NationStates Jolt Archive

*Former Reichskamphian Embassy, Vegana*

The building was an old residence in the heart of town. Lord knows how old it was, but it had been the residence of some wealthy fellow before it had fallen into the use of the Reichskamphian Foreign Ministry. Shortly after the break between Reichskamphen and the Reich, the Embassy was ordered closed by the first Emperor of Greater Prussia, Viktor Leipzig. Now decades later, it was reopening, but not just to Reichskamphen. This would now serve as the Empire's Embassy to the Entire Reich until the other nations welcomed the Embassies back.

It was easy to tell that it had been recently restored, one could notice the contrast between the colour of the brick where the wood used to be that boarded up the windows and where it had not been. As soon as the notification was given, the abandoned place had been hurriedly restored and renovated to recieve the first Imperial Diplomats in the Reich for many, many years.

It was around 10 in the morning when a Black, armoured Mercedes limousine, appearing to be from the 1940's pulled up infront of the house escorted by a number of police cruisers and cars full of Imperial Guardsmen. Two men of the Imperial Guard, already standing at attention at the gate of the Embassy, moved with mechanical precision to open the door and allow the occupants of the vehicle to exit. The Guardsmen, clothed in their emaculate Royal Blue dress uniforms, saluted the occupants of the car as they exited. The first man to get out appeared to be in his 40's. Clad in a black pinstripe three piece suit, and sporting a handlebar mustache and regal beard, he carried with him the air of a duke rather than a foreign minister. But then, the Empire had plenty of nobles and liked to get some mileage out of them.

Then, two more men got out, seeming to be in thier twenties. They were similarly dressed in Gray Armani suits, clean shaven, with hair combed straight back. The men bowed as the Imperial Guardsman on the left of the door reached in to help the final occupant exit. He was dressed in a long black greatcoat, adorned with red piping on the sleeves, lapels, shoulderboards, and bottom. Through the opening of the great coat, one could easily see a red doublet laced with gold filagree. Around his thin, aging neck was knotted a white neck cloth in a rather elaborate knot. As the man, looking like a picture from 1783, he adjusted his unostentatious powdered wig and walked up the Veganan delegation sent to greet him.

Using a cane, though walking like he needed none at all, he walked up to the man who appeared to be in charge of the delegation and said, "Greetings from Greater Prussia. I am Arch Duke Dietrich von Oberhausen, His Majesty's Foreign Minister. I worked for the Royal Government while it was still in the Reich so I have some firsthand knowledge of our friends in Vegana."

Oberhausen was a political giant in the Empire. He had worked for every government, with the exception of the Protectorate, from King Will the Great until the present. Widely revered and respected, he served as defacto Emperor, performing the tasks necessary while the last Emperor before the current one tried to merely survive after attempting to oppress the people. In the end, it was Oberhausen's work with the Emperor's enemies that helped topple him, making Oberhausen somewhat of a legend and folk hero to the people of Greater Prussia. As there was no clear heir to the throne, he had been the clear choice to ascend the throne before declining the offer. He was nearly 85 years old, but looked to be in his 60's. A portrait of health and vigour.

"why would we want the crusader back? black is the sin of this hater of islam"

~Mular Vikram

OOC: Vegana is busy, so Im sure he will reply when time allows.

IC:
This is GPNN, Greater Prussian News Network.

Duke Karl Kreuz, assistant Foreign Minister under the Arch Duke von Oberhausen today held a press conference in response to the statements of North Star in relation to the re-opening of embassies. Here is a clip from said conference.

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The Duke walked out on to the podium draped in the Greater Prussian Imperial Flag and quickly got to his address. "Ladies and Gentlemen, the Imperial Government of his Majesty Napoleon IV would be interested in knowing what actions Reichskamphen at any point in its history has taken against Islam. More specifically, the Emperor himself is curious to know how fighting for Islamic rights in the Empire, as he has done since his elevation to the higher court of nobles, is anti-Islamic.

The Empire has never been against any enemy strictly due to their religious persuasion. The People of Prussia are predominantly Protestant with a Catholic minority. We, the people may be Chrisitians and actively promote Christianity, but this doesn't mean we hate Islam. It means we the people may disagree with its stances on many issues, but not that we hate it.

Futhermore, the People of Prussia may believe whatever they like, but the government is secular. It doesn't make any decisions based on religion if your a Protestant or Pagan or Muslim or whatever you may be. Under this Emperor, and even under the others, there is a separation of Church and state.

OOC: Seriously, NS, what you are mad at me about was something some ignoramous supposedly said, but I didn't even see. It is a bit unfair to hold me accountable for someone else's actions especially when what he said scrolled of the regional before I could have seen it. Furthermore...that was several months ago. Personally, I am a very religious person, but no matter how much what I believe may contradict what you do, I don't make the mistake of hating you or your religion like so many people tend to do on Both sides of the fence. It is a matter of common sense and a matter of intelligence, and you know me, I would hope, to be a man of both.

The opening of a Reichskamphen embassy within the Reich is a good step in returning to something like normal relations with that wayward country.
Still......this no way marks any change in our caution towards the theology that Reichskamphen and there allies hold...
This will not become the chance for rabbid prodestant to gain a foothold or mellow our attitude against their warmongering...we now more than ever stand guard against the 'prodestant crusaders' mindset that North Star warns of and will support whoever fights it.

Matthew Iesus

o.o.c: I have my i.c view fueled by your threats[to the reich. you were going to invade] and long list of other actions. I also have my o.o.c view based on what i read. thats all I really have to say on the matter.

i.c: Mular Hadith spoke to the council of faith with burning passion. On this matter he spoke generally for the entire body of clerics.
"I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Mohammad is his messenger.
Let the whole world know that we shall never accept that Reichskamphen has a place in our world. We cannot accept them! We never will!
Cooperating with Reichskamphen and his allies is consorting with infidels and devils.
May God bless the vanguards of Islam, that they may destroy Reichskamphen and all the works of that wicked nation. I pray to God to bless all who fight Reichskamphen.
To Reichskamphen, I say only a few words to it and its people. I swear by God, who has elevated the skies without pillars, that we will never be friends. Only hate and war can be between our peoples. Not even Lavenrunz was ever such a blood enemy as you are to us.
God is great,honor to him alone. may pride be with Islam. May peace and God's mercy be upon us all."
Hatusu listened solemly. For once she approved of what her clerics were saying. She spoke softly in reply to Mular Hadith "Let not blue and white fly, but let our only color be that of the green of Islam and the red of war"

OOC: I give up, you can think whatever you bloody well please.

IC: Arch Duke von Oberhausen looked at the scenes from the Cleric meeting in North Star with a grim face. "Doesn't seem like they want to play." he gave a little chuckle. "But in all seriousness, this could dampen our efforts to regain any type of return to normalcy in our relations with the Reich."

"Excellency," Count Erich Verstehn, the juniour Prussian diplomat in the Reich addressed the Duke, "You must remember that Iesus Christi is the one who shall decide the level of normalcy our relations attain."

"Indeed." Oberhausen grabbed a paper on the top of his desk and slammed it down in front of Verstehn. "Protestant Crusaders?" He threw up his hands in the air and laughed pointedly, "I used to work for Iesus Christi under King William. We were the best friends that nation had by any stretch of the imagination. I know that mentality..." he trailed off and looked into the streets below him. "Vegana is fine. But Iesus will never accept us. We're Protestant...and they are Catholic..." he turned around catching the eye of Verstehn, "And for them...that's the end."

"But Excellency, Emperor Napoleon is about as religious as a rock, and..."

"I know that!" Interrupted Oberhausen. "It's not our Emperor they hate...it's our people. And despite the fact that a majority of the population as well as most of the nobility sees dialogue with the Reich as a beneficial thing despite their Protestantantism...it doesn't matter...simply for that reason...because they are Protestant."

Oberhausen sat down with a sigh. "You may as well make the best of your time here Count, because we're only going to be here a short time. North Star has the ear of Iesus Christi, and Iesus Christi has made herself very hostile to say the least. They will give us a perfuntory word of gladness at diplomatic ties, and in the next word insult our entire hierarchy and belief system. I'm sure that within a month or two the higherups will Pressure Vegana to kick us out."

There has been some odd discussion over our stance...
Iesus welcomes the new embassy in a spirit of universal Christian brotherhood...mainstream Prodestantism is no barrier to international peace...What I warn against is the warmongering ethnic conflict that much Prodestantism has been connected with...the 'crusader' mindset...but I say again Prodestantism in itself is NOT a barrier to peace and cooperation....

Matthew Iesus

"What do you say to that, Excellency?" Verstehen placed the Piece of Paper with Matthew Iesus's address on it in front of the Arch Duke. Oberhausen read it and balled it up, throwing it away.

"I don't believe him. But as a diplomat, I will go with it." Oberhausen then paused to rethink his words. "Well I do believe him to a certain extent. Without engaging in religious controversy, I think perhaps he means he is fond of an ecumenical liberal form of Protestantism. I am personally unsure what crusades he is referring to connected with Protestantism. My historybooks haven't turned up any and I haven't been a part of one during all my service to the Empire." Oberhausen folded the paper neatly and sat it infront of him, blank side out. "It's all a matter or speaking Iesus. It's like another language...to decipher what this man is really saying...and to figure out who is saying to to him."

"Perhaps you ought not to be so pessimistic sir." the Count suggested.

"Perhaps you ought to listen to me." the Arch Duke retorted. "This is an active diplomatic stretch of the hand...or as much as we are going to get from them. I am going to take it...but I am DAMN suspicious of the circumstances surrounding the production of this." He paused, "I'll go into it... but I'll go with both eyes wide open. We still have North Star to worry about too."

(Official Statement by Arch Duke Dietrich von Oberhausen, His Majesty's Foreign Minister, and Seniour Diplomat to the Reich)

The words that Matthew Iesus has spoken are indeed a relief to many a Prussian ear.

We also seek Christian Brotherhood, but that is not my purpose in the Reich. Religion is a separate matter from my visit. If you wish to discourse on Christian Brotherhood, I can give you the contact information for the Emperor's Religious Advisor.

No, I come in a spirit of political friendship. The issue of religion is as far from my mind as could be. Granted, as a mainly Protestant Region, there may be some religious friction. But that is not my main concerne. I am here to speak to the secular political governments of the Reich.

My Emperor, Napoleon IV, has authorized me to discourse on any matters appertaining to the normalization of relations between the Empire and the Reich. While religion will play a factor in that, it is not the main factor, or a main factor.

What will be the deciding factor will be the willingness of differant governments, aside from any beliefs they hold about the Allmighty, to settle their grievances with one another and seek a more harmonious status quo.

If the Reich wishes to engage in such discussions, it is welcome to send a delegation to our Embassy or to issue an invitation to meet the delegation elsewhere.

(Signed)

Dietrich von Oberhausen

Four other armoured limos and seven armoured SUVs arrived three minutes after Oberhausen's car.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sir Arthur Zimmermann climbed out of the backseat with two Honour Guards to his side and two to his back.

In another limo, fifteen Praesillei Dei soldiers got out, fully armed, and two more Honour Guards.

In the third limo, all of Arthur's staff came out, escorted by an Honour Guard.

In the fourth limo, four Honour Guards and eleven Praesillei Dei soldiers got out, again, fully armed.

In all of the SUVs, five Praesillei Dei and an Honour Guard got out per vehicle. All of the arriving guards formed a protective circle around Zimmermann and his staff. Two Honour Guards stopped at the door to be sentries, and ten Praesillei Dei went off to patrol the grounds. Two other Honour Guards went out to sentrize the gates of the complex.

Upon entering the embassy, all of the guards except two Honour Guards dispersed throughout the Embassy. The rotors of a helocoptor could be heards outside as three Blackhawks dropped seven more Praesillei Dei soldiers on the roof. Arthur shook his head and nodded to one of the Honour Guards.

"Tell the Praesillei Dei at the vehicles to form the perimeter."

"Yessir." When he ran off, Arthur walked to Oberhausen's new office and walked in freely. He shrugged to Oberhausen.

"Goddamn traffic. Some asswipe pulled in front of us and decided he wanted to go five fucking miles an hour."

Oberhausen's mouth hung open, shocked at the sheer audacity of the man. "Good sir." he stood nobly. "please show a bit of restraint with your tongue. You never know when foreign diplomats may be listening and we don't want to give them a bad impression." Oberhausen sat down and visibly relaxed.

He handed Zimmerman a stack of reports. "This should brief you well enough. We still haven't heard a word from Vegana...only the rest of the Reich."

Arthur just stared at Oberhausen when he scolded him about his words.

Fuck this old fart, he thought. Arthur rolled his eyes at the Archduke's last statement.

"Indeed. Looks like no one wants us here, and our host is keeping its mouth shut. Friendly people, aren't they," he said with a massive dose of sarcasm as he picked up the documents.

"Welp, I'll find myself a comfy corner of this building and I'll get back to ya."

OOC: quick briefing: All embassy buildings in Vegana are in the forbidden city. A part of Vegana City surrounded by rigorous security, this part is strictly a diplomatical parts of town, with restaurants and hotels for the diplomats and their guests when they choose not to be in their own embassies. Ambassadors and their personell are not allowed to walk freely in the city but are always accompanied by veganian security personell. To see to their every needs of course ;). Any diplomatic unit are allowed to have cars and even SUV's. No heavier vehicles than that. No tanks, no other armoured vehicles, and absolutely no helicopters... Any airborne unauthorized vessels WILL be shot down without any warning. This has been done before and will happen again... The Special Diplomatic Security units will take care of any such special transportation...

IC:

The SDS Veganian delegation consisted of 8 persons. One of them, dressed in the uniform of a Lieutenant Colonel stepped forward and saluted the Arch Duke.

"I am Lieutenant Colonel Russert. I hereby welcome you and your delegation back to Vegana and with this Key returns this property to once again become foreign soil under Greater Prussian protection. We are sure you will return our hospitality and respect our customs. Our minister of Foreign relations will arrive here as soon as you feel ready to receive him. We are proud to return this property of which we have taken good care for so long. You will find every accomodation in perfect order thanks to our excellent decorators and craftsmen." He signalled to one in the delegation who walked over to the Arch duke and handed over a big golden Key with the name "ReichKamphen" inscribed on it. The delegation once more saluted and Russert clicked his heel before walking out to a waiting car.

OOC: You will understand if Imperial Guardsmen are in the Embassy, and as Oberhausen is a HUGE figure, I want two guardsmen with him at all times. Would that be impossible?

Oberhausen bowed slightly and said, "Thankyou indeed. We shall show the utmost respect. And, as soon as your Foreign Minister can get here, we will be ready to recieve him."

From: de Volkskrant


Small protest signalling troubled road ahead for Greater Prussia relations?

WASSENAAR – A protest was staged today at the Reichskamphen embassy in Wassenaar by a coalition of human rights organisations, Humanist groups and the Dutch Reformed and Catholic churches. About a thousand assembled before the embassy to hand a petition to the ambassador protesting the re-opening of embassies in the Reich as a first step towards ‘normalisation’ of relations with the Fascist fundamentalists

Green KGP opposition leaders spoke a warning for Reichskamphen not to go down the old paths again. “There can be no talk of ‘normalisation’”, Miranda Maas commented, “The Reich is not ‘normal’ and hence no civilised nation can have ‘normal’ relations with them.” Several SLP MPs also took part in the protest, one of them commenting that the liberal party would support improving relations with Reichskamphen but that they were deeply concerned about this latest move which could threaten a more positive future.

The Christian protestors mainly opposed the implicit support this move meant for the invasion of the Republic of Syskeyia and a united statement of the churches cited grave concerns that Reich was acting in ways fundamentally opposed to Christianity.

Several Dutch Reformed churches preached this Sunday against the abuse of Christianity for political purposes and personal gain. A Dutch Reformed minister called on his “Protestant brothers of the Prussian denominations to recognise that the practices of the Reich are far from the ideas of John Calvin upon which both our churches are based.” With emotions rising high it seems readily apparent that this latest move may threaten to push the two Calvinistic denominations of NS Protestantism yet further apart.


OOC:
Knootian Dutch Reformed church (Wiki) (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Dutch_Reformed#Dutch_Reformed)

I just calculated that if I'd use my full population, there would still be
26.820.500 members of said church despite the small percentage number. Just for reference. ;)

The protests seen in Knootoss were not the only Protests taking place against this action. While most of the population of Reichskamphen is indifferant to this action, a vocal minority opposing the motion is gaining more clout.

Infact, representatives from the Free Presbyterian Churches, and PCGP (Presbyterian Church in Greater Prussia) were sent to Knootoss to confirm their opposition to the movement. The Free Presybyterian Church is by far the largest Church in Reichskamphen with 45% of the population claiming membership to the church launched by Ian Paisley in the 1950s. PCGP falls a distant second with 20% membership. Dutch Reformed and PCGP would find more common ground than with the Free Presbyterians, but nevertheless, ministers all accross the Empire are preaching against the action, calling it "fellowshiping with Rome." The Catholic and Episcopalian churches along with the Methodists of the Empire are adamantly in favour of this action. With Catholicism illeagal in Reichskamphen, Anglican Churches and Methodists make up around 30% of the population, the remaining 5% not claiming a denomination or a belief in God.

Still, only 10% of the Reichskamphian population are adamantly opposed, the majority, about 72% feeling no particular way on the issue. 18% are adamantly for the normalization of relations.

Pastor Vikers, preacher and minister to the tiny prodestant community in St Augustine, spoke as a Christian, a member of the eccumenical discussion league and as a man who had been arrested many times for 'dissent'.
"The irony of Knootians protesting against the reich is priceless....a nation that allows gay marriage and murders countless babies in the womb. lectures the world on morality. Remove the blank from your eye First!"

Pastor van Teven, in a KNN Late Night newsshow, responded: "I know the conciences of the people in my community are clean. We have lived in accordance with the laws of the God as we see them.

It therefore pains my heart to see others who think themselves Christians murder and pillage another Christian nation while also violating all that God has forbidden man to do at a whim at home in the service of idol-worshipping of worldly leaders."

In an apparant acknowledgement of growing misgivings at home and abroad due to the diplomatic outreach from Greater Prussia, the Emperor, Napoleon IV, has opted to address the world on the topic.

We are carrying it here on GPNN.

(Napoleon is sitting in a large, ornate study in a gilt, Louis XIV style chair. Beside him, a fire was roaring in the fireplace. An uncommon setting for Imperial addresses.)

"Citizens and Subjects of Greater Prussia, and people of the world, I come here to address an issue that has caused great consternation and to reassure the world of the intentions of the Empire.

Many of you will recall the estrangement from the Reich that was begun under the leadership of the first Emperor, Viktor Leipzig, and deepend during the reign of the last Emperor, Ian Paisley. This estrangement was born of a two fold reason. First, because of great and deep religious differances, and secondly, due to vast political divisions.

On the matter of religious differances, I feel it need to clarify my position. I am Emperor of Greater Prussia. I am required by my oath to do everything in the best interests of the Empire, even if that involves alliances with those of differant faiths. Infact, in a world such as this, such alliances are a necessity to preserve the Empire and its people. I am a secular leader, not a religious one. I have no responsibility to any Church. My only responsibility is to uphold and maintain the Protestant Crown of the Empire. This I am doing, for I am a Protestant. Beyond that, I have no obligations. Infact, it is my obligation to oppose such Church councils and bodies that would stop the Empire from advancing when their complaints have no basis in fact.

On the matter of political differances, the nation of Syskeyia has always been an enemy of Reichskamphen. While I do not wish any harm to the people of Syskeyia, I cannot say in all truth that I do not support a regime change in Syskeyia. I know many will compare the virtues of Iesus Christi and the virtues of Syskeyia and find that Iesus Christi is the least desirable. To them, I respect their opinion, but I am making no such qualitative judgement on the merits or evils of either nation.

The actions I am taking are not those that contitue making an alliance. This is far from the plan of action, and due to many deeply held grudges on both sides of the fence, likely an impossibility even if we wanted it. The action I am taking merely entails the reopening of embassies and the normal dipolomatic process that the Empire shares with every other nation.

I feel that the differance that we can make will be much greater if a dialogue is opened whereas nothing can be done if no dialogue is had at all. I want to see the best for the people of Syskeyia, and will ask the Reich to spare all unnecessary casualties.

I send my prayers to the peoples of the world tonight, and I also make a special prayer...for peace.

God Bless, and Good Night."

(The Camera Fades out and waving Imperial Flag gradually replaces the image of the Emperor. The Camera then switches to the news desk)

"We have in the studio today two people of great influence in the Empire." the anchor stated. "First, we are quite honoured to have the Reverend Doctor Ian Paisley, Emperor of UberPreusse and former Emperor of Greater Prussia. Next, we are also pleased to have Marechal de l'Empire Auguste Marmonte, the Emperor's Chief Military and Foreign Policy advisor. Gentleman, welcome."

Both responded with a short greeting.

"Dr. Paisley," the anchor began, "your position on the Reich and Iesus Christi is well known. What do you have to say about the Emperor reversing the actions undertaken during your years at the helm?"

"First," Paisley said with a smile, "I would like to wish you, and the rest of the World a Happy New Year. Secondly, to answer your question, I must say that I deplore Iesus Christi. They are barbarians. I trust our Emperor Napoleon, he is a good man, but he must have been greatly misled on this issue. There is a reason our forefathers broke away from the Roman Catholic Church just as there is a reason that Greater Prussia broke from the Reich. And as the reason for the break for neither has been addressed and corrected, we cannot rejoin either. His Highness may wish to imagine that something in the nature of Iesus Christi has changed to allow this, but I assure you it has not. I would urge my good friend Napoleon to reconsider this action as he would most certainly not be working in the best interests of Greater Prussia as he is called to do."

"Marechal?" the anchor turned to Marmonte.

"While I have the utmost respect for Emperor Paisley, I must disagree. What we are doing in no way constitutes an alliance. As the Emperor said, we are merely reopening the same forum for dialogue that we have with every other nation. We are making no radical alteration on our policy towards the Reich, we have just seen that it is necessary to start talking. As it has been said, all that is necessary for evil to be victorious is for good men to do nothing. Instead of doing nothing, we have opted to talk."

"First of all," Paisley seemed less than pleased with the answer. "You are, by using that quotation admitting yourself that Iesus is evil..."

"No I'm not." the Marechal interrupted. "What I am saying is that the Empire has embassies open in some of the most notorious nations on earth. I was making no aspersions upon the national Character of Iesus Christi."

"Of course..." Paisley cut back in with a sarcastic tone, "If you'd allow me to finish..." taking a brief pause he began again. "You said instead of doing nothing, we are talking. I have to say that in the case of Iesus Christi and other such despots, talking IS doing nothing. Infact, talk only aids them...buys them time. We must oppose them! Normally, I would not speak out against the decisions of the Emperor due to the special situation I am in, but this is an issue so Important that I must stand in opposition to it both as Emperor of UberPreusse as well as Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church."

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*Imperial Palace, Reichsburg*

"With Paisley opposing this, I doubt it can be pulled off." the Duc de Centreville counciled Napoleon. "Look at Andre, he opposed Ian. Ian didn't have to say a word or lift a finger and his head is now on a pike."

"I am doing the right thing, and Paisley doesn't frighten me. The people are behind me." Napoleon stated confidently.

"This is not Allanea, Highness. You have done nothing to warrant the people's support yet. You still need to earn it...to build your political capitol." Marechal Marmonte advised.

"I made my case." Napoleon said defiantly. "The people will follow me. This is a secular government and I am a secular leader."

"This government is about as secular as I am Asian." the obviously French/German Centreville Piped in. "You may want to rule a secular state, but the state you inherited is far from it."

"I am keeping the Embassy." Napoleon stated definitively. "Now I have work to do."

OOC: Also Knootoss, I felt I would just have to address your comment too

IC: "As the head representative of the Free Presbyterian Church to Knootoss, I must say that we completely refute this entire business with Gay Marriage, female ministers, abortions, and all of the other corruptions we have seen...yet we stand united with the Knootian Churches in opposition to any dialogue with the Reich."

-Rev. Dr. Mark Allison

"What can i say to my brothers in faith....especially those in Knootness...
You call yourself Christians, yet you forget the countless millions murdered in the crimson abortion holocaust but rally against the actions of Iesus Christi...
You embrace homosexual marriage while you protest against the midguided romanism of Iesus Christi....
You embrace commerce and consumerism while berating the Iesus life style of simply christianity ...
You listen to your female pastors preach Christs words of peace and brotherhood yet ignore the message....
I am an Iesus Citizen, I am a Christian, I have suffered and been thrown in prison for my faith....and yet I believe firmly that we must have diplomatic and open ties, else how will the true message of Christ flourish?
Still, I have little doubt the baby butchers of Knootness and other extremists will disagree with me. To these people I say "peace, brotherhood and my prayers for your lost hearts"
Yours in Christ.
Pastor Vikers

In a handwritten letter addressed to Matthew Iesus, the Emperor Napoleon wrote:
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Dear Matthew,

It has come to my attention that there are also many misunderstandings about the position of the Greater Prussian government on religious matters.
I must echo the sentiments of my colleague and foreign minister, the Arch Duke von Oberhausen, when I say that the government of Greater Prussia has no official stand on any religious matters other than those specifically dealt with in the law code of Greater Prussia.
Those stances dealt with impose religious freedom to all Christian nations, regardless of denomination.
While Greater Prussia is a mostly Protestant region, you will notice that the 3rd in command, the Imperial Arch Treasurer, is a very Catholic nation named Cav. You will also note that by my hand I signed a decree creating the Kingdom of Burgundy, a Kingdom that is as Catholic as Prussia is Protestant in order to give Catholic nations a greater voice within the Empire, appointing as it's King, a Catholic noble from the Cardinalatial See of Cherry Ridge.
Unlike Emperor Paisley, and the late, short-ruling, deposed Emperor Andre Leipzig, I do not find it necessary that my religious convictions be the centrepiece of my rule or my government. Infact, I take a strict constructionalist approach to the lawcode of the Empire which would not allow it to be so.
What we seek is not an alliance with the Reich, what we seek is more of what could be termed as a "tolerance". While the Reich and Greater Prussia have vastly differant beliefs and structures, we share some common goals, and if we are to be actively in opposition to one another, neither can accomplish anything.
We must lay aside our differances for the betterment of our respective regions, and recognize that the greater good of our peoples comes before any petty differances we may have.

Sincerely,

(Signed) Napoleon

-----------------------------
His Imperial Highness,
Napoleon IV
Emperor of Greater Prussia
and all the Greater Prussians
King of Burgundy and Allanea

The wonderful nation of Vegana think it is a sad day when brothers of Faith makes war. The Harlot is out there snaring humanity in her sick womb and making slaves of once proud nations. This is not something we will let the Deamonspawn do without resistance. That is why the Benevolent Jaar thinks it important to have communications between nations, not through news channels but eye to eye, brother to brother and sister to sister. The corrupt governement of Knootoss blames us for making war on other christians but forgets that its not the label of a country but their actions that meets our judgement.

We do not care if a slaver nation labels themselves as good christians, we do not let the false pretention of being good christians shield a hive of terrorists from our righteous wrath! We do not let the pawns of the Nephilim take false protection under faith!

I hear Brother Paisley spew his fears and his hatred against the Reich. We are both old men mr. Paisley, it is awful when doubt creeps into your mind and only a strengthened hatred can keep the deamons away. With age there should come wisdom, not more hatred. You can choose to live in the past or embrace the future, a future of unity and peace. I also see the loathsome Knootians trying to spread strife among the brothers with beautiful words of Morale. Some of us remember the Knootians attacks on the poor people in Tanah Burung, we also remember their monetary meddling in Lavenrunz...

Once more I tell you brothers and sisters, they say that the Reich is evil, but nowhere else are the people living in such harmony and safety as here. Time and time again external powers tries to force their way of life upon us but they constantly fail. The Reich is an island in an ever changing river, only we are remain stable.

~The Most Benevolent Jaar

Vegana City, The Forbidden City, Embassy of Greater Prussia

The unmarked car came up to the embassy gates and a man leaned out through the window:

-"The minister to see mr. Oberhausen"

The car patiently waited for the gates to open.

The Imperial Guardsmen saluted, and popped to attention. "Right this way Herr Minister." the one said as the gates opened. The Imperial Guardsmen inside saluted as the car passed.

OOC: I will do more later.

OOC: Sorry, Vegana. The helocoptors never existed, then. The guards came by SUV and limo.
===========================
Two snipers on the roof had their sights trained on the driver and one on the gas door as the car rolled in. Should they pull anything, the snipers will fire, sending the car bursting into flames.

On the ground, two Honour Guards, standing at ten feet tall, and clearly NOT human, looked at the car with curiousity.

Approaching car They radioed to the door"men" in their native tounge.

The two Honour Guards at the door and six others at the steps waited paitently for the diplomats. Two Praesillei Dei Guardsmen came out of the building, escorting a gold-clad armoured Praesillei Dei -- who was head of Embassy Security. The Praesillei Dei were carrying OICW25-2A battle weapons, while the Head of Security carried only an energy sword, but it was tucked away. (OOC: Yes, I know I'm a HALO freak.)


Inside, Arthur Zimmermann finished his breifing and got on the secure channel with the gate guards.

Do not, repeat, do NOT form the perimeter.

Each limo and SUV was heavily armoured, and each had the ability to transform into a stationary tank or heavy machine gun battery. This transformation and the placement of them to secure the gates is called "Forming the perimeter." Arthur saw that Vegana has a "shoot first, questions later" policy when it comes to defending diplomats, and Oberhausen would be angry if he angered their hosts.

Zimmermann walked over to Oberhausen's office and walked in.

"You've got more visitors. Some minister. Probably someone important. The Guards out there didn't give me much info."

The door of the car opened and he slowly stepped out of the car, at age 65 he was starting to have a bad back and the trip here this morning had caused a bit more pain than he liked. He hated that he couldn't stretch out in front of the foreigners, but this was an official business. He looked forward to the massage he would receive back in his office when he was done here. He watched the guards with interest: My my what big teeth you have grandmother... He thought as he walked up to the person dressed in gold, smiled and stretched out his hand.

-"I'm Harald Wang, minister of Foreign relations. Glad to see some friendly prussian faces in Vegana."

The Head of Security smiled as he shook the minister's hand, but you couldn't see the smile under the battle helmet and mask. (OOC: Think Gold-clad HALO Spartan armor)

"You must not be reffering to the Honour Guards, then," the HoS said. The two other Praesillei Dei were scanning the minister for weapons of any sort with the HUD display. Even old men can fight. When the guard on the left looked down at the minister, the HoS silently acknowledged it. That was the signal for "all clear."

"Well, follow me, and I shall show you to Oberhausen."

He looked them up and down and then Flashed a smile at the Head of Security.

-"Well, those lads looks friendly enough. I hear the soil here in the forbidden city is perfect for Gardening." He followed the Head of Security happily chatting.

The Arch Duke met the guards and the Veganan minister halfway to his office. "Gentleman, thankyou." he said to the guards. "That will be all." he gave them a half hearted salute. The guards turned a military corner and walked away.

"So glad you could come." Oberhausen said, putting his arm around the minister as they walked into his office. There were two or three men packing his effects. "Get out of here, we have a private meeting." the Arch Duke said to the men who were variously on a ladder getting books from a book shelf, cleaning desk drawers and lifting a safe. "I'm sure you heard that the Empire is withdrawing from Metus. I have been recalled by the Emperor to begin an international tour for support for the Empire. I am going to be out of here by noon tommorrow, but I will send one of my best men to fill the post."

Reaching into a cabinet, he pulled out a bottle of scotch and box of "Napoleon" Cigars, specially rolled in honour of the coronation of the new Emperor. "Care for something?" he asked as he poured himself a glass and cut a cigar.

"In any case...." Oberhausen murmered, lighting his cigar, "we have a very testy situation to say the least with North Star and perhaps Iesus Christi as well..." he closed the lighter and sat it down. "I worked for Iesus Christi for years. I know their mindset...and they will not compromise." the Arch duke moved towards his large leather chair and sat in it. "Pardon my manners...do sit down."

"The root cause of our differances lie in our religion. Both Iesus Christi and the Greater Prussian Empire are deeply steeped in their respective relgions, Protestantism and Catholicism. While Catholicism is making some inroads in the Empire...some big ones...the fundamental differance remains. There are many in the government who genuinely believe that the Pope is the Anti-Christ and the whole Catholic religion is blasphemy...and their positions are firmly secured both by virtue of their power and the will of the people which has turned more to matters of the faith in recent years due to the 'Paisley revival'. Iesus cannot demand that these members of the government change their religious views just as the Emperor, by virtue of Paisley's law code cannot ask anyone of any faith to change thier religion. The Protestantism of the Empire will remain until such time as it collapses...and if this is what is keeping the Empire and the Reich from even talking to eachother...then there can be no reconcilation of differances until such time as the government of the Reich realizes that it cannot demand total conformity to its views from all people who wish to have any dialogue with it. I understand that the situation as I may see it may be quite differant than in actuality, but this is what I has been demonstrated to me, especially through many sources I still maintain."

Taking a sip of his scotch, he began to address the next point. "One thing that the Greater Prussian Empire supports you in absolutely is the war against Syskeyia. Whether or not we are able to come out and specifically do anything right now is of great question due to our newly found situation in the world...but all you need to do is ask and any help we can provide you is yours. We are quite eager to see that sink of corruption vanish beneath any force...be it the Reich or whomever decides to finally finish it off."

Arthur was sitting on a far chair. He was there, but he didn't say anything. He decided it would be better for everyone if the Archduke carried out everything.

As soon as the conversation ended. The honourable representative was shown to the door and the Arch Duke took the next plane back to the Empire.

The official order of the Emperor two weeks later to close the Embassy and return all diplomats home did not come as a surprise to many and went relatively unnoticed in the grander scheme of things.

Napoleon wrote a letter to Matthew Iesus in explanation.

Matthew,

With it becoming more and more apparant that there can be no consenus between our Empires, and the great stuggle we both face at present requiring both of our separate diplomatic resourses, I have decided to close the Embassy and remove the thorn from your side.

My sincere appologies,

-Napoleon
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Napoleon sat in his office and sighed. His dream had been broken. "Damn religious zealots...Paisley....Iesus...I want nothing to do with them." he sighed as he poured himself a glass of Scotch and and another for the newly returned Arch Duke.

"Highness." the Arch Duke said, "It certainly didn't help my position that the crown at home was giving mixed messages about its intentions while I assured them of one thing, you kept worrying them of another." the Duke took a small sip. "Highness..."

"Yes Dietrich?"

"I know who you are...but these Reichers and the rest of the world don't. At the same time as you extend untold religious freedoms to the people of the Empire...you go out and authorize a sectarian conference within the Empire. Why?"

Napoleon stared blankly, finally realizing that it was his own fault. "I shouldn't have...but that won't undo it now will it?"

"The question remains...WHY did you do it? I know you're not a Protestant or a Catholic or an anything...why did you put the Crown's stamp on a purely religious thing at the same time maintaining that the Crown had no religious position?"

"It didn't but..."

"Thats right. It didn't before you authorized it. Now it does."

Napoleon turned his chair to an angle and glanced at the large painting of King William hanging on his study wall. "The reason I did it..." he turned back around to face the Arch Duke, "Is because the Arch Chancellor was holding it, and if I authorized it, he would be able to get some money to run it. I shouldn't have let him hold it in the first place..."

"Highness, the Greater Prussian Empire is probably the most Protestant political entity on the face of the earth. I understand the pressures on you to make decisions and act in the favour of the Protestants. But we also have Burgundy and the Catholics there. We have Catholics abroad that we have to deal with. You cannot take ANY position on these issues. Let Dr. Paisley do it, but you don't touch it." Oberhausen sat down his empty glass.

"Dietrich." Napoleon looked at him square in the eye. "If anyone else spoke to me the way you are, I'd have them killed."

"I know, sire. But I'm old. I can afford to die, but I can't afford to see my Emperor and my Empire stumble." He poured himself another glass. "You are a popular leader, Napoleon. The Empire loves you. But you are not popular out there in the rest of the world. Not everyone loves you. Infact, I'm sure there are plenty of people that already hate you in the Reich and in Melkor's gaggle of loonies. There will be more people to hate you as time goes by...but there will also be more people that will love you as we here do. You are only thirty years old. I am an old, old man. Though you are smart, I have been around longer. Leave the foreign policy to me, if you will?"

Napoleon drained his own glass of scotch in a large gulp and slammed it down on the table. "Yes. You're right. Do what you have to do."

The Arch Duke pulled out his chair and stood up. "Highess, my flight will be leaving soon. I've got a whirlwind trip to several nations."

King Jason Conners of the Conservative Empire drove up the main drive of the palace, and exited the limousine. By the look of his face, it was apparent he was here to express some serious concerns and disagreements. An Imperial Guardsmen met him as he walked through the front door. "I have an appointment of utmost importance with the Emperor, please take me to him immediately kind sir." his voice was stern, but he did not rush the Guardsmen or order him; he had the utmost respect for those in the Armed Forces.

The Guardsmen opened the door for him and shut it after he entered the Emperor's Office. "Good to see you Emperor Napoleon. I suppose you can only guess why I have come here today, but just in case you have any doubts regarding my and my people's concerns and dislike for this 'Reich' business allow me to state it fully and openly. As the leader of the Conservative Empire, as a soldier, as a husband, a father, and a Christian....I will not, nor ever will, support opening up channels between Greater Prussia and The Reich. Never have I seen such a...gathering of despots and ecumenists, bent on 'unifying' all churches and worldly thoughts. And for them to compare us to Crusaders!? How dare they compare us to the war started by muslims and demonized against the Christians! I refuse to support your decisions and actions in this matter. I have the utmost respect for you Napoleon, perhaps that is why I am in such a fluster over this. I have come to urge you to shutdown what has started, and turn away from this course. This is just a wish of mine, not a demand, not an ultimatum, a simple request." He locked eyes with Napoleon as he awaited the response.

"Jason," Napoleon looked up at him, obviously not appreciating the man's tone. "The embassy was closed two days ago. The very last people there are in the air returning home now. There is too much hate for us there. We cannot ever return...or ever relate it seems. The Crown of Greater Prussia and the Fuhrer of the Reich cannot ever or will never have any relations...their evil is only surpassed by Melkor." They broke eye contact. "There really was no need for your visit, but since you're here, you may as well stay for night. Dinner will be served in a few hours, I'll see you there."

Conners, facade of sternness melted away and he nodded, smiling lightly at the Emperor. "I'd be honored to stay." he nodded his head again and looked at the bar "Would you mind if I helped myself to a glass of scotch?"

OOC: Sorry for taking so long time answering, well well, here goes


Official Statement from Veganian Authorities:

We feel very sad that the People of Reichkamphen has left their embassy in Vegana City. We had high hopes that the old shared history between our two countries would overbridge any bad blood between Reichkamphen and the rest of the Reich. We are strong believers in showing patience and endurance in a relationship forged with the blood and sweat of two people joined in a common belief in a greater Good. We will leave the embassy sealed for a year if the winds of change god willing lets the people of Reichkamphen gain the patience of a long relationship. After that the building will be teared down and a monument will be raised to the memory of a grander Path but an even greater Future.

Vegana City, Vegana

It was a glorious day when the old embassy was demolitioned by special engineers corps and the security forces. A new building was to be built on that site, a building saluting great memories of Victories and saving of souls. The architect had been woring day and night to finish the blue prints.

-"We will build a tower, in the shape of a stair, 200 meters high which is a metaphor for mans constant search for a way to heaven. We have encountered great challenges when designing this tower, first it is situated in the forbidden city which means that we cannot demolish with explosives, and secondly this Tower must be able to stand for strong winds and bad weather conditions. But God is great! Today the work will begin"

As the builders laboured, architects from the Empire took their orders and helped in the building. They had been ordered there by the Emperor, but officially...they were there unofficially, in their civilian capacity. Irregardless...it was a nod that Napoleon was not giving up for good.