NationStates Jolt Archive

The Imperial Government of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria, on behalf of His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty Andreus I, hereby issues the following ultimatum to the self-proclaimed Pope Pious XIV (henceforth referred to as the antipope), sovereign ruler of the nation which calls itself the True Holy See:

The antipope is to rescind the bull of excommunication he pronounced against the Emperor Andreus I immediately.

The antipope is to abandon all claims to the Papal Throne, and to publicly admit that he is not the true Pope.

The antipope is ordered to comply with these demands within 24 hours. Failure to comply will result in the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria and its allies invading the True Holy See to force compliance, and, if necessary, to bring the antipope to justice by trying him as a heretic under Canon law, and replacing him with a bishop who will comply with our demands.

To the people of the True Holy See, the Imperial Government of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria extends its friendship. Pantocratorian and allied troops will avoid at all costs any civilian casualties.

In his infinite mercy, His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty Emperor Andreus I has instructed that should the antipope comply, renounce his heresy, and rescind the bull of excommunication issued against the Emperor, the antipope would be recognised as the official Patriarch of the True Holy See, and would be treated with all due respect and friendship.

Signatories:

Prince Basil, Imperial Chancellor of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria
Sir Michael Phocas, Minister for Foreign Affairs
John Cardinal Duras, Archbishop of New Rome

OOC: The original bull was issued http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=69433 here, and the reasons behind the ultimatum can be found therein as well.

As long as he is not to be executed, and if he does not accept my offer of annexation, I shall not create an intervention on his behalf. May we reccommend, however, that if you find him guilty of heresy, that you exile him to Ryanania as punishment.

High Elder Ryan James Wilson, descendant of Will the Crowner Gunn, of Ryanania

We in Pantocratoria were unaware that there was an offer of annexation before the antipope of the so-called True Holy See. Would you be able to provide us with more information?

The prescribed penalty for heresy of this order is death by burning at the stake, but if an execution would attract the displeasure of the High Elder Ryan James Wilson, the courts will determine a different sentence.

Time is running out, Pious XIV.

We in Pantocratoria were unaware that there was an offer of annexation before the antipope of the so-called True Holy See. Would you be able to provide us with more information?

The prescribed penalty for heresy of this order is death by burning at the stake, but if an execution would attract the displeasure of the High Elder Ryan James Wilson, the courts will determine a different sentence.We have offered to annex The True Holy See, thus making it a state of Ryanania, thus putting it under the protection of Ryanania and the Isle of Believers.

Pious XXi, who is dat? certainly no one important as you!

No, he isn't as important as me.

We in Pantocratoria were unaware that there was an offer of annexation before the antipope of the so-called True Holy See. Would you be able to provide us with more information?

The prescribed penalty for heresy of this order is death by burning at the stake, but if an execution would attract the displeasure of the High Elder Ryan James Wilson, the courts will determine a different sentence.We have offered to annex The True Holy See, thus making it a state of Ryanania, thus putting it under the protection of Ryanania and the Isle of Believers.

If you annex the True Holy See, will you force the antipope to renounce his claims and rescind his bull of excommunication against the Holy Emperor Andreus I? The Imperial Government of Pantocratoria has no desire for war, let alone with Ryanania, but it cannot tolerate this heresy, which endangers the sovereignty and safety of our nation, to continue. We have no wish to displease Ryanania by invading the True Holy See, but we also have no territorial ambitions in that nation - we simply seek redress against the antipope Pious XIV. Any military action we take against the antipope would, we hope, in no way interfere with any annexation by Ryanania of the True Holy See.

Antipope Pious XIV - you have 30 minutes to comply before a state of war exists between our two nations.

Antipope Pious XIV - you have 30 minutes to comply before a state of war exists between our two nations.

OOC: You can't countdown while a person is offline.

Antipope Pious XIV - you have 30 minutes to comply before a state of war exists between our two nations.

OOC: You can't countdown while a person is offline.

OOC: I was planning to countdown, offline or online, but not start the war itself before he/she comes back online.

So when small countries declare themselves Pope it's all "lets invade", but when the High Chairman of Shildonia (drunkenly) declares himself Pope everyone just laughs at him.
It's not fair :cry:

So when small countries declare themselves Pope it's all "lets invade", but when the High Chairman of Shildonia (drunkenly) declares himself Pope everyone just laughs at him.
It's not fair :cry:

OOC: I'm a small empire too, and I probably wasn't around when you declared yourself Pope. Besides, this one not only declared himself Pope, but excommunicated our Emperor when we laughed at him.

From another thread (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1505698#1505698)... the following is a transcript of the Imperial Parliament of Pantocratoria:

The speaker stands and speaks in a steady, firm voice.

"At this time, the chair recognises His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty, the Emperor Andreus, dread sovereign of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria." he says as all members of the parliament stand. The Emperor in his full regalia, looking like a medieval Byzantine Emperor, enters the chamber as the members all bow deeply. The Emperor stands and stops in front of the speaker.

"Your Majesty, please accept the chair of this house." says the speaker as he steps aside. The Emperor sits in the speaker's chair, and all members sit.

"Thank you, my Lord Speaker. First, let us pray." says the Emperor. The members all cross themselves, as does Princess Anna in the gallery.

"Lord God, send Your Holy Spirit upon this chamber, that it may vote with wisdom, compassion, and piety. Amen." the Emperor prays. He crosses himself again, as do the members.

"At this time, the chair recognises His Imperial Highness the Imperial Chancellor the Prince Basil." says the Emperor. Prince Basil stands and walks to the podium before the speaker.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Honourable members, distinguished guests, my Lord Speaker, Your Majesty, twenty four hours ago..." begins Prince Basil, "the Imperial Government issued an ultimatum to the so-called True Holy See..." The Prince is interrupted by laughing and snickering from the chamber.

"Order!" shouts the Emperor, and the members fall silent.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. As I was saying, the so-called Pope Pious XIV of the True Holy See, was issued with an ultimatum demanding that he rescind the odious, baseless and heretical bull of excommunication he served to our beloved Emperor, without any authority I might add..." the Prince pauses as the members all shout "Shame! Shame!".

"Order! The Chancellor will continue!" says the Emperor.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Second, the ultimatum required this Pious XIV to withdraw any claim he has made to the Papal Throne, to admit that he is no true Pope, and to admit that he has no authority to issue a bull of excommunication against our beloved Holy Emperor!" says Prince Basil. The chamber shouts "Hear! Hear!".

"The Chancellor has the call, this house will come to order." says the Emperor.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. As of this time, the antipope Pious XIV has failed to comply with the terms of our ultimatum. The Imperial Government therefore issues him with one final chance for peace before a state of war will be considered to exist between the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria and his heretical regime...." continues the Chancellor. The members seem genuinely shocked that the antipope will be given one last chance. A member stands.

"The chair recognises the member for Chrystodom on a point of order." says the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, on a point of order, any ultimatum issued by the Imperial Government is binding. There can be no further chance for this heretic under the laws of this chamber!" says the member for Chrystodom before sitting.

"The member for Chrystodom's point of order is correct, however, this chamber's laws do not supercede the national interests of the Empire in matters of foreign policy. For this reason, the member for Chrystodom's point of order is dismissed. The Chancellor has the call." rules the Emperor.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Before I was so unnecessarily interrupted, I was saying that the antipope Pious XIV has one last chance for peace! If the antipope complies with our ultimatum before the outbreak of hostilities, that is to say, of military action, then war shall be averted. If he fails to comply by that time, or rejects our ultimatum in any way, shape or form, then a state of war will exist between the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria and its allies, and the Theocracy of the True Holy See, and the allies of the antipope Pious XIV." says the Chancellor. The chamber bursts into applause and rounds of "hear hear!".

"Order! Order!" shouts the Emperor. But this time, the chamber doesn't return to order. It bursts into shouting praise.

"GOD SAVE YOUR MAJESTY! LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE! GOD SAVE YOUR MAJESTY! LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE! GOD SAVE YOUR MAJESTY! LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE!" shout the members of the chamber as the tour files out of the gallery.

Is war even necessary? If the catholic church as a whole does not acknowledge this "Pope Pious", his power is nil. You know yourself to be catholic, for a false pope to say otherwise should not anger you so.

The teachings of christianity demands you turn the other cheek, and avoid dealing death to people who are clearly insane, and barely able to defend themselves.

If you ignore your faith, and go through with this massacre, we may find it necessary to stop you.

Is war even necessary? If the catholic church as a whole does not acknowledge this "Pope Pious", his power is nil. You know yourself to be catholic, for a false pope to say otherwise should not anger you so.

The teachings of christianity demands you turn the other cheek, and avoid dealing death to people who are clearly insane, and barely able to defend themselves.

If you ignore your faith, and go through with this massacre, we may find it necessary to stop you.

If you read the original thread in which the bull of excommunication was issued you would know that what angers the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria is not that an antipope doesn't think we're real Catholics, it is that a bull of excommunication against a sovereign has repeatedly been used in the past as a case for war against that sovereign. Pantocratoria is a little nation, and we're afraid that well-meaning but misinformed Catholic states may confuse this antipope for the real deal, and use his bull of excommunication as an excuse for war.

Furthermore, if you read our ultimatum, you would know that there will be no massacre - the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria's issue is with the antipope of the True Holy See, not with its people. He will be forced to comply with our demands - his people will be shown true Christian mercy.

The Holy Empire of Pantocratoria does not see fit to lecture the people of Vthnaar about their religion and how it fits into their foreign policy, but we would appreciate if you would extend the same courtesy to us.

ANDREUS I IMP. PANTOCRATORIA

To the nations, and peoples observing this situation

We truly have made a declaration of our faith, believing this to be the True Faith, under this Holy See which we have proclaimed as the true one. For this peaceful declaration of our faith, the war mongering power-hungry Emperor of Pantocratoria has said we cannot say. Freedom of religion is in many nations throughout the world, and even in this country of 80% devout Catholics we have freedom of religion. The Emperor of Pantocratoria wishes to stamp our voice out, and make himself the most powerful figure in Catholicism. This Holy See no longer recognizes "Holy Emperors" of the Catholic faith, as we have recognized putting the word Holy with the title Emperor has only led to fatal mistakes. If those who accept this Holy See, and the papal bull of excommunication issued by it then that is their freedom to accept. It is our freedom to state that this Holy See is the true Holy See of the Church, and the freedom of all Catholics to accept that. Those Catholics who do not we recognize as blind, and hope they will one day find the True Faith. Yet we have no interest in enforcing our beliefs on those unbelieving Catholics, as this power hungry "Holy Emperor" wants to do to us. Those who invade our nation could kill, and will deny the freedom of thousands of Priests, Monks, and Nuns who choose to reside within a sovereign nation that holds their Pope as Head of State. Those who invade our nation would be enforcing their will over devout Catholics who choose to recognize this Holy See as the True Holy See. How dare those who would infringe upon their right to do so.


God Bless,

His Holiness Pope Pious XIV

If you read the original thread in which the bull of excommunication was issued you would know that what angers the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria is not that an antipope doesn't think we're real Catholics, it is that a bull of excommunication against a sovereign has repeatedly been used in the past as a case for war against that sovereign. Pantocratoria is a little nation, and we're afraid that well-meaning but misinformed Catholic states may confuse this antipope for the real deal, and use his bull of excommunication as an excuse for war.

Furthermore, if you read our ultimatum, you would know that there will be no massacre - the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria's issue is with the antipope of the True Holy See, not with its people. He will be forced to comply with our demands - his people will be shown true Christian mercy.

The Holy Empire of Pantocratoria does not see fit to lecture the people of Vthnaar about their religion and how it fits into their foreign policy, but we would appreciate if you would extend the same courtesy to us.

ANDREUS I IMP. PANTOCRATORIA

We will not lecture your people, however your right to your religion ends at the borders of another nation. We will not stand by and allow you to set a precedent of destroying another nation based on your religious misconceptions and insecurities.

You have no right to enter another nation and dictate to their people on their worshipping habits.

We will not lecture your people, however your right to your religion ends at the borders of another nation. We will not stand by and allow you to set a precedent of destroying another nation based on your religious misconceptions and insecurities.

You have no right to enter another nation and dictate to their people on their worshipping habits.

The Commonwealth of Dronestia agrees with the Vthnaar in this case. Any military act against The Holy See would be seen as an attack based on religious differences and condemned by the people of Dronestia.

OOC: Not saying that I want to use force, just saying that I oppose such a war. ;)



http://www.kservers.net/c_looney/PrimeMinisterSig.jpgPrime Minister C. Looney
The Commonwealth of Dronestia
"One nation, under humanity..."

A Warning to the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria:

The United Socialist States of Haaregradia offers you this warning. If any military actions are taken against The Holy See we will defend them against your unjust assault. Stand down immediatly or face the wrath of our well trained(and rather bored) armed forces.

As an almost purely Athestic state we have no real interest in this situation, other then we feel both of these nations should quit bickering over which magic-sky-man is right and who's priests get to talk to him.

OOC: I may or may not follow through on this, situations at home may soon grow too tense for foreign action.

Galdania is a state in which only 2% of people claim to have any religion.

We could easily solve this problem, as a non-religious nation and neautral mediator.

We believe that the Holy See's Pope should be able to say whatever he wantrs to. Indeed, if he 'excommunicates' you, you should do the same thing right back to him.

Or you could for seperate divisions of the same Church, i.e. the sects and divisions between Methodists, United Church, Presbyterians, etc.

The True Holy See hasn't even responded to our offer of protection, so we aren't going to help him, unless of course he ends up responding.

The antipope Pious XIV has twisted this ultimatum to make it appear as if Pantocratoria is fighting a war of religious discrimination against him and the True Holy See. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The antipope Pious XIV asserts that he somehow has the right to proclaim himself the true ruler of all Catholicism. When Pantocratoria peacefully refused to accept this nonsensical assertion, The True Holy See responded by excommunicating our Emperor. If anybody is fighting a campaign of religious discrimination here, it is the antipope Pious XIV, who seeks to delegitimise our Emperor as a true Catholic.

Pantocratoria is not conducting a war of religious discrimination, nor to make its Emperor the most powerful figure in Catholicism. Pantocratoria is responding to the religious sanctions which were placed on it when it refused to acknowledge Pious XIV as the Pope.

For all those nations who defame us for feeling threatened by Pious XIV's use of his usurped religious authority (which belongs to the real Pope John Paul II) in response to a political matter, do not pretend that you are acting in defence of secularism and religious freedom. First this shady character proclaims himself the supreme head of the religion of our nation, and then he proclaims our Emperor to be excommunicated. All we are asking is that this rogue sovereign withdraw his absurd claims to sovereignty over our religion (surely this is the action most in defence of freedom of religion), and to not abuse the religious powers he claims to have by excommunicating individuals with whom he disagrees (our Emperor).

How dare any of you presume to pain Pantocratoria as the aggressor, or as the oppressive Empire trying to suppress freedom of religion. Pantocratoria is acting in defence of its religious liberty against a nation which has asserted its absolute right over the world's largest religion. Your sympathies are misplaced.

Sir Michael Phocas, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Holy Empire of Pantocratoria

We will not lecture your people, however your right to your religion ends at the borders of another nation. We will not stand by and allow you to set a precedent of destroying another nation based on your religious misconceptions and insecurities.

You have no right to enter another nation and dictate to their people on their worshipping habits.

If that is a threat of war then simply say so. Do not hide behind your own righteousness.

Besides, don't you have anything better to do?

And big nations throwing their muscle around is the model of good behaviour is it? Surely you also set a bad precedent.

WE do not want a holy war, but True Holy See did technically, "Hit First." One Division of the AMD is standing by to Invade thier shores.


Pantrocartoria...............I stand ready!

We will not lecture your people, however your right to your religion ends at the borders of another nation. We will not stand by and allow you to set a precedent of destroying another nation based on your religious misconceptions and insecurities.

You have no right to enter another nation and dictate to their people on their worshipping habits.

If that is a threat of war then simply say so. Do not hide behind your own righteousness.

Besides, don't you have anything better to do?

I think if Vthnaar had actually read all the relevant threads, it would be apparent to that nation that the True Holy See is the one dictating worshipping habits to people beyond their borders. Pantocratoria is acting in defence of its religious liberty and of the religious liberty of all Catholic nations.

This leads our government to consider that Vthnaar and the others who have sided with the True Holy See are not actually defending religious liberty as they profess to do, but are merely attempting to bully Pantocratoria and influence her foreign policy, by supporting the antipope who professes to be the supreme pontiff of all Catholic nations, far beyond his own borders, and who has attempted to ostracise Pantocratoria from the Catholic community by excommunicating her Emperor.

We will not lecture your people, however your right to your religion ends at the borders of another nation. We will not stand by and allow you to set a precedent of destroying another nation based on your religious misconceptions and insecurities.

You have no right to enter another nation and dictate to their people on their worshipping habits.

If that is a threat of war then simply say so. Do not hide behind your own righteousness.

Besides, don't you have anything better to do?

I think if Vthnaar had actually read all the relevant threads, it would be apparent to that nation that the True Holy See is the one dictating worshipping habits to people beyond their borders. Pantocratoria is acting in defence of its religious liberty and of the religious liberty of all Catholic nations.

This leads our government to consider that Vthnaar and the others who have sided with the True Holy See are not actually defending religious liberty as they profess to do, but are merely attempting to bully Pantocratoria and influence her foreign policy, by supporting the antipope who professes to be the supreme pontiff of all Catholic nations, far beyond his own borders, and who has attempted to ostracise Pantocratoria from the Catholic community by excommunicating her Emperor.

Uncle Noel pledges his full support to His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty, the Emperor Andreus, dread sovereign of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria. The True Holy See has indeed 'struck first' and has under-mined the faith structure and power structure of an ancient peoples. Indeed, from what Uncle Noel's sources tell him a real NS pope does exist and this is merely a trumped-up imposter. Small nations should stick together against quick-tempered and self-righteous hyper-powers. With the kind permission of His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty, the Emperor Andreus, dread sovereign of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria, Uncle Noel would like to move his own forces into position, although he will still need to list them in a manner that His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty, the Emperor Andreus, dread sovereign of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria has already done in his 'small nation seeks military assitance thread.'

Uncle Noel is not catholic but understands the serious punishment that is excommunication. This is, in many ways, an attack more serious than that of a tank rush or a bombing mission. This is a grave offence and slur and Uncle Noel will aid his ally (if he can use that term with His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty's permission) in any action that could take place.

We do not pretend to care who "threw the first" religious punch.

We only care that you threaten the right of a sovreign nation to make any decree it wishes. For you to take it seriously only lends credence to it.

If you do not recognize this "Pope Pious" as the leader of your religion, we suggest you simply ignore their announcements, and write them off as madmen with a foolish leader.

We do not care about the true holy see, we simply will not stand to allow anyone to set precedent of war based on any religious purpose.

We do not pretend to care who "threw the first" religious punch.

We only care that you threaten the right of a sovreign nation to make any decree it wishes. For you to take it seriously only lends credence to it.

If you do not recognize this "Pope Pious" as the leader of your religion, we suggest you simply ignore their announcements, and write them off as madmen with a foolish leader.

We do not care about the true holy see, we simply will not stand to allow anyone to set precedent of war based on any religious purpose.

The only religious purpose the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria has here is to try to stop the Theocracy of the True Holy See from using religion as a political tool, throwing excommunications about as if they were measures to be taken lightly, whenever a nation disagrees with them.

There have been no religious punches thrown on the Pantocratorian side, other than an official condemnation of the libelous bull of excommunication.

You say you will not stand for the precedent being set for nations declaring war for religious purposes. In fact, you are attempting, albeit unknowingly, to set the precedent for the threat of religious persecution to be used as a legitimate tool of foreign policy.

We do not wish to go to war in this matter, but your eloquence is only leading credibility to the tinpot despot Pious XIV. Please, reevaluate your position, and encourage the True Holy See to rescind its bull of excommunication, and to admit that it has no authority to issue such bulls. By doing this, not only will a war be averted, but you will be standing against the use of religious persecution as a tool of foreign policy.

ANDREUS I IMP. PANTOCRATORIA

Be advised that although they are not invading nor taking direct action yet, Pantocratorian troops and ships are being deployed to the West Pacific around the Theocracy of the True Holy See. We still don't wish to use them, but we hope that this deployment will prove that we are serious in our desire that Pious XIV comply with our demands. We don't like using the military as an instrument of foreign policy, but when faced with the True Holy See's use of our own religion as an instrument of its foreign policy, we may have no choice.

Also be advised that Pantocratorian agents are searching for the true Pope, who, we hope, will resolve this situation peacefully.

ANDREUS I IMP. PANTOCRATORIA

End this incongruous babble of pedomorphic religious irrationality, or we shall consider invading and annexing both Pantocratoria and the Holy See. Your petty squabling does nothing but prove the idiocy of religion and its followers.

- 01

I think that you secular nations need to stay the devil out of this affair. It is none of your business. You have an irrational hatred of all things religious, and wish to stamp it out. That is the only reason you are getting involved.

I think that you secular nations need to stay the devil out of this affair. It is none of your business. You have an irrational hatred of all things religious, and wish to stamp it out. That is the only reason you are getting involved.

Actually no, I have two qualifications in Religious Morality and Issues of Belief. I am a great believer in understanding a side before dismissing it. I dismiss religion because it is a method of control, no more.

To the 'Holy' See, we do not recognise you as a leader of anything. But we will defend your right to say what you wish.

We are prepared to send up to eleven thousand paratroopers into your nation, in order to discourage a religiously based attack.

We already have six submarines in the area, gathering intelligence on ships that may prove a potent threat to your people.

As much as many Galdanians would like to see us ignore this conflict, we cannot let a war be started over someone expressing their thoughts and opinions.

We are ready to send 11,162 men to your nation to protect your people. We do this not for religion, or for political gain, but for the sake of humanity in a time when the good things tought by religion are forgotten.

Just give up, Pantacronitus. You've got all of the big religion haters defending the Pope.

We in Pantocratoria are truly baffled by the actions of some of the nations who have replied to this ultimatum, which doesn't in the slightest concern them. We are standing up for our own religious liberty here, against a tyrant who is trying to usurp our religious beliefs to empower himself, and yet some nations are supporting this tyrant against us based on the misconception that we are trying to stop him from expressing his opinions and thoughts.

This is simply not the case, the antipope Pious XIV's "religious expression of ideas and thoughts", so to speak, have consisted of proclaiming himself to be the head of our religion and the religion of many others, and then using his usurped religious power to reprimand Pantocratoria for objecting to him.

If you wish to fight for the freedom of religious expression, you should be fighting on the side of Pantocratoria, which is fighting for religion to NOT be used as a bullying instrument of foreign policy by theocracies. Better yet - get out of our way, since this does not concern you.

Nevertheless, so long as misguided nations continue to support the antipope Pious XIV in his use of religious oppression as a diplomatic weapon, we will not start a war which would widen beyond the scope which the Imperial Government originally envisioned. Congratulations to you all, for by taking the stance you have taken, you have asserted the use of religious oppression as a legitimate tool of foreign policy.

We don't understand why religion haters, as our friends in Ryanania put it, have stood up for a religious oppressor over his victims, or interfered at all for that matter. We don't understand why nations who assert that they support religious liberty would stand up for a theocracy who has attempted to rob Pantocratorians of their religious liberty. The intent of this ultimatum was to force a tyrant to stop using religion as a means to advance his own interests, not to pick a fight with any of you, nor even the inhabitants of the True Holy See themselves. Pantocratoria's issue is with one man, and one man alone, Pious XIV, and so long as following through with our ultimatum would mean starting a conflict which would claim the lives of thousands, even millions, all for the sake of this one man, we will not follow through with it. Our troops will remain deployed to the West Pacific as a symbolic stand against this religious oppression, but they will not start a war.

However, we are advised by a telegram from the Goldendragons that they will be conducting a strike against the True Holy See. While the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria appreciates the Goldendragons' bravery and dedication to our cause, we do not support this strike, since we do not wish to start a wide-scale war. For this reason, Pantocratoria must distance itself from the well-meaning Goldendragon attack. We have personally telegrammed the Goldendragons and asked them to abort their attack, but they have refused. We stress, any attack which is carried out against the True Holy See by the Goldendragons is not an action of the Pantocratorian Imperial Government.

We have been forced to stand down in this matter by those who support religious oppression as a tool of foreign policy. We still hold out hope that the international community will come to its senses and join Pantocratoria in stamping out the use of religious power as a proverbial stick with which to beat political opponents over the head, but until such time, the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria will take no military action against the True Holy See.

ANDREUS I IMP. PANTOCRATORIA

OOC: My last post was long - the short version is basically that we're standing down, indignant over the interference in favour of the tyrannical antipope Pious XIV.

OOC: My last post was long - the short version is basically that we're standing down, indignant over the interference in favour of the tyrannical antipope Pious XIV.

OOC: Gotcha. Read it, but it helps to be sure.

OOC: My last post was long - the short version is basically that we're standing down, indignant over the interference in favour of the tyrannical antipope Pious XIV.

OOC: Gotcha. Read it, but it helps to be sure.

OOC: Cool. I was worried that with all my self-righteous IC rhetoric, people would still think I was going to war if they were only skimming it. :lol:

Uncle Noel supports these actions and proposes that joint military exercises take place to show that we are not nations who make idle threats (although I'm not going to war)

Uncle Noel supports these actions and proposes that joint military exercises take place to show that we are not nations who make idle threats (although I'm not going to war)

The irony of your statement is astounding.

Uncle Noel supports these actions and proposes that joint military exercises take place to show that we are not nations who make idle threats (although I'm not going to war)

The irony of your statement is astounding.

OOC: That's not irony. The literal and intended meanings are the same.