Promotions in 1607/1608
Announcement of the appointment of HRH Zechariah, The Prince Royal, Marquess of Tavastia,
to the
Heir to the Throne of Crypto Kingdom (L14/Royal)
"(this is not a literal promotion word, but the interpretation: ) King's health has declined, that is why he has finally needed to start thinking about the succession in a serious way. All this talk about health and mortality etc. has been the symptom of something weighing on him. Being nominated Heir to the Throne is a very big thing, and nominating him is also a big thing that closes more doors than it opens.
We did not really have that much of a shortage of the top candidates (the middle class is the thing we are lacking..) but perhaps they were approached and kind-of declined. Often if you are wanted, you don't have time, if you have time, you fall short. The historical issues between the King and the Prince may have gained publicity but after all they are small matters, ready be swept away if real challenges start. The only thing we wonder is that Tavastia's notorious eye for titles and honors (clearly inherited from the father) was so obscenely much satisfied with actual title
The Prince Royal, and the coveted promotion to not princely but
royal princely rank and the associated level L14 surpassing all the old Dukes and Princes, whose wealth is wider than the eye can see in a sunny day.
The King has previously tried to keep Tavastia (hard to get used to Zechariah, The Prince Royal; he has been known for so long after the pesky county of Tavastia that he somehow has title to, in practicality requiring Estonia to exert its rule to Finland) in check with the royal splendor, refusing to grant royalty, refusing Heir to the Throne, slowing promotions, modest gifts, ... Now it seems that the only things Zechariah was
not granted at the same time were the Old Duchy, and perhaps a clearer indication of the "natural" level (not based on being the Heir Apparent), since the much coveted natural princely rank, nor any duchy or principality, was not specifically mentioned.
Rumors say that the King's intention was originally to "suppress" Zech with promoting to a "L12 The Most Serene Prince Zechariah in Crypto Kingdom" leaving the "royal" attribute off and granting level L12, but with the highest feudal title remaining Marquess of Tavastia, and precedence sorting to lowest of L12 (which Tavastia felt he should have been promoted long ago unless anti-nepotism policies had gone over equality). This plan was luckily dismantled but Zechariah still retained the right to use The Most Serene modifying his person, which is a nice addition to the titulary but can seldom be used in connection to HRH (neither of which in the King's opinion fit the person, but will be necessary to ensure the continuity)."
HSH Sir Karl Hungus, The Prince of OZ, has been created Duke (L13).
"The promotion to Duke was for long held as unachievable, but over time, the most active and strategically important players have had their character promoted. In the eve of a new era, we are most grateful to bestow the title and the Dukedom to this most serene of all players."
HG The Bishop, Sir David Latapie, Marquess d'Armagnac, has been promoted Prince-Bishop (L12)."As one of the seniors in the game starting from Earl, d'Armagnac's slow promotion schedule has been a subject of fun (110 years to Marquess and then almost a century and counting...). In reality, noble promotions are based on merit, not so much by character age (as are commoner promotions to a great degree). d'Armagnac has been absent for long periods, and the possibility to be appointed Archbishop (by the Pope) has been blocked by the small size of the Kingdom. With this Prince-Bishop promotion and raise of the level we celebrate the nearly 250 years of David and wish him many more, active ones as well!
Sir kronicblazer, the Earl of Grass, has been promoted Marquess (L11). "Long years of service and active gameplay in the Kingdom, owning of businesses."
Sir binaryFate, the Earl of Naoned, has been promoted Marquess (L11). "Long years of service and active gameplay in the Kingdom, owning of gold."
Master Troy has been ennobled (Baron, L9). "Long years of service and active and balanced gameplay in the Kingdom."
Master Crichton has been ennobled (Baron, L9). "We welcome Lord Crichton to the ranks of the nobles. Considering his young age, we encourage and hope many further achievements!"
Dr. SS, King's Physician has been promoted Doctor (L7). "We start using the long-planned Doctor L7 level to expand the level from mythical wizards to also the best of their professions in academic and artesan levels. Dr. SS has proven his value and will need to do it more in the future."
Chancellor Mooo has been promoted L7. "We had decided that there be a commoner in the Town Council, and Mooo is currently blocking nobility from himself. Since promotion was in order, he will get to decide his title in the rank L7 (Wizard, Doctor, custom)."
Kushed Alot and Angus Greenthumb have shown Mastery (L6).The ceremonies were held in the Hall of Magnificence, so no THB were given. We intend to have a large honors and badges giving round soon, after some interesting developments.