Atamara Times/3rd Edition

Atamara Times
free	by Erasmus Episcopus (EE)	3rd. edition

Editoral letter:

It has been long since the 2nd edition of the Atamara Times and many perilous things have happened to my family and me in the meantime. Therefore the office of the Atamara Times was filled with dust and the archives half eaten by rats. But I have spent time to restore it to the former glory and, with this new edition out, I hope the newspaper will reach the same popularity it once held. The plan is to publish bimonthly but it will all depend on the reception you, dear readers, give it. This edition contains four articles but hopefully the future editions will provide more reading material. As a service to the public I have also started up the Atamara Bulletin again to provide short new in between the editions. I hope you will enjoy! Erasmus Episcopus di Saladi’ilm

Southasland Dictators – fools or brave men?

One has to ask oneself if the Dictators of the current Southasland regime are some of the bravest men around or just complete fools. After the successful rebellious gain of power by the reigning nobles in Southasland, there have been no less than 4 dictators attempted assassinated, resulting in them having to retire from the post to nurse their wounds. Last month alone there were two attempts within a week. If it continues the present Dictator, Teram II, are likely to be up for the next attempt soon. In an interview with Atamara Times he calmly and in fine spirits speaks about it and informs us of his plans to stay alive: “I believe it to be more a badge of both great honor and humility more than anything. I've been fortunate so far to not have been seriously wounded. Patrolling the streets helps and I've been moving around when I can. I believe most rulers would take an arrow for their realm.” On the question of consequences of this and whether the guards cannot stop them, Teram answers: “With a high enough skill, I don't think the assassins have much to fear. If anything, they view it as revenge if they were part of the previous Southasland. They can seriously wound our rulers, but they can never take our freedom. In the end, it is more of a nuisance than anything.” On top of this the Southasland Dictator also have to cope with the many strong enemies, like Falasan, Minas Ithil and Ash Sea Islands, that have sworn to destroy the current proclaimed Tuchanon III regime in Southasland, even if it means destroying Southasland on the way. This diplomatic situation worried the Southasland Dictator more: “It is definitely a worse scenario than most rulers would find themselves in. Diplomacy is still underway as I firmly believe we can achieve peace eventually if our enemies learn to trust us to our word. The first step is to open the lines of communication in a non-threatening way.” Asked if he does not have problems sleeping with all these worries, we find the Dictator finds comfort in the City of Tucha itself: “At times, although I find comfort in looking out my chamber window at the city of Tucha below when the stars are out at night. She is indeed a beautiful city, more deserving than her current situation.” Here the dictator excuses himself as he is called away to take care of a rebellion arisen in Southasland (see Rebels in Tucha). To the paper Teram II seems an intelligent man knowing the perils and risks of his position. But you, dear reader, are welcome to form you own opinion from the interview. EE

Rebels in Tucha

Last Thursday news reached the world that yet another rebellion had broken out in Southasland. The rebel leader, Indra Arya Putra, launched it with the following statement: “I called the false promises of them who promised democracy, they put us in slavery and tyranny. Time for a free democratic Tucha, join us!” Quickly followed by: “We are free nobles. We are not slaves under those 4 who just keep the power concentrated amongst their families!” ”We step up and enforce a free democratic system!” According to our sources in Tucha the government of Southasland was quick to condemn the rebellion and the infamous Executor of Southasland, Vos Estis Accentator, publicly neglected the rebels by saying: ”Indra, you fool! How many times must our realm be subjected to this prepubescent rebellions crap? On second thought, this means more fun for me when it's done.” Quickly the debate turned into rancorous mudslinging between the rebel leader, crying for democracy and the Dictator’s loyalists, soon evolving into a furious debate about honour, prestige, nepotism, lies, intentions and trust. Soon it became clear as the loyalist grew strong the rebels only numbered two and sadly the second, Jarek Hobbs’ well formulated opening statement was lost in the din of more or less ignoble personal accusations. We bring it here to bring justice to both parties: “Your leaders have failed you. Your leaders have lied to you. They promised new prosperity and alliances, instead of the warfare and losses of the past. They promised a successful military, instead of the poorly run army of old Southasland. They promised freedom and democracy, instead of rule by a circle of elite friends. They promised something different... ...But we have more of the same. Our regions have been occupied, and even the walls and supposed impenetrable militia of Tucha were overcome, by nations that used to be our allies. Meanwhile, our supposed friends belittle us, while we resort to raiding and brutalizing farmers and peasants who used to be loyal to our flag. Just as I stood up against those leaders of the past, I must now stand up against these leaders today. We offer you something different, and a real change. Together, we can create a new Hasland, and take back its place among the greatest nations in the world. Who will stand with us?” Though the rebellion was launched at an interesting time with many of the loyalist defeated by Falasan in Cori, the former General of Southasland, Stimok Caldaran, soon pointed out the obvious flaws in the rebellion: “This is ridiculous. Yes, we may have rebellions. But could the rebels please show more intelligence than my dogs? At least do some planning before you open a rebellion, please. Makes it more fun for everyone. The result, now, will just be the same as before: you loose. You will probably not even cause significant or noticable damage. And your arguments - are interesting at best. Funny if I am in the mood, and outright idiotic when I look at them in the light of the harsh reality. Which is that we do our best, and everyone who had better ideas just should have opened his mouth and should have spoken up. Sadly, this just does not happen. It is always easy to bith around when you do not have to make decisions - and it is always easy to think about how those in power abuse you, when in reality they serve you. Let's get over with this rebellion.” After much more mudslinging the Southasland Dictator, Teram II, cut through the arguments and calmly brought the dispute to an end by the following statement: “It is unfortunate a few troop leaders from our glorious realm found it necessary to initiate a rebellion without thinking things through first. First, Southasland has always sought to form a democratic government. Yet the massing of enemy troops outside our borders, the infiltrators, and the rebellions have not made that a reality. It is rebellious souls such as you, Jarek and Indra, that prevent democracy from taking place. As you may recall, it was even suggested that we have a temporary rotation so that democracy could ring, even in a dictatorship. Second, it has been my goal that all should participate in the functions of the realm and as such, have asked for feedback and commentary on how Southasland can be made better. Yet neither Jarek nor Indra responded at that time. Only when under investigation have they come forward with this rebellion. It is a known fact that active troop leaders who are a great asset to the realm WILL be asked to take active positions in the realm. Tokanan has done a fantastic job with our food supply and has been very active. That is why he is now the banker. He deserves it. Just as Stimok and Marga have been active since day one. In fact, both have shown a knack for military strategy and I'm pleased to have them on board. Yet neither of you, Jarek and Indra, have spoken much or taken an active role that I am aware of. Third, I've been holding diplomatic talks with multiple realms on this continent in the hopes we can see eye to eye and better our relations. It is not easy as sometimes it can be comparable to speaking with a wall. But you have my word that I will do everything I can to help this realm. As I've said before, if anyone ever has a problem with how things are done or has constructive feedback to offer, let him or her speak up.” Soon both the dispute and the rebellion were firmly under control by the loyalist and the loyal city guard of Tucha. The second uprising in Southasland ended yesterday as the first in failure and giving growing control of Southasland to the reigning regime. Whether they then are going to survive or the enemies of Southasland will use the opportunity of internal disagreement to defeat them only time knows. EE

Tournament in Nazia

The small mountain realm in the middle of Atamara, Drachenwald, decided to hold an ambitious tournament last Tuesday. Despite the high prices and low entry fees many realms was almost absent. All realms did send representatives, though, resulting in 85 nobles willing to pay the 10 gold to compete for the two 400 gold first prices and 150 for second. “I believe our tournament was the first in nearly a year to have such large prizes” Skanders Grandrith, Prime Minister of Drachenwald states and continues: ”was it a success? I would say diplomatically yes, we were able to introduce many nobles from across the Continent to our ways and cultures here in DrachenWald and I know many left with a much better picture of our fair realm. ”But the tournament was an expense for Drachenwald. Skanders elegantly avoid mentioning that Drachemwald lost more than 300 gold on the affair. Clearly this is a reflection of the troubled times on Atamara. Despite coordination with the other realms the Drachenwaldian organizers fear that many stayed away or even was ordered due to the wars. If we take a look at the attendant nationalities, it become clear the wars have a real effect on the show as all except the tree to the right are involved in the great wars of Atamara. The winners of the tournament were happy, though, leaving with heavy pockets. The swordfighting was won by the old Carelian veteran, George Schwarzenegger, Royal Treasurer and Count of Kilbranba. This is the first victory for George after a hard fought final. Afterwards rumours started spreading at the tournament that he had used magic. Some spectators close by had heard him uttering the mysterious: “Hasta la vista, baby!” when delivering the winning blow to Gekko Atrox Akylla of Ash Sea Islands. As George was rushing back attend to the Carelian economy, our correspondent was only able to get the short comment: “I’ll be back” from him. The Jousting was won by the undefeated lexxwern Mishra of Falasan. He was quite invincible with the lance – an odd skill for a known infiltrator and assassin. Explaining this lexxwern says: “Joust is my passion. For me that's an art. I only pick up the sword in the battlefield, if the enemy get's me off my ride.” I the final he defeated his brother from Abington with great pleasure. “Felt especially good this time, as I got to beat my own brother in the final round. He had been bragging a lot lately in his weekly letters.” he tells us. Personally he does not think his strait 3-0 wins was that convincing as his rival, Sir Vulcan, was missing. Lexxwern informs us that “He is the person to beat in joust, and I've got a 1-1 win loss ratio against him. Hopefully that will change in my favor.” Hopefully we will see both of them at the next tournament, when the wars on Atamara have cooled down. EE

Battle of the north

Recently the two realms of the cold north decided to declare war on Eston. Quickly they have managed to take two regions from Eston. Rumours tell that the war was caused by a Darkan looting party allowed to pass trough the closed Eston lands. But Krypton the Bold, Prime Minister of Norland assures us that the two realms do not have any quarrels and denies that Darka had any cause in the war. The real cause of the war shall be found longer back as Sordnaz Dagger, Dictator of Barony of Makar tells: “As most people know Eston was given UpperTell and Lamia by Edda (red: former Dictator of Barony of Makar) to keep the Barony safe from Norland and their hostile forces. Those regions was to be returned when peace was established, but instead of handing them over Eston let Darka march right through and attack our ally.” This was the main reason for the war declaration and Norland have agreed to help their ally in regaining the lost regions. On top of this Eston allowed troops from RedSpan to venture into the Barony of Makar. Of this Sordnaz tells: “One day six Redspan nobles entered BoM with a small army and they set up a camp in Wispen. I didn’t think much about it but when they didn’t reply to any of our questions or introduced themself I ordered an attack on them. My shady friend then used his dagger on everyone of the Redspans that didn’t get the first message. I was told by the Redspan council that their troops were merely "missionaries" spreading the word of Da One...Yeah right! In a letter from their ruler I was excused for killing their poor men and he promised to send me another squad of "missionaries" to purify our souls I guess. If they act like last time I will respond likewise.” Therefore the war in the north is likely soon to involve a major part of Atamara, just like the wars in the southeast does. Most likely Falasan is to enter the war to regain the regions taken from them by Eston, but there are no clear signs or rumours of this actually happening. Murat Orim, the newly elected King of Darka, says about their involvement: “If Eston asks us for our help I will send in forces to either do guard duty for core regions in the northeast or perhaps or take a more active role, which of course depends on Eston.” and continue on the aspect of the war involving more realms: “I have spoken to DeadAngel3 (red: of Minas Ithil) already and I think that if MI completly stays out of this conflict then it might be unwise for Darka to intervene since it might draw MI into it. I personally believe Eston can defeat both realms but I do not know the shape of Eston's military organization and such.” Darka seems more concerned with fulfilling their contract with Tara but if need be they think they can handle both. Rumours have also been telling of Caligan Empire planning to send forces to the north and then Eston will have plenty of help against the barbarians from the north. It has not been possible to get a response from Eston regarding their recent lost regions and the war. Barony of Makar fells confident the annexing of Upper Tell will be followed by Lamia to bring back the old Barony border. About Moramroth, Krypton states: “Long hath the mountains of Moramroth been a sacred place to Norlanders. Many hath travelled her peaks and valleys in search of truth. It is widely known as a magical place, where visions are seen. The loss of those mountains during the Eston/Norland war was a wound that never healed. Though Norland hath lost many regions to Eston, the loss of Moramroth was one we could not forever let stand.” It might be possible that Norland besides helping the Barony is out for more regions possible in the mountains. In the next edition we will have a follow up on the development. EE

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