YEAR 10

Announcement: the Austrian nation has ceased to exist, since Equestria has captured Berlin.

Zalfir

Archaeologist Thalla: "Honorable twins, when constructing one of our many cities, construction workers have discovered artefacts of a lost civilization. The artwork shows that they were elves, but their culture was very different from ours. They were worshipping some kind of giant, and regularly sacrificed people in his name. We have found all kinds of tools and jewellery made of crimson glass, associated with the sacrificial ceremony. And most importantly, we have found hieroglyphic texts, waiting to be translated. We have good evidence that there's a lot more still beneath the ground. I suggest we unearth the rest, clean everything, translate and reconstruct the texts, and display everything in a nice museum. Our people will love the outlandish stories."

Advisor Avaron: "The stories might be interesting, but is it really a good idea to show people this? Before you know people like these stories a bit too much, and associate themselves with these brutes, for that they were. They might have resembled us, but were more like people of the Rok in spirit. At least prevent access to the texts, so that people cannot be inspired by those diabolical picture-words."

Advisor Jawahir: "Great as those things might be, decent archaeology does not come without a price. I suggest we ask the public what they think, and whether they are willing to pay for it."

Slevadovia

Senior Alchemist Thanwe stands before you, showing a very muscular, though irregularly shaped body through her green robes. Ugly tumours cover half of her face, and one growth has developed into a small, third eye. She speaks with a heavy accent: "I have led the science team to 'deal' with the ugly curse. And as you can see, it has been successful. We have started manipulating the curse in such a way that the growths are no longer completely random, but actually directed. I ask you now, invest in me, and you will get back your investments in ways you cannot imagine. I only need some gold and healthy volunteers."

Advisor Augustus: "Who is this hag? She might not look it, but she definitely sounds elvish. I say throw her out of the court for speaking in this court. Who has admitted her in the first place? Anyway, I want to address another severe problem. If the SIRO, disease, and addiction problems weren't enough, we have another plague on our hands. I have done some enquires over the last couple of years, and it seems that more and more men have become mentally disturbed. They admit they prefer other men over women. There are even reports of sexual activities between men. Need I continue? I hope not, because talking about it makes me sick. We are a free nation, but not so free I hope. We should not let our good values erode away. We need something to hold on to. Throw these poofters into a deep dungeon, before this mental illness can spread."

Advisor Hussime: "Illness? Plague? Curse? Why are we always so pessimistic? And who says it's contagious? Yes, I have seen these reports too. But I think people are just becoming more outspoken. Whatever they want in their personal lives, is their personal business. To me, this is not even an issue.

And the alchemist - her medical research looks a bit dangerous. But I agree as long as the volunteers really volunteered for the job. And they are getting paid, right?"

Equestria

Advisor Glimnir: "When will you give the order for the deportation of the Austrians? By law, everyone that is not part of a pegasus - dwarf union is not allowed to be a permanent resident of Equestria. We need to either remove the Austrians, or change the law."

Advisor Feyte: "I think our fine substitute leader is allowed to stretch our laws a bit, like the Dash did. That said, I do think we need to make many changes before Berlin can be a true part of our Kingdom. The Austrians must conform to our ways. They are far to focused on hunting and warfare. And pray to a myth. Those that do not conform can be deported anyway."

Advisor Broogr: "Have sympathy for these people. Their previous ruler was a warmonger who claimed to be divine. The nation was in a state of disorder since Kaiser Alexander took ill five years ago. The Austrians have enough problems as it is. Let them keep their heritage, and let them continue their hunting business. Perhaps we could even build a small monument to Fortuna in our capital, to show them that they are accepted."

Khemri

Anonymous advisor 1: "A small band of Khemrians in the south has captured a few of those flying horses. We could use these to supplement our army. Perhaps we can breed them to be more obedient. Just give me some claws and your permission to go ahead with the plan."

Anonymous advisor 2: "Do you know how large the Equestrian Kingdom is? Do you know what problems we will get ourselves into if we treat their citizens in such a way? We should capture that band of fiends and punish them. Show the Equestrians we are OK. Maybe we could even trade with them."

Anonymous advisor 3: "Let those fiends do what they want. But no breeding program. To do so would be unwise in these times. But I would not support the punishment of our fiends because some stupid ponies got hurt."

Kingdom of Rok

Advisor Zirt: "I have just heard this. Two bashers named Kroddy and Nyrk have been assaulting other men for a while. Normally I would not bother you with this, but it is the nature of the assaults that make it truly despicable. They are <ahem> raping <ahem> other men. Blerghh, can someone give me some mead to wash my mouth? Anyway, these abominations must be destroyed. Order the attacks, I beg you. Men rape women, it shouldn't be any different."

Advisor Bork: "Those men are strong. The have proven themselves. I thought that was what Rok is all about?"

Advisor Firenz: "This is only the tip of the iceberg. All kinds of assaults and other crimes happen daily. We must create laws that protect the individual, and strong guards that enforce them."

Lienzo Republic

Minister Cayu: "The festival we had on the first year of the second age really showed how great Lienzo's cuisine truly is. How great the potential is, I should say. Most people do not have much choice in food, it's mostly black pudding and lard-covered bread. Other things are only consumed as exceptional treat. Therefore I propose we pump some money into local restaurants, so that poor people can afford great food too. Everybody should be able to have fine steak, cheese and wine every day."

Minister Hierro: "You realize we have spent a lot on health recently? I suggest we use this ongoing food-craze to fill our coffers a bit. Let's increase the tax on prize-winning food. It's only rich people buying it anyway, they'll still be able to afford it."

Minister Senagh: "I remember how it was before all these foreigners came here. All was better. I know we cannot evict them, that would go against our fundamental principles. But what if we increased the general tax for non-vampires? That way you don't force them to leave, but do give a push in the right direction. And the extra money can be spent on local restaurants, just as minister Cayu explained. So that every vampire can get a proper meal every day."