OOC: Hi there, I am making this post because I have determined by the time Ruthenish becomes a working language, it will have cluttered up so much of Ruthund's factbook, the thread will be less accesible to people looking for more general and non-linguistic information for Ruthund. I will keep my language posts in my factbook for the time being, but they will eventually migrate as I develop this thread. I also wanted to make a fresh thread, because I wanted to retrace my steps in making Ruthenish so I have a more methodical layout for the language thereby making it easier in its further development. Making a language to the point where it can actually be spoken is a lot of work, and its especially a lot of work since I'm basing it off an extinct language that we still don't have a complete understanding about. So a special workspace I feel is appropiate. Thank you ^ ^

Introduction to Ruthenish

Ruthenish is a language found in Europe. It is spoken by about 60 million speakers region-wide, primarily in Ruthund, where it is the national language. It is the liturgical language of the Zdardrin Grand Temple, alongside Classical Ruthenish. As a language from the East Germanic branch, Ruthenish considered quite different from the currently existing Germanic languages. It is generally accepted by scholars that Ruthenish is the sole surviving East Germanic language.

Evidence of the Ruthenish did not appear until the late 4th century CE, in modern-day north Czech-Slavia and south Strathae. The inscriptions found in the area show that Ruthenish was largely intelligible with Gothic. Proto-Ruthenic, emerging by the early 6th CE in modern-day Gallorum and later found in modern-day Ruthund, had a notable amount of Greek influence on some grammatical structures as well as vocabulary. However, limited writing in Proto-Ruthenic exists. Classical Ruthenish emerged by the 10th century CE and largely resembles the modern day language. Zdardrin scripture is primarily written in Classical Ruthenish, with the largest pieces of the religious texts being written circa 12th century CE. The religious texts of Ruthenish remained a literary standard as well as the language of the Ruthenish Court until the 18th century, when more vernacular version became more accepted. Modern Ruthenish emerged in the late 16th century, following the Great Ruthenish Vowel Shift. Following the end of the Old Regime in 1994, the amount of foreign loanwords have increased, most notably from English and German, though the language still remains largely conservative.

Opening Statement from First Speaker of the Peasants and Workers' Party, Eizdanuz Okhelaihuztukur:

Comrades, distinguished guests, and my fellow members of the Party Congress, I would like begin by thanking the PEL for giving our party the honor of organizing this historical event for the Eurogroup. As the workers all over Europe spoke in favor of us gaining power in Europe, so too does Ruthund stand behind you as we move forward towards a better future. Europe now know that there is an alternative between the neoliberal policies of the EPA and fascism which has spread across Europe and has only loosened its grip in Ruthund recently. With the victory of Comrades Sofie Čikarová and Piane Daggot, the Left will surely be empowered in ways that we have not been able to achieve before.

In Tuzgjord, during the Second Kinstrife, our fathers took up arms against the reactionary forces and formed one of the earliest revolutionary governments in Europe. However, like with many heroes of the revolution, luck is scarce and so was it with the Tuzgjord Revolutionary Council. However even in their defeat, they waged a guerilla war all the way until the founding of the stewardship in 1994 at the cost of their livelihoods, sometimes their families, and any chance to see the light of freedom without being in hiding. They did this because they believed in something that will never be quashed out from humanity: emancipation for all. Though we intend to fight the revolution now through the ballot box, let us have the same conviction that these heroes by fighting for the common worker ever more aggressively with a new found hope placed in our hands. Let's fight for the people of Europe!

Thank you.

1. Phonological (Sound) Inventory

In total, Ruthenish has 26 phonemes used in the language, 6 of which are vowel sounds and 20 of which are consonants. While the Ruthenish language consonant inventory is within an average range for most Germanic languages, its vowel inventory is unusually small for a Germanic language.

Ruthenish is a pitch-accent language, a language that has some tonal elements to distinguish certain syllables within a word from words that would otherwise sound identical. Examples of other languages that use pitch-accent is Japanese, Norwegian, and some Franconian dialects in central Germany. This is contrasted with stress-accent languages, such as English. Pitch is not often expressed in writing in Ruthenish and heavily relies on context when ambiguity does occur.

Default stress falls on the first syllable of the word.

Ex: wordjoz

high-pitch, second syllable: police, security
flat tone: district, ward

Vowel Inventory:

Diphthongs:

ai (aɪ)
ɛi
oi
ui
au
ou

Consonant Inventory:

Monday- 31 August, 2020

STATEMENT FROM THE COUNCIL OF LAW

On the 16th of July of this year, we received a petition from Feltzdona Lukazizen disputing the legality of the Riksroja's decision to recognize the current government incumbent on the Isle of Icholasen. It was originally intended that formal arguments be made and the opinion of the court be known in public. However both the prosecution and defense teams had expressed concern over their safety after death threats have been made. Clearly being a controversial issue that will gather the attention of the national media, we decided to was best to break tradition and hold the court proceedings away from general audiences.

This being said, the transcripts of the court hearing are available to the public at our official website, counciloflaw.ru (OOC: not a real-life website). These transcripts will also include the full unabridged opinion of the court, which will not be displayed here. Instead a concise opinion shall be expressed below:

We, the Council of Law of the Realm of Great Ruthund, uphold the decision given by the Riksroja to recognize the Union of Nicoleizian Socialist Republics as the legitimate government on the isle of Icholasen. While the arguments presented by the prosecution assert that the UNSR is not yet to be recognized by the European Union, and Ruthund, as a European member state are legally obligated to follow, the Act of Basic Law of the Realm of Great Ruthund is the supreme law of the land. The question presented by this case is weather the Act of Basic Law, which states in Article II, Section I, "The Realm of Great Ruthund shall maintain a policy of neutrality and remain impartial in all foreign affairs, with the exception to which it involves the national sovereignty of the Realm" is to be regarded subservient to European law, or eclipses such resolutions. We hold that Ruthenish law is superior to European Law in such cases and that the membership of Ruthund in the European Union is only constitutional insofar is it ensures that State Affairs remain independent of the affairs in Europolis.

The Prosecution also argues that the current guerrilla campaign in Icholasen is evidence that the doctrine of Popular Sovereignty has not yet been met within the UNSR. Albeit, the Court does not consider Popular Sovereignty a prerequisite to Ruthenish recognition of a State. Since the UNSR currently holds sovereignty over the Isle of Icholasen, denying its Statehood is considered by this court as denialism. This diplomatic act would constitute an implicit bias towards the previous government, hence breaking the provisions laid out in Article II, Section I of the Act of Basic Law. Conversely, if the UNSR loses sovereignty over the Isle of Icholasen the Riksroja would have a responsibility to recognize the new government in power, should they prove to be capable of wielding sovereignty. Thus, the recognition of the UNSR was the correct expression of a policy of Neutrality.

Zgeirtan in his future debate with a pro-UNSR tankie

Zgeirtan was just finishing his epic debate on his stream with Speaker Luzorgaz as he was reminded by his attendants that he had to start making his way to the Bergen Climate Change summit. Luzrogaz was totally destroyed in that debate by facts and logic. But Zgeirtan’s lefty arc of pwnage would have to wait a few days as he embarked on a mission to represent Ruthund in creating an accord to help combat climate change. Then he thought of an idea, and told his attendant.

“Bro, I should vlog this trip and upload it to my YouTube channel!” he said with eagerness.

“Lord Steward, how about we focus on getting to the plane. We are quite literally losing daylight.”

“Alright sure, but I'm bringing my streaming equipment so I can continue my next debate with that tankie tomorrow. Don’t want him to think I am backing away.”

The attendant sighed with a minor amount of annoyance. “OK, we’ll see to it Lord Steward. But right now, we need to make our way to the airport.”

And so they took off on a private jet. Zgeirtan was supposedly supposed to be rehearsing for his appearance when he arrived in Bergen, but it turned out he only could play Minecraft. Since they were traveling overseas, he couldn't play League of Legends, so he had to settle playing the Minecraft mod Tekkit on his way there. But that didn’t matter that he got little practice, Zgeirtan was a natural at this sorta thing. Besides, everyone knew he was a gamer. Eventually Zgeirtan was advised to sleep before the arrived in Bergen the next day. To everyone’s surprise, he took his attendants’ advice without any argument.

The jet arrived in Bergen soon after. It was only the third time Zgeirtan had been outside of Ruthund on official business, and the first time ever he heard of the word Mennrimiak. He thought the name of the country sounded cool. Before he had the chance to leave the airstrips, some of his attendants rushed to Zgeirtan’s side to give him his papers. “You almost forgot these Lord Steward. We have business to do once we get back to Ruthund, your pwnage of the Mutual Workers’ Party might have triggered them into breaking the coalition agreement.”

“Yeah whatever. Those people were always bad faith anyway.”

Zgeirtan, though sometimes really informal and optically irresponsible, managed to gather whatever discipline he could and made his way to the summit in a stately manner with a suit and a nice blue tie.

Upon arrival he greeted everyone, including the International Affairs Commissioner with a “Wassup.” And the proceeded to wait for others that might show up.

The foreign dignitaries were instructed to await further instructions at the Chamber of Meditation. This was a room that was not as lit as the other outer chambers were and displayed several tapestries, rugs, and pillows. It would seem the whole room was filled with colorful fabrics. The entire temple was quiet as the Temple was closed to the public was closed for the meeting of the clergy with the Thuidon. The air smelled of Dragon's Blood, a favorite around this time of year for temples across Ruthund. The chamber itself almost seemed to allure its occupiers to rest and eventual deep sleep.

But not too soon after a door opened from the passage to the Inner Chambers. Before the foreign dignitaries stood a robed-- priest the gender was not clear. In Ruthund, it was customary for priests to appear androgynous as they believed simply put, that androgyny resembled divinity. The priest's robes were gray and they wore a unique and somewhat strange hat to resemble they were part of the clergy. Hanging down from their neck was a silver nine-pointed star-- the Ruthakzdorn (The Star of Ruthak) the symbol of the Ruthenish people and the religion.

"Hail, most esteemed Southerners." as she bowed before the dignitaries. "His Eminence has been expecting your arrival and hopes that your journeys were pleasant as they were safe. Please, follow me and I will show you to the Room of Meeting."

The priest led the foreign delegations through the passage the went deeper into the Temple. As the delegations ascended deeper, the use of fabrics became less common and stone began to overtake the impression of the various chambers. Eventually, there came a door where the sun once again shone into the eyes of the delegation. This was the Temple's Sacred Garden, where the ashes of a the King are buried-- save for Kazmur himself. The much of the garden's floor was covered in moss and various pools and puddles also were found in this garden. It was often strange to Southerners that a place that they would find as something to leisurely stroll in was in fact a place that Ruthens came to pay respects.

On the opposite side of the garden was a silver plated door guarded by the Temple Guard. Upon seeing the arrival of the Priest, they opened the door and allowed all into the chamber. The chamber, uncharacteristic of the other chambers, was wooden, and possessed various rugs and tapestries. Green seemed to dominate the room. At the front of the room stood a curtained off area, these curtains were also dark green-- in fact a very particular shape of green often associated with royalty in Ruthund, the color of the fir trees within the mountains of Ruthund.

The Priest directed the foreign delegation to take a seat on the upper level of the chamber, above the clergy. The seats and tables were ornately crafted, depicting various omeihuz as well as various things found in nature. The room's silence was dulled by a sort mumur among the clergy sitting in the bottom section of the room. After a few moment's a sharp but charming bell rang -- silence followed. Only a few seconds afterwards the curtains unfolded, if only slowly. And thus the Thuidon was revealed for the first time in nearly 500 years to a non-Ruthen and all the clergy below watch for the Thuidon eagerly knowing this.

(OOC: This part is a prelude to the speech the Thuidon will give. I will post tomorrow containing the speech itself, then afterward, people will be able to meet the Thuidon personally, if they wish.)

Friday- 19 February, 2021

Riksroja Announcement concerning the Union of Syndicates

The Ruthenish government has been monitoring the deteriorating situation in the Union of Syndicates, and such observations have caused concern for national security and of other Ruthens abroad. As such, the Ruthenish government has saw it necessary to enact these measures thusly:

1. Airborne and Waterborne travel from the Union of Syndicates shall be hereby suspended, except on account of essential business until 22 March, 2021. The Riksroja will discuss whether it is proper to renew such measures on a later date. This measure will be effective at 0:00 on 20 February, 2021.

2. All Ruthens currently residing or visiting the Union of Syndicates are strongly encouraged to leave immediately. We also call on the Union Government to release all Ruthens from custody within 48 hours or face potential action from Ruthund.

3. The Ruthenish government will not be accepting new visa applications from the Union of Syndicates during the duration of the travel suspension. However, the Riksroja will review this measure as it continues to monitor the situation evolving in the Union of Syndicates.

4. Police and Military Units shall be placed on Alert for potential terrorist activities in Ruthund. The Riksroja has also ordered increased military presence at the following airports: Naitor International Airport in Kazmurbirha, Rangentazav Internatal Airport, and Nokthur International Airport to monitor and quell any potential hostile threats from outside the country.

We shall continue to work with our neighbors and the European Union to ensure that Ruthund and Northern Europe remains safe for its people.

Name: Kittichat Thongthang (legal: Zokouhaz Thuidotazen)
Home Nation: Realm of Great Ruthund
Office(s) Sought: Premier and Internal Affairs Commissioner
Incumbent: N
Eurogroup Affiliation: None (non-existent "Femboy Party")
Biography: Kittichat, legally named as Zokouhaz in Ruthenish records, was born in Niqobriduz, a city just outside of Kazmurbirhaz in 1975. His father worked as a physicist for the State Institute of the Arts, the main Ruthenish university and the center of research in Ruthund. His mother was the director of the Mathematics department at the Niqobrid College of Natural Philosophy. Kittichat was said to be gifted and was promptly put into the Youth Wing of the State Institute of the Arts at the age of 9. However, due to his young age, he was often bullied and socially isolated. Kittichat graduated from the Youth program in 1992, and transferred into the honor’s program at the State Institute. He graduated at the top of his class in 1996 with a degree in Economics.

Zokouhaz worked at the University as an assistant professor until 2000 when Kittichat joined one of his former classmates and friend Hortlukilaz Reiborazen in starting up a for-profit educational company in Kazmurbirhaz for gifted youth. However this venture folded in 2006, when Ruthund entered into an economic recession. In 2008, Kittichat moved to Reitzmag to help start a business with a contact in the area and was introduced to anime by his coworkers. Kittichat began to become fascinated in anime and more broadly asian culture. In 2013, Kittichat received national attention when he returned to Ruthund funding a new art studio that would make Ruthenish anime. This would be Ruthund’s first exposure to the artform ever, thus making Kittichat a prominent figure in Ruthenish media, especially as it became more popular among young people.

In 2017, Kittichat started a non-profit fellowship called Anime Artists of Ruthund. The organization was intended to train aspiring anime artists that did not have economic means to enter in professional work. The fellowship intended to train up to 2,500 artists, but fell short with only 127 artists graduating with the fellowship. Kittichat ran for mayor of Kazmurbirhaz in 2018, however lost the election falling in 4th place. During the election Kittichat called for his signature policy in Ruthund, adding “femboys” and “catboys” as a protected class against discrimination. In 2020, he announced that he was transracial saying “I feel like I should have been asian” and went to Retizmag in early 2021 for plastic surgery to make his appearance more Asian. Shortly after, he changed his name to a Thai name calling himself “Kittichat Thongthang”. However the Ruthenish government does not recognize his name change on the grounds that “Kittichat was not in the database of eligible Ruthenish names and… all citizens are required to have an approved Ruthenish name.” His last name was rejected on the grounds it violated the naming conventions of Ruthens. However he insists that his name is Kittichat.

In June of 2021, he announced the start of a new movement seeking to become an eventual Eurogroup called the “Femboy Party”. He criticized that politics in Europe has become too partisan and that Europeans were calling for an alternative option. Making his campaign and party slogan “Not left. Not right. Femboy”, he announced his campaign primarily on the issue of making specifically femboys and catboys a legally protected class in Europe against all forms of discrimination.

Applications to participate in the 41st Edition of the Eurovoice Song Contest are now closed. The contestants participating in Eurovoice 41 will be announced shortly.*

Mr. Speaker Firoux,

I am writing to you, as an open letter to the public, concerning your comments made this morning in Europolis during my motion to establish Ruthenish Neutrality in accordance to the EU Constitution. Statements which I find disrespectful to the Ruthenish state and its people which elected our current government in Kazmurbirha.

I am particularly dissapointed in your language when calling Ruthund a 'rogue state', a term which even other Councillors supporting your point of view dismissed. As the Speaker, EU Councillors have an expectation that you lead by example-- even in matters of mannerisms and Parliamentary behavior in the Council. This incident this morning was by no means leading by example and in fact, merits condemnation from my colleagues. Ruthund has abided by many of the European Union regulations since its accession. However Ruthund holds that it's its sovereign right to choose which Nicoleizian government is considered 'sovereign'. Our legal institutions went through the proper channels and process to determine the question, and the end result was the Realm of Great Ruthund recognizes the UNSR. While you may disagree with this decision, calling Ruthund a 'rogue state' is unacceptable behavior coming from a respectable statesman, in my mind. In doing so, you have undermined our democracy at home.

I request, Mr. Speaker, you retract your statement and apologize to the People of Ruthund for these disparaging remarks made to our Nation. I hope to work with you in the future in more civil and better terms.

Sincerely,
Helhuan Zihuruthstukur
EU Councilor for the Realm of Great Ruthund

On behalf of Oregon I vote FOR Amendment III and ABSTAIN on all other amendments.

Earl Blumenauer
EU Councilor, Oregon

From the Executive Council of the Government of Oregon

Due to the subsequent attacks that took place on Friday night in Portland, to ensure public order and safety, and by the powers vested to the President of the Executive Council of the Government of Oregon by the Constitution of the Republic, Multnomah, Clackamas, and Chinook counties are now declared under a State of Emergency by orders of President John Kitzhaber. This declaration shall expire on 15 January, 2023 and subject to renewal by deliberation of the Executive Council.

It is hereby ordered that:

1. As necessary, the national government and its agencies shall provide necessary resources, assistance and oversight in the relevant local governments in response and recovery, investigation of the said series of attacks, and the apprehension of the perpetrators. Potential restrictions to travel, particularly on seaports, airports, and border crossings, may be implemented during the duration of this State of Emergency in accordance to the Oregon Government Directive Code.

2. SINOP (Special Intelligence and Operations Office) shall be entrusted in assisting the relevant local agencies in determining the identification and location of the group involved as well as their motives and goals.

31 December, 2022

President John Kitzhaber

Portland Attacks: What We Know so far

PORTLAND-- President John Kitzhaber today announced a State of Emergency following a series of attacks that took place in Portland on Friday night. The death and injury figures are not yet known fully. As of now, 48 people are confirmed dead and 91 are under medical care.

Portland’s Sabbath night was disrupted by what appeared to be 2 bombings and 3 mass shootings. The largest and first bombing to take place was in the Rose Garden, a sports arena in the Rose Quarter of Portland, where 31 people are confirmed dead from the attack. Other attacks took place at The Overlook restaurant in South Waterfront, the Arlene Schnitzer Hall in the city center, the Pittock Mansion in Olmsted Park, and a Dutch Coffee Company cafe on Southwest 5th Avenue and Madison. Portland Police have apprehended two of the perpetrators thus far, however it is not yet known how many people were involved in this operation.

When asked about who might be responsible, Chief of the Portland Police Bureau Alvin Casey stated, “We are still investigating the perpetrators of the attack, but we do know that the attacks that occurred last night were coordinated and planned. Based on witness testimonies, we know that this group is likely associated with some paynish groups within the LDS. We can pretty confidently assume that this was an act of terrorism.”

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks that occurred in Portland on Friday.

(OOC: Work in Progress)

Oregon votes as follows:

1. Betsy JOHNSON (Oregon)

New Procedural Changes in the Legislative Assembly Leave Nationalists with Fewer Options

Thursday December 8, 2022

CHEMEKETA-- The Legislative Assembly passed a resolution on Thursday to amend quorum procedures in the chamber, reducing the required MLA’s present from 64 down to 52 of the 96 seats. This resolution is set to take effect in the next Legislative Session in February.

This move was met with heavy criticism from the minority Oregon Nationalist Party (ONP) leadership decrying it as a ‘power grab’. The ruling Liberal Democrats (LDPO) have discussed openly changing procedural rules for a long while. However, pressure to change these rules increased within the past year as nationalist MLA’s have more frequently walked out of the chamber in protest of climate change legislation they see as ‘objectionable’.

“It is absolutely a catastrophic power grab from the ghoulish puppet masters of the so-called Liberal Democratic Party”, said Dr. Jordan Peterson, leader of the ONP. “Anyone can see that they are trying to silence any opposition in the Assembly to maintain the purity of their “esteemed” post-modern neo-Marxist ideology. Our party wants to stop that, but they clearly have no respect for a western idea that they probably never heard of-- its called Dem-o-cracy, they should look it up!”

Traditionally, a two-thirds threshold in the chamber was established for quorum. However over the last few decades the opposition party in the chamber used it to shut down Assembly business whenever they found a bill objectionable. It was first used by the Liberal Democrats in 1997, but seldom used. However with increasing political tension in the country, the practice has become more common-- particularly under Liberal Democratic rule. Under the leadership of Dr. Jordan Peterson, this practice has increased substantially alongside other tactics to hinder legislative business, such as insisting on the full text of bills being read out loud before they are put up to a vote. Liberal Democrats have called these tactics ‘obstructionist’ and threatened to change quorum rules.

“This is just plain disrespectful to our work and to our democracy.” said Tina Kotek, speaker of the Legislative Assembly who is a LDPO member. “I would have preferred to keep the quorum where it is now, to make sure the opposition have their chance to participate. But they have made it clear they don't want to participate so we will have to change the rules to make sure the government is delivering results for Oregonians.”

This change, though opposed by the ONP leadership, has broad support in Oregon with roughly 63% of respondents in favor of the change and only 28% opposed to it in a recent survey done by The Oregonian. This reflects similar polls on the question of an upcoming initiative set next year on whether MLA’s with more than 6 unexcused absences should be disqualified from holding office for the next term, described by one respondent as “if you do not show up to work, you get fired… same thing for MLA’s”.

Candidate Name: Betsy Johnson
Home Nation: Oregon
Incumbent? (Y/N): N
Biography: Betsy Johnson is the former Chief Justice of the Oregon Court of Appeals from 2016-18 while serving a six-year term from 2012. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in History at Joseph Smith College in 1977 and earning a Juris Doctor in 1981 at the King Henry V College (now Edith Green College). After her education, Johnson taught law at Oregon State University. In 1994 Johnson left Academia and was elected as a District Attorney before being nominated and elected twice to serve as a Judge at the Klickitat County Court between 2007-2015. Currently, Johnson serves on the Board of Governors of the Oregon National Bar Association.

Nation Name: Oregon
Artist: Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Song: Zoot Suit Riot
Vote Result Deliverer: Rachel Eisenstein

Oregonian Customary Measurement Standards (OCMS)

The Oregonian Imperial System, formally known as OCMS, is the official measurement system in Oregon. Having origins in the British Imperial System, the system has since underwent significant reforms due to a new standardization issued in the late 1970's and early 1980's to simplify the system and make it more easily comparable to the metric system. In addition, Oregon as a result of this reform uses the Celsius temperature measurement.

Distance (and Height) Measurements

One inch is divided into 24 specks, this is a new addition to the system roughly equal to 1mm.

One inch as set in the OCMS is exactly equivalent to 2.50cm.

One foot similar to earlier standards is set to 12in.

One yard is set in the OCMS as 4 feet (48 inches). This measurement serves as the distance that roughly 2 steps forward (synonymous with a pace).

One rod is set in the OCMS as 12 feet or 3 yards (144 inches). This measurement is not used often in reference to distance and instead is usually used in the height of large objects such as buildings.

One mile is equal to one great gross (1,000 in base twelve) yards (1,726 yards). This is equal to 2 kilometers.

One league is set to 24 miles in the OCMS. The distance is described as the maximum amount of distance that one can reasonably expect to travel in a day on foot. This is used mainly in reference to large distances. This unit is just over 50km long.

Weight Measurements

One grain is set by the OCMS to 100mg.

One ounce is equal to 144 grains.

One stock is equal to 12 ounces. This is a new addition to the measurement system.

One pound is equal to 3 stocks (36 ounces).

One ton is equal to 1,728 pounds.