Land Development Application

Imperial citizens and entrepreneurs seeking opportunities outside of the currently available municipalities and cities may do so through the Land Development and Application Directive. A written application must be completed in order to be considered for operator or proprietorship rights over pre-determined development plots across the Empire.

Please refer to the Land Development and Application Directive before submitting an application to the Home Office for initial review. All applications must be approved by the Home Secretary and the Archchancellor in order to be valid. Utilize the following templates when submitting an application for a specific development type.

*note Do not include italicised text from the templates in your application. Post all applications in this thread. When an application has finished being reviewed, the approval authorities will publicly announce the results. Changes or denials will be discussed with the applicants privately. Accepted applications will receive an official summons for a physical petition by the applicant to finalize the transaction.

Template for Proprietorship: Tavern

Template for Proprietorship: Borough

Template for Proprietorship: Municipality

Template for Development: Trading Post

Template for Development: Workshop

Template for Development: Farm

Current Map of Available Developments

Locations for constructions outlined herein shall be limited to those locations marked on the map, marked red for farms, green for workshops or trading posts, and blue for proprietorships. Plots marked with an X are already claimed, or owned by the state. Inquire with relevant authorities on the status of the occupant if you are still interested. 

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20th of Horen's Calling, 1833

Whereas Our government has continued to develop the Orenian countryside, We find it necessary to provide Our subjects with avenues to contribute to and establish themselves within the economic framework and territory of Our country.

We hereby establish an application process in order to receive land for the construction of farms, trading posts, workshops, taverns, boroughs, and municipalities, throughout the Orenian countryside.

Applications must be submitted through the Home Office for review by the approval board. The appropriate location to submit an application can be found HERE.

Section I: Process for Developing a Proprietorship (Tavern/Borough/Municipality)

Petition Criteria for a Tavern

• Demonstrate ten years of service to the Crown

• Demonstrate an ability to staff and operate the Proprietorship

• The location of establishment

• A written application

A petition requires the assent of the Home Secretary and Archchancellor. When accepted, applicants must provide a sum of 2,000 Imperial Marks to the Imperial Treasury and a design for the build to the Home Office. The location may be no larger than forty by forty square meters. The proprietorship shall incur a yearly excise of 100 Imperial Marks. All excises shall be halved for serving members of the Imperial State Army, or honorably discharged veterans of over twenty years. Failure to meet the excise for two consecutive years, or consistent failure to produce economic activity in the region may result in immediate termination of the contract and eviction.

Petition Criteria for a Borough:

• Demonstrate two years of successful and active management of a tavern ((OOC Note: Activity shall be gauged holistically according to activity data metrics, forum posts, and events))

• Demonstrate a necessity for housing surrounding the tavern

• A written application

A petition requires the assent of the Home Secretary and Archchancellor. When accepted, a design for the build must be provided. This build may include a small square or gathering area, and no more than three houses. The proprietorship shall incur a yearly excise of 125 Imperial Marks. All excises shall be halved for serving members of the Imperial State Army, or honorably discharged veterans of over twenty years. Failure to meet the excise for two consecutive years, or consistent failure to produce economic activity in the region may result in immediate termination of the contract and eviction. At this stage, an already existing Magistrate shall be assigned as a representative of the Crown in the Borough from a local municipality, expanding the authority of the municipal Magistrate to the borough, and charged with enforcing the law and governing on His Imperial Majesty’s behalf. 

The list of responsibilities and authorities of the Magistrate are as follows:

The Magistrate, if necessary, may also be assigned independently of a local municipality upon the assent of the Crown. The Magistrate shall require an office and quartering within the borough, from which to administrate. ((OOC Note: The Magistrate shall be appointed by the Imperial Crown, and shall be recognized as the owner and administrative leader on behalf of the Crown. This arrangement shall make them the PRO of the region)).

 

Petition Criteria for a Municipality:

• Demonstrate two years of successful and active management of a borough ((OOC Note: Activity shall be gauged holistically according to activity data metrics, forum posts, and events))

• Demonstrate the necessity for expanded housing and economic centers

• The culture and demographics of the municipality ((For this point, a forum post should also be included, outlining the culture and demographics, though it does not need to be completed in order to Petition))

• Demonstrate the necessity for a local government

• A written application 

A petition requires the assent of the Home Secretary and Archchancellor. When accepted, a design for the build must be provided. Fortifications are strictly prohibited. This build may include a town square, and multiple economic centers (smiths, shops, restaurants, etc). The municipality must also include a Magistrates Manor. At this stage, the Imperial Crown shall publish a municipal charter for the Proprietorship. A Magistrate shall be assigned as a representative of the Crown in the Municipality, and charged with enforcing the law and governing on His Imperial Majesty’s behalf. The list of responsibilities and authorities of the Magistrate are as follows:

The proprietorship shall incur a yearly excise of 150 Imperial Marks. All excises shall be halved for serving members of the Imperial State Army, or honorably discharged veterans of over twenty years. Failure to meet the excise for two consecutive years, or consistent failure to produce economic activity in the region may result in immediate termination of the contract and eviction. ((OOC Note: The Magistrate shall be appointed by the Imperial Crown, and shall be recognized as the owner and government leader on behalf of the Crown. This arrangement shall make them the PRO of the region, as the director of the local government)).

Section II: Process for Developing a Trading Post, Workshop, or Farm

Petition Criteria for a Trading Post:

• Demonstrate five years of service to the Crown

• Demonstrate an ability to staff and keep the trading post stocked with goods

• The location of establishment

• A written application

A petition requires the assent of the Home Secretary and the Archchancellor. When accepted a sum of 800 Imperial Marks must be provided to the Imperial Treasury as well as a design for the build. Trading posts may include a single building containing a small shop, stable, and food service area. The location may be no larger than forty by forty square meters and any structures should not make up more than half of the available space. The trading post shall incur a yearly excise of 90 minas. All excises shall be halved for serving members of the Imperial State Army, or honorably discharged veterans of over twenty years. Failure to meet the excise for two consecutive years may result in immediate termination of the contract and eviction.

Petition Criteria for a Workshop:

• Demonstrate five years of service to the Crown

• Demonstrate an ability to staff and keep the workshop producing specialized goods

• The location of establishment

• A written application

A petition requires the assent of the Home Secretary and the Archchancellor. When accepted a sum of 800 Imperial Marks must be provided to the Imperial Treasury as well as a design for the build. Workshops may include a single building containing a shop, and a crafting area. Examples of valid workshops include but are not limited to smithies, apothecaries, and jewelers. The location may be no larger than forty by forty square meters. The workshop may only occupy roughly half of the dedicated space, with the rest of the region designated to landscaping and beautification, or industrial immersion features. Theworkshop shall incur a yearly excise of 90 minas. All excises shall be halved for serving members of the Imperial State Army, or veterans of over twenty years. Failure to meet the excise for two consecutive years may result in immediate termination of the contract and eviction.

Petition Criteria for a Farm:

• Demonstrate five years of service to the crown

• The location of establishment

• A written application

A petition requires the assent of the Home Secretary and the Archchancellor. When accepted a sum of 300 Imperial Marks must be provided to the Imperial Treasury as well as a design for the build and farm. This farm may include a single household, and a single industrial building (windmill, winery, barn, etc). The location may be no larger than forty by forty square meters.The farmhouse and industrial building may occupy roughly half of the dedicated space, with the rest of the region designated to farmland. The farm shall incur a yearly excise of 80 minas, a crate of wheat, or five stacks of meat. All excises shall be halved for serving members of the Imperial State Army, or honorably discharged veterans of over twenty years. Failure to meet the excise for two consecutive years may result in immediate termination of the contract and eviction.

Section III: Final Approval and Development Grant

The development opportunities presented in this directive are at the will and benevolence of the Crown. Successful petitions will receive operator rights over lands owned by the Crown for the purposes deemed fit by the approval board based on information contained within the application. The approval board acts on behalf of the Crown when exercising business regarding land within the Empire. The Crown shall ultimately assent or deny the petition, based upon the advice of the approval board with respect to this directive and the lands being transacted. 

Applications that meet the aforementioned criteria and are approved through the initial review by the joint Home Secretary and Archchancellor must then physically petition an approval board in an appropriate manner. An approval board will consist of the Archchancellor, Vicechancellor, and Home Secretary, as well as other members of the Council of State at their leisure. An official summons will be issued to the petitioner following the approved initial review. The petitioner must be prepared to present the details contained within the application in person as well as answer any additional questions levied.

The most typical manner in which physical petitions may be entertained is at the conclusion regularly scheduled court sessions. Special hearings may be organized at the will of the Crown and may be requested by the petitioner for personal convenience.

Section IV: Notes and Map of Locations

All properties discussed herein may not be sold or gifted without the assent of the Home Secretary and the Archchancellor, and may be denied for any reason. In the case wherein the property is sold, the Imperial Government may collect up to fifty percent of the total price. The new owner of the property must fit the same criteria as the original property holder. 

Proprietorships with the status of borough and municipality may not be sold, gifted, or inherited under any circumstances. Operator rights of a proprietorship is appointed solely at the discretion of the Crown.

Under no circumstances can any property listed herein be incorporated into the landings of a peer.

Locations for constructions outlined herein shall be limited to those locations marked on the map, marked red for farms, green for workshops or trading posts, and blue for proprietorships. Plots marked with an X are already claimed, or owned by the state. Inquire with relevant authorities on the status of the occupant if you are still interested. 

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ISSUED AND PROCLAIMED, 

John VIII, by the grace of GOD Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Defender of the Faith, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Adria, Novellen and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera.

A pair of Rhenyari twins work in unison deep inside the Prince’s Prospect Mine, 1808

The Home Office is happy to report that surveyors assigned to the Southern wilderness of the Empire send word back with exciting news! After an innumerable amount of time spent trudging across treacherous terrain, over seas of thorny brambles, valleys of jagged rocks, and up sheer cliff faces, another pocket of harvestable resources has been discovered. What started as a simple hunt for a quiet place to take a nap turned into a cacophony of belated screeching by the dauntless explorers. The following is a statement by the man who first discovered the mineral rich vein:

Journeyman Surveyor Rikard de Soto
"I dun went down a steep little slope lookin’ fer a place to set camp when allovasudden I dun tumbled off the way. Whooo weee, it hurt like all hell as I rolled on down like a wheel without a wagon befer’ I wound up face first in sum mud- err I think it was mud. When I opened ma eyes I dun seent a glint ov sumfin shiny like. I had thought them just stars on account ov the tumble I jus took but after I blinked an all, the shiny stuck ‘round. Well I crawled ma way on over and sure enough, it wasn’t jack **** but a dang ol’ button that flew off my vest! That’s when I really sawrze it, COAL! Thick’n lumpy crumblin’ from out the rock wall. I turned back and hooted at the top ov ma lung to tha boyz ‘Back’n Black baby, there be ore in these hills!"

Well done Rickard, your Empire salutes you! And so does Prince Joseph Leopold who promptly purchased a 100% stake in your astute discovery.

Introducing
Prince’s Prospect Mine

Pick up your pick today and grab a chunk of the coveted black gold. Fuel for the fires of industry is in high demand and great fortune will meet those who rise to the occasion. The good Prince offers free access for all for the time being, so get going while the going is good. Remember fellas, the Surgeon-General says to drink plenty of water and wear your mask while toiling away in the sooty underground!

To reach the mine, head west from the peaceful enclave of Redenford and up into the imposing Western Mountain Range that so kindly cradles this great Empire. After a bit of a hike atop a dirt road, just before reaching the Countly estate of Aldersberg you’ll spot the mine on your left. The caves call your name, begging to have their halls stripped barren by your pick- dare you to disappoint?

*At the bottom of the page in barely legible font and ink that is nearly the same color as the advertisement parchment is the following message:

Disclaimer: Prince’s Prospect Mine is property of the Imperial Home Office of the Holy Orenian Empire, with exclusivity rights granted to the Count of Aldersberg. The Home Office is not liable for any injury, sickness, or deaths incurred in, at, or near the Prince’s Prospect Mine as a result of workplace hazards to include but not limited to; falls, crushings, cave-ins, vicious bear attacks, black lung, mountain madness, or demonic summonings. Prospectors are responsible for providing for their own provisions and protection. Please contact a Chaplain if you start seeing the ghostly visage of St Danial after entering the mine. Please do not disturb the hibernating flesh eating beetles . . . it’s not worth it. Good luck!
 

As detailed in the Frontier Act, the Home Office of the Holy Orenian Empire is obligated to keep a public record of all primary resource developments and their associated lease contracts. All legal entities within the same subdivision (tile) as an exploitable resource are entitled to enter into a legal agreement with any preexisting leaseholders. New leasees must adhere to the previously established lease agreements as determined by the original leaseholders. Refer to the Frontier Act for more information.

It is the responsibility of all relevant leaseholders to ensure their lease terms are accurately reflected on this record and that all changes made are reported to the Home Office.

Hogspeak Mine
Leaseholders:

1. County of Mordskov - Alren DeNurem (Markosi)
2. Viscounty of Valles - Erik Othaman (grnappa)

Lease Issued: 1807
Lease Expires: 1837
Location: Hogspeak between Mordskov and Valles. (864, -1793)

Resource Type: Mine
Additional Lease Terms: Free access

Prince’s Prospect Mine
Leaseholder:

1. County of Aldersburg - Joseph Leopold (spookylean)

Lease Issued: 1807
Lease Expires: 1837
Location: Along the road that scales the ridge towards Aldersberg (556, -550)

Resource Type: Mine
Additional Lease Terms: Free Access
 

An old Hansetian panhandler repairing a tear in his coat while prospecting at Hogspeak, 1807

Attention citizens of the Empire! Do you dream of fame and fortune? Have you ideals of grandeur but none of the aristocratic fandanglings to make it in with the big shots? Is that powdered wig you’ve had your eyes on just outside your price range? In this new world where a mina goes much further than it used to but getting it just doesn't seem to come easy, it can be hard to find your way. Until now!

Introducing
Hogspeak Mine

The Northern Lords with a great financial investment by Prince Joseph Leopold have discovered a rich pocket of minerals and ores just South of the border, ripe for the everyday man’s exploitation. So long as you’ve two arms and a heart for the great outdoors, you too can live a life of luxury. Even if you have one arm, the world is your oyster . . . or in this case a hole in the ground! Mining offers a lucrative and rewarding outlet in the realm of sweat equity. Pick by pick, you can build your own personal treasury one chunk of coal at a time. Join your fellow citizens in the deep unexplored recesses of this completely alien landscape and rip out your own meagre slice of wealth today!

Follow the Northern Highway due North from Providence, past the looming visage of Dobrov, through Mordskov and hook a right just before gazing upon the freshwater streams of Valles. Exciting adventure- or back breaking labor- awaits you in the North!

*At the bottom of the page in barely legible font and ink that is nearly the same color as the advertisement parchment is the following message:

Disclaimer: Hogspeak Mine is property of the Imperial Home Office of the Holy Orenian Empire, with exclusivity rights granted to the peers of Mordskov and Valles. The Home Office is not liable for any injury, sickness, or deaths incurred in, at, or near the Hogspeak Mine as a result of workplace hazards to include but not limited to; falls, crushings, cave-ins, vicious hog attacks, gold foot, cave madness, or necrotic reanimation. Prospectors are responsible for providing for their own provisions and protection. Please contact an inquisitor if you start hearing disembodied voices after entering the mine. Please do not touch the glowing green substances that occasionally seep through the cave walls . . . it’s not worth it. Good luck!
 

- 1806 -

Introduction:
In this new land, the Empire has managed to assert control over a wide range of territory, bringing forth the age of Providence to the untamed wilds. The initial landing site of our colonists found great fortune and opportunity which has since grown into our nation's capital. As well, the rest of the Empire is teeming with development suitable land and an abundance of natural resources ready for exploitation.

The Frontier Act seeks to fast track the Empire's progress with regards to the growth and development of our fledgling communities while also generating new sources of income for our nation's treasury. In addition, this act aims to enrich the Orenian economy through ample job opportunity and industrial advancements. Finally, in these ever uncertain times, we must be able to meet any challenge levied against the Empire through the production and mobilization of military assets such as weapons, armor, and artillery- all of which requires a great deal of raw resources that lay unclaimed beneath our feet.

Act Summation:
The Empire will offer leases on primary resources (nodes) to legal entities (cities, municipalities, reservations, etc.) and significant estate holders (peers and private citizens). These interested parties will be expected to provide the development costs upfront as well as incur an annual excise for each primary resource/industry present within their territorial division (tile). These leases will grant exclusivity to the leaseholder(s) so long as they maintain good standing in terms of the respective excise tax for the duration of the lease.

Section I
Eligible Parties:
All cities, towns, reservations, peer estates or Crown granted private estates within a territorial division are eligible to purchase lease agreements for primary resources within that division. When more than one legal entity or estate holder occupies the same territorial division as another, they shall have the right to enter into a lease agreement so long as they meet all criteria outlined in this act.

Entering a Lease Agreement:
Eligible parties may purchase exclusivity rights- and by association enter into a lease agreement- for a primary resource within the same territorial division that they reside. Eligible parties may enter into a lease agreement in one of two situations. Either directly from the Crown during the initial development of the primary resource or through the original leaseholder(s) of a primary resource in a joint partnership.

1. From the Crown: The initial development of a primary resource will require the lease agreement to be purchased by the eligible party(s) from the Crown. Multiple eligible parties may enter into a partnership and split the development downpayment. In order to enter into a lease from the Crown, the eligible party(s) must produce the upfront development downpayment of 2,500 Imperial marks to be paid in full. When entering into a lease agreement lacking current leaseholders for an already developed primary resource, the Crown shall determine the downpayment costs at its own discretion.
    
2. From a leaseholder: Lease agreements on primary resources that have already been developed will usually be purchased from the current leaseholder(s). Eligible parties are afforded the right to enter into a previously established lease agreement on a primary resource. These additional leasees must pay each original leaseholder a sum that would account for an equal partnership with respect to the development downpayment(s). As well, these additional leasees must adhere to the previously established lease terms affecting the original leaseholders.

Excise Taxes
For each primary resource that has been developed in a territorial division, a leaseholder will be expected to contribute an additional 25 Imperial mark excise tax on top of their current taxation obligations.

Lease Reaffirmation
Leases may be reaffirmed with the Crown prior to the expiration date by the leasee at no additional cost for a standard 30 year agreement. If a lease is allowed to expire before reaffirmation, the previous leaseholder(s) must provide backdated excise taxes from the expiration date up to until the lease is officially reaffirmed. New leasees unaffiliated with the original lease are subject to the Crowns discretion with respect to fees owed as mentioned above.

Public Record
All current lease agreements will be recorded by the Home Office and made available to the public. Any amendments or other changes to lease agreements will be maintained by the Home Office. Leaseholders are primarily responsible for ensuring that the publicly provided information is up to date and accurate to the greatest extent possible. The Home Office will be responsible for supplying the following data points for public consumption.

1. Leaseholders
2. Lease issuance and expiration date
3. Resource location
4. Resource type
5. Additional lease terms

Section II
Lease Details/Terms

1. Legitimacy: All lease agreements must include oversight by the Crown, even when dealing with eligible parties. A lease shall be considered null unless exclusively authorised by the Crown and recorded for public record.
    
2. Lease Expenses: The leasee is responsible for providing initial development down payments or dues owed prior to the acceptance of the lease. Each leasee will be obligated to pay an additional 25 Imperial marks in excise tax starting the week following the acceptance of a lease agreement by the Crown.
    
3. Duration: Lease agreements will remain legally binding for the period of 30 years. Leasees may exit their agreements after paying 100 Imperial Marks for each remaining year on their lease. Delinquency in payments may result in estate or asset seizure, indentured service, and/or imprisonment.
    
4. Improvement Authority: The Crown retains ultimate authority in selecting the primary resources for development and exploitation. At all times, the Crown can exercise their right to access primary resources at its discretion. Examples being the Imperial State Army or other official government agents requiring a resource for whatever situation- war time, public works, collective wellbeing, etc. Failure to submit to official access may result in lease termination and a fine of 5,000 Imperial marks.
    
5. Exclusivity Rights: Leasees shall have exclusivity rights over a primary resource and may determine how said resource is exploited. This can come in the form of restricting access to foreign and domestic civilians, issuing harvesting warrants/contracts, imposing output taxes, or directly exploiting the resource and selling it themselves. Leasees may not deprive official government agents access as detailed above.
    
6. Leaseholder Additional Terms: The original leaseholders may establish the exclusivity and exploitation specifics of a developed primary resource. All additional terms must be declared to the Crown and made public in order to be valid. Leasees may amend these additional terms as needed with simple majority between leaseholders- declaring any changes to the Crown and recording them for public record. New leasees must adhere to any previously established terms when entering into an existing lease agreement.

Penned by The Home Secretary Drasus DeNurem

Introduced by Lord Speaker Alren DeNurem

Cosponsored by Vice Chancellor Ledicort d'Azor
 

Issued and proclaimed,
Joseph II, by the grace of GOD Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Salvus, and Seventis, Defender of the Faith, Duke of Adria, Novellen and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera.
 

Introduction
The need for a representative government that holds the best interests of the people as opposed to the self is paramount to the success of any city. Providence is the Capital of our esteemed Empire, and thus must serve as the example from which all her subjects must follow. This idea extends especially into the realm of government- specifically at the municipal level. If the heart of the Empire does not have the wants and wills of the people as the driving force behind all its decisions, we are lost.

The following edict of the Imperial Home Office shall become doctrine effective immediately. These items serve to once again promote the free exchange of ideas, transparency with the public in all things that concern the public, and to ensure that those who ascend to the seat of government serve that government- and by extension its people.

Section I: Electoral Participation

1. Voting in absentia shall only be permitted when the elected assembly body is able to meet a quorum of at least half plus one in physical attendance.
    
2. Voting in absentia or failing to participate in an official assembly meeting for the third time in succession will result in the immediate termination of that members tenure in the assembly.
   • Terminated assembly members will be barred from reassuming a municipal post for at least one election cycle.

Section II: Public Accessibility

1. All assembly meetings must be open to public viewing and allow for public comment at the conclusion of each meeting. 
    
2. Assembly transcripts, voting results, and passed legislation must be published publicly.
   • Legislation that is not properly and publicly published within a year of being passed by the assembly will become null and void.
   • Published legislation must make use of the correct format as detailed in their respective charters.
   • Transcripts and voting results at a minimum must convey the main ideas of a meeting and are the responsibility of the Speaker of the Assembly to complete.

Section III: Due Diligence

1. Proposed legislation, projects, or efforts by the assembly must be developed conceptually and practically prior to introduction at an assembly meeting. Failure to meet the following criteria will render the proposition unworthy of consideration without unanimous assent from the entire assembly or the primary elected official.
   • Bills/Acts/Edicts - These proposals must have all elements fleshed out, systems developed (if any) and points of contacts or operators (if any) selected.
   • Construction - These proposals must have all elements fleshed out, a suitable location selected, prior permission to remove property (as needed), construction laborers selected and listed, a build design that is fully developed and able to be started upon approval, and a budget detailing material and labor costs.
   • Events/Cultural Demonstrations - These proposals must have all elements fleshed out, a suitable date selected that doesn’t conflict with previous events, points of contacts or operators selected and listed, a suitable location as well as any construction designs necessary, an advertising/outreach plan, and a budget detail material/labor costs.

Signed and Approved

HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Drasus DeNurem, Secretary of the Home Office