Speeches from candidates for the vacant Imperial Throne
Archduke Carolus de Mérode
Carolus de Mérode was born in 2170 in the noble house of de Mérode in Arcadié, which held the position of Archduke for centuries. He was educated in the classics and went on to study literature. He quickly became an admirer of ‘literature of the people’, pieces of poetry written by ordinary people about their ordinary lives. Carolus’ love for the people quickly extended to his public life, as he became bent on improving the lives of those he considers as his responsibility. Carolus de Mérode quickly realized that a good way to do this would be by extending their rights to participate in the states of government. In 2195, when he was 25, Carolus’ father died in an accident and Carolus became head of the noble house of de Mérode and Archduke of Arcadié. In his home region of Arcadié, Carolus has quickly become known for being a bridge builder due to his ability to bring people of all opinions together to work towards one common goal. As of 2200, he is an active member of the reformist faction in the Estates Chamber and has even put himself forward as candidate in the Imperial elections.
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26/12/2199 - Carolus de Mérode, Archduke of Arcadié, ascends a stage on one of Arcadié's major city squares and addresses his people.
“People of Arcadié and people of Vaeria, today I officially announce that I am putting myself forward as a candidate for the Imperial elections. I see this as an honour and as an opportunity to represent the people of Vaeria through the age old traditions that go with the Imperial office. As Emperor, I intend to build bridges between factions in order to bring further prosperity and stability to the Empire. There will always be issues that divide our great nation, but there are as many issues that unite us as a people and as a species. Humanity will make its first steps into the stars in the next few years and the Empire needs a strong leadership to accomplish such a goal. I therefore propose that we tackle this goal as one people, the Estates Chamber and the People's Assembly together under the guiding hand of the Emperor to ensure that our Empire can claim the stars for its people. My ambition is to bring our people to new worlds and preserve our traditions while we move to our next phase in history.
At the same time, our Empire should think of reform. Some institutions can be traced back hundreds if not thousands of year and have a long tradition within the politics of our nation. However, times have changed drastically and will change even more and these old institutions need an 'upgrade' as it were, of course always respecting their history and traditions. I believe that political reform can bring about a vigorous new way of how our Empire functions and will allow our people to move forward as one to claim its position between the stars.
I thank you all for being here. Glory to the Empire and glory to the people!”
The crowd cheers as Archduke de Mérode descends from the stage to meet with a few of his people.
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30-12-2199 - Archduke Carolus de Mérode enters a stage in Hochburg, as part of his campaign in the Imperial elections and addresses a crowd in the capital of Vaeria.
"People of Vaeria, some out there wish to see my head on a stick simply because I consider myself as a reformist. To them I say, shame on you. I have yet to announce my plans for reforms, but let me tell you this. I do not intend to abolish any of our sacred institutions. That would undermine the authority which is installed into the Emperor on the day of his appointment. Instead, I intend to bring new institutions to Vaeria. These new institutions will not infringe on the powers of the nobles, nor will they infringe on the power of the people. Instead, these new institutions will bring both together in order to organize our Empire on a level that would allow us to explore and expand into the stars. As I have said, I intend to be a builder of bridges. These bridges will be built on the strong foundations of our Empire. Our institutions, the rights of the people to partake in elections, the strong voice of the nobility and the clergy, these are all factors which through the ages have contributed to the greatness of Vaeria. To destroy them would be to destroy our legacy.
As Emperor, I promise to be an Emperor for all. Not just for those who seek reform, but also for those who are most comfortable with the old institutions. I truly believe that compromise and unity is the way forward for Vaeria. And I fear that under a Conservative Emperor, the Empire will only see constant bickering between nobles on the left and the right. Some Conservatives think Reformists and Liberals are out to destroy the Empire, but have I ever declared my hatred for institutions? Have I ever made a statement which would point towards a violent overthrow of government? These Conservatives rule on the backs of fear. Fear for change. But I promise, change can be good. Even Conservatives can profit from change.
For the Empire, an eternal bond between the people and the Emperor!"
The crowd, which at first was somewhat contested on whether or not to support the Archduke, was now cheering for him and chanting his name.
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03-01-2200 - In an interview on television, Imperial candidate Carolus de Mérode, Archduke of Arcadié, says the following in response to the statement made by Duke von Friedenswald about big government and deregulation in the recent VNN interview.
"Matters of state are not that simple as the Duke of Westmark makes them appear. Governing is not only a matter of deregulation versus big government. In my opinion, governing is about knowing where the government is needed and where it is most effective. It is my personal belief that one man, in this case the Emperor, should not hold the entire fate of the Vaerian economy in his hands. If any regulation were needed at all, this should be handled by the Imperial Diet, who would be far more capable of offering different perspectives on the economy and through the reasoning of the many experts which reside in the Diet, the economy would be much safer.
My second point is regarding the new institutions our Empire would need in the next few decades. Duke von Friedenwald claims that founding new institutions will also lead to a loss of power for old institutions. This simply is not true. The new institutions I'd like to instate would deal with new problems which are currently not under the jurisdiction of our already existing government administrations. Things like colonization of other planets, relations with indigenous species, with other sentient species, interstellar traveling and interstellar combat. These will all be new things and will all need new ways of thinking to handle. Therefore it is not wrong to assume that new institutions will be needed.
Which brings me to my third and final point. I have said this several times already, but I'd like to repeat it again. The colonization efforts which our Empire will undertake in the next decades will need a strong guiding hand from the government. There are possible dangers out there in space and unregulated expansion or colonization may endanger the lives of those who are unprotected by the might of the Empire. Such an endeavour will need strong cooperation between both Houses in the Diet and coordination by the Emperor. To deregulate this process would mean a meaningless endangerment of our pioneers and colonists."
The interview continues on some more domestic affairs in Arcadié before ending in a cordial goodbye from both sides.
Duke Davos Le’Scarr Draskar
Davos grew up in the minor noble house Le’Scarr, who primarily worship Scipio, but has the distinction of being the son of the last Duke of Draskar. The Le’Scarr family has ruled over the city for the last three generations, defeating each of their challenges during the succession trials of the Falling Star Festival. Davos secured his title when he managed to arrest and destroy almost all the major gangs in the city, which earned him the nickname ‘Lord Justice’.
Logical to a fault, Davos often oversees the cities court system personally to ensure law and order is upheld to the highest standard. While this attitude has gotten him many admirers it has also frustrated others, as even in the face of a clear ruling Davos is likely to rigidly stick to written procedure.
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28-12-2199 - A broadcast is sent out from the grand cathedral of Draskar, its Duke standing tall behind a large ornate podium.
“People of Vaeria, our Empire stands at the threshold of a new age. Our passed Emperor has shown us the way forward, lighting the path with his wisdom and benevolence. He now watches us within the blazing embrace of Hecor, forever guiding each and every one of us to our true potential.
Which is why I, Duke Davos Le’Scarr Draskar, under the piercing gaze of Arius do declare my candidacy for the throne of the future Emperor. It is the god's will that Vaeria shall forever prosper, and I will take it upon myself to see that holy mission fulfilled! As Emperor I will ensure the glory of mankind reaches across the universe, that every citizen shall reap the boons of our glorious expansion into the stars!
The Empire needs a guiding hand as it’s destiny beckons, one who will listen to the wisdom of the nobles of estate chamber, to the benevolence of the clergy, and the needs of the citizens of the assembly. Under the glory of the twelve divine I shall be that Emperor! Hail to the Gods! Hail to the Empire!”
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06-01-2200 - Duke Draskar appears on a late night chat show for an interview, where inevitably his own candidacy is brought up.
"I am taking a stand for it is my necessary duty. My fellow nobles appear to have mistaken the divine mandate of the Emperor as merely a political title, and have demeaned themselves and our proud history by putting their own interests and pet projects before the needs of the Empire.
What is the Emperor? A reformist? A traditionalist? Neither I say! The Emperor is the lynchpin for the stability and order for our entire world! By pleasing only their fans my fellows invite discord into the very heart of our greatest institution. Such debates should be left where they belong, within the estate chamber and assembly which already have the powers they need to make their cases heard.
This is why we need an Emperor free of such passions. The Empire is best served by a leader who listens without bias, reforms when it is fair and maintains our traditions when it is right. One who does not forget the will of the gods, and ensures their benevolence reaches every citizen of the Empire. And by the grace of the gods I will be that Emperor!"
The audience gives a loud applause, only calming when the Duke sits back down. The interview continues on a more light-hearted tone as the subject of 'expansion' into the stars is brought up.
"We'll you know me, I'm a realist. I feel others have read one too many sci-fi novels and have been imagining all sorts of benefits and dangers out in the darkness of space" he gives a sly smile to the audience, everyone knew he was talking about his fellow candidates "The truth is the odds of encountering a habitable planet are one in a million. Even if one with a thick enough atmosphere was found it would likely only support a very small colony. As for other life forms? Hahaha! Ridiculous. At best we'll only ever encounter microorganisms, let alone anything that could actually threaten us. For once science and faith are in full agreement, mankind is the only species granted the divine gift of true sapience.
Now what is real is the bounty of resources that can now be extracted from these new start systems. With that bounty the utopian existence promised to us by the gods will at last be achievable. If some people could keep their heads out of the stars perhaps they'd also see paradise is not up there, but down here where we can build it."
Admiral Karl Gustav von Friedenswald
Karl Gustav von Friedenswald was born on August 1st, 2173, to the von Friedenswald Family, the Dukes of Westmark. He was raised in an extremely wealthy environment, and was always taught about the importance of the Nobility for Vaerian society how they are blessed by the gods, and how they keep the county afloat. He has always taken those lessons to heart. The main influence on his life unquestionably is his uncle though. His dashing life of adventure in the Navy has always fascinated Karl, and he wished to replicate his feats in every way. That is why, after graduating University at the age of 18 with his masters in Military History in hand, he joined the Navy and never looked back, quickly rising through the ranks of the Navy, reaching the Rank of Admiral at the age of 27. Three Years later, he got the news that his grandfather was dying, and on January 1st, 22oo, after his Grandfather saw the fireworks, he leaned in to take his last confession...
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02-01-2200 - The festivities, overlooked by beautiful weather, began with a huge parade, with Karl Gustav von Friedenswald at the head of it. He was in a convertible black sports car, adorned with the coronation garb, and was waving at the massive adoring crowds. His route took a lengthy route through the city, tracing the route that his grandfather Ramius took through the city. Once he had reached the Grand Cathedral of St. Margret, the traditional coronation site of the Dukes of Westmark. Once inside, the procession dismounted and went inside the cathedral. The beautiful cathedral's 7 layers of pews were filled with the most powerful and wealth of the city, nay the country. All of these people had paid top dollar to get in, and the show was not to disappoint. The Archdidecist of Westmark was waiting with the crown on a pillow. All fell silent when Gustav knelt before the Archdidecist as the crown was placed upon his head. When he rose, the crowd roared and his friends and family surged forward to congratulate him. Soon, the crowd took up the chant of 'Speech, Speech'. Gustav, ever the populist, took to the lectern and took out his speech.
"This day, new fire has been added to the cause of conservatism! All of Westmark has today shown the undying loyalty felt by all for the rich traditions of Vaeria. This trust, this belief in the divine right of the Emperor to rule, has been betrayed! All around Vaeria, the forces of liberalism marshal to attack our most sacred institutions. They claim to represent the people, but look around! This ceremony today gives lie to their words. These dangerous radicals must not take power in Vaeria. I urge all true Patriots, the good men and women who live our country to vote out these dangerous people. And to ensure that the Throne does not fall to those who would destroy in from the inside, I, Karl Gustav von Friedenswald, Duke of Westmark, Head of House von Friedenswald, will become the next Emperor of Vaeria!
Under my leadership, Vaeria will ascend to new heights, eclipsing even my illustrious ancestors! But if one of these Radical Liberals wins the throne, all will be lost. Our traditions, the bedrock of our society, will either and die. A new 1618 will be alone us, with all of the horror that we know will ensue. That is reason enough to support the only man with the guys to stand up to these Liberals. We must defend Vaeria!"
Gustav leaves the lectern to a roar of the crowd, and the procession continues to seemingly even more celebration. By the time it ends, the media has already eaten up the announcement of Gustav's canadacy, and it dominates the 24/7 hour news cycle for the next week.
Ruire Fionn ‘Gallowglas’ Ó Leannáin
Fionn ‘Gallowglas’ Ó Leannáin, Ruire (Duke) of Hibernia, has not made any public speeches besides the VNN interview. It is expected though that he will attend the “Grand Debate” together with the other 3 candidates before voting stations open the next day.
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The section of the Albion Post article about the candidates for the Emperorship is ended by a map showing the places the candidates live and have their power base in Vaeria.
Speeches from prominent members of the Guilds in the People’s Assembly
The NLG was founded in 2199 at the start of the Empire’s beginnings in space, seeing the noble class gaining significant power, the liberal minded Vaerians came together with their leader Samuel Hollenzollern to create the NLG to fight for a Liberal Vaerian Empire.
The National Liberal Guild is the Guild focused on reforming the Empire into a fully Liberalized Constitutional Monarchy with true power invested into the people with the monarch being above politics. We also see free market economics as the main way for The empire to Prosper and will defend the economic rights of everyone no matter social status. Over all The NLG is the liberalizing force in the Empire.
Samuel Grew up in the great city of Hochberg to the house of Hollerzollen. His parents instilled him values of leadership and the Importance of Liberalism and the Importance of an Upper House. We went to the University of Hochberg and Graduate with a degree in Economics and Political science, He later married and had 2 children. He now is a politician in the Valerian Empire.
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10-01-2200 - "People of Vaeria, Noblemen of your respectable Lands, and any other citizens of the Empire, the Empire is expanding and so should we as a people, while our traditions are important and we should keep them to remember our ancestor and celebrate them, we also need CHANGE, Change is what the empire needs at these new Horizons, The people of Vaeria must embrace this, all of us noblemen, Commoners, and who ever wins the emperorship long may he live, If I Win a seat in the Assembly I will strongly push for Change while keeping our most Important Traditions to heart, maybe even new traditions might arise more "Free" Traditions, Therefore I announce my Run to gain an seat in the People's Assembly so that I may Change Vaeria for ALL OF US!"
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14-01-2200 - Samuel Walks up to the stage with a roaring crowd and begins to speak.
"A new opponent emerges, The U.C.M.O, a Militarist Extremist faction, While I do Highly Support our Armed Forces and Do wish to increase its Size and Power to Protect ourselves, a Faction whose sole purpose is the military is tyrannical. If they truly want to be a Proper Guild or Faction, they should at least Address other problems and not just the increase of the military. I also should add that the military SHOULD HAVE NO SAY in politics and should be an arm of defence not Political Action."
Samuel Walks off the stage waving to the crowd.
The Meiji Merchant Guild was founded in 1925 on Shima in the city of Shinokawa by Mutsuhito Meiji, head of a small union of dockworkers who gathered their funds and bought a warehouse of their own. Instead of dealing with the transportation of agricultural goods and fishing, as most had, they established their power in the region by going wholey with the Imperial Army during the Great War of Unification; transporting supplies and, eventually, building ships from 1927 to 1940. With Imperial aid, and some inter-guild gunboat diplomacy, much of the industries and commercial guilds on the eastern section of the island became one under the Meiji Company. With this, their skills as merchants and shipbuilders was solidified.
By the year 2200, the Meiji Corporation has grown in influence in the political field and has now had three CEOs appointed to the People’s Assembly and are lauded as champions of the common folk, despite their status as aristocrats and power akin to nobility.
(Disclaimer: the history of the Meiji Corporation was too long to fit in this post. Those who want the full backstory can click on the link
here.)
Born in Shinokawa in 2168, the heiress of the Meiji Corporation was destined for greatness. She underwent intense and extensive schooling to graduate high school by the age of 14, finish her Associates in Chemical Engineering at 18, Bachelors of Aeronautics at 25, and finally a Doctorate in Astrophysics at the age of 31 (although Dr. is left off her name for PR reasons; it makes her appear both humble and still one of the people).
She has continued her education and drawn up dozens of designs from small transportation vessels all the way to theoretical designs of incredibly large colony ships that could house a cities worth of people and the agricultural, commercial, and industrial centers that would keep it self sustaining indefinitely.
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11-01-2200 - Oryou speaks at a convention center in Sholgagrad.
"Greetings, my fellow countrymen! It's an honor to be speaking with you here, lifted up so highly (although I must say, quite the vertigo), in the grand land of Vostokia. History runs not only through your veins but in this very land and I've been utterly entranced by it yet again even on a simple business trip. But, regardless, that's not what I'm here to talk about today (maybe tomorrow). Instead, I'm beginning my campaign here in Sholgagrad to continue the Meiji Corporation duty of representing the interests of the merchant guilds of all Vaeria. I need not tell you the importance of such a task nor of the guilds themselves; of their contribution to your wants and needs; to their carrying of this nation on their shoulders and carrying us onward into the stars. I don't need to ... but I just did."
She laughs, composes herself, and takes a look out to the crowd.
"To do any of this, however, they need workers. They need artisans and managers, priests and scientists, every single person in a corporation is important. If I may make the metaphor, this nation is a guild of its own, our Emperor CEO, our noble managers, and commoners our workers, us. Without you we are nothing and when The Guild asks for your support we do not ask from some great height but from among your ranks, as one of you. Do as you want in the Estate House, vote with your morals, but when you get to the People's Assembly vote smart and vote The Guild. We will carry this nation on our shoulders, together. Thank you."
The United Council of Military Officers
After John Stockwell became a politician, he could not find a party to suit him so he created one from his own ideas, from the beginning he decided that only personnel from all branches of the army and navy could join and people that had previously served.at the start It was decided that it would deal with only military problems but they have branched out to other problems but their main focus is defence and expansion. Many higher ranking personnel joined at first but John saw that the lower ranks needed a voice so he branched out the members to the rank of Sergeant and upwards. His intention was to not be the most prominent party and become emperor but to protect the glorious empire better than the current parties have been. They have big ideas for defence such as boosting military research to create better weapons and ships and to improve the training for the empires army.their core beliefs are that most beings are equal and that everybody deserves to vote who will be leading them. The party is not afraid to start a coup or rebellion if they see the emperor is not fit to lead but they have massive respect for all politicians and military personnel. The party has a great sphere of influence over the military.
When John was five his parents, both great navy officers, were killed in a space battle. As a result, he was raised by his grandparents. They were strict but made him a great tactician and politician, he joined the navy flying through the ranks to admiral. He saw that, in his opinion, the current guilds were not doing a good job in improving defence and created a party to help the empire in prove defence. He believes that all beings are equal and deserve a chance to vote who will be leading them. He heavily supports expansion and a large military. And he believes that nobody should be afraid to start a coup if they are not happy. He is cheery and confident man who can be strict if need be but is happy to support other parties bills if he likes it. He believes in press freedom and workers safety.
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13-01-2200 - Stockwell stands in front of the press and military personnel at the academy in Goltunheim.
“Greetings, you all know probably who I am, you are all probably wondering why you should vote for the U.C.M.O. Well here is your answer... you all believe in the defence of our glorious empire’ cheers from the crowd ‘my party believes that the current Parties have been neglecting the military. My party will change that, you see the government has neglected to fund research into advanced weapon tech and new classes of ships, also they have neglected ship building. The fact that the empire has only three corvettes is outrageous, how are we supposed to defend our glorious nation if we only have three ships!’ Loud shouting from the crowd ‘i know that we just achieved space flight but my party will change that, if we are voted in we will fight for an improved navy and army and more funding for our tech, and finally I will fight for better after care of our personnel, such as if they have a life changing injury. vote for the U.C.P.O and nobody will be able to invade our empire!’
The Void Craft Guild, while officially registered as guild in 2100, its start was much earlier. Its companies that evolved into the Void Craft Guild got their start shortly after the Unification War. They originally engineering firms and universities funded by wealthy nobles house, Oppenhiemer house being the most prominent. They developed into corporations that handled telecommunication and satellite launches. While they did suffer a setback with the Oppenhiemer scandal, it didn’t take long for them to rebuild. As the 2100’s developed so did their power. This created several enemies.
As the year 2100 came about, politically the guild was not as active on the Assembly because the Oppenhiemer’s still not so secretly hoped to regain his families diet seat. Eventually with internal pressure Klaus III Oppenhiemer decided to become more active in the Assembly. This activity increased with his death and when his son became the head of the guild.
There are rumors of discontent within the guild. Some wonder how well Franz can lead the guild if he is the captain of a ship. Combined with concerns for his families tainted history and desire to get on the Diet has caused for whispers calling for new leadership in the guild.
His father repositioned the family and guild headquarters to Goltunheim due to their business with the navy. There he raised Franz, between seeing navy training happening here and his father’s waning faith in the guilds loyalty. He joined the Navy Academy when he was 16. He graduated from the Academy 4 years later at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. While he performed well, his family's reputation and young age caused him to get passed up for promotion.
He split his time equally between simulator time on the new corvettes and learning his father's business. He eventually gained his captaincy 10 years ago. His main focuses now are learning about his father’s murder, regaining his family’s honour and a seat on the Diet. More outwardly though he has been pushing for the guilds influence on the Assembly.
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The Void Craft Guild has remained silent for the most part in the months preceding the elections, but has decided to last-minute join the election and sign up their gild to participate. It will have to be seen whether their troubled history will cause them trouble gaining support of the people in the People’s Assembly.
The Vaerian Workers Guild is one of the oldest guilds in the assembly and can be traced all the way back to the Scientific Research Guild which formed in 1622, shortly after the creation of the assembly in the then Holy Supralan Empire. Although unproven it was highly suspected that this was a branch of the Atomic group - an underground group that operated across all of Vaeria to further the pursuit of research, science and technology without the restrictions of the law or religion.
Upon unification of Vaeria, in 1957 the SRG rebranded as the Vaerian Research Guild which was seen by many as the culmination of the merging of the different Atomic Group branches into one legitimate guild to have their say on the world stage.
Following a merge with the Miners Guild, the Low Class Association, and the Vaerian Socialist Guild in the 2050s in a bid to form a stronger, united liberal guild in the assembly the Vaerian Workers Guild was formed. This new guild branded itself as “creating a future for the people” and has been a major player in the politics in Vaeria for many decades.
With the introduction of possible space flight, and under the new leadership of Troy Hendricks there are concerns among the guild and its leadership about hostile aliens that could bring harm to Vaeria and its people, and prides itself in “putting the people of Vaeria first”.
Troy is a politician at heart, being in debate is the one thing that truly gets him excited and gets him out of bed in the morning. Born in Soulomen to a farmer, Troy was one of the lucky ones to attend school. While there he found a love for the history of the planet and the way that people interacted creating different stratas when the planet was split among many empires.
Using this history knowledge and seeing how poor his fellow city people were in comparison to the wealthy cities of the west pushed Troy into the world of politics. He wanted to change the world to make it fairer place for all. At the age of 18 he joined the youth wing of the Vaerian Workers Guild and worked his way through the ranks.
He moved to the VWG HQ in the city centre at the age of 27 when he became a prominent member of the guild leading the social and welfare arm, before becoming deputy leader in 2193, and finally leader in 2199.
He is married to his school sweetheart, Elisa and they are trying for a child.
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Just as with the Void Craft Guild, the Vaerian Workers Guild decided last-minute to join the elections and thus did not make any public statement besides their announcement to run for the People’s Assembly and outlying the stances of their Guild.
