Difference between revisions of "History of Shireroth"

From ShireWiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m (1 revision(s))
m (1 revision(s))
Line 1: Line 1:
<i>Editor's
 
Note: The following was written and published by [[Scott Alexander]] in
 
two parts, the first under the name "History of Shireroth" in 2002 and
 
the second under the name "Death Rides Again" in 2004. It was
 
transcribed to the ShireWiki by [[James Raine]].</i>
 
 
== History Part 1 ==
 
== History Part 1 ==
 
=== Chapter I: The Very Beginning ===
 
=== Chapter I: The Very Beginning ===
 
==== Part 1: Founding ====
 
==== Part 1: Founding ====
This history ought to begin at the beginning; that is, the founding of
+
This history ought to begin at the beginning; that is, the founding of [[Shireroth]]. Unfortunately, exactly when that was is unclear. The official history of Shireroth fixes the date at twelve midnight on [[April 24, 2000]]. Since [[Apollo Standard Time]] had not yet been invented, we must assume this refers to the Pacific time used by [[Erik Metzler|Kaiser Metzler]]. The forum records back this up after a fashion - a post entitled "The Republic Of Shireroth is Founded" is dated 4/23/00 11:37:56 pm - not midnight, but close. The first post on the Shireroth forum, though, is [[April 21]]. And the [[Hegemony of Alexandros|Alexandros]] record lists Shireroth as founded 264 [[ASC]], which translates into [[April 26]] on the [[Gregorian calendar]]. My guess would be that the forum was created on the 21st, and an official proclamation made on the 23rd, which was then rounded off to the 24th. And the Alexandrians just didn't know what they were talking about.
[[Shireroth]]. Unfortunately, exactly when that was is unclear. The
+
 
official history of Shireroth fixes the date at twelve midnight on
 
[[April 24, 2000]]. Since [[Apollo Standard Time]] had not yet been
 
invented, we must assume this refers to the Pacific time used by
 
[[Kaiser Metzler]]. The forum records back this up after a fashion - a
 
post entitled "The Republic Of Shireroth is Founded" is dated 4/23/00
 
11:37:56 pm - not midnight, but close. The first post on the Shireroth
 
forum, though, is [[April 21, 2000|April 21]]. And the [[Alexandros]]
 
record lists Shireroth as founded 264 [[ASC]], which translates into
 
April 26 on the [[Gregorian calendar]]. My guess would be that the
 
forum was created on the 21st, and an official proclamation made on the
 
23rd, which was then rounded off to the 24th. And the Alexandrians just
 
didn't know what they were talking about.
 
 
==== Part 2: Sequential Events ====
 
==== Part 2: Sequential Events ====
On the first day of Shireroth's existence it was greeted by the
+
On the first day of Shireroth's existence it was greeted by the [[Istvanistan]]is and [[Hyperborea]]ns. It will also be noted that the Hyperboreans pointed out the first of Shireroth's spelling errors (the word "discussion") on that day. Hyperboreans pointing out Shirerothian spelling errors was later to become a grand tradition. [[Erik Metzler|Erik]] then left for two days, during which Shireroth's early history more or less stopped, since at that period he was the only citizen. The next important event of this period was the acceptance of a treaty with the [[Great Automatic Peoples' Republic]] by a 4-0 margin, in which both vowed never to attack each other. Shireroth was also recognized by [[Blackrock]], [[Jasonia]] and [[Istvanistan]].
[[Istvanistan]]is and [[Hyperborea]]ns. It will also be noted that the
+
 
Hyperboreans pointed out the first of Shireroth's spelling errors (the
 
word "discussion") on that day. Hyperboreans pointing out Shirerothian
 
spelling errors was later to become a grand tradition. [[Erik
 
Metzler|Erik]] then left for two days, during which Shireroth's early
 
history more or less stopped, since at that period he was the only
 
citizen. The next important event of this period was the acceptance of
 
a treaty with the [[Great Automatic Peoples' Republic]] by a 4-0
 
margin, in which both vowed never to attack each other. Shireroth was
 
also recognized by [[Blackrock]], [[Jasonia]] and [[Istvanistan]].
 
 
==== Part 3: Provisional Government ====
 
==== Part 3: Provisional Government ====
The government during this time was the [[Provisional Government]].
+
The government during this time was the [[Provisional Government]]. Erik was to be a [[President]] with dictator-like powers until the [[Republic]] gained its fifth citizen. At that time, a more representative government would be established. Shireroth joined [[Audentior]] before that could happen. The only actions of Metzler's government were to appoint a [[Citizenship Minister]] and to create a [[Erb|currency]]. The Citizenship Minister was [[John Sager]], who said he would make a citizenship form (he never did), and the currency was the €, although there is no record of the name Erb until much later. Speaking of Sager, he tried to form a party called the [[Popular Front of Shireroth]] to bring Automatic ideals into the country, but he never really got around to completing this.
Erik was to be a [[President]] with dictator-like powers until the
+
 
[[Republic]] gained its fifth citizen. At that time, a more
 
representative government would be established. Shireroth joined
 
[[Audentior]] before that could happen. The only actions of Metzler's
 
government were to appoint a [[Citizenship Minister]] and to create a
 
[[Erb|currency]]. The Citizenship Minister was [[John Sager]], who said
 
he would make a citizenship form (he never did), and the currency was
 
the €, although there is no record of the name Erb until much later.
 
Speaking of Sager, he tried to form a party called the [[Popular Front
 
of Shireroth]] to bring Automatic ideals into the country, but he never
 
really got around to completing this.
 
 
==== Part 4: Analysis ====
 
==== Part 4: Analysis ====
Shireroth didn't do very much in the pre-[[Audentior]] days. It didn't
+
Shireroth didn't do very much in the pre-[[Audentior]] days. It didn't have enough time to. The [[First Republic]]'s major impact on history was to provide a base for future incarnations to work off of, to set the flag and currency, and to help facilitate the Audente merger negotiations, in which it played a major part and was one of the strongest voices for unity.
have enough time to. The [[First Republic]]'s major impact on history
+
 
was to provide a base for future incarnations to work off of, to set
 
the flag and currency, and to help facilitate the Audente merger
 
negotiations, in which it played a major part and was one of the
 
strongest voices for unity.
 
 
=== Chapter II: The Audente Age ===
 
=== Chapter II: The Audente Age ===
 
==== Part 1: Shireroth In The Merger ====
 
==== Part 1: Shireroth In The Merger ====
The age of the [[First Great Merger]] is a very misunderstood one, but
+
The age of the [[First Great Merger]] is a very misunderstood one, but unfortunately I cannot get into it here. Shireroth, ironically, was probably one of the most pro-merger countries in the whole bunch. It was mainly small nations who were willing to agree to the merge - in the beginning, Shireroth and Hyperborea. The addition of [[Tapfer]] as a small nation was also helpful. The large nations in the merger process, who were very conservative about the possibility of creating a new country, were Jasonia and the Automatics. With Shireroth, the small nations just managed to have a majority in the proceedings, and eventually Jasonia (though significantly, not Automatica) gave in. On [[May 14th]] Shireroth became an official Audente province. [[Greg Shaddinger]], who was strongly anti-Audentior, threatened to resign, but President Metzler said that this was a new nation and he didn't have to participate in Audente affairs if he didn't want to. [[John Sager]], who had his own reasons for being anti-Audentior, did emigrate.
unfortunately I cannot get into it here. Shireroth, ironically, was
+
 
probably one of the most pro-merger countries in the whole bunch. It
 
was mainly small nations who were willing to agree to the merge - in
 
the beginning, Shireroth and Hyperborea. The addition of [[Tapfer]] as
 
a small nation was also helpful. The large nations in the merger
 
process, who were very conservative about the possibility of creating a
 
new country, were Jasonia and the Automatics. With Shireroth, the small
 
nations just managed to have a majority in the proceedings, and
 
eventually Jasonia (though significantly, not Automatica) gave in. On
 
[[May 14th]]
 
Shireroth became an official Audente province. [[Greg Shaddinger]], who
 
was strongly anti-Audentior, threatened to resign, but President
 
Metzler said that this was a new nation and he didn't have to
 
participate in Audente affairs if he didn't want to. John Sager, who
 
had his own reasons for being anti-Audentior, did emigrate.
 
 
==== Part 2: General Politics ====
 
==== Part 2: General Politics ====
The [[Tetrapole Representative]] from Shireroth was Erik Metzler. He
+
The [[Tetrapole Representative]] from Shireroth was Erik Metzler. He also won in a national election the [[Legislative Chair]] position, a victory which he celebrated in his infamous thread "[[I am got the chair]]!." His main policies in the Tetrapole were pushing for direct democracy and supporting anything [[Bill Dusch]] of Tapfer opposed. Another important political issue here is that [[Daniel K]], also known as [[VH Fenrir]], joined Shireroth for the first time.
also won in a national election the [[Legislative Chair]] position, a
+
 
victory which he celebrated in his infamous thread "[[I am got the
 
chair]]!." His main policies in the Tetrapole were pushing for direct
 
democracy and supporting anything [[Bill Dusch]] of Tapfer opposed.
 
Another important political issue here is that [[Daniel K]], also known
 
as [[VH Fenrir]], joined Shireroth for the first time.
 
 
==== Part 3: The Manifold Conflicts ====
 
==== Part 3: The Manifold Conflicts ====
Shireroth in the AIN was, unfortunately, probably best known for
+
Shireroth in the AIN was, unfortunately, probably best known for causing a lot of trouble. The first bit of trouble was the [[Direct Democracy Riots]]. These riots were the first time that Shireroth used its infamous [[smiley bomb]], forcing [[Executive Chair]] [[Scott Alexander]] to declare martial law. This just got the Shirerothians angrier, and would have split the country had a last minute agreement not been brokered. What did end up splitting the country were the riots that occurred when Bill Dusch was elected President in a vote evidently run by the same people who did Palm Beach. These riots too were led by Shireroth.
causing a lot of trouble. The first bit of trouble was the [[Direct
+
 
Democracy Riots]]. These riots were the first time that Shireroth used
 
its infamous [[smiley bomb]], forcing [[Executive Chair]] [[Scott
 
Alexander]] to declare martial law. This just got the Shirerothians
 
angrier, and would have split the country had a last minute agreement
 
not been brokered. What did end up splitting the country were the riots
 
that occurred when Bill Dusch was elected President in a vote evidently
 
run by the same people who did Palm Beach. These riots too were led by
 
Shireroth.
 
 
==== Part 4: Shirerothian Secession ====
 
==== Part 4: Shirerothian Secession ====
Shireroth seceded, as mentioned above, after the tainted elections
+
Shireroth seceded, as mentioned above, after the tainted elections during which Bill Dusch was chosen as Audentior's first President. This was on [[July 11th 2000]], after the three Shirerothian citizens of the period (Erik Metzler, Daniel K, and Greg Shaddinger) approved. It was then discovered by the Audentes that secession was not, technically, illegal. President Dusch decided it was important to keep the nation together anyway, and attacked Shireroth. Well, sort of. What he did was post a map of Shireroth that included an Audente attack force. The Shirerothians laughed at him and challenged him to resolve the matter by a game of [[StarCraft]]. Dusch continued his unorthodox tactics, which were mockingly called "[[GifWars]]", but Audentior fell a few days later, and he chose not to pursue the war further.
during which Bill Dusch was chosen as Audentior's first President. This
+
 
was on [[July 11th 2000]], after the three Shirerothian citizens of the
 
period (Erik Metzler, Daniel K, and Greg Shaddinger) approved. It was
 
then discovered by the Audentes that secession was not, technically,
 
illegal. President Dusch decided it was important to keep the nation
 
together anyway, and attacked Shireroth. Well, sort of. What he did was
 
post a map of Shireroth that included an Audente attack force. The
 
Shirerothians laughed at him and challenged him to resolve the matter
 
by a game of [[StarCraft]]. Dusch continued his unorthodox tactics,
 
which were mockingly called "[[GifWars]]", but Audentior fell a few
 
days later, and he chose not to pursue the war further.
 
 
==== Part 5: Culture During The Audente Era ====
 
==== Part 5: Culture During The Audente Era ====
Shirerothian culture during the Audente Era was primarily focused on
+
Shirerothian culture during the Audente Era was primarily focused on [[Boomism]] (more properly called [[BO0O/\/\ism]]). This was both a [[religion]] and a [[political party]]. It began with the game of StarCraft, in which it was, in the words of Erik Metzler, a philosophy that "anything that's not Terran should go BOOOOM!". However, it evolved into a general pro-explosion way of thinking. The [[Boomist Party]] was for peace through armed strength and opposed the [[Demesos Party]] in Audentior's virtual two-party system. Of the foundationalist Boomist religion little has survived except the knowledge that the single holiday, [[La Fiesta De La BOOOM]], was celebrated on [[July 26]]. The Boomist symbol was a nuclear mushroom cloud.
[[Boomism]] (more properly called [[BO0O/\/\ism]]). This was both a
+
 
[[religion]] and a [[political party]]. It began with the game of
 
StarCraft, in which it was, in the words of Erik Metzler, a philosophy
 
that "anything that's not Terran should go BOOOOM!". However, it
 
evolved into a general pro-explosion way of thinking. The [[Boomist
 
Party]] was for peace through armed strength and opposed the [[Demesos
 
Party]] in Audentior's virtual two-party system. Of the Boomist
 
religion little has survived except the knowledge that the single
 
holiday, [[La Fiesta De La BOOOM]], was celebrated on [[July 26]]. The
 
Boomist symbol was a nuclear mushroom cloud.
 
 
=== Chapter III: The Jasonian and Apollonian Ages ===
 
=== Chapter III: The Jasonian and Apollonian Ages ===
 
==== Part 1: Integration With Jasonia ====
 
==== Part 1: Integration With Jasonia ====
Why would Shireroth merge into a monolithic nation controlled by
+
Why would Shireroth merge into a monolithic nation controlled by [[Jasonia]]ns when it had just angrily seceded from a monolithic nation controlled by Jasonians? While it would be nice to say that the archives held the answer, any appropriate threads were either deleted or never in existence. Luckily, we have a thread from the Jasonian side, which allows us to date the merge at [[July 13]] (making Shireroth independent for all of two days). And here Erik gives his answer to the question posited above: "Shireroth never lasted long enough before the [[AIN]] merger to develop. Now that we are free again. I see no reason why would should bother trying to develop. We are basically just the same thing as FIoJ, just smaller and less organized.(if that is even possible.)" {myriad spelling/grammar errors fixed} Shireroth joined Jasonia, it may be said, out of laziness.
[[Jasonia]]ns when it had just angrily seceded from a monolithic nation
+
 
controlled by Jasonians? While it would be nice to say that the
 
archives held the answer, any appropriate threads were either deleted
 
or never in existence. Luckily, we have a thread from the Jasonian
 
side, which allows us to date the merge at July 13 (making Shireroth
 
independent for all of two days). And here Erik gives his answer to the
 
question posited above:" Shireroth never lasted long enough before the
 
AIN merger to develop. Now that we are free again. I see no reason why
 
would should bother trying to develop. We are basically just the same
 
thing as FIoJ, just smaller and less organized.(if that is even
 
possible.)" {myriad spelling/grammar errors fixed} Shireroth joined
 
Jasonia, it may be said, out of
 
laziness.
 
 
==== Part 2: On the Activities of Shireroth, Or Lack Thereof ====
 
==== Part 2: On the Activities of Shireroth, Or Lack Thereof ====
Shireroth was completely inactive during the [[Jasonian Age]]. All
+
Shireroth was completely inactive during the [[Jasonian Age]]. All states that were part of the Flying Islands were. The one burst of interesting news was that the Shirerothians [[secede]]d on [[September 24]] and then [[unsecede]]d two hours later before anyone noticed. This was due to Erik's anger at being put on trial for spamming, but apparently he changed his mind and decided not to dig himself deeper. Erik was the only really active Shirerothian-Jasonian, although Dan K popped up from time to time. Both took the [[Hellish side]] in the [[Infernal War]] but were content to rejoin Jasonia after the [[Treaty of the Gods]].
states that were part of the Flying Islands were. The one burst of
+
 
interesting news was that the Shirerothians [[secede]]d on September 24
 
and then [[unsecede]]d two hours later before anyone noticed. This was
 
due to Erik's anger at being put on trial for spamming, but apparently
 
he changed his mind and decided not to dig himself deeper. Erik was the
 
only really active Shirerothian-Jasonian, although Dan K popped up from
 
time to time. Both took the [[Hellish side]] in the [[Infernal War]]
 
but were content to rejoin Jasonia after the [[Treaty of the Gods]].
 
 
==== Part 3: The Apollonian Era ====
 
==== Part 3: The Apollonian Era ====
Shireroth, as a part of Jasonia, was not involved in the formation of
+
Shireroth, as a part of Jasonia, was not involved in the formation of the [[Union of Apollo States]]. It may be remembered by the student of history that Jasonia did not actually join the Union but rather sent a "[[dummy state]]", [[New Jasonia]], to participate. Thus, Shireroth remained technically a part of an independent Jasonia, although all the action took place at the UAS. Not a single purely Shirerothian action or post can be found from this era, so it's safe to say nothing really happened.
the [[Union of Apollo States]]. It may be remembered by the student of
+
 
history that Jasonia did not actually join the Union but rather sent a
 
"[[dummy state]]", [[New Jasonia]], to participate. Thus, Shireroth
 
remained technically a part of an independent Jasonia, although all the
 
action took place at the UAS. Not a single purely Shirerothian action
 
or post can be found from this era, so it's safe to say nothing really
 
happened.
 
 
==== Part 4: On the Revivication of Shireroth ====
 
==== Part 4: On the Revivication of Shireroth ====
I am happy to say I can pinpoint the exact moment in which Shireroth
+
I am happy to say I can pinpoint the exact moment in which Shireroth was revived. It was [[December 18]], [[2000]], in an ICQ chat between this historian, [[Jason Steffke]], and Erik Metzler. Metzler was complaining about how much he disliked FIoJ, and Scott suggested "I wouldn't mind seeing Shireroth again. It was one of the few micronations I ever liked". The Kaiser’s exact response, one for the history books, was "MUAHAHAHA! SHIREROTH SHALL RETURN!" It is a very interesting piece of historical trivia that Jason Steffke was offered the [[Kaisership]] of Shireroth in that chat, and he declined. Other names were thrown out, including John Sager, Daniel K, and (may Gahg have mercy) [[Eoin Dornan]], but in the end, everyone thought that it had to be Erik. Which brings us to:
was revived. It was December 18, 2000, in an ICQ chat between this
+
 
historian, [[Jason Steffke]], and Erik Metzler. Metzler was complaining
+
=== Chapter IV: The [[Direct Democracy Constitutional Monarchy]] of Shireroth ===
about how much he disliked FIoJ, and Scott suggested "I wouldn't mind
 
seeing Shireroth again. It was one of the few micronations I ever
 
liked". The Kaiser’s exact response, one for the history books, was
 
"MUAHAHAHA! SHIREROTH SHALL RETURN!" It is a very interesting piece of
 
historical trivia that Jason Steffke was offered the [[Kaisership]] of
 
Shireroth in that chat, and he declined. Other names were thrown out,
 
including John Sager, Daniel K, and (may Gahg have mercy) [[Eoin
 
Dornan]], but in the end, everyone thought that it had to be Erik.
 
Which brings us to:
 
=== Chapter IV: The [[Direct Democracy Constitutional Monarchy]] of
 
Shireroth ===
 
 
==== Part 1: Formation ====
 
==== Part 1: Formation ====
The information here is taken from ICQ transcripts between Scott
+
The information here is taken from ICQ transcripts between Scott Alexander and Erik Metzler. The new Shireroth originally was to use the same Provisional Constitution as the [[Old Republic]] and, significantly, would ban [[dual citizenship]]. Originally Metzler decided at the last second not to create Shireroth after all, but then he got "new information" which he refused to tell me and which I suspect was just him changing his mind without wanting to admit it, and he started a vote to free Shireroth from Jasonia at 9:39 PM on [[December 19]]. The vote was almost ruined by [[Thomas Hubert]]'s opposition, but Erik threatened Hubert and he changed his mind. At 11:00 PM the same day, Erik stated he wanted Shireroth to be a combination direct democracy and constitutional monarchy. It was decided that King was too bland, and Baron, Shah, Czar, Prince, Pope, Big Kahuna, Pharoah, God-King and even Ayatollah were all considered before Erik decided on Kaiser due to his German background. (although it was all that Scott could do to keep him from choosing "[[Lizard-KING]]!".)
Alexander and Erik Metzler. The new Shireroth originally was to use the
+
 
same Provisional Constitution as the [[Old Republic]] and,
 
significantly, would ban [[dual citizenship]]. Originally Metzler
 
decided at the last second not to create Shireroth after all, but then
 
he got "new information" which he refused to tell me and which I
 
suspect was just him changing his mind without wanting to admit it, and
 
he started a vote to free Shireroth from Jasonia at 9:39 PM on December
 
19. The vote was almost ruined by [[Thomas Hubert]]'s opposition, but
 
Erik threatened Hubert and he changed his mind. At 11:00 PM the same
 
day, Erik stated he wanted Shireroth to be a combination direct
 
democracy and constitutional monarchy. It was decided that King was too
 
bland, and Baron, Shah, Czar, Prince, Pope, Big Kahuna, Pharoah,
 
God-King and even Ayatollah were all considered before Erik decided on
 
Kaiser due to his German background. (although it was all that Scott
 
could do to keep him from choosing "[[Lizard-KING]]!".)
 
 
==== Part 2: Government Specifics ====
 
==== Part 2: Government Specifics ====
In the words of Erik, Shireroth was a "direct democracy constitutional
+
In the words of Erik, Shireroth was a "direct democracy constitutional monarchy". The Kaiser appointed [[Minister]]s who were confirmed by the people. The people voting directly formed the legislative branch, and a judicial branch was planned but never realized. The first minister was Daniel K, [[Ministry of Immigration|Minister (or Miniter, according to the forum) of Immigration]]. [[Patrick Foley]] tried to become head of the military without being a citizen, but was rebuffed (he did become the [[CinC]] after the [[Kildare]] annexation). There was no foreign affairs minister, but the Kaiser took care of it, and Shireroth had mutual relations with Jasonia, [[Babkha]], and [[Treesia]] at the time.
monarchy". The Kaiser appointed [[Minister]]s who were confirmed by the
+
 
people. The people voting directly formed the legislative branch, and a
 
judicial branch was planned but never realized. The first minister was
 
Daniel K, [[Minister of Immigration|Minister (or Miniter, according to
 
the forum) of Immigration]]. [[Patrick Foley]] tried to become head of
 
the military without being a citizen, but was rebuffed (he did become
 
the [[CinC]] after the [[Kildare]] annexation). There was no foreign
 
affairs minister, but the Kaiser took care of it, and Shireroth had
 
mutual relations with Jasonia, [[Babkha]], and [[Treesia]] at the time.
 
 
==== Part 3: The Duchy System And The Mass Annexations ====
 
==== Part 3: The Duchy System And The Mass Annexations ====
The [[Duchy]] system started off very simply: Daniel K. was [[Duke]]
+
The [[Duchy]] system started off very simply: Daniel K. was [[Duke]] of [[Brookshire]], and the other Duchy, [[Goldshire]], was vacant. It was then that the [[UAS]] collapsed, and Shireroth was all too happy to pick up the pieces. What it got from the [[Apollo Republic]] was the main land mass (which became Kildare, under Duke Patrick Foley) and the islands surrounding it (which became [[Gong Li]], under [[Tony Au]], who was originally an [[honorary citizen]] but then joined officially) With Patrick Foley's joining, [[Norfolk]] was added to the Shirerothian holdings, and became part of Gong Li.
of [[Brookshire]], and the other Duchy, [[Goldshire]], was vacant. It
+
 
was then that the [[UAS]] collapsed, and Shireroth was all too happy to
 
pick up the pieces. What it got from the [[Apollo Republic]] was the
 
main land mass (which became Kildare, under Duke Patrick Foley) and the
 
islands surrounding it (which became [[Gong Li]], under [[Tony Au]],
 
who was originally an [[honorary citizen]] but then joined officially)
 
With Patrick Foley's joining, [[Norfolk]] was added to the Shirerothian
 
holdings, and became part of Gong Li.
 
 
==== Part 4: Culture During This Period ====
 
==== Part 4: Culture During This Period ====
Little to none. There was some remnant of the old [[Novi Dalmacija]]n
+
Little to none. There was some remnant of the old [[Novi Dalmacija]]n culture for a while, but no one except [[Stjepan]] understood it, and it died fast. Its one lasting contribution to [[Apollo]] Micronationalism was the famous [[golden Zlatni Rat]], which turned out to be a beach, to Scott's extreme relief, but which was later found in mousetraps all over the land. Economics prospered, thanks to "Economics God" Tony Au. The Erb reached a record high of 5.5 on the [[ICEO]], which everyone was very happy about, and the stock market had the usual brief flurry of activity before disappearing never to be seen again.
culture for a while, but no one except [[Stjepan]] understood it, and
+
 
it died fast. Its one lasting contribution to [[Apollo]]
 
Micronationalism was the famous [[golden Zlatni Rat]], which turned out
 
to be a beach, to Scott's extreme relief, but which was later found in
 
mousetraps all over the land. Economics prospered, thanks to "Economics
 
God" Tony Au. The Erb reached a record high of 5.5 on the [[ICEO]],
 
which everyone was very happy about, and the stock market had the usual
 
brief flurry of activity before disappearing never to be seen again.
 
 
=== Chapter V: The Seventh Republic And The Seeds Of Benacia ===
 
=== Chapter V: The Seventh Republic And The Seeds Of Benacia ===
 
==== Part 1: The [[Amity]] Crisis ====
 
==== Part 1: The [[Amity]] Crisis ====
The seeds of the Amity crisis go back to before Shireroth even existed.
+
The seeds of the Amity crisis go back to before Shireroth even existed. Jasonia wanted a space program, so they created [[JASO]], the [[Jasonian Aeronautics and Space Organization]], and gave its command to Erik Metzler. It needed a base, so Erik "discovered" the island of Amity, along with nearby [[Mirioth]], and set up operations there. When Shireroth seceded from Jasonia, it was unclear whether Amity went with it. The Shirerothians apparently assumed it did, and the Jasonians assumed it didn't. On [[December 23]], the Kaiser of Shireroth "politely demanded" that it be given to the Shirerothians. The Jasonians said no, and the Kaiser said he respected the Jasonian decision. On the [[December 27|27th]], Shireroth occupied Amity anyway, causing an international incident. Jasonia threatened Shireroth, and Shireroth laughed off the threats. For a while, it seemed like war was inevitable. But on [[January 3]], a compromise was reached between Jasonian foreign minister [[Greg Nordman]] and the Kaiser. Jasonia would sell Amity to Shireroth for 225 erb. Although the Jasonians grumbled a little, the deal was accepted, and war averted.
Jasonia wanted a space program, so they created JASO, the [[Jasonian
+
 
Aeronautics and Space Organization]], and gave its command to Erik
 
Metzler. It needed a base, so Erik "discovered" the island of Amity,
 
along with nearby [[Mirioth]], and set up operations there. When
 
Shireroth seceded from Jasonia, it was unclear whether Amity went with
 
it. The Shirerothians apparently assumed it did, and the Jasonians
 
assumed it didn't. On December 23, the Kaiser of Shireroth "politely
 
demanded" that it be given to the Shirerothians. The Jasonians said no,
 
and the Kaiser said he respected the Jasonian decision. On the 27th,
 
Shireroth occupied Amity anyway, causing an international incident.
 
Jasonia threatened Shireroth, and Shireroth laughed off the threats.
 
For a while, it seemed like war was inevitable. But on January 3, a
 
compromise was reached between Jasonian foreign minister [[Greg
 
Nordman]] and the Kaiser. Jasonia would sell Amity to Shireroth for 225
 
erb. Although the Jasonians grumbled a little, the deal was accepted,
 
and war averted.
 
 
==== Part 2: The Seventh Republic ====
 
==== Part 2: The Seventh Republic ====
[[The Seventh Republic]], the name given to the Shireroth government
+
[[The Seventh Republic]], the name given to the Shireroth government around this time, is widely considered the [[Golden Age]] of Shireroth. On [[January 18]]th, Shireroth was accepted to the [[League of Micronations]] with a 14-1 vote. This was mainly thanks to Patrick Foley, Shireroth's many-talented foreign minister of the period. This was also the age of the [[Shireroth Boomers]], champions of the [[Intermicronational Football League]], for what it's worth. And of mass annexations and the [[Micronational Cartography Society|Micronational Cartography Board]]. But it came to an end around the [[February 1|first day of February]], when the Kaiser's sporadic mental illnesses reared their ugly head once again. Erik passed out due to some kind of problem and had to start seeing a psychologist, and decided that continued involvement in micronations would not be appropriate. Unfortunately, this was only revealed in mid-March, so for the month of February people just sat around doing nothing and wondering where the Kaiser had gone. This would be enough to destroy most micronations, and it did destroy Shireroth. Until the fateful day of [[March 26]], [[2001]], Shireroth lay inactive and abandoned, the greatness of the Seventh Republic all but forgotten.
around this time, is widely considered the [[Golden Age]] of Shireroth.
+
 
On January 18th, Shireroth was accepted to the [[League of
 
Micronations]] with a 14-1 vote. This was mainly thanks to Patrick
 
Foley, Shireroth's many-talented foreign minister of the period. This
 
was also the age of the [[Shireroth Boomers]], champions of the
 
[[Intermicronational Football League]], for what it's worth. And of
 
mass annexations and the [[Micronational Cartography
 
Society|Micronational Cartography Board]]. But it came to an end around
 
the first day of February, when the Kaiser's sporadic mental illnesses
 
reared their ugly head once again. Erik passed out due to some kind of
 
problem and had to start seeing a psychologist, and decided that
 
continued involvement in micronations would not be appropriate.
 
Unfortunately, this was only revealed in mid-March, so for the month of
 
February people just sat around doing nothing and wondering where the
 
Kaiser had gone. This would be enough to destroy most micronations, and
 
it did destroy Shireroth. Until the fateful day of March 26, 2001,
 
Shireroth lay inactive and abandoned, the greatness of the Seventh
 
Republic all but forgotten.
 
 
==== Part 3: The Crisis And The Seeds of Benacia ====
 
==== Part 3: The Crisis And The Seeds of Benacia ====
Jasonia, decided, out of the goodness of their hearts, to make the dead
+
Jasonia, decided, out of the goodness of their hearts, to make the dead Shireroth a [[protectorate]] so that "no one could snatch it up and add it to their empire", ironically enough. The [[Rasinate]] noticed, and had the same idea - make Shireroth a protectorate of the Rasinate so Jasonia couldn't take it (though to be fair, the Rasinate had Eoin Dornan as their [[Prime Minister]], so they really can't be held accountable for their actions). And finally, a new nation called [[Machiavellia]], newly arrived from that fertile source of micronations called the [[Apolyton fora]], decided to claim it so that neither Jasonia nor the Rasinate could. And they had a secret weapon - [[General Trantor]], a man who claimed to be a former Shireroth citizen, although he refused to give any more information and there was certainly no former Shirerothian citizen named General Trantor. Jasonia gave in pretty quickly, but the Rasinate and Machiavellia seemed ready to go to war over the issue. The Rasinate even made a lot of threats and began to rally its various allies. Then General Trantor revealed that he was none other than Kaiser Metzler I of Shireroth, recovered from his ills (well, as recovered as he'd get) and come to usher in an [[Eighth Republic]]! The Rasinate quickly backed down, and Shireroth and Machiavellia signed a lasting alliance.
Shireroth a [[protectorate]] so that "no one could snatch it up and add
+
 
it to their empire", ironically enough. The [[Rasinate]] noticed, and
 
had the same idea - make Shireroth a protectorate of the Rasinate so
 
Jasonia couldn't
 
take it (though to be fair, the Rasinate had Eoin Dornan as their Prime
 
Minister, so they really can't be held accountable for their actions).
 
And finally, a new nation called [[Machiavellia]], newly arrived from
 
that fertile source of micronations called the [[Apolyton fora]],
 
decided to claim it so that neither Jasonia nor the Rasinate could. And
 
they had a secret weapon - [[General Trantor]], a man who claimed to be
 
a former Shireroth citizen, although he refused to give any more
 
information and there was certainly no former Shirerothian citizen
 
named General Trantor. Jasonia gave in pretty quickly, but the Rasinate
 
and Machiavellia seemed ready to go to war over the issue. The Rasinate
 
even made a lot of threats and began to rally its various allies. Then
 
General Trantor revealed that he was none other than Kaiser Metzler I
 
of Shireroth, recovered from his ills (well, as recovered as he'd get)
 
and come to usher in an [[Eighth Republic]]! The Rasinate quickly
 
backed down, and Shireroth and Machiavellia signed a lasting alliance.
 
 
=== Chapter VI: The Benacian Age ===
 
=== Chapter VI: The Benacian Age ===
 
==== Part 1: The Gap In The Records ====
 
==== Part 1: The Gap In The Records ====
There is an effective gap in records between late March and early June.
+
There is an effective gap in records between late March and early June. It is my belief that Shireroth unofficially merged into Jasonia at this time, but the historical evidence of this is sketchy. It is based only on my personal recollection of events and some obscure references in the Jasonian fora. It seems to make more sense than anything else I've come across, though, so I'll let it stand and leave it for future investigation. Some evidence points to [[Benacia]] being formed before the [[Paramount War]] (May), but nothing concrete, and the Benacian fora were made on June 2, so I'll consider that the official date of Benacia's formation.
It is my belief that Shireroth unofficially merged into Jasonia at this
+
 
time, but the historical evidence of this is sketchy. It is based only
 
on my personal recollection of events and some obscure references in
 
the Jasonian fora. It seems to make more sense than anything else I've
 
come across, though, so I'll let it stand and leave it for future
 
investigation. Some evidence points to [[Benacia]] being formed before
 
the [[Paramount War]] (May), but nothing concrete, and the Benacian
 
fora were made on June 2, so I'll consider that the official date of
 
Benacia's formation.
 
 
==== Part 2: The Paramount Wars ====
 
==== Part 2: The Paramount Wars ====
Whether Shireroth was independent, part of Benacia, or part of Jasonia
+
Whether Shireroth was independent, part of Benacia, or part of Jasonia during the Paramount Wars, it certainly played a major part in them. The first Paramount War was precipitated by [[Paramount]] declaring war on Jasonia because it wanted certain territories that had formerly been Paramountian back (although this was the official reason, the unofficial reason was that John Sager hated Jason Steffke and wanted to harass him). Shireroth and Machiavellia took the side of Jasonia, and used spamming techniques to spam Paramount out of existence. Unfortunately, Paramount, never having really been too much in existence anyway, didn't care, and John, with his usual obstinacy, declared that he had won and Paramount was perfect. The usual disputed-lands-go-to-the-[[Foundation]] compromise was reached, but just weeks later, the second Paramount War started. The [[Paramount Demolition Duo]], as Kaiser Metzler and [[Prince Conway]] called themselves, went to work again, but it was revealed after the end of the war that it was just a ploy by Steffke to build activity. After this the Benacians got very angry at Jasonia and hoped for its downfall, which sure enough happened a month or two later.
during the Paramount Wars, it certainly played a major part in them.
+
 
The first Paramount War was precipitated by Paramount declaring war on
 
Jasonia because it wanted certain territories that had formerly been
 
Paramountian back (although this was the official reason, the
 
unofficial reason was that John Sager hated Jason Steffke and wanted to
 
harass him). Shireroth and Machiavellia took the side of Jasonia, and
 
used spamming techniques to spam Paramount out of existence.
 
Unfortunately, Paramount, never having really been too much in
 
existence anyway, didn't care, and John, with his usual obstinacy,
 
declared that he had won and Paramount was perfect. The usual
 
disputed-lands-go-to-the-[[Foundation]] compromise was reached, but
 
just weeks later, the second Paramount War started. The [[Paramount
 
Demolition Duo]], as Kaiser Metzler and [[Prince Conway]] called
 
themselves, went to work again, but it was revealed after the end of
 
the war that it was just a ploy by Steffke to build activity. After
 
this the Benacians got very angry at Jasonia and hoped for its
 
downfall, which sure enough happened a month or two later.
 
 
==== Part 3: The Structure Of Benacia ====
 
==== Part 3: The Structure Of Benacia ====
Benacia had three members - Hyperborea, Shireroth, and Machiavellia. It
+
Benacia had three members - Hyperborea, Shireroth, and Machiavellia. It was governed by a council of the three heads of state, and one of them each month was the Chair, who presided over the meetings. Kaiser Metzler was the first chair. The council usually met in [[ICQ]] or [[AIM]] chats.
was governed by a council of the three heads of state, and one of them
+
 
each month was the Chair, who presided over the meetings. Kaiser
 
Metzler was the first chair. The council usually met in [[ICQ]] or
 
[[AIM]] chats.
 
 
==== Part 4: Shireroth During The Benacian Age ====
 
==== Part 4: Shireroth During The Benacian Age ====
Not much happened. There were a few foreign relations things - the
+
Not much happened. There were a few foreign relations things - the Benacians entered treaties with Babkha and the [[PUR]], and went through the bimonthly ritual of threatening Thomas Hubert only to have him back down at the last second. Patrick came back and left again. Yeah. That was about it.
Benacians entered treaties with Babkha and the [[PUR]], and went
+
 
through the bimonthly ritual of threatening Thomas Hubert only to have
 
him back down at the last second. Patrick came back and left again.
 
Yeah. That was about it.
 
 
=== Chapter VII: The [[Hegemony of Alexandros]] ===
 
=== Chapter VII: The [[Hegemony of Alexandros]] ===
 
==== Part 1: Formation of the Hegemony ====
 
==== Part 1: Formation of the Hegemony ====
The best answer for "Why did the Hegemony form?" is probably "Because
+
The best answer for "Why did the Hegemony form?" is probably "Because of the cycle". The [[Apollo Sector]] tends to have large mergers every so often, and at the time of Alexandros, it was overdue. Originally, it was going to be a strengthening of Benacia without changing the basic culture or theme. However, when a chat started which included [[Jason Rhode]], the new Prince of Machiavellia, although not, significantly, Kaiser Metzler, the participants found they all like ancient Greece and, specifically, Alexander The Great. Thus, it was decided that the merged nation would be the Hegemony of Alexandros rather than just Benacia (Hegemony was added because it was much more original than "Kingdom" or "Republic" or "Empire"). There was some debate over who ought to be the leader, but eventually Jason Rhode was decided upon.
of the cycle". The Apollo Sector (and Shireroth too, although it's not
+
 
technically in it) tends to have large mergers every so often, and at
 
the time of Alexandros, it was overdue. Originally, it was going to be
 
a strengthening of Benacia
 
without changing the basic culture or theme. However, when a chat
 
started which included [[Jason Rhode]], the new Prince of Machiavellia,
 
although not, significantly, Kaiser Metzler, the participants found
 
they all like ancient Greece and, specifically, Alexander The Great.
 
Thus, it was decided that the merged nation would be the Hegemony of
 
Alexandros rather than just Benacia (Hegemony was added because it was
 
much more original than "Kingdom" or "Republic" or "Empire"). There was
 
some debate over who ought to be the leader, but eventually Jason Rhode
 
was decided upon.
 
 
==== Part 2: Structure of the Hegemony ====
 
==== Part 2: Structure of the Hegemony ====
The Hegemony's government was based on four high officials, with the
+
The Hegemony's government was based on four high officials, with the [[Hegemon]] as a fifth high official above all of them. These were the [[Archon]], in charge of the site, the fora, and general information related stuff; the [[Polemarch]], in charge of war and the military; the [[Kristarch]], in charge of economics; and the [[Strategos]], in charge of foreign affairs. During the Hegemony these were Scott Siskind, Erik Metzler, Tony Au, and Edward Conway, respectively. There was also a [[Landsraad]], the classicists' single concession to a more Shirerothian naming system and a [[Demes]], a direct-democracy house of the people. All kinds of complex interactions were supposed to take place between them, but in reality the five officials together made all the policy and the Demes went and approved it.
[[Hegemon]] as a fifth high official above all of them. These were the
+
 
[[Archon]], in charge of the site, the fora, and general information
 
related stuff; the [[Polemarch]], in charge of war and the military;
 
the [[Kristarch]], in charge of economics; and the [[Strategos]], in
 
charge of foreign affairs. During the Hegemony these were Scott
 
Siskind, Erik Metzler, Tony Au, and Edward Conway, respectively. There
 
was also a [[Landsraad]], the classicists' single concession to a more
 
Shirerothian naming system and a [[Demes]], a direct-democracy house of
 
the people. All kinds of complex interactions were supposed to take
 
place between them, but in reality the five officials together made all
 
the policy and the Demes went and approved it.
 
 
==== Part 3: History of the Hegemony ====
 
==== Part 3: History of the Hegemony ====
The Hegemony expanded pretty quickly with some mass annexations. Tapfer
+
The Hegemony expanded pretty quickly with some mass annexations. Tapfer was annexed at the request of Bill Dusch, since Jasonia was fallen by this time. They also took some of [[Ryan Caruso]]'s old territories, including a place called [[Cimmeria]]. There was a minor conflict when Caruso demanded greater rights for Cimmeria and it looked like he was threatening the government, but it turned out he wasn't and everything was fine. Thomas Hubert tried to take back [[Rulzcentia]], but the Hegemony claimed it and Hubert gave in after some tense moments. There was also a revolt over the [[Color Revolt|colors of the forum]]. That was about all that had time to happen before the Hegemony joined with [[Tymaria]].
was annexed at the request of Bill Dusch, since Jasonia was fallen by
+
 
this time. They also took some of [[Ryan Caruso]]'s old territories,
 
including a place called [[Cimmeria]]. There was a minor conflict when
 
Caruso demanded greater rights for Cimmeria and it looked like he was
 
threatening the government, but it turned out he wasn't and everything
 
was fine. Thomas Hubert tried to take back [[Rulzcentia]], but the
 
Hegemony claimed it and Hubert gave in after some tense moments. There
 
was also a revolt over the colors of the forum. That was about all that
 
had time to happen before the Hegemony joined with [[Tymaria]].
 
 
=== Chapter VIII: The Pax Tymaria ===
 
=== Chapter VIII: The Pax Tymaria ===
 
==== Part 1: The Formation of Tymaria ====
 
==== Part 1: The Formation of Tymaria ====
The formation of Tymaria was a minor miracle. The [[Free Republic]] and
+
The formation of Tymaria was a minor miracle. The [[Free Republic]] and [[Interland]] were going to merge, and the Hegemony of Alexandros decided they might as well merge with them, which brought the Rasinate in, leading to the biggest merger in history. It was managed at a [[Constitutional Convention]] that lasted from late September to late October [[2001]], and the final draft of the Constitution was agreeable to all delegates, and on [[October 31]] (or thereabout) the [[United Republic of Tymaria]] was proclaimed.
[[Interland]] were going to merge, and the Hegemony of Alexandros
+
 
decided they might as well merge with them, which brought the Rasinate
 
in, leading to the biggest merger in history. It was managed at a
 
[[Constitutional Convention]] that lasted from late September to late
 
October 2001, and the final draft of the Constitution was agreeable to
 
all delegates, and on October 31 (or thereabout) the [[United Republic
 
of Tymaria]] was proclaimed.
 
 
==== Part 2: Shireroth's Place In Tymaria ====
 
==== Part 2: Shireroth's Place In Tymaria ====
Shireroth was one of eight original states in four original regions of
+
Shireroth was one of eight original states in four original regions of Tymaria. Each state got a different number of votes depending on its regional distribution, with Shireroth getting only one. As a state, Shireroth had considerable control over its internal affairs, but could not print its own money nor conduct foreign relations nor war.
Tymaria. Each state got a different number of votes depending on its
+
 
regional distribution, with Shireroth getting only one. As a state,
 
Shireroth had considerable control over its internal affairs, but could
 
not print its own money nor conduct foreign relations nor war.
 
 
==== Part 3: Changes And Revolutions ====
 
==== Part 3: Changes And Revolutions ====
On November 25, Shireroth was annexed to its own [[Duchy]],
+
On [[November 25]], Shireroth was annexed to its own [[Duchy]], [[Yardistan]], and its Duke, [[Nick the Yardistani]], who had joined about a month before. Why the change? In the words of former Kaiser Metzler, "Shireroth didn't fall. I simply find Yardistan more fun." However, the reversed situation was soon set right again with the ascension of [[Kaiser Gaelen II]] to the throne. Unfortunately, Kaiser Gaelen too left, leaving the throne vacant. It passed to [[Ari Rahikkala]], but he faked his own death, making [[James Raine]] the [[Steward]]. Then another Yardistani revolt happened...
[[Yardistan]], and its Duke, [[Nick the Yardistani]], who had joined
+
 
about a month before. Why the change? In the words of former Kaiser
 
Metzler, "Shireroth didn't fall. I simply find Yardistan more fun."
 
However, the reversed situation was soon set right again with the
 
ascension of [[Kaiser Gaelen II]] to the throne. Unfortunately, Kaiser
 
Gaelen too left, leaving the throne vacant. It passed to [[Ari
 
Rahikkala]], but he faked his own death, making James "[[Fax
 
Celestis]]" the [[Steward]]. Then another Yardistani revolt happened...
 
 
==== Part 4: Culture ====
 
==== Part 4: Culture ====
This was a great time for Shirerothian culture. In a posts like
+
This was a great time for Shirerothian culture. In a posts like "History and Culture of Shireroth" and "Kaisers of Shireroth", Kaiser Metzler fleshed out the formerly deficient background of the nation. It was formerly a group of warring chiefdoms before the first Kaiser started the Republic 2000 years before the founding of the Sector. There was also some stuff on [[Goldshire]] and name origins, some of which are in the appendix.
"History and Culture of Shireroth" and "Kaisers of Shireroth", Kaiser
+
 
Metzler fleshed out the formerly deficient background of the nation. It
 
was formerly a group of warring chiefdoms before the first Kaiser
 
started the Republic 2000 years before the founding of the Sector.
 
There was also some stuff on [[Goldshire]] and name origins, some of
 
which are in the appendix.
 
 
=== Chapter IX: The Mors Restoration ===
 
=== Chapter IX: The Mors Restoration ===
 
==== Part 1: [[Kaiser Mors I]] ====
 
==== Part 1: [[Kaiser Mors I]] ====
When Erik Metzler returned after his long absence, he did so as
+
When Erik Metzler returned after his long absence, he did so as [[Kaiser Mors I|Kaiser Mercator Mortis I]] (Merchant of Death) or Mors for short. He bore an ancient Shirerothian sword called [[Sword of Vengeance|Vengeance]] which marked him as the true claimant to the throne. Both [[Fax Celestis]] and Nick the Yardistani, who at the time were in a civil war for power, gave up their claims in favor of Metzler's new avatar.
[[Kaiser Mercator Mortis I]] (Merchant of Death) or Mors for short. He
+
 
bore an ancient Shirerothian sword called [[Sword of
 
Vengeance|Vengeance]] which marked him as the true claimant to the
 
throne. Both Fax Celestis and Nick the Yardistani, who at the time were
 
in a civil war for power, gave up their claims in favor of Metzler's
 
new avatar.
 
 
==== Part 2: Decrees And Changes ====
 
==== Part 2: Decrees And Changes ====
Kaiser Mors made a number of decrees and radically reshaped the
+
Kaiser Mors made a number of decrees and radically reshaped the Shireroth government. Among the decrees were to kick all foreign (which means the Tymarian government and other Tymarian states) armies out of Shireroth, a decree to make James "Fax Celestis" the new heir, a decree taking Shireroth unilaterally out of the Hegemony of Alexandros, and a decree to create a new Duchy, [[Straylight]], for former Kaiser Ari Rahikkala. He then tried to convince the [[House of Nations]] to give Shireroth another [[Senate]] seat, which resulted in another debate over proportional representation. Also, he revived the old forum and the Landsraad and started construction of a great temple.
Shireroth government. Among the decrees were to kick all foreign (which
+
 
means the Tymarian government and other Tymarian states) armies out of
 
Shireroth, a decree to make James "Fax Celestis" the new heir, a decree
 
taking Shireroth unilaterally out of the Hegemony of Alexandros, and a
 
decree to create a new Duchy, [[Straylight]], for former Kaiser Ari
 
Rahikkala. He then tried to convince the [[House of Nations]] to give
 
Shireroth another [[Senate]] seat, which resulted in another debate
 
over proportional representation. Also, he revived the old forum and
 
the Landsraad and started construction of a great temple.
 
 
== History Part 2 ==
 
== History Part 2 ==
 
=== Prologue: The Fall of Tymaria ===
 
=== Prologue: The Fall of Tymaria ===
What has come before: in April 2000, a time of chaos and change around
+
What has come before: in April 2000, a time of chaos and change around the micronational world, Erik Metzler founds the small and peaceful democratic country known as Shireroth. Within a few weeks, Shireroth is absorbed by the rising superpowers of Audentior and Jasonia, an all but forgotten backwater region of these far-flung empires. But in December of that year, they abruptly spit it back out again, and Erik once again takes the helm of leadership, declaring himself Kaiser and instituting a feudal system. There is a brief period of prosperity before the nation crumbles to dust once again. A few months later it is revived as part of the Benacian Commonwealth, and soon after this it merges into the land of Alexandros, which in turn merges into Tymaria. Once again, Shireroth is a small province of a hegemonic empire – but this time, it has both the will and the ability to be able to transcend its minor role and catapult itself into the global spotlight.
the micronational world, Erik Metzler founds the small and peaceful
+
 
democratic country known as Shireroth. Within a few weeks, Shireroth is
+
On [[April 6]]th, the first complete history of Shireroth is published, ending with a note on the recent restoration of Kaiser Mors I to the throne and the possibilities for future growth his reign opens. On [[April 11]]th, the forum of Shireroth, along with much of the rest of Tymaria, is destroyed in a terrorist attack, wiping the historical slate clean. [[Philip Locke]], the perpetrator of the attack, is dutifully expelled from Shireroth – but not before he has had time to propose to the Mors government a plan to leverage its size and activity to become the dominant Tymarian state. Over the next few months, as the other areas in Tymaria are plagued by civil war, dissension, inactivity, and [[Earl Washburn]], Shireroth expands in all senses of the word. [[Lothlaria]], [[Lac Glacei]], [[Jaris]], and [[Hyperborea]] are added to its growing empire, and the Kaiser begins to listen less and less to the federal government in [[Tymaria City]].
absorbed by the rising superpowers of Audentior and Jasonia, an all but
+
 
forgotten backwater region of these far-flung empires. But in December
+
Gradually the power of the Tymarian Federal Government waned. First Jason Rhode dropped off the face of the Earth, then the [[Free Territories]] started attacking, and finally the provinces started getting restless. The formation of [[Baracao]] didn’t help either, nor did the so-called [[Anti-Tymar Council]] that advocated rebellion and separatism wherever it could find a foothold. At the same time, Shireroth’s already exponential growth went through the roof, despite the bizarre spectacle of four Kaisers in a single month. Although [[Los I]], the most notable Kaiser of this period, was staunchly pro-Tymaria, it began to grow clear that the contradictory relationship between the ailing superfederation and its most prominent state could not continue forever.
of that year, they abruptly spit it back out again, and Erik once again
+
 
takes the helm of leadership, declaring himself Kaiser and instituting
+
Finally, with the election of Tony Au as [[Prime Executive]] on a “let the states secede” platform, pro-secessionist feelings snowballed. On the eve of Au’s election, the Landsraad convened to discuss the independence question. In one of their fastest decisions ever, the Landsraad bowed to the overwhelming sentiment of the Shirerithian populace and sent to the Kaiseress a resolution that Shireroth should resume its position as a free and independent state. On [[July 12]], [[Kaiseress Vivantia]] issued [[Imperial Decree 30]], stating:
a feudal system. There is a brief period of prosperity before the
+
 
nation crumbles to dust once again. A few months later it is revived as
 
part of the Benacian Commonwealth, and soon after this it merges into
 
the land of Alexandros, which in turn merges into Tymaria. Once again,
 
Shireroth is a small province of a hegemonic empire – but this time, it
 
has both the will and the ability to be able to transcend its minor
 
role and catapult itself into the global spotlight.
 
On April 6th, the first complete history of Shireroth is published,
 
ending with a note on the recent restoration of Kaiser Mors I to the
 
throne and the possibilities for future growth his reign opens. On
 
April 11th, the forum of Shireroth, along with much of the rest of
 
Tymaria, is destroyed in a terrorist attack, wiping the historical
 
slate clean. [[Philip Locke]], the perpetrator of the attack, is
 
dutifully expelled from Shireroth – but not before he has had time to
 
propose to the Mors government a plan to leverage its size and activity
 
to become the dominant Tymarian state. Over the next few months, as the
 
other areas in Tymaria are plagued by civil war, dissension,
 
inactivity, and [[Earl Washburn]], Shireroth expands in all senses of
 
the word. [[Lothlaria]], [[Lac Glacei]], [[Jaris]], and [[Hyperborea]]
 
are added to its growing empire, and the Kaiser begins to listen less
 
and less to the federal government in Tymaria City.
 
Gradually the power of the Tymarian Federal Government waned. First
 
Jason Rhode dropped off the face of the Earth, then the [[Free
 
Territories]] started attacking, and finally the provinces started
 
getting restless. The formation of [[Baracao]] didn’t help either, nor
 
did the so-called [[Anti-Tymar Council]] that advocated rebellion and
 
separatism wherever it could find a foothold. At the same time,
 
Shireroth’s already exponential growth went through the roof, despite
 
the bizarre spectacle of four Kaisers in a single month. Although Los
 
I, the most notable Kaiser of this period, was staunchly pro-Tymaria,
 
it began to grow clear that the contradictory relationship between the
 
ailing superfederation and its most prominent state could not continue
 
forever.
 
Finally, with the election of Tony Au as [[Prime Executive]] on a “let
 
the states secede” platform, pro-secessionist feelings snowballed. On
 
the eve of Au’s election, the Landsraad convened to discuss the
 
independence question. In one of their fastest decisions ever, the
 
Landsraad bowed to the overwhelming sentiment of the Shirerithian
 
populace and sent to the Kaiseress a resolution that Shireroth should
 
resume its position as a free and independent state. On July 12,
 
[[Kaiseress Vivantia]] issued [[Imperial Decree #30]], stating:
 
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
With the blessings of the Landsraad and in light of the suspension of
+
With the blessings of the Landsraad and in light of the suspension of the Tymarian Constitution, I, Kaiseress Viviantia I, ruler of Shireroth, officially decree the secession of the Imperial Republic of Shireroth from the United Republic of Tymaria. Shireroth is now a free nation independent of Tymaria and its remaining states.
the Tymarian Constitution, I, Kaiseress Viviantia I, ruler of
 
Shireroth, officially decree the secession of the Imperial Republic of
 
Shireroth from the United Republic of Tymaria. Shireroth is now a free
 
nation independent of Tymaria and its remaining states.
 
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
After eleven months of foreign rule, Shireroth was once again ready to
+
 
take control of its own destiny – a path that would lead them further
+
After eleven months of foreign rule, Shireroth was once again ready to take control of its own destiny – a path that would lead them further than they could imagine.
than they could imagine.
+
 
 
=== Chapter One (July 2002) ===
 
=== Chapter One (July 2002) ===
''In which the new Republic is forced to confront a worrisome number of
+
''In which the new Republic is forced to confront a worrisome number of problems long before it is at all fair to expect them to be able to do so''
problems long before it is at all fair to expect them to be able to do
+
 
so''
+
Retooling Shireroth’s governmental machinery for independence was not as major a task as it might seem. The [[Apollo Skyline|Skyline]] remarked a week after the decision that it was “almost like Shireroth had planned this beforehand, eh?” All that was needed was a foreign ministry, which was quickly created under the capable leadership of [[Stjepan Aracic]], and an accompanying foreign policy, which in the Republic’s first week took the form of recognizing Babkha, Interland, and Istvanistan.
Retooling Shireroth’s governmental machinery for independence was not
+
 
as major a task as it might seem. The [[Apollo Skyline|Skyline]]
+
A typically Shirerithian response to the new conditions was a new Kaiser. Kaiseress Vivantia, an incarnation of Erik, stepped down in favor of [[Kaiser Mors II]], also an incarnation of Erik. The rationale for the new name, according to its holder, was that “Vivantia brought us back to life…and now Mors shall dispense the death!”
remarked a week after the decision that it was “almost like Shireroth
+
 
had planned this beforehand, eh?” All that was needed was a foreign
+
Death, unfortunately, was exactly what might soon have to be dispensed. Two other Tymarian states, Interland and the Free Republic, had seceded along with Shireroth, and their sudden introduction into an already chaotic micronational world threatened to cause some sort of massive cataclysm. Particularly problematic was the Free Republic, which was claimed by Baracao despite its own belief in its independence. Shireroth and Baracao came to the brink of war – luckily, at the last second a peace conference began and the two countries managed to come to a satisfactory conclusion, although nowhere in the historical record is it listed exactly what that conclusion was.
ministry, which was quickly created under the capable leadership of
+
 
[[Stjepan Aracic]], and an accompanying foreign policy, which in the
+
Meanwhile, on the domestic front, things were hardly less troublesome. This remains that period of history in which trouble was spelled P-H-I-L-I-P L-O-C-K-E, and indeed, scarcely had he been admitted to Shireroth after a four month ban when he began to agitate for democracy. He accused the Republic of truly being an [[autocracy]], and proposed his [[Unified Shireroth Proposal]]
Republic’s first week took the form of recognizing Babkha, Interland,
 
and Istvanistan.
 
A typically Shirerithian response to the new conditions was a new
 
Kaiser. Kaiseress Vivantia, an incarnation of Erik, stepped down in
 
favor of [[Kaiser Mors II]], also an incarnation of Erik. The rationale
 
for the new name, according to its holder, was that “Vivantia brought
 
us back to life…and now Mors shall dispense the death!”
 
Death, unfortunately, was exactly what might soon have to be dispensed.
 
Two other Tymarian states, Interland and the Free Republic, had seceded
 
along with Shireroth, and their sudden introduction into an already
 
chaotic micronational world threatened to cause some sort of massive
 
cataclysm. Particularly problematic was the Free Republic, which was
 
claimed by Baracao despite its own belief in its independence.
 
Shireroth and Baracao came to the brink of war – luckily, at the last
 
second a peace conference began and the two countries managed to come
 
to a satisfactory conclusion, although nowhere in the historical record
 
is it listed exactly what that conclusion was.
 
Meanwhile, on the domestic front, things were hardly less troublesome.
 
This remains that period of history in which trouble was spelled
 
P-H-I-L-I-P L-O-C-K-E, and indeed, scarcely had he been admitted to
 
Shireroth after a four month ban when he began to agitate for
 
democracy. He accused the Republic of truly being an [[autocracy]], and
 
proposed his [[Unified Shireroth Proposal]] to remedy the fact. This
 
proposal gave the Landsraad much greater power, including that to
 
override the Kaiser. Perhaps it was a coincidence that he first
 
proposed his idea when Mors II was away and Stjepan acting as Steward,
 
and perhaps not, but in any case, when Mors came back he suspended
 
Locke’s citizenship once again. Surprisingly enough, this seemed to
 
take care of the problem.
 
=== Chapter Two (August 2002) ===
 
''In which the rising Republic is forced to play a backseat position to
 
the land of [[Menelmacar]]''
 
Scarce had the difficulties with Baracao gone away than a whole new
 
slew of foreign evils accosted the young Republic. The most pressing of
 
these was perennial troublemaker Ryan Caruso, who was claiming
 
Yardistan, [[Mar Sara]], Cimmeria, [[Volsung]], and all sorts of other
 
places as part of his [[Fanatical Dictatorship of Berkistan]] (later
 
the [[Revived People’s Republic of Hell]]). Shireroth wisely chose to
 
ignore his annexations
 
and hope he would go away. But go away he did not, instead making a
 
loose alliance with [[Freenesia]], which was still sort of around, and
 
with [[Varja]], a new communist state led by Shireroth’s old enemy
 
Thomas Hubert. No one was particularly pleased by these developments,
 
nor by Baracao’s gaining two new allies in [[Pacary]] and [[Aerlig]].
 
In response, Kaiser Mors II decided to re-found the old [[Commonwealth
 
of Benacia]], the international organization of Shireroth and its
 
friends that had served so well in the pre-Tymaria war. Its problem was
 
a lack of interested parties. [[Treesia]], for one, seemed much more
 
interested in founding its own commonwealth to compete with the
 
Shirerithians’. But the new [[Imperium of Menelmacar]], which had
 
recently split off of Varja, finally agreed to join, with its leader,
 
[[Sirithil]], even joining Shireroth as a Novi Dalmacijan (although, to
 
be fair, she also joined everywhere else).
 
As Menelmacar began its amazing rise to power, Shireroth both gained
 
and lost from its ally’s success. On the plus side, the ire and
 
occasional attacks of Baracao were directed away from the Republic
 
towards the Imperium, and Bill Dusch and [[Jason Steffke]], both of
 
whom spent an inordinate amount of their time criticizing Shireroth and
 
interfering with its daily workings, moved to the Imperium, where they
 
finally felt at home. And Shireroth’s prestige and international
 
influence certainly was not hurt by having an alliance with what was
 
quickly becoming the largest country in the region.
 
But on the other hand, Menelmacar began to leech away Shirerithian
 
citizens and activity. [[Eros Qelathos]], Fax Celestis, and Philip
 
Locke all shifted their contributions to the new power. And the
 
Menelmacari started getting really annoying. Their imperialistic ways
 
clashed with Shireroth’s own, their blatant plagiarism of the [[YAC]]
 
annoyed the Yardistani, and Bill started using it as a base for his
 
wackiness. To say that Shireroth-Menelmacar relations deteriorated
 
would be an overstatement – but to say that there was a bit of
 
resentment would probably be close to the truth.
 
Perhaps as a response to the feeling that Shireroth was slowly being
 
engulfed by Menelmacari ways, the Yardistanis increased their
 
Yardistaniness around this time. Duke Nicholas held a revolution
 
against himself (and won!) and then declared the [[Yardistani
 
Annexation Corps|Annexation Corps]] active once again.
 
The nation needed a strong leader who could preserve Shirerithian
 
identity and not stand up against the snuggle-happy yet dangerous tide
 
of Menelmacari power sweeping the land, which was too bad, because
 
instead it was going to enter:
 
=== Chapter 3: (September, October, Octember 2002) ===
 
''In which Kaiser Mog makes a political blunder, a civil war occurs,
 
and things generally go to the PRH in a handbasket.''
 
Despite the growth of Menelmacar, Shireroth up to this point has
 
remained an important and influential nation. Here, things really start
 
to deteriorate. The first problem is a general decline in activity,
 
beginning in August and continuing for the rest of the season.
 
[[Nicholas Raglan]], Shireroth’s first [[Praetor]] and perhaps the most
 
active of the Dukes during the Tymarian period, has now completely
 
disappeared, his fiefdom of Lothlaria given to [[Mattlore Devious]].
 
Stjepan Aracic has finalized his retirement and, although he stops in
 
once in a while to discuss music, is no longer active in the
 
government. And many others have forsaken Shireroth for Menelmacar or
 
elsewhere.
 
For personal reasons, Kaiser Mors himself begins posting less and less.
 
Finally, there is a request on the part of the populace that he name a
 
successor so the business of state can go on. He tells Eros Qelathos to
 
name James Haikin aka Fax Celestis the next Kaiser, and the lucky heir
 
takes the title of [[Mog I]], after the mythical [[moogle]], a tiny
 
winged bear.
 
From the beginning, there was a bit of opposition to Mog’s ascension.
 
Fax had been very cozy with the Menelmacari, and some of the nobility
 
thought that a more uniquely Shirerithian
 
citizen would have been a better choice for the position. Nevertheless,
 
the Kaiser had spoken, and the citizens obeyed.
 
However, everyone’s worst fears came true when Mog posted the following
 
in the [[Menelmacari Prefecture of Foreign Affairs]]:
 
<blockquote>
 
As a token of my wish to brighten our relationship between our great
 
nations, I, Kaiser Mog I, offer the lands of Amity and North Mar Sara
 
to Menelmacar.
 
</blockquote>
 
Immediately, the people of Shireroth questioned the legitimacy of the
 
Kaiser’s decision. The majority opinion was spoken by Scott Alexander
 
when he told the Kaiser:
 
<blockquote>
 
GAH! What's wrong with you? You become Kaiser and immediately you start
 
giving the Shirerothian heartland away? Do you know we came THIS close
 
*puts fingers really close together* to fighting a gigantic war with
 
the biggest superpower in micronations just to hold onto our claim to
 
Amity before we even really technically deserved it? Do you know Erik
 
created the island of Amity with HIS OWN BLOOD AND TOIL AND SWEAT AND
 
TEARS two and a HALF years ago! He poured his HEART into that island!
 
And now you give it away to some snuggle-happy elf? Don't make me start
 
a revolt against you!
 
</blockquote>
 
Mog responded by saying that he was trying to strengthen the
 
Shireroth-Menelmacar alliance and by questioning Scott’s loyalty to
 
Shireroth. But the next objection was by someone whose loyalty was
 
beyond question – [[Brrapa Lu Eraro]], an incarnation of Erik:
 
<blockquote>Death will come swiftly to those who tempt the wrath
 
of the gods!
 
The Gods look unfavorably on this act and demand it be remedied! If the
 
gods are not appeased death shall reign free upon the "Kaiser" of
 
Shireroth!</blockquote>
 
At the same time, other factors were conspiring to make the
 
Shirerithians upset with Mog. First of all, thanks to a threat from the
 
[[United Secular States]], Mog had raised forum security in a way that
 
made it very difficult for people to post. Second, he had been unable
 
to do anything about the declining activity levels afflicting the
 
Republic, nor had he even tried all that hard.
 
Finally, after some convincing from his friends, Erik decided to
 
return. As Brrapa Lu Eraro, he incited the Yardistani to revolt, never
 
a particularly hard task. The people of [[Kitanus Fields]] joined them,
 
and Mog called in his friends from Menelmacar and the newish nation of
 
[[Cranda]]. The people of Shireroth fought a long and not entirely bad
 
[[recwar]], which ended with Erik incarnating as [[Kaiser Letifer I]]
 
and killing Mog outside the gates of Brookshire. He then declared
 
himself Kaiser and held a coronation party. One of his first actions
 
was to declare recwar on Cranda for their support of Mog in the recent
 
civil war. Like most recwars, this one failed miserably.
 
Among Letifer’s first actions was to revoke Mog’s gift of territories
 
to the Menelmacari, an act to which Sirithil’s government grumblingly
 
assented. But more damage had been done since Mors’ reign than a mere
 
loss of territory. Shireroth was demoralized, weak, and devoid of
 
serious structure.
 
=== Chapter Four: (November, December 2002) ===
 
''In which things generally deteriorate until drastic measures are
 
necessary.''
 
The Shireroth of the closing months of 2002 was one with a minimum of
 
government. Discussions, insofar as they existed at all, were crazy
 
spamfests with a minimum of content. Real micronationalism had simply
 
packed up and left. In its place had come a slew of dual citizens, a
 
lethargy on the part of the true Shirerithians, and a total lack of
 
progress.
 
An perfect example of the zeitgeist is the hullabaloo that sprung up
 
around [[King Beeb]]. A citizen of a minor and unmemorable micronation
 
called [[Islamica]], he started posting nonsensical things around
 
Shireroth which were only written in English under the broadest
 
possible definition of that language. A number of Shirerithians banded
 
together to annoy him, but he went on oblivious. The episode reached
 
its climax when Nick of Yardistan passed through the Landsraad the
 
“[[Pro-Anti-Beebism]]” act, which officially declared
 
Shireroth to be an anti-Beebist country, whatever that meant. Other
 
important Landsraad topics along the same line were rights for
 
chickens, laws against egg-laying, and so forth. Even Kaiser Letifer
 
told the Landsraad
 
I don't mind the sillyness. But we've become stagnant. At this pace I
 
might as well just disolve me nation and declare the forum an OT...
 
[[Religion]], as well, reached new lows. The first missionary group to
 
set up shop in Shireroth was the [[Temple of Yuri]], but the [[Path of
 
Yellow]] soon followed. Although both faiths were insane, it was not in
 
the good, fun way, but rather in the annoying way, and by the reception
 
given to their non-[[Cedrist]] preachings they proved once again how
 
far down Shireroth had come. Luckily, both groups went away after a
 
while – the Yurists when they grew bored, and the Yellowists after
 
actions in Menelmacar had driven a wedge between them and the
 
Shirerithians.
 
One good thing that did happen during this period was the compilation
 
of a [[Yardistani]] language. Indeed, it was only Nicholas of
 
Yardistan, along with of course the Kaiser, who remained as devoted and
 
active as ever, and who helped bring Shireroth through the difficult
 
period. The Yardistani dictionary can be found at
 
http://www.geocities.com/animanga_fan/yardistan/yardweb/yardistani/index.htm.
 
Another good thing was that [[Stone Jackabar]] joined and was soon put
 
in charge of the military.
 
Shireroth’s foreign policy during this period was mostly to react to
 
foreign events. When the United Secular States threatened to attack
 
Shireroth, Shireroth told them not to. When the Menelmacari had a civil
 
war, Shireroth sent a strong letter saying they disapproved. When the
 
[[Lyrica]]ns reformed themselves, Shireroth ignored them. The only
 
strong focus to Shireroth’s policy at this time was a dislike of the
 
Yellowist factions in Menelmacar, perhaps compounded by the fact that
 
Sirithil was a Shirerithian citizen.
 
By the end of December, everyone was in a bad mood, and it became
 
obvious that major changes were called for. Kaiser Letifer thus
 
decided, with the help of his depression, to make a spectacular series
 
of changes to the nation’s structure. His [[Decree 42]] lay down a new
 
constitution, although it was only a slight change from the old
 
version. His [[Decree 43]] edited the [[Line of Succession]]. And his
 
[[Decree 44]] kicked out all citizens with more than three different
 
micronational citizenships, getting rid of freeloaders who were in
 
Shireroth only to add to an obscenely long list of titles and
 
positions.
 
But it was what he did next that really astonished people. Resigning,
 
he appointed no heir, saying instead that:
 
With this post I am the last Kaiser of Shireroth. The line of Kaisers
 
ends here. There is no man that may take the throne. My family shall
 
retain the Duchy of Brookshire and be its Duke. The Landsraad remains
 
the highest governing Body in Shireroth at this point. The ministries
 
come next.
 
The Empire is dead. The Republic lives again. May it fare better and
 
rule wiser than the Kaisers have.
 
Fare thee well, Shireroth.
 
=== Chapter Five: (December, Decenuary, January 2002/2003) ===
 
''In which an [[Oustfest]] is held and a recovery begins''
 
Shireroth seemed to be once again a Republic. But the lack of people to
 
staff the Landsraad soon necessitated a concession to reality, and Nick
 
the Yardistani, leader of the Landsraad at this point, became Steward,
 
now the highest Shirerithian position.
 
Nick understood even better than Letifer the need for sweeping changes.
 
The first problem he needed to confront was confusion over who had what
 
job, who was still a citizen, and who was gone never to return. In
 
[[Decree 46]] he asked everyone with a job to tell him or else lose it.
 
Those who did not show up were fired. The second problem he needed to
 
confront was the expiration the Gold status of the boards, which was
 
managed with a little bit of help from his friends.
 
To confront most of his other problems in one blow he pushed through
 
the Landsraad an act to hold an Oustfest – a day in which all disloyal citizens
 
of Shireroth could be removed once and for all. The advantage of this
 
plan was that it would get rid of the dead, the inactive, the
 
freeloaders, and the chronically unable to work – the disadvantage was
 
that it soon become evident that by the criteria of the act only six
 
citizens would be left in Shireroth. Nevertheless, Nick decided to go
 
through with it, and set the date of January 14th. As the designated
 
hour approached, he told the Republic:
 
Come nightfall, we shall be purged of those who could not fairly
 
support our great nation. Nightfall brings a change tonight. It is the
 
first step to making Shireroth into the great nation it can be, and has
 
been. A new republic must be formed. Shireroth can either be a failure
 
or something better than the rest. We are different, yes, different
 
than other nations around us. But are we better? If we are not, we must
 
become better. The citizens must work to make us better. Letifer said
 
that people found Shireroth to be a joke. Well, if it is, than I say,
 
let the Joke be on them! Let us prove our departed Kaiser wrong!
 
Together, we can go places not yet gone by other nations. Nightfall
 
begins the start!
 
And nightfall did indeed begin the start, as grammatically awkward as
 
it may have been. Fax Celestis, Sirithil, [[dStryker]], [[Joe
 
Whittaberg]], Nick Raglan, [[Baroness Sabriel]], [[Jubbles]], [[Greg
 
Nordman]], [[Czerka]], [[Ivan Ventura]], and Patrick Foley were all
 
removed from the nation. The next morning, Nick told the remaining
 
cadre of loyalists:
 
We are to enter on a new age. Now, the 14th has past. It is now Odin's
 
Night...I'm going to notify the dearly departed of their lost
 
citizenship...and we will ride on...yes...we must go out...and call
 
upon people in need of a nation to come and join us in our quest for a
 
better micronation...this night...this night is the starting point for
 
a better Shireroth!
 
I declare a holiday to be remembered every 14th day of January. It
 
shall be know as [[National Day]]. It is a day that all Shirerothians
 
(or is that Shirithians?) are to be proud of Shireroth and their
 
National Identity.
 
To those that have stayed, thank you for remaining here in our great
 
land, Holy Shireroth. The Gods have given us this great nation with a
 
great past. Let it not die in our hands!
 
Prophetic it may have been. But to Erik, Stone, Mattlore, Eros, and
 
[[Phillip Marshal]], the remaining Shirerithians, it seemed obvious
 
that Shireroth would need more than enlightened speeches. It would need
 
citizens, and quickly.
 
It was helped in this resolve by events in Menelmacar, where the
 
conflict between the traditionalists and the Yellowists was spiraling
 
out of control. After Yellowist victory in the end-of-year elections, a
 
number of traditionalists sought refuge in Shireroth. [[Jadie
 
Mathematician]], a friend of Fax’s from [[Sonoma]], arrived, along with
 
Menelmacari citizen [[Mari Greenwood]]. Stone also recruited his
 
girlfriend [[Sally Celebrian]] to work in the [[University]], although
 
she left after a short while.
 
Nevertheless, in the beginning of February the Baracaoan paper still
 
referred to Shireroth as a “dead nation”. Erik Metzler became so
 
depressed that he tried to quit forever around the end of January,
 
although he returned in early February and accepted the title of
 
[[Kaiser Raynor X]]. What would it take to bring back glory?
 
=== Chapter Six: (January, February 2003) ===
 
''In which a victory is won and there is great rejoicing''
 
With only six citizens, Shireroth could hardly be expected to keep up
 
with foreign affairs. The only notable intermicronational action taken
 
by the Republic in January was the revocation of the recognition of
 
Menelmacar after its takeover by the Yellowists, although if one can
 
consider informal action by individual citizens to be foreign policy
 
there was also a lot of yelling in between Erik and [[Archetype]].
 
However, the intermicronational world was nevertheless moving along.
 
One development Shireroth completely ignored as irrelevant to itself
 
was a set of terrorist attacks by a group calling itself [[Anarchy21]].
 
They
 
had already moved against Menelmacar and Baracao, but there seemed no
 
reason to believe they would attack Shireroth, even though their leader
 
was widely believed to be [[Bob Silby]], a longtime enemy of the
 
Republic.
 
But on February 17, attack was exactly what they did, using a souped-up
 
[[spam cannon]] on Shireroth’s forums. Luckily for the Republic, a
 
group of citizens and friendly foreigners assembled and bumped
 
important so that Anarchy’s methods could not destroy them. After some
 
time, Kaiser Raynor X showed up to ban the intruders.
 
Raynor then declared the day a national holiday, and, calling it the
 
[[Battle of Cimmeria]], rewarded its heroes. [[Robert Belci]], a
 
Crandan, and [[Harvey Steffke]], a Menelmacari, were given [[honorary
 
citizenship]] and military awards. Stjepan Aracic, already an honorary
 
citizen, was given double honorary citizenship, so far as I know the
 
first person to receive this honor. And Jadie Mathematician was made
 
the Duchess of Goldshire.
 
In the Landsraad, discussion hinged on what could be done to effect a
 
recovery. Some, particularly new Duchess Mari Greenwood, proposed
 
repealing the young Tri-Cit law, but the Kaiser rejected that
 
suggestion, saying that what was needed was not just citizens, but
 
loyal citizens. A recruitment drive was suggested and perhaps carried
 
out. And Shireroth’s first major foreign initiative in a long time was
 
the re-reformation of the [[Benacian Commonwealth]] with the
 
short-lived [[Imperium of Nova Roma]].
 
The Shirerithians had done everything they could to save the Republic.
 
Now the matter was in the hands of the gods, and all that remained to
 
do was to wait for conditions to ripen.
 
=== Chapter Seven: (Floopuary, March 2003) ===
 
''In which a number of external factors combine in the Republic’s
 
favor''
 
The rest of the micro-world’s loss was Shireroth’s gain. During the
 
closing days of winter 2003, catastrophes in three foreign nations gave
 
Shireroth the push it needed to get back on its feet again.
 
First was the fall of the [[Seventh Republic of Audentior]]. After two
 
months of success, the Audente experiment failed in late February. A
 
few of its citizens reverted to Shireroth, including former Duke of
 
[[Elwynn]] Scott Alexander, and a few other Shirerithians became more
 
active and loyal as their second home was destroyed.
 
Second was the latest sordid chapter in the Menelmacar saga, in which a
 
group of [[Soloralist]] rebels seized control of the Menelmacari forum
 
from the Yellowists. Although intended to restore Menelmacar to
 
Soloralist rule, it in fact had the effect of splitting it in two, with
 
neither half really having the necessary activity or diversity to
 
maintain its old level of interestingness. Citizens began to trickle to
 
Shireroth, and several other dual citizens abandoned the falling
 
Imperium and became Shirerithians full-time. Among the former was
 
Harvey Steffke, and among the latter Harvey’s slightly-more-than-friend
 
Jadie Mathematician. In late March, Harvey and Jadie had the
 
micronational world’s first marriage, and Steffke became Duke of
 
Goldshire.
 
Third was an, if possible, even more pathetic revolution in
 
[[Amerada]], where Earl Washburn seized control, realized no one
 
supported him, tried to destroy the nation out of spite, and then gave
 
up. In between steps three and four, however, the governor of
 
[[Califario]], Shireroth’s own Mattlore Devious, seceded the province
 
from its mother country and applied for Shireroth’s protection. It was
 
granted, and Shireroth got its first new territory in some time.
 
The big foreign question during this time was what to do about
 
Menelmacar. Archetype, the [[Elenaran]] of what came to be
 
affectionately known as “[[Archimacar]]”, had gone out of his way to
 
alienate a substantial portion of the Shirerithian population. Further,
 
many of the Shirerithians were still double citizens with the
 
Menelmacari under Sirithil. Thus, it was concluded after a few
 
half-hearted suggestions to stay neutral that Shireroth ought to
 
recognize [[Sirimacar]]. Questions of whether Archimacar should be
 
recognized at all, who
 
to declare as an official “successor state” et cetera continued until
 
perhaps April, when it was finally decided that the best way to deal
 
with the whole Menelmacar situation was to pretend it had never existed
 
– luckily, both Menelmacars had weakened enough by that point to make
 
this a viable option.
 
The other fun foreign question during this time was whether or not
 
Shireroth should merge into [[New Tymaria]], but that turned out to be
 
an April Fools’ joke anyway, so we didn’t.
 
=== Chapter Seven: (April, May 2003) ===
 
''In which there is a party, a disaster, and a convention, in that
 
order.''
 
On April 24th (or, depending on the version of history one ascribes to,
 
April 23rd) Shireroth had its third anniversary. Celebrations were
 
conducted, as is the tradition, by forgetting about it and then
 
complaining about how unfortunate it was that it was forgotten.
 
However, on about the 26th or so, Kaiser Raynor X decided to throw a
 
party. There was much fun, and it was attended by dignitaries from
 
[[Shirlan]], a small new micronation that Shireroth was fast becoming
 
friends with.
 
But the wild exultation was suddenly checked on May 2, when several
 
fora mysteriously emptied themselves. In the space of a few hours, the
 
[[Ministry of Immigration and Naturalization]] and the Duchy of
 
Goldshire both lost all their posts. Then-Praetor Jadie Mathematician
 
got rid of all admin powers until she could find out what was up. Logs
 
quickly confirmed that the deletion was done from the account of Stone
 
Jackabar, but the [[Minister of Military Affairs]] vehemently denied
 
involvement, and [[IP]] records backed up his claim. For a while,
 
everyone was worried that either [[Politika]] was attacking again or
 
there was some kind of conspiracy afoot. Discussion centered on who the
 
culprit could have been, and the Kaiser gave a long speech
 
investigating the possibilities (at which Archetype, as usual, somehow
 
managed to take offense). Although no further knowledge seemed
 
forthcoming, Raynor X urged the Shirerithian people to stay strong:
 
These attacks are meant to destroy or damage us. I do not see us
 
damaged; I see us stronger! I do not see us destroyed; I see us united!
 
For you can never kill the spirit of the people of Shireroth. Insult
 
us, attack us, bombard us, ignore us; our spirits remain. We are a
 
nation blessed by friendship amongst its members. Some of us are best
 
friends, and some of us are lovers. We truly are a nation... not just a
 
micronation. We have one culture, one language, one identity, one
 
people. And that can NEVER be taken from us. And as long as there is us
 
- there is Shireroth!
 
After a week of investigation, a clue was finally provided by [[Phillip
 
Marshall]], who said he suspected that a friend of his and Stone’s did
 
it to get back at Stone for something or other. The matter was there
 
allowed to rest, although Harvey Steffke later came up with a
 
conspiracy theory that it was actually Phillip himself and that he had
 
invented the “friend” to take the blame.
 
Raynor’s speech about the unity of Shirerithians had one very strong
 
proof forthcoming. In the middle of that spring, a decision was made to
 
hold a convention at Sonoma, in which Shirerithians from all over could
 
come meet one another. Erik volunteered to drive up from around San
 
Jose, and Scott and Harvey agreed to fly out from Irvine and Michigan
 
respectively.
 
Beginning May 24th and lasting until the 31st, the convention was an
 
unparalleled success. Stone taught everyone the art of [[Amtguard]],
 
Scott presented Erik with his crown, Harvey and Jadie hit it off as
 
well as either of them could have desired, and Fax and Eros showed
 
everyone around the campus. Among the many activities in which the
 
convention-goers engaged was playing Stone’s Shireroth mod for
 
[[Neverwinter Nights]], [[role-play]]ing as vampires with a campus
 
club, playing Return to Monkey Island, and shooting projectile weaponry
 
at one another in sensitive areas of the anatomy. By the end of the
 
week, the Shirerithians were bound to one another infinitely more
 
strongly than they had been before, and Raynor’s
 
speech now rang truer than any could have previously imagined.
 
=== Chapter Eight: (June 2003) ===
 
''In which we have a short chapter regarding the last days of Kaiser
 
Raynor''
 
The last few weeks of Raynor’s Kaisership saw further growth,
 
especially in the all-important area of citizenry. Joe Whittaberg
 
finally left Shireroth for good, ending a year and a half career of
 
inactivity, but to counter, three new people joined. [[Shyriath]] was
 
the Duke of Shirlan, an independent nation with which Shireroth was
 
becoming very friendly. [[Gman Russell]] was an old citizen from back
 
in early 2001 who returned to micronations and took over the Ministry
 
of Military Affairs from the now-inactive Stone Jackabar. And
 
[[Aurefiction Auraumbre]] was recruited by Ari and soon showed her
 
skill and commitment through some excellent work in the Ministry of
 
Information, where she started Shireroth’s first (and last) newspaper.
 
Ryan Caruso aka [[WarVoid]] may also have joined around this time.
 
Culture also developed significantly during this period. [[BGI]], the
 
world’s only micronational game company, relocated its headquarters to
 
Shireroth from Menelmacar and continued working on cranking out those
 
[[Control of Destiny]] demos. Its owner, Harvey, also created the
 
[[World Council]], with its many pictures of micronationalists. Scott
 
Alexander published [[Apocollapse Now]] and [[Mogbeth]], the first a
 
novel and the second a play, both of which had significant Shirerithian
 
components. Graphically, Ryan made some nice banners and such, and the
 
website was fleshed out a little (albeit not much). Musically, the
 
[[Shireroth Band Project]] was started – sadly, it never managed to get
 
its first song finished, but it was certainly an interesting idea. And
 
in the “none of the above” category, a Mattlore Devious fan club was
 
started.
 
It was also during this period that Shireroth got a coherent foreign
 
policy. It was based around recognizing friends, containing enemies,
 
and when possible annexing people. The [[Ministry of the Exterior]]
 
took advantage of their new policy to recognize Cranda, [[Tulsa]], and
 
[[Novikraznolongnamecommieland]]. The last part was eventually to bear
 
fruit with the annexation of Shirlan a few weeks later.
 
At perhaps the apex of citizenry, activity, and interesting projects,
 
the end of Raynor’s reign can, along with the reign of [[Aure I]],
 
perhaps be considered a [[Golden Age]] for Shireroth.
 
On June 20, Raynor made a surprise announcement. New citizen
 
Aurefiction Auraumbre was to be the heir to the throne. Although some
 
questioned the wisdom of appointing someone so inexperienced, Raynor
 
said that having some fresh blood in the Kaisership would bring in new
 
ideas. After about two weeks of training, Erik declared Raynor X dead.
 
Aurefiction was now Shireroth’s first female Kaiseress.
 
=== Chapter Nine: (July and August 2003) ===
 
''In which we try to cover the rise and fall of Kaiseress Aure without
 
resurrecting too many bad feelings''
 
Aurefiction was an extremely active Kaiseress – her reign lists nearly
 
twenty decrees, almost a third as many as all the previous Kaisers
 
before her combined. Under her capable leadership, numerous flaws and
 
inconsistencies in the government were patched up, and a number of
 
processes streamlined.
 
Among the problems she dealt with upon receiving the throne were the
 
lack of Ministers (she appointed Joseph to MiniInfo, Erik to MiniTrade,
 
and Ryan to the long defunct MiniSci), inefficiency (she decreed
 
regulations making both the Landsraad and the Cabinet of Ministers work
 
more smoothly) and purely cultural stuff (she decreed Shireroth’s first
 
complete list of holidays and made the [[mango]] officially the
 
national fruit.)
 
Aurefiction was also extremely active (one might even say overactive)
 
in foreign affairs, often negotiating treaties directly with foreign
 
leaders over the unfortunately inactive Minister of the Exterior’s
 
head. Her greatest triumph was the [[Mango-Camel Pact]] which gave
 
Shireroth a full alliance with Babkha, probably the strongest
 
micronation at this time, and one that had
 
been hostile to Shireroth for some time before. The alliance eventually
 
resulted in two leading Babkhans, [[Ardashir Khan]] and [[Rakesh
 
Ackbar]], taking up residence in Shireroth.
 
Another important foreign victory was Shirlan’s finally becoming a
 
County in Shireroth. The Shirlanians, particularly Duke Shyriath, a
 
Shirerithian citizen, decided they wanted to join the Imperial Republic
 
under the Barony of [[Straylight]]. However, many of the citizens
 
dispersed from inactivity, Shyriath had to leave due to real life
 
issues, and the only person to remain was a mysterious person named
 
[[Ariadne]] who kept changing logins every couple of days and who
 
turned out to be too crazy even for Shireroth, eventually getting sort
 
of driven away. This was not one of our best examples of protectorate
 
handling.
 
Among not-entirely-new people to immigrate during Aurefiction’s reign
 
were Eoin Dornan, a long-time friend of Shireroth who had unfortunately
 
been unable to immigrate for a while due to tri-cit restrictions, and
 
who else but [[Philip Locke]], who had now had most of the evil beaten
 
out of him and who settled down to a sedentary-ish lifestyle in
 
Hyperborea.
 
However, as the Kaiseress did more and more, many others started
 
slacking off on their own jobs. The fact that summer had come into full
 
swing didn’t help – many people were on vacations, or on summer jobs,
 
or stuck with low-quality Internet connections. Her attempts to
 
increase activity, while well-intentioned, offended some of those they
 
were supposed to be monitoring. All of her activity and the frequent
 
critical comments of others began to stress Aure out – and a stressful
 
Kaiseress is an angry Kaiseress. Nick the Yardistani chose this moment
 
to return, and trying to change Shirerithian policies while stressed
 
out and angry with Nick around is something of a recipe for disaster
 
(speaking of recipes for disaster, it was also around this period that
 
the [[Shireroth School of the Culinary Arts]] made its short
 
appearance).
 
Things snapped when Aure tried to change the forum design. For years,
 
both domestic and foreign citizens had been complaining about the
 
current design featuring Malarbor, an evil tree demon whose picture did
 
not properly fit the forum and which caused problems on most browsers
 
and resolutions. However, a number of the older citizens had grown very
 
attached to it because it was Shireroth’s first background and had in
 
fact even been deified. Aure asked Ryan to get a new background, and he
 
replaced it with a bizarre dark forest that didn’t fit on the page
 
right and a rather unpopular banner. For whatever reason, a number of
 
people interpreted this as an Attack on Shireroth’s Culture. Erik went
 
into an extremely long rant in which he cursed everything and everyone,
 
Ryan responded, and by the end of the discussion the two were no longer
 
on speaking terms. Soon everyone got into a big to-do about how certain
 
people hated change and certain other people were trying to destroy
 
Shireroth’s culture and turn it into a Menelmacarish fantasy-land, and
 
the nation descended into chaos. When the dust settled, Aure and Ryan
 
had had enough. Ryan emigrated, and Aurefiction, after a final conflict
 
involving one of her decrees, abdicated.
 
In her final will, she declared Harvey Steffke to be her heir, decreed
 
Cimmeria to be a holy land dedicated to her memory, and banned Erik
 
from ever holding the throne again. She then left and never returned,
 
in what is generally agreed to have been the classiest exit from
 
micronations of all time.
 
[[Kaiser Meskan I]], however, was anything but classy in his departure.
 
After being named ruler by the departing Aure, Harvey stayed about two
 
weeks, in which he did some much needed work sorting through Aure’s
 
decrees deciding which ones should be kept and which ones revoked, as
 
well as giving newly returned Nick both Yardistan and the Ministry of
 
Immigration and Naturalization. However, after that he totally
 
disappeared. No one could reach him by forum, by AIM, or even by phone.
 
It turned out that he had quit Shireroth, forsaken micronations
 
forever, and even broken up with poor Jadie. So it goes.
 
There was a brief period in which the nation was paralyzed by lack of a
 
Kaiser, Harvey having not declared an heir. However, it was eventually
 
decided that Jadie, as grieving widow, was next in the line of
 
succession, and Brrapa Lu Eraro made her ascension to the throne
 
official.
 
=== Chapter Ten: (September, October, Octember, November 2003) ===
 
''In which everyone pulls themselves together and an era of peace
 
begins''
 
[[Kaiseress Jadie]]’s reign was marked not by the rapid change of the
 
previous era but rather by a calm and reasonable drive to improve the
 
nation that ended up being very effectual. Random chatter and
 
role-playing existed side-by-side with serious national improvement
 
efforts.
 
The random chatter could get crazy indeed. The first new person to show
 
up during Jadie’s reign was not a person at all, but rather the
 
infamous [[LIZZARD KING OF SHIREROTH]], who went on a rampage of
 
causing chaos before settling down into Yardistan, where he fit right
 
in. The second new character on the scene was Winston Marlboro (aka
 
Hesam Jahandar), possessor of the World’s Longest Sig. These two and
 
many others got to be mocked with the third incarnation of Switching
 
Day, when everyone pretended to be someone else – Eoin’s portrayal of
 
Erik and GMan’s portrayal of Nick were considered particularly good.
 
In between “real” and “not real” was a Yardistani rebellion in
 
mid-September. The Yardistanis were annoyed that Jadie was Kaiseress
 
(or maybe just realized they hadn’t rebelled in a while) and so
 
announced a revolt without specifying whether it was real or not. In
 
the beginning it was quite fun, but when Kitanus Fields and Kildare
 
taking different sides led to a Kaiserial decree separating the two,
 
both Baron Darkstar and Duke Gryphon got quite upset. Equally
 
unfortunate was when Greg Russell was fired as Baron of Amity for not
 
supporting the revolt. Eventually things were settled and Greg returned
 
to his capital, but Baron Darkstar and Duke Gryphon never got along
 
after this, and eventually Darkstar departed never to return. The
 
Yardistanis eventually quieted down.
 
Some real new people also joined at this time, though. Ex-Baracaon
 
[[Krasniy Yastreb]] showed up, got a “thing” for Eriana Moon,
 
hypnotized everyone with his mysterious stare, and left. Austi Scot,
 
best known for his time leading Tymaria, decided to let bygone issues
 
with the Shirerithians be bygones and immigrated, becoming Baron of
 
Novi Dalmacija. [[William Jesmer]] tried to join also, but the
 
Shirerithians decided that in this case bygones would NOT be bygones
 
and kicked him out (he later joined [[Karnali]]).
 
Foreign affairs plodded along at an equally manageable rate. Baracao
 
died and Shireroth sent them a nice letter saying they were sorry about
 
the fact. The alliance with Babkha remained strong. A treaty was signed
 
with [[Mediterranea]], and when Mediterranea almost got in a war with
 
Menelmacar Shireroth helped restore the peace. The Ministry of the
 
Exterior proposed a group to promote peace called the [[Olive Branch
 
Community]] which everyone liked, although due to legislative
 
difficulties it was not approved until January 2004.
 
Ever since the middle of Aure’s reign, Erik had been itching to get his
 
hands back on the Kaisership. He finally did so in a rather surprising
 
way – micronationalism’s first political marriage. He convinced Jadie
 
to marry him in order to put him first on the heir list, taking the
 
rather dull name of Kaiser Erik. This series of events proved rather
 
disappointing to Babkhan-Shirerithian Rakesh, who was also looking at a
 
similar course of action for rather less political reasons, but Erik
 
gave him the new Barony of Alexandretta to compensate. The Barony was,
 
in fact, named for Erik’s girlfriend, who joined the nation at about
 
this time and soon became both active and productive, taking MiniImNat
 
from Gryphon when he grew tired of it.
 
Upon getting the Kaisership (albeit not as Ruling Noble) Erik decided
 
to put into effect Broad Sweeping Changes. He had been hinting at these
 
for quite a while, to the point where he actually had to calm people
 
down that he wasn’t going to disrupt the national order in a way too
 
contrary to tradition. It turned out what he did was dissolve the
 
Landsraad and then reconvene them to approve or retract old laws so
 
that he could make them into a [[Lawbook]], something that turned out
 
to be a pretty good idea.
 
On November 13, Kaiseress Jadie abdicated, and Erik took the throne
 
under the rather less prosaic name of [[Kaiser Mors III]].
 
=== Chapter Eleven: (December, Decenuary, January 2003/2004) ===
 
''In which we reach the present and finally finish this history book,
 
thank Gahg''
 
Kaiser Mors inherited from his predecessors a well-oiled and efficient
 
political machine. Inactive Dukes and Barons had been removed, and the
 
new Praetor, Eoin Dornan, had gotten the Landsraad moving at breakneck
 
speed. A number of decrees and debates had finally established exactly
 
what powers the Kaiser had (answer: all of them) and what was the role
 
of the Landsraad and Ministries. The feudal subdivisions had finally
 
stabilized at a sustainable number, and they were all set with Dukes
 
and Barons. The beginning of Mors’ reign concentrated on political
 
issues; the end on foreign policy issues.
 
One of the first major issues with which Mors dealt was the
 
interchanging of Elwynn and Hyperborea. Hyperborea had long been larger
 
and more active than Elwynn, and the Duchess of Elwynn, Mari Greenwood,
 
had made a number of enemies. Mors proposed a bill to the Landsraad to
 
make Hyperborea a Duchy and Elwynn a Barony, and, after heated debate,
 
it passed. Mari Greenwood left the nation and Ardashir Khan was
 
promoted to Baron of Elwynn.
 
The other divisive political issue Mors had to deal with was the line
 
of succession. Though the past few years had seen the Kaisership pass
 
through an heir system, Mors favored the very old concept of a line of
 
succession in which certain people were in a predefined order to
 
receive the Kaisership. Everyone else disagreed with him and gave him
 
flak about it, but Mors asserted his Kaiserial omnipotence, saying:
 
Ok, yes, maybe I'm having a power trip…but in the course of a few
 
weeks, I shall get done that which I should have had done months
 
ago....the Lawbook was just the start! It's time to set straight things
 
that were made wrong oh so long ago... now I must deal with [a problem
 
regarding Kitanus Fields]...before the break. But DEATH shall ride this
 
fortnight!
 
[I may not be in my right mind, after writing a big essay and running
 
on 6 hours of sleep and it being 2 AM.. I woke up at.. err.. 9am? So I
 
may change my mind and retract some threats...]
 
However, although people stayed away from Mors for the next few days,
 
he was eventually convinced to repeal the offending decree.
 
It was also during Mors’ Kaisership that the [[Feudal Holdings Act]]
 
finally got completely passed in a totally constitutional format and
 
stopped resurrecting itself to plague another generation of Dukes. Or
 
so we think. Every time we’ve thought that before someone’s had to
 
bring it up again with some minor problem, but the version passed
 
during Mors’ Kaisership sure seemed pretty ultimate.
 
Unfortunately, the latter part of Mors’ reign suffered a dramatic
 
decline in the quality of Shireroth’s foreign relations. On the advice
 
of MiniEx Scott Alexander, the government condemned a Babkhan policy of
 
aggression towards Cranda. While this made friends with the Crandans
 
and preserved the Olive Branch Community’s vision of peace, it put a
 
massive strain on the alliance with Babkha, with some Babkhans going so
 
far as to declare Shireroth an enemy nation. The revival of Baracao
 
also resulted in a bit of trouble, as some chance remarks escalated
 
into a war of insults between the two countries that left any friendly
 
relationship very unlikely.
 
Another unfortunate foreign policy issue was the rebellion in Lac
 
Glacei, during which Ryan Caruso declared it an independent state, set
 
up a forum, and rebuffed Shireroth’s demands to return it. After a
 
brief discussion on whether or not to go to war, it was decided
 
sanctions would be a more OBC-friendly way of dealing with the issue,
 
and negotiations as to the final status of the province are still
 
continuing.
 
But perhaps the seminal event of the Mors Kaisership was the failed
 
[[F.I.R.S.T]]. merger with Treesia. Scott Alexander proposed a plan in
 
which Shireroth and its long-time ally Treesia merged completely, and
 
the Kaiser agreed to let him see what kind of agreement he could draw
 
up. However, after the notion began to gather a large amount of
 
support, the Kaiser, and his most steadfast support, Nicholas of
 
Yardistan, did an about-face and opposed the merger whole-heartedly.
 
Because the bill required a 2/3 majority to pass, and because a lot of
 
fence-sitters ended up siding with the Kaiser, the bill failed.
 
However, Mors III had gotten rather upset by the whole thing, and
 
decided he needed a vacation. On February 5, Mors abdicated, announced
 
he was taking a month long break, and finally made Nicholas Kaiser
 
after all his years of dukedom and stewardship. As a last gift to the
 
nation, he set up the www.shireroth.org site.
 
Shireroth is now under the benevolent leadership of [[Kaiser Wyltheow
 
I]]. Still isolated in the international community, it is nevertheless
 
trying to do what it can to keep abreast of a changing microworld and
 
take its place among the leading micronations of the era. With its
 
political problems solved at home, it is working on a new period of
 
infrastructure development and recruitment. Once again it faces the
 
questions of how much of its phenomenally successful system to keep and
 
how much to change in the hopes of national progress. But not even
 
[[Sakat]] himself can predict what course the nation will take into the
 
future, nor how high its star will rise.
 
[[category: History]]
 

Revision as of 08:16, 13 May 2007

Contents

History Part 1

Chapter I: The Very Beginning

Part 1: Founding

This history ought to begin at the beginning; that is, the founding of Shireroth. Unfortunately, exactly when that was is unclear. The official history of Shireroth fixes the date at twelve midnight on April 24, 2000. Since Apollo Standard Time had not yet been invented, we must assume this refers to the Pacific time used by Kaiser Metzler. The forum records back this up after a fashion - a post entitled "The Republic Of Shireroth is Founded" is dated 4/23/00 11:37:56 pm - not midnight, but close. The first post on the Shireroth forum, though, is April 21. And the Alexandros record lists Shireroth as founded 264 ASC, which translates into April 26 on the Gregorian calendar. My guess would be that the forum was created on the 21st, and an official proclamation made on the 23rd, which was then rounded off to the 24th. And the Alexandrians just didn't know what they were talking about.

Part 2: Sequential Events

On the first day of Shireroth's existence it was greeted by the Istvanistanis and Hyperboreans. It will also be noted that the Hyperboreans pointed out the first of Shireroth's spelling errors (the word "discussion") on that day. Hyperboreans pointing out Shirerothian spelling errors was later to become a grand tradition. Erik then left for two days, during which Shireroth's early history more or less stopped, since at that period he was the only citizen. The next important event of this period was the acceptance of a treaty with the Great Automatic Peoples' Republic by a 4-0 margin, in which both vowed never to attack each other. Shireroth was also recognized by Blackrock, Jasonia and Istvanistan.

Part 3: Provisional Government

The government during this time was the Provisional Government. Erik was to be a President with dictator-like powers until the Republic gained its fifth citizen. At that time, a more representative government would be established. Shireroth joined Audentior before that could happen. The only actions of Metzler's government were to appoint a Citizenship Minister and to create a currency. The Citizenship Minister was John Sager, who said he would make a citizenship form (he never did), and the currency was the €, although there is no record of the name Erb until much later. Speaking of Sager, he tried to form a party called the Popular Front of Shireroth to bring Automatic ideals into the country, but he never really got around to completing this.

Part 4: Analysis

Shireroth didn't do very much in the pre-Audentior days. It didn't have enough time to. The First Republic's major impact on history was to provide a base for future incarnations to work off of, to set the flag and currency, and to help facilitate the Audente merger negotiations, in which it played a major part and was one of the strongest voices for unity.

Chapter II: The Audente Age

Part 1: Shireroth In The Merger

The age of the First Great Merger is a very misunderstood one, but unfortunately I cannot get into it here. Shireroth, ironically, was probably one of the most pro-merger countries in the whole bunch. It was mainly small nations who were willing to agree to the merge - in the beginning, Shireroth and Hyperborea. The addition of Tapfer as a small nation was also helpful. The large nations in the merger process, who were very conservative about the possibility of creating a new country, were Jasonia and the Automatics. With Shireroth, the small nations just managed to have a majority in the proceedings, and eventually Jasonia (though significantly, not Automatica) gave in. On May 14th Shireroth became an official Audente province. Greg Shaddinger, who was strongly anti-Audentior, threatened to resign, but President Metzler said that this was a new nation and he didn't have to participate in Audente affairs if he didn't want to. John Sager, who had his own reasons for being anti-Audentior, did emigrate.

Part 2: General Politics

The Tetrapole Representative from Shireroth was Erik Metzler. He also won in a national election the Legislative Chair position, a victory which he celebrated in his infamous thread "I am got the chair!." His main policies in the Tetrapole were pushing for direct democracy and supporting anything Bill Dusch of Tapfer opposed. Another important political issue here is that Daniel K, also known as VH Fenrir, joined Shireroth for the first time.

Part 3: The Manifold Conflicts

Shireroth in the AIN was, unfortunately, probably best known for causing a lot of trouble. The first bit of trouble was the Direct Democracy Riots. These riots were the first time that Shireroth used its infamous smiley bomb, forcing Executive Chair Scott Alexander to declare martial law. This just got the Shirerothians angrier, and would have split the country had a last minute agreement not been brokered. What did end up splitting the country were the riots that occurred when Bill Dusch was elected President in a vote evidently run by the same people who did Palm Beach. These riots too were led by Shireroth.

Part 4: Shirerothian Secession

Shireroth seceded, as mentioned above, after the tainted elections during which Bill Dusch was chosen as Audentior's first President. This was on July 11th 2000, after the three Shirerothian citizens of the period (Erik Metzler, Daniel K, and Greg Shaddinger) approved. It was then discovered by the Audentes that secession was not, technically, illegal. President Dusch decided it was important to keep the nation together anyway, and attacked Shireroth. Well, sort of. What he did was post a map of Shireroth that included an Audente attack force. The Shirerothians laughed at him and challenged him to resolve the matter by a game of StarCraft. Dusch continued his unorthodox tactics, which were mockingly called "GifWars", but Audentior fell a few days later, and he chose not to pursue the war further.

Part 5: Culture During The Audente Era

Shirerothian culture during the Audente Era was primarily focused on Boomism (more properly called BO0O/\/\ism). This was both a religion and a political party. It began with the game of StarCraft, in which it was, in the words of Erik Metzler, a philosophy that "anything that's not Terran should go BOOOOM!". However, it evolved into a general pro-explosion way of thinking. The Boomist Party was for peace through armed strength and opposed the Demesos Party in Audentior's virtual two-party system. Of the foundationalist Boomist religion little has survived except the knowledge that the single holiday, La Fiesta De La BOOOM, was celebrated on July 26. The Boomist symbol was a nuclear mushroom cloud.

Chapter III: The Jasonian and Apollonian Ages

Part 1: Integration With Jasonia

Why would Shireroth merge into a monolithic nation controlled by Jasonians when it had just angrily seceded from a monolithic nation controlled by Jasonians? While it would be nice to say that the archives held the answer, any appropriate threads were either deleted or never in existence. Luckily, we have a thread from the Jasonian side, which allows us to date the merge at July 13 (making Shireroth independent for all of two days). And here Erik gives his answer to the question posited above: "Shireroth never lasted long enough before the AIN merger to develop. Now that we are free again. I see no reason why would should bother trying to develop. We are basically just the same thing as FIoJ, just smaller and less organized.(if that is even possible.)" {myriad spelling/grammar errors fixed} Shireroth joined Jasonia, it may be said, out of laziness.

Part 2: On the Activities of Shireroth, Or Lack Thereof

Shireroth was completely inactive during the Jasonian Age. All states that were part of the Flying Islands were. The one burst of interesting news was that the Shirerothians seceded on September 24 and then unseceded two hours later before anyone noticed. This was due to Erik's anger at being put on trial for spamming, but apparently he changed his mind and decided not to dig himself deeper. Erik was the only really active Shirerothian-Jasonian, although Dan K popped up from time to time. Both took the Hellish side in the Infernal War but were content to rejoin Jasonia after the Treaty of the Gods.

Part 3: The Apollonian Era

Shireroth, as a part of Jasonia, was not involved in the formation of the Union of Apollo States. It may be remembered by the student of history that Jasonia did not actually join the Union but rather sent a "dummy state", New Jasonia, to participate. Thus, Shireroth remained technically a part of an independent Jasonia, although all the action took place at the UAS. Not a single purely Shirerothian action or post can be found from this era, so it's safe to say nothing really happened.

Part 4: On the Revivication of Shireroth

I am happy to say I can pinpoint the exact moment in which Shireroth was revived. It was December 18, 2000, in an ICQ chat between this historian, Jason Steffke, and Erik Metzler. Metzler was complaining about how much he disliked FIoJ, and Scott suggested "I wouldn't mind seeing Shireroth again. It was one of the few micronations I ever liked". The Kaiser’s exact response, one for the history books, was "MUAHAHAHA! SHIREROTH SHALL RETURN!" It is a very interesting piece of historical trivia that Jason Steffke was offered the Kaisership of Shireroth in that chat, and he declined. Other names were thrown out, including John Sager, Daniel K, and (may Gahg have mercy) Eoin Dornan, but in the end, everyone thought that it had to be Erik. Which brings us to:

Chapter IV: The Direct Democracy Constitutional Monarchy of Shireroth

Part 1: Formation

The information here is taken from ICQ transcripts between Scott Alexander and Erik Metzler. The new Shireroth originally was to use the same Provisional Constitution as the Old Republic and, significantly, would ban dual citizenship. Originally Metzler decided at the last second not to create Shireroth after all, but then he got "new information" which he refused to tell me and which I suspect was just him changing his mind without wanting to admit it, and he started a vote to free Shireroth from Jasonia at 9:39 PM on December 19. The vote was almost ruined by Thomas Hubert's opposition, but Erik threatened Hubert and he changed his mind. At 11:00 PM the same day, Erik stated he wanted Shireroth to be a combination direct democracy and constitutional monarchy. It was decided that King was too bland, and Baron, Shah, Czar, Prince, Pope, Big Kahuna, Pharoah, God-King and even Ayatollah were all considered before Erik decided on Kaiser due to his German background. (although it was all that Scott could do to keep him from choosing "Lizard-KING!".)

Part 2: Government Specifics

In the words of Erik, Shireroth was a "direct democracy constitutional monarchy". The Kaiser appointed Ministers who were confirmed by the people. The people voting directly formed the legislative branch, and a judicial branch was planned but never realized. The first minister was Daniel K, Minister (or Miniter, according to the forum) of Immigration. Patrick Foley tried to become head of the military without being a citizen, but was rebuffed (he did become the CinC after the Kildare annexation). There was no foreign affairs minister, but the Kaiser took care of it, and Shireroth had mutual relations with Jasonia, Babkha, and Treesia at the time.

Part 3: The Duchy System And The Mass Annexations

The Duchy system started off very simply: Daniel K. was Duke of Brookshire, and the other Duchy, Goldshire, was vacant. It was then that the UAS collapsed, and Shireroth was all too happy to pick up the pieces. What it got from the Apollo Republic was the main land mass (which became Kildare, under Duke Patrick Foley) and the islands surrounding it (which became Gong Li, under Tony Au, who was originally an honorary citizen but then joined officially) With Patrick Foley's joining, Norfolk was added to the Shirerothian holdings, and became part of Gong Li.

Part 4: Culture During This Period

Little to none. There was some remnant of the old Novi Dalmacijan culture for a while, but no one except Stjepan understood it, and it died fast. Its one lasting contribution to Apollo Micronationalism was the famous golden Zlatni Rat, which turned out to be a beach, to Scott's extreme relief, but which was later found in mousetraps all over the land. Economics prospered, thanks to "Economics God" Tony Au. The Erb reached a record high of 5.5 on the ICEO, which everyone was very happy about, and the stock market had the usual brief flurry of activity before disappearing never to be seen again.

Chapter V: The Seventh Republic And The Seeds Of Benacia

Part 1: The Amity Crisis

The seeds of the Amity crisis go back to before Shireroth even existed. Jasonia wanted a space program, so they created JASO, the Jasonian Aeronautics and Space Organization, and gave its command to Erik Metzler. It needed a base, so Erik "discovered" the island of Amity, along with nearby Mirioth, and set up operations there. When Shireroth seceded from Jasonia, it was unclear whether Amity went with it. The Shirerothians apparently assumed it did, and the Jasonians assumed it didn't. On December 23, the Kaiser of Shireroth "politely demanded" that it be given to the Shirerothians. The Jasonians said no, and the Kaiser said he respected the Jasonian decision. On the 27th, Shireroth occupied Amity anyway, causing an international incident. Jasonia threatened Shireroth, and Shireroth laughed off the threats. For a while, it seemed like war was inevitable. But on January 3, a compromise was reached between Jasonian foreign minister Greg Nordman and the Kaiser. Jasonia would sell Amity to Shireroth for 225 erb. Although the Jasonians grumbled a little, the deal was accepted, and war averted.

Part 2: The Seventh Republic

The Seventh Republic, the name given to the Shireroth government around this time, is widely considered the Golden Age of Shireroth. On January 18th, Shireroth was accepted to the League of Micronations with a 14-1 vote. This was mainly thanks to Patrick Foley, Shireroth's many-talented foreign minister of the period. This was also the age of the Shireroth Boomers, champions of the Intermicronational Football League, for what it's worth. And of mass annexations and the Micronational Cartography Board. But it came to an end around the first day of February, when the Kaiser's sporadic mental illnesses reared their ugly head once again. Erik passed out due to some kind of problem and had to start seeing a psychologist, and decided that continued involvement in micronations would not be appropriate. Unfortunately, this was only revealed in mid-March, so for the month of February people just sat around doing nothing and wondering where the Kaiser had gone. This would be enough to destroy most micronations, and it did destroy Shireroth. Until the fateful day of March 26, 2001, Shireroth lay inactive and abandoned, the greatness of the Seventh Republic all but forgotten.

Part 3: The Crisis And The Seeds of Benacia

Jasonia, decided, out of the goodness of their hearts, to make the dead Shireroth a protectorate so that "no one could snatch it up and add it to their empire", ironically enough. The Rasinate noticed, and had the same idea - make Shireroth a protectorate of the Rasinate so Jasonia couldn't take it (though to be fair, the Rasinate had Eoin Dornan as their Prime Minister, so they really can't be held accountable for their actions). And finally, a new nation called Machiavellia, newly arrived from that fertile source of micronations called the Apolyton fora, decided to claim it so that neither Jasonia nor the Rasinate could. And they had a secret weapon - General Trantor, a man who claimed to be a former Shireroth citizen, although he refused to give any more information and there was certainly no former Shirerothian citizen named General Trantor. Jasonia gave in pretty quickly, but the Rasinate and Machiavellia seemed ready to go to war over the issue. The Rasinate even made a lot of threats and began to rally its various allies. Then General Trantor revealed that he was none other than Kaiser Metzler I of Shireroth, recovered from his ills (well, as recovered as he'd get) and come to usher in an Eighth Republic! The Rasinate quickly backed down, and Shireroth and Machiavellia signed a lasting alliance.

Chapter VI: The Benacian Age

Part 1: The Gap In The Records

There is an effective gap in records between late March and early June. It is my belief that Shireroth unofficially merged into Jasonia at this time, but the historical evidence of this is sketchy. It is based only on my personal recollection of events and some obscure references in the Jasonian fora. It seems to make more sense than anything else I've come across, though, so I'll let it stand and leave it for future investigation. Some evidence points to Benacia being formed before the Paramount War (May), but nothing concrete, and the Benacian fora were made on June 2, so I'll consider that the official date of Benacia's formation.

Part 2: The Paramount Wars

Whether Shireroth was independent, part of Benacia, or part of Jasonia during the Paramount Wars, it certainly played a major part in them. The first Paramount War was precipitated by Paramount declaring war on Jasonia because it wanted certain territories that had formerly been Paramountian back (although this was the official reason, the unofficial reason was that John Sager hated Jason Steffke and wanted to harass him). Shireroth and Machiavellia took the side of Jasonia, and used spamming techniques to spam Paramount out of existence. Unfortunately, Paramount, never having really been too much in existence anyway, didn't care, and John, with his usual obstinacy, declared that he had won and Paramount was perfect. The usual disputed-lands-go-to-the-Foundation compromise was reached, but just weeks later, the second Paramount War started. The Paramount Demolition Duo, as Kaiser Metzler and Prince Conway called themselves, went to work again, but it was revealed after the end of the war that it was just a ploy by Steffke to build activity. After this the Benacians got very angry at Jasonia and hoped for its downfall, which sure enough happened a month or two later.

Part 3: The Structure Of Benacia

Benacia had three members - Hyperborea, Shireroth, and Machiavellia. It was governed by a council of the three heads of state, and one of them each month was the Chair, who presided over the meetings. Kaiser Metzler was the first chair. The council usually met in ICQ or AIM chats.

Part 4: Shireroth During The Benacian Age

Not much happened. There were a few foreign relations things - the Benacians entered treaties with Babkha and the PUR, and went through the bimonthly ritual of threatening Thomas Hubert only to have him back down at the last second. Patrick came back and left again. Yeah. That was about it.

Chapter VII: The Hegemony of Alexandros

Part 1: Formation of the Hegemony

The best answer for "Why did the Hegemony form?" is probably "Because of the cycle". The Apollo Sector tends to have large mergers every so often, and at the time of Alexandros, it was overdue. Originally, it was going to be a strengthening of Benacia without changing the basic culture or theme. However, when a chat started which included Jason Rhode, the new Prince of Machiavellia, although not, significantly, Kaiser Metzler, the participants found they all like ancient Greece and, specifically, Alexander The Great. Thus, it was decided that the merged nation would be the Hegemony of Alexandros rather than just Benacia (Hegemony was added because it was much more original than "Kingdom" or "Republic" or "Empire"). There was some debate over who ought to be the leader, but eventually Jason Rhode was decided upon.

Part 2: Structure of the Hegemony

The Hegemony's government was based on four high officials, with the Hegemon as a fifth high official above all of them. These were the Archon, in charge of the site, the fora, and general information related stuff; the Polemarch, in charge of war and the military; the Kristarch, in charge of economics; and the Strategos, in charge of foreign affairs. During the Hegemony these were Scott Siskind, Erik Metzler, Tony Au, and Edward Conway, respectively. There was also a Landsraad, the classicists' single concession to a more Shirerothian naming system and a Demes, a direct-democracy house of the people. All kinds of complex interactions were supposed to take place between them, but in reality the five officials together made all the policy and the Demes went and approved it.

Part 3: History of the Hegemony

The Hegemony expanded pretty quickly with some mass annexations. Tapfer was annexed at the request of Bill Dusch, since Jasonia was fallen by this time. They also took some of Ryan Caruso's old territories, including a place called Cimmeria. There was a minor conflict when Caruso demanded greater rights for Cimmeria and it looked like he was threatening the government, but it turned out he wasn't and everything was fine. Thomas Hubert tried to take back Rulzcentia, but the Hegemony claimed it and Hubert gave in after some tense moments. There was also a revolt over the colors of the forum. That was about all that had time to happen before the Hegemony joined with Tymaria.

Chapter VIII: The Pax Tymaria

Part 1: The Formation of Tymaria

The formation of Tymaria was a minor miracle. The Free Republic and Interland were going to merge, and the Hegemony of Alexandros decided they might as well merge with them, which brought the Rasinate in, leading to the biggest merger in history. It was managed at a Constitutional Convention that lasted from late September to late October 2001, and the final draft of the Constitution was agreeable to all delegates, and on October 31 (or thereabout) the United Republic of Tymaria was proclaimed.

Part 2: Shireroth's Place In Tymaria

Shireroth was one of eight original states in four original regions of Tymaria. Each state got a different number of votes depending on its regional distribution, with Shireroth getting only one. As a state, Shireroth had considerable control over its internal affairs, but could not print its own money nor conduct foreign relations nor war.

Part 3: Changes And Revolutions

On November 25, Shireroth was annexed to its own Duchy, Yardistan, and its Duke, Nick the Yardistani, who had joined about a month before. Why the change? In the words of former Kaiser Metzler, "Shireroth didn't fall. I simply find Yardistan more fun." However, the reversed situation was soon set right again with the ascension of Kaiser Gaelen II to the throne. Unfortunately, Kaiser Gaelen too left, leaving the throne vacant. It passed to Ari Rahikkala, but he faked his own death, making James Raine the Steward. Then another Yardistani revolt happened...

Part 4: Culture

This was a great time for Shirerothian culture. In a posts like "History and Culture of Shireroth" and "Kaisers of Shireroth", Kaiser Metzler fleshed out the formerly deficient background of the nation. It was formerly a group of warring chiefdoms before the first Kaiser started the Republic 2000 years before the founding of the Sector. There was also some stuff on Goldshire and name origins, some of which are in the appendix.

Chapter IX: The Mors Restoration

Part 1: Kaiser Mors I

When Erik Metzler returned after his long absence, he did so as Kaiser Mercator Mortis I (Merchant of Death) or Mors for short. He bore an ancient Shirerothian sword called Vengeance which marked him as the true claimant to the throne. Both Fax Celestis and Nick the Yardistani, who at the time were in a civil war for power, gave up their claims in favor of Metzler's new avatar.

Part 2: Decrees And Changes

Kaiser Mors made a number of decrees and radically reshaped the Shireroth government. Among the decrees were to kick all foreign (which means the Tymarian government and other Tymarian states) armies out of Shireroth, a decree to make James "Fax Celestis" the new heir, a decree taking Shireroth unilaterally out of the Hegemony of Alexandros, and a decree to create a new Duchy, Straylight, for former Kaiser Ari Rahikkala. He then tried to convince the House of Nations to give Shireroth another Senate seat, which resulted in another debate over proportional representation. Also, he revived the old forum and the Landsraad and started construction of a great temple.

History Part 2

Prologue: The Fall of Tymaria

What has come before: in April 2000, a time of chaos and change around the micronational world, Erik Metzler founds the small and peaceful democratic country known as Shireroth. Within a few weeks, Shireroth is absorbed by the rising superpowers of Audentior and Jasonia, an all but forgotten backwater region of these far-flung empires. But in December of that year, they abruptly spit it back out again, and Erik once again takes the helm of leadership, declaring himself Kaiser and instituting a feudal system. There is a brief period of prosperity before the nation crumbles to dust once again. A few months later it is revived as part of the Benacian Commonwealth, and soon after this it merges into the land of Alexandros, which in turn merges into Tymaria. Once again, Shireroth is a small province of a hegemonic empire – but this time, it has both the will and the ability to be able to transcend its minor role and catapult itself into the global spotlight.

On April 6th, the first complete history of Shireroth is published, ending with a note on the recent restoration of Kaiser Mors I to the throne and the possibilities for future growth his reign opens. On April 11th, the forum of Shireroth, along with much of the rest of Tymaria, is destroyed in a terrorist attack, wiping the historical slate clean. Philip Locke, the perpetrator of the attack, is dutifully expelled from Shireroth – but not before he has had time to propose to the Mors government a plan to leverage its size and activity to become the dominant Tymarian state. Over the next few months, as the other areas in Tymaria are plagued by civil war, dissension, inactivity, and Earl Washburn, Shireroth expands in all senses of the word. Lothlaria, Lac Glacei, Jaris, and Hyperborea are added to its growing empire, and the Kaiser begins to listen less and less to the federal government in Tymaria City.

Gradually the power of the Tymarian Federal Government waned. First Jason Rhode dropped off the face of the Earth, then the Free Territories started attacking, and finally the provinces started getting restless. The formation of Baracao didn’t help either, nor did the so-called Anti-Tymar Council that advocated rebellion and separatism wherever it could find a foothold. At the same time, Shireroth’s already exponential growth went through the roof, despite the bizarre spectacle of four Kaisers in a single month. Although Los I, the most notable Kaiser of this period, was staunchly pro-Tymaria, it began to grow clear that the contradictory relationship between the ailing superfederation and its most prominent state could not continue forever.

Finally, with the election of Tony Au as Prime Executive on a “let the states secede” platform, pro-secessionist feelings snowballed. On the eve of Au’s election, the Landsraad convened to discuss the independence question. In one of their fastest decisions ever, the Landsraad bowed to the overwhelming sentiment of the Shirerithian populace and sent to the Kaiseress a resolution that Shireroth should resume its position as a free and independent state. On July 12, Kaiseress Vivantia issued Imperial Decree 30, stating:

With the blessings of the Landsraad and in light of the suspension of the Tymarian Constitution, I, Kaiseress Viviantia I, ruler of Shireroth, officially decree the secession of the Imperial Republic of Shireroth from the United Republic of Tymaria. Shireroth is now a free nation independent of Tymaria and its remaining states.

After eleven months of foreign rule, Shireroth was once again ready to take control of its own destiny – a path that would lead them further than they could imagine.

Chapter One (July 2002)

In which the new Republic is forced to confront a worrisome number of problems long before it is at all fair to expect them to be able to do so

Retooling Shireroth’s governmental machinery for independence was not as major a task as it might seem. The Skyline remarked a week after the decision that it was “almost like Shireroth had planned this beforehand, eh?” All that was needed was a foreign ministry, which was quickly created under the capable leadership of Stjepan Aracic, and an accompanying foreign policy, which in the Republic’s first week took the form of recognizing Babkha, Interland, and Istvanistan.

A typically Shirerithian response to the new conditions was a new Kaiser. Kaiseress Vivantia, an incarnation of Erik, stepped down in favor of Kaiser Mors II, also an incarnation of Erik. The rationale for the new name, according to its holder, was that “Vivantia brought us back to life…and now Mors shall dispense the death!”

Death, unfortunately, was exactly what might soon have to be dispensed. Two other Tymarian states, Interland and the Free Republic, had seceded along with Shireroth, and their sudden introduction into an already chaotic micronational world threatened to cause some sort of massive cataclysm. Particularly problematic was the Free Republic, which was claimed by Baracao despite its own belief in its independence. Shireroth and Baracao came to the brink of war – luckily, at the last second a peace conference began and the two countries managed to come to a satisfactory conclusion, although nowhere in the historical record is it listed exactly what that conclusion was.

Meanwhile, on the domestic front, things were hardly less troublesome. This remains that period of history in which trouble was spelled P-H-I-L-I-P L-O-C-K-E, and indeed, scarcely had he been admitted to Shireroth after a four month ban when he began to agitate for democracy. He accused the Republic of truly being an autocracy, and proposed his Unified Shireroth Proposal