Selucia

[Iestwyn]

A New Player on the Field?
June 3996

Yesterday afternoon, officials in the Olerian city of Leona received reports of rioting in an outlying commercial district. When police and press arrived on the scene, however, they found a little over a hundred youth sitting down, all focused on a speaker in their center as she spoke on the merits of various Selucian religious denominations. Bystanders said that the group had been parading aggressively through the streets, chanting "A-VE MEN-SI"---Selucian for "Praise the intelligences"---when the woman abruptly rushed out to them, shouting "Non est via nostra, ne via ad triumpho!"---"This is not our way, nor the path to victory!" The group quickly quieted, seeming almost apologetic.

Smiling, the woman introduced herself as Gaia Salvia Bona, the "Vox," or Voice, of the group. The youths, she said, were members of Victoria Animi, "Triumph of the Mind," a group that had recently been recognized as an official political party of Selucia. "Our Factio (party) is small, but we are strong," Gaia pronounced, beaming.

When Gaia was asked to describe the FVA's platform, another member of the party, Lucius Primus Gubernator, stood and answered instead. "The FVA isn't like the other Factios in Selucia. They are all nobility, they speak for the elites---nothing but a loud minority. Victoria Animi arose when Gaia and I---proud Hosians---closely studied the values of the so-called 'Pagans' around us. We are not so different, and we are united by an overarching value: reason. Reason will unite the good people of Selucia."

Lucius---whom Gaia identified as the Artifex (Architect or Mastermind) of the party, heading the administration while Gaia served as leader and figurehead---listed several items on the FVA agenda, including the separation of Church and State, the shifting of power from federal to local governments, the extension of civil and political liberties, and the recognition of all the various religious and ethnic groups in the Kingdom. At the last, Gaia excitedly pointed out a Felinist, a Jelbic, an Ahmadi, and a Yeudi in quick succession among those still seated. "We have perfected the art of rational, intelligent dialogue," she announced, "allowing citizens from all walks of life to unite in productive harmony."

Our final question concerned the FVA's plans to accomplish its goals. Lucius again stepped forward: "We have already sent a delegate, Marcus Lucius Agrippa, to the Senatum. He has proposed several radical actions which are sure to be shot down by the FN, but that is not our purpose. When the official reports are published in September and October, citizens all over Selucia will hear of our cause. It may take time, but they will rally. And when they do, we will continue to march forward---not through destruction, but through discourse." Gaia chimed in, "The reign of our new Imperator is the start of a bright new age, and Victoria Animi will be there to usher it in."

[Iestwyn]

A People Divided
November 3996

Last month's Senatorial Report was one of the biggest surprises this Kingdom has seen in a while. After years of FN and FTD, readers were shocked to see FVA in the list as well. Our investigation revealed the new contender to be Factio Victoria Animi, "Triumph of the Mind," a fledgling group of students in Oleria.

Reactions to the FVA's record in the Report have been widely varied. Included are bills to allow homosexual couples to adopt children, require the government to release sensitive documents, repeal public blasphemy laws, and---most astonishingly---to abolish all Selucian noble titles.

What has surprised many people is not the backlash against these proposals, but the surprisingly large amount of people supporting them. An unexpectedly loud swell of minority groups, speaking for Jelbics, Pagans, and more, have voiced their approval. In addition, even some good Hosian Selucians have been heard speaking in favor of FVA, expressing distaste at the "us vs them" mentality that has characterized the Kingdom for so long.

After some digging, we were able to find an FVA spokesperson in Auroria. He introduced himself as Marcus Lucius Agrippa, the member who had voiced the proposals on the Senatus floor. "We've been waiting for the Report to publish for a while. Artifex Lucius, our administrative leader, has sent delegates to each major city, spreading our name and explaining our purpose."

When asked about the content of the Report, Marcus smiled. "Yes, we do believe in all those things. Now, don't think that we're revolutionaries---to hijack the government and force the Selucian people to conform to our ideas would not be Victoria Animi. Instead, we intend to provide a platform for all players, both conservatives and liberals, to discuss with reason and wisdom. Only then can this Kingdom reach the peace it deserves."

[Iestwyn]

An Astonishing Upset
September 3997

The surprise election yesterday produced even more surprising results. Last week, we received word that the FN had approved---more, had proposed---halving the term of Senators, effectively relinquishing the emergency powers granted to them in view of the alleged Hobrazian threat. Over the next few days, voter turnout reached record highs. Experts were powerless to predict the outcome, as they had been waiting for the anticipated election two years hence.

A crowd gathered round the Senate Building, awaiting the traditional announcement of results by the Orator. Immediate silence fell as he approached the rostrum. The first item was unexpected by itself---the Factio Nationalista had gone from complete control of the Senate's 500 seats to a meager 81. Next came the Factio Tri-Dextrum, long-time opponent of the FN and the Constantine family, which had taken 174 seats. A palpable confusion spread through the audience as simple arithmetic suggested that, somehow, there was still more. Finally, the Orator read the final result: "And 245 seats go to Factio Victoria Animi."


The crowd's response to the Orator's announcement

Abruptly, sound was everywhere. Many were hugging, shouting, whooping. Some distorted into infuriated yelling, shouting slurs at the FVA's head---Gaia Salvia Bona, the "Vox," or Voice, of the party---as she rose to the rostrum to accept her new title as Curator Regni, Overseer of the Kingdom.

The Factio Victoria Animi rejoices in the wisdom of the Selucian people. For those of you that do not know us, we believe in power of reason to lead. If you worry that our ascent endangers your way of life, do not fear. Forcing change upon any person is not our way; in the coming months, we will send representatives to your localities, learning what your desires are so that we may be effective servants. In the same vein, we will send delegates to our allies, gaining their input. Rejoice, for your thoughts shall finally be heard. Today is the Triumph of the Mind; today is Victoria Animi.

Experts are still baffled by the FVA's success. Current theories point to the extreme difference between the FVA's leftist stance and the traditional conservativism of the FN and FTD, splitting conservatives between two parties while liberals were able to focus on one. This Spoiler Effect may lead to the FVA's success in future elections. The current Senate membership means that despite the FVA's success, the party is unable to push legislation through without the approval of at least one of the conservative parties, hopefully acting as a check for such a radical organization. Only time will tell how events will unfold.

[Iestwyn]

The Implications of the FVA's Rise
January 3998

Earlier today, we had the opportunity to interview Albus Suffragium, a conservative political scientist hailing from our capital of Auroria.

SL: Albus, thank you for being here today.

AS: Well, someone needs to say something. People aren't sure what's going on, and they need to know.

SL: So what is going on?

AS: Well, firstly, people are still scratching their heads over last year's election. How did a Factio that no one even heard about a year ago become the ruling party in the Senate? Well, it's mostly because of something called the Spoiler Effect. See, most people in Selucia are good, Hosian royalists. They don't want to see our culture decay. But in this election, these good, God-fearing Selucians had to choose between the FN and the FTD. They were split. Meanwhile, these iconoclastic, blasphemous liberals snuck up and poured their votes into one party, the infernal FVA.

SL: Oh, so most Selucians weren't actually in favor of the FVA?

AS: No, no they weren't! I mean, look, look at this... *pulls out paper* This is the official Senate Report from October of '96. See this proposal? "All equal under law?" Look at that---"Titles of nobility serve no purpose except to keep the masses down, it is proposed that no such titles be granted or recognized, and their use be forbidden." I mean, look at that ****! Who would support such rebellion?

SL: Well, in all fairness, a recent poll by this station found that more than 40% of Selucians favored abolishing such titles. And in--

AS: Is that a majority? Tell me, is 40% a majority?

SL: No, it's not. But in addition, a spokesman from FVA has publicly stated that all bills proposed before September's election were only to get their name heard, not necessarily because they supported the policy.

AS: Right, and we're going to believe that. These people don't believe in Hosian values like honesty. But, but there is a ray of sunshine. See, their plan didn't work, their cheat using the Spoiler Effect didn't work.

SL: In what way?

AS: See, they were hoping to get a majority in the Senate. But even though they split the conservatives, there were still more of them. They only got 245 seats, less than 250. They got a plurality, not a majority.

SL: I'm sorry, plurality?

AS: Yeah, it means they have a greater proportion than the other parties individually, but not greater than the other parties combined. If they propose some **** like that "Equal under Law" thing we read earlier, they can't push it through by themselves. If they try to propose something that both the other parties don't like, they'll be shot down. They have to compromise in some way, and that's good news for the people of Selucia.

SL: Interesting, Albus. It's been great having you here today.

AS: Good being here. Someone had to say something.

[Lewis13]

Rhiannon Aurora, pictured above, has been noted as giving several of her infamous hard-liner speeches. At a large event in Augustus Burgessum, the 63 year old senator state that her opponents, were "vile" and "offensive to good decency". She said the Factio Victoria Amini were "big-headed, nuanced, anarchists" who "are not viable leaders for a nation on the world stage". She then moved on to a scathing attack on the Factio Nationalistia, in which she stated the party was "made up of incompetent, narcissistic, elderly anti-monarchists" who "don't care about Selucia... and just want wealth and power". She even stated that if she wins an election as HoS she will "take every penny any inch of land the Constantines own and give it to people who deserve it".

The party leader, Cassandra Stevenson stepped down recently, and the only person to take her place is the veteran assaulter de-jour. Aurora is considered bluntly offensive and her colleagues have already scrambled to cover up the gaffes, stating that "she is the only person in our party who believes that". Still, in national polling, she is the most popular senator in the country and has a following in the tens of millions.

[Iestwyn]

Factio Under Fire
December 3998

Recently, news outlets have been ranting about the Factio Victoria Animi, the surprise underdog party that took the Senate last year. Both conservative parties, especially Rhiannon Aurora of the FTD, have been vilifying the FVA as radicals, socialists, and revolutionaries. This came to a head last month when both Factios reported that an FVA Senator had implied that the Kingdom should break from its traditional Imperial reign and become a Republic.

In response to these allegations, we had the honor of talking with Lucius Primus Gubernator, the Artifex, or administrative head, of the FVA.

SL: Thank you for being here today, Artifex.

LG: Gracious, please call me Lucius. Not even the people in Victoria Animi call me "Artifex."

SL: Okay, Lucius then. It would probably be best to start with what's on everyone's minds---does your Factio believe that we should overthrow the Imperator and become a Republic?

LG: My goodness, we don't want a rebellion! That's not it at all!

SL: Then you deny the accusation that you proposed a Republic in the Senate last month?

LG: No, we did, but at the time, we didn't think it was that radical a suggestion. The Imperator already keeps Himself largely separate from political affairs, leaving the Senate and Cabinet to do most of the actual policy creation and administration. We believed it was prudent to make the arrangement official, becoming what some ancient cultures called a "crowned republic," a republic with a hereditary figurehead as Head of State.

SL: But wouldn't that still involve throwing off the Imperator's rule, presumably through violent revolution?

LG: I guess that's one way to get there, but that's not what the FVA wants. We believe that the people of Selucia should be able to choose their path, whatever that means. At the time, we thought that a crowned republic would be an arrangement that would make that possible; what we didn't consider was that the people would choose the path of implicit rule by nobility.

SL: Then you recant your suggestion?

LG: For now, yes.

SL: For now?

LG: Well, we still believe that a republic may be the best model for Selucia, but we will never impose something against the desires of the people. If ever it is evident that the Selucian electorate desires a republic, but those in power are reluctant to comply, then Victoria Animi will be their voice in helping to bring that to pass.

SL: Interesting. Thank you for being here, Lucius.

[rwbrock]

Imperium de Selucia - News Feed, 4086

Ulerothian Ancient Order Declares "Era of Lucianus" Over
An Ancient Order from the island of Uleroth has arrived by sea in the capital Florentia. Guards loyal to the Consul Lucianus were seized and burned in a mass fire dedicated to Setlanus- the God of Fire in the Sky. There has been no reports from the citadel, where Consul Lucianus was said to be hiding. Deserters from his city guards opened the gates for the Filiis Ignis (Sons of Fire) to enter the city, according to rumour. The Filiis Ignis are led by Nonus Sempronius Arius, while the ancient fire order of Ignis Ex Alienus is led by Volesus Julius Ingenuus. The Ignis Ex Alienus are worshippers of the Religio Seluciana - particularly devoted to Setlanus, the god of fire.

Riots Erupt in Former Capital between Hosianists and Religio Selucians
Following news of the rise of the Ignis Ex Alienus order, massive demonstrations have begun in cities across the Regnem. Hosianists have become fearful for their lives, and worry over a return of the paganist rituals of the Pagan-Nationalist Revolution nearly two thousand years ago. The official Selucian Guard have broken up based on faiths, and groups of the Guard are now seizing towns based on their religious identity. The former capital, and renown city of Auroria has seen disorder and chaos in its streets as city guards have deserted their posts.

[rwbrock]

Imperium de Selucia - News Feed, November 4086


IGNIS EX ALIENUS DECLARE REGNEM X HAS BEGUN
The Ancient Order of Ignis Ex Alienus, under its leader Consul de Popularis Volesus Julius Ingenuus, has decreed that the City of Florentia is theirs - and by rights the Regnem de Selucia. The news broke as the previous Consul, Lucianus was captured by the Filiis Ignis - after being betrayed by Senatorus Guards who were sworn to his protection. The trial of Lucianus was conducted by behind close doors, but his sacrificial fire to the god Setlanus was conducted in public. There are whispers that the Ignis Ex Alienus will make the entire population of Florentia convert to Religio Seluciana, specifically through vows to their fire god Setlanus. As the Senate becomes full of Senatorus Ignis, Consul Volesus has declared the tenth Regnem to have begun.

FORMER GUARDS ARE NOW REBELS, HELD UP IN THE SOUTH
Lucianus Guards, those loyal to the former Consul Lucianus, have continued to fight the rise of the Ignis Ex Alienus through violent means. A large number have joined to create a rebel army in the island of Shadar. The Filiis Ignis and the Selucian Guard has been dispatched to the island to combat the rebellion against the Regnem. Many suspect that hidden public support is providing provisions and shelter to the army, as the paganist new Regnem is viewed as hostile by Hosianists.

RETURN OF SELUCIAN IDEALS PARADED BY IGNIS EX ALIENUS
The new Senate has taken no time to begin reshaping their Regnem as a "more Selucian nation, true to our roots." The Senate has recently proposed a change to re-establish the Equites, a class of citizenship allowed sole voting responsibility based on ownership of properties. As well, the previous Consul de Senatus will be reinstated as a Caesar - providing more military power to the political post. Nonus Sempronius Arius has been named the new Caesar de Senatus following the passage of the decree through Senate.

TRANS-MAJATRAN OIL EXPORTS SHAKE, RECOVER
The stocks of Trans-Majatran Oil, one of the largest companies in Selucia had a few dramatic months as stocks plummeted amid fear of oil export lines and vessels being targeted by the riotiing populace or uprising Ignis Ex Alienus. However, a recent announcement from Consul Volesus that the oil "is the fire of our economy, and we must protect its interests" has stabilized the stocks and exports have resumed 60% of pre-revolution levels. Considerable fear remains that the rebellion in Shadar will impact the oil industry, analysts are expected to keep a close on eye on developments. In other news, the shares of the Selucian Motorcycle Company and the various shipyards of Selucia have begun to rocket as expectations of military procurement are abound.

[Aethan]

Selucia condemns the rise of violence in Saridan

After the increase of violence in Saridan, political groups of all positions filled the streets along with citizens to protest against the oppression of human rights in thr nation.



After problems with human rights arised in the Nation of Saridan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Regnum de Selucia, Actea Diaphrodite, announced a petition calling for the respect of everyone rights in the national parliament, supported by all the parties. The governing party, In Marea, called the people to fill the streets showing support to Saridan citizens, after announcing that "The more defenseless a creature is, the more rights it has to be protected by man against their own cruelty. Words are the best weapon humanity has, and it is required to use it to make the Government understand the people, and to make the people understand the Government. It is because of this reasons why we join our Istalian friends in the declaration of their Council of Elders in the condemnation of the situation that Saridan is currently living, and our doors will be always open to anyone who whishes to start a life far from cruelty or oppression".

[Aethan]

Ajax Apostolos announced as Ambassador of Selucia

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Actea Diaphrodite, made the announcement after weeks of speculation.



Actea Diaphrodite has made it official. Ajax Apostolos, 27, born in West Shadar, has become the new Ambassador of Selucia after weeks of internal talks. The new Ambassador is very well-known in West Shadar as he had been member of the regional government since he was 20, and has been always one of the most leftist voices in the region.

After knowing the news, Apostolos has announced a press conference to explain the news. His goal, he has explained, is to build from now on "sane relationships with all the nations wanting to do so with Selucia, and together, make a real change in the international context.
Apostolos has assured that he will emphasize on the "pluralism and generosity to integrate everyone, in the context of fraternity and partnership, in order to build a new society."