It is my pleasure to announce the honoree for the 4th El Pretz Per Tomas Poetry Prize. But first please allow me to thank @owenedwards the originator of this prize.

---

Tric'hard Lenxheir is the winner of the 4th El Pretz Per Tomas Prize for his poem, I Dream.
This was an unusual prize year as all entrants posted publicly, there were just four entrants, and our winner recently left the Kingdom. S:reu Lenxheir was chosen before the latter event and it is the sincere wish of the Prize team that he will eventually return. The Prize Team and Fora Talossa will still plan for a special prize video presentation and transmitting the award money should we be able to make contact with Tric'hard.

---

OFFICIAL CITATION: Tric'hard Lenxheir (I Dream)

Quote"I Dream" is a vivid depiction of the fragility of consciousness, where the boundary between dream and waking life dissolves into a sequence of haunting impressions. Despite the author's description of this piece as "jarbled," the Prize Team identifies a thorough and disciplined minimalism, S:reu Lenxheir has managed to craft a rhythm of compression and release, each quatrain unfolding like a flicker of brief, intense, and unresolved thought.

The poem's language is deliberately spare, yet it carries significant emotional weight. Phrases such as "Shadows melt / Dream burns" and "Mind abused" juxtapose the fleeting with the visceral, creating a tension between abstraction and embodiment. This interplay allows the poem to move fluidly between inner mental states and external natural imagery, from "Broken trees" to "Roar of thunder," suggesting a world in which environment and emotion mirror one another.

Structurally, the poem resists narrative cohesion in favor of fragmentation. Its clipped lines and shifting images evoke the disjointed logic of dreams, while also reflecting states of anxiety, exhaustion, and existential unease. The recurrence of elemental forces such as darkness, storm, and wind serves as a unifying motif, reinforcing the sense of an individual caught within cycles beyond their control.

What distinguishes "I Dream" is its refusal of resolution. The closing lines, "Soon to sleep / Calm the hunger," do not offer comfort so much as surrender, implying that rest itself may be another form of escape rather than restoration. In this way, the poem lingers in ambiguity, inviting the reader to confront the uneasy continuity between dreaming, suffering, and waking life. For its disciplined brevity, evocative imagery, and compelling portrayal of inner turbulence, "I Dream" stands as a striking exploration of the mind's darker currents.

"I Dream"

I dream
The world turns
Shadows melt
Dream burns

Passion sated
Fear from hate
Passion lost
Fickle fate

Tangled limbs
Broken trees
Sun fades
Darkness sees

Quiet, fearful
Music flares
Dreams return
No one cares

Jumbled thoughts
Lost, confused
Body weak
Mind abused

Rain, lightning
Roar of thunder
Blowing wind
Life a blunder

Day is gone
Dream no longer
Soon to sleep
Calm the hunger

A final thanks to all poets who entered the contest for sharing their artistry with the Kingdom.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN-GC on April 15, 2026, 06:08:28 PMWith the greatest respect to Tric'hard, Talossa includes 14 year old kids, and Geek Social Fallacy #1 - "ostracizers are evil" - is cancerous to any community it takes hold in. There has always been an issue in Talossa with impunity for acting the verpa; indeed, that's an issue in most walks of life. So for me, this is something of an existential struggle for the "soul" of Talossa.

Tric'hard decided that imposing social consequences on an unrepentant sex pest condemned unanimously by the Ziu, and not backing down from it, was much worse than being an unrepentant sex pest condemned unanimously by the Ziu, and was ruining his fun. That's his prerogative. It's suggested that the URL might be in political trouble if a lot of people think like that. But if a lot of people think like that, then Talossa is perhaps not worth defending. I have spent near three decades in Talossa and "sticking to a principle no matter how unpopular it makes you" has generally served me well.

Nevertheless: apologise to Lüc in a way that Lüc accepts and this is all over as a public political campaign.

Where did I say ostracizers are evil? I pointed to the effect of your public political campaign which is generally the sullying of Wittenberg (diminishing returns as a wise one called it) and now specifically causing one of our most active citizens to renounce. I do think that calling someone a sex pest, a predator, a verpa, and other things in private (I have been informed) are not aligning with the supposed goal of standing up for decency and protecting victims.

For me this about being consistent and standing up for my own values and identity as a disciple of beauty in life, about standing up to bullying, and remaining firm when the goalposts are moved.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN-GC on April 15, 2026, 06:08:28 PMI have spent near three decades in Talossa and "sticking to a principle no matter how unpopular it makes you" has generally served me well.

Right?! That is exactly what I am doing...

Quote from: Marcel Eðo Pairescu Tafial, UrGP on April 15, 2026, 05:48:47 PM

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on April 15, 2026, 05:44:00 PM

Quote from: Marcel Eðo Pairescu Tafial, UrGP on April 15, 2026, 05:42:25 PMI have no idea what you're even arguing here.

The "terms" are that you man up and take responsibility for your actions, in such a way that Lüc, the victim of your harassment, accepts it. That's it.

Yes, man up and make a third apology rather than refer you back to those already made.
And ignore the name-calling of those who claim to be building a culture of respect and decency.

You can make as many half-hearted and non-serious 'apologies' as you want, if your victim doesn't accept them then they're not worth anything.
Of course, if you want to make excuses, feel free.

OK, Marcel. I am unable to reach Tric'hard as I don't have personal contact but I would urge those who do to please reach out and encourage him directly to return to the Kingdom.

Quote from: Marcel Eðo Pairescu Tafial, UrGP on April 15, 2026, 05:42:25 PM

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on April 15, 2026, 05:40:28 PMMiestra I think the architects of the ostracizing and their terms is actually quite relevant. No one could argue that the Secretary of State's willingness to accept the apologies is of vital importance but it does not erase the fact that apologies have been made, actions have changed, and the behavior of the people who are attempting to ostracize is driving people out of the Kingdom.

I have no idea what you're even arguing here.

The "terms" are that you man up and take responsibility for your actions, in such a way that Lüc, the victim of your harassment, accepts it. That's it.

Yes, man up and make a third apology rather than refer you back to those already made.
And ignore the name-calling of those who claim to be building a culture of respect and decency.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN-GC on April 15, 2026, 05:31:05 PMWhat Marcel accepts or doesn't accept is irrelevant, it's what the actual victim (Lüc) accepts

Miestra I think the architects of the ostracizing and their terms is actually quite relevant. No one could argue that the Secretary of State's willingness to accept the apologies is of vital importance but it does not erase the fact that apologies have been made, actions have changed, and the behavior of the people who are attempting to ostracize is driving people out of the Kingdom.

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on April 01, 2026, 08:20:26 PMWe are now past the submission deadline and helpfully all submissions came in this very thread. It is now in the hands of our elite judges @Carlüs Éovart Vilaçafat and @owenedwards to select the winning entry.


Thanks to the following artists for submitting entries:
@Tric'hard Lenxheir
@Sir Ian Plätschisch
@King Txec
@Crement Itravilatx

The winner receives $30 USD and publication on Fora Talossa.

Hoping for a winner announcement very soon. :)

Quote from: Marcel Eðo Pairescu Tafial, UrGP on April 15, 2026, 12:59:35 PM

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on April 15, 2026, 12:42:42 PMRepeatedly calling someone a sex pest and a predator is a campaign of hatred. Bringing a family member into a political attack is unacceptable. I have heard from one person that even more outrageous claims have been made against me in private. It is no surprise that people are getting tired of this, Marcel.

I, too, am tired of your dishonest framing and incessant self-victimisation, as are most people involved, I imagine. Ideally, you would've taken responsibility for your hurtful actions a year ago, instead of lashing out for a bit and turning your lack of responsibility into your personal campaign bus, and we collectively could've moved on from this.

You can move on with it when you accept the two apologies I already made, Marcel. Only one of us is currently lashing out and it is you attempting to ostracize.

Quote from: Marcel Eðo Pairescu Tafial, UrGP on April 15, 2026, 12:31:41 PMHe has since decided to frame the backlash against him as some sort of vendetta campaign against him either personally or politically

Repeatedly calling someone a sex pest and a predator is a campaign of hatred. Bringing a family member into a political attack is unacceptable. I have heard from one person that even more outrageous claims have been made against me in private. It is no surprise that people are getting tired of this, Marcel.

Quote from: Tric'hard Lenxheir on April 15, 2026, 12:09:55 AMYour highness, @King Txec, due to some difficulties I have with the way certain issues are being handled by certain individuals within Talossa and my inability to understand the hatred for one citizen by a few others. I hereby step down from my position as Attorney General and renounce my seats in the Cosa and finally I renounce my citizenship. Until the recent hatred for one citizen I had really enjoyed my time as a Talossan but if someone can be ostracized because, in the opinion of some, he didn't apologize enough, then I want nothing to do with this country. @Breneir Tzaracomprada I am sorry for what you are being put through, I read your apology and for what it is worth I think it is well stated and well intended, I do not understand the hatred being directed at you and honestly I feel that certain other citizens here owe YOU an apology. Long live the King!

Tric'hard, I will echo Alexandreu's wish that you reconsider and return to the Kingdom. You have been contributing to our national culture with the Hockey League and other activities and your humility is a breath of fresh air honestly. I am deeply grateful for your moral courage in calling out what has become a campaign of name-calling by Miestra and Alexandreu primarily with small and regrettable contributions by others. I have heard from a few in the URL and PA in private but your public comments really took some serious cojones.

We need that courage and humility in Talossa so please consider returning.

Quote from: Françal I. Lux on April 14, 2026, 07:47:23 PMI would like to inform the public that I am back and, when recess concludes, would like to resume my work in the Cabinet.

It has been an eventful few weeks for me personally, but I'm glad to be back!

Welcome back Minister Lux.

Quote from: Carteir Montagnhă on April 14, 2026, 10:27:50 AM

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on April 14, 2026, 08:48:37 AM

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on April 14, 2026, 06:59:02 AMI don't know how long you've been gone, but a lot has happened recently!  Assuming you haven't checked in since your last post in September:

Politically: there was an election, and the Progressive Alliance won the most seats but not quite a majority.  We had a coalition with the IDF, and then their leader (who's still figuring things out) said some ignorant stuff and we broke the coalition but they continued to support us.  We also have a coalition with the Independent Greens in some kind of way, and we have a confidence-and-supply agreement with the URL.  So the Green Party is the Opposition right now, mostly because none of the other parties with form any kind of alliance with a party led by a sex pest.  Oh, and I'm the Seneschal.

Legally: there have been some big reforms, such as getting rid of the Seneschal's ability to permanently make new laws, adding a check to the immigration system by mirroring applications to an independent account, and changing the Cosa to only 20 seats in size (this hasn't come into effect yet).

Culturally: the music contest TMT finished up, hockey is in the playoffs, there's a new political science institute, the prime minister's patriotic award is set to be the first physical award sent to Talossans, we're systematically investigating and reporting back on other micronations with volunteers,  and we're making promotional videos now.

That's all that comes to mind off the top of my head.

Carter, Alexandreu missed a few things "off the top of his head."

The Green Party is now the Official Opposition because his party made an informal agreement with the URL. As a part of that agreement the URL has been abstaining on votes of confidence and receiving support on its Democracy Agenda branded bills from the PA. The unexpected consequence of that agreement is the latter, as the largest non-Government party, being unable to serve as the official opposition. When I pointed this out it was confirmed by the Tuischach and the Secretary of State. Oops. Alexandreu's party despite his statement above is still receiving support from the IDT and encouraging their leader to work on things like a translation of the Organic Law.

In the meantime, there have been some news and cultural activities. I have brought forward the fourth round of the El Pretz Per Tomas poetry contest (winner announcement coming soon). There will also be a fifth edition of the Talossan Book of Cuisine later this year.

My Youtube Channel, Fora Talossa, as Talossa's only active newschannel has created a couple of news videos on Talossan political events with a third coming this week to include a special from one of our newest citizens. Here is the latest edition:

thank you!

Very welcome, Carter. :)

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on January 27, 2026, 10:13:53 AMThe other is a beetle-like species called the Jeraptha who have a gambling-loving culture. I would pay for a spinoff on their culture.

Well I've learned some good news that Craig Alanson is indeed planning a spinoff of a primary Jeraptha character named Uhtavio Scorandum.

The bad news? I am about to finish Book 19 in the series and will have to wait for the next one to come out...

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on April 14, 2026, 06:59:02 AMI don't know how long you've been gone, but a lot has happened recently!  Assuming you haven't checked in since your last post in September:

Politically: there was an election, and the Progressive Alliance won the most seats but not quite a majority.  We had a coalition with the IDF, and then their leader (who's still figuring things out) said some ignorant stuff and we broke the coalition but they continued to support us.  We also have a coalition with the Independent Greens in some kind of way, and we have a confidence-and-supply agreement with the URL.  So the Green Party is the Opposition right now, mostly because none of the other parties with form any kind of alliance with a party led by a sex pest.  Oh, and I'm the Seneschal.

Legally: there have been some big reforms, such as getting rid of the Seneschal's ability to permanently make new laws, adding a check to the immigration system by mirroring applications to an independent account, and changing the Cosa to only 20 seats in size (this hasn't come into effect yet).

Culturally: the music contest TMT finished up, hockey is in the playoffs, there's a new political science institute, the prime minister's patriotic award is set to be the first physical award sent to Talossans, we're systematically investigating and reporting back on other micronations with volunteers,  and we're making promotional videos now.

That's all that comes to mind off the top of my head.

Carter, Alexandreu missed a few things "off the top of his head."

The Green Party is now the Official Opposition because his party made an informal agreement with the URL. As a part of that agreement the URL has been abstaining on votes of confidence and receiving support on its Democracy Agenda branded bills from the PA. The unexpected consequence of that agreement is the latter, as the largest non-Government party, being unable to serve as the official opposition. When I pointed this out it was confirmed by the Tuischach and the Secretary of State. Oops. Alexandreu's party despite his statement above is still receiving support from the IDT and encouraging their leader to work on things like a translation of the Organic Law.

In the meantime, there have been some news and cultural activities. I have brought forward the fourth round of the El Pretz Per Tomas poetry contest (winner announcement coming soon). There will also be a fifth edition of the Talossan Book of Cuisine later this year.

My Youtube Channel, Fora Talossa, as Talossa's only active newschannel has created a couple of news videos on Talossan political events with a third coming this week to include a special from one of our newest citizens. Here is the latest edition:

Quote from: xpb on April 10, 2026, 12:38:18 PMIn addition, there have been issues raised as if the aforementioned was misunderstood, in that in the eyes of various organizations or individuals that specific citizens should be precluded from participating in the collection of data.  Unless there is some official sanction or ban or perhaps expulsion from citizenship I should think that anyone should be able to participate.  This appears to be a straw man argument for ulterior purposes.

Yes, thank you for standing up for common sense and decency.

I am writing this release as party leader but want any party member to feel free to add to this message or to express needed nuance or context.

As a Talossan political leader, as a Talossan, as a world citizen it is now inconceivable that the Trump Administration can last through its full term. In just 15-16 months he has led one of the world's most powerful countries into an abrupt but clear dismantling of a global order that has prevented calamity and allowed for some semblance of cooperation among nations. In just the past month we have seen a war of choice that is leading to economic harm that was not the choice of millions around the world.

There is a need for nations to give thought and then take action to build a new framework for global cooperation without America at the center. A Trump-led US appears no longer willing or capable of providing necessary leadership so that need is urgent. Climate change, terrorism, a just and inclusive global economy, artificial intellgience...these issues will not wait for this leadership vacuum to be filled.

As an American-Talossan, I feel similarly to when the American housing crisis led to rippled throughout the world and led to the Great Recession. Our policy failures have outsized impacts and our body politic does not seem up to addressing these failures. So it is time for the world to inoculate itself from America.

DEFENCE:
-Eliminate the Ministry of Defence and transfer the Royal Zouaves into the Royal Household. (I think Talossan Government is larger than needed and, most alarmingly, larger than the capacity of any political grouping to support. We need to face reality and reduce rather than increase the number of ministries. Defence is an obvious area for tightening and reform).

I am glad to see the URL is leaning into their boycott and joint statements identity. The Green Party will continue to be the party for those who do not obsess over politics or grievance. We will welcome ALL and not seek to tear folks down or ostracize them.

We believe in building up Talossan Democracy not to its use for exclusion and preferencing the personal predilections of a few.

Please note contributions from non-party members will be policed strictly.

Party members, I will broach this topic in our Discord as well but wanted to create this public space for thinking ahead of the next election.

What would be your suggestions for improving citizen experience in the Kingdom? I am calling these KIN or Kingdom Improvement Notes. Please make your suggestions and we can create consensus around those we submit to the electorate.

Here are some of mine:

IMMIGRATION:
-Renew the TalossAssistant program

CULTURE:
-Enact programs that develop Talossan culture beyond the language and politics.
-Restore BEER (inspiration from the recent Artemis program)

FINANCE:
-Include information from InfoTeca concerning spending in La C'hronica.

Quote from: Mximo Malt on April 05, 2026, 01:17:39 PM

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on April 02, 2026, 05:00:16 PM

Quote from: Barclamïu da Miéletz on October 14, 2025, 02:44:25 PM

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on October 14, 2025, 01:57:49 PMVolume 4 of the Talossan Book of Cuisine is now available!

I'm looking forward for volume five.

I will be issuing the call for submissions to Volume 5 later this year. I hope we can get some interesting recipes for this next edition.

Here's one:

Mximo's Good Ol' Fashioned Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Spectacular

1/2 cup Quaker Instant 1-Minute Oats
1 spoon brown sugar
Lots of cinnamon (but not too much!)

Boil oats. Pour in bowl, put cinnamon and sugar in, and mix it up well. Enjoy!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks, I'll add this to the submissions for Volume 5.

I too am happy with how this has turned out. I think I will be gifting mine to Crement and encouraging him to bring in the next family member to Talossanity.