A Closer Look At Xelha with Tala Ehko

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from the capital city of Blizzaria this night.  On cold nights like this we've come to appreciate the warmth of the microwave and central heating.  Even if you're unable to afford a house, there is shelter for you.  But how did all of this come into being?  In the midst of industrialization, Xelha chose to promote things for the benefit of its people.  Tonight, we delve into the program that started it all.  The HOPE Program.

In light of the Xelhan Civil War that ended in 1947, Xelha began to cut spend on Military, while increasing its spending on Education, Health Insurance, and Social Security, with the three items accounting for nearly 50% of the overall Xelhan Government Expenditure. These all fit into the High Queen’s ‘People First’ mentality, despite being frowned upon by other nations as providing too much safety, the HOPE Program came into existence and its legacy still lives on to this day.

Originally, Xelha had a Financial Aid Program that constantly came under scrutiny as simply throwing away money and was rife with corruption and abuse. With the cutbacks after the civil war, with unemployment rife, High Queen Yuki introduced a program called the Home Operational Progress Exercise. This was a program piloted by her early in her reign that instead of simply giving out funds, a person would be assigned a Finance Officer who would guide them through budgeting, resume writing and skills assessments to place them in either a community program or put them to work in either the public or private sector. This allowed for people to continue gaining work experience, while searching for a full time permanent job. This also allowed the private sector in particular to assess workers on what amounted to a free internship for them before offering them a full time contract. This latter fact appealed to most of the businesses that were in a hurry to regain losses from the war. But it also helps with smaller shops to hire via the government’s HOPE program during seasonal and transitional periods. This program also addressed the issue of war vets being unable to return to proper work life due to both physical and mental injuries, allowing them to slowly work themselves into being something productive. As unemployment continued to fall, the benefits increased to the point where short term unemployed Xelhans could keep their heads above the poverty line. At its peak in 1970, it was able to cover half of the average wage in Xelha, affording families some financial freedoms and not completely mooch off relatives.

It kept many from turning to a life of crime, while I also suspect it kept families together, since not contributing to society is often frowned upon in Xelhan culture. Keeping families together and keeping people included helps us keep our crime numbers low because when you feel like you belong to a society, you’re less likely to reject it.

Aside from the Xel-Tech mega merger, this was probably the single biggest saver of the Xelhan economy post war. The government went into debt for the first few years, but the businesses won’t say no to a free worker if it keeps their production up. Many of those originally on the program became full time workers in good paying jobs. Keep the country working, and the country keeps spending. Keep the country spending and the economy improves.  That's how the economy in Xelha was able to recover after about a decade after the war.

Another aspect of this program was the continued funding of education and science.  The war brought many technological advances both good and bad.  Herbicides, weapons and medicine all made great strides during the war.  High Queen Yuki wished to keep such advancements continuing and so in exchange for lowering military spending further, she insisted that research budgets from the war were carried over into post war Xelha.  Those microwave ovens and the development of Erythromycin can both owe their developments as part of this maintained increase funding via the HOPE Program.  Telecommunications and the Electronics Industries too were borne of the money spent in the decade after the war.  Advances in medicine also meant healthcare reached a higher level as people fought diseases that went unchecked in the aftermath of the war.  Healthcare became moreso important with Xelha having lost 5% of its prewar population needed every child born to make it to adulthood and every adult to be fit for work to help the economy grow again.

Though the HOPE Program was officially discontinued in 1981, its benefits no doubt drove Xelha back to recovery and the frontier of science.  It helped a nation recovering to be able to pick itself up and move on.  Though the program is gone, many to this day still feel its impact.  An impact that had a lasting impression on a generation that would have no doubt been lost if drastic steps hadn't been taken.  Not to despair for the current generation, the program's spiritual successor the Education Enrichment Program (EEP) is the government's current and continuous commitment to see every Xelhan child well educated that they too may continue to aim for the stars and beyond.  That the new generation of frontiers men and women will be able to know they can be whatever they want, so long as they serve their nation, their nation will make sure they are taken care of as well.

Thank you for joining us tonight.  Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl.  So long and stay frosty.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from Valen, the city of glitz and glam this night. Valen is well known for being the only place in Xelha were you're bound to find more than one or any casinos for that matter. It's not because Xelhans don't gamble. As a matter of fact our story tonight is about a habit we have that is virtually subconscious gambling. We even pay money to part take in it. No its not the lottery, but the Poakatoa bags that come out every Xelhan (Lunar) New Year which happens just under a week from now.

The Poakatoa Bags

Ask a Xelhan what they do for New Years and you get the expected response; fire works, food, revelry. But there is one other thing that Xelhans of all ages look forward to as well. The Poakatoa Bags. The term is derived from Xelhan term meaning Lucky Pack. But what are Poakatoas you ask? They are effectively grab bags sold by merchants at the end of the year. Their contents vary and depend largely on where you are buying them from. The tradition started in 1950 just after the Civil War. Backstreet Buns was desperate to attract new business following the war and get back up and running. So they devised the original Poakatoa bags and filled them with random baked goods. The catch was that instead of selling them at the value of the contents, all bags would be available at a set price regardless of contents. This meant customers could pay full price for baked goods, or they could risk buying a bag that was much cheaper, but might not be what they wanted. They were successful, largely due to people being more concerned with saving money than being picky about the contents. The idea caught on, but the novelty quickly wore off, so it was thought to begin selling them around New Years.

This had two positive side effects. The first is it allowed stores to sell any left over surplus stock easily to make room for new incoming inventory for the new year. The second was that because it happens on New Years, getting a good haul was seen as good luck to start the year.

In modern times, almost every shop in Xelha sells these little bags, often in custom made bags. Originally these were paper bags, and many stores still do issue them in paper bags, but some are starting to use cloth bags as well. The contents of the bags are often not decided until the last minute, and are usually packed off site, so front line staff, even when questioned by customers can't tell what's exactly in them. With the advent of social media, Bleettweet and Toppages are usually filled with people posting where they got their bags from and what was inside of them. Some have taken to buying from the same shop each year, while others shift around the different shops trying their luck. The prices of the bags too is different, depending on where you get them. More expensive bags tend to have chances for more expensive products, though the price of the bag will never exceed the price of the median item's price. One poster last year showed a collection of Markson Land Themed Baby Supplies from the bag they brought at Bouncing Babies. They did say this was one of the more expensive bags, but it still wasn't more than just one item in the bag, let alone all six of them together. Another person two years ago posted they got tea, coffee and sponge cake from a Two Lumi bag they brought at Knight's Koffee. The most expensive Poakatoa we found being prepped this year was at Crown Jewelry. They had one there for eight hundred Lumi, though with the chance to net yourself that necklace or sapphire ring you always wanted, it's probably worth the gamble.

Regardless of if you get what you want or not, the day after, people often will barter and trade with friends or family to exchange for things they don't want. Aira International even sets up a small section of their site and works with Market Boards and Teh Pawnage Shop to help facilitate long distance trading between people. They of course waive the shipping fees and only charge you to put up the items for sale. This way, no matter your luck of the draw, everyone gets as close to being a winner as they can.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and good luck next week!

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from Selena, the city of of hot tubs, jacuzzis and hotels. While a bit cliche, it rings true to the city's roots and how it was originally developed from. Tonight, we'll delve into its origins and development.

City Origin: Selena

Nestled in the Blizzaria Mountains, between Blizzaria and Mintaka, there exists the city of Selena, the city borne from adventure sitting at an average elevation of 1,300m. Today, most people look at the city as a resort city. Hot springs and pools from Lake Marama and the ski resorts of the surrounding mountains are what people think of when the city is mentioned, but just how did the city come to be?

The city itself is one of the youngest in terms of settlement age, being officially established in 1890. Before the tunnels that now connect the cities through the mountains were built, the area just north of Selena was the location of the old Wazyn Mine and was the defacto end of the line of the railroad in Blizzaria. A railroad worker by the name of Selena Katz went off to explore the area and discovered a series of hot spring. Returning back to the mine, she told others of her discovery and a week later, she and a few others set out to locate the chain of hotsprings. Among them was a doctor named Emil Sorensen. Together, the two established what would eventually become Selena Spa Resorts as he felt that the minerals in the hot springs held medicinal properties that would ease stress and help heal the mine workers.

They built the first Selena Spring Hotel in 1884, which was the main economy for the little hamlet with a population of about fifty people. At first, the trek was made by horseback, before the rail line was extended and in 1890, the town officially became recognized in Xelha. As mining waned, the hotel was continued to advertise its healing waters and the single largest hot spring, but also began creating postcards of the picturesque mountains and a ski resort soon followed in 1920s. The mine was eventually abandoned as the city promoted itself as an environmental wonder. Several of the springs were joined and formed what is now known as Puru Lagoon as the city continued to expand its appeal to the vacationer.

In 1950, after the Civil War, the tunnels were built to finally make the city more accessible, and residents from the ravaged Noctus and Malbard provinces put their people skills to work and the city received its first population boom. This boom however, brought with it two serious problems; lack of power for the city, and lack of adequate housing.

Originally, the city was powered by a small plant that was moved from the old Wazyn Mine. The influx of people overloaded the grid and rolling blackouts became constant. The problem was addressed by the building of Xelha’s first geothermal power plant. The Sorensen Power Station used two of the lesser used hot springs for fuel , which the waste water is then recycled back into the system proper creating the man-made Lake Wazyn, which has become popular in its own right. Though if a proposition from Newman Newtimes to create a renewable methane plant, the lake would be closed off permanently to vacationers.

The second problem was solved by railing in building materials from Blizzaria and the former Wazyn Mine to create a slew of row houses. These generated enough square footage quickly for the influx of residents, as well as recycled old building materials from the former mine’s site, which allowed the former mine’s site to become incorporated into the growing city. The mine itself was collapsed as the city limits overtook the location and the only memorial to it is Wazyn Park that covers the area above the mine as no buildings were allowed to be placed over the mine site or in the immediate area of it.

It should also be noted that because most of these people came from the lowlands of Noctus and Malbard, it kept the city at its 1,300m altitude instead of shifting it further Westward, which would have seen its altitude almost double to 2,500m in a bid to create a shorter rail line from Blizzaria. That area instead became the Maunga Ski Village (which technically is incorporated into the city now).

Transportation, then as now still remains long. Despite being a vacation destination, the city keeps to its environmental roots, only recently allowing a small airfield to be built to the north to allow regional flights in. Most traveling there is done as it has always been, either by road or more traditionally, by rail. The same rail line for which an adventurous employee worked for and stumbled upon a series of springs that would develop into one of the most popular destinations in all of Xelha.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and the water's fine even during this time of year.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from Selena, the city of of hot tubs, jacuzzis and hotels. In the middle of this festive week, there is the Xelhan quirk known as Kasitys or Conception Month. Considering Xelha's low population, we've decided to take a look at some of the other quirks around love, marriage and the novel idea of Kasitys in Xelha.

Kasitys, Love and the Stars in Xelha

Xelhans aren't exactly known for their high population, which might cause many to incorrectly think they have low intimacy in Xelha. It further doesn't help that the people are famously standoffish and blunt. But the truth is that Xelhan do care deeply for those that are important to them. You just need to know how to start.

In Xelhan culture, either gender can initiate pleasantries. However, it is usually done after an extended period of knowing each other. The first step is what's called a Tahti Tavata or a star date. This is borne out of Xelha's attachment to the stars and astronomy. A couple will go out on a clear evening and together select their "star". Something that will signify their relationship. This is accomplished by one half forming an "L" shape with their thumb and pointer fingers and the other forming the other half of the window with their thumb and pointer finger. The couple then select a constellation, either a major or minor one, and that constellation will represent a sort of fortune telling for their love and relationship. As with zodiacs, no constellation is perfect and both have their pros and cons. Most of the constellations refer back to the deities of the Xelhan Orthodox Church and its myths and legends. At this point some couples will refer to their relationship by a pet name derived from their selected star. Favoured times of the year for this is usually during the early summer when the air is clear and the Northern Lights are stealing the show.

Married or very intimate couples will sometimes have a Hekona Tavata (Second Date) that happens during the winter to watch the Northern Lights. Good luck depends on seeing different bands and colours. The legend goes that the colours are streamers of light from the Goddess Naomi as she runs across the sky towards the God of Fortune. He then blesses them with the different colours and seeing more colours means he's blessing the couple with more variants of fortune for the future. This is not to say seeing a single colour is bad luck, but it signifies that perhaps the couple may need some introspection and single mindedness to proceed forward.

The last piece is the wedding or Tahti Takuu. Unlike what some in the world may consider marriage, in Xelha, a Tahti Takuu is more literally translated as a Star Bonding Ceremony. This eliminates the gender biased that some cultures might have. It also means any Xelhan is allowed to bond with any other Xelhan, male or female. In some cultures this maybe more analogous to a soul mate. The stars have guided you to a person (first meeting), has declared by fortune that you two shall be together (Tahti Tavata) and you two have now endured to the point where your stars both shine brightest together (Tahti Takuu). The ceremony itself is precipitated by notification of the family elders (either parents or grandparents) two days prior. The family elders then give the couple their blessing, cementing both heavenly and earthly approval for the bonding. Traditionally, the elders give the couple a small box. The box varies by province but the two main versions are either a wooden box with floral designs (Blizzaria and Numeria), while an earthen container (Noctus and Malbard) or a clay jar (Sol) and would seek donations from the community to give the couple a new start. In modern times, couples just do wedding registries, but sometimes couples may engage in the old method of asking for door to door donations. The couple must be back home before night (6 pm) and can not seek donations or gifts beyond this point. This holds up for wedding registries as they will be shut down at 5 or 6pm the day before a Tahti Takuu takes place.

The ceremony itself is fairly standard with vows exchanged, and the exchange of Takuu Bands (wedding rings). It should be noted that engagement rings are not popular in Xelha. Most Xelhans will reject them, even from foreign spouses. Takuu Bands are usually made of silver and set with small stones. Putting large stones or crafting a wedding band with gold is seen as extravagant and wonton. Ei makron arvoa bondings or trophy spouses tend to be tied to these types of extravagant gifts. People will assume the glitter of the jewel draws them together oppose to the glitter of the soul.

At the reception there is a First Waltz. This is the first dance the couple have together. After this dance is complete, the Kanikani (Wreath Dance) is performed. At this point the newlyweds are blindfolded and flower wreaths (usually made of Lily of the Valley) are placed on their heads. The unmarried men and women form a circle around the newlyweds and stand arm in arm. The music starts again and the couple dance in a clockwise manner, while the others dance in a counter clockwise manner. Once the music stops, the guest unloop their arms and face outward while the couple in the center kiss and face towards their guest. The newlyweds pick a direction and walk out to the circle. Upon reaching the edge of the circle, the newlyweds remove their blindfolds and place the wreaths on their heads on whomever they have walked to. They then declare "koa" (happiness), which signals the guests to turn back around and fave the newlyweds. The two selected new wreath bearers perform a dance with the newlyweds, signifying the passing on of happiness from one couple to another.

And finally, we have Kasitys or Conception Month. In Xelha, this is a month long period lasting from January 18 to February 18 when due to the lowest annual temperatures Xelhans are usually stuck inside and the majority of babies are conceived. This is evidenced by as much as 40% of new born being born in the months of September and October. This phenomenon persists even through the advent of contraception in Xelha. While it is unknown if this phenomenon is restricted to Xelha only, the locals like the giggle it often brings, and is one of the few quirks universally shared by all provinces in Xelha that is purely a cultural thing.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and keep on lovin'. 

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from Mystral. Just outside of the pass is untouched wildlife, yet here in this humble city lives one of Xelha's most loved and long lasting domesticated animals, Metsakissa or the Xelhan Forest Cat. Today we take a look at this most beloved pet of Xelha.

Metsakissa (Xelhan Forest Cat)

Unofficially for years, today the Feline Federation of Xelha (FFX) officially announced the adoption of the Metsakissa, also known as the Xelhan Forest Cat, as the national feline species of Xelha.

While the breed of cat is fairly unknown outside of Xelha, Xelhans have had the breed for years. The first recording of such a feline is believed to be as early as 950 when early Numerian Traders described the cat frequenting areas where they tallied their catch. They were also known to follow loggers into the woods (which is how it got its name). These cats would often act as lookouts for loggers, alerting them to any of the more aggressive fauna. This includes wolves, bears and even smaller wolverines and badgers. As they became more domesticated, Blizzarian nobles grew quite fond of the breed, often giving them as gifts to their children and relatives.

Even our religious text have made mention of the felines. Naomi, Goddess of Diplomacy, exchanged her cat Pupuhi to Monjar, God of Death in return for a soul. So soft and fluffy was the cat, and the mew gentle and melodic to the ear, it softened even the hardened heart of Monjar. Monjar would then attempt to bind the soul, only to be foiled by Jack who fractured Pupuhi’s soul into multiple parts, allowing Pupuhi to return to Naomi each time. On the ninth time, Monjar commended the cat on its loyalty and instead of attempting to keep the cat, permitted it to be marked by him as watcher of the seasons. This is why the favored coat of the cat is black and white, representing the end of the season of darkness (winter) and the start of the season of light (summer). Likewise, the cat also signifies the harvest season, when it changes from summer to winter.

The Xelha Forest Cat is usually about one kilogram heavier than the average cat, with the average male weighing in around 8kgs, while the females weigh about half that. They are usually easily identified by a semi-long, glossy, top layer of fur that is water-repellent over a softer, woolly undercoat, particularly pronounced around the cat’s legs, chest and head. Its tail is also quite fluffy. Unlike most house cats, these cats do prefer the outdoors or at least large open spaces to burn off their energies before coming back indoors to settle down on their owner’s laps for warmth and comfort. In addition, because it was domesticated from the forest, it has long claws and a sturdy body, allowing it to climb up and down places, especially trees that other domestic cats will not. As such an owner must also be mindful that high places are not always safe places for hiding food.

Unlike most other longer haired cats, the coat of this breed does not take a whole lot of care. Usually the coat only needs combing once a week, and it will do the rest itself. While the cat does get along with other pets, including dogs, it should be pointed out that the cats like to follow and curl up next to their owners. Every school year there is a report or two of cats following their child charges to school, taking up residence on their desks or the classroom windowsill.

Like many Xelhans, the cat gets very stressed in warmer climates. Some may tolerate subtropical climates, it is advised not to have it in equatorial climates as the long coat cannot simply be trimmed due to the double layering. This destroys not only the cats natural coat, but its ability to grow it back evenly. It also compromises its water-resistant capabilities, making the cat more susceptible to rain, the weather and ultimately sickness.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and have a purrfect evening.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from Mercia, home to MACE Memorial Park. The place across the river of the original city of Mercia where MACE's first factory stood. Though the Industrial Revolution lead to many advances, there are still lessons learned through experience and hardship. One such incident was right here at the MACE Chemical Factory in Mercia.

Mercia Industrial Explosion

Business was booming for Mercia in 1900. Their main company had just merged with LeBlanc's Soda Emporium, which had opened the way for the company to begin producing ammonia products for fertilizers. Initially they produced ammonium sulfate, but soon included ammonium nitrate as this lessened the requirement to ship in large amounts of sulfur.

Compared to ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate is strongly hygroscopic, so the mixture of ammonium sulfate and nitrate clogged together under the pressure of its own weight, turning it into a plaster-like substance in the 20 m high silo. The workers needed to use pickaxes to get it out, a problematic situation because they could not enter the silo and risk being buried in collapsing fertilizer. To ease their work, small charges of dynamite were used to loosen the mixture.

This apparently suicidal procedure was in fact common practice. It was well known that ammonium nitrate was explosive, but tests conducted in 1899 had seemed to indicate that mixtures of ammonium sulfate and nitrate containing less than 60% nitrate were unlikely to explode. On such grounds, the material handled by the plant, nominally a 50-50 mixture, was considered stable enough to be stored in 50,000-tonne lots – more than ten times the amount involved in the disaster. Indeed, nothing extraordinary happened during an estimated 20,000 firings, until the fateful explosion on 13 August.

As all involved died in the explosion, the causes are not clear. However, it is known from work more recent than the above-mentioned 1899 tests that the "less than 60% nitrate = safe" criterion is inaccurate; in mixtures containing 50% nitrate, any explosion of the mixture is confined to a small volume around the initiating charge, but increasing the proportion of nitrate to 55–60% significantly enhances the explosive properties and creates a mixture whose detonation is sufficiently powerful to initiate detonation in a surrounding mixture of a lower nitrate concentration which would normally be considered minimally explosive. Changes in humidity and density also significantly affect the explosive properties.

A few months before the incident, the manufacturing process had been changed in such a way as to lower the humidity level of the mixture from 3-4% to 2%, and also to lower the apparent density. Both these factors rendered it more likely to explode. There is also evidence that the lot of mixture in question was not of uniform composition and may have contained pockets of up to several dozen tonnes of mixture enriched in ammonium nitrate. The explanation is therefore proposed that one of the charges was by chance placed in such a pocket, which exploded with sufficient violence to set off some of the surrounding lower-nitrate mixture.

On 13 August 1900, two explosions occurred, a few minutes apart around eight in the morning in one of the storage silos. The explosion resulted in a crater 95m by 120m that was 20m deep. The explosions were heard not just in Mercia, but in Phoenecia and across the provincial line in Valen as well. There are mixed testimonies of it being heard in Tivani. Mercia, despite being across the river suffered about six million Lumis in damage, and most of the houses were destroyed, leaving most of its residents homeless. This was a combination not of just the explosive force, but the pressure wave that ripped roofs off houses, leaving its occupants exposed to the elements. In the resulting search and rescue operation, six hundred people were found dead and over three thousand were injured, making it one of the deadliest industrial accidents in Xelhan History. Some reports claim that not all the product was consumed in the explosion, with estimates and claims ranging from only 10% detonating to as high as 75%.

However, this accident did two things. Firstly it improved safety and no longer would ammonium products be stored in silos but in proper, well ventilated bins. This greatly improved safety and allowed for the product to be handled without triggering its volatility. Despite this development, factories would never again be allowed so close to human residence until the 1970s when Tess Ta Rossa Confectionery built a mini-town around their chocolate factory. The second thing accomplished by this accident was during the Civil War, a group of workers famously held the approaching Malbard Nobility Army at bay across the river, threatening to detonate the silos should they approach. This action prevented the military from crossing the river into Mercia, and made MACE Chemical's workers local heroes.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and hope you enjoyed this blast from the past.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from Microbial Shield HQ in Blizzaria. Xelha is no stranger to disease and sickness. Our history is riddled with countless sicknesses and diseases. But starting in 1952, High Queen Yuki Sol started a robust vaccination program in reaction to Cuiza Fever Epidemic that swept through Xelha following the Civil War. Largely in part to the program started back then, Xelha has not suffered another epidemic since aside from the occasional flu outbreak. So tonight, we take a look at the Vaccination Program that started in 1952 and has faithfully served us to this day and hopefully well beyond.

Xelha's Vaccination Program

As part of the baby box program, the Xelhan Ministry of Health and Safety now includes a pamphlet outlining the vaccines all parents are expected to give their child. This schedule is not only for their child's wellness, but also the wellness of Xelha as a whole.

Within the first two months of life, a baby should have received vaccines for Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Hoemophillus Influenza (this is not the yearly Influenza shots), and polio. As birthing season coincides with Flu Season, it is also recommended that a newborn receive the yearly flu shot.

At a year old, they should receive their final dose of Hepititis B vaccine. Hepatitis A, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), pneumococcal, Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Varicella should also be administered at this time. A second dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis should be give around a year and a half. These vaccines have follow up shots a year later, but ideally should be administered before placing a child in the school system.

These first few steps are crucial in building a healthy immune system and help keep these diseases a thing of the past in Xelha. It should also be noted that there is an alternate schedule for children of immigrants or children unable to adhere to these deadlines, usually due to neonatal complications. For these children, if they start before age 6, they are put on a more intensive six month schedule, receiving all the previously mentioned vaccines in addition to Meningococcal and Vaccinia which is usually administered at a year and a half to two years old. Adults too are started off on this accelerated program as part their successful Xelhan Immigration Applications. This only applies for those who are seeking permanent residence in Xelha and not temporary visas for visits, schooling or work permit holders.

After age seven, most children should have been vaccinated against all of these diseases, and should not require any more vaccines until about age 10 or 12. At this point they receive boosters almost in the same manner as they did from newborn to two years old. They will also receive vaccinations for anthrax, clostridium (botulinum and perfrigens), mycoplasma pneumoniae, rabies, streptococci (pneumoniae, pyogenes and mitis), Borrelia and Legionella. The reasons these are not administered sooner is that healthcare professions don’t want to overwork a person’s immune system. They give vaccines in childhood for diseases that are more likely to strike infants, and once those are in place, they can give boosters as well as introduce new strains at around puberty.

Xelhans are then given one last round of mandatory boosters at age 16. In addition to the boosters, Cholera, Typhoid, Rotavirus, Encephalitis, Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Swine Flu and Yellow Fever vaccines are also introduced. This last set cannot be administered if you have not received the previous two stages.

You are also barred from working in healthcare if you have not received these final set of boosters as you are also given additional vaccines after these to prevent caretaker-patient infections. Researchers at Microbial Sword and Shield are also expected to have these final set of boosters, and are usually administered specific sometimes live vaccines of microbes they are working with to prevent sickness. While the government does keep a stock of the vaccines in the event of outbreaks, they are not publicly administered due to either lack of efficiency (Malaria Vaccine has a 50% efficiency), or a high number of adverse effects, (VSV-EBOV for Ebola shows adverse effects in about 55% of patients). It has been considered with more travel abroad that the standard travel vaccines pack, which includes vaccines for dengue, West Helidara, and zika virus, to be added to general public administration. However, due to their low frequency in Xelha the movement has not yet gained much traction.

It should also be noted that vaccines older than five years are considered lapsed. If your vaccine lapses, you are placed on the six month program as described earlier for children who are not vaccinated at birth. That is you will be given three doses of whatever vaccine you wish to renew over a six month period. Again, if one of your lower tier vaccines lapse, you will not be able to renew higher tier vaccines until your lower tier is considered up to date.

Xelhans traveling overseas are encouraged to talk to their health profession about special travel vaccines, especially for travel to tropical or temperate environments where insect borne disease is more prevalent. Xelhans going overseas for studies or work can special order through their doctor oral vaccines that while not as effective as the five year boosters will extend the viability of their vaccine for three years.

As quoted by Health and Safety Minister Astryd Selu, “Vaccines form the front line of Xelha’s Robust Healthcare system. While powerful antibiotics are common here, the less you administer them, the less resistance you have against them. Antibiotics have also shown to hinder recovery by reducing human flora, thus giving opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus a better chance at making you sick. It in addition prevents these opportunistic pathogens from developing immunity against our antibiotics. Something that is more common in places where governments and doctors hand out antibiotics like candies.”

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and stay healthy.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from Minka's Statue here in Merle. Many people walk across this statue, everyday in the heart of Merle not knowing the true story behind it. While we have planes, boats and a myriad of transportation options in modern society, back in the 1800s, there wasn't as much diversity. Back in the 1800s, the main form of transportation was boats, rails and dogsleds. But one particular winter in 1890, even those option became severely limited, and an event called the Great Mystral to Merle Run occurred.

Great Mystral - Merle Run

In December of 1889, Merle's main hospital had discovered that their batch of Diphtheria Antitoxins had expired. Upon discovering this, they networked with other health centers in Merle and found they all had a similar problem. What had happened was in response to the Diphtheria Epidemic of 1870, the hospitals had all ordered extra serum to deal with the mass outbreak. As it petered out, they didn't use their stock and it sat in storage for the next nearly twenty years. Upon discovering the shortage, the doctors ordered more originally from Blizzaria. However, Gerrin Pass had been snowed in and would take days to clear. As Sen-Kha-Ra (Family Week) approached, and Merle received word that the shipments from Blizzaria stalled, the thought was given to simply wait out the winter storms.

In the meantime, doctors had diagnosed a few children with what was originally believed to be tonsillitis. Diphtheria was dismissed as doctors thought it would be more contagious, and especially during Family Week when city populations were closer together, and more symptoms would be showing. Critically, during the week of Common New Year, when the storms subsided, the medicine that had been ordered from Blizzaria was not followed up on as they had decided to wait out the winter. Delivery methods would also be closed for New Years, which would have resulted in delays regardless and so they failed to act upon its delivery.

In Mid-January, a week before Xelhan New Year, the first official case of Diphtheria was identified. This was swiftly followed by at least twenty others in the span of twenty four hours. As more children fell ill, the doctors realized they had an outbreak in Merle. When they communicated this to others in the rest of Xelha, there had been no reports of unusually high activity. Attempts were made to use the expired batches on the sick children, but they only seemed to hasten the demise of the children's conditions and at least ten deaths were reported. On 16 January 1890, Merle's Chief Medical Officer, Sami Hyppa, declared an emergency and petitioned for an emergency batch of antitoxins to be procured. In addition, Merle went into Quarantine, meaning people were forced to stay indoors, to prevent spread of the disease.

Usually, this would have arrived by train, but a severe Nor-Easter prevented trains from running. Combined with heavy snowfall, the shipment from Blizzaria was once again unable to move. An attempt was made to ship from Raine City, however ice had frozen the area about halfway up to Merle and iceburgs made traveling extremely treacherous. The water on the Jorg Bay side was even more treacherous with almost complete water frozen. Planes were not yet an option, though as historians all agree, the weather would have been too terrible for them to fly from Blizzaria.

It was then decided that a dogsled team would relay the medicine to the sickened city. A sled team lead by a musher named Anko Mint and his faithful Husky leader named Minka. They were selected largely on reputation and having won several dog racing challenges. Anko almost did not take the job as he deemed it risky to himself and his dogs, but the Department of Health promised an additional cash bonus for doing it, which he accepted after a brief discussion with his wife.

Anko left Mystral at 3AM on 20th January 1890. Mint would later say that visibility was so poor for most of the run that he could hardly see his lead dog. However, he had faith in Minka that they were following the trail. Winds were a major issue as well, dropping windchill as low as -50C and threatening to blow him off course several times. His team ran for almost three days straight, arriving in Merle 22 January at 10PM. Mint had frostbite on both his hands and face, but the medicine arrived fully intact, though it required six hours of sitting next to a fire to thaw out and be fully ready to use.

By this time, at least thirty deaths had been reported in connection to the outbreak, but the arrival of the antitoxin helped to stall and eventually alleviate the epidemic. Mint and his entire dog team were awarded the Queen's Cross for their run and Merle eventually built a statue on the site where Minka "crossed the finish line" of their epic delivery.

This outbreak would lead to better checks of hospital equipment and medicines. Instead of just checking for supplies, they would also check for expiration dates and keep track of old stock. It would also lead to the beginnings of Xelha's Mandatory Medicine List, to which Diphtheria Antitoxin still remains part of. This surprise outbreak also showed the worth of a medical network and instead of operating on the provincial level, encouraged networking on the national level to prevent shortages from occurring as well as quickly identifying were extra stocks could be moved to cover other parts of the country. Another major development this brought about was the hastening of designs for sea going ice breakers. Before this incident, ice breakers were not thought of very much and the only one in Xelha at the time operated mostly on the Nami River. Another advancement in technology it brought along was heated railroad tracks. This prevented ice from forming on the tracks and kept them operational, even in more remote areas of Numeria.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and stay cool.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from Leppa Stadium in Thora. Xelhans are usually very lax and laid back, but there is an element of competitiveness that runs through us all. Anytime our national sport, Ice Hockey is on, we all go into this fervent mode. Cheers for the home team, jeers for the opposition. But this isn't just a national pride thing, this boils down to other sports and in particular certain cities having major rivalries. Though there are several rivalries including the Capital Rivalry, the Holiday Express Rivalry and the Island Duels, none ring louder than the original and greatest of them all. The one between the two Numerian cities of Raine City and Thora.

Great Rivalry In Xelha: The Shipbuilder's Derby

It's another day at Leppa Stadium. The fans dressed in their yellow lightning bolts and bronze hammers gather in the parking lots, but this day is different. This day, they are awaiting the arrival of a storm. They sit poised as the buses begin to arrive. Flooding the gold and bronze with green and blue of the harpoon. The Raine City Whalers have arrived for the season's first Shipbuilder's Derby. The atmosphere thick with anticipation and nothing more than a low murmur gives rise to chants and songs that can be heard far away from the stadium. The subway station too echos with the songs of the sport. Hammers out to straighten the Harpoon! Let the Harpoon show the Hammer how to Strike with Lightning! Even the very young are seen waving around their weapon of choice, adding their voices to the rising choir. The noise will only stop twice in the next sixty minutes; once during the national anthem of Xelha, and once during the announcement of the three stars at the end of the game. Until then, these opposing fans will create sound approaching 120 decibels. For comparison, an air horn is 140 decibels. But what drives these fans to dizzying heights? The story originates from the past of both cities.

As the name of the rivalry suggests, both cities built their fortunes on shipbuilding. Xelha's first major navy was built in and around what is now Raine City. Raftfleet, as it would be properly called sailed along the coastline and restocked its supplies and built new ships in the area of Thora, before returning to the area of Raine City and upon the surrender of the Blizzarians was scuttled and destroyed. Raine City of course like to point out that Thora was nothing more than a footnote to this adventure, but Thora also point out that the fleet was destroyed and there is no evidence that the ships were good, only that they were able to attack the Blizzaria Forces from afar at sea. The next chapter and probably the actual tipping point that started this rivalry was around 1710 when King Jari Thorssen ordered new ships to be built for the Xelhan Navy. These ships needed to be fast as well as powerful to assist the defending of the Kawrea Island if it were to come under attack. Instead of putting the contract out to tender, he outright picked Thora to build the ships as his name and the city name were similar. Raine City having felt cheated, with the backing of House Avalon and House Bell built their own naval militias and challenged the new Royal Fleet as it left Thora. The other nobles seemed to enjoy this challenge and convinced the King to hold a contest between the two fleets. Winner would officially be declared the Royal Fleet. Initially, many bet on the Thora ships as they were larger and packed more firepower, but the Raine City ships were both lighter and more maneuverable. During the first stage (an attack on Thora), the Raine City ships were able to rapidly get into position and outflank the larger Thora ships. During the second stage (an attack on Raine City), the Raine City ships were able to hide in the mouth of the Ukkonen River forcing the Thora ships to engage in very shallow water, made worse by the receding tides. They ran aground and made for easy marks for the Raine City Fleet. Thoroughly beaten twice, the Thora Shipbuilders retreated, while Raine City was given the contract to build a proper Royal Fleet.

However, with determination came a role reversal. In 1865, Thora gained access to iron. In combination with steam power, the ships could now be heavier both armour and weaponry. The XNS Santi was Xelha's first ironclad ship and it splintered the current Raine City ships. Thora offered Raine City a chance to build ships using the Thora design, but Raine City refused and set about looking for a way which to outdo their rivals. This would hold until about 1900, when Raine City announced a ship that would 'sink Thora's without them even knowing it was there'. This of course was handily dismissed by many as bluster. Until five Thora ships sank at their moorings, on clear sunny days in plain view of the Royal Yacht Club. Raine City had built the first Xelhan submarine, the XNS Mako. King Ivan at this point reprimanded Raine City for needlessly sinking ships five ships before ordering ships from both builders.

After the war, Raine City's builders were absorbed by Xel-Tech in a cost cutting measure. Thora, having emerged from the war more unscathed than Raine City kept their ship builder independent. They hung this over Raine City for close to ten years before Raine City was able to rebuild and free their ship building company from under Xel-Tech's umbrella. High Queen Yuki settled the direct competition by issuing royal warrants to both companies; Thora for surface ships, with Raine City to build submarines and harbour vessels. Despite this final quelling of ships being built for the government, the rivalry between the cities simply transferred from the shipyard to the stadium.

Many adults will say their first competitive memory is the deafening cheers of a Shipyard Derby. Even High Queen Tsuyu says her debate pep talk from her mother was, "Do your best, but don't lose to Thora."

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and may the best team win.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from the Gardenia Center in Merle. Here in Xelha, with Spring approach there are two things, Maple Season and the sound of Guides peddling their cookies to raise funds for their programs. But what do the Guides do? In order to know that, you have to first know what they do. Besides selling cookies.

Xelha Guiding Association

The Xelha Girl Guiding Association is one of the oldest organization in Xelha, having been started in 1774 by Kara Gardenia in an effort to get girls into more outdoor activities and politics. As its name implies, it is for girls only as when it was established boys simply went into Junior Militia Groups. They would not receive their 'Guiding' moniker until 1820 when a group of them guided some lost villagers through a foggy night to reach shelter just west of Tivani. They have also spun off the more educational oriented section into Gardenia Girls' Education Zone (GG EZ) , which runs several private all girls schools within Xelha. They did this to give girls a good education, whilst not compromising their own charity status. After the militias were disbanded following the end of the Xelhan Civil War, the group dropped the "Girl" in its name and simply became known as the Xelha Guiding Association as it offered to take in boys who could no longer join militia based groups. This remained until around 1996 when the Silvari Scouting Association (SSA) were established and the vast majority of boys left to join the new group. The SSA structure, mandate and mission is exactly the same as the Xelha Guiding Association, the only difference is that they are boys opposed to girls.

A person can be in the organization for her entire schooling career. Starting with the Tio Troops (age 5- 9), then the Blues (age 10 -14), followed by the Orca Troop (ages 15 - 19). In 1950, as part of the HOPE Program, High Queen Yuki Sol added the Phoenix Troop for ages 20 - 24, thus allowing the support system for people to stay in place after high school as they ventured to post secondary education. Schools are most often the locations of these troops and they hold their meetings and discussion groups during the hour and a half at the end of a school day. All levels will be represented within a single chapter, making it easier for someone when they "graduate" to a higher age bracket as they would be already aware and have made contact with others directly above them or even much older. This allows for younger members to listen and learn from much older members. This helps build social and cultural awareness between generations and as people move through the system, they pass the lessons down to those that come up behind them. It also helps the group itself be very self contained. Phoenix Troop members often help direct and organize the other groups, whilst training up Orca Members to be able to take the reigns when they move on. This is not to say there are no outside helpers, but it does allow for a greater degree of self sufficiency to keep the group running.

There are two additional special groups: Lone Guide and Mother Guide. Lone Guides are classified as Guiding Members who do not regularly attend chapter meetings. They usually keep in touch with their chapter via email or voice chats and can receive Care Packs from their chapter mates if they have to move overseas. Members who have chronic illnesses can also become part of this program and chapters would organize visits and support meetings. If a member has to fly to a specialist hospital in another part of Xelha, they will have sister chapters look out for members. Mother Guides are mothers who used to be in the Guiding System and now have daughters in it. They provide additional care and logistics on helping to run and care for chapters. Their experience adds to help keep the Phoenix Troopers sharp and in check.

Tio Troops are aged from 5 to 9 year old, though they can join from age 4 if they are enrolled in school. Activities are organized around work four areas: Look, Learn, Laugh and Love. These areas are augmented by understanding festivals, nations of the world, getting healthy and happy and global adventures.

Blue Troop or The Blues are aged from 10 to 14 years old. Activities are organized around three areas: You, the Community and the World. This is the first time members will be able to attain badges, based on knowledge and achievements. These badges, are meant to encourage members to pursue their dreams, not always a collect them all mentality, but hone skills that apply to you and what you want to be to yourself, to your community and in the world at large.

Orca Troops are aged from 15 to 19 years old. Orcas work work from five areas: Healthy Lifestyles, Global Awareness, Skills and Relationships, Celebrating Diversity and Discovery. In addition to gaining badges, they can work towards leadership positions in their eighteenth year to prepare them for transition to Phoenix Troop. They take part in indoor and outdoor activities which can include themed evenings and trips. This is the group that most Xelhans associate with Guiding as they are the ones most responsible for the door to door sales of their cookies. Due to their frequent trips and members of the Junior Parliament, this is also the most visible troop level in the organization.

Phoenix Troops are aged between 20 and 24 years old. They are mostly a continuation of the Orca Troops, but provide much of the leadership and structure of the organization. Their merits are usually based on how well their younger charges both meet their goals and set out to attain them. In addition, Phoenix Troops have access to the top prize in Guiding: The Queen's Guide Award.

The Queen's Guide Award is awarded to Guides who have shown exemplary service and dedication to bettering themselves, their community and the organization as a whole. The award is given out at a ceremony attended by either the Queen herself or the Crown Princess (should the queen be unable to attend). To receive the award, four criteria must be met:

Service in Guiding. This is accomplished by firstly completing sixty hours of guiding within a three month span. In addition at some point within six months of completing the sixty hours, the person must undertake a project involving at least two chapters. Be it organizing a bake sale, a fair or community service project.
Community action. This is accomplished over a twelve month period the candidate should do a project that should be research orientated. Each project should include: researching, planning, carrying out, and evaluating the project and be of a local or regional nature. At the end of the project the evaluation and the research should be presented to a relevant audience as well as their Guiding Chapter.
Outdoor challenge. This is accomplished by undertaking an outdoor exploration or expedition with a duration of four days and three nights. The mode of transport on an expedition can be foot, bicycle, horse, sail boat, or canoe. The candidate cannot at any point live inside a man made structure other than a tent. The expedition must be taken with at least three others, but not exceed a group of seven. The other peers undertaking the expedition need not be candidates for the award, but must all be of Phoenix Troop Age. A report should be produced at the end of the trip and presented to the candidate's chapter.
Residential experience. This is accomplished by the candidate attending a residential event lasting three days (two nights) where the majority of the other attendees are unknown to the participant. This is usually done by means of exchanging members within the organization between chapters.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and be prepared for anything.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from the Flight 370 Memorial just outside of Mysidia. Today on the 14th anniversary of one of the largest air disasters in Xelhan History, the Ice Bird Flight 370 Air Disaster. On this day in 2005 when a doomed MN2000 leaving Mercia would crash and result in one of the biggest air disasters on Xelhan soil.

Ice Bird Flight 370 Air Disaster

When the aircraft arrived in Mercia from Blizzaria earlier that morning, the previous flight crew had reported a frozen door seal and abnormal noises coming from the right aft service door and requested a full inspection. The inspection was carried out by a ground engineer who then performed a pressurization leak check. In order to carry out this check without requiring the aircraft's engines, the pressurization system was set to "manual". However, the engineer failed to reset it to "auto" on completion of the test.

After the aircraft was returned into service, the flight crew overlooked the pressurization system state on three separate occasions: during the pre-flight procedure, the after-start check, and the after take-off check. During these checks, no one in the flight crew noticed the incorrect setting. The aircraft took off at 1007 with the pressurization system still set to "manual", and the aft outflow valve partially open.

As the aircraft climbed, the pressure inside the cabin gradually decreased. As it passed through an altitude of 12,040 feet (3,670 m), the cabin altitude warning horn sounded. The warning should have prompted the crew to stop climbing, but it was misidentified by the crew as a take-off configuration warning, which signals that the aircraft is not ready for take-off, and can only sound on the ground. In the next few minutes, several warning lights on the overhead panel in the cockpit illuminated. One of the equipment cooling warning lights came on to indicate low airflow through the cooling fans (a result of the decreased air density), accompanied by the master caution light. The passenger oxygen light illuminated when, at an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet (5,500 m), the oxygen masks in the passenger cabin automatically deployed.

Shortly after the cabin altitude warning sounded, the captain radioed the Ice Bird operations centre and reported "the take-off configuration warning on" and "cooling equipment normal and alternate off line". He then spoke to the ground engineer and repeatedly stated that the "cooling ventilation fan lights were off". The engineer (the one who had conducted the pressurization leak check) asked "Can you confirm that the pressurization panel is set to AUTO?" However, the captain, already experiencing the onset of hypoxia's initial symptoms, disregarded the question and instead asked in reply, "Where are my equipment cooling circuit breakers?". This was the last communication with the aircraft pilot.

The aircraft continued to climb until it leveled off at approximately 34,000 feet (10,000 m). Between 1030 and 1040, Malbard ATC repeatedly attempted to contact the aircraft, without success. At 1047, the aircraft passed from Malbard Flight Information Region (FIR) into Blizzaria FIR, without making contact with Blizzaria ATC. Nineteen attempts to contact the aircraft between 1112 and 1150 also met with no response. At 1320 the aircraft entered Mysidia FIR, where it entered a holding pattern at the KEA VHF omnidirectional range. It remained in the holding pattern, under control of the auto-pilot, for the next 70 minutes.

Two Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft from the Xelhan Defense Air Force eighth wing were scrambled from Stella Air Base to establish visual contact. They intercepted the passenger jet at 1324 and observed that the first officer was slumped motionless at the controls and the captain's seat was empty. They also reported that oxygen masks were dangling in the passenger cabin.

At 1349, flight attendant Jesse Snow entered the cockpit and sat down in the captain's seat, having remained conscious by using a portable oxygen supply. Snow had no experience in controlling or navigating an aircraft outside picking up odds and ends in conversations with pilots. Snow radioed to Mysidia asking for instructions on landing the aircraft and provided information on what had happened in the flight. Though Mysidia ATC cleared airspace, Snow was unable to understand headings and directions issued by Mysidia. The fighter jets attempted to direct, but again, Snow was unable to understand their signals and communications broke down. At 1410, the left engine flamed out due to fuel exhaustion and the plane left the holding pattern and started to descend. Ten minutes after the loss of power from the left engine, the right engine also flamed out. Mysidia, recognizing the plane couldn't be saved issued commands in an attempt to allow the aircraft to glide down as had been done in the Selena Glider incident in 1990, which Snow was at least able to follow. At 1415 the aircraft crashed 40 km (25 mi) south of Mysidia, killing all 120 passengers and crew on board. Though the worst air disaster on Xelhan soil, Snow is often credited with saving much more by being able to direct the plane away from the city and residential areas of Mysidia, which saved deaths and injuries on the ground.

Through this, Xelha passed a series of additional air safety laws and technological advances. As emergency oxygen is produced by a chemical generator that usually lasts about fourteen minutes, autopilots on subsequent aircraft are programmed to automatically descend to three thousand feet even if no commands are issued, if pressure is lost in the cabin. This is to allow crew and passengers a chance to recover consciousness without needing oxygen. Planes are also required to stock enough oxygen canisters for pilots and crew in the event of another such emergency arising, the pilots are able to be given oxygen to recover from hypoxia. Xelha also began a program to simplify directions and give ATC a full 3D perspective of a flight's location for emergency events should a non-pilot be at the controls. The government also changed training requirements for flight crews to be able to follow and understand basic signals from ATC or other nearby aircraft. Planes are now automatically grounded for forty eight hours if mechanical issues are detected and switches cannot be set to manual. Before returning to active service, a plane must be checked by someone in the Flight Safety Officer on duty at the airport. This check cannot occur earlier than 24 hours after it has been removed from service.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and enjoy flying the safer skies.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from Skeptical Receptacle HQ here in Mintaka. Trash and waste are not a new thing to Xelha or indeed the world. The problem was that it was taking up too much landfill space and harming the environment. Another issue was the requirement of energy. With green energy still in its infancy, Skeptical Receptacle, married the two ideas in a way that both kept the environment clean, and reduced the carbon footprint. Tonight we look into the Incinerator Trash Project.

Incinerator Trash Project

In 1983, Xelha, like most of the world was facing an issue with trash and particularly landfills. Even with proper recycling, landfills would still wind up taking large chunks of land, or at the very least remain stinky eyesores in certain areas of the country. The Environment Ministry held a meeting for ideas on how to handle waste disposal in an efficient and eco-friendly way. This was when Lauren Blanc approached with a way to not only eliminate landfills, but wean the nation off its reliance on burning fossil fuels. This project would be called the Incinerator Trash Project. At a cost of seventy million Lumis each, an incinerator would be erected near a water source that could burn trash and at the same time use water to turn steam generators to produce electricity. Once online, the generator would never draw electricity from the grid, but instead would be able to supply the grid with energy.

Most of the incinerators have the exact same set up. Garbage is weighed and inspected and put into one of six trash streams. Each stream can burn upwards of 6 tonnes of garbage per hour. While there are six streams, two are usually offline for routine safety inspections and maintenance. It also allows room for the event of an unexpected breakdown, service would not be disrupted as another stream can be brought online to cover for the breakdown. The only time all six streams would be working is during periods of extremely high demand, usually tied in with holidays or sporting events that would draw not only locals but lots of tourists to the area serviced by an incinerator. The garbage is inspected so that flammable or toxic materials do not get into the incinerator prior to being put in a stream. The streams go into a furnace, whose temperature is controlled by increasing or decreasing air and trash intake.

The hot gases from the combustion process are cooled at various locations by passing them over banks of boiler tubes containing water. The steam produced is super heated to four hundred degrees Celsius and at a pressure of about four hundred and fifty kilo-pascals (4.5 bars). This steam is fed to a steam turbine coupled to an alternator. The electricity produced by the turbo-alternator is fed to the facilities distribution system and in turn is inter-connected with Xelhan Power Grid to enable energy to be exported to the public supply system. Each stream of the plant has the capacity to produce in excess of 5 MW of electricity.

After driving the turbine, the steam is condensed by either sea or river water (depending on location) and passed back into the boiler system via a de-aerator to ensure water is returned to the boiler free of gases. If the turbine is shut down, the combustion process will continue by diverting the steam from the boilers to separate dump condensers. The water used for condensing the steam is drawn through the pumping station located on onsite. Band screens, located in the water source of the pumping station, prevent coarse sand particles, seaweed and other marine life from entering the pipes. The water is returned to its source at approximately ten degrees above the ambient. This warmed water is dispersed into water at least seven meters deep via a thirty five meter outfall through a diffuser angled at 10 degrees to the sea or river bed.

The combustion gases, after having given up their heat in the boilers, are cleaned by passing through electrostatic precipitators which remove in excess of ninety nine percent of particulate matter. From there, fans emit the gases to atmosphere through chimney flues at a height of ninety meters above above the surrounding ground level, a height which ensures good dispersion. Monitoring equipment continuously measures temperature, oxygen, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride and opacity to establish that emissions remain within permitted limits.

Ash that drops off the furnace grates (bottom ash) and the particulates removed by the electrostatic precipitators (fly ash) are transported to the quench tank. The combined wet ash is then conveyed to the ash bunker for storage. Ash handling equipment in the Ash Plant is used to process the ash. It is graded by passing over a one hundred millimeter screen, and ferrous material is removed with a magnetic separator. The ash is weighed and the moisture content determined prior to mixing with cement to form ash concrete to a strength of approximately 10 N/mm^2 . This ash concrete is formed into one meter cube blocks, each weighing about 2 tonnes, which can be used for shore protection and land reclamation projects in Xelha or elsewhere.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and don't be too trashy.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from the King's Crossing Monument here at the Merle Palace Courtyard. Xelha today maybe a relatively peaceful nation, but there have been a series of fights and upheavals all throughout our history. One of the last ones was the Tautohenga between High Queen Yuki Sol and the Royal Challenger Marina Del Sol in April 1961. Though no longer a viable option, it has helped shape our nation to what it is today. And so we present to you tonight, the story of Xelha's Trial By Combat. The Tautohenga.

The Tautohenga

The Tautohenga was a combat duel usually between a sitting monarch and a royal challenger. Though challenging chiefs to one on one combat originates before the establishment of modern Xelha, the term was not coined about 1100 when Jari Kolo, whom had just had the former king assassinated, was challenged by the future King Oska Evergreen. Oska Evergreen won the very first Tautohenga, and Kolo was forced to cede leadership over to Evergreen. This fight was not a battle to the death, as Kolo initially intended to lose in an attempt to isolate the Evergreens, however, the exact opposite happened and he was never able to best Oska politically or physically ever again. Oska, who is credited with being an artisan and wordsmith, crafted laws around the Tautohenga, allowing each person only one opportunity to challenge, as he grew wary of the threat from the Kolos. After the challenge, the winner could either execute or exile the loser. The rules state that any martial weapon could be used but any ranged bows or throwing weapons were forbidden with the exception of daggers of which a combatant was only allowed one. The rules also prevent the appointment of a champion, and so to prevent this challenge from being used as a means of political execution, a yield stipulation was added to give the loser a way out with their life intact.

Scholars debate that the first Tautohenga was in 761 between Raine Avalon of Raftfleet and the Xel Leader Aki Maelstrom as part of the 'armistice' agreement. The next one that is more certain happened in 796 between the reigning King Yannis and the challenger Oskar Snow which many believe prompted the name change from the Numerian Empire to the Kingdom of Xelha. Overall, the sitting monarchs fared well in these duels. Only four monarchs lost out of approximately ninety challenges: Fara Avalon (820), Olaf Snow (1040), Kallik Koivu (1220) and Teemu Kapunnen (1520), with only Teemu being executed as a result. Olaf and Kallik were exiled, while Fara became her victor's concubine. Swords were the favoured weapons. Spears and polearms were the second most used weapons. Staves were the worse, having never been in the hands of a victor, while clubs and maces were only used by four combatants.

Only two monarchs have faced more than one challenge. King Jace Marvin faced two and won them both. This is tied with King Silas II, who in addition to two challenges as a sitting monarch, defeated and executed the previous monarch, King Teemu Kapunnen, to pave the way for the creation of the Xelhan Republic. These co-incidentally were the last Tautohengas prior to the Yuki-Marina Tautohenga in 1961. The reason being that after King Silas abdicated, the nation became a Republic and the laws were reformed. However, as there was no longer a reigning monarch, the law remained more as an artifact, than an actual active law. After the crown was restored, the nation began heading towards becoming more pious. As the Xelhan Orthodox Church requires balance and killing is needless, it was seen as being sinful and selfish to declare a Tautohenga. This eventually lead to the Xelhan Civil War as Nobles thought it would seem better to declare open war instead of a simple duel. These oversights also prevented the law from being removed until 1961.

But whenever the average Xelhan hears the word 'Tautohenga' they all think back to the duel in 1961 between the sitting monarch, High Queen Yuki, and the challenger Marina Del Sol. Marina invoked the challenge after losing the political side in an Ascension Assembly. Believing that the unrefined Yuki could not hold her own in a structured combat fight. The duel ultimately ended with Marina's death and Yuki requiring several weeks in the hospital to recover. It is considered by many to be among the bloodiest Tautohenga in which both combatants came close to dying. Indeed it is only one of the few to have anyone die as most usually yielded when it became obvious they would lose. It was also only the second time to feature both female combatants, with the only previous example being in 1380 between the reigning Azura Blizzarin and Millia Avalon. The reigning monarch won both times.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and fight on.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from the Moonblade Watch Memorial here in Stella. The bronze statue of a woman looking back towards the building, while a man crouches in front of her with a rifle trained forward on a target. As we get end our Week of Reflection, on St Synelia Day, we look back at one such hero immortalized in the Xelhan Psyche. Today we remember Lynette Moonblade and the events around what would be known as Lynette Moonblade's Watch.


In the early 1600s, Xelha was struggling to unify itself after the unsuccessful Pavi Uprising caused by corrupt noblemen and their militias terrorizing the country. Amidst this backdrop, the Sisters of Mercia reached out to the Sisters of Mysidia to instead of adding another divisive measure within their nation, they came together to form the Xelhan Orthodox Church. A unifying religion to bring the entire nation together. As with all breaks from tradition, there are hard liners who would rather see the status quo retained. And so it was with this case.

It started in 1640 with Remia's Execution by a former Church of Sol Sect in Phoenecia, Sol. Though under the new mandate they were to accept all children into their orphanage, they had refused entry of one, which Remia took under her care. That child was named Rowera. When the congregation found out of Remia's break from the others, they had her executed, Rowera being left in the care of a physician and eventually escaping Phoenecia and reaching Stella in Noctus. As he grew, he became a loner and bitter towards most as the sect that he escaped continued to hunt him.

However, in Stella he met Lynette, whom ran one of the local orphanages. She opened him back up that some people could be trusted and he taught her how to be street smart. Due to the militia corruption and a Rabbit Fever Epidemic, food and supplies were hard to come by. Though Lynette protested, Rowera pillaged supplies from the church whom had persecuted him so badly in his childhood. This raised his profile and those in Phoenecia enlisted the church at large and eventually the local militia to assist with tracking and capturing Rowera. They eventually tracked him back to Lynette's Orphanage.

The day before the watch began, church officials approached Lynette and demanded she hand over Rowera or they would take the children at the orphanage and turn them over to the church. Rowera did not take well to the threats and responded by killing the adjutant who delivered the ultimatum to Lynette. Lynette, naturally was mortified, but there was nothing she could do. Lynette told one of the older orphans named Aisa Nightbloom, that if he heard screams, get the children to a safe closet. According to statements later told by Aisa he had not been told of the ultimatum, nor would Lynette be pressed into telling him anything more.

At sunrise, the Church Officials approached the orphanage intending to seize Rowera. Priestess Sandi, whom had executed Remia years before was with the approaching party and Rowera, immediately recognizing her, shot her dead as the group approached. The others scattered, and enlisted the Brassblade Militia to bring force in the capture. The Brassblades, initially believing the story to be a gross exaggeration were lightly armed, but quickly found themselves outgunned with Lynette and Rowera preventing anyone from setting foot anywhere near the entrance door. The Brassblades called for reinforcements, which then triggered an inquiry from the Xelhan Army, who in turn notified the Xelhan Orthodox Church that their people were killed making an arrest.

The message was lost in the chain of communication in the church and it wasn't until two days later that the regional Priest Mingo heard of the situation and took steps to resolve the situation. In the meantime, the Xelhan Army Commander in Stella refused to move without direct orders from the government as militias were already in enough trouble and they had no intention of adding fuel to that fire and face another Pavi Uprising. This proved fortuitous as the army standing down meant the militia could only attack with their own small arms and minimal tactical training, unlike what the full army would have.

Late afternoon on the second day there was deemed sufficient numbers for an attempt to take the building, but were repelled as Rowera and Lynette synced firing and reloading to give the illusion of continuous fire. The Brassblades withdrew giving the defenders a brief reprieve. They now overestimated the firepower in the house, assuming there were multiple defenders, possibly an entire squadron. They revamped their strategies and in the meantime resorted to negotiation to see if anything could be learned about their opponents. During this time occurred one of the most famous exchange between one of the Brassblades and Rowera, which is etched on the plaque below the memorial statue. When asked why he refused to surrender to justice he responded:

"The fight for justice and unity is never easy. It never has been and never will be. It exacts a toll on our selves, our families, our friends, and especially our children. In this case the price I pay to retain my dignity is more valuable than surrendering meekly to the unjust, even if they should paint me the villain."

As darkness fell, Mandi, Sandi's twin, demanded another charge. However, as with the earlier attempt, this too was repelled as the Brassblades required lights to move towards the door as the night was a moonless night. Rowera and Lynette easily picked them off as they approached, Throughout the night, they made several attempts, each time being repelled. What was further misleading them was that Lynette had set up a candlelight in the house and created a straw dummy to make it appear that a silhouette was keeping watch at the back window, giving the attackers the impression that someone was at the back at all times.

Near dawn of the third day, another attack was made to storm the building. This time they were able to breach the building, and found the duo in the position forever immortalized in the statue of bronze; Lynette, reloading her rifle looking perhaps at where the children were hiding, standing over a crouched Rowera, who had his rifle trained on the first people who came through the door, the flash being the last thing several of them saw. An intense fire fight ensued as the Brassblades caught a little off guard by the ambush scrambled to solidify a position.

However, with the door breached, the way in was open, for reinforcements to enter. By mid-morning the pair were both dead. Though it is frequently romanticized in Xelhan Fiction that Lynette died in Rowera's arms causing him to charge into the attackers on a suicide mission. Actual records and accounts however show the opposite is true. Both died in the fighting, with Rowera dying first and Lynette dying later of her injuries. She lived long enough to see that her children did not get sent to the church, but were rescued by the Xelhan Army after they received orders to suppress the violence.

Based off the testimony of Aisa as well as that of several others, it was revealed the truths of the Remia Execution and events that caused the deaths of Rowera and Lynette. The church disbanded and reorganized the sect in Sol, having several of its members executed as penance for the destruction and division they wrought. Rowera and Lynette, though dead, were both cleared and their story became one of what happens when one persecutes their own. Years later, Aisa and others of the orphanage would band together and erect the statue that stands at the spot where the orphanage once did. The place where Lynette kept watch over them and Rowera. Making sure they were unharmed and taken care of, and making sure Rowera was supported in whatever way he needed.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchive s.xl. So long and remember not all victors are heroes.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from the Sol Pagoda here in Phonecia. As we get ready to begin our Week of Reflection, we decided to delve into the festival that starts it all. The festival celebrating one's ancestors and family, the Sol Obon Festival

Sol Obon Festival

Sol Obon is a tradition that started in Sol province to honour one’s dead ancestors. It is the start of Remembrance Week (sometimes referred to as Silver Week) which runs the length of Sol Obon and ends with St Synelia Day a week later. Sol Obon itself runs for three days, though only the last day is a National Holiday and the one most tourists and outsiders associate with the festival.

The first day of the festival, people take lanterns to the graves of their ancestors. This is to guide their ancestors to a common place to meet their descendants. This lantern is traditionally made by the oldest and the youngest member of the family. An expression of how much the family has changed even within the living generations, whilst still reflecting on stories and imagery from those who have already passed on. Small food offerings and flowers may also be present with the lantern to occupy the early arrivals before the rest of the family returns on the second day. High Queen Tsuyu has decorated her lantern with an alternating green and red glass panels to signify her grandmothers from Numeria and Sol province respectively. The top has a pink Matriarch bow made with Helidaran cotton to signify the origins of her grandfathers. The candle wick is designed to look like the naginata High Queen Yuki used during her Tautohenga. The housing of the lantern proper is designed to look like a wooden window from one of the Raftfleet ships.

During the second day, the family will go out and retrieve the lantern. They will walk home slowly with the lantern still lit to guide their ancestor’s spirits back to their current home. The lantern is usually held by the main provider of the household either in their hand or hanging from a stick. The household storyteller walks alongside the lantern holder, regaling the spirits of events that have happened in the past year: passings of old friends, making of new ones, world news, and family antics in general. Though only these two need retrieve the lantern, if other family members are present they usually walk a few steps behind, leaving a gap for the ancestors to walk in between. Once arrived at the house, the lantern will be placed outside the family’s house doorway to both mark their arrival and illuminate the way home. Once home, a special meal is prepared by the household matriarch, and a celebration is held to remember the good and bad times endured by both present and past generations. While the meals vary by families, there is almost always a sweet dish and a bitter dish to represent the balance of life being both bitter and sweet at different times. As a sign of respect, street lights do not turn on until very late at night, making Xelhan cities appear to be medieval with only lantern lights outside of homes lighting the way down the streets. High Queen Tsuyu would be the lantern bearer for her walk, while former King Maiku would be the storyteller who walks with her. The lantern would be placed outside the front door of Blizzaria Palace, hanging on a small hook by its pink bow. Tradition dictates that former queen Millia Avalon prepares a meal. She cannot in anyway enlist the aid of the palace chefs, who should be away with their own families for the festival. She can enlist the assistance of Tsuyu and Maiku prior to their leaving to retrieve the lantern. The meal itself is not made public, though it’s likely to include memma or NesHeli for the sweet part and a cranberry sauce or juice for the bitter.

The final day is the day most outsiders are familiar with. Near sunset of the third day, families will gather either at water’s edge or in fields with their lanterns. If the gathering is on land, the fire will be transferred to a floating lantern that looks and behaves somewhat like a hot air balloon. If gathered at water’s edge, the fire is instead transferred to a specially made floating ship. Both are made from special thin paper and wooden frames. Prior to the flame transfer being made the Bondori Dance happens, which is usually done around large bonfires accompanied by drums. The dance itself is usually broken up into three sections. The first a celebration of new life at a high tempo, usually performed by children. The next section is a little slower tempo, to celebrate the passing of a lifetime. The last section is slower and more somber, with highly intricate dance moves and choreography. It is almost always performed by either a family who has done it for years or an experienced dance troupe. At its quietest point, the flames are transferred from the lanterns to the balloon or ship. The youngest family member, along with their parent then gather together to release the vehicle as one large fleet, with a heartfelt goodbye and good luck to their ancestors as they return back from whence they came. The present wishing the best for those who walked before them, and the past reflecting, hoping the future will learn from their bad and continue their good. Once the last light is out of sight, the people will return to the bonfires to sing, dance and exchange stories of what has happened. A continuation of the celebration of life, and remembering those since gone on to the next stage of their journey.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchive s.xl. So long and remember those who came before for those who will come after.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from Blizzaria Gazette HQ on Minka Street. You ask any Xelhan on the road about the news and media around the nation you'll hear names like the NI (Numeria Inquirer), XBS (Xelha Broadcasting Station), sometimes SH (Sol Herald). But if you ask them which one they'd but the most trust and faith in, the overwhelming answer would be The Gazette, or properly called the Blizzaria Gazette. But what were the origins of such a giant among the news producers? For that, we present to you in this episode, the history of the nation's beloved Blizzaria Gazette.

Blizzaria Gazette

The Blizzaria Gazette is the main daily newspaper of Xelha. It is recognized as the premier news source in the nation and is available in print version Monday to Saturday. As the official gazette of Xelha, it records and announces all government and royal happenings.

The Blizzaria Gazette started off in 1860 as a platform for Blizzaria’s disgruntled nobles to air their concerns about the waste and wantonness in Merle and by extension the other nobles of Numeria. Originally gathered by Silena Govia, it was a collection of letters from around Blizzaria as well as stories heavily biased towards making Blizzaria nobles seem better than their Numerian peers.

In 1880, as the King Ivan Scandal started to break, the crown assumed control of the paper. Having acknowledged its reach and far reaching benefits of print media. The gazette became the official gazette as well as a mouthpiece for the crown. The paper was rife with pro-crown propaganda and often had articles and opinion pieces geared at undermining the nobility. This continued through the Xelhan Civil War as articles continued to paint the Nobility Army in a negative light, while offering support for the Imperial Army. The paper also perpetuated the Keep Calm and Carry On mantra during the war, placing stories of everyday people making a difference as they contributed to the Royalist War Effort on the front page. It's printing headquarters was bombed during the early stages of the Bombs Over Blizzaria Campaign, but they moved their presses to another location and continued their work.

After the war, as part of the surrender deal, the crown relinquished control of the gazette. Their entire staff was replaced and the first task of the new cohort was to carry out a neutral report on the war. They reported accurately on the brutality suffered by the overall population during the war, which earned the paper praise even among the skeptics of the former noble class. This helped raise the paper's profile globally However, doubt still remained as High Queen Yuki ascended the throne the the crown would take back over the gazette.

During Yuki’s reign, the paper received unprecedented access to the queen, which caused many to believe that the crown was trying to regain control of the paper. In 1950, during the Royal Challenge, the paper’s reporting was again lauded as fair to the challenger, Marina Del Sol, and many believe it was the paper’s reporting that swayed High Queen Yuki to absolve her of blame and not include her or her family in the exile that fell on the Kolos once Yuki had recovered from the Tautohenga. The following year, the paper again garnered attention when the Numeria Inquirer attempted to scandalize the queen’s ally, Raine Avalon. This finally dispelled any rumours of favouritism with the gazette.

In 1983, the paper’s access to the royals was severely curbed. When the current High Queen Tsuyu was born, the media couldn’t follow her in any way and was ordered to allow her to lead a normal childhood. Despite this, the paper was sold in all nations around the world and is among the most widely read periodicals in the world.

It was often joked that Former King Izel still remembers when it costs 0.20 Lumi to buy a paper and now it costs 1.20. He gives his granddaughter 0.20 to buy it and when she says it's wrong, he tells her that's how much the paper is robbing him blind."

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and thanks for being one of the world's best news sources.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from Galoe Park in Torles. Years ago, before Xelha was a Queendom, there existed a political element in Xelha known as the Xelha Liberation Front or XLF for short. Their primary aim was to institute a Xelha for Xelhans as well as establish Xelha as a dominant world power. Many may find it hard to believe such a group existed in Xelha, yet it had many far reaching consequences in the Xelhan Psyche. So tonight, we present to you the Xelha Liberation Front.

Xelha Liberation Front (XLF)

The Xelha Liberation Front was a political and paramilitary group that operated in Xelha between 1700s to the late 1960s with a few breaks in between. They got their start as a group wishing to bar foreigners and spread Xelhan influence abroad. With the inclusion of Malbard, they felt they had the position to challenge Carida and that Xelha as a nation could compete with the more populous and more aggressive nation. The group held their first meeting in Merle on 5th of March 1670 with a Galoe Souma presiding over the group. Several uprisings had been quashed and they had figured if Xelha could control itself, it would have no problems controlling others. With this mindset, they built a ship that would sail across the ocean that they could declare in the name of Xelha. They would then subjugate the local population and convert them to the newly formed Xelha Othodox Church, despite the Xelhan religion being against any form of violence. They figured once people and the clergy saw the benefits, they would receive more support for their endeavours and help their nation expand and become a global player.

In 1674 with the Second Xelha - Malbard War underway, they set sail Eastward. Though they would have little government help at the time, they had hoped that the war would be short and by the time they set up in the East and returned, they would be able to sequester assistance from the government to continue with expansion. Two ships departed Merle, they were named the Mahi Moana and Vapautus. So named to signify the new venture and the deliverance from ineptitude that they intended to bring about. Initially, they thought they would land near present day Reverent Dusk, but instead they wound up in the North on the Island of Kataka near present day Torles. Much to their disappointment, they found no locals to subjugate, but they still began the process of colonizing the land. At this time, they also had run ins with Arion, and saw how they had a strong religious fevor that could back the monarch and create an expansionist regime.

Upon their return to Xelha, the solicited the newly crowned king with their findings and the chance to expand the borders of Xelha. The crown considered it and sent a proper group of settlers to the island. The city of Torles was established, however not much expansion was made from there. They sailed further East and came across a larger island, however a terrible winter severely limited resources and the settlers were forced back to Torles with little progress made. They continued to petition the crown for assistance, however the crown became more interested in science and culture. Thus in 1764, the XLF declared itself an independent group dedicated to spreading Xelhan Influence. This was when they first began referring to themselves as the Xelhan Liberation Front. Ironically, the very tolerant stance the crown had taken, was the very thing that allowed them to flourish.

They gathered many to their cause, primarily in Merle and Torles. Merle because old imperial sentiments and dreams of being a great power were rampant and Torles because with the amount of uncertainty in the world, a world power would offer better coverage and protection should someone try to attack them. Malbard too pushed for these changes, especially as the Winnish became subjugated by Carida, there was a fear that they'd turn their eyes Northward, and it was felt that it would be better to attack first to make sure Carida did not get any ideas of a weakened neighbour. The XLF reached the apex of their popularity around 1909, when King Ivan was growing old and without an heir. Many felt his extremely passive ways were going to lead the country to ruin. This was further complicated when rumours began circulating that the heir apparent, Sonluth, was not his child either. It is claimed that their actions lead to the assassination of Queen Minda, though who the assailant was has never been verified.

With promises from the Nobility that they would take a more aggressive stance on things should they win the war, the XLF supported the Nobility Army with propaganda and at times people and supplies. This would start their rapid decline as since they were supporting the Nobility, they were outlawed in Blizzaria Province. With the conclusion of the war, they voluntarily disbanded, however a small cell remained in contact with Sami Kolo. Sami Kolo used them to undermine the newly crowned High Queen Yuki. They would remain mostly in the shadows until the Embassy Row attacks which saw former King Sonluth killed and one of the largest peace time massacres in Xelhan history, with over fifty dead. This would be the turning point when legislation would catch up to them forcing them, their paraphernalia and anything associated with them to be outlawed. With the removal of Sami Kolo, no one was able to shield the XLF and they became public enemy number one, even as they attempted to work from the shadows. This would also be the point at which Xelha outlawed firearms, to prevent such another attack from happening again. At least under the ease of circumstances as this one had.

In the wake of Yuki's Tautohenga, she attempted to stamp out the remnants of the XLF, eventually arresting leader Miranda Soto. During the course of the investigation, it came to light a plot to assassinate High Queen Yuki and many point to that as the final breaking point which lead to the Yuki Purge of the XLF. Members were actively rounded up and deemed beyond rehabilitation, resulting in numerous death penalties. The general public voiced concern over the handling of such a volume of arrests, but the Soumo Report carried out in 1971 put to rest that Yuki herself interfered with the Justice System and all defendants had received fair trials. The report did condemn the Crown Prosecutor's Charging of all members with Attempted Regicide and Treason, however in interviews with the Supreme Court Justices at the time, it was deemed necessary as there were no other charges with which the crown could hold so many people on.

The fear of being arrested and the loss of so much leadership in such a short time lead to the complete dissolution of the XLF. No one would even mention the XLF again until the 1980s when after the Soumo Report, the topic was taught in schools as one of the darker chapters of Xelhan history. The group does still remain outlawed to this day, and is one of only two organizations (the other being the Siku Officers Brigade), that no Xelhan by law is allowed to associate with and if found doing so will instantly draw a charge of treason. Historians and academics alike always mention that the XLF died by the very same sword they had always wished a monarch to wield, and in modern slang, calling someone an Exalf, is an insult meaning that you are asking for something that will be detrimental to you.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and be careful what you wish for.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from Blizzaria Square outside the palace. Today, as many of you know is Blue Day. The day that Xelha celebrates their conversion to a queendom. It's the closest thing Xelha has to a Xelha Day. So sit back, relax and enjoy while we present to you a brief overview of Xelha's beloved Blue Day Holiday.

Blue Day

Date: 3 October 1910
Reason of Celebration: The Kingdom of Xelha converted to the Queendom of Xelha.

Prior to 1910, Xelha had been a kingdom. On the surface this appears to be trading one gender in for another, but in converting to a queendom, it gave the power directly to High Queen Minda who would lay the framework for the way for the constitutional monarchy we have today. As a kingdom, the monarchy was absolute, with some minor provincial power being distributed by the nobles. With the conversion to the Queendom, not only did the line of succession move to females, but High Queen Minda gained the authority to establish the House of Commons to act as a counter measure to the often bickering nobles. This was also done as a means to try avert undermining Prince Sonluth's claim to the throne as he wasn't the monarch's direct descendant, he'd have had no claim other than via an Ascension Session. By switching the line to Minda, he avoided that obstacle and regardless of who his father was, he still had rights to claim direct descendant to the throne.

With the exception of the period during the civil war, on this day the reigning monarch usually gives an address to the country on the current status and future visions. Though usually, the Houses were on recess at this time, the Blue Day Speech often gave insight into what the Throne Speech would be upon the Houses' reconvening. One memorable year in the 1960s, as a misguided attempt to exercise democracy, then High Queen Yuki set up a poll on what she should wear to her Blue Day Speech. The outfit that won was a bunny suit in what would become the infamous Red Bunny Speech. Though her opponents called her out for wearing something unprofessional, it helped garner more support from the public that their queen was not afraid to stand by their decision, even if it was partly at the cost of her own dignity.

High Queen Tsuyu gave her first official Blue Day speech (last year was more an Acceptance of the Crown Speech). Most of the speech contained excitement of the amalgamation of the House of Lords and House of Commons into the Kaskitalo, and Xelha's ability to cope with uncertainty concerning Estallia, the Roses of Nirvana and the recent incident in Arion with Unijapi. Closing with how extremely proud she was of her nation and that she hoped they would pass from strength to strength and continue growing and adapting in the ever changing world.

After the speech, comes the traditional Queen’s Parade, which takes place in Blizzaria Square. The old Xelha Flag (colloquially referred to as the Green Standard) which was used for both the Kingdom and Republic of Xelha is raised on the flagpole in the square at dawn (before the Queen's Speech). At around ten in the morning, a procession lead by the High Priest of the Xelhan Orthodox Church proceeds to the flagpole to declare that it does not interfere with secular matters, as such the implicated priest in the scandal gives up all claims to direct claims to the throne as well as the heir to the throne, who at the time was Prince Sonluth. The members of the House of Lords then proceed towards the flag pole under police escort. Prior to the war, nobles were escorted by their individual militias, but after the war they are escorted by police, with the exception of the Prime Minister who arrives with a light military escort. The Central Army Band marches in with two squads from each branch of the armed forces, and a color guard also marches on with the current Xelhan Flag (referred to as the Blue Standard). Once everyone is in place, the Prime Minister arrives and addresses the parade commander if they are ready to proceed with the arrival of the queen. The commander salutes that they are ready with a ceremonial sword before the Prime Minister stands next to them. At this point, the gates to Blizzaria Palace open and the reigning monarch proceeds from the steps of Blizzaria Palace onto the square with their spouse. As Tsuyu is not yet married or engaged, she was escorted by her Guiding Troupe. Once she reaches the square, the Prime Minister invites her to inspect the troops. At the last soldier, as they return back to center, she requests the new colors from the color guard. The colour guard then proceed to march the current flag to the central flag pole. With a salute, the old flag is lowered to the tune of Sunset and the blue standard is raised to the national anthem People and Country is played. If the ruling monarch is not present, the Queen's Standard is not raised beneath the flag. Once the flag is raised, the dignitaries depart in the reverse order of their arrival. Once the Priests have left, the platoons are lead off by the band.

But the day is not only about pomp and circumstance. In Blizzaria, the popular open air theatrical performance of the Queen’s Lover, which depicts and exaggerates the salacious affair between Queen Minda and Priest Kronos, while King Ivan remained oblivious. While classified as a historical drama, there are many comedic points in the play, opting for more fun and fourth wall breaking to appeal to the kids, while littering the script with raunchy adult humor to keep the adults engaged.

As the play comes to a close with thunderous applause, a market has sprung up around the square. Vendors with food including maple fudge and caribou sticks, and souvenirs and trinkets including dolls and ceramic dishes. This year's motif seemed to center around the new queen Tsuyu and the new governing body, the Kaskitalo. In the center, the stage has now become a play area for the kids to eat and drink their snacks, while their parents perhaps peruse the merchandise, or sit on the benches nearby.

When the sun starts is descent behind the mountains, the stalls begin to close and people begin to gather towards Kristalli Lake. The Helidarans and other cultural troupes hold a dance near the water before the sun fully disappears over the horizon. Almost as if on cue, the dance ends and the fountain lights up. Its gentle hues flowing in and out, and mixing with some of the brighter hues, hot cocoa is handed out as the weather gets a bit chilly. A reminder of how at one time these lights were a form of comfort for Blizzaria, when such joyous occasions seemed a distant thought and they had only this to entertain them as they listened out for the sound of planes. But then, there came a hiss from the air, not rockets and bombs of war, but fireworks. Fireworks that light up the evening sky with an array of designs and colorations. The display crackling and building to one final large circle of blue, its thunder resounding around the entire city, before peace and quiet returns again. A period of reflection. As people talk about events of the day, and how things have changed since becoming a queendom.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl. So long and long live the queen!

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from NesHeli HQ on Chocolatier Street in Raine City.  NesHeli is quite common in Xelha, being the main source of cocoa products for baking and drinking.  But twenty one years ago today, it was at the center of one of the greatest political backlashes in modern Xelha History.  The people were at odds with their representatives and forced what many now consider one of the most comical referendums in Xelhan history.  The infamous NesHeli Referendum.

The NesHeli Referendum

Xelha is a nation that prides itself on always being prepared for anything.  After emerging from its Civil War, and in order to fortify against the Umbra Emperium getting any ideas, the nation imposed a law to build nuclear bunkers beneath every house, or pay into a public one.  You were also expected to keep stocks of food and medicines for at least one month, or if you were further out from the main cities, two months.  Though they were mainly for nuclear disasters, the plan also was to avert shortages if manufacturing dipped due to man made problems such as war or natural disasters such as blizzards and avalanches, Xelhans would persevere on and hopefully, whatever the issue was, would right itself within a month's time.  In addition to personal stockpiles, the government was expected to maintain stocks of what were deemed essential items.  These not only included food, but medicines and clothes.  The plan being that should it last longer than two months, the government has reserves of its own to call on and distribute.

The issue arose in 1997 when Xelha was paying off its brand new upgraded Jump Jets and was looking to diversify its arsenal.  Numerian House of Lords Member Symon Samuelson proposed a review of government stores to save money that could be redirected to military spending to pay it all off sooner.  Minister of Defense Janette Bell agreed and a review was held to see what could be cut off the list.  One of those items expected to receive the axe was NesHeli.  Now, for anyone not familiar with Xelhan cuisine, this might seem insignificant, but many Xelhans (a poll run during the event in 1999 was as high as 80%) enjoy at least one cup of some form of NesHeli products daily, particularly hot cocoa.  This was reflected in government stores of about 8,000 tonnes of their goods at the time.  The bill quietly passed through the House of Commons on 24 Oct 1999.  What broke the story wide open was a Numeria Inquirer Article that ran just prior to the House of Lords vote on 1 Nov claiming that the government was banning NesHeli.  This prompted a Blizzaria Gazette report to clarify that the products were only being removed from the storage list.

Reaction was swift as people protested that they would die without NesHeli stores or significantly alter their habits.  Many saw it as political scapegoating, and using it as an excuse to arm themselves and become another Umbral.  Protests were held across the nation.  In the run up to the House of Lords vote, Minister of Health and Safety Mira Vern urged her peers to rethink their votes and strike down the bill.  However, Symon and Janette both insisted it was for the good of the nation and if people wanted the product they could stock it themselves.  On 1 Nov, the House of Lords voted to pass the list with a margin of 13 - 2.  Only Mira Vern and Sigrund Valo voted against the bill and it went to the queen for royal assent.

A group, Communal nesHeli Against Removal (CHAR), sprung up and amassed what would be the first internet petition in Xelha, sending approximately 1 million signatures to then King Maiku to not give the bill royal ascent.  King Maiku then took the unusual step of taking a stance and voicing a personal comment, "Queen mother Yuki feeds it to Princess Tsuyu, and if its good enough for Tsuyu, then I don't see why the Xelhan public should be restricted."  The list was vetoed with the recommendation of 'removing NesHeli from the list'.  Symon in particular took the slight hardest and appealed for the intervention to be overturned as it was undemocratic and the monarch was allowing personal opinion to interfere with what was best for the nation.

The House of Commons had five abstainers in the follow up vote, citing that it was obvious that no one wanted the product removed except politicians.  The House of Lords was preparing to revote when King Maiku, deferred judgment to Queen Millia, who called a referendum on the list.  Due to the Election Recess approaching, the referendum was made into an election topic in the House of Lords.  The House of Commons candidates avoided the topic unless cornered.  Aside from that one comment the royals kept out of the conversation, however, there was one exception to which many attributed the eventual breaking of any resistance.  Queen Millia was taking the young Princess Tsuyu to a clinic to encourage mothers to have their children checked out and use all available resources to make sure their child was growing healthy.  A pushy reporter asked the queen for her opinion on the matter and instead a loud "no" was heard, not from the queen but from the young princess.  "NesHeli is [my] favourite drink with grandma!"  Indirectly breaking the royal commentary taboo, but the damage was done.  The video clip became ammunition for the pro-NesHeli groups and it flooded the fledgling social media scene as well as commercials for the upcoming referendum.  Every so often, much to the chagrin of the current monarch, the clip is replayed, especially during her birthday celebration.

On 13 Nov 1999, Xelhans went to vote if the list was fair or not.  However, everyone knew it meant if NesHeli should be included or not.  Both camps rallied their cause and encouraged people to come out and vote, which they did, the weather even being unseasonably warm on voting day (which was a Saturday).  The list was voted unfair by a margin of 90% to 10% and remains the record most one sided defeat in any form of voting in Xelha.

NesHeli was kept on the list, however, the fall out was almost immediate.  Mira Vern and Sigrun Valo were the only two House of Lords members who would retain their seats during the next election.  While in the House of Commons, they saw ten of sixteen members lose their seats.  The list itself, then died a quiet death, locked away in a cabinet somewhere, the House of Lords completely withdrawing it in January 2000 and neither house attempted to apply a new one.  Funding was never cut and Xelha maintained its usual military spending for the duration of the next House Terms.  No one has since attempted to amend the list.

Thank you for joining us tonight.  Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl.  So long and don't touch that list.

Xelhan Constitution

Xelha Penal Code

Xelha National Anthem

Lyrics:

Verse 1:
All form the shores of the North cold sea.
To gentle breezes in the grass lands.
Through sun and storm together we stand
Standing United
For we have the brain and the brawn and the blood
Of those who handed us the torch of life.
And we pray that we'll inspire, emulate our worthy dames and be heroes in the strife.

Chorus:
Xelha, dear Xelha
Children of thine are we.
For thee we work and of thee be proud
Whatever may come to thee!
Glorious Xelha
Long will you prosper free.
May queen and people live ever long.
And always to our land be true

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from the Ophelia Blizzarin Memorial in Mystral, Blizzaria. Ophelia Blizzarin played a pivotal role in the dark point in Xelhan history known as the Pakanga Era.  Her words proved more damaging to the Numerians than any weapon, and equally as vital to the Blizzarian defenders. So today we discuss the main three theaters of the Pakanga Era.


Fighting Starts and the Battle of Valkurm
Initially, each Siku Army would vie for control of an area to spread the influence of their lord. It soon became apparent that Numerians used to the colder weather held an advantage over their opposition. Lord Izumo had recently conquered four others and captured the area of the Akko Highlands and most of Sol west of Phonecia. With his new larger army, he set about attempting to force the Numerians out of the war early. He attacked Lord Snow, crushing his army at the Ukkonen River. Many attribute this victory to Lord Salo’s desire for Lord Snow’s lands, army and wife and he refused to help the allied Lord. Instead he burned the bridge and watched the army fall into disarray with nowhere to move. Lord Salo would later defeat Lord Izumo and force him back into Sol before meeting his demise at the hands of Lady Maelstrom at the Battle of Valkurm Plains. The Battle of Valkurm Plains is considered the start of the war proper and involved five different Siku armies. Two from Numeria and one each from Blizzaria, Sol and Noctus. The battle reportedly involved over 100,000 soldiers, and the battle lasted for two weeks. It is also significant because at the time Lady Maelstrom had just assumed command from her father who had died less than a week earlier fighting the Blizzarins for control of the Mystral Trading Post. It was her first command and she was victorious, managing to conserve her forces near the edges of the combat zone making the enemy come to her instead of going to them.  The outcome of the battle had no decisive winner, but in the long term, it weakened several Siku Armies with all claiming some form of either pyrrhic or moral victory.

Numeria Theatre
This battle would further weaken Lord Izumo’s forces and he would be forced back to Sol. Lord Salo, having been one of the repelled Numerian generals faced off against Lord Nome just west of Raine City. Lord Salo’s depleted ranks could only muster a nominal defense and were forced to withdraw back to Raine City, where Lord Nome laid siege to the city. Seeing a chance to score with the commonfolk, King Nils sent the Royal Army to break the siege. Lord Avalon was bedridden and sick, which was why the Avalon Siku Army had not yet marched, and King Nils falsely believed he could hoodwink his daughter Nora Avalon into submitting to the crown. Initially, she did agree to help break the siege, but unknown to King Nils, she lied about her Siku army numbers. She sent about one quarter of her army to assist the king, with another third shadowing the now combined army. She ordered her troops to stay near the flanks, while the king’s army charged right through the center. When King Nils broke the siege, he ordered Lord Salo to surrender and swear fealty to the crown, which he did. Upon surrendering, he planned to have a celebration with all his ‘allies’ and kill them, but Lady Avalon ordered a return of her forces. Enraged, the king set upon the Avalon Forces, aided by the newly acquired Salo Forces. However, unaware of the larger force lying in wait, he charged the Avalon Forces believing he had the numbers advantage only to be shot off his horse by archers hidden beyond the treeline. Lord Salo assumed control of the forces, but the disarray caused by the death of the king meant he had little hope of beating the still organized Avalon Forces. Lord Avalon passed just after receiving word that his daughter was victorious. With his dying words he told her to unite Numeria and all of Xelha. With her now dead father’s blessing, she marched the Avalon Forces to Merle where they burned down the Palace Fortress. The escaping royal family is said to have seen the light of the fire burning so bright they could see it the entire night they travelled away. Escape, was a minor reprieve. Lady Jorg captured and puppetted the escaped Crown Prince, claiming the rightful leader of Xelha by forcing him to marry one of her daughters. She then built the Thora Fortress which repelled attacks firstly from Lord Tenno and then Lady Millia. The palace walls would not be breached until around 1245 when Lady Avalon decided instead of charging the walls as had previously been attempted; she instead would build a larger, stronger arrow. A ballista. Lady Jorg initially did not order any attack and was content to wait for Lady Avalon to make the first move. Reports that a large weapon was being built was met with ridicule. Lady Avalon did not control the waters, and Lady Jorg had made sure they could always receive supplies, which was why sieges hadn’t worked previously. It also wasn’t a trebuchet and there had been no reports of catapults, which further confounded the defenders. Upon completion of the first ballista, the bolts were aimed at weaker sections of the wall to ‘pry the bricks apart’. It’s additionally believed velocity was aided on the first day by a strong tailwind. Seeing that the walls were now beginning to crumble, Lady Jorg attacked the Avalon Forces while they started building a second ballista. They eventually destroyed the first ballista and halted the building of the second, but not before substantial damage had been done to the outer wall and it was very much a pyrrhic victory and only stalled the inevitable fall of Thora. Numeria was finally united under Avalon in 1246.

Sol Theatre
In Sol Province, things had been a bit simpler. Lord Izumo limped back into Sol after being repelled in Numeria. Lady Miura offered him a union to strengthen his position around Phonecia. The union created the Sun Throne Union which pushed along the Ukonen River and South towards Mercia.  They destroyed most of the leadership they conquered, and in some cases upper members of the rival Siku armies.  They were held in check by the Morenas in Malbard near Mercia, but remained unable to push past the Nami River. They suffered from overextension, and internal strife.  Things that came into play in 1248 when the Numerians began their march South.  With the internal strife rampant, a combination of Avalon spies and long range attacks demoralized the Sun Kingdom and they surrendered by 1250 after Lord Izumo’s caravan was overtaken and his entire family was slaughtered along with him.

Blizzaria Theatre
Lady Maelstrom would marry her brother to one of the Blizzarins forging the Maelstrom-Blizzarin Alliance in 1254. She through her sister would keep the hearts of the people, while her husband Tampere would lead with a ruthless edge. With their combined forces they were able to match the now unified forces of Numeria.  The Blizzarians were able to preserve their numbers mostly thanks to the surrounding mountains.  This natural barrier meant the only easy passage into the territory was via the Gerrin Pass.  Though the Numerians had excelled in winter combat against their other enemies, they were no match for the avalanche traps that had been set all throughout the mountains but especially at Gerrin Pass.  The Numerians became well aware of this tactic and attempted to cross over the mountains, but this would prove their undoing as many units succumbed to a combination of poor nutrition, the cold and higher altitudes.  There was one successful penetration towards around what is now the city of Selena where the Numerians made it through the mountains and temporarily caught the Blizzarians off guard.  Allowing for a push into the territory.  However, without proper reinforcements or supplies they were eventually wiped out within a few weeks.

Unfortunately, communications at the time were abysmal, and by the time the Numerians found out that they had a successful push in the south, the forces were already obliterated.  But news of being able to open a pincer spurred the Numerians to launch a full attack in the north, believing that the forces were still attacking in the south.  They captured the Mystral Outpost in 1265, which boosted their belief in being able to finally beat the Blizzarians.  Likewise, morale began to fall in the Blizzarian camps as word spread that they were now fighting a two front battle against a superior enemy.  But in late 1266, two years after the Battle at Lake Selena, word reached the defenders that the Numerian aggressors in the south had been defeated and repelled.  The Numerians did not tell this to their troops, believing that it would destroy morale once again, but the Blizzarians did tell theirs.  This culminated in the decisive Mira Forest Battle where the Blizzarians were finally able to hold the line.  

However in the fighting, Tempere’s wife Ophelia had been captured.  As the Numerians attempted to extract information out of her, she confirmed the southern forces had been defeated and it was only a matter of time before the Blizzarian forces would be successful.  Of course the normal rank and file had not been informed of this loss and the news spread like wildfire, creating a rift of distrust in the Numerian ranks.  The distrust caused the troops to waiver in their abilities and they rapidly got pushed back to the Mystral Outpost.  At the Second Battle of Mystral Outpost, the Numerians attempted to disrupt the renewed vigour of the Blizzarians by publicly executing Ophelia Blizzarin.  Instead of frightening them, this enraged them and they crushed the Numerians in the ensuing battle.  With their numbers depleted, the Numerians pulled back out of Blizzaria by 1970.

Tempere died in 1971, which delayed the Blizzarian push into Numeria.  His son, Aki would finish the complete conquest of the Avalon Numerians in late 1975, drawing to a close the Pakanga Era.

Thank you for joining us tonight.  Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl.  So long and stay united.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from Stelvia National Park, about an hour outside of Stella.  Every nation has something that it looks to as a major symbols: foods, sports, songs, anthems and animals.  But what about Xelha?  We have these things too.  Tonight we'll look at one of them.  The National animal of Xelha, the humble Ice Bird.

   The Xelhan Ice Bird has been the national animal since 1450.  The story goes that during a cold winter, Princess Minka wanted to hear song birds to raise her spirit.  As it was winter, songbirds were hard to find, however a lone Ice Bird landed nearby and began chirping away.  This did indeed raise the spirits of the princess and upon seeing their child's joy, the royal family made the Ice Bird the national animal.  Not only for singing in the winter, but being one of the few birds that did.

  Xelhans came to recognize its hardiness to survive and joyfully chirp away even during cold days of winter.  While it eats insects, its other favourite food are berries, which is also a common favourite among Xelhans.  Now many ask, why wasn't a more mythical or carnivorous animal chosen, like a dragon, or a wolf or an orca, but to many Xelhans, the Ice Bird signifies and embodies the spirit of Xelha better.  Xelhans are not a highly aggressive people, and consider themselves plucky, hardy and happy go lucky, even in the coldest of weather.  Pairs are monognous, with both sharing the work of chick raising and nest defense.  These traits endeared the bird towards the people and they all adopted it as their national animal.  As a result Ice Birds are a protected species and capturing one is illegal.  Like the people it represents, the bird works best outside of cages and restrictions, free to roam and soar as it explores the world around it.

   The Xelhan Ice Bird (Sialia xelha) is a medium-sized bird weighing about 30 g with a length from 16–20 cm. They have light underbellies and black eyes. Adult males have thin bills and are bright turquoise-blue and somewhat lighter underneath. Adult females have duller blue wings and tail, grey breast, grey crown, throat and back. In fresh fall plumage, the female's throat and breast are tinged with red-orange, brownish near the flank contrasting with white tail underparts. The ice bird's gentle song is remembered as a song of happiness and hope. A series of sequences like, "Chur, chur, churchur, chur.  During the cold weather, it will puff out its feathers giving itself a "fat" profile, which many Xelhans find simply adorable.

   These birds hover over the ground and fly down to catch insects, also flying from a perch to catch them. The first technique takes up to 8 times the energy than sitting on a perch and waiting. They mainly eat insects and berries. They may forage in flocks in winter, when they mainly eat grasshoppers. They will come to a platform feeder with live meal worms, berries, or peanuts.  Their breeding habitat is open country across all of Xelha, with its favoured territory in the Blizzaria Mountains. They nest in pre-existing cavities or in nest boxes. In remote areas, these birds are less affected by competition for natural nesting locations. They are a monogamous breed. The male can be seen singing from bare branches. The singing takes place right at dawn, just when the sun rises. Females usually build the nests themselves. Eggs are pale blue and unmarked, sometimes white. The clutch size is four or five eggs. Young are naked and helpless at hatching and may have some down. Incubation normally last 14 days and the young will take about 21 days before they leave the nest. Both males and females fiercely protect the nest.

   Thank you for joining us tonight.  Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl.  So long and be nice to the ice.

Good Evening, I'm your host, Tala Ehko coming to you from Blizzaria Palace in Blizzaria.  We all recognize the Xelhan Flag, all united under the cross of Xel Blue.  But many mistake this for the motto of the nation which is Tahdella (All like Snow), especially outsiders.  We also have the Queen's Standard which includes her insignia.  So in tonight's program, we shall look at the Xelhan Coat of Arms.



The Xelha coat of arms in its current form has been around since 1702 after the restoration of the Xelhan Crown.  The design had been started on before the abdication of King Silas, but was put to the side during the years of the Xelhan Republic.  Once the crown was restored, the design was completed.  The coat of arms is rarely used in Xelha, primarily only used in official engagements and prominently features at the House of Commons and Blizzaria Palace.  It is also part of any official stationery from the Xelhan Government and is used alongside the Monarch's Insignia when something comes directly from the monarch.  Curiously, the coat of arms has never graced the flag, instead being relegated to its own lesser flag when non-royal Xelhan officials were present.
   
The blue and white colour motif is reflective of the national animal, the ice bird.  This was chosen to represent Xelha without having to make it too political or chose colours that others felt didn't represent Xelha.  The blue wings spreading out from the central ring are the wings of the ice bird embracing the central ring which represents the Queendom of Xelha.
   
The stars represent the Sakura's Halo Constellation.  The constellation was chosen to signify the Crown and the Church's fledgling relationship between the two to move the nation forward.  The childlike curiosity and unity would help drive the nation forward together and foster strengthened bonds between both the people and leadership without being clouded by biased judgement.   Both entities are bounded by the links of the people.  The chains that hold the nation together.  Without them, the nation doesn't exist.
 
The central ring is locked in by the waves of the ocean in the North and the Fields of Malbard to the South.  The waves being an integral part of Xelhan culture, especially among the Numerians.  

The wreath at the bottom represents the fertile fields of Malbard from which grains and many other crops are grown.  Not only do these represent cultural importance to the nation, but the source of the nation's natural bounty.
   
The motto at the bottom, "Kaikki Lumena" which translates to "All Like Snow".  Snow, being synonymous with Xelha, but to the people, snow is soft and gentle to the touch, but also dangerous.  In a way, it's how Xelhans wished to be viewed, soft, gentle, pure, yet lying under that softness was the ability to destroy and sculpt the land into what they needed.
   
Thank you for joining us tonight.  Remember that everything seen and discussed on this show can be found at the National Archives in Blizzaria in the basement of the Blizzaria National Library, or online at XelhaArchives.xl.  So long and be all like snow.