The Sons of Hárbardhr

Ethnic tensions have risen in Rasvidi, in particular between the Norske (who originate from and dominate the Fjellsted Republic) and the Magyar (who originate from and likewise dominate the Burgundian Republic). The source of the tensions is the rise of the radical religious organization, the Sons of Hárbardhr, a group of Hyvänists who employ guerrilla tactics and terrorist attacks to try and force the government to completely abolish religious restrictions. They enjoy particularly strong support within Fjellsted, which has historically been religious and is considered the birthplace of Hyvänism, resulting in a strong support amongst Norske, the ethnic group native to Fjellsted. On the opposite end, the group is hated within the Burgundian Republic because of their historical intolerance of Hyvänism and of Fjellsted in general. The Magyar, natives of Burgundia, have accordingly taken a dislike to the group. Riots throughout the nation have periodically taken place between groups of Magyar and Norske, in one case escalating into a massive brawl that ended the lives of seven participants, two bystanders, and one law enforcement officer.

To add insult to injury, over the past several months there have been two attacks against government buildings perpetrated by the Sons of Hárbardhr. The group used explosives in both attacks to cause massive damages to the buildings, leading to their evacuation and cessation of use while repairs are made. Two government employees and one bystander have been killed in these attacks. The government has vowed to crack down on this kind of activity, and military patrols have become common in some of the larger cities, especially those with federal buildings or employees. The group is being led by Paulina Dityatev, the former commander of the Rasvidi Islands military who was discharged after publicly declaring her religious beliefs. Her whereabouts are unknown, and the government is offering a reward of 750,000Ᵽ ($1,282,500) to any citizens who can provide information leading to her capture or death.

It should be noted that while practicing and adhering to a religion have been legalized in Rasvidi, organized or mass religion is still illegal as is openly adhering to a religion while serving in the federal government or public sector.

The Sons of Hárbardhr have released a video earlier this week, with Paulina Dityatev addressing the people of Rasvidi. In the video, which was distributed across the internet and filesharing websites, the exiled leader urged the people to stand up against supposed injustices committed by the government, claiming that government forces are still imprisoning people based on their religious beliefs. She also accused the government of lying to the public about it's war with the west, stating that they intend to destroy the religious institutions in those countries and persecute their adherents. While she did say that violent and aggressive change was needed, she did state her support and patriotism for Rasvidi and denounced any potential rumours to the contrary.

Nonetheless, military forces have stepped up efforts to locate the leader, who has been labeled a terrorist by the federal government. Likewise, the religious group she represents has been labeled a terrorist organization, with potential ties to the governments of Edo Edi Essum and King Isaac. Seventeen arrests have been made after the military raided several SoH safehouses in Kuninkov and Kabelinn. They are expected to stand trial, and most will likely be executed or will be sent to forced labour camps along with other offenders.

It should be noted that it is standard for those convicted of crimes in Rasvidi to be used in force labour around the country. They are also used for harvesting organs and blood donations without their consent.

There have been reports that hundreds may have already been sent to prison camps across the country, but no conclusive evidence has been produced to corroborate these claims. There have also been reports that individuals with Edo Edi Essum, King Isaac or New Numair ancestry have also been sent to prison camps.