NationStates Jolt Archive

Today, Valsharess Vailphi Zauaphin was to appear at Red Park to announce a shuffling of government officials. However, as the Valsharess announced the opening sentence of her speech, she was fatally wounded in the chest by a sniper whose details have yet to be confirmed. All that is known is that the sniper was under the command of Jabbress Dilinil Zauaphin. This was confirmed when Dilinil Zauaphin stepped up to the podium and continued the speech in Vailphi’s place, where she had the following to say,

“As you all know, Vailphi Zauaphin has been considering shifting government officials and positions which is why we all came today. I too have been considering a shift. As Vailphi was unable to contain the threat of the Eilistraee terrorists, I will now be Valsharess in Vailphi’s place. I will be far more aggressive in the pursuit of peace in Seck’Sapeel.

“From this point on, all trade with non-ilythiiri nations will be terminated. Also, I have already found the cause of the uprising. They are the Taurenórë darthiir. They have already been arrested and are being questioned as I speak.

“There will also be martial law in Seck’Sapeel Che’el, and Shinduagoche’el. All citizens outside between the hours of 9pm and 6am will be considered a terrorist threat and shot. Any workers who finish work in this timeframe should consider working a night shift, or arranging their hours to coincide with the curfew. Any further details will be covered by the media as and when they receive it.”

Jabbress Dilinil was the head of internal affairs for Vailphi, and was supposedly one of Vailphi’s more trusted advisors. Despite all the things Vailphi changed in ilythiiri culture, the ascension to the title of Valsharess was not one of them. She had previously made a point that this method of selecting leaders ensures strong leadership for future generations.

As the speech took place, the Taurenórë scholars in Seck’Sapeel Che’el were indeed arrested, as well as an undisclosed number of Menelmacari who were dealing with Seck’Sapeel trading companies.

The action in Seck’Sapeel triggered a number of hit and run strikes on the Menelmacari/Seck’Sapeel border, though there has been no significant damage caused, nor either side taking any casualties. Judging by the pattern of attacks, the Menelmacari border guards were targeted specifically, rather than facilities.



In other news, a ship was spotted drifting nine miles from the Shinduago Coast. Coast guards boarded the vessel to find that it had been abandoned, and several clues leading to the suspicion of mutiny. The police will be investigating the scene soon. The ship has been identified as the Sargtlin and was transporting an artefact to Shinduagoche’el Museum for analysis. More news on this as it is revealed.

The reactions of the people in Taurenor to this news was one of sheer shock. Not only from having their people taken prisoner, but also due to the untimely death of Vailphi Zauaphim. However because of knowledge gained through their cultural exchange program the government quickly detained all people of Seck'Sapeel for questioning and background checks, and after they were cleared they were free to go back to Seck'Sapeel or continue their lives in Taurenor, however two guards would be appointed to every person.


To: Dilinil Zauaphim, Valsharess of Seck'Sapeel
From: Taurevanimë Nossë Nolofinwë, Taurenoro Tauretári

Dear Dilinil Zauaphim, my condolences for the loss of Vailphi Zauaphim. I hope that you'll be at the very least as good a leader as she was and move your nation further forward.
I have heard that you have detained my people and are questioning them, I understand this and we too are doing the same. I hope that you too will allow my people to return home if they wished to.
Eventhough trade will end, I hope the relationship between our two nations shall remain, and the change of leadership wont effect it.

Yours truly
Taurevanimë Nossë Nolofinwë

Response to Taure's post:
To: Taurevanimë Nossë Nolofinwë, Taurenoro Tauretári
From: Dilinil Zauaphin, Valsharess of Seck'Sapeel

Your concern is truely touching. However, the citizens who claim to come from your nation have been arrested on the suspicion of inciting unrest within Seck'Sapeel. Once certain barriers were removed, they were quite happy to provide us information regarding your intentions with Seck'Sapeel and its people.

I suggest you pull all of your operations in Seck'Sapeel out of the country before we are put in the position where we must take unsavoury actions against you.

Valsharess Dilinil Zauaphin

SSHAMN:
It has been confirmed that it is the Seck’Sapeel Armed Forces running guerrilla style hit and run strikes on the Menelmacari border guard. The strikes have been becoming increasingly frequent and are now starting to cause casualties. The military spoke up on the subject regarding these attacks, and have said that, “Menelmacar will soon feel the venom of the Ilythiiri sting coursing through its veins.” The seemingly cryptic response has baffled the citizens of Seck’Sapeel.


Also tonight, an Allanean arms manufacturing plant in Seck’Sapeel Che’el was destroyed. At 9:15pm, the manufacturing plant was reduced to rubble. Three security guards were killed, two were badly injured, and two more are missing from the scene. The police are investigating the scene, and have so far revealed that the bombing was done by a professional group of saboteurs. Eilistraee terrorists are currently the top suspects for the bombing.

"Vailphi's dead."

Sirithil looked up from her desk as Serendis entered the office. "Hmm?"

"Happened this afternoon. Shot in the middle of a speech; her interior minister stepped up and took control without missing a beat, so it's almost certain she's responsible. There are a hundred and seventy-three of our citizens there at the moment, and all foreigners have, apparently, been arrested on vague terrorism-related charges."

"So who's this new leader?" asked Sirithil.

Serendis slipped a datachip into a reader, and a holographic file bloomed to life above the desk. "Dilinil Zauaphin." There was an image of Dilinil, and whatever details had been gathered on her by MISSION or by more legitimate means.

Sirithil arched an eyebrow. "A relative? Interesting. Tell me more."

"Yes, or at least she's from the same house," Serendis replied. "Her attitude is more akin to the traditionalist ilythiiri - proud, and generally quite violent. There have been several conflicts between Vailphi and Dilinil regarding foreign affairs. Despite their conflicts, Vailphi tended to keep her close in all other matters. Dilinil seems very adept at finding problems inside Seck'Sapeel. It is rumoured that she has dealings with an underground network to keep her informed. If there is a flaw in Dilinil that could be exploited, as far as our analysts know, it would be her temperment. She can plan sting operations with amazing precision, but she would also be quite easy to lead around if her anger is driving her."

Sirithil leaned back in her chair, pondering this. "Send no communications to Seck'Sapeel. It is likely that she will assume we're plotting against her no matter what we say, or whether we say anything at all. But detain anyone from Seck'Sapeel in Menelmacar. Do not mistreat them; just detain them. Finally, contact the Taurenori under VERITAS auspices and get from them anything their cultural exchange or intelligence services have learned."

Serendis nodded. "Oh, and there've been reports of minor strikes and skirmishing along the border. We've had no casualties as of yet. Fire is exchanged, and the attackers fade."

Sirithil pondered. "Those fleets we're withdrawing from Lethislavania, bring them back and add them to the border defenses. I want a stronger perimeter there, but I don't want a lightening of security anywhere else. And give all border defenses up there notification that they are hereby weapons-free... and I'd like a careful watch placed on the entire border by Elenpalantír satellite and all Sentinel sensors."

Somewhere in Istolinath:

“Black knight threatens the white queen, Consul,” a voice said from the shadows of an Istolinathian government building, addressing one of the Istolinathian leaders.

“Excellent. I still feel that it is a shame that such deceptions must be put in place, but our survival needs to be guaranteed before we make ourselves known. Dilinil is acting exactly as expected. The last major rival will soon fall, and most likely to our unwitting allies,” Vailphi replied to the Istolinathian senator with her.

“Perhaps we should let them know about this?”

“Not yet. The ‘white queen’ will not endanger the civilians. Not until she has her people back at least. In the meantime, she will most likely help us remove many of our mislead opponents.”

“What of the Allanea arms deal?”

“May unfortunately have to be sacrificed here,” Vailphi quickly answered, “I’m surprised Dilinil did that, but she is wise to frame her enemies.”

“She paints a pretty picture of us,” the senator remarked sarcastically.

“Indeed. I must work on the details the second phase,” Vailphi said, signalling for privacy before working on a number of letters. The senator nodded and left the chamber.

SSHAMN:

It seems that what was originally a number of small skirmishes has turned into a single concentrated attack, and intent on breaking through the Menelmacari border. A number of tank platoons have rushed a single point in the border with infantry not far behind. While some units have stayed back to hold up the defenders, some simply fired a few rounds while on the move, and just continued to storm past the borders.

The tanks are using the new technology which the military have been working on for a long time, and is only known to us as the ‘magic black box.’ These devices render vehicles silent, including engine noise and firing their weapons. The military are keeping the details of these boxes a closely guarded secret. These boxes will most likely make the Seck’Sapeel Armed Forces one of the stealthiest armies in the world.


The sniper who killed Vailphi Zauaphin has finally been named. Gulgloth Helvineld was previously a trusted agent who worked as Vailphi’s ‘Problem Solver.’ Gulgloths method for ‘solving problems’ usually entails swift and quiet removal of the problem. It seems that everyone has a price, and Valsharess Dilinil managed to find his. Dilinil will be awarding Gulgloth a medal within the week for his distinguished work. Gulgloth doesn’t seem to mind the media attention. When asked if he felt that media exposure put his career in danger, he chuckled and replied with, “My work is not in danger. You can’t put a name or a face to something you don’t know is there.”


The Sargtlin cargo vessel found drifting at sea has been towed to the harbour at Shinduagoche’el and police have started their investigation. So far, the clues as to what went on are pointing to mutiny. However, the artefact - a faereuol - was strangely left untouched, making the motive for mutiny unclear as that would’ve been the first thing to disappear if anything.

The faereuol in this instance is a large, flawless amethyst and according to several faern is supposed to be able to resist any attempt to destroy it as well as have the potential to protect anyone carrying it. However, despite this incredible property, there are rumours starting to circulate about a less savoury property. Several policemen who have observed the faereuol have said that there is an unsettling atmosphere in whatever room it is housed in, and one even admitted that he heard voices speaking to him. The faern have dismissed this, saying that it is just a reaction from people who have favour technology over magic.

"We've got tanks incoming."

"Shit, tanks? Where?"

"There." The Sentinel commander, a slim Avar, pointed at his holo. "See, the IR's pretty hazy, they must have excellent cooling. But they're definitely there on magscan and mass sensors, and visual as well when we can catch them on that... fairly quick, too."

"Confirmed... we've got two separate towers reporting incomings. Report already sent to Command. Weapons are free?"

"Weapons are free. Serendis put that order out this morning, I hear. Make sure reinforcements are called."

In the scopes, one could see flares of shots from the drow tank guns, eerily without sound of their firing, much like the vehicles themselves. Only a few peeled off their main group to harass the Towers, adopting a lateral course along the border, while the others simply stormed across. The Sentinel's shields crackled with energy as the shells pounded into them, and the emplacements on the Sentinel Tower itself returned fire, sending sizzling golden plasbolts screaming through the great trees towards the enemy. The greater bulk of the ilythiiri force had already crossed, and the rear-arc weapons, facing into Menelmacar, engaged them as well. The Sentinels had not stopped the drow advance; but then, this was not their purpose. They were, simply, an early warning system, and a system meant for detecting illegal incursions so that real forces could be deployed to put a stop to it. In that, their performance had been exemplary.

The reinforcements - well, the closest ones, anyway, turned out to be a small strike force of the new GM5A7 gravtanks... the new and improved Tarmecil-II's. Faster, heavier, and more powerful than their predecessors, they wove and dodged between the mighty mallorn trees at startlingly high speeds, riding gravitic fields and high-powered engines to their targets. This was actually easier than one might at first think, as the trees of the Menelmacari forests are ancient and tall, and situated well apart from one another.

Perhaps seven minutes after the ilythiiri crossed the border, the Tarmecili came at them obliquely from behind and to the left, dual heavy plascannons blazing. They peeled off slightly, settling into a sort of orbit around the drow with turrets rotated inward at close to the maximum effective range of their weapons, using superior speed to form a sort of 'circle of death'. There were variations on this, of course... some went the opposite direction, and there were course adjustments to keep up with the enemy's movements and avoid hitting trees, but the basic concept was there; among the trees, with the speed and power of the elven tanks, it would be difficult to return fire, while the Menelmacari kept beads on the invaders, their targeting computers set to fire automatically whenever there was a clear shot.

Just beyond the Menelmacari border:

The tanks that broke through the border were engaged earlier than they had expected, stopping them from continuing on their course to the closest piece of Menelmacari civilisation for the time being. The infantry following behind scattered on the sight of the gravtanks and quickly started setting up anti-tank rifles.

Knowing the technological advantage of the Menelmacari, the tank commanders order their tanks to use the trees to avoid being shot at, while firing back while on the move. They keep a rough diamond formation, but the use of cover breaks it slightly. The tank platoons concentrated their fire on two gravtanks at a time, and in the meantime, the infantry took whatever opportunity they had at attempting to score mobility kills.


At the border:

The skirmishing troops at the border were causing havoc, but now without expense. It seems that a single well-placed shot of the Sentinel towers is enough to render one of the ilythiiri tanks useless, but it doesn’t stop the rest to continue pounding at the towers’ shields. The mindset of the troops at the border is that sooner or later, the shields must buckle, and all hell will break loose in the towers.


Golden Palace, Seck’Sapeel:

“Great Valsharess,” one of Dilinil’s minions grovelled before her, truly fearing for his own life just for being in her presence, “The data has started to pour in. The troops you sent are engaged. These engagements will definitely help out R&D.”

“That is good. It is a shame they were too slow to get to any the Menelmacari populace, but at least the secondary objective has been met. We need to see if this attack has accomplished the primary too,” the Valsharess says to the cowering male.

However, this data was also being fed to similar research facilities in Istolinath.

From: Allanean Arms, Inc.
To: Dilinil
Subj: Terrorist attack on our factories

Dear Mrs.___ !

We are deeply saddened by those gruesome attacks. However, we note that the Allanean citizens that worked on the plant are not on the list of casualties. We will cover all expenses if the government of Seck Sapeel searches for those people and let us get them back Allanea alive and healthy. Attached please find a symbolic donation of 2,000,000 Universal Standard Dollars to aid your valiant troops in the Fight Against Terror.

Let the grace of Lloth rest on you,

Yours, Haed Baelaste

Taurevanimë received some news that was rather surprising, but in a pleasant way. From nobles that lived in what is now Istolinath, not to mention the Istolinath media, it was apperant that they weren't anything at all like the Drow in Seck'Sapeel culture wise. So to end all confusion a simple question was send in a letter to whom ever it may concern in Istolinath. “Friend of foe?”

"Outrageous. Simply ridiculous," breathed the Erasito from behind his desk. The setting sun offered no romance on this evening, it only provided the perfect hue to match the Erasito's anger. His fist slammed into the desk. "Why was this not reported earlier? Why were our intelligence agencies in VERITAS not able to track this? There is NO excuse!" His advisors had cowered, not saying much. "Well, Excellency, it can be assumed that VERITAS had little reason to monitor actions within the alliance." He rolled his eyes and growled. "Regardless, our allies are now under attack by an ingrate moron, and we're doing something about it. Have a statement released in thirty minutes letting them know how pissed I am."

Etaran Statement

The recent actions that have taken place concerning the rightful Valsharess, Vailphi, and Dilinil have outraged the Etaran government. Little mercy do we have for those that wish to engage in illegal actions in the pursuit of power. The Erasat will have no regrets in actions it takes to place its vengeance upon the perpretrators of this heinous act.

Presently, we are monitoring the invasion of Menelmacar and will act swiftly when help is requested. Already the Erasat is mobilizing its military to prepare for a full-scale war, though we hope that little must be done to crush this ridiculous attempt to upset our Noldorin allies. There should be no underestimation of our anger, and the failure to take the Erasat seriously in this dire situation will result in nothing but blood.

The Etaran government demands that Dilinil halt all offensive actions, free all foreign prisoners whose homeland is that of a VERITAS nation, and immediately begin attempting to correct what it has done wrong. It is not too late, but time is running out. Act now, or suffer for your inability to judge the wrath of the angry.

SSHAMN:

Today’s main headlines: Menelmacari and Taurenórë prisoners admit to aiding terrorists. Istolinath declares independence. The faereuol has been stolen from the National Museum. Valsharess Dilinil Zauaphin gives VERITAS a vote of no confidence. And satellite sectors of Shinduagoche’el have broken contact.

It has been released that all the darthiir that were arrested have confessed to aiding Eilistraee terrorists. This sheds light on the reason why there have been attacks on the Menelmacari border as one of the Menelmacari prisoners statements makes clear:

“Eilistraee terrorist cells infiltrated Menelmacari towns near the border. They made us bring back reports on military strength, and made us tell them where the goods we were exporting were going. We had no choice bu… ***white noise***

“Many apologies to those of Seck’Sapeel, Menelmacar, Taurenor and all others that have been affected by the recent actions of Valsharess Dilinil Zauaphin, soon to be the last Valsharess of Seck’Sapeel. This is the voice of Vailphi Zauaphin, Consul of Istolinath. It was not my intention to have outside nations involved in this struggle, but Dilinil’s hatred brought them into this, and is trying to use them as a means of getting to us.

“Dilinil is weak, and cannot think past her hatred to carry out plans. She will have Seck’Sapeel destroyed as a result. Stand up against this false leader, and fight for what is right. Seck’Sapeel is quite capable of defending it’s borders, this much is true. But you will not stand a chance with three nations all prepared to go to total war with you. Get rid of your leader before it is too late and you are all killed. Those who wish to seek sanctuary may find themselves welcome in Isto…***white noise***

We are sorry for the technical difficulties. We will make sure this will not happen again. We urge that you do not pay attention to what was mentioned while we were having difficulties…


At the Golden Palace:

“What?! Damn that bitch! She should be in the lowest levels of hell right now! Where’s that damn male sniper? Why did he not do his job of killing that worthless bag of puss!?” Dilinil spat angrily at one of her servants.
“He disappeared when he was given the chance to reach shinduago, most glorious Valsharess,”

“Then damn well find him! Pull the troops from the border. Reinforce Shinduagoche’el! I want those sectors brought back under control! Also… have the order given to execute the darthiir prisoners. That will keep them at bay.”

“Err,” the servant hesitated to speak, “About the prison… there has been a breakout. We lost contact with the guards half an hour ago when they failed to report in. The… the prisoners escaped, and can’t be found.”

“Dos ph'jal vithin bwael whol naubol wahven d'siltrin!” Dilinil screamed, pulling out a pistol and executing the servant on the spot in a fit of rage. The guards rushed into the room to see the scene, and one takes the body away to be erased from the history books.

In the Istolinathian Senate:

Two figures stood at the podium as they addressed the rest of the senate in unison. One was carrying a child in her arms, and the other kept his visage hidden under a hooded cloak. “Like fire that has reached a rich source of fuel, the situation in Seck’Sapeel has ignited rapidly and exploded uncontrollably. Such is the nature of our ilythiiri brethren,” the unmistakable voice of Vailphi Zauaphin states, then allowing the other to talk.

“I will be acting as sole Consul for the time being while Vailphi attempts to diffuse the situation with VERITAS and especially our friends the Taurenórë and the Menelmacari. If anyone is against this action, let themselves be heard now, or this motion will enter effect immediately,” the cloaked figure says. The voice is unmistakeably male, deep and throaty. The accent in his voice – especially the heavy rolling of the r’s make it clear that he is not a native ilythiiri.

No one spoke against the motion, so the meeting was adjourned, and for the most part, the senators returned to their usual duties. Vailphi had other work to do.


To: Taurevanimë Nossë Nolofinwë, Taurenoro Tauretári
From: Vailphi Zauaphin, Consul of Istolinath

Many apologies to you for my deceptions, my friend. Istolinath should be considered a friend to all nations who are interested in promoting harmony and unity. My silence and my false death was part of attempting to ensnare Dilinil, and put into motion the promotion of the goddess Eilistraee in Seck’Sapeel without having people executed in the process.

Unfortunately I made the grave mistake of underestimating Dilinil’s hatred of darthiir. This is causing me to come out of hiding earlier than I had wanted to. As I write this, your people are being transported from Seck’Sapeel to Istolinath where you can collect them. They should not be sent back to Seck’Sapeel after this incident. By the time this message reaches you, your people will have arrived in Istolinath.

Again, I must apologise for what has happened in these past few days. I would like to invite you to Istolinath for a celebration of the safety of your people. I would also like to ask for military assistance in pacifying Seck’Sapeel as swiftly as possible. We can do this by ourselves, but many lives would be lost if we went in alone.



To: Lady Sirithil nos Fëanor
From: Vailphi Zauaphin, Consul of Istolinath

Dear Lady Sirithil, I must apologise to you for my deception. My silence and my false death was part of attempting to ensnare Dilinil, and put into motion the promotion of the goddess Eilistraee in Seck’Sapeel without having people executed in the process. Dilinil has been attempting to make the followers of Eilistraee seem like evil terrorists, which is definitely not the case. We wish for peace. The Menelmacari who said that terrorists were in Menelmacar were forced to say those things – an old ilythiiri trick. It is far from the truth, and Dilinil was attempting to create a legitimate reason for attacking you.

Unfortunately I made the grave mistake of underestimating Dilinil’s hatred of darthiir. This is causing me to come out of hiding earlier than I had wanted to. As I write this, your people are being transported from Seck’Sapeel to Istolinath where you can collect them. They should not be sent back to Seck’Sapeel after this incident. By the time this message reaches you, your people will have arrived in Istolinath.

Again, I must apologise for what has happened in these past few days. I would like to invite you to Istolinath for a celebration of the safety of your people. I would also like to ask for military assistance in pacifying Seck’Sapeel as swiftly as possible. For the greater good of all, I hope you will accept this.

Arnopelë,
Arnatirios Taurenor,
Sisgardia

Taurevanimë would jump in joy if such a thing was propper after reading Vailphi's letter. Not only were her people safe, but so was Vailphi, whom she was beginning to see as a friend. And she immediately had an aid get her the finest paper and ink they had. Taking a feathered quill she immediately started writing a reply in Quenya and tengwar script, but also kindly supplied a copy in common.


To: Vailphi Zauaphin, Consul of Istolinath
From: Taurevanimë Nossë Nolofinwë, Taurenoro Tauretári

Dear Vailphi Zauaphin, meer words can not express the joy reading your letter has brought you me. You have rescued my people from the clutches of the evil Dilinil. Putting your own people at risk no doubt, and for this I would like to personally reward them when the time is most convenient.
Next to that, hearing that you are safe and well also brings joy and sooths my heart. I've come to see you not only as a fellow leader of a nation and people, but as a friend. I hope that your child is also safe and well.

You will have all the military support you need and more. And I gratiously accept your invitation to come to Istolinath. I hope it wont be any trouble if I take my military advisor with me.
I look forward to the day we meet.

The following few days saw the nation of Seck’Sapeel crumple under the pressure of a well informed foe. One by one, SS Shinduago towns were flying Istolinathian flags. But this was not a one-sided battle. The SSA inflicted massive casualties, especially to the non-ilythiiri auxiliaries. Istolinath did not just attack with drow, but every race of their nation was participating in this conflict. Despite the casualties, the Istolinathian Army was able to sweep across the Shinduago.

The tenth day saw the entire Shinduago region of Seck’Sapeel under Istolinathian control. The civilians saw no need to defend themselves. They knew this was Vailphi’s doing, and they knew that she was not someone to cross. Her name had hit legendary status in Seck’Sapeel. The failed assassination proved that she was going to be ruler of Seck’Sapeel for a long time to come.

On the eleventh day, artillery had been moved at the Obsul – the portal that divided underground Seck’Sapeel City and the rest of Seck’Sapeel. The fire had to be direct. It was clear from the design of the mobile artillery guns that they had been specifically designed to fire into caves and underground regions. To be at the Obsul would have been suicide. Istolinathian artillery fired for the entire day without hindrance.

What was left of the Obsul on the twelfth day saw the elite Istolinathian forces infiltrate Seck’Sapeel City while it was still under fire. Ilythiiri precision and immaculate combat drilling allowed this to take place without causing a single friendly loss. Their destination was the Golden Palace. If they were successful in reaching their destination, it would mean the fall of Valsharess Dilinil – and would mark the shortest rule held in SS history.