_Stigwig

THE UNITED KINGDOM

Things were not going well for May. With an economy so weak, and so fragile, that the country was once again teetering on the edge, things could only last for so long. In order to break the status quo and constraints of such a small majority and moderate economic policy a snap election is held.

With an empowered Labour Party led by Dan Jarvis MP advocating investment into northern communities, a sensible economic solution and an alternative to the now failed austerity measures against a ‘banker’s party’ led by May that advocated continued cutting of tax avoidance and an increasingly Eurosceptic stance, the solution was never in doubt -- the only question was too the margins.

By the end of the night the results were clear, out of 680 seats:

LABOUR - 401

CONSERVATIVE - 190

SNP - 34

LIB DEM - 27

UKIP - 17

OTHER - 12

The SNP saw a large slump in rural areas and urban Glasgow, primarily to the Liberal Democrats and Labour Party respectively, while the Conservatives saw a huge chunk of ‘Middle England’ disappear to the Labour Party. The only upset was the lack of UKIP seats - predicted higher in the region of 50 - though over a hundred former Labour safe seats in the north could now be considered marginals with majorities of less than 3,000 votes.

By morning Her Majesty had confirmed a new majority Labour government, in coalition with the SDLP party, dedicated to balancing the United Kingdom’s economy. The government’s first act is to address the tax issues with a number of reform:

1. All British dependencies are taken under direct British control, to be administered by Parliament, and all tax rates are levelled out with national rates. The destruction of areas like BVI (British Virgin Islands) and other enormously popular tax havens is likely to send a wave around the financial world.

2. Tax rates are re-examined at a rate of 29% for corporations, more than double the previous but still relatively low, while a new band is introduced for top earners (above 300,000 GBP a year) of 50%.

3. A motion is tabled to the UN of a wholly irregular nature; to share global information on companies between every country that agrees in order to eliminate large-scale tax avoidance and restore global revenue.

These are tabled into a greater Finance Bill, passed after two days, that includes the following:

I. THE TAX BILL [SEE ABOVE].

II. THE INVESTMENT BILL:

1. An investment fund of circa. £350,000,000,000 is taken out at borrowing rates, historically low, and to be invested in the following sectors:

   1. Manufacturing;

   2. Construction;

   3. Aerospace;

   4. Defence;

   5. Steelworks;

   6. Automobiles;

   7. Agriculture;

   8. Mining.

2. Exporting is to be boosted by a further devaluation of the GBP to £1.10 to the USD, an act that is designed to build a competitive export market.

3. The [STEEL, CONSTRUCTION, DEFENCE] industries are to be partially nationalised (15% of industry) and administered in a mutually beneficial manner.

III. THE CONSUMER BILL:

1. Tax cuts are made to the middle three bands of income of 2%, while VAT sees a return to 17.5% from 20%. The expected boost to consumer spending and working class income from breaks to a regressive tax are expected to be a boost in the economy.

2. [FINANCIAL TRANSACTION TAX] -- A tax is to be levied upon the mass sale, transfer and purchase of shares to the rate of 2.5%. Although marginal, and taken off only enormous share transfers, the tax is likely to aid in balancing the books and help with income inequality.

British troops are, under the watchful eyes of the new PM, deployed to Northern Ireland in the number of 5,000 soldiers, all positioned on the now far more dangerous border with the ROI, while an offer is made to Estonia and Ukraine, now on the border with a far more dangerous Russia, of martial support. Specifically, the production of tanks begins [[7 PAGES]].

In a similar style is aid offered to the now free Iraq, a former British protectorate, of economic and military partnership. Canada is invited to further round-table talks, as is Germany ((Skype.))

[[MOD PLEASE, FOR ALL OF ABOVE.]]

LONDON, 20:30 GMT+00, 10 DOWNING STREET.

A bright and passionate Dan Jarvis steps out of the famous black door, hand raised in greeting to the nation as he pauses before the podium.

“People of the United Kingdom,

To those of you whom have seen reported, or heard, of the awful and dramatic events occurring between Brazil and Argentina, I have come to offer calm and security. Whatever our previous relation with the Argentine government, [a nervous laugh from reporters], we shall NOT allow Brazil to go exercising military influence over free nations. To the Argentine nation, we offer our support.”

With a singular, slow nod, the Prime Minister turns and returns to the building.

Following the speech a backdoor offer is made to Argentina of support, while a major naval detachment (the nation’s only aircraft carrier, 4 destroyers, and half-a-dozen submarines) begins moving towards the Falklands. [[MOD PLEASE]]

Meanwhile, the Japanese invitation is accepted by the PM, though the invite to join sanctions is thoroughly ignored.

THE UNITED KINGDOM

For a country that had teetered so close to the edge, she hadn't done a bad job. Of course, the vote to leave the European Union had been an economic disaster - the pound had fallen to 1.15 against the USD before slowly, gradually stabilising and gently crawling back from the edge. The decision to leave had caused an enormous influx of migrants, 800,000 in two years, but now the borders were “controlled” and annual net migration was down to the tens of thousands again. Manufacturing jobs had been lost in their thousands, along with financial sector employment, and the City of London took its largest hit ever. The country looked ruined.

From the ashes, though, struggled forth survival. With Theresa May installed as Prime Minister just four weeks after the 23rd, Independence Day according to the late Nigel Farage, a hardline approach was taken to economic recovery. Crabb’s failed leadership bid had held a single worthy element - an investment fund - was carried forwards by May in a shocking use of Keynesian thought by the British Right. With historically low borrowing rates the UK government had begun to borrow upwards of £200 billion and pump them into manufacturing jobs in Wales, northern England and Scotland. Sturgeon’s abortive bid for independence had totally collapsed, leading to a couple of shocking by-election defeats for the SNP a parliament. Glasgow East saw a 35% swing to Labour, allowing them to retake the seat, following an intense and engaged campaign, while Glasgow South saw a 25% swing, leaving the SNP hanging on by a thin thread.

As manufacturing jobs struggled back, the country saw a brief respite from recession, barely struggling on to its recovery. Only six months after the sudden boom May undertook an emergency cabinet reshuffle and instated Leadsom, a rabid right-winger, to the position of Chancellor. While the political ramifications of such a move and the abandonment of the economic centre-ground are yet to be seen, her decisions to slash British corporation tax to a level of 12%, historically low and labelled by Opposition MP’s as an attempt to make Britain into a “supersized tax haven”, is soon to be seen. [[MOD PLEASE]].

Only two months into her premiership May had shuffled in the disgraced former defence minister Liam Fox to Defence Secretary, bringing with it a number of controversial moves. Construction immediately began on a new aircraft carrier, given the failure of Cameron’s government to invest in defence, [[6 PAGES]] and over 2,000 British servicemen were deployed to Gibraltar given the new troubles with Spain. Behind the scenes an offer was made to Australia to purchase several naval bases on north-western coastline. [[@ANDREWTECH]]

With a controversial vote tabled in Parliament in 2 months on Trident renewal, likely to cause issues for the struggling Opposition beyond lifelong nuclear disarmament campaigner Jeremy Corbyn, a public stance was taken to put research into improved conventional rifles in order to support ground troops. [[5 PAGES]]

Perhaps the greatest issue though, and the one that would be most defining to May’s career as Prime Minister, would be a ‘new deal’ with the EU. In hopes of achieving one she has dispatched Philip Hammond, Foreign Sec, to Berlin to meet with the Chancellor Merkel in talks. Similar efforts are made towards Canada and Australia, however these are in regards to the creation of a similar free-trade zone within Commonwealth countries.

Country Selected: United Kingdom

Nation Leader: Theresa May

Demonstrate Understanding of Nation (Bio/Facts/Info): Recently voted to leave EU, home to 'mother of parliaments', main Allied force in WW2, ~650 constituencies in parliamentary system, 6th largest eco. in world (was 5th) now faces declining world influence. Pop of ~64 million.. faces (or faced) high immigration levels, large north/south divide on spending and wealth distribution.

Pass phrase: shitshitshit

Do you understand the rules and regulations of this FRP: Yes

"Rats flee the sinking ship," sighs a wearied Ashford.

I am

          q-q-q-q-q-q-q-quakin..

Father Theodore rises after a moment's hesitation, ponderously and laboriously casting his vote for Georgiy Nikovich. After a few second's pause he takes his seat again.

"Deo confidimus." The priest whispers softly.

"A close-minded, shallow, short-reaching Church will not allow the faithful to spread the Lord's light far. We must open our arms to convert more and save those who have not seen the light of our Faith." Theodore mutters after reading the thesis in the pews of the Felsenic cathedral, pausing in thought for a moment before continuing on with his prayers.

2 minutes ago, EndCallCaesar said:

"Bah, Lucien IV is a great man and will make an even greater High Pontiff, I've met him before and he speaks true, his ascension to the position is justified and will be a blessing to the church." Says the Man-At-Arms, Petre Salomon.

"I agree," intones Theodore.

THE NEED FOR AN ELECTORAL SYNOD

The very nature of a synod, whether it be a triarchy, pentarchy or septarchy, involves multiple cardinals - multiple bishops, priests and clergymen joined together in counsel to pilot the Faith. These voices of many, all ordained and shepherds of our holy flock, are guidance to the Vicar of GOD, counselling him and, should he be sick, ill, absent, or deceased - presiding over the Church’s future path so that we do not stray from God’s chosen path.

By operating in this manner, whether it be to preside over a regency in the High Pontiff’s absence or when he is in good health, the synod can balance his power and check him, should he lose the full extent of his mind, or should he simply be seized by factionalism. Should the High Pontiff fall to corruption (rarely as it has happened) and attempt to seize the Church, a synod comprised of many with power can halt such an action. In this way the synod is the Church’s greatest protector, powerful and weak, proud and humble - capable of great joys.

This latest move to revoke powers of the synod in the appointment of a future High Pontiff is, I believe, a great bound down a long and awful path to the erosion of all our Church stands for. If a High Pontiff is able to appoint his own heir, what is to stop him appointing his own son? What is to stop him retaining such a position within his own house - to choose someone simply because of their sycophantic tendencies? With a synod of many - with many views raised - this horrible corruption can be stopped before such blight spreads further into the house of our Lord.

With an electoral college made up of many a better High Pontiff can be elected, more representative of the views of all the Faith, more pleasing to all of the clergy rather than to the ailing and dying High Pontiff. What if a High Pontiff should be killed? What then. What if he should fall ill, and unable to elect a successor? What then.

Through a synod of many competing voices, factionalism can be rooted out and kept down by a balanced discussion. However, should a single High Pontiff be risen up and profess himself to a sect, then there is nothing to stop that sect seizing control of the Church for a hundred years as Vicar names Vicar after him from the same narrow, false, school of thought.

If we are to forbid all priests from voting on the appointment of a High Pontiff, and limit it to the college of cardinals, to our synod; then we should at least aim for a septarchy. With a larger college, more voices are combined in elections and guiding the Vicar of God. Yet, for all of this, there remains one presiding reason for the maintenance of a synod as it was. The High Pontiff swore to maintain the Tradition left to him, and there is little of the Church that has lasted for as long through these last turbulent years as a synod.

By assuming this power, power that lies on a long route to the complete centralisation of the Church, I fear that Daniel III hoped to become more than simply the Vicar of GOD.

THEODORE DE LYON,

Acolyte

The young acolyte crosses his chest at the news, head lowered, having recently met the young Georgiy and revelled in the story of his meteoric rise through the ranks of the Church. "May this restore the Church," he mutters quietly.

IC

Name: Theodore 

Service: I desire to serve in the clergy, as a priest. 

Why do you wish to assist the Church?: My father instilled in me faith, and with his passing I need purpose. 

Anything else?: No.

OOC

Minecraft Name: stigwig

Skype Name: I'm in the chat 

hb what is good anime

Name: Denis de Bar

Age: 38
Title: Grandmaster

Lands of Origin/Holdings: Drusco

FOR THE JOUST.

Following the return of the Grandmaster from his pilgrimage, the Brotherhood is recruiting once more.

He is able to think sensibly and beyond the parameters of a rulebook; displays initiative and intelligence, as every GM should.

10 hours ago, Fimlin / worldiswar28 said:

OOC:

Skype name: worldiswar28

Username: Worldiswar28
 

IC:

Name: Hadreno

Reasons for applying: In need of work

Do you agree to PK if RP is done appropriately and well?: yah

A letter reaches the applicant, whether via raven or messenger boy, crisp paper sealed by the plain Ashford seal.

"Report to Peremont to be inducted, Brother."

He would do great.

Excellent builder, did very well on the team before. 

On 04/03/2016 at 1:13 AM, smelltheroses/dr. combine said:

[Application]

A letter reaches the applicant, whether via raven or messenger boy, crisp paper sealed by the plain Ashford seal.

"Report to Peremont to be inducted, Brother."

"A shame, for all the crimes of his father; he was an Ashford."

Denis ponders to himself after hearing news from the young Colm, another victim of the attack who had managed to survive.

"Should the writer announce his name, I shall entertain any thought of this being a real publication."

Denis de Bar offers a scoff as the flier is delivered to him, delivering the cutting retort to the cluster of Brothers nearby. His hands close around the paper after, balling it up before consigning its contents to the roaring hearth.

1 hour ago, cwesleyc said:

OOC:

Skype name: cwesleyc123

Username: cwelseyc
 

IC:

Name: Bronn Emory

Reasons for applying: Want to serve my kingdom, and get out of the living walking joke of a Felsen Guard

Do you agree to PK if RP is done appropriately and well?: Yes.

 

A letter reaches the applicant, whether via raven or messenger boy, crisp paper sealed by the plain Ashford seal.

"Report to Peremont to be inducted, Brother."

On 28/02/2016 at 10:46 PM, Denryn The Swift said:

OOC

.   Skype: spherixmc

.    IGN: Denryn

RP

Name: Leonard The Mysterious

Reason: I'd like to take a step further in this community. Also I am thurrily interested in you brotherhood 

Do I agree with PK if Rp is done well? Yes, indeed I do.

A letter reaches the applicant, whether via raven or messenger boy, crisp paper sealed by the plain Ashford seal.

"Report to Peremont to be inducted, Brother."

PEREMONT CITY REPORT - WEEK FOUR

Status:

Fairly Active.

Council Members:

Castellan: Guy Leopold de Bar, TheIrishBoys

Bailiff: Rhys Roke, methylmorphine

Steward: Thomas de Aryn, Tahmas

Court Chaplain: Peredono of Valenza, Clegg_

Introduction:

Apologies for missing out last week - events over the weekend meant that it couldn’t be posted but we have one for this week. Queries about anything contained within, purchasing houses, or anything else to do with the County should be directed to the Count Adrian (NiceGuyNorman) or the Grandmaster (stigwig).

Orcish Raid:

Orenian forces rallied at Peremont and Felsen yesterday to launch a raid on Gundz'koth, capital of the Orcish Uzg, in response to their previous advances on the capital. Brave men toiled endlessly against the walls, and underhanded trickery common of the green-skinned beasts proved it a stalemate until the end.

Peace In Our Time:

The Peace of West Avar has been signed following the ascension of the new Emperor, John II. Negotiating a new treaty with the dwed, it signals a new era of peace with Urguan- for a time. Although replaced with the Orcish menace, the war that had cost so many human lives has now been brought to an end.

Recruitment:

As always, the Brotherhood of the Golden Crozier is recruiting hard-working and pious men who seek a worthy service. With the recent battles against the Orcish hordes and raids, more soldiers are always needed to enable victory.

((https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/138266-the-brotherhood-of-the-golden-crozier/))

New Tavernkeep:

The former tavern-owner, Bertrand, has seen fit to sell the tavern onto a ‘Jack Dolen’ (Reeg) - anyone with questions in regards to the tavern would do well to contact him. We hope that this well help to revitalise the tavern and once again move money through the city.

Guilds:

Any aspiring entrepreneurs who are interested in establishing a guild, where they may meet others of the same craft and trade as they are, or simply joining such an organisation, should contact Denis de Bar.

The Barony of Virdain:

Following the latest grand-scale events, the Imperial Papers for the Barony of Virdain were made official and publicized, ensuring Peremont’s very own Steward, Thomas de Aryn (Tahmas), was ennobled in his own right. The Barony of Virdain, whilst currently small in stature, has entered its place in the Realm just north of the Peremont City.

12 hours ago, Panfilov28 said:

OOC

 

Skype name: chase.via

Username: Panfilov28
 

IC

 

Name: Ivan Panfilov

Reason(s) for applying: To find an alternative to serving the stagnant Marbrands.

Do you agree to PK if RP is done appropriately and well?: Of course, for the sake of roleplay lore.

A letter reaches the applicant, whether via raven or messenger boy, crisp paper sealed by the plain Ashford seal.

"Report to Peremont to be inducted, Brother."