View from Benacia/Issue 8: Friday, the Seventeenth of September
This imported article was originally posted at http://viewfrombenacia.blogspot.com/2004/09/issue-8-friday-seventeenth-of.html at 09/18/04.
The Rebellion is Over!
His Majesty the Kaiser ended the rebellion in Alexandretta yesterday, but not in a manner anyone was expecting. In Imperial Decree #127, Kaiser Raynor XI removed Duke Rakesh of Brookshire from office and replaced him with the rebellious Baroness Alexandra, demoting him to Baron of Alexandretta in turn. The only punishment meted out to the new Duchess was the removal of her status as Kaiseress, which she gained through micronational marriage to the Kaiser. It was, however, promised in the decree that further Baronial rebellions would be punishable offenses.
But the decision sparked a serious row, angering many of the Kaiser's closest associates; there were accusations of the rebellion being held purposely to elevate the Baroness to the rule of the Duchy. It is also well known that Rakesh, one of the more progressive Dukes, has taken frequent stands against the most conservative aspects of Shirerithian society, while the Kaiser has preferred to guard them as distinctive marks of Shireroth's feudal nature.
In the end, the Kaiser agreed that he had acted wrongly, and issued Imperial Decree #128. Although Rakesh remained removed from the Dukeship, he was made a Baron of a new Barony, which will be provided with a name and forum shortly. Shyriath Bukolos was made Duke of Brookshire, and Alexandra and her Barony demoted to County status.
With this arrangement being made, and the Kaiser having issued an apology, the controversy seems largely to have dissipated, and things have suddenly become remarkably civil. Wow!
Oh Yeah, and Some Other Decrees Too
Also made by the time of this printing were several other decrees from the Kaiser. Imperial Decree #129 curbs the power of subdivisions to make treaties or alliances other than cultural and economic agreements between each other. Imperial Decree #130 sets a tune written and composed by Duke Nick of Yardistan as the official national anthem; have a listen! Imperial Decree #131 provides for the creation of an Imperial Decreebook, in which the remaining valid decrees of the Kaisers are compiled.
Imperial Decree #132, which quickly seems to be developing into a shining example of the Kaiser's returning brainpower, has been well received by the populace. It provides for the creation of the Imperial Advisory Council, a body of three individuals of diverse political standpoints whose duty is to advise and inform the Kaiser. The Council members appointed in the decree are Duke Nick of Yardistan, Duke Joseph of Kildare, and Baron Rakesh of (an as-yet unnamed barony in) Brookshire. The Imperial Advisory Council also has a new forum.
Councils, Councils Everywhere
A result of the new peace seems to be a loosening of some of the political constraints of Shireroth, as evidenced by the founding of the K.O.N.E.D.I. (Kusona O'Nikana E'Dishuna), or Council on Renewal and Reintegration, in Hyperborea. This body, set up by Minister of the Exterior Scott, is a group dedicated to debating and discussing ideas for reform in a civil atmosphere, and to eventually crafting a manifesto of suggested reforms.
It may be that a similar council for nobles may also spring up. While discussing legislation in the Landsraad, Duke Erutirn of Goldshire proposed the creation of a Conference of Progressive Dukes in order to coordinate development of the various local councils instituted in several Duchies recently.
A Sigh of Relief
The threats of DOS attacks posted on the Cyberian and Lyrican blogs have apparently been exposed as cruel jokes. Jack Santucci spoke with a person believed to be Minister Foma of the Nation of Dyre, and confirms that the Minister's roommate made the threats as some form of sick amusement. The Nation of Dyre, meanwhile, has been confirmed as quite dead.
The nations involved are breathing easier, but remain on alert... just in case.
