"King Lorenzo's first meeting with the House of Regents"

"Medici Royal Ensign"

Vienna Times
625 b.c.
1/2 Gold

TOP STORY: Carlo D'Medici Dies in Venice! Venice - On a very somber morning it was announced that Carlo D'Medici, founder and first King of the Adriatic League, had passed of natural causes. It is not known at this time what ailment had marked the demise of our great King, however the alchemists and priests believed that he was simply too old. "We attempted to console him, but it was very apparent that nothing had been wrong with him but advanced age." said an un-named source. Despite the sad mood, political charges of conspiracy and thus murder have rang out of Venice like a bell, "It was noted there were two distinct incisions above his wrists, I ask why these were present?" asked reknowned Venetian merchant Nicolo Machiavelli "It was well known that he had funded various social science projects, including the development of the Republic, which may have been utilized if he had not been killed." The House of Medici urges citizens to dispell these rumors, and to mourn their fallen leader in peace and harmony. "A s! un has set, and a new one has ri sen" said the newly crowned King Lorenzo D'Medici "The dawning of a new day is upon us, it is a very exciting, and yet very sad day for all of us."

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DOMESTIC REPORT
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New Territory Added to League! Helsinki - The Adriatic League has doubled its territorial holdings, adding the duchy of Finland, Brandenburg, Caspiar, Monaco and the vast Khazar lands to the list of original duchies under Adriatic control. "I am quite proud of the accomplishments to this point" commented Regent William of Orange "The territory has all been gained peaceful and without any strife, which will stand as a testiment to the work of the late Carlo D'Medici." The territory was added in on an act by Carlo weeks before he had fallen ill. The territories were allowed to decide their own method of rule, all of which opted for a Monarch.

Statue of Carlo D'Medici Erected in Venice. Venice - After centuries of hard work the masons and bronze workers collected from around the League have finally completed the statue of Carlo D'Medici. "I am quite proud of my work" commented Alexandru Denes, who was in charge of the project "Just think, for thousands of years people around the world will know of Venice, and will know of this great statue of Medici. Carlo will watch over us forever." The statue recieved 219 pounds of Gold from the League coffers for its final completion. Some critics have stated that such a sum was outrageous for the simply erection of a statue, however many citizens of Venice applaud the efforts and believe it was money well spent.

Strange Tale from Britain Catches Explorer's Minds. Manchester - "I'm ready to find out the truth behind this story" said Turkish explorer Kermal Attraka "I am quite sure the British did not fabricate this tale." The tale of which he speaks; an ancient tribe called the 'Australians' had set sail for a new home after being run out by the Anglos. According to the legend, a tribal war flung accross Britain had caused a sect of peaceful peoples known as the Australians to leave the island on makeshit reed boats. When Austrian soldiers marched into Manchester, it was believed by the public that they were in fact of that original Australian stock. "It was a simply mistake" said Austrian General Victor Wallenstein "We had told them we were Austrians, and immedeatley they begin a feast in our honor, the tale is quite simple, most likely these people died, braving the harsh ocean on simple rafts." This is not stopping some explorers, most noted is Marco Polo, who has left Venice ten years ago in search of the Australians, thus far no word on his location has been sent back. The last peice of information we have from Polo comes in the form of a Map, which he created a month before he left. When an investigation into the matter was comissioned, it proved that they Australians could not have landed upon Europe, it is widely believed that if this tale is true, they most likely landed in Africa and were killed by the Mali or Zulu.

Rioting in Vienna for Republican Government Crushed. Vienna - The newly added duchy of Austria felt the wrath of its denizens, as they decided to go with a Monarchy rather than a Republic (like the one in the Netherlands). As King Ferdinand I of Habsburg was being crowned onlookers began throwing stones and rotten fruit at Adriatic soldiers. "We are not sure how this began, we know that Republican literature is circulating through Venice and Bucharesti, but the upheavals in Vienna did not completley match the writings that were found in these documents. Clearly there is someone else inciting these riots." According to most sources, well known pro-Republican Nicolo Machiavelli was seen at the event, as was Giuseppe Garibaldi, who was reported to have been seen with Machiavelli just hours prior. No investigation by A.L. officers has been commissioned as of press time.

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INTERNATIONAL REPORT
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Tensions Flare on Mongolian-Adriatic Border! Orsoni - It was reported early in the morning that an offending Mongolian Garrison, which was ordered to leave ages ago, was spotted not far from Helsinki. "The Mongolians had broken an agreement, they promised us that they would return eastward towards their kingdom. However they headed north west, into Scandinavia, a map exchange with Israel proved this." remarked Gianni Carboni, who was an aide to the sickly King Carlo D'Medici. Soon afterwards, Mongolian forces agreed to leave the territory, however the House of Medici holds that no violent threats were issued, and a map was offered as a means of clearing up the situation. "After approximatley a week, Mongolian forces directly threatened one of our Legions who were patrolling our agreed upon border." said General Giuseppe Garibaldi "They were threatened with their lives to act on an instant without any prior warning, or without actually transgressing upon Mongolian territory." Soon after this incident, the Mongolian Royal Family issued a decree to all nations, lambasting the foreign policy of the Adriatic League and asking all nations to keep a cautious eye upon them. Disgusted, King Lorenzo D'Medici offered an official release which can be read here. Currently there has been no action filed, but King Lorenzo has said he will "Take care of the situation as soon as is possible."

Agreement Signed With Mali!
Timbuktu - After a Mali ship was spotted off the coast of Acquitaine, hostile and ill formed discussion hit the floor of the House of Regents. "It was horrible" commented William of Orange "People were ready to fight against the Mali over something as trivial as a ship in the bay of Biscay, it was hard to end the insanity, but we managed to get to the bargianing table with his majesty Mansa Musa."

In a suprisingly well-mannered discussion, the Mali and Adriatic officials ironed out an agreement that involved land, technology and possibly more say some insiders. At this time it is unclear what the actual agreement entailed, however officials were jovial, citing that it could be the beginning of a grand friendship with the Mali.

Charges of Racism, Imperialism Effect European Protection Act.
Venice - The newly signed European Protection Act, which was the last official motion by King Carlo D'Medici before his passing, has been attacked by several national leaders for being a racist and imperialistic document. "I understand the worries of other nations" said Regent Nicolo Machiavelli "But it wasn't intended to be racist, the wording is quite straightforward, it should be edited to suit the needs of other peoples." Among racism, the Act has been said to inhibit trade, which is one of the sole foundations of the Adriatic Pact. "This Act is not racist, and won't be racist in its execution, however I believe not only does it shed us and our people in a bad light, but it also prevents us from gaining a solid trade status" commented William of Orange-Nassau, Regent from Holland. At this point in time King Lorenzo D'Medici has stated that he will look over the Act, a meeting of the House of Regents will discuss this issue among other things.

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Editorial
C. Cavour
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People of Vienna; as you know there have been a string of riots in this city recently. Some of which are rioting against the infusion of the Habsburg monarchy as their representatives in the House of Regents. Others say its simply the fact that Monarchy was chosen over Republican principles, what I intend to do, good denizens of Vienna, is explain why. The Republican system will not, and can not protect your lives and your property. The Republican system was designed so the vile and lazy could eat from the hard working citizens of this nation. The Republican system will lead to Anarchy, states with high populations like Holland and the Bosporus would rule over this nation with an iron first, what of little Vienna? Under a Republican government Vienna would hardly have any power in the Congress, yet proponents like Nicolo Machiavelli and William of Orange continue to say that it will give more power to the separate duchies than the current system. These men, Orange and Machiavelli, are attempting to gain control of this nation without spending money towards the raising of soldiers, they are lazy men who had gained their wealth through cheating, bribery and lies. If you believe them, you go to bed with the devil, for they have done the very same, they are not to be trusted.

~C. Cavour