New Feudalism

On 2285 ASC (Morsday 14, Vanchauslurk ShiC; November 7, 2005 Gregorian), Kaiser Yarad I decreed that a new feudal structure be instituted in Shireroth. It quickly became known as the New Feudalism.

Prior to that date, all subdivisions of Shireroth--whether they be Duchy, Barony, or County--were brought into being by the Kaiser. The New Feudalism changed that, placing the fate of the subdivisions of Shireroth directly into the hands of the people. Each current citizen was granted a parcel of land--a County--to do with as they pleased. In most cases, like those of Naudia'Diva, Monty Crisco, Antya, or Hyperborea, the parcel of land had much to do with the accomplishments of the citizen, though by no means were all Counties granted in such a faction: Byzantia and Woodshire are prime examples of the second type.

The New Feudalism created a Noble Commons for nobles to intermingle and make contracts with each other to form new subdivisons. Two Counties could ally together under contract and become a Barony; five allying together make a Duchy. In a slight bend of the rules (or perhaps rewarding preexisting contracts), two Baronies--regardless of size--are allowed to ally together and can create a Duchy in that fashion.

The New Feudalism, by accident or otherwise, also handed the Landsraad--and its voting powers--directly into the hands of the people...in a sense. The citizens of Shireroth are now able to choose who speaks in the Landsraad, through something of a meritocratic process. Leaders of the subdivisions are now usually chosen within the contracts laid down at the creation of a subdivision. As such, good leaders are given the support of like-minded followers--and, because of that support, gain the ability to speak in the Landsraad.

Currently, the Landsraad is voting on new voting procedures linked to the change in feudal structure.