Imperium OffTopicum XIV

[Celticfury]

UKG claims. Also, sign up info on the UKG updated.

Spoiler :

 

[KaiserElectric]

The Feminine Revenge

Written by Professor Alexander Lowe, University of Vienna​

Preface:

Much of my work has been inspired by the work of others, dissenting or otherwise. The Feminine Revenge is no exception, even if the circumstances that led up to this work are a bit unusual. I will freely admit that this started out as a emotionally-charged response to one Annette Renard, author of the controversial book The Folly of Men: History and the Sexes. I read the book and found it to be enjoyable and well written, but glossing over many historical events that I believed would disprove her theories. I discussed the gaps in the theory with esteemed anthropologist and my good friend Rahul Jain, who disagreed with her views of pre-agrarian society as well. It was then I decided that I would like to discuss the book in greater detail with her. She had already gone on live television at this point to discuss it, so I imagined she would be delighted to debate with me.

Her response, to say the least, was upsetting. It was cold and abrupt, declaring that she would never discuss such theories with a man. I was reasonably upset, as I had championed the rights of women all my life and assumed she would at least be willing to listen to a like-minded thinker. The very night I received her response, I sat down at my desk and began writing what would later become this very book. At first it began as a rant, slamming her opinions and tearing apart every hole in her theory. It was a product I was deeply ashamed of, a work of emotion rather then logic. It was then, looking over this wretched tirade, that I realized something.

Feminism had been stolen. Much like the National Socialists stole a holy symbol and tainted it with their cruelty, so have certain women stolen feminism and tainted it with misandry and malice. I did not care any more for The Folly of Men, simply for the motivation behind the book. It was on this subject that I began writing a different work, one that used Renard's work as a source rather then a target. It was this book that became The Feminine Revenge, one that I hope will serve as a more reasonable response to the growing specter of radical misandry. With any luck, cooler heads will prevail and feminism can mean equality rather then castration.

As for Renard, I sent her a signed copy of The Feminine Revenge as a token of thanks. With any luck she will have read it and taken it into consideration. Considering our earlier correspondence, that avenue seems highly unlikely. Still, one could always hope for cooler heads to prevail.

 

[Tyo]

Enter: the greatest nation in the history of man ever

Spoiler shield your eyes now :

The Blessed Union of Scandinavya

we are simply a humble, proud nation made up entirely of Fasco-communists that praise Allah as the One True God.

Right my Internet is down so I can't really post a map but claims surrounding Stockholm would be great thanks RC

 

[W|M]

Much jimmies.

Such rustle.​

Wow.​

 

[Robert Can't]

Preparation for the update starts tonight/tomorrow morning GMT. If you don't put in your claims you will be named and shamed.

 

[hoplitejoe]

I improved Tyo's flag a little.

Spoiler :

The centre circle was upsetting me

 

[Patchy]

The United Emirate's most trusted news source​

Current event articles:

Economic Growth in Straits of Gibraltar

Spoiler :

CASABLANCA - Ports in Gibraltar and Oran are rapidly expanding to meet the needs of increased traffic through the region. The shipping industry in the United Emirates has grown by approximately 53% and has employed thousands of new workers the ports of major cities.

The increase in trade is attributed by some experts as a result of the extermination of rampart piracy in the Caribbean, making trans-Atlantic trade with countries such as Texarkana much safer and viable. Others attribute it to the reconstruction of a large international community pointing out the recent recreation of the UN and creation of large trading bodies such as MECTU and IFTL.

Whatever the reason is large port cities are undergoing an economic boom and very few industries are not affected. The new source of jobs has increased confidence in the economy, citizens and foreign sailors alike are spending more on non-necessity goods and entrepreneurs are reinvesting their profits into their businesses.

Experts such as Muhammad Fahrida, the professor of economics at the Royal University of Casablanca, state that this economic boom is creating the foundation for a strong middle class in the United Emirates which is vital to economic growth. "We are entering into a new era for our country" he stated in an interview with Al-Haq, "the divide between the upper and lower classes will begin to close as the middle class begins to take up majority of the people."

United Emirates Sends Aid to Vietnam

Spoiler :

Spoiler :

Warning: Big picture

CASABLANCA - The original plan for Emirati intervention in Vietnam as planned by Resolution 4 in the UN has take a backseat due to the controversy surrounding Japan's excessive use of force and morally questionable weapons in subduing the Vietnamese warlords. Already Japan has recived condemnations from nations such as Monaco and the UAR while the Roman Empire has pulled out it's military support for Japan.

Emir Ibn Farouk has announced today that he would instead provide assistance through the United Nations Vietnam Intervention Force (UNVIFOR). Acknowledging that the Japanese forces have overstepped their bounds in their intervention in Vietnam the Emir said that the threat to the Vietnamese people by the warlords was still very real and that it had to be confronted.

UPDATE: General Tariq Ali of the Royal United Emirate Armed Forces has been sent to UNVIFOR to discuss the United Emirate's position in the Vietnamese intervention.

IFTL Members Join Forces to Rebuild Major Canals

Spoiler :

Spoiler :

Warning: Big picture

PANAMA CITY - After the issue of the reconstruction of the Panama and Suez Canals was brought up in an IFTL meeting by Emirati diplomat Kahled Hasni new efforts have been made at returning the canals to a fully functional state. Nearly all the members of the IFTL have pledged to providing assistance in the reconstruction of at least one of the canals.

The Texarkana Mayornate recently announced the creation of the Canal Zone Reconstruction Company (CZRC) which was tasked with restoring the Panama canal. Already independent merchants and governments such as the Platonic republic and the Republic of Gangnam Style have invested into the CZRC or sent workers to help with the construction of the canal. Construction is expected to begin in summer

The UAR has similarly announced that it has started refurbishing the Suez Canal and is receptive to similar international assistance in the reconstruction of the canal. However, due to the UAR government directly guiding the reconstruction efforts all international aid sent has been from governments such as the Roman Empire and the Indo-Persian Kingdom.

The United Emirates of Casablanca and Gibraltar has invested in the construction of both canals, Grand Vizier Nasser Kabir gave a speech to the Senate in February urging them to pass laws allowing the United Emirates to invest in the canals. In late March Emir Ibn Farouk passed the Canal Investment Act which authorized investment in the CZRC along with architects, geologists, and laborer being sent to the canals to help their construction.

The Petty Kings of Andalusia Bend Their Knee to the Emir

Spoiler :

CASABLANCA - Emirati influence on the mainland of Iberia has always been strong but until recently the petty kings that ruled and constantly warred in the region have been allowed to operate autonomously. However the Emir ordered the Royal United Emirate Armed Forces to move in and occupy the region in order to provide a stable government for the people of Andalusia.

OOC: Claims in the Petty Kings article. Sorry for the last minute orders but this took a while to make.

 

[Robert Can't]

Orders Locked


In the shame pit:
Mechaerik and DoubleA

 

[Robert Can't]

Update 3

Winter 2104​

Spoiler :

World News!

First UAR Troops Land in Vietnam

This week saw the arrival of the first UAR troops into Vietnam. Comprised mostly of the Egyptian army these brave warriors donned the legendary blue berets of the United Nations peacekeepers to begin efforts to end the violence in Vietnam. Operations are set to begin in early 2105 so far a few ports in the south of Vietnam have been pacified and are now under UN control.

UN ships lost in the Japanese Control Zone

4 ships carrying UAR troops intending to land near the city of Hue were lost while travelling through the waters that Japan is calling their Controlled Zone (or the JCZ). As of yet we have no word as to why these ships have been lost. Some reports speculate bad weather may be to blame.

Violence in Vietnam continues

Latest estimates put the death toll even higher than before and many are saying that the UN isn't acting fast enough. It is believed that Japanese intervention has pacified an area of Vietnam but since there have been no reports out of the area other than official Japanese government statements no one is really sure what is going on there. Meanwhile this has caused a rise in Warlord powers with many offering protection from the Japanese at extortionate prices. Gang violence in the cities is reaching new heights but refugees trying to flee from the cities are reported to be being shot by local warlords to maintain their power.

New efforts to rebuild Canals

Championed by the United Emirates, founder of the IFTL, the rebuilding of the Suez and Panama canals has started in earnest. The United Emirates, it has been noted by analysts and political cartoonists, seem to have a finger in pretty much every pudding. However despite their best efforts it is believed that much of the aid that was sent to Vietnam was either lost in the JCZ ship disappearances or have not yet managed to reach the people who need it most.

The Folly of Us All

In Western Europe there has been great debate centred on the hormone testosterone. The French call it something that we would be better without - something that should be removed. Counter arguments have appeared throughout Europe. In Monaco the idea was laughed at and the Austrian Alexander Lowe wrote a firm rebuttal. However, France remains a hugely successful nation on the global stage both Economically and Politically, analysts are divided on their options on whether this is to do with forced castration or not.

Critics condemn the UN

Critics of the UN have condemned it on not only being too slow in reaction to the Vietnam crisis but also being inept at deciding on its own constitution. As of yet no consensus has been reached on the constitutional right or limits of the United Nations. There is even little consensus as to whether intervention in Vietnam is within the mandate of the United Nations. The Japanese Government has issued a statement demanding the condemnation of UNVIFOR

Stats

OOC: Shame on those who did not send in claim orders. Also please be aware that large territories are more expensive and that disconnected territories are also more expensive. Also be aware that if you do dodgy encircling claims I reserve the right to change them unless you give me plausible reasons why an enclave of unoccupied territory should exist (See this turn UAR and Volga)

 

[Omega124]

OOC: This was a crosspost with the update. Assume this happened before it. Not after it


"Charles? I'm home!"

Annette Renard quickly closed the door behind her, entering a simple kitchen which marked the first room of her house. The chilling winds behind her were quickly abated, and she started to remove her coat. Ever since she wrote her bestseller novel, her life changed significantly, and barring a legal lawsuit with some Monacan film company trying to infringe on the copyright by producing a movie without permission or royalties, it went mostly well for her. Although current author royalties were not enough to make a living on its own, the brunette haired woman was looking forward to being able to quit her meaningless job as some clerk to a random store and be able to write full-time sometime in the near future.

A masculine voice responded to her, "In the living room. You got some package in the mail, from Vienna. Left it on the kitchen table"

Looking at the table, Renard in fact did notice a small beige parcel on the table. Picking it up, she quickly scanned the sender's information. The sticker claimed it was sent from a Dr. Alexander Lowe, from the University of Austria. The same Alexander Lowe she criticized as being a part of the Patriarchy she was fighting against. Already suspecting what was inside, Renard gave an audible sigh as she started to tear apart the package. Inside, it was, as she expected, a book written by Lowe, defiantly titled, "The Feminine Revenge".

This is why my agent just told me not to respond at all, Renard chastised at herself, Still, any publicity is still good publicity. Maybe I'll get more exposure in Austria due to this. The author shrugged and threw the book on the table, not really caring about what happens to it. She would probably read it once eventually, chuckle a little, then throw it out without much fanfare. However, she had more important things to deal with besides some professor's petty revenge.

Walking into the living room, she noticed her brother sitting down on the floor, next to a chair facing a television. From a depression on the seat she could tell someone was recently sitting on it and just vacated. Not surprisingly, the chair has the best vantage point for being able to look at the television. Although there is a couch near the chair, it remains mostly unused unless guests are over. Annette quickly strided over to the abandoned chair and plopped down. She locked eyes with Charles, who looked up at her expectantly.

"So how was your day, Charles?," Annette asked her floor-bounded brother.

The blond-haired brother shrugged and replied, "Eh, nothing good or bad. Just tidied this place up. You?"

"Working on being able to quit my job," his sister answered, "and also trying to find some inspiration for my next book." Suddenly, Annette smirked; a sudden epiphany surged into her mind. "Hey, maybe I can write about how much you changed since the operation!"

Annette could see a death-ladden glower from Charles after that outburst. Despite what she said in the interview with Jeannette Hiver, he actually extremely resented Annette for getting him neutered. Granted, he doesn't complain about constantly like he did a year ago, but he did not find any humor in bringing it up again.

"Goddess, it was just a joke. Calm down," the author said to save face. At least, I was half-joking. Maybe. Afraid of the rising tension, Annette took her hand and ran it through the blond hair of her brother, much like a person pets a dog. Despite the dehumanizing implications, Annette noted that it always seemed to calm Charles down, as evidenced by his light laughter. "I love you, Charles"

"You too, sis," he quietly let out. Annette sighed. Despite his... maleness, Annette did in fact enjoy being with him. After all, why let him stay with her if she couldn't stand him? Still, the siblings often did not see eye to eye, and Annette wondered if he actually meant what he said.

Those thoughts, however, were casted aside, as the time on the cable box ticked from 16:59 to 17:00. The 17:00 news was about to start, and Annette was dead set on reaching home in time to be able to watch. With the only idea what to write next about shot down by her brother, Annette thought she could get inspiration from the headlines.

"Breaking news from Caen," the anchor of the news program reported, "as an impromptu political rally just started an hour ago in the city square. Exactly by whom may surprise you."

Annette scoffed at the sensationalist tagline. It's probably some stupid animal liberation group protesting over pet cats or something stupid like that. Or maybe something to do with that rumor that President Pettigrew was shagging some Volgan soldier back when she was still in the special forces.

The program shifted to a live coverage of the city square. Standing on top of the makeshift podium was... a man? And he had a mixed gender crowd cheering for him? This is... new, Annette concluded her observations

"If testosterone is the problem" said the unidentified man on the podium, "then I don't see why castrated men are still denied citizenship! With our inhibitors gone, we are just as capable of being rational as women are, yet we're still treated as if we're dumb brutes! I thought the Matriarchy was supposed to bring back egalitarianism, yet I don't see any of it!

"I was born a brute, sure, but I'm a brute no more! I'm not a woman, sure, but I'm not a man, either. I'm... I'm a goddessdamned eunuch! That's right! And I think we eunuchs need to band together and demand citizenship! We'll form a eunuch party! Who's with me!?" Applause could be heard across the square, as the man started to step down and pass the microphone to yet another man stepping on to it,

Annette's eyes widened, and she turned off the television in disgust. From her side, Annette could hear her brother speak. "The man has a point, Annette. Even your book leads to his conclusion."

"Well, even if he was right, and he isn't, you're castrated because you broke the law. So you probably, and most definitely shouldn't, get anything out of it. Now shut it," replied an angry and horrified Annette.

"Bu-," Charles attempted to say, only to be interrupted by Annette covering his mouth, muffling any words to come out of his move.

"I. said. shut. it."

Charles whimpered an affirmative nod, and Annette released her hand. Annette then ordered, "I think you should go to your room, Charles."

The blond haired man complied, and walked out of the room. The author sighed in disbelief. What has this world got to, Annette bemoaned in her mind, Next uncut males will ask to vote, and then everything us women fought for will be lost. Man will enslave Woman again, and-

Annette paused. Suddenly, she grinned.

And I just got my next book idea!

 

[Sonereal]

4 ships carrying UAR troops intending to land near the city of Hue were lost while travelling through the waters that Japan is calling their Controlled Zone (or the JCZ). As of yet we have no word as to why these ships have been lost. Some reports speculate bad weather may be to blame.

Intelligence operatives working for the [REDACTED] in Vietnam reported back the following: on the morning of the 12th of December the aid convoy travelling to Hue entered the JCZ. Following this orders were received from the Japanese high command that any UN ships entering the zone were to be destroyed and all UN peacekeeping forces to be ordered to stand down or to be killed.
At about midday one of your operatives reported that an operative on the other ship had been uncovered. A ship was sighted, an abandoned oil tanker of some kind.
Radio contact was then lost.
Ground observers report that there was no bad weather.

Texarkana is declaring widespread sanctions against Japan. Japanese assets held in Texark banks are to be frozen, and any part of the Canal Zone open shall be closed until such time Japan withdraws completely from Vietnam

We are also drawing up a Resolution of Suspension against Japan for their flagrant attacks on the UN ships.

 

[christos200]

From: Japan
To: UAR

The Japanese government wishes to help in the rescue of your soldiers lost because of bad wheather in the JCZ and will do anything humanly possible to find and rescue survivors.

 

[TheGryphonPrince]

Key:
Red: Indo-Persian Kingdom
Dark Red: Conquered territories
Dark Green: UAR

The Indo-Persian Kingdom expands further into the arab desert.

Guerrilla combat has began around these areas, as the jihad from the imam somehow made it to here. However, neither are much of a problem and the indo-persians will deal with it later. The only counter-measure are more soldiers in the frontier and more fortifications in the conquered areas, but that's about it for the measures.

 

[Mathalamus]

Roman Empire to integrate Bulgaria

Emperor Andreas Laskaris has ordered the region formerly known as Bulgaria to be integrated into the Roman Empire.

Since the japanese has shown us what NOT to do, we shall attempt our best to do it peacefully.



Military forces has moved through Greece to Thessaloniki, securing the area without trouble. this is where we stop, as agreed by the Roman Empire and the Platonic Republic.

Roman Military forces has secured a third of Bulgaria, with very little opposition. seems the warlords decided it best not oppose the Empire.

When Bulgaria is completely integrated, the Imperial Constitution will be amended, giving Bulgarians equal rights as if they were Roman Citizens. It is to protect their culture and their history.

 

[Red_Spy]

Republic of Laos

​

Government: Constitutional Republic currently under Martial Law
Capital: Vientiane (most south-eastern province)
Ruling Party: New Lao Issara
History: Later

Claims:

Spoiler :

Ill update this post when CFC is not being slow

 

[NedimNapoleon]

From: Japan
To: UAR

The Japanese government wishes to help in the rescue of your soldiers lost because of bad wheather in the JCZ and will do anything humanly possible to find and rescue survivors.

Any survivors are to be handed over to UAR authorities or the UN as soon as they are located, the UAR demands a full investigation led by the UN and UAR authorities in the JCZ. Japan must not in any way tamper with the evidence.

4 ships carrying UAR troops intending to land near the city of Hue were lost while travelling through the waters that Japan is calling their Controlled Zone (or the JCZ). As of yet we have no word as to why these ships have been lost. Some reports speculate bad weather may be to blame.

The UAR orders a full on investigation into the cause of the tragedy.

Texarkana is declaring widespread sanctions against Japan. Japanese assets held in Texark banks are to be frozen, and any part of the Canal Zone open shall be closed until such time Japan withdraws completely from Vietnam

We are also drawing up a Resolution of Suspension against Japan for their flagrant attacks on the UN ships.

UAR wishes to ask Texarkana more about the intel it has, as it will be conducting an investigation, we shall discuss this in private, contact the government (me or V)

 

[Sonereal]

Relevant information has already been sent to Egypt. If Egypt fails to contact you before I get out of bed again, I will send Syria the intel.

 

[christos200]

Any survivors are to be handed over to UAR authorities or the UN as soon as they are located, the UAR demands a full investigation led by the UN and UAR authorities in the JCZ. Japan must not in any way tamper with the evidence.

Of course. We have nothing to hide from you.

 

[Ailedhoo]

I, Takis Papadakis of the Philosopher Council, hereby decree to the world that the Platonic Republic, ever set in Plato's vision of justice, is to be heard. Through this radio channel I will communicate political declarations for the sake of not jus the Republic but the globe itself.

First off is the matter that our Protective Caste are currently engaged in: the war in Vietnam. The Platonic Republic, in its vision, will continue to supply and support the UN mission into Vietnam, as a token to stability and as a thanks to the United Arab Republic for its close friendship with the Platonic Republic. General Xylon Toto will operates of strategic consideration to help the UN in its efforts to restore justice to the wounded country, while Dr Lyric Psomas will continue efforts to ensure healthcare is provided for the Vietnamese set under our protection. Should Japan, Viennese counter insurgency or any other forces attempt to hinder our operates then it will known that we only take prisoners for slavery (baring officials that we can 'ask' of course) and that this is not a mission of taking slaves. I hope understood what is not a threat to those who may hinder our peacekeeping forces but a warning.

The Platonic Republic also decrees that we are to continue our efforts to increase the borders of the Republic while the chaos in Vietnam occurs. Yet it is not just our claimants we lay out...



...but also our official plans for expansion, set in line of all the lands we want to own official (including lands we currently are owning) in cyan... o wait your listening to the radio! Well remember to check our primal government website (www.platonicrepublic.gov.pr) and check our claimant database for the map of our "sphere of influence" plot.



As you may gather, we are in question. During the Peace of Constantinople we said we were to give the Turks Romans Komotini as a buffer. Yet it appears we had a... slight misreading of the Roman interoperation, which took up Thessaloniki as a claimant. We demand Rome comes to the negotiation table, for we confess we overlooked this issue and said we wanted the one province to be handed to Rome, not two. We fear Thessaloniki would give Rome too much directive towards Athens, while also denying Greece for the Greeks. This is not a hostile declaration, for we marked on the map it as a dark cyan to ensure notions of our concern while offering the one province west of what was Byzantine but we are concerned that Rome is not taking advantage of Bulgaria and its east, nor even of Italy which the city of Rome lays. I want to speak to Emperor Andreas to talk the matter in person. I hence invite him to Anthems were I will also let him have a tour of the beginning construction of what will be the 'village' which the resurrected Olympic Games will take place, before giving him the chance to drink proper Greek wine. Consider this security measurements of the most noble.

Before I take the chance of "speaking of the Olympics" I have some good news: the Mediterranean Economic, Commerce and Trace Union is official adopting the Gold Standard for its economic dealings, while our friends of the Untied Arab Republic will have their currency as the standard for Mediterranean business. This was decided by the members of the Mediterranean Economic, Commerce and Trace Union, showing how nations can forge great justices indeed.

Now... to Olympia. We are under construction of the site and will inform of further information as it goes along. We area just still organising some planning issues and paperwork but we will eventually set up a special media stream of the Olympic construction so that the world can prepare for the Olympics.

That... is all I have to say now for the Governing Caste must return to debate on the continued crises in Vietnam...

OOC: how is my political strength measured? I must, like Patchy, relate to the formation of my trade league and the attempts at the Olympics to ask on how political strength is measured?

 

[Civ'ed]

The Commander of the Mozambican Armed Forces, Jacob McAllister, has announced that the majority of Mozambique has been claimed, with forces engaged in Maputo. the city shall fall "soon", the commander stated.
OOC: DAMN YOU MAPUTO FOR BEING A ONE-PIXEL PROVINCE AMONG MULTI-PIXEL ONES