Kalistan

[Aquinas]

Claims Committee to use agents within Kalistan for research exercise

[Liukupukki]

Lion Pack voted as the fan favorite artist to send to FOMAT
The band chose to perform their song Luna
Kaliburg, Ananto
December 11, 4913


The Lion Pack after their most recent tour of Kalistan

10 thousand randomly selected individuals were polled, on who of the recently famous artists should be sent to FOMAT XVII.
"We definitely did not expect for this to be the deciding factor, but at least it's honest." Said the pollers themselves, after hearing about the poll being the ultimate decider.
"We should be thankful that the people get to see their part in the music of Kalistan that is chosen to represent us."

The Band from Kaliburg, The Lion Pack, was on top of the charts, with 53% of the votes

The Polls results, in %

The Kalistani band Lion Pack has been voted as the most wanted artist to represent Kalistan in FOMAT XVII, and the community seems to agree with the democracy of the solution. The Lion Pack was surprised by this, and the lead singer and guitarist Matt Forest told the Rawk Monthly that "The Lion Pack is proud to be democratically elected to represent us, and we will bring home victory and show our talent for all of Terra. We have chosen a song, Luna, which represents both Kalistan's music, as well as representing the Pensio language, and bringing out their beautiful language."

The Lion Pack's song Luna is about endless love for the moon, which critics and listeners alike consider to have a deeper meaning, and having a possible connection to the mysterious love life of Matt Forest, who has been in quite a few incidents with women. The Singer has not given a statement concerning these allegations, but seems to have the enthusiasm in his singing on the newest single, which is to be broadcast in FOMAT XVII.

The Lion Pack will be flown to FOMAT XVII to Beaufort, Lourenne to perform their newest hit song, Luna.

[Doc]

Kalistani Minister of the Interior denies Malivian "discreet agents" are in Kalistan
Malivian agent is charged with Espionage
Kaliburg Ananto
October 30th 4913


Kalistani Interior Minister Tomas Brand, exasperated at Malivian provocations

The patience of the governing Socialist Party of Kalistan is growing thin with the bellicose and erratic behavior of the Government of Malivia

"First they send one of their spies to the Republic," said Interior Minister Tomas Brand, who expressed clear exasperation at the provocations from the Malivian Government, "after we explicitly warn them that this individual will be arrested upon arrival in the Republic, and then they claim to have 'discreet agents' within this country that are conducting espionage, when there is absolutely no proof that there are any Malivians who are at large in this country. At this point, I can't tell if they are trying to troll our Government or if they really are just plain delusional."

The Malivian Government's representative, a "Kamala Ghoshal" who is supposedly a representative of a foreign Party in Malivia was arrested while trying to debark a plane from Endralon at Kaliburg International Airport. "We no longer have any direct flights to that country," said Brand, "and so naturally they put her on a third party flight to send her to Kalistan. We have arrested her, and the Government of Malivia has asked for her return. We will return her once we have gotten all actionable intelligence from her." The Minister acknowledged that ODEN was involved in the Interrogation techniques in Ms. "Ghoshal's" case, though these type of interrogation techniques are not usually used. "Given the seriousness and brazenness of her arrival in Kalistan, and given that she is not a citizen of the Republic, she does not enjoy any constitutional immunities from interrogation and incarceration," said Brand. "Consequently, she will be detained in the Republic where we will continue to question her, and she will continue to cooperate with members of the State Intelligence Service."

According to Comrade Brand, under heavy persuasive drugs, Ghoshal has already supplied named of several individuals supposedly within the Republic, who she maintained were working with her Party's efforts. Upon followup on the information, it was revealed that most of the names she supplied have already fled the Republic, or never were in the Republic to begin with.

"This grows tiresome," said Brand. "Why Malivia chose to include Kalistan in its powerplay is a mystery, but we believe that it was a country that felt that it was not getting enough attention internationally, and therefore has decided to incite reactions in random countries around the globe with some ridiculous theory of an ancient Empire which has been rejected by everyone else. They are quickly becoming a pariah state, and therefore falling outside the protection of the international system. If they push the matter too far, Kalistan will feel the need to deem further Malivian provocation as acts of war, and will begin targetting any shipping or air traffic, civilian or otherwise which comes near Kalistani territory, because who knows what sort of threat these vessels could harbor. If they are willing to claim our Republic for their ridiculous empire, they are willing to do just about anything."

The Foreign Minister of Kalistan reported once more that the claim that Malivia has contacted her office about anything is an outright lie. "No, we have not been contacted. We read their foreign Minister's statement in their newspaper. It is all an outright fabrication, and either the Foreign Minister is misrepresenting himself to the Malivian Press, or someone in his office is intercepting his communiques, but the notion that we have received any messages from Malivia, either before or after they decided to try to delegitimize Kalistani Sovereignty is a flat out falsehood."

This nadir in relations with a country that was, until a few years ago, not even on Kalistan's radar, is troubling to say the least. "We are preparing all options," said Minister Brand. "Nothing is off the table at this point, including the authorization of privateers to operate in and around Kalistan against Malivian shipping."

[Doc]

Poll reports that 2/3 of respondants are in favor of restoration of Privateer Act
Malivian provocations said to be driving support for Piracy
Kaliburg, Ananto
November 18, 4913


Poll of 23,673 voters, with a margin of error of +/- 1.35 percent, conducted between July 15 and October 30, 4913, by Vrassa District University/ Albin Harris

Kalistanis are firmly in favor of reauthorization of Privateering, says a recent poll conducted by the conservative leaning Vrassa District University. The University conducted a phone and text poll of more than 23,000 Kalistanis over a fourteen week period, in three waves, says project director Dr. Albin Harris. "Using voter databases, we reached out to a randomized sample of more than 23,000 registered voters in a survey. Voters were asked one question only, after we identified ourselves and what we were conducting the survey on. We asked Voters 'Do you Strongly Agree, Agree, Are Neutral or have no opinion, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree with the following Statement: The Government of Kalistan should reauthorize Privateering in the Ananto Strait and in the Anantonese Ocean." If they gave us any other answer than "No Opinion" we asked them a follow up question, about their response, and these qualitative answers were more enlightening than the longitudinal data we acquired from the Survey Question."

The results of the survey showed that 48% of all respondents agreed and then another 18 percent strongly agreed with the statement. Conversely, only 22 percent either disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement. "These results in and of themselves, which we have strong confidence in, reflect a continued support in the population for non-traditional methods of defense of the Republic. What was really surprising was the level of support for these sorts of tactics, which have in the past and will continue to draw condemnation from the World, and maintain Kalistan's status as something of a pariah state." International Law, which Kalistan does not acknowledge, dictates that there should be freedom of movement on the High Seas, but Kalistan has historically reiterated that its security and sovereignty outweigh the international community's need and desire to enforce its will on individual nations.

"What is more interesting, I think," said Dr. Harris, "was the answer to the substantive question that we asked as a follow up. More than 35% said that not only should the Republic authorize piracy against other nations' shipping, but that we should invite other nations who Malivia is having a problem with to join us in our activities. Many of this group said that we should be looking for opportunities to magnify the effects of the interdictions on the high seas and in Kalistani National Waters with a multi national force of pirates roaming about, boarding shipping bearing Malivian colors, and if they are resisted, sinking the ship. That was a surprising response, which can be explained by several comments that we got which talked about patience with the backwater Artanian regime coming to an end in the Republic. It appears that the people of Kalistan are growing tired of Malivia's irritation and are beginning to look for more escalated solutions to the problem."

Kalistan has not yet reauthorized Privateering, but recent comments by the Premier and others in the Government have suggested that the Republic is warming to the idea. The people on the other hand are decisively behind the reauthorization, and will lend political support to the Government and the National Assembly if this is the way the Deputies should choose to go.

[Doc]

Kalistani Premier to advance Reauthorization of Privateering in Ananto Strait and Anantonese Ocean
Actions aimed at Malivia and her allies
Kaliburg, Ananto
April 3, 4914


Partisan Marine irregulars begin patrols in support of the Regular Navy as Privateering is considered in National Assembly

The Premier of the Republic, George Jackson will propose an official re-authorization of Privateering in the Ananto Strait and in the northern Anantonese Ocean by the end of this week, government spokespeople said. The Republic is already stepping up its defenses at sea around the Republic in preparation for world condemnation over the action.

"Rather than jointly condemning Malivia's Government for seeking sovereignty claims over its neighbors and over Kalistan," Premier Jackson said earlier this week, "their world Congress have voted to sanction anyone who responds in any way to Malivia's diplomatic threats. A bare majority on the Security Council voted that anyone who responds to Malivia's war drumming that they will be in violation of what they term 'international law', which they believe supersedes national law and national interest and would be subject to serious sanctions." The Premier, however was clear. "Regardless of what those three nations believe, we will defend our nation from the provocations of a country they refuse to do anything about."

To this end, the Premier has suggested that the use of privateers, one of Kalistan's oldest and most controversial instruments of foreign policy, be re-activated," said Premier Jackson. "We will limit our letters of Marque to searches and seizures of Malivian and allied shipping, with bounties on Malivian shipping. Kalistani private actors will be authorized to seek out and capture Malivian and allied shipping in the Northern Anantonese and if they can bring the ship to port, Kalistan will pay bounties per tonnage of cargo from Qualified Shipping." The Republic will then quarantine the Malivian shipping, will dispose of the cargo on the international market, and will use the money to offset the bounties paid for the Shipping. The Government of Malivia will not be compensated for seized shipping. In addition to seizures on the high seas, any Malivian or allied shipping calling at any Kalistani port will be seized under the Privateer Act.

"The goal is to divert Malivian shipping far from Kalistan. If they do not send ships through the Straits or the Northern Anantonese Ocean between Seleya and Keris, Kalistani Privateers will never encounter them. We have no idea what kind of malevolent goods are gonna try to come through on their ships, and this is really the best way." In anticipation for the bill, all three fleets of the Kalistani Regular Navy, and the Militia Marines have been put on alert and patrols are already starting across the Ananto Strait and Ocean waters adjacent to mainland Kalistan. With the passage of the bill, the Anantonese Ocean could begin seeing privateers sailing within nine months.

[colonelvesica]

Herald of Northern Seleya to focus Expanding the Path to Paradise's Gate into Kalistan

[Doc]

Privateers score first hit against Gau Raksha Paltan Freighter
Ship said to be critically damaged; all hands aboard rescued and deported
Anantonese Ocean of Port Swede, Vrassa
January 1, 4915


Freighter from the Terror group known as the Cow Protection Army is first “sinking” by Privateers

Privateers sailing under the first round of Letters of Marque have sunk a freighter just off the coast of Kalistan belonging to the Gau Raksha Paltan, a well known transnational organization described by some as a “terrorist organization” and which have alleged ties to the government of Malivia.

According to captain Felicity Ross, who claimed the first prize in the privateer war, the Malivian ship, of about 7600 tons was flying Malivian colors until it was approached by Ross’s vessel, a small modified yacht, armed with two torpedos and three 50 caliber deck guns. When Ross dropped The Kalistani ensign, and raised a black flag, the Malivian ship apparently dropped its colors, but was not able to surrender before she was fired upon, and critically damaged.

Ross said she notified Regular Navy who were operating in the sector, and then proceeded to monitor the ship until the Regular Navy fire ship KRS-167 Vulcan arrived to begin rescue operations of the Malivians who had gathered on deck. The entire crew, according to the Malivian Captain, was all accounted for, and were detained in Port Swedes. The ship itself sank an hour after the last Malivian was taken off the ship and sunk to the sea floor.

Ross reportedly claimed a bounty of 22,500 KRB for the ship. Had she attempted to bring the ship into port, the bounty would have been significantly higher. “We don’t have the crew,” said Ross, “to have attempted the capture. But the bounty is more than enough to allow me to replenish my munitions, and make a little grip on top of that.” Ross said she intends to begin working with larger “fleets” of privateers in the future to attempt a capture. “That will have to wait until more people are carrying letters though,”she said. “We just have a few of us out here now, but the word is thats about to change.”

Ross spoke with the Republic before headed back out on her patrol route.

[Doc]

While Grunge and Pirates dominate news in Vrassa, a new Spiritual Group forms in Suldanor
Luthori Spiritual revivalist Movement builds a small base near Sulari
Sulari Suldanor
April 7, 4915


A small group of adherents of the Hosian sect known as "The Path: prepare to welcome Luthorian leader Rosalie Gardener whose arrival is "imminent"

Kalistanis are often drawn to interesting foreign things. The global evangelism of a newly organized Hosian Revivalist movement known as "The Path" is certainly no different. In Kalistan, more than 250 former members of various other Hosian denominations have been convinced to join the new group called The Path and move to the Group's new ranch outside of Sulari.

"I was a Brethrenist all my life," said one new convert who referred to himself as Sprite. "But after hearing Sister Rosalie Gardner speaking in Baltusia a few months ago, I decided that Brethrenism is a far too complex path to my own salvation. For example, Brethrenism doesn't have anyone telling you what to do or what to believe. How could I possibly know whether I am on the correct Path with nobody telling me? I can't figure that kinda thing out for myself. Humans need to be told by those who actually are in touch with the mind of the One."

Another new convert to the path, a young woman aged 20, was very enthusiastic about the lifestyle she has encountered with the Path so far. "Like, we totally got to choose our own names when we got here. I chose Poppy because the flower is not only beautiful, but it also holds the mysteries of the universe itself." When asked what her name was before she joined the Path, she said "I used to be named Poppy, because that was my grandmother's name. Now, my name has so much more meaning, not only for me but like also for the whole world(?)"

The tract of land upon which the Path adherents are building what can only be described as a Commune, is set up in the hills to the south of Sulari. "We're pretty self sufficient up here," said Compound Direct Snow Lightning. "At the Path Center for Spiritual Growth and Change, we have a common house, where we do not only all our cooking and eating, but also our praise celebrations, where visiting dignitaries will speak, where we hold meditation and classes on the Path. Generally speaking, its our all purpose building. And then you see, over there we have our residences: all people staying here, either permanently or temporarily get to live in two person rooms, which let's say, encourage them to be out and about, rather than spending a lot of time isolated from the group, and over here we have the veggie farms, where people spend their mornings, farming and singing and contemplating the words of our Leader."

In addition to the vegetable farm, the group has built their own water and power stations, have working sanitation, a small school for children, and a barn for cows. "We put it to a vote and some members are not ready," said Lightning, "to give up their old ways yet. In time, and meanwhile, we can use their dung for several things including fertilizer." He made sure to point out that the cows will not be slaughtered under any circumstances and will have free roaming rights in the sizeable 14,000 acre pasture adjacent to the settlement. In addition to all its own food, the group also grows cannabis, opium poppies, psilocybin mushrooms, and a small amount of coca, all for sale to ODEN to generate revenues for the Compound.


The Path, a new vegan diner in downtown Sulari, the Path's revenue generating operation in Kalistan

"In addition, we will be generating revenue," said Lightning, who introduced our reporter to the Business Manager, a person named Toadstool Rainbow. "While we've been building the settlement here at the Center, we've also purchased, and cleansed, I might add, a small diner in downtown Sulari where we can sell vegan food to hungry customers." When asked if that restaurant would include any proselytation, Rainbow was explicit. "No. It is just a business. We will have materials there on the counter and we aren't gonna hide who we are or what we are doing but we aren't gonna force it on anyone. We just want people to be able to get some good food in downtown Sulari. If you want to see the Evangelists, follow me."

Lightning went to a small garage where a number of young women all with long hair and white linen clothing were in the process of readying their MoCo mopeds. "An Eliyahu Biker Gang," said Lightning with a laugh. Many of the women rolled their eyes. One of the women explained her conversion strategy. "All I plan on doing is inviting some guys down at the beach to a Party, you know?" she said. "Guys like cure girls who smile and flirt a little bit. But you know it's all God's work. It it gets some scripture in their hands, so much the better!"

It is hard to say what the message of the Path is, but as seekers of a New Message grow in number, look to see more information about the teachings of the Path to come out.

[Aquinas]

Prince Hasan killed in yacht explosion; We've poisoned your beef supply, Gau Raksha Paltan tells Kalistan; Ministry of Defence denies selling ship to Kalistani privateer

[Doc]

Surf Wax tops the Chart with a More Melodic version of Grit
Album verges closer to Alternative, and blurs boundaries between two genres.
Port Swedes, Vrassa
May 18, 4915


Surf Wax Picks up Grit Supergroup Mantle from Sonic Shrine of the Hound

The sound of Grit is maturing, as the wave enters its fourth year. Scene legends, Surf Wax have stayed independent for two record releases already, but for their third record, they signed with the Vrassan music powerhouse VDR, who just released their third album "Jerome". The record, which debuted at Number 1 on the Kalistani Charts has plenty of hard rock on it and represents yet another departure for the folk-tinged Grunge which made the Grit scene popular across the Republic. "'Jerome' is probably the closest a Grit band will get to straight Alternative," said music critic Bobbi Fernandes, who writes for the Grit scene trade "Swedeport". "As much as these bands hate to be labeled by the mainstream music press as 'grit' bands, and are eager to show that they are more than just this formulaic sound, there will likely be one or two more turns back to the foundational elements of the Port Swedes sound before all this is over. There are a number of very good bands right now who are still playing in clubs, and are still fighting the exposure of their neighbors in Port Swedes, But as long as there is an attitude for the music, there will always be producers wanting to sell records."

Most of the Grit Bands who have struck it huge are now sitting in comfortable careers, and in all major cities at any time, there are grit shows and concerts. The largest one so far, by Sonic Planter was at the GMHoF in Luxon, last year and drew more than 25,000 fans to hear the Port Swedes band play. But just as many bands who have gotten famous in the Republic have gone on to some great careers, other bands have fallen apart. One of the pioneer bands of the scene, The Wolf Hound, is no more, due to its inability and unwillingness to record more records.

"The Wolf Hound, who was so influential in the formation of the Grit Scene, just couldn't seem to get back into the studio to make new records," said Fernandes, "and when VDR released them last year, they just hung it up. I think David Drescher is doing radio now, and Jeff Alvarez and Peter Greene from Wolf Hound have actually joined Ted Sorenson and Matt Gill in Surf Wax, replacing their original guitarist and bassist, who both left last year to go back to college. This makes Surf Wax essentially a Grit Supergroup, and they are now poised perhaps to be one of the biggest Grit Bands, and yet, they decide at just this moment to step backward to Alternative, with Grit Highlights."

There is still some good Gritty music on Surf Wax's "Jerome". "Daughter" is a gritty tune about a child with a learning disability and abusive parents. "Evolutionist" is almost folky in its aesthetic. And the lead track "Bellweather" on the record might be one of Grit's prettiest tunes ever. There are also some excellent straight Grunge songs on the record, like the surf grunge track "Whispering Hands" and "At least That's Something." But for the most part, Surf Wax's decision to record a more or less alternative record for VDR shows that even the bands in Port Swedes are getting tired of the attention. When they miss, some of the choices they and the producer made on this record will leave fans scratching their head, but when they hit, like in the Grunge song about sorrow and unrequited love called "Broken Glass", they remind people exactly what they loved about this music scene to begin with.

While the gold rush may be slowing in Port Swedes, you can still listen to "Jerome" here