Abington/Riverholm Archives
Here is where the tales of the Ancient Days are stored, where crumbling accounts and illuminated manuscripts are stored safe from time and wear, to pass on the history of the realm of Abington.
Age of Gabriel 2004-12-05 - 2006-02-24
Marshal's Letter - a letter from former Marshal Ulric on how to be a Marshal, addressed to his replacements in the army of Suville.
After mighty King Muniam a foul man named Iwillsurvive ascended to the throne. At first all the nobles were loyal to him. Because we were loyal to the land. But his actions were truly unacceptable. He accused noble troop leaders with false accusations, he blamed others for his mistakes and most of all he and his followers were seeing the land as their own property. He killed the happiness and justice in the realm. His failures were covered all the time. A bunch of incompetent nobles ruled our fair Abington for a time being. Our victories against ASI came to an end. Once we were nearly conquering Riverholm but because of his rule we have seen the loss of Narville and Stoneville."
At this point Laomedon's writings are encrypted. I found out that he secretly formed a knight clan. Back then the wisdom of legal guilds were not known in Atamara.
So their knightly order was not official. But I managed to learn the names of these rebel hearted patriotic noble knights' names: Lochivan, Drago, Armitage, Delthrien and of course Laomedon. They were bonded with the love they shared for Abington and in time they were as close as brothers and sisters.
They organized an opposing movement. They informed nearly all the nobles of Abby about their intentions. And noble judge of Abington Brownyleye gave his support too. And at last when Muniam saw the true face of the IWS and he supported these true nobles too.
IWS was continuing his unsuccessful rule and trying to break the resistance at the same time. He was not skilled enough. He was overthrown and Laomedon's friends elected him as the third king of Abby. But the kingdom was in desperate times. ASI armies were at gates of Narville and some nobles of ASI have started a new realm in Riverholm. It was Antioch.
But they did not fight us with honor. They used dark magics. A clone army fighting like a colony of ants. Even with the efficient rule of the new nobles Abington was being slowly defeated. Also IWS and his foul followers were sabotaging the process. But God TOM had mercy on Abby. He stroke down the dark wizard of Anthioch and his whole army.
Dark magic is not allowed in Lemuria. So Abby started to win. But King Laomedon fell sick. Many say that the sickness was inflicted by dark magic; some say it was only his time. IWS had committed the lowest treason and joined Antioch, fought against Abby. For a short time King Laomedon and then after his death Queen Armitage easily swept his armies.
Queen Armitage's rule was a long one. I am sure you know the rest my lord. She has defeated Antioch and banished IWS from the continent.”
- Account related by Elantus from Laomedon, former King and Knight of Abington
Abington's Government Agencies during the Monarchy
The Royal Council
Traditionally, the Royal Council included those voices whom the Monarch relies upon most for detailed discussions concerning foreign and domestic policies. At the last week of the monarchy, the Royal Council consisted of nine nobles, most (but not all) landed. Although the Royal Council was frequently engaged in deliberation and discussion, it did not have any legislative or executive powers.
The Royal Council was unofficially dissolved (Late August/Early September 2007) by Gauihu, and replaced with the "New Royal Council" consisting only of himself, High Marshal Xuanye, and two other nobles, Del'Sinda and Hanato. Along with the Kingdom itself, the "New" Royal Council was disbanded after Xuanye's Rebellion.
Ministry of the People
The Ministry of the People was first formed during the reign of Gabriel, whose stated aims were to listen to, and speak for, the interests of the common nobles of Abington (as well as to incourage Roleplaying through the use of roleplaying contests with measurable rewards.)
This was first headed by a single Minister of the People (Gauihu), and later up to three such Ministers. (These Ministers included Feldric, Ulric and Elantus.) One of the Ministry's most lasting projects was the creation of the Abington Account, the realm's most prominent and widely-read news-journal.
The Ministry of the People would later be absorbed into the Court and Council of the People.
Ministry of Law and Order
The Ministry of Law and Order consisted, since its recorded inception, of the elected Arch Priest of Abington, and two appointed Ministers of Law and Order. Along with the Ministry of the People, this was also later absorbed into the Court and Council of the People.
Court and Council of the People
One of Gabriel's less well-known domestic accomplishments was collating the Ministry of the People and the Ministry of Law and Order into the Court and Council of the People. This body was to consist of the Monarch (veto), the Judge (one vote), three Ministers of the People (one shared vote), two Ministers of Law and Order (one shared vote), and was to function in a judicial manner.
However, the lifespan of the C&CP proved less fruitful than was initially hoped. Gauihu continued to make rulings, often with little or no consultation with the group, and eventually the Ministry of the People was effectively ruined by the deaths of its ministers (Feldric and Elantus) or their retirement (Ulric). Gabriel stepped down, and during the reign of Carriantor, Gauihu largely pushed for either dismantling or reviving the Court and Council of the People. But either effort was ignored in light of foreign affairs (The War of Dishonour), and domestic squabbles (the great disagreement between Carriantor and Gauihu).
By the time of the second reign of Armitage III, the Court and Council of the People was a defunct body, and was officially disbanded.
The Military Council
The Military Council consisted of the Marshals of the Armies, the High Marshal, the Monarch, the Judge, and other important and experienced military veterans of the realm. It was a purely practical body, designed to serve as a forum for discussion of tactics, strategy and reports.
It was dissolved at the same time as the Royal Council, again by Gauihu, for reasons unknown.
The Traders
The Traders of Abington were unified into a single body, under the overall authority of the Royal Treasurer (Callisto). As with the Military Council, this was a purely practical body, with the intent of keeping traders protected and managing trade routes.
This group was also disbanded officially, again by Gauihu, again for reasons he didn't share with anyone at the time.
Religious Council
Consisting of the heads of and/or major priests of Abington's main religions, the Religious Council was to discuss all matters concerning spirituality, and the placement of temples, shrines, and peaceful cooperation of Abington-born of different faiths. After the secession of Riverholm, Nemesis and thus the Pantheists were removed from the council, and discussion became more infrequent.
It was dissolved at the same time as the Traders, Military Council and Old Royal Council were.
Medals and Awards
There were three official rewards available for outstanding service to Abington during the Monarchy. Each of these awards was intended to be one-time only: no one can receive it twice.
The Order of Abington
To be awarded upon a 3/5ths majority vote of the Royal Council, for outstanding lifetime service, heroism, self-sacrifice and courage. It would consist of a solid gold badge suspended in a purple silk ribbon, as well as the construction of a statue in either the capital, or the recipients home region.
Recipients
- Xuanye Aisin Gioro, as High Marshal of Abington
Royal Medal of Valor
To be awarded by consensus of both the Ruler and the General, for excellence and courage above and beyond the call of duty in battle. This would consist of a gold badge set in a purple and blue silk ribbon.
Recipients
- No one ever received this medal
Service Medal
To be awarded by a consensus of a High Council Member, a Duke, and the noble's liege lord for excellent general service in either the military, economic, bureacratic fields of duty. It would consist of a silver and iron badge set in a blue silk ribbon.
Recipients
- No one ever received this medal
