Originally reported by ISD Archetys Traum

Kador Prime - With celebrations picking up throughout the region in response to Uriam Kador's call for rejoicing in response to military actions in the Bleak Lands, the capital itself is still rolling out a cavalcade of magnificent festivities.

Of note has been Epitoth Cathedral itself, previously the center-point for the revelries, where a choir of seventy-two men and women have been performing a polyphonic rendition of the Scriptures. Stirring performances of the writings of the Prophet Anoyia in particular have moved congregations to tears from the day of Uriam Kador's announcement until recently, when it was announced that these observances would be halted. While the Epitoth choir have become fatigued after prolonged worship that has continued unabated, other singers in surrounding districts and cities are announcing that they will continue the devotion. These emotional performances have also inspired those abroad, with twelve Holders on Hilmar II recently announcing their intention to combine their vocalists into one choir of almost 2000 singers, though they have all disagreed as yet as to which of them will host the event.

Businesses in the middle of celebrations on Kador Prime have brought their wares into the streets creating markets that transform into sites for dancing, fireworks, eating, drinking and merriment that are set against a backdrop of public prayer and preaching. And more and more people are attending.

The festivities have put a significant strain on public transportation, many services of which have had to hire security to start limiting the number of people boarding to prevent overcrowding. With several main streets around Epitoth Cathedral still closed, and swarming with faithful celebrants, local authorities are now trying to promote events around the city to move people away from the critical mass at its heart. One such event was the spectacular parade that recently wound its way from the cathedral and out to the abundant parklands to the northwest.

At the head of the parade were floats devoted to the earliest history of the Amarr Empire, around which people dressed as sefrim walked the streets, waving to the assembled crowd. Each of these angelic beings wore ornate masks, many that had painted by competition winners that had made their way to particular marquees set up near where preparations began for the parade at the foot of the new statue installed by Uriam Kador.

These were followed by musicians and dancers, who attempted to get the crowd's attention as much as their prodigious talents could despite all eyes being drawn to what followed them. An enormous replica of an Amarr Titan, made up of three combined floats, filled the entire width of the street in their wake. The giant had to be stopped several times after getting caught on barricades that were being pushed forward by onlookers keen to receive sweets being thrown from it. This amazing sight served as the flagship for a fleet made up not only of larger official floats, but the enormous parade of schoolchildren and their teachers and parents that had been invited to join the parade in the week leading up to the event. A number of schools in the outlying districts joined the procession in costumes emulating religious, historical and political figures or Amarr troops, flanked by crafted replicas of military vehicles and the ships of the Imperial Navy.

The parade ended several blocks away, where it circled the city parklands, in which many stalls, booths and rides had been set up. Over a hundred spits of meat donated by Holders of farmlands outside the metropolis had been slowly roasting as the parade was moving, and many spoke of the enticing smell that greeted them as a welcome reward after the long walk out of the city center.

One man, who had made the four hour trip to the capital with his family for the parade, ate a hearty serve of the glistening meat as he spoke with this reporter. His words sum up what many of those gathered were feeling, if the cheering from those around him was anything to go by.

"I cannot give enough praise to all those that have put this celebration together, and to those that are still fighting for us, far from here. Far from all this food! My heart is full, and I give thanks to the troops, to House Kador, to our mighty Empress, and to our everlasting God for all that he provides! It's thanks to our devotion that He has graced us with victory! We are truly blessed!"

Celebrations are expected to continue despite the strain on the capital, especially as the crowds are galvanized by news of military successes.

Originally reported by ISD Vance Siterman

Villore - According to a leaked Federal security briefing, House Sarum of the Amarr Empire has allegedly been commissioning several flotillas of large transport barges for the purposes of launching slave raids into war torn systems of the Minmatar Republic. The leak also provides information regarding the training of extra numbers of small-sized military squads, considered a particularly curious detail given Amarr military doctrine typically prefers to press numerical advantages when possible.

A spokesman appearing on behalf of Merimeth Sarum remained ambiguous as to whether or not the allegations brought up in the leaked FIO report were true, stating that the construction of any new military vessels was simply routine. The training of smaller-than-average Amarr military units was similarly downplayed as House Sarum "adapting to the changing face of the interstellar battlefield". Despite this, a representative from the Ministry of Assessment indicated that he will be participating in any "foreign acquisition" operations that may or may not be conducted by House Sarum, adding to the concern further.

Presuming that House Sarum does intend to launch fresh slave raids into Minmatar space, it remains unclear as to whether or not such an action will be permitted under Imperial law. The law against taking slaves from outside Imperial territory remains ambiguous, as CONCORD remains silent on whether or not changes of sovereignty in the contestable regions are binding. It is unclear if Empress Jamyl I will enforce these laws should House Sarum begin claiming slaves.

Minmatar authorities have only just learned of these developments, despite the Federal security report recommending the immediate notification of Sarum activities to the Republic government. Local clan chiefs are calling for calm after brief spouts of panic on a handful of war torn worlds.

Originally reported by ISD Archetys Traum

Kador Prime - Rousing words and a surprise unveiling have transformed a sombre event into a catalyst for celebration outside the Epitoth Cathedral in the planetary capital. The events started with Uriam Kador attending a large memorial service for soldiers lost in the protection of Saikamon in The Bleak Lands, where conflict has raged for months. While the service was being conducted inside the cathedral a large structure, hidden under an enormous blood red drapery, had slowly been transported down the promenade outside. The sight itself drew many curious onlookers, while others had been drawn to the sound of four large drums that accompanied its slow passage. By the time it reached the memorial, those inside could hear the rhythmic pounding, at which point the heir, who was concluding a eulogy, invited those assembled to convene outside with him.

A dais had been hastily constructed on the cathedral's steps, with seating for the heads of the families that had been assembled inside. Uriam Kador immediately ascended to a stand and spoke of the sacrifices that had been made to the large crowd. After speaking reverently of the service that had taken place inside, and those seated near him, he spoke of a desire to commemorate their victories.

"To our enemies the conflict is endemic - to us, it is an imperative. Our victory in this war is a holy duty. We seek to bring enlightenment to territories adrift and circling in a gyre of hedonism and blood-lust. Even now we are reaching out as God's mighty hand to steady what we can amidst the anarchy, and we are taking hold."

The scarlet curtains were dropped at this point and a massive statue was unveiled of a genuflecting soldier, clad in shining golden armor. The right arm was outstretched to grip the central pole of an enormous standard that was unfurled as the crowd sounded their approval, revealing the symbol of the Amarr. Reaching 22 meters at the top of the banner, the appearance of the kneeling templar was once again accompanied by rolling drums as well as the cheering of those gathered. Uriam Kador had to raise his voice to be heard over the din.

"In light of our successes, and in tribute to God for his blessing on our endeavors, I invite every man, woman and child in the Empire to join me and rejoice in His name, and in honor of our Empress. Far from here golden rays pierce the darkness to bring light upon the very pinnacle of the new reclaiming. Let us witness its heights and offer what we can upon its summit. Let the firmament shake. Let our jubilation echo throughout creation. Let everyone feel the reverberations of our glory like thunder as storms rage across the planets."

Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception of the crowd, there was immediately criticism of the decision to use the Saikamon service as a prelude to the unveiling. Those responding to the event contacted broadcasters voicing concern over the tastelessness of turning the memorial service into a celebration, and stating that it was another significant blunder on Uriam's behalf. These calls harkened back to the failed invasion of Ratillose, and characterized this display as an attempt to regain political standing by drawing attention to local involvement in recent successful and unified military campaigns. Some commentators also suggested that this was grandstanding designed to impress the Empress that would not be well received, considering its calls for excess and apparent idolatry. Almost immediately, Jamyl I released a statement to the contrary.

"There will be no more tombs, only tributes to the triumph of the everlasting. We may etch our victories in stone and metal, but there is an element that will outlast even these memorials - something that does not perish in fire. It is the immutable words of our hearts and minds. Announce them. Celebrate them. Let all know - Our faith will never die."

Along with the endorsement of the Empress, official celebrations for the following weeks have been released, with festivities planned in major capitals throughout Kador.

The large crowd that gathered outside the Epitoth Cathedral has grown considerably, especially as faithful Amarr clamor to witness the new statue being installed. The assembled celebrants are spreading throughout the city streets in such great numbers that citizens are advised to find alternate routes. Several major roads have been closed until more organized proceedings draw the throng away.

Originally reported by ISD Sheliak Mesarthim

Kor-Azor Prime - Vocal discontent is mounting among prominent holders in the Kor-Azor realm following the revelation that house policies have been influenced by 'theological think-tanks' for nearly four years. While neither Aritcio Kor-Azor or Ahan Hemirin - Chief of Staff of the Kor-Azor Family - have commented on the matter so far, other holders have been more vocal.

"This is nothing less than a violation of our intrinsic noble rights," said Lucretio Kor-Azor, a prominent holder and scientific pioneer. "We used to have every minute detail of our lives and lands controlled by an inscrutable body of priests and philosophers. The ancestors of both myself and my great cousin - the Heir Kor-Azor and Right Honorable Imperial Chancellor - struggled valiantly to secure our freedoms from that order, and now he has taken it upon himself to undo all that those brave men did."

"As holders in the vassalage of Kor-Azor, we have a God-given right of insight and influence over house decisions," commented Lord Iraj Darabi. "The Empress, not the High Deacon, is the supreme authority of nobility. It is her approval, not that of the Theology Council, the house should have sought. Now our blessed sovereign has made her discontent evident, and I cannot do anything but agree with her."

"I think this entire matter is being blown out of proportion by people who have little better to do than to complain," said Lord Touraj Miyan. "Once the House has spoken, I'm certain my fellow holders will stop making such a scene. Speaking sooner rather than later might be preferable though - we all know what happened the last time our most revered heir swept holder issues aside."

Ardishapur Prime - Today the Ardishapur Family announced that it has begun the process of implementing a number of educational reforms to schools within its domains. The reforms were formulated by an educational committee formed by royal Heir Yonis Ardishapur in response to the lack of movement by Empress Jamyl I's court on the matter.

According to officials, the reforms are widespread and much more stringent than prior standards. Derak Tanar, the chief educational chancellor of the Ardishapur Family, declared the reforms, "A massive improvement on the outdated standards we have been using. It touches every element of the curriculum, from what is taught to who is teaching it. Educators will be held to a higher standard and regularly tested themselves, in order to ensure they are providing top quality education to their students."

Those who have had a chance to examine the curriculum have mostly been positive about it. Cankhima Azhgabid, the representative from the Amarr Civil Service on Ardishapur's committee, was very upbeat about it. "The first thing everyone should realize is this program is designed to assist commoners first and foremost," she told reporters. "The Amarr Civil Service, being the largest single employer of commoners in the Empire, will obviously greatly benefit, but so will everyone else. The curriculum gets to the very roots of education; it focuses heavily on teaching important - and sometimes sadly neglected - parts of the Scripture that are relevant in civil service. Everyone wants to hear about St. Kuria, so that gets hammered in every day. Fewer people want to hear about Amon's land parceling reforms, even though they remain in effect to this day and his wisdom in that area provides great insight into how the Empire handles Holder-commoner land usage contracts."

Azhgabid went on to say, "The best part of these reforms is that is does not just focus on raising the bar for students. It raises the bar across the board and gives us methods to deal with problem areas which were, frankly, lacking before."

Yonis Ardishapur himself had few words to say on the matter, though he did offer up a brief statement. "These reforms will greatly strengthen the educational standard of the Empire, particularly where it comes to those seeking to join our grand civil service. Some may say the time is not right to focus on education when our forces struggle in the Empyrean War, but in times of chaos, it is only through improving our foundation that order can take firmly hold once more. It is our hope that these reforms will be propagated throughout the entire Empire once their effectiveness has been proven."

Representatives for the Imperial court have refused to comment on the Ardishapur reforms, but rumors have put the mood as "displeased" with what is being perceived as Yonis Ardishapur overstepping his bounds.

Originally reported by ISD Sheliak Mesarthim

Kor-Azor Prime - A report produced by the Emperor Family has sparked critical comments from holders under the Kor-Azor banner. The report indicates that secret advisory boards consisting of priests, philosophers and theologians have been instrumental in Kor-Azor Family decisions. Critics are saying that this infringes on traditional rights of insight and involvement for house vassals, and potentially violating structures of imperial government which have been in place for nearly one and a half millennium.

The report details a house initiative for divine guidance and spiritual direction which has led to the foundation of a number of theological think-tanks, which have secretly been used by house leadership as advisory groups on policies and decisions for nearly four years. The makeup of these think-tanks are noted in the report as being inspired by both the Theology Council and its predecessor: the Council of Apostles, and that the late High Deacon Moritok was the one who approved the installation of these groups on request from Aritcio Kor-Azor.

Also documented in the report are details of war efforts taken by House Kor-Azor on direction from these think-tanks, including conscription rates, judicial decisions and taxation, as well as major infrastructure and manufacturing projects for the Imperial Navy and 24th Imperial Crusade. No additional public statements have been made by the Empress regarding the report but the Imperial Chancellor - Heir Aritcio Kor-Azor - is believed to have been summoned to Dam-Torsad.

Ardishapur Prime - Derak Tanar, the chief educational chancellor for the Ardishapur Family, today spoke out about what he called "the continual decline of higher education among commoners" in the Amarr Empire. The subject, which has apparently been a sore spot for the Ardishapur Family for several years, has long flown under the radar for many in the Empire's upper echelons and capsuleers, who are able to afford private tutors and attend prestigious academies such as Hedion University and the Royal Amarr Institute. However, according to Tanar, "the Ardishapur Family has been monitoring the situation extensively for quite some time" and "the results are alarming, particularly as it relates to the competency of our civil service."

Chief among the issues the Family has with the Imperial education is its curriculum and testing for admittance to the Amarr Civil Service. Tanar reports, "Lord Ardishapur has found many of the officials in the ACS are woefully undertrained for their positions, often lacking basic skills and knowledge to handle their duties properly. It is an embarrassment to the Empire and leads to waste, corruption, and inefficiency."

Whispers from the Imperial court have indicated that Empress Jamyl I had acknowledged the issue several months after her coronation and had formed a committee to refine the current educational standards. According to one official, the Empress approved a set of guidelines for use over a year ago. Tanar claimed otherwise, saying, "Nothing has come from the Imperial court on this matter for many months. Any guidelines they have are strictly in the planning phase and have not been approved for implementation."

Batehran Kemdiya, the chief archivist for the ACS and its representative on the Privy Council, released a brief statement on the matter, saying, "While keeping the educational standards of the Empire high is important, the stability of the Empire and protecting its borders is paramount. With the Empyrean War and expansion of fighting on planets, the court simply has to prioritize. Frankly, the Amarr Civil Service selection criteria has been growing stricter over the past several years as it is."

Such sentiments do not sway Tanar, however. "Why do they fight for the Empire's future if we are content to squander it with incompetence? Lord Ardishapur will not stand for it. If the Imperial court cannot come up with their own plans, he will implement his own."

According to rumors, Yonis Ardishapur has already formed an educational committee of his own to formulate a new curriculum. This committee, which apparently includes the outspoken Tanar, also consists of a representative from the Amarr Civil Service, several other Imperial educators, and is headed by the Heir himself.

Featuring the vocal talents of soloists Ameyn Jural and Louwi Kil, the Symphony presented an immersive experience incorporating subtle lighting to enhance moods and utilizing to their fullest extent the unusual acoustical properties of St Nhyron's Basilica. The extensive twelfth movement, expressing the climactic battle above Mekhios, has already been called a "marvel" of precision composition, with singers representing both the Sarum fleet and the Minmatar Elder fleet passing around and amongst the audience in a recreation of the chaos and unpredictability of the fight, and culminating with the Elder fleet singers faltering and scattering from the Sarum singers' concentrated sound. Members of the audience flinched from the blinding golden light which was projected from behind soloist Kil, filling the Grand Nave with radiance recalling the Empress's finishing blow to the Elder fleet titan.

Impressions from the audience have ranged from "moving" to "breathtaking." Privy Council member Arem Mecshilad enthused, "I have never heard -- experienced -- something so powerful. The five minutes of total darkness with the single soloist [Jural] representing Jamyl's lost years was especially poignant." No reaction has yet been issued by the Empress, though she and her retinue were in attendance in full formal regalia.

Composer Maritak appeared unconcerned by the lack of comment. "The Symphony was written of her, yes, but not for her. She was there, she does not need to experience it the way her people do." Added Maritak, "this is the story of a remarkable woman who has had the Lord's hand upon her shoulder, and we must all remember that."

Jamyl Sarum's mysterious and explosive return to power two years ago signalled the beginning of a new era for the Amarr Empire. This symphonic piece is to be performed in the Grand Nave of the Basilica of Saint Nhyron on Mekhios by the imperial choir Voices of the Sefrim, and will be directed by Maritak herself. The composer created the choral over the course of seven exhaustive months to commemorate the event. The Khanid-born Maritak has declared the piece to be her "magnum opus."

Criticism has been levelled for the composer's choice of venue: Saint Nhyron was a notoriously outspoken opponent of the Sarum family during the last Ardishapur reign, though no ill will has existed between the houses in recent centuries. Maritak insists that her selection of the building is purely artistic, that the "Sarum Symphony" was written specifically for performance in the basilica in order to utilize the chuch's striking acoustic properties, and that the contentious history has no bearing on the choice.

The symphony's debut performance will be held on Lightbringer's Eve, a planetary holiday celebrating the first day of springtime. Invitation to the event is limited to members of the Theology Council, the Privy Council, heirs, and the Empress herself. A live broadcast will be held across the Empire by the ACN for the benefit of all Amarr citizens. Security for the event is expected to be tight in light of the recent attack by the Bloody Hands of Matar and the ongoing Sansha threat.

Amarr - In reaction to the data acquired by capsuleer Mouse Nell, indicating a major Sansha military presence within the borders of the Jove Empire, the Amarr Empire has set all its military forces to a state of high alert. This marks the first time the entirety of the Empire's main capital force - The Imperial Domain Fleet - has been mobilized since the invasion in YC110.

In addition to the activation of the Imperial fleets, Amarr Certified News reports that the regional forces of the Royal Houses have mobilized similarly, and that representatives of the fleets of the various Houses have been in meetings with the Ministry of War. In response to the news, Court Chamberlain Pomik Haromi spoke on behalf of the Empress in announcing a special delegation to be sent to the CONCORD Assembly. The delegation, headed by Minister of War Perimum Amyn, was said by the Chamberlain to "speak for the interests of Amarr and the people of the Empire, and will stand with unwavering faith in matters of war."

Yulai - Sansha's Nation continues to assault settlements of all four empires, with the total number of abductions rising into the millions. The sudden intensity and frequency of the attacks has fueled rampant theories about their motives and the nature of their resurgence. Most distressing to some is the possible revival of Sansha Kuvakei.

The founder of the Nation, Kuvakei has long been assumed dead, killed during the invasion by a coalition of the empires under the then-nascent CONCORD. While his corpse was never discovered, the likelihood of his survival was considered "near zero."

However, the appearance of a man identifying himself as "Master Kuvakei" on the Intergalactic Summit has whipped up a frenzy of speculation. The speaker, while not directly using the name Sansha Kuvakei, appears similar to historical images of Sansha and refers to the Nation as "my Nation" in his brief, two-line statement. Additionally, many of the attacking Sansha pilots have spoken of their Master Kuvakei in the present tense. Some experts remain skeptical, however, that it could truly be Sansha Kuvakei.

Aralin Jick, an expert on the Nation with the Ministry of Internal Order, believes it is all a smokescreen. "The Nation uses command interfaces to control their True Slaves, who are programmed to follow the orders of Sansha Kuvakei," he explained. "The True Slaves may believe they are receiving orders from Sansha, but in reality it's little more than some taskmaster doing an impersonation. "

Despite Jick's skepticism, many citizens across New Eden are concerned. A CONCORD official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, believes Master Kuvakei is the actual Sansha. "Anyone saying it's not Sansha is deluding themselves. I know many people say it's impossible he could have survived this long, but it's not unheard of in this day and age."

Perhaps inspired by the open courts Lord Ardishapur has held in his own domains, many have suggested that Ardishapur be given judiciary powers across the Empire. Many supporters have also pointed to the “near-miraculous” recovery of the Ammatar Mandate as reason for an expansion of Ardishapur's powers.

Currently, the calls remain disjointed and disunited. Though they appear to be gaining momentum, they remain a small, but vocal minority among Ardishapur's supporters. “Lord Ardishapur has said some wise things and his voice is to be given respect,” stated one Holder, “but we must temper our expectations. It is unlikely the balance of Imperial power would shift so dramatically in his favor.”

Ardishapur himself has gently rebuked those making the requests. “While the calls to expand my authority are made with the best intentions, it is neither my place nor that of the coalition to request it. It is only the Empress who may make such an appointment. While I would gladly serve should I be called on, as I have in the Mandate, it would be unseemly of me to seek more power.”

The claims began after an incident in Dantan, where two long-feuding Holders approached the Royal Heir for advice to resolve their dispute. According to one of the Holders, they “have been unable to find satisfaction in other public courts.” Lord Ardishapur agreed to hear them and listened as each man listed his grievances with his neighbor.

Once they had finished, the Heir prefaced his opinions by the reminder that, “Any words I say here are merely a suggestion, as it is beyond my power to bind your actions. Only Lord Kador, your liege-lord, holds that authority.” The Royal Heir then laid out his understanding of their grievance and offered several suggestions, including a complicated, large-scale swap of territory that the Heir claimed “would resolve many of your issues.”

Several high ranking Amarr officials have claimed that such an act undermines the authority of Lord Kador and the Theology Council, before whom the two Holders have argued many times. The Holders dispute this contention, one claiming, “Had I thought poorly of Lord Ardishapur, I could simply ignore his suggestions.”

Lord Ardishapur himself says there was no harm intended with his actions. “These are his subjects alone and I have no hold over them. I would never attempt to usurp the rightful power of the Heirs.”

For his part, Lord Kador appears to be pleased that the dispute has been resolved, claiming, “If only Lord Ardishapur had been here before, hundreds of hours may have not been wasted on those two.”

During a recent speaking engagement in the Ammatar system of Sasta, Lord Ardishapur held a public court, encouraging all members of society to bring their problems before him. While it is common for the Heirs to hold Royal Courts and hear the grievances of Holders under their rule, it is highly unusual for commoners to be granted equal standing.

His subjects' reactions have mostly been positive. “Lord Ardishapur's words made me realize the error of my grievance,” said Arro Hakim, a Ni-Kunni merchant who had long been attempting to escape a contract made with a Dabka holder. “I made the agreement in good faith and, while it may have ended up worse for me, it is my responsibility to bear, no one else's. I've had scripture quoted at me before, but this time it honestly made a new kind of sense.”