I posted a review for ForexEnvy about a year ago on their website, and I checked it day by day. They never posted the review. I gave ForexEnvy a 1-star review because they are scammers, and it's impossible to earn money from them.
I based my buying decisions on ForexPeaceArmy, until I realized that they don't publish all your reviews. They're biased as hell. When I contacted them about it, they never replied.

I am NOT OP. Original post by u/cute_quarter_9399 in weddingshaming
trigger warnings: PPD, manipulation

My sister is turning into the biggest bridezilla. And I can’t stop laughing. - 17 August 2022
So, a little background. I am the second youngest of 5 kids. My older siblings are two brothers and one older sister, who we’ll call E for the purposes of this post.
E and I have a 5 year age gap, as a result we never really had that “sisterly” bond you would expect most sisters have. Growing up I was always a burden to her, and anytime it was my turn to pick the family movie (or really anything) she would get upset. The reason being that she had control issues as early as 9.
So I’m guessing you can already see where I’m going with this. I’m currently 18 (about to turn 19 - woohoo!) and E turned 24 earlier this year. Her bf “A” proposed to her at a family beach day earlier in June of this year. It was one of those “big white letters and rose pedals” proposals which he set up before my family arrived. She was thrilled, said yes, and my parents were very happy along with my older siblings (the youngest is 4 so I don’t think she understood what was happening).
Now here’s the drama - since the proposal she has gone into full bridezilla mode. At the behest of my mom, E made me a bridesmaid. So I’m roped into all the b.s. so far these are the demands my dear sister has made:

All bridesmaids are to pay for their own dress (a $300 dress! In blush pink), shoes, hair, and makeup.
All bridesmaids need to attend all wedding and bachelorette events, including:

a. The bachelorette spa day $800 each
B. The bachelorette vacation weekend to Toronto and stay at the Fairmont hotel $1000 weekend just for hotel
C. The dress appointments (even if just for bride), all alterations covered by the person themselves. $300 dress plus approx $300 alterations etc
D. All things to do with wedding (cake, venue, catering etc) they need to attend. The cake and food tasting, they all need to pay $25
E. The guests, and the bridal/groom party need to pay $150 to reserve their spots. And gifts have to be either cash, cheque, or from the list of registry items. She has a spreadsheet of what everyone is gifting, and has said she will return items that aren’t from her registry/match her theme
My mom says it’s bride anxiety, I say it’s just my sister trying to control everything because she wants a December wedding on a ski hill. Bleh 🤮
Anyways, I figure if people are interested, I could update periodically on what happens. Thanks for reading!
ETA: I realized I didn’t include the controlling parts. My bad. Here they are

All bridesmaids need to go to hair and skin appointments every 6 weeks to ensure our hair and skin is “flawless” for pictures, it’s out of pocket too
Anyone with tattoos needs to cover them (our dresses will do that. They go to the neck, ankles, and wrists. The bride wants to be the only one sleeveless/showing her tattoos and colourful hair style). Either we need to get our hair dyed to a natural colour, or wear a wig at our expense
The dresses only come in sizes 00-10 (pretty good range for most. But those who don’t fit are expected to try to lose weight. I’m a size 12, and already my sister is calling me fat. She’s sent me a keto diet book through Amazon.
No one (vendors) are to communicate directly to the bride/groom. It has to go through us first. She made a gmail with “lastnamewedding” which we all have access to, and we aren’t supposed to ask her if something is okay. We should just know (this is the part that stresses mom out)
We need to remind the guests that they need to pay a deposit of $150 to save their spot, and if we don’t get it, they don’t come. We also need them to confirm what they’ll purchase from the registry or the $ amount they’ll give.

Edit 2: y’all are making me realize my family isn’t normal. I’m going to look into therapy with my uni and seeing if I can move into residence earlier. I want to thank the person who private messaged me about getting my mom off my bank account and also get my birth certificate etc. I think I’m going to do that after I talk to the people at the bank.
I texted my mom (I’m at work right now) if her, dad, and I can talk about it while sister is gone to her fiancés for the night. I’m hoping to show my mom and dad this post to help them understand where I’m coming from
Edit 3: I’m going to take some time away from this alt - just because a lot of you are right. This isn’t normal, our relationship as a family is not normal. I called my aunt while I was at work (for those of you who don’t know, she’s my godmother, and she thinks my mom is nuts) and we talked about it. She’s encouraging me to talk to my parents about everything (not only the wedding, but favouritism etc since childhood) and she’s also on standby in case things go to shit.
My shift at work finishes in a few more hours, then I’ll go home and pack a quick bag of stuff for my aunt to grab before my parents and I talk.

Update to “My sister is turning into a bridezilla and I can’t stop laughing” - 25 August 2022
Firstly, I just wanted to apologize for how long this has taken. My parents originally planned to talk that night, but mom said she wasn’t feeling good and decided to go to sleep early (around 6 pm) and that feeling stayed for a while. We then got busy moving my sister into her fiancés place and by the time everything settled, my parents forgot we had something to discuss, and kinda brush it off to the side. We finally had the conversation two days ago and I needed a day to think and just react to things.
So without further adieu, here is the update.
As you can expect, the update isn’t the best. But not really for the reasons you might think. I don’t know if I have a text limit so apologies if there is a part 2 (link below)
So turns out my dad never knew the whole story, he knew he was responsible for paying for my sisters dress And a portion of the wedding or honey moon. The reason for this is that my parents told me (dad confirmed with bank records) that my parents had been setting up 25k accounts for myself and each of my siblings. The rule was that these accounts could be used for anything once we turned 19 and went off to post secondary. It was our money to use. I just turned 19 and my dad was getting ready to sign the money over to me when we had this conversation. Which caused a bit of a blow up, but right now I need to give some background info I was given.
Right after sister got engaged, she apparently had a conversation with my mom about how she always felt like the child left out (she’s used this line before so I do believe my mom fell for it and was guilt tripped). As a result of a very long conversation, my mom figured that she could divert some of the funds from all the kids accounts to pay for sisters wedding.
For those wondering, my two older brothers are in the military. They aren’t married yet, and live on base. They never used their 25k because the army in Canada pays for your education, housing etc. So my mom had 50k at her disposal. Then combined with my sisters and my 25k it would have been 100k. Mom figured that because I had 17k saved up, she could just give me my 25k later for a car or a house payment…or wedding (bleh)
Sister did this because again, she is a master manipulator (side note: thank you to the wonderful redditors who sent me to various sub reddits for narcissism and support along with those who sent articles on it to me) and possible narcissist. She used some of my moms mental and physical health conditions against her.
When I was born, mom went through very bad PPD, resulting in her leaving to a treatment facility for 4 months. Leaving my sister, two brothers, me, and dad behind. My two older brothers at the time were 9 and 7 at the time and me, only a few months. Sister for reference was 5 or just shy of 5 (I honestly don’t care to calculate), since my brothers were trouble my dad and his brother (my uncle) had his hands full, and a live in nanny did the stuff for me, so my sister had my aunt (who lived with us at the time) and got little to no attention from dad at an age where attention is important. I think that triggered the bad sides of her to come out.
While the nanny did help sister with basics (food, water, bath, clothes, a little play) she wasn’t a replacement for mom. Even my aunt wasn’t a replacement for mom despite her being there mainly for sister and sleeping in the same bed as her, helping her with homework, having girls trips etc.
When mom came back, sister had a huge grudge, but not to mom, but to me. I was the reason mom left. Which led to her trying to smother me with a pillow. Mom caught her in time and it was a “funny” story for us as a family. Turns out that’s a coping mechanism.
Over my childhood, sister has used manipulation to get what she wants, and she did it for the wedding too. Mom felt bad, and decided to give her little dove everything she desired. Common things I heard growing up were “you always give (me) XYZ! I want this!“ proceeds to have a melt down as sister grew up it wasn’t little toys and candy anymore. But girls trips. As a result of this, dad and I grew very close. He’s my best friend.
My sister and I had a decent relationship when I was 12-14, but it changed again when mom got pregnant with youngest sister (it was an accident lol) and I became the target again for sisters rage and abuse.
While I know it doesn’t excuse a lot of things, I figured it would be important to give you all the whole story. Since I forgot some very important details in my last post which I added later.

Part 2 to update “my sister is turning into a bridezilla and I can’t stop laughing” - 25 August 2022
So now with the back info done, here’s what happened:
A day after sister moved out I asked my mom and dad to please finally have the convo with me. Mom was feeling better so we sat down and we’re talking. I told them how I felt, how much of a financial toll it would be on me, how it wasn’t fair etc.
Well, Dad blew up. He didn’t know about the 100k, or the things sisters was doing etc. He didn’t like the fact that mom used a lot of “your father and I agree” talk even tho they hadn’t (I showed group chat screenshots). We worked through the wedding issue (I don’t have to attend) and the 25k for me issue (dad is signing it over early).
Then I was asked to go to my room for a bit because dad and mom wanted to talk. They settled the budget issue on their own. Dad then asked why I didn’t feel comfortable to talk to them earlier, so I showed them this post. My dad snapped. He immediately called my sister and told her to come here ASAP because he needed to talk to her and would not accept excuses. She said she would be here in 4 hours because she was with fiancé and his parents. Dad pressed, and she hung up and blocked him.
Dad told me to go to my room once again, but to leave my phone so they could go over the post and see the comments. I don’t know exactly what happened but mom came to talk to me later. She then told me about the PPD etc (I didn’t know about it earlier). We solved our issues and I finished by asking if sister would go to therapy. Because moms convinced that the 4 month leave caused this stuff in her, mom said she’d try, but can’t force. I told her if sister doesn’t go, I’m going NC with her and possibly LC with mom.
Dad then joined the convo and assured me I would get my money, and I wouldn’t have to go to wedding if I didn’t want to. Since sister is charging $150 per guest, she can pay for her grandios wedding through that. Soon to be BIL and his family aren’t paying for shit apparently, so now they have to or sister doesn’t get to have her ski hill wedding.
Speaking of the $150 fee, y’all were right. It was sister who concocted the whole thing and told mom it was an Italian thing. We talked to sisters MIL when she dropped sister off (sister doesn’t drive) and MIL was shocked that Sister had said that. There is apparently a money dance, but no $150 fee.
So onto what happened when sister came back. She came after 5 hours, and while MIL was there she was sweet as pie. But when MIL left, oh lord the gates to hell broke lose. She demanded why dad disturbed the peaceful evening and demanded he drive her back. Dad said he didn’t care and to sit down. She refused, they fought. Finally she sat down after dad started pulling out various tricks. Including money or telling MIL about sisters true nature (which I guess fiancé hasn’t seen much of)
I was excused to my room again. There was a lot of angry yelling back and forth and a lot of manipulation from sister, including threats of LC/NC or no seeing possible grand kids in the future. She was trying to get mom to go back to original plan (100k plan) and mom and dad weren’t budging.
The fighting continued and stopped when my dad yelled saying mom isn’t her punching bag and her PPD was not her fault and if she was that angry about it, go to therapy.
After that I was called back down, and we went over all the issues. Starting with the Keto book, sister tried to defend saying i was fat and lazy, dad defended me. Sister started to cry and mom told dad to be a little softer, which he did. We finally discussed everything and I felt like part of the family instead of like a punching bag. Sister eventually got an Uber and left because she was “being attacked”. We’re going to wait until Christmas time when brothers are back in town so we can all discuss what we need as a family to go forward and be healthy. But it will most likely be therapy or cutting sister out.
Mom and dad are still figuring out the full budget issue with my sisters in-laws. My parents told them that for such a wedding to happen everyone would need to contribute. In-laws agreed that 100,000 for a wedding is insane. Last I heard, sister will get her 15k for the wedding, which is basically 5k because 10k dress (since it’s already ordered - the other 10k is being held for something tangible) and then her in-laws are being generous and helping with 15 K. 10 to wedding 5 to honeymoon.
As for my schooling, Dad and I are going to the bank tomorrow and we’re going to pay the cancellation fee for the loan I had to take out. The loan only officially starts when I start school so thankfully the cancellation fee is very small. My dad is paying for the fee because he admits that I should’ve never had had to take the loan out. My parents agreed that my first year of university along with housing costs will not come out of my budget (the 17k or the 25k) so they will pay themselves. The full amount that they budgeted for me is going to be transferred into something called a TFSA for later in life.
Well mom and I still have a somewhat rocky relationship, sister absolutely hates me. She blamed me for everything, and said that I have caused irreparable damage to her relationship with her fiancé and in-laws. Because of this, she’s banned me from the wedding and from her life. I honestly don’t care, I don’t really see it as losing a sister I see it as losing a bully. I made a promise to my mom and dad that I would never treat my younger sister like that. I’m going to be the role model she deserves and I’m going to be her protector like my brothers and my father were for me.
I think I covered everything that needs to be covered but if you guys have any questions feel free to ask them. I’m very thankful for the sub Reddit for teaching me what a real family is about, and for teaching me about boundaries and communication.
Have an amazing life you gorgeous humans.

3 month post update to “my sister is turning into a bridezilla and I can’t stop laughing” - 16 November 2022
Hey everyone! Figured I would update you since it’s been a very long time. I apologize, i lost the log in to this account but just found it.
So onto the update.
Family therapy is going really well, my two brothers were given temporary leave to come back to Canada (they were both stationed overseas for a bit, i believe they have to go back after this) to help the process along. Our family is getting back on track and my mom and I are closer then ever! It honestly feels like I have my best friend back.
As for my sister, honestly, i don’t know what’s going on with her. A friend of mine still follows her social media, and everything seems well. The wedding was moved up to November 26th instead of December 17th like she originally planned. Her and her fiancé have bought a place. Apparently (and this is rumours) she’s pregnant.
She’s cut all of us off, and her fiancés family is talking shit about us, but we’re holding strong.
In other, more exciting news, I’m loving Ottawa! I go back home once a month for in person therapy, but I also have three virtual sessions monthly. On top of that, my oldest brother is getting married! So while I lost a terrible sister, i gained an amazing sister. She’s so sweet, texts me every couple of days, gets me Uber eats orders when I’m down despite being provinces away. She’s so so sweet. She asked if I would feel comfortable being her MOH (she’s an only child and her mom passed away) and I agreed. So by this time next year I’ll have an official new sister!
There’s not a whole lot else to say, but I also have a boyfriend. He’s in the army too (couldn’t get away from it I guess 😅) and very supportive and loving. Our 6 month anniversary is in January, and I’m looking forward to it.
Anyways thank you so much Reddit, you are all amazing, beautiful, soulful humans and I hope you all have prosperous, healthy, and fruitful lives.
I love you all
Sincerly, Cute_Quarter_9399
P.s i might delete this account

Post wedding update to “my sister is turning into a bridezilla and I can’t stop laughing” - 27 November 2022
Hello everyone!
A lot of people wanted to know what happened at the wedding yesterday. So I shall provide the update.
My family and I were banned from going, but my cousins and friends in her now husbands family filled me it.
So not a whole lot happened at the ceremony. The MOG (Mother of Groom) showed up in an off white dress, and a few people brought their kids despite it being a child free ceremony. But no true drama happened until the reception.
I somewhat feel bad for my sister because of this, but the MOG invited one of the grooms’s ex’s (I guess to hope that it would break them up?) but it didn’t work. She tried to get between my sister and her now husband but her husband (and I give him props for this) told her to leave.
Honestly all around it wasn’t dramatic, they made it to the alter and are leaving for their honeymoon today or tomorrow.
But one thing that was confirmed is my sister is definitely pregnant. At the end of the wedding speeches, the groom said his, with a slide show, and the last slide was an ultrasound picture and “baby Lastname due June 2023”
Sorry it isn’t much of an update.

Reminder - I am not the original poster.

I am NOT OP. Original post by u/cute_quarter_9399 in weddingshaming
trigger warnings: PPD, manipulation

My sister is turning into the biggest bridezilla. And I can’t stop laughing. - 17 August 2022
So, a little background. I am the second youngest of 5 kids. My older siblings are two brothers and one older sister, who we’ll call E for the purposes of this post.
E and I have a 5 year age gap, as a result we never really had that “sisterly” bond you would expect most sisters have. Growing up I was always a burden to her, and anytime it was my turn to pick the family movie (or really anything) she would get upset. The reason being that she had control issues as early as 9.
So I’m guessing you can already see where I’m going with this. I’m currently 18 (about to turn 19 - woohoo!) and E turned 24 earlier this year. Her bf “A” proposed to her at a family beach day earlier in June of this year. It was one of those “big white letters and rose pedals” proposals which he set up before my family arrived. She was thrilled, said yes, and my parents were very happy along with my older siblings (the youngest is 4 so I don’t think she understood what was happening).
Now here’s the drama - since the proposal she has gone into full bridezilla mode. At the behest of my mom, E made me a bridesmaid. So I’m roped into all the b.s. so far these are the demands my dear sister has made:

All bridesmaids are to pay for their own dress (a $300 dress! In blush pink), shoes, hair, and makeup.
All bridesmaids need to attend all wedding and bachelorette events, including:

a. The bachelorette spa day $800 each
B. The bachelorette vacation weekend to Toronto and stay at the Fairmont hotel $1000 weekend just for hotel
C. The dress appointments (even if just for bride), all alterations covered by the person themselves. $300 dress plus approx $300 alterations etc
D. All things to do with wedding (cake, venue, catering etc) they need to attend. The cake and food tasting, they all need to pay $25
E. The guests, and the bridal/groom party need to pay $150 to reserve their spots. And gifts have to be either cash, cheque, or from the list of registry items. She has a spreadsheet of what everyone is gifting, and has said she will return items that aren’t from her registry/match her theme
My mom says it’s bride anxiety, I say it’s just my sister trying to control everything because she wants a December wedding on a ski hill. Bleh 🤮
Anyways, I figure if people are interested, I could update periodically on what happens. Thanks for reading!
ETA: I realized I didn’t include the controlling parts. My bad. Here they are

All bridesmaids need to go to hair and skin appointments every 6 weeks to ensure our hair and skin is “flawless” for pictures, it’s out of pocket too
Anyone with tattoos needs to cover them (our dresses will do that. They go to the neck, ankles, and wrists. The bride wants to be the only one sleeveless/showing her tattoos and colourful hair style). Either we need to get our hair dyed to a natural colour, or wear a wig at our expense
The dresses only come in sizes 00-10 (pretty good range for most. But those who don’t fit are expected to try to lose weight. I’m a size 12, and already my sister is calling me fat. She’s sent me a keto diet book through Amazon.
No one (vendors) are to communicate directly to the bride/groom. It has to go through us first. She made a gmail with “lastnamewedding” which we all have access to, and we aren’t supposed to ask her if something is okay. We should just know (this is the part that stresses mom out)
We need to remind the guests that they need to pay a deposit of $150 to save their spot, and if we don’t get it, they don’t come. We also need them to confirm what they’ll purchase from the registry or the $ amount they’ll give.

Edit 2: y’all are making me realize my family isn’t normal. I’m going to look into therapy with my uni and seeing if I can move into residence earlier. I want to thank the person who private messaged me about getting my mom off my bank account and also get my birth certificate etc. I think I’m going to do that after I talk to the people at the bank.
I texted my mom (I’m at work right now) if her, dad, and I can talk about it while sister is gone to her fiancés for the night. I’m hoping to show my mom and dad this post to help them understand where I’m coming from
Edit 3: I’m going to take some time away from this alt - just because a lot of you are right. This isn’t normal, our relationship as a family is not normal. I called my aunt while I was at work (for those of you who don’t know, she’s my godmother, and she thinks my mom is nuts) and we talked about it. She’s encouraging me to talk to my parents about everything (not only the wedding, but favouritism etc since childhood) and she’s also on standby in case things go to shit.
My shift at work finishes in a few more hours, then I’ll go home and pack a quick bag of stuff for my aunt to grab before my parents and I talk.

Update to “My sister is turning into a bridezilla and I can’t stop laughing” - 25 August 2022
Firstly, I just wanted to apologize for how long this has taken. My parents originally planned to talk that night, but mom said she wasn’t feeling good and decided to go to sleep early (around 6 pm) and that feeling stayed for a while. We then got busy moving my sister into her fiancés place and by the time everything settled, my parents forgot we had something to discuss, and kinda brush it off to the side. We finally had the conversation two days ago and I needed a day to think and just react to things.
So without further adieu, here is the update.
As you can expect, the update isn’t the best. But not really for the reasons you might think. I don’t know if I have a text limit so apologies if there is a part 2 (link below)
So turns out my dad never knew the whole story, he knew he was responsible for paying for my sisters dress And a portion of the wedding or honey moon. The reason for this is that my parents told me (dad confirmed with bank records) that my parents had been setting up 25k accounts for myself and each of my siblings. The rule was that these accounts could be used for anything once we turned 19 and went off to post secondary. It was our money to use. I just turned 19 and my dad was getting ready to sign the money over to me when we had this conversation. Which caused a bit of a blow up, but right now I need to give some background info I was given.
Right after sister got engaged, she apparently had a conversation with my mom about how she always felt like the child left out (she’s used this line before so I do believe my mom fell for it and was guilt tripped). As a result of a very long conversation, my mom figured that she could divert some of the funds from all the kids accounts to pay for sisters wedding.
For those wondering, my two older brothers are in the military. They aren’t married yet, and live on base. They never used their 25k because the army in Canada pays for your education, housing etc. So my mom had 50k at her disposal. Then combined with my sisters and my 25k it would have been 100k. Mom figured that because I had 17k saved up, she could just give me my 25k later for a car or a house payment…or wedding (bleh)
Sister did this because again, she is a master manipulator (side note: thank you to the wonderful redditors who sent me to various sub reddits for narcissism and support along with those who sent articles on it to me) and possible narcissist. She used some of my moms mental and physical health conditions against her.
When I was born, mom went through very bad PPD, resulting in her leaving to a treatment facility for 4 months. Leaving my sister, two brothers, me, and dad behind. My two older brothers at the time were 9 and 7 at the time and me, only a few months. Sister for reference was 5 or just shy of 5 (I honestly don’t care to calculate), since my brothers were trouble my dad and his brother (my uncle) had his hands full, and a live in nanny did the stuff for me, so my sister had my aunt (who lived with us at the time) and got little to no attention from dad at an age where attention is important. I think that triggered the bad sides of her to come out.
While the nanny did help sister with basics (food, water, bath, clothes, a little play) she wasn’t a replacement for mom. Even my aunt wasn’t a replacement for mom despite her being there mainly for sister and sleeping in the same bed as her, helping her with homework, having girls trips etc.
When mom came back, sister had a huge grudge, but not to mom, but to me. I was the reason mom left. Which led to her trying to smother me with a pillow. Mom caught her in time and it was a “funny” story for us as a family. Turns out that’s a coping mechanism.
Over my childhood, sister has used manipulation to get what she wants, and she did it for the wedding too. Mom felt bad, and decided to give her little dove everything she desired. Common things I heard growing up were “you always give (me) XYZ! I want this!“ proceeds to have a melt down as sister grew up it wasn’t little toys and candy anymore. But girls trips. As a result of this, dad and I grew very close. He’s my best friend.
My sister and I had a decent relationship when I was 12-14, but it changed again when mom got pregnant with youngest sister (it was an accident lol) and I became the target again for sisters rage and abuse.
While I know it doesn’t excuse a lot of things, I figured it would be important to give you all the whole story. Since I forgot some very important details in my last post which I added later.

Part 2 to update “my sister is turning into a bridezilla and I can’t stop laughing” - 25 August 2022
So now with the back info done, here’s what happened:
A day after sister moved out I asked my mom and dad to please finally have the convo with me. Mom was feeling better so we sat down and we’re talking. I told them how I felt, how much of a financial toll it would be on me, how it wasn’t fair etc.
Well, Dad blew up. He didn’t know about the 100k, or the things sisters was doing etc. He didn’t like the fact that mom used a lot of “your father and I agree” talk even tho they hadn’t (I showed group chat screenshots). We worked through the wedding issue (I don’t have to attend) and the 25k for me issue (dad is signing it over early).
Then I was asked to go to my room for a bit because dad and mom wanted to talk. They settled the budget issue on their own. Dad then asked why I didn’t feel comfortable to talk to them earlier, so I showed them this post. My dad snapped. He immediately called my sister and told her to come here ASAP because he needed to talk to her and would not accept excuses. She said she would be here in 4 hours because she was with fiancé and his parents. Dad pressed, and she hung up and blocked him.
Dad told me to go to my room once again, but to leave my phone so they could go over the post and see the comments. I don’t know exactly what happened but mom came to talk to me later. She then told me about the PPD etc (I didn’t know about it earlier). We solved our issues and I finished by asking if sister would go to therapy. Because moms convinced that the 4 month leave caused this stuff in her, mom said she’d try, but can’t force. I told her if sister doesn’t go, I’m going NC with her and possibly LC with mom.
Dad then joined the convo and assured me I would get my money, and I wouldn’t have to go to wedding if I didn’t want to. Since sister is charging $150 per guest, she can pay for her grandios wedding through that. Soon to be BIL and his family aren’t paying for shit apparently, so now they have to or sister doesn’t get to have her ski hill wedding.
Speaking of the $150 fee, y’all were right. It was sister who concocted the whole thing and told mom it was an Italian thing. We talked to sisters MIL when she dropped sister off (sister doesn’t drive) and MIL was shocked that Sister had said that. There is apparently a money dance, but no $150 fee.
So onto what happened when sister came back. She came after 5 hours, and while MIL was there she was sweet as pie. But when MIL left, oh lord the gates to hell broke lose. She demanded why dad disturbed the peaceful evening and demanded he drive her back. Dad said he didn’t care and to sit down. She refused, they fought. Finally she sat down after dad started pulling out various tricks. Including money or telling MIL about sisters true nature (which I guess fiancé hasn’t seen much of)
I was excused to my room again. There was a lot of angry yelling back and forth and a lot of manipulation from sister, including threats of LC/NC or no seeing possible grand kids in the future. She was trying to get mom to go back to original plan (100k plan) and mom and dad weren’t budging.
The fighting continued and stopped when my dad yelled saying mom isn’t her punching bag and her PPD was not her fault and if she was that angry about it, go to therapy.
After that I was called back down, and we went over all the issues. Starting with the Keto book, sister tried to defend saying i was fat and lazy, dad defended me. Sister started to cry and mom told dad to be a little softer, which he did. We finally discussed everything and I felt like part of the family instead of like a punching bag. Sister eventually got an Uber and left because she was “being attacked”. We’re going to wait until Christmas time when brothers are back in town so we can all discuss what we need as a family to go forward and be healthy. But it will most likely be therapy or cutting sister out.
Mom and dad are still figuring out the full budget issue with my sisters in-laws. My parents told them that for such a wedding to happen everyone would need to contribute. In-laws agreed that 100,000 for a wedding is insane. Last I heard, sister will get her 15k for the wedding, which is basically 5k because 10k dress (since it’s already ordered - the other 10k is being held for something tangible) and then her in-laws are being generous and helping with 15 K. 10 to wedding 5 to honeymoon.
As for my schooling, Dad and I are going to the bank tomorrow and we’re going to pay the cancellation fee for the loan I had to take out. The loan only officially starts when I start school so thankfully the cancellation fee is very small. My dad is paying for the fee because he admits that I should’ve never had had to take the loan out. My parents agreed that my first year of university along with housing costs will not come out of my budget (the 17k or the 25k) so they will pay themselves. The full amount that they budgeted for me is going to be transferred into something called a TFSA for later in life.
Well mom and I still have a somewhat rocky relationship, sister absolutely hates me. She blamed me for everything, and said that I have caused irreparable damage to her relationship with her fiancé and in-laws. Because of this, she’s banned me from the wedding and from her life. I honestly don’t care, I don’t really see it as losing a sister I see it as losing a bully. I made a promise to my mom and dad that I would never treat my younger sister like that. I’m going to be the role model she deserves and I’m going to be her protector like my brothers and my father were for me.
I think I covered everything that needs to be covered but if you guys have any questions feel free to ask them. I’m very thankful for the sub Reddit for teaching me what a real family is about, and for teaching me about boundaries and communication.
Have an amazing life you gorgeous humans.

3 month post update to “my sister is turning into a bridezilla and I can’t stop laughing” - 16 November 2022
Hey everyone! Figured I would update you since it’s been a very long time. I apologize, i lost the log in to this account but just found it.
So onto the update.
Family therapy is going really well, my two brothers were given temporary leave to come back to Canada (they were both stationed overseas for a bit, i believe they have to go back after this) to help the process along. Our family is getting back on track and my mom and I are closer then ever! It honestly feels like I have my best friend back.
As for my sister, honestly, i don’t know what’s going on with her. A friend of mine still follows her social media, and everything seems well. The wedding was moved up to November 26th instead of December 17th like she originally planned. Her and her fiancé have bought a place. Apparently (and this is rumours) she’s pregnant.
She’s cut all of us off, and her fiancés family is talking shit about us, but we’re holding strong.
In other, more exciting news, I’m loving Ottawa! I go back home once a month for in person therapy, but I also have three virtual sessions monthly. On top of that, my oldest brother is getting married! So while I lost a terrible sister, i gained an amazing sister. She’s so sweet, texts me every couple of days, gets me Uber eats orders when I’m down despite being provinces away. She’s so so sweet. She asked if I would feel comfortable being her MOH (she’s an only child and her mom passed away) and I agreed. So by this time next year I’ll have an official new sister!
There’s not a whole lot else to say, but I also have a boyfriend. He’s in the army too (couldn’t get away from it I guess 😅) and very supportive and loving. Our 6 month anniversary is in January, and I’m looking forward to it.
Anyways thank you so much Reddit, you are all amazing, beautiful, soulful humans and I hope you all have prosperous, healthy, and fruitful lives.
I love you all
Sincerly, Cute_Quarter_9399
P.s i might delete this account

Reminder - I am not the original poster.

This is a long one. I changed sister’s name for more clarity in overall text. This is my first BORU and formatting took me a while, sorry.
I am not OP! Original post by u/Cute_Quarter_9399 in weddingshaming
Trigger warning: narcissistic abuse
Mood spoiler: starts seemingly harmless, gets crazy real quick
LC / NC = Low Contact / No Contact
-----
ORIGINAL POST
So, a little background. I am the second youngest of 5 kids. My older siblings are two brothers and one older sister, who we’ll call X for the purposes of this post.
X and I have a 5 year age gap, as a result we never really had that “sisterly” bond you would expect most sisters have. Growing up I was always a burden to her, and anytime it was my turn to pick the family movie (or really anything) she would get upset. The reason being that she had control issues as early as 9.
So I’m guessing you can already see where I’m going with this. I’m currently 18 (about to turn 19 - woohoo!) and X turned 24 earlier this year.
Her bf “Y” proposed to her at a family beach day earlier in June of this year. It was one of those “big white letters and rose pedals” proposals which he set up before my family arrived. She was thrilled, said yes, and my parents were very happy along with my older siblings (the youngest is 4 so I don’t think she understood what was happening).
Now here’s the drama - since the proposal she has gone into full bridezilla mode. At the behest of my mom, X made me a bridesmaid. So I’m roped into all the b.s. so far these are the demands my dear sister has made:
• All bridesmaids are to pay for their own dress (a $300 dress! In blush pink), shoes, hair, and makeup.
• All bridesmaids need to attend all wedding and bachelorette events, including:
A. The bachelorette spa day $800 each
B. The bachelorette vacation weekend to Toronto and stay at the Fairmont hotel $1000 weekend just for hotel
C. The dress appointments (even if just for bride), all alterations covered by the person themselves. $300 dress plus approx $300 alterations etc
D. All things to do with wedding (cake, venue, catering etc) they need to attend. The cake and food tasting, they all need to pay $25
E. The guests, and the bridal/groom party need to pay $150 to reserve their spots. And gifts have to be either cash, cheque, or from the list of registry items. She has a spreadsheet of what everyone is gifting, and has said she will return items that aren’t from her registry/match her theme
My mom says it’s bride anxiety, I say it’s just my sister trying to control everything because she wants a December wedding on a ski hill. Bleh
Anyways, I figure if people are interested, I could update periodically on what happens. Thanks for reading!
EDIT: I realized I didn’t include the controlling parts. My bad. Here they are:
1.) All bridesmaids need to go to hair and skin appointments every 6 weeks to ensure our hair and skin is “flawless” for pictures, it’s out of pocket too
2.) Anyone with tattoos needs to cover them (our dresses will do that. They go to the neck, ankles, and wrists. The bride wants to be the only one sleeveless/showing her tattoos and colourful hair style). Either we need to get our hair dyed to a natural colour, or wear a wig at our expense
3.) The dresses only come in sizes 00-10 (pretty good range for most. But those who don’t fit are expected to try to lose weight. I’m a size 12, and already my sister is calling me fat. She’s sent me a keto diet book through Amazon.
4.) No one [vendors] are to communicate directly to the bride/groom. It has to go through us first. She made a gmail with “lastnamewedding” which we all have access to, and we aren’t supposed to ask her if something is okay. We should just know (this is the part that stresses mom out)
5.) We need to remind the guests that they need to pay a deposit of $150 to save their spot, and if we don’t get it, they don’t come. We also need them to confirm what they’ll purchase from the registry or the $ amount they’ll give.
EDIT 2: Y’all are making me realize my family isn’t normal. I’m going to look into therapy with my uni and seeing if I can move into residence earlier. I want to thank the person who private messaged me about getting my mom off my bank account and also get my birth certificate etc. I think I’m going to do that after I talk to the people at the bank.
I texted my mom (I’m at work right now) if her, dad, and I can talk about it while X is gone to her fiancés for the night. I’m hoping to show my mom and dad this post to help them understand where I’m coming from
EDIT 3: I’m going to take some time away from this alt - just because a lot of you are right. This isn’t normal, our relationship as a family is not normal. I called my aunt while I was at work (for those of you who don’t know, she’s my godmother, and she thinks my mom is nuts) and we talked about it. She’s encouraging me to talk to my parents about everything (not only the wedding, but favouritism etc since childhood) and she’s also on standby in case things go to shit.
My shift at work finishes in a few more hours, then I’ll go home and pack a quick bag of stuff for my aunt to grab before my parents and I talk.

Relevant comments:

Overall, she’s going to have to accept that finances rule a lot of peoples lives and that if she’s not going to come back down to earth it’s going to keep people from being able to participate, like you.

OOP: That what I try to tell her, but she won’t listen. Her fiancé makes 120k+ a year as a tech dude, and she’s an accountant making 100k herself. So it’s easy for her to afford this.

Tell your mom and sister that you won’t participate until someone pays all of your costs. Your mom should not try to keep the peace when your sister is a raging harpy. I hope her fiancé backs out.

OOP: He won’t. He “loves her spice” he’s a very calm man tho. So they match really well. He’s the only one who can calm her down.

How does his family feel about the admissions fee to his wedding?

OOP: It’s normal on his side of the family. They say it’s normal in Italian families, which I just found out, it isn’t.

This is insane!! I completely agree with you OP!!

OOP: The problem for me is that I can’t afford it without going into debt for my student loans. Interest on student loans right now is 26% so I’m scared to be in debt.

Tell your mum you don’t have the sort of money being a bridesmaid for sister will involve. Tell sis she is free to include you OUT of the wedding party. You will probably find that you will lead the charge.

OOP: She has 13 bridesmaids (12 bridesmaid, 1 MOH) and it’s to match the fraternity class of her fiancé (he had 13 people he became “brothers” with in his class…idk what it means, but it’s special) so if I drop out, two of the guys would need to walk together.

Let them

OOP: I should.
Important comment by OOP:
I have talked to her. She says it’s my job as her sister to save up. Mom and dad are paying for the wedding (almost 100k) so they can’t give me the 2k for my expenses. I’m going to Uni in the fall and my tuition is 17k.

Weird parental choices here 100k for a wedding but let a child pay their own tuition? Did your sister go to college? I'd be asking my parents to pay my college fees etc and tell them I wont want a 100k wedding. Equal $$$ to the kids. Also if they can spring for 100k then what's another 2?

OOP: Tuition has always been ours to pay. Mom and dad saved money for everyone’s wedding/honeymoon.
---
UPDATE Part 1 - one week later:
Firstly, I just wanted to apologize for how long this has taken. My parents originally planned to talk that night, but mom said she wasn’t feeling good and decided to go to sleep early (around 6 pm) and that feeling stayed for a while. We then got busy moving my sister into her fiancés place and by the time everything settled, my parents forgot we had something to discuss, and kinda brush it off to the side. We finally had the conversation two days ago and I needed a day to think and just react to things.
So turns out my dad never knew the whole story, he knew he was responsible for paying for my sister’s dress and a portion of the wedding or honey moon. The reason for this is that my parents told me (dad confirmed with bank records) that my parents had been setting up 25k accounts for myself and each of my siblings.
The rule was that these accounts could be used for anything once we turned 19 and went off to post secondary. It was our money to use. I just turned 19 and my dad was getting ready to sign the money over to me when we had this conversation. Which caused a bit of a blow up, but right now I need to give some background info I was given.
Right after sister got engaged, she apparently had a conversation with my mom about how she always felt like the child left out (she’s used this line before so I do believe my mom fell for it and was guilt tripped). As a result of a very long conversation, my mom figured that she could divert some of the funds from all the kids accounts to pay for sister’s wedding.
For those wondering, my two older brothers are in the military. They aren’t married yet, and live on base. They never used their 25k because the army in Canada pays for your education, housing etc. So my mom had 50k at her disposal. Then combined with my sisters and my 25k it would have been 100k. Mom figured that because I had 17k saved up, she could just give me my 25k later for a car or a house payment…or wedding (bleh)
Sister did this because again, she is a master manipulator (side note: thank you to the wonderful redditors who sent me to various sub reddits for narcissism and support along with those who sent articles on it to me) and possible narcissist. She used some of my mom’s mental and physical health conditions against her.
When I was born, mom went through very bad PPD, resulting in her leaving to a treatment facility for 4 months. Leaving my sister, two brothers, me, and dad behind. My two older brothers at the time were 9 and 7 at the time and me, only a few months. Sister for reference was 5 or just shy of 5 (I honestly don’t care to calculate), since my brothers were trouble my dad had his hands full, and a live in nanny did the stuff for me, so my sister had little to no attention at an age where attention is important. I think that triggered the bad sides of her to come out. While the nanny did help sister with basics (food, water, bath, clothes, a little play) she wasn’t a replacement for mom.
When mom came back, sister had a huge grudge, but not to mom, but to me. I was the reason mom left. Which led to her trying to smother me with a pillow. Mom caught her in time and it was a “funny” story for us as a family. Turns out that’s a coping mechanism.
Over my childhood, sister has used manipulation to get what she wants, and she did it for the wedding too. Mom felt bad, and decided to give her little dove everything she desired. Common things I heard growing up were “you always give (me) XYZ! I want this!“ (proceeds to have a meltdown) As sister grew up it wasn’t little toys and candy anymore. But girls trips. As a result of this, dad and I grew very close. He’s my best friend.
My sister and I had a decent relationship when I was 12-14, but it changed again when mom got pregnant with youngest sister (it was an accident lol) and I became the target again for sisters rage and abuse.
While I know it doesn’t excuse a lot of things, I figured it would be important to give you all the whole story.
---
UPDATE Part 2
So now with the back info done, here’s what happened:
A day after sister moved out I asked my mom and dad to please finally have the convo with me. Mom was feeling better so we sat down and we’re talking. I told them how I felt, how much of a financial toll it would be on me, how it wasn’t fair etc.
Well, Dad blew up. He didn’t know about the 100k, or the things sisters was doing etc. He didn’t like the fact that mom used a lot of “your father and I agree” talk even tho they hadn’t (I showed group chat screenshots). We worked through the wedding issue (I don’t have to attend) and the 25k for me issue (dad is signing it over early).
Then I was asked to go to my room for a bit because dad and mom wanted to talk. They settled the budget issue on their own. Dad then asked why I didn’t feel comfortable to talk to them earlier, so I showed them this post. My dad snapped. He immediately called my sister and told her to come here ASAP because he needed to talk to her and would not accept excuses. She said she would be here in 4 hours because she was with fiancé and his parents. Dad pressed, and she hung up and blocked him.
Dad told me to go to my room once again, but to leave my phone so they could go over the post and see the comments. I don’t know exactly what happened but mom came to talk to me later. She then told me about the PPD etc (I didn’t know about it earlier). We solved our issues and I finished by asking if sister would go to therapy. Because moms convinced that the 4 month leave caused this stuff in her, mom said she’d try, but can’t force. I told her if sister doesn’t go, I’m going NC with her and possibly LC with mom.
Dad then joined the convo and assured me I would get my money, and I wouldn’t have to go to wedding if I didn’t want to. Since sister is charging $150 per guest, she can pay for her grandios wedding through that. Soon to be BIL and his family aren’t paying for shit apparently, so now they have to or sister doesn’t get to have her ski hill wedding.
Speaking of the $150 fee, y’all were right. It was sister who concocted the whole thing and told mom it was an Italian thing. We talked to sisters MIL when she dropped sister off (sister doesn’t drive) and MIL was shocked that Sister had said that. There is apparently a money dance, but no $150 fee.
So onto what happened when sister came back. She came after 5 hours, and while MIL was there she was sweet as pie. But when MIL left, oh lord the gates to hell broke lose. She demanded why dad disturbed the peaceful evening and demanded he drive her back. Dad said he didn’t care and to sit down. She refused, they fought. Finally she sat down after dad started pulling out various tricks. Including money or telling MIL about sisters true nature (which I guess fiancé hasn’t seen much of)
I was excused to my room again. There was a lot of angry yelling back and forth and a lot of manipulation from sister, including threats of LC/NC or no seeing possible grand kids in the future. She was trying to get mom to go back to original plan (100k plan) and mom and dad weren’t budging.
The fighting continued and stopped when my dad yelled saying mom isn’t her punching bag and her PPD was not her fault and if she was that angry about it, go to therapy.
After that I was called back down, and we went over all the issues. Starting with the Keto book, sister tried to defend saying i was fat and lazy, dad defended me. Sister started to cry and mom told dad to be a little softer, which he did. We finally discussed everything and I felt like part of the family instead of like a punching bag. Sister eventually got an Uber and left because she was “being attacked”. We’re going to wait until Christmas time when brothers are back in town so we can all discuss what we need as a family to go forward and be healthy. But it will most likely be therapy or cutting sister out.
Mom and dad are still figuring out the full budget issue with my sister’s in-laws. My parents told them that for such a wedding to happen everyone would need to contribute. In-laws agreed that 100,000 for a wedding is insane. Last I heard, sister will get her 15k for the wedding, which is basically 5k because 10k dress (since it’s already ordered - the other 10k is being held for something tangible) and then her in-laws are being generous and helping with 15 K. 10 to wedding 5 to honeymoon.
As for my schooling, Dad and I are going to the bank tomorrow and we’re going to pay the cancellation fee for the loan I had to take out. The loan only officially starts when I start school so thankfully the cancellation fee is very small.
My dad is paying for the fee because he admits that I should’ve never had had to take the loan out. My parents agreed that my first year of university along with housing costs will not come out of my budget (the 17k or the 25k) so they will pay themselves. The full amount that they budgeted for me is going to be transferred into something called a TFSA for later in life.
Well mom and I still have a somewhat rocky relationship, sister absolutely hates me. She blamed me for everything, and said that I have caused irreparable damage to her relationship with her fiancé and in-laws.
Because of this, she’s banned me from the wedding and from her life. I honestly don’t care, I don’t really see it as losing a sister I see it as losing a bully. I made a promise to my mom and dad that I would never treat my younger sister like that. I’m going to be the role model she deserves and I’m going to be her protector like my brothers and my father were for me.
I think I covered everything that needs to be covered but if you guys have any questions feel free to ask them. I’m very thankful for the sub Reddit for teaching me what a real family is about, and for teaching me about boundaries and communication.
Have an amazing life you gorgeous humans.

[Updated] Relevant comments:

One thing I want to bring up that seemed to be blown over: your sister tried to murder you. That is a big deal. I hope that, in therapy, you take the time to talk about this. It's a huge deal. It's traumatic and the fact that your parents used it as a funny sorry is not okay. It's awful. And I sincerely hope that you really force your mom to address why she allowed this behavior to happen. Why didn't she put your sister in therapy right then and there? It's important to get answers to these questions. And your sister owes you an apology. You may also want to consider making sure her fiance knows about the money she demanded. He deserves to know what he is getting into.

OOP: Mom and dad didn’t make it a funny story at first, it was sister mainly saying “oh it was a joke it was a joke!” (When we were older of course - because my parents never left me alone with my older sister. Either they were in the room or my eldest brother was beside me). It was only after I was 10-11 and my sister and I started to have an okay relationship that the joke was made. I forgave her and honestly thought it was a joke. I now know it wasn’t and she hated me since day 1.
As for the therapy, I forgot to mention she did go from 7-10. Originally it was just a doctor who spoke to her once a month from 4 1/2 ish to 6 1/2 ish, but she learned how to say exactly what they wanted to hear so they discontinued the need for visits. My dad was okay with this, my mom wanted the second opinion and found the best child psychologist in Alberta for my sister, and they took her on for 3, almost 4 years. Towards the end they said they taught her everything and helped her with trauma etc, but I feel like she just became really good at telling them what they wanted to hear.
As for her fiancé, he knows. I texted him a long text and voice message and we talked on the phone for 2 hours. At the end he just kinda shrugged it off. In hindsight I think he was in on it. He also displays some… concerning traits.

Do your parents feel like they failed your sister letting her go on like this for so long? She was neglected and tried smothering you with a pillow and it was a family joke. I feel like your parents are dumping all the mistakes they made as a her problem when theyre just as involved.

OOP: I definitely do think it played a role. She showed signs of some concerning behaviour as a toddler (pushing/biting/purposely hurting my brothers or kids in day care) but I think the thing that really broke her was not having mom. Dad did the boys, the nanny did me mainly and her, my aunt handled the “motherly” things for her, but she’s no replacement for mom.
The problem is that while things did get better when I was 12 (sister talked to me about why she hated me, how she thought I was taking up attention etc) and at 14 she started hating me again because little sister was in moms belly. I do know that my sister went to therapy from ages 7-10 because she had a grudge against mom and when mom stepped in to protect a then 3-6 year old me, sister would take it out on the house/mom/or would yell at the dog.

Yeah your dad doesn’t just get out the blame by saying he decided not to raise her bcs he wants to raise the boys the same way your mom doesnt get to cater to her every demand. This is literally awful parenting you’re describing that made your sisters insane. I understand you like your dad but from her perspective I think they both created her and are a huge part of the reason you spent your life being bullied. They failed both of you so badly by not seeing the severity of her Im sorry. She never stopped being that neglected 5 year old.

OOP: I mean it’s not like dad chose to only raise the boys. I mean it in the sense that we only had one car, the boys were both in football, hockey and lacrosse, they were always on the road. And when dad was there and he would take sister out on father daughter dates (2x times a week), she would get upset if she didn’t get a new toy, or a new gadget (she loved these things called pixel chicks, even when she stopped using them and I wanted to play at 3, she suddenly became very possessive over them). And at month two mom was allowed to stay for weekends with us, and she would stay with sister watching movies, braiding hair, reading stories etc.
I honestly don’t think that that is neglect. They stepped in when she showed worsening signs and I was never ever alone with my sister because of the pillow incident. They took her to therapy and doctors, they gave her a clean bill of health. I honestly just think she’s a master manipulator.
OOP in another comment: To show you what she’s like, she “stole” her fiancé from another girl she knew, all because she wanted him and didn’t care about the other girl.

Therapists often wait until a person is over 18 to diagnose BPD hoping that a kid will grow out of the behaviors as an adult. People with BPD are often master manipulators and can fool therapists by masking their behaviors, lying about their actions, and lying about how they feel in a very believable way almost like an actor playing a role. They always have a reason in their head for why they are doing what they do which can fool others who do not see both sides of the story.

OOP: Ahhh well shit, I’m about to go down another rabbit hole. My sister will refuse to go to a doctor tho. Unless it was to prove she was right all along. Bitch didn’t even let me have a Lala Loopsy doll without stealing it and burning the damn thing.

Going NC seems to be the best option for people around those with untreated BPD. Don’t feel bad about it, your life will be much more peaceful without the drama and crazy accusations. Don’t worry about getting your sister into therapy either. Therapy only works if you are honest and willing to change. Often people with BPD are neither. You should look into therapy for yourself. I did and it really helped me along with reading forums for families dealing with these kinds of issues. Parents are often enablers who try to keep the family together out of a desire for normalcy. But having a disordered sibling is anything but normal. Once you recognize it’s not normal you can begin to heal.

OOP: Yeah mom has a therapy session this Monday for the money and guilt trip thing. Her and dad have couples therapy after. I’m starting therapy on my own for a plethora of things, my brothers…well there hundreds of kM away so idk what’s going on with them, and sister is playing house. Little sister wasn’t there when the argument happened. We made sure she had a play date with her friend from daycare.
------
REMINDER: I am not the original poster!

This one is a double government employee event and what you should know is if you get the attention of a government employee and make them angry they will make your life a living hell. Sorry this is a long one.
The setup is that I was working for a local county government in the permitting department that handled drainage and flood plain enforcement. I received a complaint from a homeowner (nice guy) lived next door to a house that was part of an incorporated village (not nice guy). Nice guy lived in an unincorporated portion of the county and hence the call to me as an agent of the county. I drove out to the site and to investigate and discovered some interesting facts. The permitting agent for the village allowed the incorporated homeowner to fill his lot effecting the drainage which caused the unincorporated lot to flood every time there was anything more than light rain. Nice guy indicated that there was some tension between him and not nice guy and part of the issue was that nice guy and his partner were a gay couple. This ran up a red flag for me but in trying to be impartial I took the information and some photos for the file and indicated that I would contact the village to find a resolution.
I wrote a letter and then called the village inspector (jackwagon) to discuss. I was told by jackwagon that the village could do as it pleased and that I could do nothing to stop not nice guy from doing as they pleased as it was approved by the village. There was then a comment about those type of people (the gay couple) making complaints just to cause trouble. I was now on the case and it was time to make sure everything done on the incorporated lot was 100% legal. At this point the game certainly was now on because if there is one thing that grinds my gears it is bullying.
I went back out and spoke to nice guy to let them know what I was up to and also that I was not going to let this slide. I then started investigating the elevations on the two lots and what fill had been placed on the incorporated lot. The not nice guy came out and started getting belligerent about my presence and ongoing investigation. He incorrectly stated that I did not have jurisdiction over his lot and that he would be calling the police. I patiently listened and then pulled out my two way radio and requested that the home base dispatch both a village and a county police unit to the location. I then indicated that since there was a regulatory floodplain on his lot I did in fact have jurisdiction and that I would be exercising my right to determine the impact of his fill activities upon that floodplain.
Both of the police units showed up and I let them know what was going on. They were both appropriately agitated to have to waste their time and let not nice guy know that I was within in my authority to proceed with the investigation. A little while later, while I was measuring things, jackwagon showed up. He stated berating me about harassing the village resident and threatening calling my boss and filing a complaint and so forth. I invited him to do so quoting which parts of the code he should indicate I was violating. I was using marking paint to show the limits of the floodplain for the photos for the file and what do you know jackwagon’s shoe got painted when he tried to stop me. Obviously he was even more angry as was the homeowner due to very bright orange paint in the grass in his yard. I pointed out I had done the same on the neighboring lots but they just kept complaining. It was actually marking chalk that comes off pretty easily.
Interestingly, I found two really wrong things on not nice guys lot: (1) there was fill placed in the floodplain and (2) a garden shed was built on the fill and partially within the floodplain. Both are a big no-no and are actually against federal law. So, the course of action had two parts: (1) make the incorporated homeowner remove the fill and shed from the floodplain and (2) let nice guy place fill in their lot outside of the floodplain to counteract the fill remaining in not nice guys lot outside of the floodplain. I also told nice guy it would be a good idea to run a field tile on their side to drain the water that would inevitably pond up between the two lots when it rained.
Predictably, not nice guy and jackwagon got super angry when I sent the letter out that there were violations that either had to be corrected (remove fill and shed) or apply for a revision of the floodplain with the Army Corps of Engineers (good luck with that). This then led to a meeting at the county office with not nice guy, jackwagon, my supervisor and myself. Quickly things went to 11 and there was yelling by jackwagon about abuse of power, etc. The department head came into the conference room and told them both they were wrong and that they should leave peacefully and comply or face the consequences (fines).
The best part was that not nice guy had to apply for a permit and guess who was the one to review and approve it … that’s right yours truly. Now, I was following the letter of the law but you have to know that poor government workers are underpaid and overworked. Strangely the permit for nice guy was almost immediately approved while not nice guy had to have a very thorough review to ensure it was correct. You could make a case I was abusing my power but I can assure you that the timing for their review was well within acceptable limits. Also, how could I be held to account that they misfiled three times before they finally got it right. Generally, if you behaved like a civil human and came to the office we would help you get things done properly so the permit would go through first time but not nice guy decided he could do it all in his own so it took him three tries. Had he come to the office I would have given him the same service as others but he decided to take the hard route and therefore I didn’t give a single inch when it came to the submission being perfectly correct.
Ultimately, the situation was resolved but it took a lot more effort than it should have. Moral of the story: don’t be an entitled homophobic asshole.

For those who don't know what Urban Arcana is. Basically think Torchwood, Special Unit 2, Primeval, Beforeigners, Les Visiteurs (or it's US remake, Just Visiting), and... pretty much any anime or manga of the reverse isekai genre.
A world much like our own has been experiencing a phenomena for the past century, where our world has been coming into contact with a world of fantasy, with beings and objects from that world bleeding into ours. The reason most people are unaware of this, however, is that the incursions are usually small and localized, with only small groups of beings at most coming into our world, and that most people in our world have a sort of "weirdness filter" that rationalizes what they see into something more mundane (Orcs are just big, ugly people. Zombies are just crazed drug addicts. The explosion was caused by a grenade or gas leak instead of a fireball spell. Of course, seeing something truly unexplainable, such as a demonic summoning or a disguised dragon showing their true form, would overload and forever shatter this filter, "awakening" the witness to the truth of the world.) This phenomena is not unique and, indeed, has happened many times before in the past, leading to the rise of the various myths and legends of yore.
Most of the people who end up in our world are just ordinary people (even if not necessarily human) like us, scared and confused, trying to survive in this new world. Of course many evil beings are being brought forth to our world as well, either by this mysterious phenomena or summoned by the other-worlders. Dragons rule the boardrooms, vampires run the night clubs, the head of the local mafia is a mind flayer, goblins are waging gangwars against the kobolds, and a teenaged wannabe witch has gotten her hands on a real spellbook. Indeed, there are, once more, monsters going bump in the night... and there are heroes ready to bump back.
1) The Book of Vile Darkness has ended up in the hands of a bullied teen.
2) A halfling is pretending to be a lost child in order to distract the police while her gang picks the pockets of the crowd at the park.
3) A famous haunted house attraction has become haunted for real! Fortunately most of the ghost are harmless, simply wanting to scare people for fun. Unfortunately, one of the ghosts is a famous serial killer planning to continue their killing spree.
4) An occult store has recently come into possession of a mummified human hand. The owner, thinking nothing of it, has put it up for display behind the counter. The hand is actually The Hand of Vecna, and the local necromancer cabal is interested.
5) In the redlight district several Johns (and even a few Janes) have been turning up dead. There's no obvious cause of death in any of them, but all of their faces were frozen in fear. A succubus has made the district her hunting grounds.
6) Bad Dreams and Keeping Up Disappearances: an entire neighborhood suffers them, and they are all quite similar. When people go missing, the dreams become stronger, and the shadows in the alleys get deeper. One week after going missing the bodies appear, still warm, and in sequence, always 1 week after disappearance... [u/MaxSizeIs]
7) It's All Fun and Games Until Someone Finds a Baby in the Dumpster: Someone finds a lot of babies in the dumpster and they're all disfigured, mangled, and discolored. They're goblin spawn, but lack the metamagical spark that is required for life... [u/MaxSizeIs]
8) The Blind Watchmaker: dangerous monsters are blending in, hidden in plain sight, waiting to strike -- their attacks are happening more often, but the perpetrators aren't being found. If that's not bad enough, now ordinary, everyday people are suddenly committing atrocities and then disappearing, or dying in suspicious suicides after being suddenly grotesquely deformed... the authorities are afraid and keeping a lid on it, but rumors on the street are that someone can change you.. can "unlock your potential" and grant you powers beyond normal, for a seemingly low price... [u/MaxSizeIs]
9) I Dream of Djinni: Someone rubbed a lamp. Bad things happened, and the Djinni, or whatever it is is is free. Now you are told that you must kill the one who woke the terrible evil, in order to stop it from spreading.. the only problem is the one alleged to have rubbed the lamp turns up dead, and the Djinn is still on the loose! [u/MaxSizeIs]
10) An isolated community known for being a sleepy town on the edge of nowhere, where nothing ever happens, has a string of grisly cannibalistic murders. The party must break a conspiracy of a Wendigo cult, and kill the wendigo at the heart! [u/MaxSizeIs]
11) A wood elf druid has joined an eco-terrorist group and is using their power over nature to destroy construction sites, injuring and even killing the workers and damaging city infrastructure.
12) A gang of goblins has robbed a fireworks factory of its product. Exactly what they're planning to do with the fireworks is anyone's guess, but it's likely someone (most likely the goblins themselves) will get hurt if they're not stopped.
13) Where's the Beef? Walking Down the Street: A fledgling necromancer has, as a prank, reanimated the contents of a slaughterhouse. The resulting undead are harmless, but it's causing quite a panic.
14) Circus's are traditionally the home of the bizarre and unusual, giants, midgets, painted ladies, fortune tellers, magicians. So roll up, roll up. Chipperfield's Circus is in town next week. What are those strange animals? How does that thing fly? We didn't see them actually arrive, they just seem to have appeared overnight. [u/eDaveUK]
15) After more and more workers go missing in the sewers, it turns out, that a family of were-rats has made themselves feel at home. [u/Rubikow]
16) After some people were reported missing, a whole subway train full of passengers never arrives at the next station. It turns out that a mimic has found its way into this world and is now hunting in the subway. [u/Rubikow]
17) A bank is robbed and hostages are taken. The robbers are Kobolds and they are the minions of a small red dragon that now lives in the vault. [u/Rubikow]
18) Turns out, the new political candidate for the city major's post is using magic and mind control to charm the people, so they vote for him. [u/Rubikow]
19) A group of sentient awakened animals are stealing food from the houses in the suburbs amd people nearby are turning to stone. The druid that awakened them has only tested his magic on them before he polymorphed himself into a basilisk. [u/Rubikow]
20) People go missing in the botanical garden as plant creatures turn them into one of them. [u/Rubikow]
21) Award winning novel author David Blake vanished in the middle of a party where he was supposed to present his new book: "The invisible". [u/Rubikow]
22) A Troglodyte has built its lair on a local dumping site and is hunting people there. [u/Rubikow]
23) Murders in the museum lead to some strange statues in a new exhibit. Those are gargoyles, hunting the people of the nightshift. [u/Rubikow]
24) The death rate in one of the hospital suddenly spikes. The bandaged patient turns out to be a mummy, sucking the life from others at night. [u/Rubikow]
25) The dumpster trucks of the local garbage collection unit suddenly seem to have an infinite load capacity which makes the unit more effective. Turns out the new boss is an artificer, that installed bags of holding inside the trucks. Sadly he also opened a demonic portal at the dumping site, to dump the garbage in there. The demon is not pleased. [u/Rubikow]
26) A new drug is sold in a derelict factory, turning it into a huge crack house full of hostile junkies... only they are no junkies but zombies and the drug dealer turns out to be an evil necromancer. (Taken from your description) [u/Rubikow]
27) The prison has a high rate of releasing former convicts as perfect citizens after a very short time. Turns out, the souls of the convicts are replaced with the souls of dead elves by an elven warlock, disguised as a psychologist, in a dark ritual. The harvested souls are sacrificed to a demon that the elf has a pact with. [u/Rubikow]
28) A witch is brewing working love potions but one of the ingredients comes from a captured Chuul... only it is not captured anymore. [u/Rubikow]
29) The fire department is hunting an arsonist, not knowing that it is a fire elemental under the control of a gnome wizard. [u/Rubikow]
30) A little girl with a Sailor Moon obsession has gotten her hands on a rod of wonder.
31) A five-alarm fire is raging in the tenement apartment district and growing larger, threatening to consume the whole district. On top of this, the tenants and firefighters are reporting that they were attacked by someone, or something, inside the building. The fire was started by faulty wiring, but the original victim has become an ash wraith (Urban Arcana, pg. 201) and is burning down everyone and everything in a fit of rage, with its victims turning into ash wraiths and exasperating the problem.
32) A protest of the tearing down of the public park is starting to take an unusual and violent turn. It started with a group of environmentalists chaining themselves to the trees. When the construction workers arrived they tried to convince the protesters to leave, only to end up joining the protest themselves. When the police were called in the construction workers fought back with their tools, injuring several officers. Strangely enough, some of the officers ended up joining the protest as well. The riot squad is being called in, with SWAT on standby. The the protesters, several who are other-worlders, are actually defending the park on behalf of their dryad friend, who has charmed the construction workers and police officers to aid in the park's defense.
33) The president has been replaced by a doppleganger, when people find out, many call for its destruction, but surprisingly even more people want to keep it around bout it because its policies are better. [u/sirkibblesnbits]
34) A child at the local kindergarten brought a cockatrice for show and tell. The teacher was speechless. So was the rest of the class... in a way. [u/sirkibblesnbits]
35) Children are visiting a 'Harry Potter Studio Tour' when they look at just how realistic all of props have become, especially the monsters. Luckily, they stay quite still. After all, it's all fun and games until one of the children picks up a newly switched 'wand prop' and casts fireball. [u/Aquashinez]
36) People are getting rather suspicious over their neighbor; he's been in town for as long as they can remember - but never seems to age. He's also never had any form of beard, no matter how fashionable they are. Also, they keep spouting nonsensical proverbs that make zero sense. And he struggles way too much with the TV. [u/Aquashinez]
37) There is a campaign to cut down a bunch of oak trees whose roots are damaging public property - little do they know the 'trees' are actually treants, who aren't going down without a fight. [u/Aquashinez]
38) A small family of blink dogs are up to mischief at the park, stealing food from people and teleporting away.
39) A bullied kid gets its hand on some gloves of strength and tries to be a kick-ass superhero. [u/Rubikow]
40) A mad scientist captures magic creatures and tries to extract their magic in harmful and cruel ways. [u/Rubikow]
41) A super rich person is rich because their pact demon gives them insight into the future stock exchange market. In exchange, the social media software, developed by the company of the rich person is slowly consuming the soul of the users. [u/Rubikow]
42) A fey is behind a manufacturer of teddy bears. The bears consume the dreams of the children and give them to the fey, leaving the children catatonic and depressed. [u/Rubikow]
43) A group of escaped shapechanger convicts slowly replaces the police officers in a small town to get control over the town. [u/Rubikow]
44) A kraken is released inside the main attraction of a water fun park. [u/Rubikow]
45) A weaponized metal golem escapes from a military research facility together with the tiefling wizard that created it. Both are heading for a big City. [u/Rubikow]
46) An orcish biker gang is attacked by a sworn elven orc hunter on a path of vengeance. [u/Rubikow]
47) A group of treeants is killing workers in a rain forest that try to destroy the trees. [u/Rubikow]
48) Glyphs of warding have been casted onto the presidents plane. If it lands, it will explode. [u/Rubikow]
49) A circle of hags is creating a viral media challenge for Halloween, that is a disguised conjuration ritual. If enough people join in, an evil and ancient deity will manifest in this world. [u/Rubikow]
50) An orphan boy and his older sister are making trouble. The girl only wants to protect her brother but she cannot control her wildmagic and leaves a trail of havoc and destruction. [u/Rubikow]
51) Something is slaughtering the livestock on the farms nearby while they sleep in their locked stables. It turns out a pack of blink-dogs have made the farms their hunting ground. [u/Rubikow]
52) One of the top managers of a financial institution is a disguised gold dragon. All convicts, that have ever tried to steal from him are suddenly dying one after another. (He is now trying to summon his family with an ancient ritual that needs a lot of blood sacrifices.) [u/Rubikow]
53) A bunch of bandits and gangsters suddenly use spell scrolls when they attack or doing heists. A dwarven wizard has taken the lead of that group and tries to make them more efficient. [u/Rubikow]
54) It turns out the new eco friendly autonomous cars everyone is driving are in fact constructs, created by the boss of the company, who is a warlock that has a pact with his future self. The cars will transform into an army on his word and the plan is to take over the land within the next month. [u/Rubikow]
55) The international space station is in trouble as the newest experiment about magic in space has opened a portal to another dimension and something is trying to push through. Something big. [u/Rubikow]
56) An accidental wish spell of a small boy has stopped earth's rotation around itself (revolution). The effects will be cataclysmic if earth does not start spinning again, but the boy wished that the earth should stop turning until his soldier dad is back from a mission. [u/Rubikow]
57) Rumors start spreading of a nocturnal bat like vigilante, only this one doesn't seem to care if the villains die. After seeing the movies and reading the comics, an actual humanoid bat monster has decided to keep its territory free of criminals. [u/World_of_Ideas]
58) The local medical examiner was almost fired for reporting that several bodies that showed up at the morgue were aliens. They were forced to take some time off and see a shrink. After returning to work, they learned to keep their mouth shut. They are keeping secret journals on all the (abnormals, aliens) that show up at the morgue. They now have detailed autopsy records on 7 distinct non-human humanoid species. [u/World_of_Ideas]
59) The local vampire leaders have put a bounty on one of their own. The vampire in question is creating new vampires without authorization, and turning them loose on an unsuspecting world. There have been several deaths as a result. Also, the increase in the vampire population is putting a strain on the local blood banks. [u/World_of_Ideas]
60) A gang of druids are tagging buildings with Druidic, what could they say? [u/Scythekid96]
61) A human and a roach thrall are genuinely in love with each other. They seek a way to have children without having to parasitically oviposit in anyone. [u/semiurge]
62) A local land developer is using their connections to prevent investment in specific areas so they can buy up the land at fire sale prices, as the infrastructure collapses. Unbeknownst anyone else the properties being developed shall once completed, form the Yellow Sign. Dedicating the entire city, and its unsuspecting population, to the court of the King in Yellow. During construction madness starts to spread with increasing intensity. Once completed a strange figure will arrive, The Emissary, and chaos followed with it. [u/Then-Cicada-5029]
63) Several dozen urban wendigos (Urban Arcana, pg. 242) have formed a savage proto-civilization in the abandoned subway tunnels.

22 minutes, 5449 words.

Nagorno Karabakh must return as full party to negotiations, without the consent of which no settlement can be de-jure accepted: Nikol Pashinyan

Pashinyan: Foundations of Armenian independence have consistently eroded since the first day of regaining independence. It continued in 2007 when by accepting the Madrid Principles as the basis of negotiations, the former government essentially destroyed the legal grounds of Nagorno Karabakh’s 1991 declaration of independence.
Any settlement of the Karabakh issue is possible only through the restoration of Nagorno-Karabakh’s status as a full party to negotiations, without the consent of which no option of settlement can be considered as de-jure accepted.

superpowers decide Nagorno Karabakh's fate, not Armenia: Nikol Pashinyan

Pashinyan: Restoration of Nagorno-Karabakh's status as a negotiation party has been our effort since 2018, and we remain committed to it. We soon realized that as a result of 30 years of poor negotiation policies, Armenia had lost all control in terms of the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, and that the only thing Armenia can decide is to obediently fulfill the decisions made elsewhere. My administration's mistake was not obeying those decisions.
source,

November 9 ceasefire statement is a very important document that contains several pro-Armenian paragraphs: Nikol Pashinyan

Pashinyan: It records the existence of Nagorno Karabakh, its line of contact, the deployment of peacekeepers as guarantors of security, the existence of the Lachin corridor, the agenda of unblocking communications, the rights of refugees, and so on.
Those who described the Nov. 9 statement as "capitulation" are very strongly supporting it now, while noting its achievements. And today, the same circles are claiming that I am preparing to sign "another capitulation" soon. They should apologize to the public. This is an issue of simple literacy, but if these people are not apologizing, then they don’t have the right to terrorize the public about "new capitulations". Our opposition should make up their mind on this matter.
source,

false impression was created that there is an anti-Armenian Western proposal and a pro-Armenian Russian proposal and that we are rejecting the Russian one: Nikol Pashinyan

Pashinyan: There are, indeed, Western and Russian perceptions of a resolution to the issue, but a false impression was formed regarding us choosing a "negative Western" proposal over a "positive Russian" one. This has absolutely nothing to do with reality.
Armenia has agreed with the Russian perception and reached a principled agreement in January of 2021, and the key provision of these agreements is that Russia is the guarantor of the security of Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia. We agreed on this scenario.
The plan was presented to Armenia in August of 2022, and Russia's OSCE Co-chair visited Armenia in early September to receive our final position. We gave our consent to implement it. I will officially accept it, and if necessary sign the agreement, on October 31 in Sochi. It can be the basis for a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The proposal also mentions the peacekeepers. We certainly want the Russian peacekeepers to continue their activities in Nagorno Karabakh for decades. I am proposing the Russian President to make this offer. We hope Russia will support its own proposal. If the two of us agree, there will be a majority.
With that said, we have not forgotten the events in Parukh [Nagorno Karabakh village invaded by Azerbaijan despite being under peacekeepers' protection]. There’s been an agreement on the highest level that this issue must be resolved. That means the Azeri troops must withdraw from the area of responsibility of peacekeepers. This promise hasn’t been fulfilled so far. There must be an answer to whether or not Russia is coherently and strongly defending its proposals.
The Western proposal is not unacceptable. Their approach is to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh issue now. Now a question could arise, which of these sides considers Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan and which doesn’t. Unfortunately, the international community without exception considers Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan.
Superpowers should guarantee peace in the region. Our biggest mission is to open an era of peaceful development for Armenia. //
source, source,

40,000 (third of the population) attended a rally in Nagorno Karabakh capital Stepanakert ahead of October 31 Sochi meeting

Nagorno-Karabakh Parliament: Nagorno-Karabakh has never been and will never be part of the independent Republic of Azerbaijan. This idea must be the basis of the settlement. Any attempt to forcefully annex Nagorno Karabakh into Azerbaijan will lead to a new genocide.
source, source,

Nagorno Karabakh hopes the peacekeeping presence will be extended indefinitely

President Arayik Harutyunyan: I welcome Premier Pashinyan's statement that Armenia agrees to work around Russia's peace proposal. The proposed approaches will have crucial importance for the whole region.
Proposals that deny us the right to self-determination, make a fare settlement impossible, and bring into question the existence of Nagorno-Karabakh should be rejected once and forever.
We would like to achieve a fair and final settlement of the Karabakh conflict and international recognition of the Republic of Artsakh. However, taking into account the existing challenges, the Russian proposals mostly meet the minimum standards that ensure the security of Artsakh and do not throw into question its future.
We want the indefinite extension of Russian peacekeeping presence in Artsakh. Russian peacekeepers bear the main responsibility for the security of the Artsakh people. The second key parameter is the maintenance of at least the current status of Artsakh. //
Reporter: Pashinyan said he's ready to discuss a document to extend peacekeepers' stay by several decades. He said if there is a document with such an offer, he will sign it. Is there already a document for this?
Speaker Alen Simonyan: In Valdai, Putin made public the existence of an offer that we had agreed to a while ago. But we seriously doubt Azerbaijan will accept them. We want Russia to push for THAT SPECIFIC offer... that particular one that Putin mentioned, and not amend it later [to appease Azerbaijan]. We want Putin to տեր կանգնի to his own offer.
Putin claims that we went and chose the Western offer. No, we haven't chosen anything. The best offer for us is the one that maximally protects Artsakh's status and people's rights. That's the end goal. We want Russia to enforce its own offer, so we won't have more Parukh, Khtsaberd, and Sev Lake incidents.
Reporter: Can we trust Russia that a Russian-brokered deal will be functional, considering the poor track record with enforcement?
Simonyan: Any peace and agreement must have a guarantor. If Russia is ready and capable, then why not. But let's not forget that every country has its own state interests. The rest is a fairy tale. Today Russia is bogged down in Ukraine, so time will tell where Russia's interests are. Armenia cannot be used as a change during a Russia-Turkey transaction.
Reporter: Do you expect a statement after the Sochi meeting?
Simonyan: Yes. Otherwise, it would mean that Russia's negotiation efforts in Sochi have failed.
source, source, source,

leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia gathered in Sochi for tripartite negotiations

Putin-Pashinyan and Putin-Aliyev meetings were held for several hours ahead of the tripartite meeting.
Putin to Pashinyan: The task is to ensure peace and stability in the region, and unblock the transportation routes. It is necessary to end this decades-long conflict. Do you agree with this? I know that you have the political will for it, and we support it in every way.
We always have in mind the fact that Armenia is our strategic partner, an ally, from ancient times. That's why this is a unique situation for us. I hope that today we will be able to take steps toward settlement.
Pashinyan to Putin: In Valdai you stated that you will support the choice of the Armenian side. We find the peace proposal offered by you acceptable, and we hope it will be mentioned in the statement after the tripartite meeting, but we have not yet received a confirmation from you.
I would like to emphasize that this in no way contradicts the agreements reached in Prague on October 6. By the way, during the Prague negotiations, I was guided by your public statements regarding Nagorno Karabakh.
It is very important for Azeri troops to withdraw from the zone of responsibility of peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh, which [Parukh village] they invaded in March. Contrary to agreements at the highest level, Azerbaijani troops have not yet left the area. I hope this will be resolved today.
As for the AM-AZ border delimitation, we have repeatedly emphasized that it must be preceded by the creation of mechanisms to increase border security. Russia's position was that the work of the border commission would itself become a border security mechanism. We disagreed with you, but decided to rely on your interpretation. Despite this, on September 13 Azerbaijan initiated a new aggression and occupied new territories of Armenia. It is important for Russia to adopt a clear position, we expect Azeris to withdraw to May 2021 positions.
As for lifting the blockade on communication routes, Armenia is very interested in it, and we're ready to implement the Nov. 9 and Jan 11. statements. Communications passing through the territory of Armenia must be under the full control of Armenia and operated in accordance with the legislation of Armenia. Russian Border Service should supervise the implementation process. //

... statement is adopted after the tripartite meeting in Sochi

Statement: We discussed the implementation of the previous agreements adopted on Nov. 9, Jan. 11, and Nov. 26. We reaffirmed our commitment to strictly observe all the above-mentioned agreements. We agreed to make additional efforts toward the urgent solution of the remaining issues, including those of humanitarian nature.
We emphasize the importance of Russian peacekeepers' role in ensuring security in the region.
We agreed to refrain from the use of force or the threat of its use, to resolve the issues on the basis of mutual recognition of sovereignty and inviolability of borders, in accordance with the UN Charter and the 1991 CIS agreement.
We emphasized the importance of active preparations for the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan with the aim of achieving sustainable peace in the region. An agreement was reached to continue the search for mutually acceptable solutions. Russia will provide every possible assistance to it.
We emphasized the importance of creating a positive atmosphere between Armenia and Azerbaijan for the continuation of the dialogue between the representatives of societies, expert communities, and religious leaders with the assistance of Russia, as well as for the start of trilateral inter-parliamentary contacts aimed at strengthening the trust between the peoples of the two countries.
The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan praised the readiness of Russia to continue contributing in every possible way to the normalization of relations. //

... we were unable to reach an agreement around certain topics: Vladimir Putin after Sochi talks

Putin: The topics around which no agreement was reached are very sensitive. We could speak about them in public, but we shouldn't, because it's not worth directing all the focus on these unresolved issues. It is necessary to reach an agreement in a calm and private environment. These are delicate topics.
As for the AM-AZ border demarcation efforts, Russia is ready to transfer the Soviet-era maps, which are the most accurate. We are ready to discuss this with both sides and move forward. There is an agreement to continue negotiations.

... conduct border delimitation and sign a peace agreement and maybe we will extend the presence of peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh: Vladimir Putin

Putin: It's too early to discuss specific paragraphs of the AM-AZ peace treaty. It must be drafted based on mutual concessions, through mediation. If they want, we can be that mediator.
Reporter: Pashinyan wants peacekeepers to stay over 20 years.
Putin: We discussed that but [Azerbaijan needs to agree, too]. If we resolve the border delimitation issue, the issue of peacekeepers will be viewed from a different angle. In any case, both sides have expressed appreciation for the work carried out by our peacekeepers.
source, source, source, source, source, source, source, source, source, source,

Russia is spreading disinformation to discredit Western-led peace efforts: United States

Reporter: Are you preparing the next round of negotiations between AM and AZ? There was some confusion about the [Western plan] ahead of the Sochi meeting. Putin has made remarks [about it being unfavorable for Armenia].
State Department: There continues to be disinformation emanating from certain corners, including from Moscow, when it comes to our intentions vis-à-vis Armenia and Azerbaijan. We have one purpose: put an end to the violence and put these countries on the path to lasting and comprehensive peace. It is up to these two countries to decide the approach they will take to these upcoming talks.
I think the world knows of Russia’s history when it comes to its neighbors and its neighborhood. Moscow is hardly a reliable and long-term partner. //
source,

statements by U.S. Congressional officials after their recent visit to Armenia

David Price: The recent high-profile visits to Armenia indicate a big interest in Armenia. Armenia's regional problems and stable democratic development have attracted our attention.
We are impressed by how Armenia has remained committed to the path of democracy and strengthening relations with the U.S. despite all these challenges. We wish to respond in kind.
Andrew Levin: The U.S. finds Azerbaijan's attacks on Armenia's sovereignty, and their poor treatment of Armenian POWs, to be unacceptable. All sides must work with the OSCE Minsk Group and other mediators.
There is a concern in Armenia that Russia has not protected Armenia despite the mutual agreement. We don't find it problematic that Armenia wants to be friends with Russia. We're simply saying that we too want to help defend Armenia.
The U.S. does not demand Armenia end relations with Russia in order to have our friendship and support. That would not have been realistic. Armenia has gone through a difficult time and therefore has the right to question the effectiveness of its current defense agreements. //
source, source,

diplomacy-miplomacy

▶︎ Iran showers Azerbaijan with sweet words after pissing them off for an entire week. FM of Iran praised the "great" relations with Azerbaijan and expressed respect for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, while reminding that [Israeli spies should not be on the AZ-IR border]. Iran views Azerbaijan's security as its own security.
▶︎ Pashinyan hosted EU's Toivo Klaar to discuss NK conflict resolution, regional stability, and unblocking of communications.
▶︎ Special envoy Rubinyan met EU's Klaar to present the progress on the normalization of AM-TR relations.
source, source, source, source,

army chief CoGS Edward Asryan about border clashes and engineering work:

▶︎ Azerbaijan regularly opens fire at our heavy equipment to hinder the large-scale engineering efforts aimed at reinforcing our positions.
▶︎ Azerbaijan has invaded 130 km² of Armenian territories since the 2020 war, if we count the territories that begin from the Azeri trenches [essentially includes the "buffer zone", which was also within Armenia]. The territorial losses will be smaller if you count only the Armenian-controlled parts.
80% of Gegharkunik residents who had to leave their homes for safety have already returned.
source, source, source, source, source, source,

Nikol Pashinyan is a George Soros puppet who wants your child to undergo gender reassignment therapy

During the evening show with Vladimir Solovyov, RT outlet's supreme leader Margarita Simonyan claimed that Armenian children in elementary schools are taking sex education classes. A fact-checker has found this to be false.
Russian state media routinely incorrectly presents Azerbaijan's invasion of Armenia and ceasefire violations as a border conflict in Nagorno Karabakh.
source,

first president Levon accused ARF of being a fake opposition and Pashinyan's ally

ARF Ishkhan Saghatelyan: It must be noted that Levon Ter-Petrosyan once again reaffirms his previous pro-capitulation approaches. He wants to distance himself from Nikol, but they have the same policies.
Levon's office: Saghatelyan, who is a doctor of historical sciences, needs a small history trip. The rest of the issues are medical in nature:
1) ARF voted to appoint Pashinyan as premier, they brought him to power. The only exception was MP Aghvan Vardanyan, who was fired for that reason.
2) ARF was part of Pashinyan's coalition government. Saghatelyan himself was appointed by Pashinyan as the governor of Gegharkunik province.
3) Coalition-member ARF is responsible for Pashinyan's Artsakh policies.
4) Even after leaving the coalition, ARF repeatedly applauded Pashinyan's Artsakh policies, while experiencing supreme ecstasy from Pashinyan's maximalist and problematic statements.
source,

how many citizenships and passports were issued in the first 9 months?

New citizenships: 12,000
Biometric passports: 15,000 (+46%)
Regular passports(?): 387,000 (+30%)
ID cards: 146,000 (2.5x)
source,

Global Armenian Summit forum has gathered hundreds of prominent diasporan figures in Yerevan | context

▶︎ Deputy PM Matevosyan: The Global Armenian Summit is a unique opportunity to strengthen homeland-diaspora ties, to make diaspora voices heard, and to send the message that they can rely on Armenia for support, the vivid evidence of which is the ongoing large-scale repatriation process and the inflow of capital, which is also essential from the perspective of improving the country's economy and demographics.
▶︎ Anna Ohanyan, senior scholar at Carnegie: Diaspora-Armenia ties are in a process of transformation today. Since the world is moving forward, it is necessary to create a dynamic system. I hope the Summit will help us understand how to keep the Diaspora-Armenia ties at a high level because many Diasporans don't have the mechanisms to establish professional connections with Armenia.
▶︎ Levon Sakunts, deputy mayor of Vienne (France): The Summit will help Diaspora with self-organization and protection of Armenia's interests abroad. This is a great occasion to gather and discuss these topics. I think the Armenian government should increase Diaspora's role and use the potential of millions of diasporans.
▶︎ Special envoy Rubinyan met the Patriarch of Constantinople Sahak Mashalian to discuss Armenia-Turkey relations.
▶︎ Armenian-Turkish MP Garo Paylan visited Yerevan to attend the Summit and met Armenian officials.
source, source, source, source, source, source, source,

interview with Armenian-Turkish Parliament MP Garo Paylan about Armenia-Turkey relations

Reporter: Do you believe it's possible to reach an AM-TR agreement on unblocking of roads and establishment of diplomatic relations?
Paylan: Yes. We are very close today, but I see that many Armenians don't want to have good relations with Turkey and open the borders because of our history, which is understandable, and Turkey hasn't made it easier over the past 2 years and 100 years.
But Turkey, too, has learned a lesson since 2020. They have learned that the use of force did not accomplish their goals, and today Russia and other countries have even greater influence and forces in South Caucasus. This is why Turkey understands that it will benefit, just as the other republics, if peace is achieved diplomatically.
We should open the border while addressing the existing AM-TR issues. Today, Turkish people don't know anything about Armenian people. When borders open, we can develop economic and cultural ties. We don't have to resolve every problem between us in order to open the borders. Turkey and Greece have many issues, yet they have relations. Opening borders and establishing relations is paramount.
Reporter: Does the Turkish public want to have relations with Armenians, what is the public sentiment?
Paylan: Turks don't know Armenians because for over a century nationalists have presented Armenians as enemies. I often get approached by confused Turkish colleagues in Parliament who tell me that contrary to certain beliefs about Armenians, they view me as someone who shares many similarities with them. After a short conversation, you realize you share similar views, eat the same foods, and laugh at the same things. Armenians and Turks cannot be enemies. We have lived together for centuries and will continue to do so. Europeans were also killing each other for centuries, look at them today. The ultranationalist politicians should be rejected.
Reporter: Yerevan is urging Ankara to separate the AM-TR normalization process from AM-AZ relations, to have no preconditions. Thoughts?
Paylan: Turkey wants Armenia and Azerbaijan to sign a peace treaty before the normalization of AM-TR relations, because of pressure from Erdogan's nationalist wing and Azerbaijan. This is both unfortunate and fortunate. Today we are close to normalization of both AM-AZ and AM-TR relations, these processes are unfolding simultaneously. I think Azerbaijan should become a democratic state so we can have lasting peace and put an end to Armenophobia.
Reporter: Earlier we learned about a 2016 assassination plot against you in Parliament building. You demanded a full investigation. Any updates?
Paylan: Sadly, anyone who calls for peace is under a threat in Turkey. The threat is coming from nationalists. Armenians think there are only nationalists in Turkey, but this couldn't be further from the truth. We have many democratic Turks, Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks who have united to build a truly democratic country respected by others.
Erdogan was a different politician 7 years ago. We will have elections next year. It will be decisive for Turkey and Caucasus. If Turkey returns to democracy, it will have a positive effect on the Caucasus, this is what we are fighting for. Erdogan is an opportunist leader and wants to open the AM-TR border now.
Reporter: What are the possible AM-TR normalization scenarios after the Turkish elections?
Paylan: Erdogan has left the democratic camp and joined the nationalists. But even inside Erdogan's party, there is a democratic wing. Among the opposition, you can find seculars who are nationalists, and Islamists who are not. So both sides have democratic and nationalist forces. Our party [HDP] is offering a third solution, so you don't have to choose between seculars and Islamists. We want to unite the two and choose the democratic path. If democrats win in presidential and parliamentary elections, it will help improve relations with Armenia and Greece.
full,

metal processing plant and training center will open in Nagorno Karabakh

Artsakh government signed an agreement with representatives of the Genesis Armenia think tank and the Econprof construction company.
The ֏200 million investment will help create a modern metal processing and repair plant. It's expected to help the economy and train students.
source,

Finance Minister presents Armenia's 2023 budget:

▶︎ Artsakh will receive at least ֏144B ($365M) in aid, the same as this year. We've reserved an additional ֏20B to ensure other possible issues are addressed.
▶︎ Social +10%, to ֏648B ($1.639B), or 7% of GDP.
▶︎ Defense +35%, to ֏506B ($1.280B), or 5% of GDP.
▶︎ Police +14%, to ֏76B ($192M).
▶︎ Capital expenditures +49%, to ֏548B ($1.385B), or 5.9% of GDP, which is a big increase on top of another massive increase we adopted in 2021.
▶︎ 3/4th of the capital spending increase will be directed toward funding defense infrastructure.
▶︎ Tax revenues to increase from ֏1.920T to ֏2.204T.
▶︎ This year's ֏1.920T tax revenue was ֏75B more than initially projected under the 2022 budget.
More in October 24 and October 26 digests.

what would the debt-to-GDP ratio look like if dram wasn't so strong against the dollar?

The debt-to-GDP ratio will drop from 60.3% in 2021, to 50% in 2023. If the dram was weak, it would have been 56%.

Central Bank president Galstyan:

▶︎ CB forecasts a +12.9% economy in 2022 and +4.5% in 2023. We don't think the government's +7% projection for 2023 (vs 2022) is achievable because the growth in 2022 is very high.

in 2023 the state budget deficit will increase at the expense of increase in capital spending, comprising 3,1% of the GDP, while fiscal policy will be neutral, contributing to a small, 1 percentage point decrease of the debt burden to 49,7%

▶︎ Tax revenue % of GDP: 23.7% (a +0.5% vs 2022).

global trends that have an impact on Armenia's economy

▶︎ Copper prices have been on the decline in recent years: $9.3K in 2021, $8.9K in 2022, and $8.0K in 2023.
▶︎ Oil prices: $102 in 2022, $90 in 2023.
▶︎ Global food prices will -5.8% next year.
▶︎ Exports to Russia have risen significantly. Noticeable positive impact on the economy.
▶︎ Tourists or temporary persons in Armenia: 2x vs 2021 (H1 stats).

after war in Ukraine, Russian economy is doing better than projections in April

▶︎ RU was projected -8.5%, now -3.4%. Next year -2.3% (same).
▶︎ EU was projected +3.1%, now +2.8%. Next year +0.5% (down).
source, source, source, source, source, source, source, source, source, source, source, source, source,
More economy: source, source,

Armenia has the potential to increase exports by $1B, a big increase to the U.S.: IMF study

IMF: The largest potential is with the U.S. ($350M), China (capital goods, food, consumption goods), and Europe.
The model mechanically suggests that Armenia still has a relatively large potential to export transportation equipment to Russia, and industrial supplies to Turkey.
Armenia has exhausted its export potential in such countries as Russia, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Iraq, the Netherlands, Georgia, and Canada.
Armenia’s foreign trade in January-September amounted to over $9.3 billion, a +62.5%. //
source,

mortgage assistance programs

QP MP Hovik Aghazaryan: Apartment prices have skyrocketed this year. Is the Government planning aid programs?
Finance Minister Khachatryan: There is already a large program. When our citizens buy an apartment with a mortgage they receive an income tax refund, and the size of this refund is increasing by tens of billions of drams every year.
MP: Okay, but those apartments are purchased by deputy ministers and ministers, not the poor.
Minister: Uhmm, no. There are no 40,000 ministers and deputy ministers in Armenia. The program is a lot more popular.
MP: Okay, maybe include IT experts and bankers.
Fellow MP: And we are thus thanking these "IT experts and bankers" for taking care of their education and earning middle/high. We're talking about hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries if we include their family members. These are ordinary people who didn't have cash up front, so they needed a mortgage.
Minister: We also have an apartment program for young families, in which the apartment doesn't have to be newly built. There are numerous social support programs and programs for army servicemen.

how expensive is debt?

QP MP Hovik Aghazaryan: The average interest on our debt is 6.4%. Isn't this too high? Our bonds are 10%, so are we using it to "make 12%" so we'll have a "2% profit", if you know what I mean?
Finance Minister: That number is expected due to today's realities, but we have room for improvement. Lowering inflation can lower it. The Big-3 rating agencies assess government policies and credit worthiness. The better we do here, the lower the interest. The reforms in budgetary policies and better debt management are aimed at sending a better microeconomic message to foreign lenders.
When we take a debt at 10%, our goal is to ensure that the benefits to the public outweigh the expenses. We introduced a new tool, called a public investment management tool. If any agency wants to use the budget for an investment program, they must prove that the investment will reimburse the cost, otherwise, the resources will be invested elsewhere. This is handled by the [newly established] Investment Committee headed by Pashinyan. This is a new culture in our system, and it will take years until investments from more fields pass through this filter.
source,

crime rose 27% in the first 9 months, thousands of more drunk and license-less drivers were busted on roads

2021: 20,863 crimes recorded
2022: 26,489 crimes recorded
Over half of the increase came from busting drivers without a license, drunk drivers, and for using heavy insults. Insult and defamation remain illegal in Armenia but they are no longer a felony.
source,

anti-corruption: several companies are fined for price fixing a public tender

Competition Protection Commission: Labor Ministry has launched a tender to organize food delivery for orphanages and mental disability centers. Several companies participated in the auction.
It turns out that 5 of them were associated with the same person. They coordinated their bids.
4 of them were tasked with assisting "Foodcity". Whenever Foodcity found itself outpriced by a competitor, these companies would place lower bids to exclude the competitors and disrupt the bidding procedure. Whenever Foodcity was the best bidder, they would not participate at all.
The companies will pay a ֏14M fine. //
source,

another mechanical water treatment plant will be built in Gavar, farmers to use eco-friendly materials to protect Lake Sevan, German scientists examining waters

There is a program called «Սեւանա լճի շրջակա միջավայրի պահպանություն», tasked with improving the lake's quality amid challenged caused by high temperatures and waste. The latter is the focus.
Group coordinator: The solutions implemented in all 5 fields have already delivered visible results. One of them is the information campaign to raise awareness among residents and businesses near the lake.
We have examined the quality of underground water in the lake basin, and its interaction with groundwater. The water samples will be examined at laboratories operated by Germany's Helmholtz research center, the Technical University of Darmstadt, and Armenia's Hydrometeorology Center.
Over the past 2 years, the beneficiaries of the project have made significant progress in implementing eco-friendly and water-preserving cultivation techniques. New intensive orchards were established, and the farmers will use organic fertilizers.
A farmers' festival was held on Saturday, featuring goods produced as part of this program.
The program will also assist the Sevan National Park with the development of a new management plan, and a decision was made to build the second mechanical plant in Gavar for water treatment. //
This program is part of "EU4Sevan", funded by the EU and Germany.
source,

Government is trying to find a solution for the safe disposal of toxic waste generated by the Nairit chemical plant

The plant doesn't operate but they receive resources to preserve toxic waste accumulated decades ago.
Ministry: We have launched a tender for the safe disposal of 35 types of chemicals. There is a winner for 34, except for լաքեթինոլ, the most dangerous one. There is no research-based experience in the world that we can use to safely destroy it. The company that won the tender for 34 doesn't have the right to treat the 35th.
լաքեթինոլ is a waste that's formed during the production of rubber. You're supposed to burn it within a year if gone unused, but they kept it there for 20 years, so we don't know how to dispose of it. We're in touch with international organizations to find the right method.
Once this լաքեթինոլ is destroyed, several workers will be laid off because they are paid just to produce nitrogen that's needed for the preservation of the waste. If we let it get too hot, it could explode, there is 1,200 tons of it. [shit?]
MP: Are there any use cases for it?
Ministry: We don't even know what it looks like, it's sealed inside a container. Exposure to oxygen could cause an explosion. We can't even move it. It has to be neutralized on site.
MP: Don't cheap out on safety procedures. Any help from international organizations?
Ministry: EU specialists were invited. There is a process.
source,

rescue departments will receive new vehicles next year

Dozens of departments across Armenia will receive 49 new vehicles as part of a $9.5M program.
source,

5% of electricity produced in Armenia is now sold outside of the main grid after the recent energy liberalization reforms | Large contracts with Georgia

Producers can sign contracts directly with buyers. The market currently has 4 producers and 3 wholesale traders.
The reforms were aided by USAID. Its representatives visited the center tasked with monitoring electricity flow and trade.
One of the traders has signed a contract to export electricity to Georgia beginning on November 1. The liberalization has led to more energy trade with Georgia this year, than in the previous 15 years combined, said an official.
source,

female representation in Parliament skyrockets from 3% to 34% after mandatory quota law and awareness campaigns

1995: 6%
1999: 3%
2003: 5%
2005: law is adopted to establish 15% quota, but applies to proportional elections only
2007: 9% (below 15% because many MPs came from majoritarian elections, a field dominated by influential individuals many of whom were rich men)
2011: minimum is set to 20% for proportional
2012: 12%
2016: minimum is set to 30% for proportional
2017: 18%
2019: 24%
2021: proportional is adopted as the main electoral system, "rating lists" are abolished
2021: 34%
source,

if you missed

Follow on Twitter. Yesterday's news in English, русский (by Impossible-Ad-). Archive by Armeniapedia. Donate to Armenia & Artsakh here.
The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law, even if they "appear" guilty.

I used to be apart of her army but my month was up and I am so glad I didn't re subscribe. Since then I have watched her live and clips on here and I am so upset that I didn't realize how mean she and the army can be. I feel bad if I ever joined in on meaness and I am sorry. Ashley and army/moderators are so nasty and attack someone for just asking a question. Ashley even says oh is someone being mean to you on here and without even looking she attacks and laughs at it. Now that's a bully. If you love your followers and army you would keep the peace and tell people to stop instead of chiming in. Don't get me wrong trolls can be hard to deal with but when your are in your 30s and this is how you make a living you should be kind to all. I was in a live a couple of days ago where Ashley and Breezin were being nasty to someone and it was hard to watch. No one stuck up for person's. Jamie joined the mean girls and said a bitchy comment back. There are so many other content creators who deserve the $5.99 and Ashely isn't one of them. Especially when she doesn't acknowledge people who sent her house warming gifts including me. I hope one day she sits down and realizes that she hurts people and loosing followers because of her and her mods. The bitchy mods are half the reason people don't want to be there including me. One mod went after me and Ashley didn't do anything about it. I was fooled but you all already knew she was a terrible since day 1!

Rejoice, Worm! After encountering a repeated lack of significant resistance, Central Command has asked me to take you under my wing so to speak. They want me to prepare you on how to run our majestic country. I can't say I much understand the reasoning behind this request. Even less when we consider how spectacularly Civilian Command managed to botch up the entire 'cold' part of this war. Oh well, what command wants command gets, and if that means putting you through some few ringers to get you to an acceptable standard... well, that's no skin off my back.
Worry not, I'll take very good care of you, Private Worm.
This is a brief 'basic' understanding of Iron Order 1919, what to expect, how to get started, and most importantly, an attempt to get some more competition introduced into this game. If you're a veteran and not, in fact, a worm, then I apologise for the misunderstanding and I'm happy to discuss and even collaborate on points you disagree or even don't quite agree with. After all, while this is to teach our little Worm down here, I'm an avid advocate of constant development. I'd be quite happy to learn from someone worth their salt.
To start with, you need to understand that Iron Order is trickier (though not uniquely so) than other strategy games. To summarise (and keep in mind this is a summary), there are five key points I'll be going over in this report in hopes of making out of you a leader worth following.
Economics, Politics, Territory, Military and Technology. And yes, it's in order of importance, have something to say about it, Worm?
Oh, that's cute. You thought you could win through military might? Well, I might have to make a stop to our dear War Collage Staff if you don't even know this much. But enough of that. Let's get started, I have targets to shoot, and unfortunately, you're not one of them.
Economics. The bread of butter of war, not to mention its most important drive. Forget everything else. Don't waste your finite resources on troop research or troop development. On the first day, I want you to solely invest in your five given city provinces (Oil, Energy, Rare Materials, Food and Iron). You do this by constructing Industries (Which go from Level 1 to 5), each offering a +15% total output per Industry level.
However, keep in mind that the province's morale will affect the output of each city output. For example; an Iron Production City is at 77% morale, even though it has a total output of 4000, it will only produce 3263 Iron Units a day.
Ideally, by the end of the first day, you want to have each city with a level 1 Industry. Following this, you'll have to be more careful with managing your resources. You do remember the part concerning them being finite, yes?
My recommendation would be to focus on Oil, Energy, and Rare Materials. Obviously, this is dependent from case to case, but you need these materials for pretty much anything in the coming War.
Still with me? Good.
Politics. Words can not express how many idiots I've seen that do not understand that actions have consequences. Invading a country with no declaration of war because 'you felt like it' is a pretty good reason to have a bullet through your head by the end of the week! Certainly to turn every surrounding country against you.
So let's talk about your political capital. This is important, so listen up! Your popularity is reflected by the actions you've taken on the international stage. Started wars from country to country? Popularity takes a hit. Take enough hits and AI-driven countries as well as any veteran Players will consider you easy picking.
You do not want to be easy picking.
Note that the less popular a country you invade, the less damage it does to your popularity. In fact, if the country is unpopular enough, it might just add a small boost to your popularity. You can keep track of these events through the 'News' Tab.
On every country's profile, you have War, Trade Embargo, Peace, Right of Way and Share Map.
Be careful with sharing maps, it tells the other country everything, and I mean everything. If the country in question intends to backstab you - especially in the first week - you're chances a pretty close to being slim. In much the same manner, while Right of Way is a less risky compromise, allowing a country into you're border could prove deadly if they intend to attack you.
I can not stress this enough. Trust no one. Politicians are self-entitling creatures, and a game does not make that difference. If they think they gain more by betraying you than working with you, they will. So make damn sure they have every reason to want to work with you.
War needs little explaining (though if you're about to invade a country, make sure to switch relationships so it minimises damage to your popularity). Trade Embargo, is related to the Stock Market; this is a summary, so all you need to know is that Trade Embargo prevents you and your country from having any trades through stock markets.
Coalitions, are more or less like Share Map. They tend to be a slightly firmer agreement, as having a member removed from a coalition means they have to wait two days before joining another coalition. But from my experience, you should treat it with the same degree of weariness as Share Map. Best to only consider it when you've made something of yourself, mid to late way through the war (usually 10 to 15 days).
This is war, sweetheart. That means you want to be the biggest bully in the playground. Unlike those idiots, however, I'll expect you to be discreet about it. Being the strongest is good, but that's a double edge blade if it has everyone shaking hands to bleed you dry.
Messaging players to open discussions is also a possibility. In many ways, this is the most powerful weapon you can wield. Be polite, discuss possibilities, and if possible, pull them into an alliance - even if it's only one of words. Then again, treaties are only made of letters are they not? So I suppose they carry much the same weight, don't they?
Huh. I'm surprised you're still keeping up. Good job, Worm.
Territory. First and foremost. The starting territory is you 'core provinces'. This is important, as any conflict in core provinces increases your unit's damage by 20%, while simultaneously decreasing damage received by 20%. You can also build Fortresses to have a greater decrease in damage received (depending on the level this can range from 35% to 75%).
Any city Province has the option of production buildings to be constructed. This is the only place you can build troops, so make sure they're protected (especially when concerning you're starting five). Also, make a note that building a power plant in a city will increase that city's troop production or building construction by 20% per level. However, anything below 80% will add a penalty to the building/producing time.
Most importantly, and no matter the cost, do not allow your Capital to fall. If it falls, ensure you take it back as fast as possible. This is your number one priority, as a loss of capital means a constant decrease in morale and an almost certain defeat. Defeat means death. Or worse, Exile.
Note that you can build a Capital to replace the old one. It's just strongly unadvisable since your core territories are the most important, and doing so practically ensures your loss.
There are two priorities you need to know about enemy territories. First priority, enemy core provinces will have the same bonuses you do, so make sure to think wisely when engaging on enemy territory. However, what I find even more important is that any enemy province will give your troops a 60% speed decrease. Make sure you have a feasible strategy when entering a foe territory, chances are you'll have to stick once the line is passed.
The second priority is when you've captured any 'non-core cities' from enemy territories. Total output will be capped at 33%, more importantly, and this applies to all provinces, Moral will be at 25% or less. If less, there's a chance of rebellion where the province defects to either its former country or a near neighbour.
As an extra note, placing military units that have received damage on your territory will heal 1/7th of lost health per day. Note the best of system, but still, something to keep track of if all your troops are worse for the war. For example; let's assume you have a unit with 30 health total, but is now down to 8. At the start of the next day, it will gain 3.143 health points adding it back up to 11.143 (It will only be visible to the one-point decimal place). The day after it will be 13.837, then 16.146, etc.
Military. Finally right? Well, also not quite. I hope you've prepared to be disappointed Worm. A good three-quarters of war is waiting with twiddling thumbs and terrible food. It does make for some wild nights, tho. Why, I still remember the party of 1906...
Anyway, there are five classes of troops you can develop your military in, thought I would strongly advise you to make it conditional to the situation front.
We have Conquer, Combat, Support, Aerial and Naval. Each has 5-6 troops you can research and develop (though remember, each next level will only be possible for every few days depending on the troop). Even more important, you want to specialise in one/a few troop(s) rather than go with level one for everything. My advice would be to focus a select few to level 4, then offer a somewhat more diverse army, only to then focus on what you feel is necessary to level 7.
So which troops to specialise in? Well, that's the question, isn't it? Still, that's good, it means you starting to think.
So let me make myself clear. In the first 1-2 days, you don't. Focus on Politics/Economy/Territory. If anyone invades you, then it's a blessing, as they have the same puny army you do, and invading means you have your home territory advantage while they have your home ground speed penalty. Trust me, mess this up and I will put you through the wringer.
Jokes aside, there are three troops I find are a must to specialise. Scouts, Artillery, and Infantry. Each carries a key point that is vital in maintaining national security. Do not mess this up.
Scouts are both cheap and relatively weak in combat. But that isn't their priority. They specialise in vision range, identifying and noticing what lies outside of your borders at a far greater distance than almost any other troop. Ever heard of Sun Tzu and his "Art of War"? It's just common sense. What else would you call knowing where and what your enemy is doing? Alas, common sense always struck me more as a rare sense with the numerous idiots I have to deal with on a daily basis. Nonetheless, keep an eye on its level. Levels 2 and 4 are of little importance to you, but 3 and 5 increase its overall vision range at a relatively low price.
Artillery. And remember what I said about common sense? Because I feel the need to stress how practically no one uses this troop. No one. Napoleon and Stalin both called it the God of War. So why, God tell me, is nobody using this? You receive no damage when using this at a range, and while it does less damage than the heavier hitters (Tanks, Metch's, etc.) it also allows you far greater range and flexibility when managing your army, especially when doing so when inside of your territory. I hope you were paying attention, sweetheart. Or that would have just gone over your head. (As an extra note; while the why is not addressed in this report, you want to place artillery units in mountains, hills or forests to gain damage bonuses).
Infantry. The backbone of your army. The moment you stop having these troops you know you're doing it wrong. Vision range is smaller than that of the scout, and far less powerful than the artillery, it has two redeeming qualities that make it a key component of your army. First and foremost, it can capture enemy provinces and turn them into your own (all Conquering units can, but Infantry is the best one to start with). Affordable, somewhat weak but relatively fast, it's the ideal unit to start a war with. Second, stationed at any city, it will have a damage bonus of 50%, which in the first few days will make a significant difference when fighting oncoming troops.
As a quick overview, ill run you through the bare bones of what to expect in all the other divisions. Make sure to thank me for this, since I'm certainly not being paid overtime for it.
Aerial is relatively useless. Too expensive in the early days, and too underdeveloped in the later days. Your sole interest should be the fighter (which takes 5 minutes to research), and that should only be if one of your neighbours has an unhealthy obsession with bombers. I can respect their dedication to explosions, but the sheer waste of resources is more than enough to pummel that respect into disgust. But if not in need of fighters, ignore everything on that page (while some, especially the Zeppelin, have their uses, it's not something a beginner like you should mess with).
Ha! I can almost hear those Flyboys crying at an entirely reasonable view. Serves them right, staying up in the clouds while we Dogs have to push at the ground.
Naval has its uses, especially when you're surrounded by ocean. Fast and hits hard, you want to focus on the Submarine, Dreadnought and Destroyer once you feel it appropriate to start spreading into a more diverse army. Leviathans are the king of the sea, and quite the vicious thing when hunting submarines, but I'll advise you to play around with them only when you are sure you've already won. Useful as they are, they are so very tricky to get the hand of.
Perhaps most offensive for the army is my stance on its mechs. Except for Tanks, don't bother. All the other combat troops are ridiculously expensive to research, and even more so to build. Pretty sure this is why they refused to promote me, Politicians don't like pouring money into failed projects. Even less when we can't make those failed projects work. But if they wanted me to use them maybe they should make it just a little more affordable enough to make. Honestly, the things I have to put up with...
Support, in much the same, is something you don't much need to expand. Focus on Scouts and Artillery - everything else is fancy, expensive and a little too useless to be applicable.
For Conquerers, there are two troops I would recommend you keep tabs on. First is militia forces, which are relatively useless when attacking other nations. But! And this is important! They have double damage when defending (Though that requires you to keep them stationed, and not moving), and a 25% increase in damage in all but flat land (plains) territory. At a higher level, they are also capable of hiding in cities, which leaves overconfident enemies in vulnerable places for perfect counterattacks. They are a cheap but dependable force when protecting your cities, so make sure to keep this in mind.
And, now, I will tell you the best unit in the game. Yours truly, her alma maters; Commando troops. They are unspottable for most troops (except low-level scouts). More importantly, level 3 has the storm skill, which ignores defensive bonuses any fortification may give. Invisible to most, hits hard, fast, and with the ability to conquer, when let loose these troops can reck your enemy behind their line of defence with quite the gusto.
I'm also going to make a note of the manpower production (Its symbol is a helmet) you get from every city. You need manpower to produce and maintain troops. Ideally, you should have a +200/h manpower production by the end of the first week. Achieve this by building Recruitment Offices in your Core cities. It's not a priority in the first few days of the war, but make sure you keep an eye on it. There's nothing worse than waging a war only to realise you rather lacking in troops. A little like having troops overrun your position as you're mid-way through a shower. Why, I still remember back in 1906...
Technology. I've made a few references above, so I won't say what you need to research as much as I will stress the importance of compromising.
First, researching is expensive. And in the early days, you need to focus on growing your economy to acceptable standards. This means that (except for the holy three troops at level 1), you should ignore research for the first few days. For that matter, except for the scout, I'd advise you to ignore researching Infantry and Artillery past level 1.
Second, and most importantly. You're a fletching worm. This means that you should stay the hell away from building any superweapons until you secure your country's ability to win. Powerful? Yes, but they're all ridiculosity expensive to make, maintain, and even prepare to build. They're time-consuming to build, to move, and chances are you'll only build 1 to 3. So do us all a favour and don't go the Evil Overlord Superweapon route that's far more likely in succeeding having our country burn; 'kay sweetie?
Well, Worm, I think that's it for a quick, basic overview of how to manage our country. I'll give you the heads up and stress that I've skipped a fair bit in the obscure sections simply because I haven't got the time to babysit you threw leadership. But hey, who knows? You might be able to eventually flex those political muscles and have me teach you a bit more if you're lucky. And yes, you certainly would be lucky.
Serve your fatherland well, and nurture your Motherland caringly. And please, don't get yourself killed too quickly.
Yours truly,
Colonel Faith

سعر الصرف Al Mikhwah: رونالد رايجون الفوركس التحكيم

HFX is confirmed SCAM broker blacklisted by Forex Peace Army

Ignis Corruption - In this Procedural City-Building and Survival game, you must manage your resources, expand your village, assemble an army and destroy the source of evil, which changed the entire eco system of a land that was once prosperous and peaceful.

forex peace army جلسه0130 - بررسی بروکرها در

What is the Forex Peace Army?

Markets.com review forex peace army

ForexPeaceArmy is biased in their site reviews

plus500 review forex peace army

forex.com review forex peace army

[NEW UPDATE] My sister is turning into the biggest bridezilla. And I can’t stop laughing.