From the Fox's Desk

On Tithes and Taxes

2010-08-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

Citizens of Seahaven,

The Rex Regis and his esteemed Privy Council have been addressing numerous issues of state, working on how to best serve our Great Kingdom. Already, you have seen some of the effects of our efforts, all in the best interests of the people. Recently the Edict of Arms was formalized and published, formulating the restructuring of Seahaven's Military and establishing a standing Army to keep our people safe and secure. The better funded Rangers and Watch have worked tirelessly to secure our territorial forests between the Capital and Westport from the terror of the serpents.

This has been a year of both great success and great hardship. While our country has flourished, some of our people have fallen on hard times. The plight and worries of these citizens have not gone unheard. It is the unceasing goal of this Monarchy to ensure that it’s people are kept safe and well. Most recently, formalization of what had been random and sporadic licensing by the former Lord Justicar has been achieved. Unfortunately, due to his negligence, many citizens are severely delinquent in payment of their taxes. We have chosen to forgive this debt and start afresh, but the peoples’ concern has since reached our ears. For many who had not paid these taxes before, sudden bi-seasonal payments are creating huge bills all at once. This is an understandable concern, and one easily addressed. As such these payments as well as payments in tithes from nobility will be undergoing the following changes:

1. All payments will be paid seasonally within the first week of the first month of the Season, through the Justicar’s offices either directly to him or to one of his designated assistants. After the first week, if payment is not made, shops will be closed and noble titles will be forfeit. The costs for the shop licensing fees will be accordingly divided into four equal payments throughout the year, rather than two, so as to make sure that the payments are more manageable for all.

2. Unlike the grace granted to our common citizens, noble tithes will not be lowered. It is the opinion of the Privy Council that the duty of the Peerage is to set an example for all of Seahaven with their generosity and support of our kingdom and the Military that keeps us safe. Also with the booming economy that Seahaven is experiencing, such payments from Seahaven's most well off individuals should in no way be a burden. As such tithe payments will remain as they are currently priced, but be paid seasonally as opposed to twice per year.

The following are the adjusted amounts for the seasonal shop licensing fees:

Stalls in the Upper Quarter – 2L, 10s
Stalls in the Market District – 1L, 18s
Stalls elsewhere in Seahaven and in Milford – 1L, 5s
Stalls in the Slums, Docks or outside of the cities walls – 12s

Shops in the Upper Quarter – 5L
Shops in the Market District – 3L, 15s
Shops elsewhere in Seahaven and in Milford – 1L, 5s
Shops in the Slums, Docks or outside of the cities walls – 1L, 5s

Establishments in the Upper Quarter – 7L
Establishments in the Market District – 5L, 5s
Establishments elsewhere in Seahaven and in Milford – 3L, 10s
Establishments in the Slums, Docks or outside of the cities walls – 1L, 15s

This edict is signed into effect as of this morning, with the changes and first payments due the Beginning of Spring, 1088. These changes will remain in effect until repealed by an agent of His Royal Majesty.

Alfred Falby,
Secretary to the Rex Regis

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"Let it not be said we are not aware of the plight of our subjects. Where once there was chaos and random arbitrary taxation without warning, now it is orderly. Now they receive more benefits and better protection in this time of economic boom."

--Rex Regis Beckett ap Raenold

Edict of Arms

2010-08-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

Henceforth all official military groups shall be formed into one organization known henceforth as the Seahaven Military. The Seahaven Military will be comprised of multiple branches that shall see to specific duties within the Kingdom of Seahaven, though any and all branches may be called into duty and marshaled for foreign service as needed during times of War.

Regarding Leadership: The leader of the Seahaven Military shall be given the title of Commander General and shall be charged with the organization and command of the Seahaven Military. Acting as the Rex Regis' military advisor, he shall work with the ruling Monarch to develop strategy and provide for the safety and defense of Seahaven and it's interests.

Rights of the Commander General

· The Commander General shall be afforded all benefits of the title of Count for so long as they hold this position, unless they have earned the right to a higher rank outside of this service.
· The Commander General has the authority to review, repeal and issue warrants for any class of crimes that the Watch, Rangers, Royal Guard or Navy may oversee, though he may not repeal any warrant issued by the Rex Regis
· The Commander General has the authority to pass sentence on criminals found guilty of crimes that the Watch, Rangers, Royal Guard or Navy may oversee. This does not pertain to Nobles accused of High Crimes, as such cases are tried before the Monarch.
· The Commander General has the authority to report to the Monarch Alone.
· The Commander General has the authority to delegate Military Duties.

Regarding the Military Council: The Commander General shall lead a council of Military Leaders to discuss strategy and planning for Seahaven's defense and its security. The Council will consist of the leaders of the major military branches, including the Lord Commander of the Watch, Lord Commander of the Rangers, Captain-General of the Royal Guard and High Admiral of the Navy. In addition two non military advisers shall be appointed to the council by the King to represent Seahaven's commercial and noble interests. Though these individuals shall not have command authority, they shall have a voice in the Council. The Commander General has final say in all matters of the Council, unless overruled by the Monarch. The Monarch may add members to the council at his discretion.

Regarding the Rights of the the Branch Commanders: The rights of all Branch Commanders shall remain as they are written, excepting that they shall address their concerns to the Commander General first, before bringing them to the Monarch. Exception shall be made only in times of dire emergency, during war, or when the Commander General is unavailable. The Monarch reserves the right to add new branches at his discretion.
Regarding the Military Branches: Though the Seahaven Military will be united under the banner of a single organization, it is understood that there are many and varied needs in the defense of the Kingdom. As such, the military will be broken into various branches with the following specifications:

1. The main fighting force of the Seahaven Military shall be colloquially known as the Royal Army. The Seahaven Army shall consist of both foot soldiers and cavalry soldiers under the direct command of the Commander General or his duly appointed subordinates. They shall be identified by their navy and argent checkered cloaks.
2. The Seahaven Civil Watch will see to the safety and security of Seahaven's cities and towns. Under the command of the Lord Commander of the Watch, the Civil Watch shall enforce the laws and maintain the peace. They shall be identified by their navy cloaks.
3. The Seahaven Rangers will see to the safety and security of Seahaven's wild lands and the roads. Tasked with dealing with the demonic incursions and ensuring the safety of travelers between Seahaven's population centers, they are under the command of the Lord Commander of the Rangers. They shall be identified by their forest green cloaks.
4. The Royal Guard shall be tasked with protecting the Royal Family at all times. This is their paramount duty and under the direction of the Captain-General they shall pursue it to the best of their abilities. They shall also be tasked to assist the Civil Watch in the investigation and resolution of High Crimes as they by their very nature are a threat to the Monarch and his kingdom. They shall be known by their carmine and white cloaks.
5. The Royal Navy shall be tasked with maintaining the security of the waters surrounding Seahaven and the protection of its Merchant ships. Under the direction of the High Admiral they shall mete out justice to pirates as well as recruit suitable privateers to expand the fleet. They shall be known by their gold cloaks.

Regarding Ranks and Pay: The military shall be outfitted with the following as standard equipment, wages and ranks:

1. Basic ranks shall be known as recruits through all branches of service. They shall be granted the use of one weapon of personal choice, ratified by their commanding officer. They shall be granted no armor, but shall be granted a wage of five shillings a week. This rank is for those who are in training and preparing to be in active service.
2. The second rank shall be the bulk of the forces for each branch. In the Watch they shall be known as Constable, in the Rangers they shall be known as Caretaker, in the Royal Guard they shall be known as Guardsman. In the Royal Navy they shall be known as Seaman. Finally within the Royal Army they shall be known as Soldier. These second ranked soldiers shall be granted the use of leather armor for protection, and will have use of one weapon of personal choice as long as it is confirmed by their commanding officer. They shall be granted a wage of twelve shillings a week.
3. The third rank shall be those non-officers who have distinguished themselves through service. They will be in charge of having more authority to oversee groups of men. Within the Watch and Royal Guard they shall be known as Sergeants. Within the Navy they shall be referred to as Ensign. Within the Rangers they shall be known as Warden. Within the Royal Army they shall be known as Banner-men. These individuals shall be granted the use of one personal weapon, subject to the approval of their commanding officer as well as the use of a suit of scale armor. They shall be afforded a wage of one pound, five shillings a week.
4. The fourth rank shall be the first of the officer ranks and will be granted the rights of 'working nobility' for all purposes necessary to promote authority in legal, criminal, and civil matters. Within the Watch and Royal Guard they shall be known as Lieutenant. Within the Royal Navy they shall be known as Ship’s Captain and have the command of smaller vessels within the fleet. Within the Rangers they shall be known as Guardian. Within the Royal Army they shall be referred to as Banner-man Lieutenant. They shall be granted the use of one suit of brigandine armor and one weapon of personal choice, subject to review of their commanding officer. They shall also be granted a wage of two pounds a week.
5. The fifth rank shall be a high officer rank with great authority. Within the Watch, Royal Guard and Royal Army, these officers shall be styled Captain. Within the Royal Navy they shall be called Admiral. Within the Rangers they shall be known as Sentinel. These officers shall have armor made of chain granted to them as well as the use of a weapon of their personal choice. They shall be granted a wage of three pounds per week.
6. The sixth rank shall be reserved for the absolute highest class of officers, of which only a small handful will ever be commissioned. They shall with the sole exception of the Royal Army head their branches under the direction of the Commander General who himself runs the Royal Army. Within the Rangers and Watch, this officer shall be styled Lord Commander. Within the Royal Navy this individual shall be styled High Admiral. The leader of the Royal Guard shall be styled Captain-General. The Royal Army, being of a larger nature than the other branches shall have multiple members of this Rank who report to the Commander General and they shall be referred to simply as Colonel. They will not sit on Military council meetings, but will each lead a Legion within the Royal Army. Officers of this rank shall all be granted titles of nobility for so long as they hold this position, maintaining all of the rights that go with it. They shall have a full set of chain armor and use of weapons of office that are granted along with the positions. They shall be afforded a wage of four pounds a week.
7. The Seventh and highest rank shall be that of Commander General, detailed already within this document. He shall have the command over all of the military, noble titling and, so long as he retains his position, a full suit of chain armor as well as a weapon and baton of office. His wage shall be five pounds a week.

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"For too long have our soldiers been underpaid and under-equipped. It is long since time, in the face of the demonic threats and foreign hostility to our Sovereign nation, that we established a standing army to meet the attacks head on. The mercenary corps has been a vital resource and will still be used but an Army of our own is a must for our nation to survive."

--Rex Regis Beckett ap Raenold

Noble Bearing Act

2010-08-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

Whereas the Nobles of Seahaven are of a class abovet he common ranks.
Whereas the Nobles of Seahaven are granted specific items of sumptuary to distinguish themselves.
Whereas the Nobles of Seahaven represent Seahaven to the world abroad and are the public faces of the country to all within its borders.

Be it enacted by His Royal Majesty, the Rex Regis Beckett ap Raenold that the following shall hold true for all who bear formal title within the realm of Seahaven.

1st All titled individuals are to make their residence within the Nobles District. While it is commendable for nobles to live amongst the people, proper security and protocol must be followed to ensure safety and propriety.

2nd All titled individuals and those who hold high ranking office are expected to dress in a manner befitting the upper classes when all possible. Coronets of station are expected to be worn most of the time to allow for proper identification of rank. Furthermore Nobles are expected to be dressed in a manner that conforms to sumptuary laws. To gain a title one must prove they can afford to dress like a noble. Once you have a title, you are expected to, least you loose it. Exceptions of course may be made for exceptional circumstances due to duties and jobs requiring dressing down for a time. The majority of the time, nobles are expected to dress properly.

3rd All titled individuals are to carry themselves in a Noble manner and behave as of their class. The actions of the nobility reflect upon the Peerage and the Monarchy. All nobles are expected to conduct themselves in a class appropriate manner and repeated or gross breaches in conduct will be heavily frowned upon.

4th Recognized servants and household retainers are to be registered with the Justicar's office and granted a badge, a sash or some other identifier bearing the colors of the house to which they serve and or crest. They represent their noble and if acting on their House's behalf there should be no question of that fact.

Failure to comply with these rules will result in the Nobles in question having their claim to noble title questioned and brought before the Peerage council for review. If the Peerage find that the titled individual has been lax in upholding their portion of this modest social contract, the Peerage Council may strip them of their title and all rights of noble and gentry. They may not apply for title again for three full years and must then find the support of four nobles as opposed to the standard two.

This edict is signed into effect as of this morning, and will remain in effect until repealed by an agent of His Royal Majesty.

Alfred Falby,
Secretary to the Rex Regis

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The Rex Regis was quoted to say upon the signing of this document, "May confusion be cast aside that no longer people will have to wonder who their Nobility are. Now the rights and privileges bear with them the responsability that had been implied before."

Anti Smuggling Act

2010-08-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

10th End of Autumn, 1087

Due to the upsweep in piracy, brigandry, armed robbery, burglary, theft, fencing and other such crimes throughout the city and lands surrounding, it is hereby decalred that:

Shopkeepers must keep written logs of all sumptuary items that pass through their shops. This includes the name of the seller.
Shopkeepers must report all suspicious sales that come through their shops. This includes, but is not limited to the obviously identifiable possessions of a person of standing, burglary tools, and sumptuary materials.
The right of the seller to sell the item in question must be able to be proven, should it be questioned by a member of the city's law
enforcement.
Those caught involved in such criminal actions, unable to defend their claims to ownership of the item in question, will be prosecuted
and punished to the full extent of the law.
Those who refuse to cooperate with the law will be considered guilty and prosecuted as such until which time they agree to cooperate fully in apprehending the guilty parties.

This edict is signed into effect as of this morning, and will remain in effect until repealed by an agent of His Royal Majesty.

Mason ap Mortimer,
Scribe of the Seahaven Watch.

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It is told by those who were present at the signing of the document (or claimed to be) that the Rex Regis said, "With this act we reinforce the belief that this Nation of ours will be an economic power. We will not be held hostage to those who would steal from our merchants. let a bounty be had upon their successful capture and let the worst of the offenders hang for their treason and crimes against our economic Sovereignty."

Coronation Speech

2010-08-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

(The following is a transcript of the coronation speech delivered by Rex Regis Beckett ap Raenold. It has been posted about the city so it can be viewed by those who were not present)

A long road we have all been upon, traveling together. Sometimes it has been rocky, sometimes smoothly made. Yet no matter how our road has twisted and turned, no matter how many forks we have taken, we as a nation and a people have endured.

Some would today say that this past few months, since the tragic death death has been a dark road, that finally reaches its end today. And while We agree, the times have been dark, this is no ending. But a beginning for all of us citizens of Seahaven.

We stand here, amidst the pomp and circumstance and cannot help but be awed and humbled by this experience. We stand here, all faithful subjects of the crown, the people of Seahaven and cannot help but be thankful to see something like this happen once more. There are some who thought the age of the Monarchy was over. Thought that the time of the Republic was neigh. Yet here we are to show that we remain strong and that our way of life will endure and the trust between crown and subject, the trust that binds us all will hold strong..

Today we promise, here and now that we will do everything in our power to do that trust proud. Here before noble and commoner, before the gods, before our ancestors and the proud line of Rossiam who once sat upon this throne, We swear to honor Seahaven, to do only what is best for it, its people and its future.

We are a proud people with a proud history. A shining light a jewel even before the darkness cast its pallor across the world. Now we shine all the brighter and we am reminded of the heartiness of our culture, our spirit to endure and survive. To those of us who have traveled from distant corners of our Kingdom, know not that We do not forget about you. Seahaven will never forget its people and never hesitate to reach out and help them, to lift them up and support them.

With our long history has come a strong tradition. At times it flags, but we must not forget where we have come from. Nor where we are going. We must keep and bear these traditions, the teachings of our forefathers in mind as we enter into this new era of our Kingdom's history. These traditions, our gods, our history are what make us who we are, what have helped us to endure through so much and even to flourish.

And looking ahead we must embrace the new, as Seahaven ever has. We are brave pioneers who set forth to explore new lands with a spirit to discover new things and learn and see. A spirit that will help us build off of that base that we have already. To learn and grow and to help people of all classes, all ways and means.

Today is a new day for us all. Yes, we have had a long road, but we start on a newer one, bolstered by our traditions,.with the strength of our people and with the enterprising spirit that will help us forge ahead into a much brighter future. A future that will see our Kingdom shine more brightly than ever before. To see it's people happier and more prosperous than ever before united once again under one crown, one Monarchy and with one voice to say that we want to strive for the better, for every man woman and child, to provide justice, security and truth for all.

And as this day comes to an end I thank you all. I will never forget this day. I will never forget the trust, the loyalty shown by you all. We will have out bright future. May the Gods bless you all. May the Gods bless Seahaven.

Journal: 20 End of Darkfall, 1087

2010-03-23T03:38:00.000-07:00

More and more the city seems to be falling apart. The people are packed in tighter together due to the blockade of the burnt remenants of the slums. They crowd the docks and the markets. One would have to be made of stone to look upon them and not feel for what they are going through. Many of them forced out of their homes due to circumstances and sleeping six families to a room that once would have been a small shop, were it still running.

And a good many of them are sick. It's a cruel cycle that they are in, they are sick because they are forced in close together and they are close in together because many of them were sick. I've done what I can, passing vials along to many of those I encounter. Some have been thankful for it. Others have taken the vials while complaining that no one is helping them. I passed by a woman earlier today who was writhing on the ground, complaining that the bugs wouldn't stop biting her, though those of us who stopped could find no sign of them.

I pray to the Six that the rumors of the cure being found is true and it is spread quickly. That woman and her bugs, and all of the rest of the people who are effected are suffering and it has felt like all we could do was ease their suffering for a while. There was one girl this night, feverish and passing out. I tended to her in the hospital for hours. She was doing well when I left her, but I knew even as I left that her relief would not last. At least, not until we are free of the shackles of this plague, of this Martial Law, when our city is in order again.

I'm doing what I can to all these ends. My sleepless nights are continuing as I work with what materials I can get my hands on. yet I have received a disappointing response to my offers. I just pray that my talks with these contractors go better, that should at least help with the problem of beds. It seems like a drop in the bucket, but every little bit helps. If you start small, it can grow larger. It'll do for now while the Slums are being rebuilt.