completely transform Meriath is in the works already in Altea and involves the story of public and private institutions. The plan, set to be revealed later this month, will focus on infrastructure, housing, tourism, and the blue economy. The ceasefire has shown one thing: Meriath is alive and prepared to represent the true goals of the Rildanorian state. While the situation and reconstruction efforts on Meriath continue, the IDE calls on the international community to recognize the Free Republic of Meriath as the true democratic, successor state of the failed, fascist Union of Rildanor.

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