Difference between revisions of "Guide for the Perplexed"

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Welcome to [[Shireroth]] and to [[micronationalism]]! Whether you're someone who has stumbled upon our site and wants to know more about us or a new immigrant trying to figure out what you've gotten yourself into, the following pamphlet should tell you enough about us to allow you to jump right in and feel that you understand most of what is going on.
+
[[File:Own your own county.png|thumb|right|A propaganda poster of the Ministry of Immigration (4559 ASC).]]
  
===Warning===
+
'''Welcome to [[Shireroth]]'''! Whether you're someone who has stumbled upon our site and wants to know more about us or a new immigrant trying to figure out what you've gotten yourself into, the following pamphlet should tell you enough about us to allow you to jump right in and feel that you understand most of what is going on.
  
According to the DEA, micronationalism is one of the most addictive things on Earth. If you are the kind of person who easily gets addicted to things and doesn't have very much time, you should probably stop reading now.
+
==What is Shireroth?==
 
+
Shireroth is a long standing community that has been running for fourteen years and is chiefly concerned the fate of a fictional country of the same name. Shireroth started out as a micronation, you may have seen a few of those knocking around on the internet, but gradually started to drift away from those who were intent on real world secession, and who frankly seemed a little too intense for their own good (if this is you - '''stop reading now'''). Nowadays Shireroth is more intent on - being Shireroth. One of our erstwhile colleagues has selected a [https://youtu.be/LCQjrW0ofRE?t=89 video clip] for your delectation about what this normally entails. Dissuaded yet? If not then please read on.
==What is micronationalism?==
 
 
 
As the name implies, micronationalism is the game/hobby/way-of-life based on creating and living in small nations. It has many levels, from people who treat it as a role-playing game to people who are dead serious about seceding from the United States or elsewhere as soon as they get enough military might to back themselves up. Shireroth falls in between. We have no real secessionist aspirations and follow all United States laws, but we do try and maintain at least a tenuous grip on reality most of the time. All micronations are looking for new immigrants who are interested in contributing something to the community, and Shireroth is no exception. If what you see in this guide seems interesting to you, please consider joining us.
 
  
 
==Is this a role-playing game?==
 
==Is this a role-playing game?==
 
+
Not in the sense of a traditional RPG of any kind that we're familiar with. For instance, we don't have gamemasters or common rules that everyone implicitly follows. On the other hand, it is not uncommon to play a character that's not exactly like you in every way. Shireroth has had its share of talking dogs, and dolphins, and elves, and even cyborgs that command armies of twelve foot tall bear-hybrid-things (we'd prefer not to have a repeat of the latter of those...). Writing stories with characters of your creation is accepted and encouraged.
Not in the sense of a traditional RPG of any kind that we're familiar with. For instance, we don't have gamemasters or common rules that everyone implicitly follows. On the other hand, it is not uncommon to play a character that's not exactly like you in every way. Shireroth has had its share of talking dogs, and dolphins, and elves, and even cyborgs that command armies of twelve foot tall bear-hybrid-things. Writing stories with characters of your creation is accepted and encouraged.
 
  
 
However, we consider the roleplaying part and the government-simulation part of our nation to be separate magisteria, with a very specific kind of relationship: Roleplaying always yields to government.  
 
However, we consider the roleplaying part and the government-simulation part of our nation to be separate magisteria, with a very specific kind of relationship: Roleplaying always yields to government.  
  
For instance, if the Duke of Elwynn were to decree that all elves in the duchy are to die, you don't write about how the elves are all doing fine, but you're welcome to write about the horrors of genocide, or about a heroic individual that escaped to another duchy, or even about a local resistance movement. You can recontextualise and reinterpret the politics, and in fact Shirithians do this quite often, you just can't force the politics' hand.
+
For instance, if the Duke of Elwynn were to decree that all elves in the duchy are to die, you don't write about how the elves are all doing fine, but you're welcome to write about the horrors of genocide, or about a heroic individual that escaped to another duchy, or even about a local resistance movement. You can recontextualise and reinterpret the politics, and in fact Shirerithians do this quite often, you just can't force the politics' hand.
  
 
Similarly, you can't write a story that you have murdered the Kaiser and are taking his place on the throne. That is, unless you have the Kaiser's approval. In essence, within the political simulation there won't be a difference between assassinating the Kaiser with his approval, and being his chosen heir. The difference only exists in the roleplaying magisterium.
 
Similarly, you can't write a story that you have murdered the Kaiser and are taking his place on the throne. That is, unless you have the Kaiser's approval. In essence, within the political simulation there won't be a difference between assassinating the Kaiser with his approval, and being his chosen heir. The difference only exists in the roleplaying magisterium.
  
If it is helpful, consider Shireroth not to be a simulation of a country but rather a real country that happens to be conducting many of its affairs on the Internet. It has a legislature, a university, a square for general discussion, et cetera. Roleplaying is simply a tool for fleshing out the appearance of countryhood.
+
If it is helpful, consider that the roleplaying element is simply a tool for fleshing out the narrative. A lot of what happens now in Shireorth ties back to this wiki as much as it does to the forums. As long as you try to avoid flatly contradicting what has already been written (as previously noted, ''reinterpreting'' is fine, however) you have comparative freedom to shape things as you wish.
  
 
==So what do you do?==
 
==So what do you do?==
 +
Whatever we want, basically. People are always coming up with more ideas to make Shireroth a more interesting place. However, most stuff that happens here generally falls into a few areas:
  
Whatever we want, basically. People are always coming up with more ideas to make Shireroth a more interesting place. However, most stuff that happens here generally falls into a few areas:
+
* '''We pass laws'''. Laws can concern everything from what holidays we celebrate to our foreign policy to who gets noble titles. This is really the backbone of the whole system. As a new immigrant, you will not be directly involved in the legislative process. However, you can watch the proceedings of the Landsraad and are encouraged to tell your Duke your opinion on issues.
  
* We pass laws. Laws can concern everything from what holidays we celebrate to our foreign policy to who gets noble titles. This is really the backbone of the whole system. As a new immigrant, you will not be directly involved in the legislative process. However, you can watch the proceedings of the Landsraad and are encouraged to tell your Duke your opinion on issues.
+
* '''We conduct foreign relations'''. There are other simulated communities knocking around that started out like Shireroth as micronations, although most are useless. The Ministry of the Exterior works on massaging egos, double-crossing rivals and dreaming up fatuous pieces of paper with lofty ideals that ultimately constrain us to do nothing if we don't want to.
  
* We conduct foreign relations. There are many other micronations around, and some of them, like Babkha, are very close to Shireroth, often working with us or conspiring against us on various plans. The Ministry of the Exterior works on writing treaties, negotiating solutions to problems, keeping informed on what our friends and enemies are doing, and trying to convince foreign countries to act in ways that benefit us. Sometimes we just visit and say hi.
+
* We have a '''military and an intelligence agency'''. The military chiefly participates in "recwars", a uniquely micronational sport similar to RPGs in many ways. Shirerithian Intelligence is mostly a oxymoron but if ham-fisted espionage exploits float your boat, welcome aboard - a high '''attrition''' rate means that there are always vacancies!
  
* We have a military and an intelligence agency. The military chiefly participates in "recwars", a uniquely micronational sport similar to RPGs in many ways. Intelligence often consists of having foreign contacts who are willing to sell Shireroth information on their nations and of infiltrating enemy countries with spies before they can do the same to us.
+
* '''We create fiction'''. We have developed a rich fictional culture, comprised of stories and some history for our lands and institutions. For instance a lot of our most active members prefer to forego the role-playing side of things and focus plausible and detailed accounts of the fictional [[Jorvik (Royal City)|cities]] and countries of the realm.
  
* We create fiction. We have developed a rich fictional culture, a couple of stories, and some history for our lands and institutions. Usually this is done as a side or an embellishment to the government work, but there are some people who prefer just to write stuff or role-play without any official government jobs.
+
* '''We make stuff'''. Shireroth tends to bring out the graphic artist in people, whether designing a [http://bastionunion.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=538&t=11536 palace] to rival Versailles or a [http://shireroth.org/wiki/images/d/d4/Banner_Brrapa_VII.png rag on a stick] that will encourage cannon fodder to gladly march to their deaths in some foreign horror of a war at their master's thoughtless insistence.
  
* We make stuff. From launching model rockets under the guise of a space program to broadcasting KIRS, Shireroth's own radio station, people with hobbies tend to find that associating them with Shireroth makes them more fun and gets people interested in them.
+
* We have '''our own world''', called [http://micras.org/maps/claimsmap.png Micras], which we share with other micronations. Based upon the map, we participate with other nations, conduct foreign affairs and develop our interior policies (e.g.: dividing the land up in Counties).
  
 
==Where do I go to do stuff?==
 
==Where do I go to do stuff?==
The majority of Shirithian affairs are conducted on '''[http://shireroth.kuroshiro.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=1 the forum]'''. Go ahead and post boldly - while a Yardistani or two might bite you if you're not careful, they don't have any infectious diseases. We think.
+
The majority of Shirithian affairs are conducted on '''[http://bastionunion.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=14 the forum]'''. Go ahead and post boldly - the Yardistanis have all been neutered, so the spate of leg-humpings should have abated by now. We hope.
  
 
==How does the government work?==
 
==How does the government work?==
Our government works on the feudal system. It consists of three levels, each of which is sworn to obey the level above them and each of which commands the levels below them in their turn. On top is the Kaiser, who you can think of as a sort of king. His word is law, although to hold official sway it must be formalized in an Imperial Decree. Directly below the Kaiser are the Dukes, of which there are currently five. The Dukes each rule over a Duchy, and each have the privilege of voting in the Landsraad, the legislature that decides most important issues.
+
Our government used to work on basis of '''the feudal system'''. Now to suggest that the government works at all is to express a quaint and old-fashioned optimism that will quickly make you very popular.  
  
The third rung on the feudal ladder, and the one you're probably going to be on for a while, is everyone else. This includes titles that previously had significance in the government, such as Baron, Count and Thane, and the commoner. Non-dukes cannot directly vote or debate in the Landsraad, although they can petition their nobles to bring up acts or change their votes, or post and wait for the [[Praetor]] to approve their participation in the discussion.  
+
It consists of three levels, each of which have rights and responsibilities to the levels above and below them in their turn. '''On top is the Kaiser''', who you can think of as a sort of king. His word used to be law, although now it tends to be considered more of a polite suggestion which his subjects graciously promise to take under advisement (and ignore). To be considered in any way official, it must be formalized in an Imperial Decree. The Kaiser is tasked with maintaining the Imperial Government, upholding the defence of the realm and running an active foreign policy - and to do this he can only rely on the resources of his own estates and the active obstructiveness of his nominal subordinates. It is rightly said to be the most thankless task in Shireroth, nonetheless such is the inherited prestige of the post that it is usually possible to find some damned fool willing to consent to being subjected to three months of constant abuse and besieged within their own throne room.
  
What commoners can do is hold high positions in the Ministries. For sometime the Minister of Military Affairs was a commoner, and there is no reason why an intelligent commoner cannot rise to the top in any of the Ministries, except perhaps that they would be likely to be promoted to the nobility before they got there.
+
Directly below the Kaiser are '''Imperial States''', of which there are currently three. The rulers of these states have sovereignty in their own right over most areas of domestic policy.
  
==How can I become a noble?==
+
The third rung on the ladder, and the one you're you'd be starting from, is everyone else - the great unwashed. This includes those in charge of third tier polities (usually styled counties) with titles that previously had significance in the government, such as '''Baron / Thane, Count'''. Non-nobles have a direct vote in the Landsraad and a say in the legislature.
  
# (the normal way) Be an active, intelligent, and loyal citizen. When a noble title opens up, someone may remember you and recommend you for it.
+
Everyone has the possibility to hold high office in the Ministries. The minimum job requirement is that you can provide plausible explanations of why things aren't your fault and be able to at least pretend to look busy when someone asks what it is you are doing. It's just like the civil service, except with more opportunities for sarcasm.
#(the easy way) Marry into it. The significant others of Shirerithian nobles are granted their own noble titles, although they are not ruling nobles, a small but significant legal distinction.
 
#(the really helpful way) Recruit some friends to Shireroth. If you get a couple of people to join together, and they prove to be active and willing to found a new Duchy together, the Landsraad or the Kaiser is likely to grant you one.
 
  
A great way to prove yourself an intelligent, active, and loyal citizen is to get yourself a job in one of the Ministries. At the time of writing, the [[Imperial Judex]], the [[Minister of Trade]], and the [[Minister of Information]] are all looking for assistants. In general, people who just do good work and make a lot of friends in the community are more likely to become nobles than people who are obviously hell-bent on a title.
+
==How can I become a noble?==
  
==What fiefdom should I live in?==
+
# ('''the normal way''') Be an active, intelligent(ish), and (mostly)loyal citizen. When a noble title opens up, someone may remember you and recommend you for it. There is a good chance of becoming Kaiser after a while.
 +
#('''the easy way''') Marry into it. The significant others of Shirerithian nobles are granted their own noble titles, although they are not ruling nobles, a small but significant legal distinction.
 +
#('''the really helpful way''') Recruit some friends to Shireroth. If you get a couple of people to join together, and they prove to be active and willing to found a new State together, the Landsraad or the Kaiser is likely to grant you one.
  
Most citizens of Shireroth reside in a fiefdom. If you choose to immigrate, you will be expected either to choose a fiefdom or give the Minister of Immigration and Naturalization permission to choose one for you. The current fiefdoms are as follows:
+
A great way to prove yourself an intelligent, active, and loyal citizen is to get yourself a job in one of the Ministries. In general, people who just do good work and make a lot of friends in the community are more likely to hold a higher noble title than people who are obviously hell-bent on a title.
  
===Brookshire===
+
==What State should I live in?==
The Duchy of [[Brookshire]], merger of previous Brookshire and [[Goldshire]], is Shireroth's oldest Duchy and the home of the nation's founder, [[Erik Mortis]]. It is currently ruled by Mike Fors. Brookshire's culture is somewhat conservative, and the citizens tend to be both isolationist and traditionalist. General themes include history and archaeology (especially Shireroth's own fictional history), [[religion]], economy and industry, Monty Python references, and leadership. Different counties offer chances to develop cultures based on influences from Eastern Europe, India, a large variety of places with no obvious Earthly inspiration - and of course there's still space to add your own.
+
[[File:Duchies of Shireroth.png|thumb|right|Shireroth has lots of subdivisions. The States are divided into Counties and those minor subdivisions are waiting for Your Rule, Oh Great One!]]
 +
Most citizens of Shireroth reside in an Imperial State. If you choose to immigrate, you will be expected either to choose an Imperial State of Imperial Dominion or give the Minister of Immigration and Naturalization permission to choose one for you. The current Imperial States are as follows:
 +
===Goldshire===
 +
Influenced by the Celts and Monty Python. Home to pretty things (and demons (and pretty demonic things)). [[Goldshire]] is the most inherently feudal of all the Imperial States.
  
 
===Elwynn===
 
===Elwynn===
Merger of two of Shireroth's perhaps best-cultured duchies, [[Hyperborea]] and [[Elwynn]], the Elwynnese duchy is a place of quiet contemplation in the cold northlands, philosophical insight, and the occasional horrible bloody massacre. It is currently ruled over by Iskander Mirkdale. General themes in Hyperborea include the Pursuit of Truth and Beauty, language, community, learning, art, and living off the land. Themes in Elwynn include natural beauty, elves, Nordic culture, Babkhan culture, forests and rivers, and the north.
+
Ethnic strife, absolute monarchy, inappropriately dressed Vikings, [[History of Elwynn|epic history]]. What's not to love?
 
 
===Kildare===
 
The Duchy of [[Kildare]] (or Du'''t'''chy as Kildarians call it) has a long and somewhat troubled history. Traditionally most military leaders have come from this area. It is ruled by Duke Shyriath, and its culture is an unstable mix of old [[Apollo]]nian traditions that predate Shireroth and a bit of Ireland that has hung on through the region's many incarnations. General themes include both war and love, union and bickering, and also multiculturalism, Apollonian history and [[Soloralism|Apollonian religion]]. Kildare is home to some of Shireroth's better developed minor subdivisions, the old and well-liked [[Schlangen]] and [[Kitanus Fields]], the more unique [[Hallucination]], and the more controversial [[Antya]]. It also has a certain amount of influence from micronations that do a lot of business with the means of magic.
 
 
 
===Yardistan===
 
The Duchy of [[Yardistan]] is certainly Shireroth's most unique Duchy, and quite possibly the most unique thing of any sort anywhere. It is home to several of Shireroth's oldest and most questionable traditions, such as the [[Yardistani Annexation Corps|Annexation Corps]] and the Small Animal and Molotov Cocktail Delivery Company. Its Duke is Greg Russell, arguably an excellent choice for an anarchistic duchy such as this. General themes include war, anarchy, partying, whimsy, passion, tropical heat, and in [[Naudia'Diva]], hunting, beasts, and naturalistic religion.
 
  
===Straylight===
+
===Lichbrook===
Vying for the title of most unique with Yardistan is its cultural offshoot, the naval duchy of [[Straylight]]. While Straylight is almost as old in name as the rest of the duchies, it has only recently been promoted back to actually being a duchy. It is ruled over by [[Ari Rahikkala]], as it has been for most of its existence. General themes include technology, the sea, constructive anarchy, the dark side of society, and if you dig into the history a little, a lot of dolphins and the occasional dragon.
+
Imagine somebody had spliced together the Night of the Living Dead with Pan's Labyrinth and that the resulting abominations had gone on to raid the costume wardrobe of an 18th Century Opera House, therein you have the essential appeal of [[Lichbrook]].
  
 
==How do I immigrate?==
 
==How do I immigrate?==
 
+
If this sounds like something you might be interested in, register on our public forum, go to the [http://bastionunion.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=224 Ministry of Immigration and Naturalization (MiniImNat)], and fill out the form on the top. For more information on immigration, talk to the Minister of Immigration, whose contact details are below.
If this sounds like something you might be interested in, register on our public forum, go to the [http://shireroth.kuroshiro.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=8 Ministry of Immigration and Naturalization (MiniImNat)], and fill out the form on the top. For more information on immigration, talk to the Minister of Immigration, whose contact details are below.
 
  
 
==Who can I talk to?==
 
==Who can I talk to?==
  
If you have some questions about Shireroth or just want to chat, here's a few possibilities.
+
If you have some questions about Shireroth or just want to chat, the best bet is the [http://bastionunion.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=14 forum].
 
 
* The best bet is the [http://shireroth.kuroshiro.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=1 forum].
 
* Or you can try the #micronations IRC channel on irc.psigenix.net (or [http://shireroth.kuroshiro.net/irc on the web])
 
* Or you can contact people by instant messaging (the given names are AIM IDs):
 
** Rrakanychan: [[Erik Mortis]],  often a [[Kaiser]], and bon vivant.
 
** Ari Rahikkala: current [[Minister of the Interior]]
 
** GSquid314: Scott, a respected long-time Shirithian
 
  
 
==Any other advice?==
 
==Any other advice?==
 
 
* Just participate. The more you do stuff, the more it will all become clear to you.
 
* Just participate. The more you do stuff, the more it will all become clear to you.
* Don't worry if you are kind of confused your first few days, eventually everything will become clear. Except the Yardistanis, but don't worry too much about that; we don't get them either.
+
* Don't worry if you are kind of confused your first few days, eventually everything will become clear. Even the old-timers are still surprised of what Shireroth has to offer.
* If you don't know whether or not to do something, do it. If it was stupid, we'll tell you so and not worry about it, and it will be a good way for you to learn.
+
* If you don't know whether or not to do something, do it. We'll probably find it fun and play along - that's how we built a micronation in the first place.
 
* Ask questions. Questions are good.
 
* Ask questions. Questions are good.
 
* Talk to people. About anything. The more people you know, and know well, the more enjoyable things will be.
 
* Talk to people. About anything. The more people you know, and know well, the more enjoyable things will be.
 +
*If you're confused about the forum because you see other nations on it: this is simply to explain. Shireroth is currently sharing a forum with some other micronations, this makes visiting each other a lot easier.
 +
  
 
==Where can I get more information?==
 
==Where can I get more information?==
 
 
The wiki you're currently reading can give you definitions of most of terms related to Shireroth, histories of our institutions, and descriptions (occasionally warnings) of different people or positions. You should be able to just click on the "Random page" link in the sidebar and learn about a random Shirithian subject, or just read through the wiki and the forum. The easiest way to find out things, however, is to ask about them.
 
The wiki you're currently reading can give you definitions of most of terms related to Shireroth, histories of our institutions, and descriptions (occasionally warnings) of different people or positions. You should be able to just click on the "Random page" link in the sidebar and learn about a random Shirithian subject, or just read through the wiki and the forum. The easiest way to find out things, however, is to ask about them.

Latest revision as of 15:22, 29 March 2016

A propaganda poster of the Ministry of Immigration (4559 ASC).

Welcome to Shireroth! Whether you're someone who has stumbled upon our site and wants to know more about us or a new immigrant trying to figure out what you've gotten yourself into, the following pamphlet should tell you enough about us to allow you to jump right in and feel that you understand most of what is going on.

What is Shireroth?

Shireroth is a long standing community that has been running for fourteen years and is chiefly concerned the fate of a fictional country of the same name. Shireroth started out as a micronation, you may have seen a few of those knocking around on the internet, but gradually started to drift away from those who were intent on real world secession, and who frankly seemed a little too intense for their own good (if this is you - stop reading now). Nowadays Shireroth is more intent on - being Shireroth. One of our erstwhile colleagues has selected a video clip for your delectation about what this normally entails. Dissuaded yet? If not then please read on.

Is this a role-playing game?

Not in the sense of a traditional RPG of any kind that we're familiar with. For instance, we don't have gamemasters or common rules that everyone implicitly follows. On the other hand, it is not uncommon to play a character that's not exactly like you in every way. Shireroth has had its share of talking dogs, and dolphins, and elves, and even cyborgs that command armies of twelve foot tall bear-hybrid-things (we'd prefer not to have a repeat of the latter of those...). Writing stories with characters of your creation is accepted and encouraged.

However, we consider the roleplaying part and the government-simulation part of our nation to be separate magisteria, with a very specific kind of relationship: Roleplaying always yields to government.

For instance, if the Duke of Elwynn were to decree that all elves in the duchy are to die, you don't write about how the elves are all doing fine, but you're welcome to write about the horrors of genocide, or about a heroic individual that escaped to another duchy, or even about a local resistance movement. You can recontextualise and reinterpret the politics, and in fact Shirerithians do this quite often, you just can't force the politics' hand.

Similarly, you can't write a story that you have murdered the Kaiser and are taking his place on the throne. That is, unless you have the Kaiser's approval. In essence, within the political simulation there won't be a difference between assassinating the Kaiser with his approval, and being his chosen heir. The difference only exists in the roleplaying magisterium.

If it is helpful, consider that the roleplaying element is simply a tool for fleshing out the narrative. A lot of what happens now in Shireorth ties back to this wiki as much as it does to the forums. As long as you try to avoid flatly contradicting what has already been written (as previously noted, reinterpreting is fine, however) you have comparative freedom to shape things as you wish.

So what do you do?

Whatever we want, basically. People are always coming up with more ideas to make Shireroth a more interesting place. However, most stuff that happens here generally falls into a few areas:

  • We pass laws. Laws can concern everything from what holidays we celebrate to our foreign policy to who gets noble titles. This is really the backbone of the whole system. As a new immigrant, you will not be directly involved in the legislative process. However, you can watch the proceedings of the Landsraad and are encouraged to tell your Duke your opinion on issues.
  • We conduct foreign relations. There are other simulated communities knocking around that started out like Shireroth as micronations, although most are useless. The Ministry of the Exterior works on massaging egos, double-crossing rivals and dreaming up fatuous pieces of paper with lofty ideals that ultimately constrain us to do nothing if we don't want to.
  • We have a military and an intelligence agency. The military chiefly participates in "recwars", a uniquely micronational sport similar to RPGs in many ways. Shirerithian Intelligence is mostly a oxymoron but if ham-fisted espionage exploits float your boat, welcome aboard - a high attrition rate means that there are always vacancies!
  • We create fiction. We have developed a rich fictional culture, comprised of stories and some history for our lands and institutions. For instance a lot of our most active members prefer to forego the role-playing side of things and focus plausible and detailed accounts of the fictional cities and countries of the realm.
  • We make stuff. Shireroth tends to bring out the graphic artist in people, whether designing a palace to rival Versailles or a rag on a stick that will encourage cannon fodder to gladly march to their deaths in some foreign horror of a war at their master's thoughtless insistence.
  • We have our own world, called Micras, which we share with other micronations. Based upon the map, we participate with other nations, conduct foreign affairs and develop our interior policies (e.g.: dividing the land up in Counties).

Where do I go to do stuff?

The majority of Shirithian affairs are conducted on the forum. Go ahead and post boldly - the Yardistanis have all been neutered, so the spate of leg-humpings should have abated by now. We hope.

How does the government work?

Our government used to work on basis of the feudal system. Now to suggest that the government works at all is to express a quaint and old-fashioned optimism that will quickly make you very popular.

It consists of three levels, each of which have rights and responsibilities to the levels above and below them in their turn. On top is the Kaiser, who you can think of as a sort of king. His word used to be law, although now it tends to be considered more of a polite suggestion which his subjects graciously promise to take under advisement (and ignore). To be considered in any way official, it must be formalized in an Imperial Decree. The Kaiser is tasked with maintaining the Imperial Government, upholding the defence of the realm and running an active foreign policy - and to do this he can only rely on the resources of his own estates and the active obstructiveness of his nominal subordinates. It is rightly said to be the most thankless task in Shireroth, nonetheless such is the inherited prestige of the post that it is usually possible to find some damned fool willing to consent to being subjected to three months of constant abuse and besieged within their own throne room.

Directly below the Kaiser are Imperial States, of which there are currently three. The rulers of these states have sovereignty in their own right over most areas of domestic policy.

The third rung on the ladder, and the one you're you'd be starting from, is everyone else - the great unwashed. This includes those in charge of third tier polities (usually styled counties) with titles that previously had significance in the government, such as Baron / Thane, Count. Non-nobles have a direct vote in the Landsraad and a say in the legislature.

Everyone has the possibility to hold high office in the Ministries. The minimum job requirement is that you can provide plausible explanations of why things aren't your fault and be able to at least pretend to look busy when someone asks what it is you are doing. It's just like the civil service, except with more opportunities for sarcasm.

How can I become a noble?

  1. (the normal way) Be an active, intelligent(ish), and (mostly)loyal citizen. When a noble title opens up, someone may remember you and recommend you for it. There is a good chance of becoming Kaiser after a while.
  2. (the easy way) Marry into it. The significant others of Shirerithian nobles are granted their own noble titles, although they are not ruling nobles, a small but significant legal distinction.
  3. (the really helpful way) Recruit some friends to Shireroth. If you get a couple of people to join together, and they prove to be active and willing to found a new State together, the Landsraad or the Kaiser is likely to grant you one.

A great way to prove yourself an intelligent, active, and loyal citizen is to get yourself a job in one of the Ministries. In general, people who just do good work and make a lot of friends in the community are more likely to hold a higher noble title than people who are obviously hell-bent on a title.

What State should I live in?

Shireroth has lots of subdivisions. The States are divided into Counties and those minor subdivisions are waiting for Your Rule, Oh Great One!

Most citizens of Shireroth reside in an Imperial State. If you choose to immigrate, you will be expected either to choose an Imperial State of Imperial Dominion or give the Minister of Immigration and Naturalization permission to choose one for you. The current Imperial States are as follows:

Goldshire

Influenced by the Celts and Monty Python. Home to pretty things (and demons (and pretty demonic things)). Goldshire is the most inherently feudal of all the Imperial States.

Elwynn

Ethnic strife, absolute monarchy, inappropriately dressed Vikings, epic history. What's not to love?

Lichbrook

Imagine somebody had spliced together the Night of the Living Dead with Pan's Labyrinth and that the resulting abominations had gone on to raid the costume wardrobe of an 18th Century Opera House, therein you have the essential appeal of Lichbrook.

How do I immigrate?

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, register on our public forum, go to the Ministry of Immigration and Naturalization (MiniImNat), and fill out the form on the top. For more information on immigration, talk to the Minister of Immigration, whose contact details are below.

Who can I talk to?

If you have some questions about Shireroth or just want to chat, the best bet is the forum.

Any other advice?

  • Just participate. The more you do stuff, the more it will all become clear to you.
  • Don't worry if you are kind of confused your first few days, eventually everything will become clear. Even the old-timers are still surprised of what Shireroth has to offer.
  • If you don't know whether or not to do something, do it. We'll probably find it fun and play along - that's how we built a micronation in the first place.
  • Ask questions. Questions are good.
  • Talk to people. About anything. The more people you know, and know well, the more enjoyable things will be.
  • If you're confused about the forum because you see other nations on it: this is simply to explain. Shireroth is currently sharing a forum with some other micronations, this makes visiting each other a lot easier.


Where can I get more information?

The wiki you're currently reading can give you definitions of most of terms related to Shireroth, histories of our institutions, and descriptions (occasionally warnings) of different people or positions. You should be able to just click on the "Random page" link in the sidebar and learn about a random Shirithian subject, or just read through the wiki and the forum. The easiest way to find out things, however, is to ask about them.