Winfred Mason

Vesper Elections tonight
Will Twothumb clinge to power, or will fresh blood take over the control of the North?


Tonight, at 8 pm Britannian Summer Time, the former jailhouse in Vesper will open its doors for the first eager voters. The current baron of Vesper, Kain Twothumb, has been in position for decades, and there seems to be great expectations as to his political programme which promises both the establishment of militia outposts closer to Britannian borders, and continued support to Lady Tabbithas Knight Council to reduce crime. There are somewhat less joy for his proposal of introducing tax, however.

There are several opponents, among them the Illustrious Samsca of Olk, now mayor of West Vesper (Minoc, ed.), promising that «torture upon those who are Vesperian citizens shall be outlawed,» leaving the Poste wondering whether it was allowed in the first place.

One of the more suprising candidates is the retired Duke of Trinsic, Ikus Middlethorn, who proposes that Vesper will join the Kingdom as a crown city, along with introducing a grant of a thousand gold pieces for every new business that is founded. To inspire and encourage the creation of new jobs he also claims that with the introduction of Virtue, children will be guided into becoming productive and law-abiding citizens. Ikus' younger cousin, Irvyn, the current Duke of Trinsic, supports his candidacy. Lord Ikus ensured us that his family had a long tradition of building understanding and peace, with a foundation on virtue, and that his motivation for becoming Vesper baron is not in opposition to the current baron, Kain Twothumb, which is an old personal friend. Lord Ikus' foreign policy seems to be one of the few without the intention of bringing more war to Vesper.

One of the other Vesperian-based candidates, Geronimo «Gnomy» son of a Gnome, told us his most important single goal would be to open free seatrade between Trinsic and Vesper. This would, he claims, both create more jobs and expand Vespers markets. In addition, a lumbermill will be built in Vesper. But overly, the single most important benefit for Vesper would be to have steady imports of Trinsican wine.

Elliot Heath, marshal of the Knights Hospitallers, is also running for baron, claiming that he sees «no reason for West Vesper (formerly known as Minoc) to be ruled seperately,» the direct opposite domestic policy of Olk Samsca (Mayor of West Vesper). Mr Heaths goal as baron, and leader, of the Town of Vesper, would be to simplify the ruling of Vesper, making his rule one «marked by actions» and «not endless words or ineffective political posturing».

Baron of Vesper, Kain Twothumb was asked for a comment on the upcoming elections, and about his secret for staying in power for so long, but the Poste was told to «get away from me you filthy pirayhas», showing that the Baron was all too busy with the preparations for his electorial campaign.

The Poste will follow the Vesperian Elections.



A Guide to Courtly Conduct: Entering a New City
Proper conduct taught by a proper knight

Written by Edward de Loupe (II), son of Edward De Loupe of Trinsic, Knight and follower of Virtue.

In my short time in Courtly life, I have noted that a number of teachings given to me by my father seem forgotten in the modern world of a Nobles Court. Loss of such behaviours sees the downfall of our civilised culture, and the return to a a time passed where barbarians ruled the lands. As such, I have concluded that I shall write a series of articles relating to how a man of status should behave in Courtly Circles.

The first in my series of articles shall be Entry to a new city, in which you intend on taking -at least temporary - residence, or in which your actions shall be of note, be that positive of negative.

When entering a city, a man of status shall find a herald or page to act on his behalf (I tend to find the serf classes under take this role sufficiently well for a crown of gold, a bath and a new outfit) announcing the arrival of said man of status, and present gifts to his host. Once placing a page into your employ, make it known that you wish to speak with the host - the host being the most senior member of the Nobles court present at that time. Whilst arrangements are being made to facilitate this introduction, spend some time learning of the host - this will better enable a man of status to present appropriate gifts.

When the time comes, be led to the host - stand slightly back of your page and allow your page to introduce you - standard introduction would detail your own name, your family name, your city of origin and your most notable achievement. Allow the page to present your gift, and do not approach the host until the gift is accepted, and you are invited to proceed.

The host shall accept the gift and begin a dialogue with the man of status - inviting the man of status to describe his reasons for entering the city. These shall be given concisely, and never shall permission be demanded to undertake completion of your reasoning, it shall be requested from the host - who, unless justifiable, shall accept said reason or reject and offer alternative courses of action. At this time, a host may pass on the man of status to an agent whom he, or she, has empowered to act on behalf of them. This person should be treated with similar respect to the host - as this is the voice of the host to you from this point forth. Do not take offence at being passed over in this manner - remember your host will have many important affairs to attend - graciously accept the leave of your host.

If your host is in fact a hostess, proceed as you otherwise would, making a point to control your language, speak softly and under no circumstance curse. A gentleman of status should know the differences between talking to a man, and talking to a woman.

Until my next article, stay civil and stay safe.



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Winfred Mason

Vesper Elections: Samsca of Olk new Baron of Vesper
What?! Wasn't Twothumb supposed to win?


Vesper, on the border of Britannia -- Late last night, after nearly two hours of voting and an hour of counting the votes, the winner of the Vesper elections was announced at the Swaggers Inn. Olk Samsca won with an impressive 39.6% of the votes, commenting that «obviously I am quite pleased that the valiant citizenary of our fair Vesper saw fit to elect the right choice..,» still clearly overwhelmed by the results.

On the question of how he felt running against his predecessor, Kain Twothumb, Samsca noted that «I didn't really feel anything... It's not personal». Kain Twothumb, having been in power in Vesper for over six years and never having lost an election, remarked that he «lost fairly to an outstanding opponent that I [have] known for years and [I am certain that] he will do an excellent job for Vesper. I see it more as a win for the people of Vesper than a loss for me».

The results of the elections:

1. 39.6% - Samsca of Olk
2. 21.3% - Geronimo McShort
3. 18% - Kain Twothumb
4. 13.1% - Elliot Heath
5. 6.5% - Lord Ikus Middlethorn
6. 1.6% - Rand Darkmoore

Samsca was asked to comment on his feelings towards the City of Trinsic: «Well, I feel no hostility to the common serfs or to the sandstone bricks,» he said, «however, those who use its walls to plot against our fair land, I speak of both Bandits and Drow, earn my anger. The continued existance of the few fetid and debauched nobles who grow fat upon the work of the many causes me some displeasure.» Hesitating for a moment, «Obviously, however should those few change their stripes, as unlikely as it is, my views may change.»

Kain Twothumb, and well-known militia captain Hanse Davion, were known for their harsh line in foreign policies, especially towards the Kingdom. Weeks before the elections, the Vesper Militia had launched a series of attacks on Trinsic, further stirring the relations between the two cities. The new Baron of Vesper commented: «Unless the miscreant who presently holds the crown of Trinsic is willing to yeild,» he said, «I may seek to arrange a meeting between us to solve the currently outstanding issues.»


Lord Ikus Middlethorn, retired Duke of Trinsic, was heard remarking after the defeat that both Twothumb and the new Baron of Vesper, Olk Samsca, were «far better cheaters» than him.

The most important goals for the new Baron would be to put together a new city council, along the lines of the council which was abolished after the second Vesper-Kaldorian war, to determine Vespers new domestic- and foreign policy. Samsca reminded us that he would «seek to restore a more structured governmental system to the Republic».

The Poste wishes to congratulate «Baron» Samsca of Olk on his recent victory in Vesper.



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