The Great Swale Path, Chapter 2

Approaching Sertia by ferry from Nofoaga is not necessarily a straightforward route. Between the two islands lie three active underwater volcanoes which must be avoided because they were in the process of forming their own island.

Luckily, however, this route means that the ferries must hug the Sertian coast for about two hours. This offered a lovely view of the Sertian island, which for many of us on the ferry was our first time seeing Sertia from this close.

I was able to finally see why I was going to walk the Great Swale Path, not the "Great Mountain Path", or even more preferably the "Great Path with Lots of Cheap and Delicious Restaurants".

To the North of the Sertian island lies a large, ancient marsh known as Tremaras. At one time, about 250,000 years ago, it is thought that Tremaras covered what made up most of the Sertian Empire. Now, due to dredging and building, Tremaras stretches from the capital of Hemberdale to the city of Plariaras, where it is briefly interrupted, then continues around the stretch of coast nearest the West Olves.

Tremaras is vast, and scant of anything naturally taller than a cattail. The villages within the marsh are elevated by stone or wood planks spare the areas where the boats are launched. Houses are built level with these long, surprisingly wide footpaths, in a circular fashion, many of them having roofs of terracotta or the like. Between the villages of Tremaras that we passed, there was nothing to be seen but wilderness and the sound of the sea.

Then, suddenly dominating our view from behind the planks of the village, were the old stone ruins of a Sertian castle. Candalyyth, I heard people murmur. It was a lonely, ominous figure. Hardly anything was left of its foundations except for a tall, thin watchtower partially submerged in the marsh. The highest window of the watchtower reflected no light from inside. A slight drip, drip, drip could be heard echoing from its depths.

Even after the castle faded from view, all of us on the ferry were left with an obligation to reflect on the times that have been lost to us. It's always a strange feeling, when you see something that you can't touch, but was once so significant. Unspoilt by our sight, Candalyyth sits in its glory, the master and the lady of the castle lying, perhaps, comfortably inside.

The marsh eventually receded and the outskirts of Plariaras began on the other side of a hill. Sertian homes are miniscule. Realising that they didn't have enough money to build regularly-sized homes for all of the residents of Plariaras, the Braetha decided that in order to give everyone the best quality homes, they would limit the size of publicly-funded houses to one room for every family. Thus, whilst the houses were of the quality you might see in a wealthier part of Europe, they were far too small for me to imagine anyone living inside of them. Some people had built conservatories or extra rooms on the side, but that appeared to be a privilege.

More and more buildings came into view as we approached the port of Plariaras. Yellow, green, and red painted stone buildings, and an absolute cacophony of noise greeted us.

ASPERN AND THE WEST OLVES DECLARE INDEPENDENCE FROM SERTIA

Good evening. We have an urgent report for the people of Gadalland and Aspern.

About 20 minutes ago, it was communicated to the Order of the Braetha, in an official statement, that the Informal Kingdom of Aspern has declared independence from Sertia to start a new Republic.

The West Olves has joined the Aspernian separatism.

This announcement comes after the escalation of tensions as the former Head Braetha Guthrun Wond was banished from the Triumvirate of Holy Cities of Hemberdale, Osperfey, and Plariaras. Additionally, the holy city of Aspern, Osperfey, has resisted much of the drastic industrialisation which the rest of Sertia has experienced.

Osperfey has experienced a large number of protesting, some of which has turned violent, as well as civil disobedience.

The letter was addressed from the city of Osperfey, written by Mr. Guthrun Wond. The letter has not been released to the press, but we are aware from Mr. Wond's address that the Kingdom of Aspern has the following demands:

• that the people of Aspern are recognised as a legitimate, sovereign republic by the government of Sertia, the relevant bodies of the European Union, and the governments of each individual EU nation,

• that the Order of the Braetha is no longer the official government of the Republic of Aspern,

• that the Order of the Braetha permit the Kingdom of Aspern to form its own, sovereign republic under Mr. Guthrun Wond.

• that to maintain the peace between the Republic of Aspern and Sertia, provisional borders are drawn and the freedom of movement be protected.

The Order of the Braetha has not released any official statements, but have convened an emergency session in the War Rooms, which is open to the public.

Is it safe to go to the Aspernian territory?

It is unclear how border crossings will take place in the future, or whether there will be a border at all. However, due to increased civil and violent unrest in the areas around Osperfey we advise against any unnecessary travel.

Does Aspern have the right to independence?

The rules about this are encoded in the Sertian Domex 1224, which has been removed from its archives this evening and taken to the War Rooms for discussion by the Braetha. The last time this happened was 314 years ago during the Rebellion of the Sailors.

Officially, the Domex does not say anything directly about regions declaring independence. However, the sovereignty of each of the six islands, accordingly, "is to be recognised and respected through the land".

Will there be a war for independence?

This is incredibly uncertain, especially as the Braetha have not gone public with any official statements. Experts say that, if the Braetha decides that the claim to independence is not legitimate, or will cause undue harm to the people within the new territory, they will likely attempt to take it back. But whether that taking-back will be by force we have yet to foresee.

What about getting from Aspern to Sertia?

All trains and ferries between Sertia and the Aspernian territory have suspended operations for fears of escalating violence.

Where will the summit be taking place? Part 1 of 3

Heard about the upcoming arrival of Mr. Aguilar to Sertia? Whether you're a fan of politics, or are endlessly in love with the Spanish leader, we've made a guide to help you follow the two leaders on their three day adventure through Sertia.

Day 1:

• Drive to Hemberdale Railway station
• Meet with Ms. Dina while on the train to Slalium
• Meet Head Braetha Fornithias Cranst, inaugurate the new spaceport in Slalium
• Get the train to Araguas House in Esterey, home of Head Braetha Fornithias Cranst
• Join Mr. Cranst for a Seeing In the Masts Ceremony and traditional dinner in the evening in Esterey

Your first question might well be: when the devil did we get a railway?
Good question! Technically, about 150 years ago, when Sertia Horserail began operations. But actual trains? Not yet. In fact, our very own European Councillor and Mr. Aguilar will jointly inaugurate the rail system with its first ever train before it is to be open to the public.
Hemberdale will service all routes which were formerly Sertia Horserail, including, Esterey, Osperfey, and Uggold. It will also service Blenawen and Slalium.
Here is an earlier picture of Hemberdale horserail station:

Hemberdale General Horserail station, 1866

Here is Hemberdale Railway station, after significant renovation:

Railway? Sorted. What's next for these two leaders?
Well, they will be on the train for most of the day. Their first destination is the beautiful new Spanish spaceport, by the lovely seaside village of Slalium.

Slalium from the sea, 30 January 2023

After the inauguration, Mr. Aguilar will get back on the train to the bustling town of Esterey. While Esterey is a bit inland from the sea, it boasts the largest railway station in Gadalland and Aspern, and is where you can find Araguas House, or better known as the home of our very own Head of Braetha, Fornithias Cranst.

Esterey railway station, 1 January 2023

Araguas House, 2 December 2023

At the end of today, the two leaders will head to Esterey Harbour, where a private Seeing in the Masts will be held. Seeing in the Masts is a traditional practice of many Sertian villages and it is a celebration of sailors coming home.

Stay tuned for part 2!

Sertia prepares for tourism growth this summer

and, no doubt, tourism politics.
26 April 2024

The government and businesses are getting ready to accommodate high volumes of tourists this Summer season.

With the Summer tourist season due to officially start on 1 May, the government have expanded train, Sertia HorseRail and coach service timetables, as well as scheduling more ferries between Sertia and Nofoaga for ease of accessibility. Business owners are also finishing up winter renovations on their properties and are preparing to open in just four days.

The West Olves are also readying to welcome visitors by air, land, and sea. The provisional government of the West Olves have ordered expanded ferry timetables from Plariaras, Sertia to Icaserch, WO.

Tourism is the second largest industry in Sertia, next to textiles (the 3rd) and fishing (the 1st). To many, this Summer will determine how well they are able to get through Winter.

Arts and culture

Summer is a time for celebrations of fine art and culture in Sertia. Most notably is the Baelo Arts Festival held in the Erdais district of Osperfey, which attracts world-renowned writers, artists, and cultural icons. This year, a record number of people are due to attend, making Erdais the place to be in the Caribbean this summer for lovers of fine art.

Erdais Politics

While tourists are a necessary part of Sertia's economy, there was quite a bit of uproar last year when the Erdais District Braetha ordered an additional tourist tax to be included in accommodation fees. This came after local residents complained of disorderly behaviour from tourists, a group of whom had been arrested and charged for criminal damage to private property.

Local festivals

Major Sertian destinations are not the only place for this, however. Around the country, local arts festivals will also be showcasing their homegrown talent to passers by and locals alike. The village of Tyr'n Bever, about 20 miles north of Rowsperch, is proud to present an exhibition by local artist Benjamin Tyr. It is an art installation which concerns the fleeting state of Sertia's natural, pastoral landscape, much of which is part of the ancient marshland known for generations as Tremaras. While the majority of people now live in Sertia's major cities, many of them hail originally from the towns and villages of Tremaras, of which Tyr'n Bever is one. Tyr's project is one that he says "comes from the heart".

"My family, the Tyrs, have lived around this area for over 400 years. Tyr'n Bever has shaped me", Tyr says. Indeed, around 1597 the Tyrs purchased the land where Tyr'n Bever is now.

When asked about what tourists should look for in Sertia this summer, Tyr says "come out to Tremaras and see how the Sertians really live. We are very welcoming and kind and not like the city-dwellers. Here you will have it easy, you can take it slow and enjoy yourself".

Sertian tourism season runs from 1 May to 31 August 2024.

Kingdom of Sertia? But there's no king!

24 August 2023

Tourism Sertia have been receiving an infinite amount of messages from our poor, confused readers about Sertia's new official title of 'Kingdom of Sertia'. They complain that it's confusing because "there is no king!"

Well, we want to address this because quite frankly, we get so many of the same messages that it's causing us much irritation we can't just get on with our day.

After the most recent Sertian schism, the Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern which had held for over 800 years has officially dissolved. Thus, we can no longer call ourselves Gadalland and Aspern, because some of the historically Aspernian territories are interwoven with historically Gallish territories. So when Aspern separated, it took some of Gadalland with it.

Although they're now reunited, the Braetha cannot reasonably continue to call it the Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern, as those six unions dissolve when one union dissolves.

'Sertia' is the name of the nations within Gadalland and Aspern who were formerly run by monarchs, hence the moniker 'Kingdom of Sertia'. But what about the old nations that weren't kingdoms?

Well, there weren't any of those. Before the Domex Campaigns by Verna II Osperfey in 1224, all of Sertia was run at one time by local clan leaders and princes who owned the land upon which they lived. During this time, the word 'Sertia' did not exist as a name. Instead, it demarcated the old hall where the individual kings convened each year, hence the name deriving from a corruption of Old Sertian meaning "sovereign".

When the kings convened, they would each issue a spoken statement about the state of affairs in their kingdom. The Old Sertian word for 'king' is 'ha', and the word for speech is 'Bryeh', or, in modern Sertian, "Braeh". In old Sertian, this convention within the "Serdria" became known as the "Bryeha", and is the first form of national government for Sertia, a direct ancestor of our very well-known Braetha.

So the Kingdom of "Sertia" really means the Kingdom of sovereign kings, a land which belongs to no single person but to many groups of people who have over the years lived in the lands owned by various princes and kings and other monarchs. Those kings no longer exist, but there is no other name for our nation other than the Kingdom of Sertia.

The Braetha have decided to call it the Kingdom of Sertia to recognise the significant impact of this schism on the identity of the Sertian people. But at least now there won't be any confusion as to why "Sertians" are from "Gadalland and Aspern". Sertians are from Sertia.

14:29

Ms Nacar's amendment was unsuccessful.

Braethan are now voicing their concerns about what a Sertian government would look like if political parties were to be legalised.

Mr Draynooth, the Braetha for Internal Finance and Development, has said that "the democratic process will be protected if we both allow political parties to exist and allow the people to decide when an election should be held", but not one or the other.

But, Mr Draynooth also asks, should there be a term limit for a sitting Braetha? How long should that be?

The Great Swale Path (extract 1)

this is a travel journal of an English-speaking man visiting modern-day Sertia, who walked the 300 mile Swale Path across the country.

Few would underestimate the cultural diversity of the European Union. Even fewer would underestimate our economic success or our championing of free trade and movement. The vast expanses of the EU make for a seemingly endless world of various opportunities. And, in various ways, these superlatives apply to every single nation on the European continent, if perhaps in different ways.

And only a few years ago, much to my surprise, my overwhelmingly (if not slightly biased) positive assessment of the European continent found its way to the Caribbean with the addition of the République de Nofoaga to the ranks of the EU. This was, in my opinion, and speaking for all EU travel writers, the best decision both the EU and Nofoaga ever made. The little island of Nofoaga is one to which I return very frequently, for in such small proximity endless beauty for all the senses awaits.

We've all certainly heard about the eruption of Mauga'afi in 2021, and the endless gloomy statistics around it: the deaths of hundreds and injuries of many, many more; and more than lives lost, millions of livelihoods and generational businesses crumbled before the eyes of their loving makers; monuments buried, possibly forever. It is events like these which are humbling to travel writers like myself, reminding me of the fragility of what is beautiful about our world, and the uniqueness of it in the span of what we have explored of the place beyond our Earth.

It is events such as these that many travel writers and media publicists attribute to underdeveloped nations. There is a pervasive narrative that nations who experience such large-scale disasters are doomed to forever be developing or poor. And if not actually developing or poor, then at least in the eyes of the people on the Continent who live a high-tech, high-speed and high-quality life.

However pervasive, this narrative is entirely baseless. In fact, Mauga'afi didn't dredge the Nofoagans deeper into their own mud. It brought out the true spirit of the Nofoagan people: neighbours housed neighbours, families helped families, chefs cooked for those who had no food, builders and humanitarian workers searched tirelessly for those who had gone missing. Buildings were rebuilt, and life went on.

Nofoaga had always been a country I loved to visit. But it was the events after Mauga'afi, and witnessing the kindness of the Nofoagan people, that really drew my attention to the Caribbean, a powerhouse in its own way.

It was in Nofoaga that I heard about the application of Sertia to join the EU for the first time. I was with my tour guide Rémy, who was equally as surprised as I was at this news. For many years the borders of Sertia had been completely shut to all citizens of the EU, the Sertians opting instead to manage their own empire of surrounding islands. The last ferry between Nofoaga and Sertia was in 1861, when the ferry redirected from Sertia to the West Olves.

I recovered a journal of a Nofoagan traveller to Sertia from April 1861, about a month before the last ferry departed for Nofoaga. They detailed their travels by rickety train across the country, the vast wind-swept marshy flats, castles in the distance and various wild birds captivating their imagination. Nofoaga certainly has its fair share of these things, but for such a close neighbour to describe their neighbouring country as so wholly different to their own amplified my Sertian intrigue to another level.

So for many years, myself and many Nofoagans would stare out the southern coast to the towering cliffs of the Sertian island, so close and yet so far away. Had I tried to swim there, I would have been eaten by a shark or eaten by the Sertians. For all we knew, there was nothing there!

When Gadalland and Aspern announced its first visa policy for EU citizens, I finished my online application and was approved within three days. I travelled via ferry into the city of Plariaras, a storied medieval city I recalled from reading News from Dróinstea, where Sarpara Manniach must travel to Plariaras whilst being pursued by her former lover and sworn enemy.

And me, naturally being a new-age Sarpara, also travelled to Plariaras where my Sertian adventure began.

I agree with Cllr. Tilkanas about the grave threat that alternative medicine poses to the public, especially to those who are deemed to be a vulnerable person. However, it is important that we respect every individual's informed choices as an expression of autonomy, and thus I would like to introduce the following amendment:

III. Alternative medical providers must duly inform users of their services that practices deemed to be 'alternative medicine' under this act are not endorsed by any official health agencies, and the provider must disclose any possible consequences of undergoing alternative medical treatment.

a. All practising alternative medical institutions must apply for and obtain a licence to practise. This licence accredits appropriate compliance with disclosure requirements.

b. The disclosure, and disclosure licence, must be made public and readily available to users and to potential users.

c. The relevant government agency, determined by the government of a respective state, can request evidence of this disclosure and licence to ensure continued compliance, and issue penalties for noncompliance.

Erdais to charge day tourists from 12 October

26 September 2023

The Erdais City braetha have voted to impose a tourist tax on day-trippers from outside the inner-Osperfey district.
The announcement comes as Erdais saw a record-breaking summer of tourism, with numbers reaching up to 55,000 people on 18 July of this year.

Erdais, a walled city within Osperfey, is very popular with tourists due to its narrow stone lanes, ancient religious sites, and the pristine and historic Erdais harbour, where locals and visitors are allowed to bathe and do water sports.

More recently, however, there has been an increase in misconduct including fly tipping, excessive smoking and drinking and unsightly or disruptive behaviour, which has caused locals to complain to the Erdais City braetha.

Howard Mannasith, an Erdais native who runs the Museum of Erdais, said just last week that a man shattered the door to the museum with a glass bottle. Mannasith called the police, who promptly pressed charges against him.

A spokesperson for the Erdais City Braetha said, "Many of the tourists who come [to Erdais] to be disruptive are those who come from the surrounding areas of Osperfey or beyond for the day. Our locals should not have to suffer unruly behaviour from people who do not have to complete the same day-to-day tasks as those who live in the city and pay their taxes".

Bulletin 477: Declaration by the Order of the Braetha

We, the Order of the Braetha of the Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern address the declaration of independence made by the Aspernian territory earlier this evening.

This evening, after a fortnight of tensions in the city of Osperfey, the West Olves, and throughout our nation, a final collapse of civility has occurred between the long-united kingdoms of Gadalland and Aspern, and the Six Unions.

We wish to stress to our citizens in Sertia, abroad, and the nations of the EU that, more than anything, this Braetha honours peace and prosperity, and we wish for our decisions on this night to reflect the virtues of our union, and how these virtues have remained for almost 800 years.

The Braetha recognise and appreciate bids by our citizens for independence. Because of this, we have consulted the Sertian Domex 1224 to come to our final decision, to avoid any unnecessary escalation of tensions between fellow Sertians.

The passage we have consulted proceeds as follows, in Section III, 43.12:

"Herrard-n droquea ras qerda mal-iiak pollodwy-s ynnx, masyn drobillias qerdyn fontri-istrante".

(In English: The sovereignty of these nations of old is to be respected throughout the land)

This passage communicates the right of every one of the old nations to retain their sovereignty. However, the Domex also guarantees the fundamental right of wellbeing to every Sertian.

The Domex also states that, where there is a declaration of independence, the Braetha automatically recognises it until they have decided its "status in virtue". In other words, the extent to which this declaration was made peacefully and with the best interest of all parties in mind.

It is clear to the Braetha that this declaration of independence has not been conducted in the sentiment of retaining wellbeing for all Sertians. Rather, it has manifested as a revolt against a government established in trust given to it by the citizens it governs.

Such a bid for independence would be supported by this Braetha where there is a vote by every citizen of Gadalland and Aspern to separate this nation into requisite parts.

The Braetha, with permission by Fornithias Cranst, ceases to recognise the Republic of Aspern as a legitimate state until a vote in peace-time has been conducted to this effect.

• We give permission to the Spanish military in Gadalland and Aspern to take action contrary to this separatist movement. However, they are not required to do so.

• We order the Sertian Maritime Service to cease service to separatist sailors, viz. to allow them entry to or departure from any ports of entry within Gadalland and Aspern.

• We mandate a curfew of 00:00 for all households and businesses in Gadalland and Aspern.

This mandate of the Order of the Braetha is issued with full and immediate effect.

ERE BACH'AIR DUN

Chapter 4, part 1: Droinstea, the hidden cornerstone of Sertian culture

Owing to its institutional status as a literary and cultural centre, however small, the town of Droinstea (pronounced thrin-stay) currently sees no shortage of wealthy residents and visitors. Indeed, it is one of the most expensive places to live in Sertia.

Leaving the front of the train station, the contrast with Plariaras was extreme. Instead of din, there was peace; where there was a slight grime in the air, there was now the smell of seawater. Small stone streets wove away from the station plaza. Wealthy residents walked their manicured dogs around the fountain in the centre of the plaza.

There is a protection order in place for all of the buildings in Droinstea. Landlords are not allowed to do any significant work that would damage the historicity of any buildings, and as a result there has been little real growth in terms of the size of the buildings or the town itself. However, this is one place in Sertia where you can really have a glimpse at the nation in its heyday--a paradise of the high society.

Droinstea has been inhabited on and off for at least 1500 years, though around the turn of the 7th century AD it was abandoned for an unknown reason. It was rehabilitated throughout the late 800s. According to the Alimrede (written alongside the Sertian Domex in 1224), this was due to the great wealth the town had inherited from finding primeval hordes of silver and gold.

In 940 AD, a Begreathum (today called "Braetha") named Lodith of Droinstea declared the town independent of the local Yttrevir queendom. This angered Queen Yttrevis, for the town was an important trade hub and supported the economy of the Queendom. Yttrevis was also planning to build a palace for her son there, so that it would become the new seat of power when she died.

In 941, Yttrevis sent her armies through Tremaras to wrangle Droinstea from Lodith's control. Lodith fled the city to the South and headed for the neighbouring kingdom of Prew, where he hoped to find refuge with his sister (who had married Prince Zabe, the heir). All this was unbeknownst to Yttrevis, whose army pillaged the town looking for Lodith. However, not very much damage was done from this as Yttrevis' army had been instructed not to disturb the villagers so she could gain favour in the town more easily. She successfully took control of Droinstea on August 4th, 941 and reincorporated the town as a part of Yttrevir.

The reincorporation didn't last long, however, for when Lodith reached the kingdom of Prew and told King Erawa what had happened, he saw the chance to establish influence in an important economic hub and expand his kingdom. He also saw Lodith as a weak leader and easy to take advantage of, having abandoned his city instead of staying and fighting for his people. If Erawa could take control of Droinstea and declare it a non-contiguous part of Prew, he'd then have a foot in the door to further diminish Yttrevis' power.

So it was decided. King Erawa was to take Droinstea. The day came on April the 20th, 943, when Erawa's army marched to the edge of Tremaras, awaiting reinforcements from Briswick in the south. Queen Yttrevis had an advantage in Tremaras, however. She was the "Queen of Tremaras", her army was sophisticated in warfare within these harsh conditions. Erawas had had no way to train his army in this environment, either, for Yttrevis had a hold of all of the marshland.

Erawas came up with a plan. Calling upon Lodis, Erawas sent him, along with a small group of soldiers, to burn down the newly built Prince's palace in Droinstea. It was considered one of the most architecturally sophisticated and beautiful buildings in Sertia, purportedly designed to be seen for many miles in all directions. It was a temple of wealth and represented the unequivocal influence of the Queen of Tremaras upon her people.

On the night of 1 May 943, Lodis and a few soldiers snuck into the palace and burnt it to the ground. Yttrevis' son, the Prince of Yttrevir, was inside and perished in the fire. Yttrevis lost all morale and surrendered Droinstea to Erawas' forces.

The loss of Droinstea palace is, to this day, considered a major tragedy. It was the tallest earthen structure at least in the western hemisphere, and pioneered the technology of Sertian water-proofing, a tradition that is still used in Sertian buildings today. Even more tragically, whilst there have been efforts and advocacy for its rebuilding, this project is embroiled in controversy. Advocates say it would demonstrate the genius of Sertian engineers, whilst detractors say it would be a symbol of dispute and partisanship that has been so relevant in Sertian politics through the ages.

The reason I mention the fountain in the plaza outside the train station is that if you dig underneath it, some say, you will find the ruins of Droinstea palace.

BREAKING NEWS: Braethan ratify democratic procedure bill

4 July 2024

The Braetha have ratified the Democratic Procedure Act 2024 after approximately 20 hours of nonstop debate. Bits and pieces of the originally proposed bill still stand, but many others have been axed or revised.

The Braetha for Education, Mr Elmas Ratriach, has said the passage of the bill "represents a new democratic age of Sertian life", and Mr Edwin Blasinyth, the Braetha controlling foreign affairs, says the bill "is a success for everyone".

Here is an overview of the parts of the bill that were successful, edited, or removed.

Right to establish political parties: UNSUCCESSFUL

Political parties are, still, not allowed to exist in the Kingdom of Sertia after the passage of this bill. Additionally, any political parties permitted before the passage of this bill must be dissolved.

This is a big hit to take for the Aspernian Coalition, a political party organised to represent the interests of the now defunct Republic of Aspern, whose members regularly engaged in illegal activities.

ONLY VOTES FROM BRAETHA REGISTRANTS COUNT: Revised

In Sertia, while technically anyone can vote, only those registered with the correct Braetha will have their votes count fully, at a value of 1. If you're not registered with a Braetha, your vote counts as 0.

Now, however the DPA ensures that all citizens of Sertia have the right to vote without being part of a Braetha, with their votes counting for 0.5. Additionally, individuals in higher education may register with the Braetha for Education to have their votes count fully, at a value of 1.

Even better, citizens of Sertia can now vote in as many Braetha elections as they please, without registering.

Non-citizens of Sertia will be able to vote as long as they are registered with a Braetha, at a value of 0.5. If you have been in Sertia for longer than 10 years or show exceptional knowledge of Sertia, you may be able to have your vote counted at a value of 1.

VOTING AGE LIMIT ESTABLISHED

There has never been a codified age limit to vote in Sertia, however the earliest age at which you can register with a Braetha is 16. The DPA now says that you can vote at the age of 16 (regardless of your Braetha registration status) OR whenever you join further education, whichever is earlier.

ELECTION REFERENDA: SUCCESSFUL

Citizens of Sertia can now vote in referendums to call an election for certain Braetha positions. There will be three referenda each year: one in January, one in April, and one in August. If an election is called in any of those referenda, an election will be scheduled for the date at which the next election referendum would take place.

FORMER ASPERNIAN REBELS' VOTES DIMINISHED

Those who can be shown to have had a part in, or been sympathetic to, the Aspernian Republic will be permitted to vote, but their votes will count at a value of 0.25.

CAN BRAETHAN VOTE? NO

Those who currently hold office in the Braetha will not be permitted to vote in elections.

15:00

It appears that the idea of term limits on a sitting Braetha causes scepticism among its own members. Though there was some support, the idea has quickly died.

Additionally, Mr Draynooth's proposal has gained some traction. But, the others ask him, is a single annual election convention sufficient to measure the public's desire for an election? Some Braethan have said there should be two, three, four, and even five referendums each year.

"That sounds like a wonderful plan, and a way to really show our cooperation as countries. I will ask our Brætha to mark 15 January as an official state holiday, and I'm sure they'll commission some extra festivals and celebrations.

"The Sertian astronauts we have chosen for this campaign are people who have shown an outstanding dedication to fostering international relationships, such as the one our two nations have."

"I am terribly sorry for any inconvenience our creative entry posed to you, Señor Feijóo. I appreciate your willingness to accommodate some extra bodies. You see, I've simply learned to listen to my wife more than myself", Mr Cranst said. "It's lovely to meet you all, and I must say, Señor Feijóo, the only time I eat Iberian ham is when I'm in Spain". He let out a hearty laugh, careless as to whether anyone else laughed along.

"I also", he added, "wanted to thank you personally for the assurance of our continued cooperation.

"I think we both are in a position to recognise that Sertia is at a point in its history at the brink of industrialisation. For many years we've been a fishing country, many of us come from humble origins. We go on months'-long voyages across the country just to vote, we send our youngsters away to get an education abroad. But now we're in the economic position to provide so much more for our people. Sertia is capable of an industrial revolution now.

"So what I'm really here discuss with you, Señor Feijóo, is that Sertia needs workers. Unfortunately the number of people from Spain, besides the military, who are immigrating into Sertia, is quite low. Shall we brainstorm how to fix this?"

About three months ago, Fornithias Cranst's wife, Logina, said at teatime one night:
"So...that Spanish meeting you've got soon, what if you arrived into Spain on a tallship?"

"Darling, why would I do that?" Fornithias said, putting down his fork and looking at his wife with genuine curiosity.

"You've become boring, Fornithias! Much of your time as the head Brætha, you've spent here in Galæstol. You wake up. You call the Brætha. You check to make sure Guthrún Wond hasn't escaped prison. You go to sleep".

"I'm meant to be boring, my love", replied Fornithias. "I am not an entertainer. I'm a leader". He went back to eating his veal.

But while the veal became consumed and eventually forgotten by Head Brætha Fornithias Cranst, his wife's idea did not. She was beautiful, idealistic and ever so curious. She was indignant when it was important to be; in fact, it was her being indignant and refusing to let go that led to Cranst marrying her. Thus, whenever his wife said something seemingly outlandish, like spending a month on a tallship, he knew that when he returned she would say I told you so.

And so there he found himself eventually, at the bow of a Sertian double-hulled tallship, when he first set his eyes upon the Spanish mainland. He brought with him his wife, Logina; the EU Councillor for Sertia Ms Éduditalle Dína, who was living with the Cransts whilst her house underwent renovation; and a few retiring members of the Spanish military who wished to return to their home. With them also came Sertia's elected astronauts to undertake the joint Spain-Sertia mission to the moon.

Cranst was intending to meet and formally congratulate the new Spanish president, Alberto Nuñez Feijóo. He was also going to introduce Señor Feijóo to the challenges faced by Sertia, such as the threat of hostile foreign powers such as the UK; reminding the Spanish why they were helping the Sertians.

Disembarking the tallship, the heat was similar to the Sertian summertime, though far drier. I should have brought more lip balm, Cranst thought.
After a brief press greeting, Cranst's delegation went into a convoy of cars and eventually arrived at President Feijóo's estate.

The Kingdom of Sertia votes for this act.

Ms Édutitalle Dína

14:29

Ms Nacar's amendment was unsuccessful.

Braethan are now voicing their concerns about what a Sertian government would look like if political parties were to be legalised.

Mr Draynooth, the Braetha for Internal Finance and Development, has said that "the democratic process will be protected if we both allow political parties to exist and allow the people to decide when an election should be held", but not one or the other.

But, Mr Draynooth also asks, should there be a term limit for a sitting Braetha? How long should that be?

Broadcaster: VAS
Country: Kingdom of Sertia
Are you a publically owned broadcaster:Y
Do you agree to to the terms in the PBCL Charter:Y

14:17

The Political Party aspect of the Bill is facing heavy backlash in the War Chamber, with the bill's sponsor Brætha Berrá Nacar fending off searing attacks from other members of the Brætha.

Foreign Brætha Mr Edwin Blansinyth just said that the Political Party system "introduces vapid, useless ideological and cultural wars that don't fit the Sertian way".

Ms Nacar and her allies have introduced an amendment that would not establish Political parties but instead would widen eligibility to vote to everyone, rather than those registered with a Brætha. Scepticism seems to also surround this proposal.

Most other parts of the bill seem ready to be accepted by the other Bræthas.