The Republic of Free Cities [RoFC] continues to make headlines as the alliance has publicized its recent victories on the battlefield in the ongoing Shine a Light on NF tournament, as well as the continued rise in value of the Aurum — the game’s newest trading commodity.
In a new, well-produced video meant to evoke World War II-era newsreels, RoFC reports on its recent taking of tournament square 85|-22 in the Middle Kingdom. The victory, however, appears to have been short-lived, as that square is being hotly contested by several alliances in the region.
RoFC appears to have chipped away at the square, and finally, briefly took control of it with this small attack by RIF fund manager Eowan The Short:
| 27.05.2016 06:19:55 | 85/-22 | Eowan The Short (Republic of F.Cities) | 143 | Zolvon (Love And Freedom) | 50 | Attacker |
The square was lost and won several times by RoFC in the ensuing rounds, and currently ranks 7th overall for that square.
surprisingly, Invictus is not competing for the square, even though VIC’s Jessi has a city adjacent to it.
Recent battles and standings can be accessed here.
Aurum Continues To Rise
The newsreel also points to the continued success of the Aurum as a novel trading commodity. While the public offering of the Aurum has led to conjecture and debate among the gaming population, the value of the shares continues to rise steadily. At present, all 2.5 million shares of the RIF have been purchased, but a stock exchange may be beginning to take shape, where players could potentially buy and sell their shares with other players.
The RIF’s aurum has climbed 11.6% in value in the week-and-a-half since the Times announced a new offering of public shares. 
The Illyriad Times 