View from Benacia/Wednesday, the First of September, 2004
This imported article was originally posted at http://viewfrombenacia.blogspot.com/2004/09/wednesday-first-of-september-2004.html at 09/02/04.
Opening Message from the Editorial Staff
Welcome to this, the first issue of the View from Benacia! Founded and edited by Shyriath Bukolos, Count of Benacia, we consider it our mission to bring you the various stories and subjects of interest from all around Shireroth. We sincerely hope that you enjoy this fine publication, and that you will turn to us for your informational needs.
These Are the Voyages of the Starship Improvise
It appears that Shireroth is being visited by beings not of this world! Today one Admiral James D. Quirk, after visiting Kildare, announced himself in General, claiming that several forums belonging to the subdivisions weren't working (although, to be fair, this editor found no problems in reaching them). A strange and convoluted joke by aliens? Or is it another vision out of Hallucination? Only time will tell.
A Kiwi in Every Pot
As Pr�tor Erik prepares to step down from his post, the campaigning by the three candidates for the position is already heating up, with free food giveaways at the Landsraad Front Gate and a combination debate-and-carnival-sideshow being held at Aurefiction Auraumbre International.
As everyone knows, the Pr�tor is responsible for moderating the Landsraad, the body of nobles charged by the Kaiser with making the laws of the land. The new Pr�tor will be elected by the Landsraad shortly after the upcoming convention. Let's see a brief rundown on the candidates (names in italics are their most commonly used screen names).
Zirandorthel, AKA Eoin, is a longtime veteran of Landsraad management, having held the post of Pr�tor for several eons prior to Erik's election. His experience in the position is a definite advantage, but his promises to leave no post "unkiwi'd" leaves some cold.
Gryphon Avocatio, AKA Nick, the Duke of Yardistan for at least as many eons as Eoin was as Pr�tor (probably more) has served in the Landsraad for a long time and is familiar with the law. Although he promises to be fair and impartial (don't they all?) there is the small matter of his being Yardistani. How dare he! Plus, according to opponent Eoin, he eats babies.
Kitsuki Rai is the youngling of the group. Having joined so recently that his minority period had to be waived for him to run, he has made few specific promises as of yet. But he seems sober and sincere, and has made few enemies as of yet, and perhaps that will bring this dark horse candidate through!
Gobble Gobble
William J*smer, now positively identified as the Gobbler who "cleansed" the forums of Slobovia, Feianova, and Mediterranea earlier this month, has withdrawn his offer to stand trial. A multinational team is still planning an inquiry into the events surrounding the board deletions.
Meanwhile, discussion of the events continues at home; unsurprising, considering that J*smer has accused the Kaiser of being behind the plot. What is surprising, however, is the knowledge that current Duke of Hyperborea Philip Locke, a friend of J*smer in the macronational world, suggested the opening line of the announcement sent after the destruction of the forums. Though this is far from involvement in the actual crime, it means that the Duke did know that something was about to happen and failed to mention it.
This has caused Pr�tor Erik to call the Duke's integrity into question (though admittedly, it isn't the first time) and raises the question of whether or not the issue of his involvement will be brought before the Landsraad.
What to Do with a Vacant Throne
Kaiser Los II recently passed Imperial Decree #117 in order to prevent the absence of a Kaiser or Steward from paralyzing the government. It reads:
"If the Kaiser is absent for over a month, with absence being defined as failure to post to Shireroth or answer any queries, such as email, telephone, or IM about zir status, and has not declared a reason for zir absence such as LOA or vacation, the Kaiser is officially declared dead by Shirerithian law, and the succession process shall take place in the same manner as if the Kaiser had officially abdicated. ' If there is no Kaiser, and a Steward is ruling Shireroth, then after one month of absence, the Steward will be officially declared dead by Shirerithian law and the Landsraad will have the right and duty to choose a new Steward. ' If the Kaiser or Steward later returns, ze will not automatically regain zir position."
Although it is not certain why the Kaiser has chosen to institute this policy now, this editor speculates that recent events in Morovia may have impacted the decision, with a Republic being declared during the absence of the rightful king.
