Conversations with the EFA

af **Irene** Man Jun 12, 2023 8:41 pm

Conversations with the EFA

The following article contains content that some viewers might find disturbing. Our aim at the Cirrane Press Society has always been that of the nuanced picture and we value the free marketplace of ideas. Bear in mind that the views expressed within do not reflect our journalists and are only made with the best of intentions to preserve freedom of expression. Reader discretion is advised.

The following article has been made and protected under the ‘Free Expression of the Journalistic Press’ act of 1960 and the Cirrane Press Society and its affiliates are therefore not legally accountable for the viewpoints expressed within.

Full unfiltered interview available under article.

Nachon. An otherwise taboo topic that seems to be the subject of much discussion these days. Sadistic and cruel, the image of the Nachon as the face of true evil is rampant and the source of much fear within our society. The question on everyone’s mind seems to be how to deal with such citizens? This is in no small part due to recent events. At the end of April, Ilomar was hit by a terrible tragedy, the death of our majesty the crown prince Theodore Armani of Ilomar. Since then the search for a culprit has been the top priority for all law-enforcement within the nation. While no statement has yet been made by the The Godia Department Of Investigation nor the The Godia Warrior Sector 45, everyone's eyes has been pointed to the infamous and illusive organization known as the EFA. Politicians such as Morgan Sutton have demanded that all investigative resources should be used to put an end to their “reign of terror.” We have yet, however, to get an official confirmation by any of our governmental sources that they are indeed to blame for the murder. It seems that the public has already reached a conclusion based on the current discourse. In a recent poll made by the Metropolitan Times a whopping 85% of viewers were of the conviction that the EFA was directly involved or at least partially to blame for the death of the prince. A public call has been made for retribution against any member of the organization, despite any final evidence that they are to blame. And yet, the EFA seems an organization still shrouded in mystery: we have known about its existence for nearly a decade, but their activities, goals and work remain a well-guarded secret. But under such close scrutiny and the harsh allegations made by the public, it is perhaps time we shed a light on the criminal gathering. Through an anonymous source, we at the Cirrane Press Society have been able to conduct a remote interview with two members of the organization, under the aliases Augustus and Anthony. With this, we hope to put nuance upon a debate that so far has not presented any Nachon voices or opinion on the matter. This is not an endorsement. It is, however, our duty as the free press to present all sides in the debate. We realize that the opinions you’re about to be presented with will for some be preposterous and radical. We ask that all readers keep in mind that we have yet to see an official accusation of murder against the organization.

And indeed, in the interview, they deny their involvement and to the allegations Anthony had this to say: “The accusations aimed at the EFA are nothing more than the latest show of Nachon discrimination, The labeling of Nachon Warlocks as doers of Tarron on earth is solely connected to fanatic religious views. Views that are extremely outdated and extremely dangerous” As they point to religion as a factor of discrimination, it would then be natural to assume that the EFA would be in direct contradiction to the Iostan tradition of Ilomar. The Iostan Institutions and the EFA certainly appear to be at odds with each other, as the church has been clear in their condemnation of Nachon individuals. But on the topic of religion, Anthony says: “To be clear – the EFA isn’t against any religious viewpoint. Several of our members and most of our refugees are religious themselves.” followed by Augustus “Our main concern is with uncritical adoption of religious texts by the institutions of this country; including the supposedly secular ones [...] Whilst we can accept this as a part of Iostanity, and as a religious viewpoint, we do not support the judicial appropriation of a view, refuted by most modern states.”

The discourse within Ilomarian politics surrounding the Nachon issue has long been with a focus on crime prevention and harsh punishments. As such, data from the Ilomarian Statistics Association would suggest that Nachons are three percent more likely to be incarcerated and make up about 85% of all recipients of the death penalty. Some would call this righteous, such as politician Morgan Sutton who has been an outspoken Nachon critic since the start of his career. In an interview with the Thelmian Times, Sutton recently criticized the EFA directly – referring to the organization as a group of violent terrorists. The Cirrane Press Society has since then reached out to Sutton, seeking examples of said violent crimes but has not received a reply. The EFA themselves deny their status as a terrorist organization. “As our aim has never been to spread fear, nor are we trying to attain said goals by violent means, the regrettable actions of other groups or individuals committing to violence in the name of the organization, does not qualify us as a terrorist group. Thus we cannot plead guilty to the accusation of Morgan Sutton.” It would seem that the goals of the EFA do not align themselves with the violent nature as we have come to know them by. As for their activities, Augustus goes on to state: “the aim of the organization is to help, rehome and re-establish the Nachon warlocks failed by Ilomar. While we acknowledge that the helping and housing of Nachons is seen as a crime in the current system, this view is flawed, and we are fully supporting the decriminalization of Nachon warlocks.”

In their own words the EFA is an organization seeking to decriminalize Nachon existence. Of course, it’s up to debate how this might look. Within Ilomar, even the most die-hard Nachon sympathizers within our political sphere are still advocating for some form of compulsory surveillance or mandatory medication – as seen in our neighboring states, Ganthery and Nameto. Many fear the invasive nature of their powers and the ways that could be misused, so therefore, you’ll be hard pressed to find any advocates for complete Nachon autonomy. Though, the EFA seems to be one of few groups advocating for exactly that, as stated by Anthony: “We advocate for a system that respects the rights of Nachon Warlocks [...] And we advocate for a system where Nachon Warlocks can be treated as equals.” going on to criticize the practice of mandatory medication: “Compulsory medication or any form of forced treatment isn’t the way to do so – it completely disregards the autonomy and freedom of choice of Nachon Warlocks.” When asked about the decriminalization of Nachon Warlocks, Augustus had the following to say: “In much the same way, what I am proposing is that Nachon powers be regarded and judged by the same standards as other warlocks; when I am talking about a decriminalization of Nachon warlocks, this does not translate into a decriminalization of Nachon misuse,” To which Anthony adds: “I think it's essential to differentiate between the existence of Nachon powers and the potential misuse of those powers. Decriminalizing Nachon warlocks doesn't mean turning a blind eye to any harmful actions they might commit.”

Therefore, it would seem that the ideal society for the EFA would be one where Nachon were treated on par with every other citizen. Indeed, they have a long way to go within Ilomar for this to ever be an achievable goal. Still, when asked about their motives and intentions, their manifesto, Anthony makes the following very clear “there’s nothing extreme or radical about the protection of universal rights” defending their status as not-terrorists. It would seem that the system at large would disagree, afterall, the framework for our understanding of energy has been largely developed by a religion that deems Nachon Warlocks as the misled whose “path leads only to destruction and abomination” (Book of Divided Fiber, 1:6) Anthony acknowledges this, stating that “We are aware of the need for compromise, and we are open to discussions.” But then goes on to assert in no uncertain terms: “However, we will not compromise on the fundamental rights and well-being of Nachon citizens"

So, to the EFA it seems like the most natural answer to the question “how to deal with the Nachon issue” is to simply let them exist as normal citizens within our society. Although, many would disagree with such sentiments. In the interest of a balanced debate, we have reached out to expert Eve Lowe from Fallonmore University, lead professor in the controversial field of Energology (the study of warlock energies and their effects on behavior and psyche), specialized in the Nachon mind. To our questions she has made the following statement:

“Our research suggests that the nature of Nachon powers are destructive by nature. Their energy, which seeks to invade and expose the mind, makes way for a more predatory personality type. Furthermore, the constant feedback of memories and thought makes way for a fragmented identity – our study from 2011 would for this reason suggest that the Nachon is more prone to insanity. Any statement by the organizations such as the EFA or their affiliates should then be taken with a grain of salt: remember that these are either Nachons primed for manipulation or victims under the influence of such corrupting forces.

It is my conclusion as a lead expert working with these dangerous individuals for years that the murder of the prince could only be committed by a Nachon warlock: it takes a truly deprived mind to even think up such brutal actions as what was done to him. It is therefore in our best interest as a society to fund a more efficient system of containment and further research of the Nachon people. It is naive to think such individuals could be meaningfully integrated within society.”

So, where does that leave us? Are we to understand the EFA as simply a misunderstood activist course or as terrorists, primed for manipulation of their unwilling victims? As it is, there are no easy answers to such a complicated matter. One thing is for certain, though, and that is that a change will come in the way we deal with the topic of the Nachon question, as the debate has truly brought to light the need for a reckoning with our view and approach of these warlocks. In what direction, only time will be able to tell. Clearly the stakes are stacked against them, as we have long pointed to the Nachon population as the source of most evils within our society. And though they deny it, will the EFA be held accountable for the prince's untimely murder? Or will a third party be held accountable for these brutal actions? And what does the future entail for the thousands of Nachon who are estimated to be living within Ilomar?

af **Irene** Man Jun 12, 2023 8:43 pm

Now, in light of the recent murder of the late Theodore Armani of Ilomar, everyone’s full blame has been pointed towards you. In an interview for the Thelmian Times the minister of security, Morgan Sutton, even went as far as describing your organization as both ‘a group of violent terrorists’ and ‘an undeniable force of Tarrons evil. So my question is: How do you respond to such accusations?
Anthony: The accusations aimed at the EFA are nothing more than the latest show of Nachon discrimination, The labeling of Nachon Warlocks as doers of Tarron on earth is solely connected to fanatic religious views. Views that are extremely outdated and extremely dangerous. Our organization’s only aim is to support the citizens – the innocent citizens – of this country, who, having been denied a fair trial, are hunted, simply because of the fear installed by these views. And we’re extremely sorry that such allegations have been sent our way. Especially as it has fueled the already burning fire of crimes aimed at Nachon Warlock in and outside of Ilomar

Augustus: Just to add to what Anthony already said; the aim of the organization is to help, rehome and re-establish the Nachon warlocks failed by Ilomar.While we acknowledge that the helping and housing of Nachons is seen as a crime in the current system, this view is flawed, and we are fully supporting the decriminalization of Nachon warlocks. As our aim has never been to spread fear, nor are we trying to attain said goals by violent means, the regrettable actions of other groups or individuals committing to violence in the name of the organization, does not qualify us as a terrorist group. Thus we cannot plead guilty to the accusation of Morgan Sutton.

You both mention discrimination as a major player in your work, which I would like you to elaborate on. Anthony, you mention religious fanaticism as something that’s a major part of what you're fighting against. Is your organization in opposition to the religious consensus and institutions within Ilomar?
Anthony: To be clear – the EFA isn’t against any religious viewpoint. Several of our members and most of our refugees are religious themselves. We’re not against religious consensus either, as long as it has naturally occurred and still has room and acceptance for other viewpoints – and as long as it isn’t forced by law and discriminates the people that doesn’t fit in under that specific religious viewpoint. Augustus, if there’s anything I might have missed, feel free to add your own comment.

Augusust: Thank you, Anthony, well said. Our main concern is with uncritical adoption of religious texts by the institutions of this country; including the supposedly secular ones, resulting in a common acceptance that Nachons are demons seduced by ‘thought of destruction and selfish gain.’ Whilst we can accept this as a part of Iostanity, and as a religious viewpoint, we do not support the judicial appropriation of a view, refuted by most modern states.

And Augustus – you state that you 'are fully supporting the decriminalization of Nachon warlocks’. How would you instead propose that the system should handle and avoid crimes relating to the usage of Nachon powers?
Augustus: Now, in regards to your other question: how should the system handle Nachon criminality, if it was to be decriminalized? Irene, as an air kirsha, I expect you are familiar with the possible ways in which your powers might cause unintended harm? There are multiple historical examples of air kirshas who have used their powers in harmful, criminal ways; most recently the Dorian Freeway incident. Yet, being born with air kirsha powers, or using them, are not considered criminal offenses. In much the same way, what I am proposing is that Nachon powers be regarded and judged by the same standards as other warlocks; when I am talking about a decriminalization of Nachon warlocks, this does not translate into a decriminalization of Nachon misuse. Anything you want to add?

Anthony: I completely agree with Augustus' points. I think it's essential to differentiate between the existence of Nachon powers and the potential misuse of those powers. Decriminalizing Nachon warlocks doesn't mean turning a blind eye to any harmful actions they might commit. Just like with any other warlock, if a Nachon warlock were to use their powers in a criminal or harmful way, they should be held accountable.

I want to elaborate on what is indeed a modern state approach to this issue. As I am sure you already know, many of our neighboring states such as Ganthery and Nameto have dealt with the Nachon issue the very same way that our own Collective Future Coalition is proposing: compulsory medication for all Nachon citizens. While in other countries such as Gamabo and Lasaint, training and monitoring is mandatory for all warlocks. So, what constitutes a modern approach? What’s your manifesto, so to speak. Or, more importantly, where are you willing to compromise?
Anthony: First, we have to clarify our relation to the term ‘manifesto’. While we know that the term can be used neutrally or even positively, it’s often associated with extremist ideologies. And there’s nothing extreme or radical about the protection of universal rights. It should just be a fundamental aspect of a fair society. We advocate for a system that respects the rights of Nachon Warlocks – of all warlocks and humans as well. And we advocate for a system where Nachon Warlocks can be treated as equals. Compulsory medication or any form of forced treatment isn’t the way to do so – it completely disregards the autonomy and freedom of choice of Nachon Warlocks. Similarly, mandatory training and monitoring may lead to stigmatization and further marginalization. Instead, we should focus on encouraging training and education on warlock’s abilities while also promoting awareness and debunking of misconceptions. Of course, this isn’t a simple fix, we are aware of that. We are aware of the need for compromise, and we are open to discussions and finding a common ground that also will take the other citizens' worries into consideration. However, we will not compromise on the fundamental rights and well-being of Nachon citizens. We don’t have all the answers or all the solutions. But we have a clear insight view of the problems regarding our country’s current system. And none of that can be fixed if we’re deemed as terrorists who won’t engage in a constructive conversation. Because that’s actually exactly what we want, to talk about these issues… Which is why we appreciate the opportunity to do so now, in this interview. So.. Thank you. For this opportunity

Conversations with the EFA

Conversations with the EFA

Conversations with the EFA

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