Table of Contents |
York Map
The
Lands of James Friedrich Piotr McKitrick d'McKitrick
- Geography
- Weather Patterns
- Geopolitical
- Duke's Hold
- First March
- Second March
- Third March
- New Port
- Paved Roads
- The Great Canal
- Secondary Cities.
- Government
- Guilds
- The Nobility
- Legal System
- Proclamations
- Taxes, Slaves, and the Law
- The Courts
- The People
- Slave
- Serf
- Freeman
- Landowner
- The Duke
- Marquis
- Count
- Viscounts
- Barons
- Class distinctions within the law between noble and non-noble.
- Political
- Internal
- Military
- Nobility
- Church
- Guilds
- Farmers Union
- Corps of Engineers
- Foreign Legion
- City Police
- External
- Waltham
- Lethbridge
- Tudor
- McMannon
- Devonshire
- Chesterton
- Hampshire
- Hudson
- Pendleton
- The Church
- Trade
- Important Occasions
- Military
- Demographics
- History
- Dramatis Personae
- McKitrick Dates (including Sir Rabban)
The Geography of McKitrick is dominated by three types of terrain: Highlands
Forests, and Plains.
Highlands mostly Volcanic in origin. Provide a wealth of Mineral deposits;
Primarily silver but some copper and gold are also extracted. The principle
non-mining use of these areas are as grazing lands for sheep and goats.
Forests are maintained for wild life and for lumber. A wealth of wildlife may
be found in the forest and hunting by the general populace is permitted - for a
price. Licenses are granted by the noble whose land the forests are on. The
price of these licenses varies depending upon what is to be hunted. The licence
is also only good for a limited quantity of animals. The proceeds from the
licenses is used to pay the salaries of game wardens. Fines are leveled against
poachers as are stricter punishments for repeat offenders.
Roads do not pass through Forests although the Canal does.
Plains or Farmlands are areas that are naturally clear of trees or have been
cleared of trees. These areas are used principally for raising livestock and
farming. Some areas are mined for minerals such as limestone or salt. Open pit
farming is common in these mines.
McKitrick sees an excessive amount of rainfall each year. Prevailing winds are
funnelled up off the sea and carry a great deal of rain with them. The
Mountains of Waltham block any landward winds from the west and the Barrier
Cliffs block west bound winds. Thus McKitrick sees mostly Northerly and North
Easterly winds (south to north and southwest to northeast).
Average precipitation in McKitrick is 75" per year. As the winds come from the
south or southwest McKitrick seldom sees a bitter winter and because of the
amount of Rainfall Scorching summers are quite rare.
McKitrick Duchy is divided into 4 major provinces or Marches. The Duke holds
one and each of his 3 major vassals (Marquis) hold one apiece. Accept for The
Dukes March (Duke's Hold) each of these Provinces is subdivided into quarters
the Marquis holding 1 and their 3 vassals (Counts(each holding 1 apiece. Again
accept for the principle holder each county is subdivided and so forth Through
the Viscounts and into the Barons. The three quarters of the Barons lands are
sold to private citizens who are then expected to help the baron provide troops
to their lords in time of need.
The 4 Marches refer to the first actions that established McKitrick as a
Principle power within the realm. Duke's Hold is the ancestral lands of the
McKitrick Family. First March represents The Family's first major conquest.
Which was followed by the Second, Third and Fourth March. The Fourth March was
later lost to Duke Waltham after the signing of the Ducal pact.
Duke's Hold is bordered by the Savage forest on the North and West side, by the
Barrier Cliff to the East and by First March to the South.
Prominent terrain features are the Miner's Delight Foot hills to the west the
Old Lands Foot hills to the East and The Great Plains in the Center.
The Principal City of Duke's Hold and of McKitrick itself is Silver Strike. A
city of approximately 25,000. Cost of living in Silver Strike is said to be the
highest anywhere in York with the Exception of The City of York itself.
The Old Lands Foothills are remarkable in that they contain an ancient and
deserted city that predates any of the Yorkish civilization. These foothills
are generally untamed and quite dangerous. Among the various animals that live
there are a tribe of Morkons that have lived in that vicinity for at least 200
yrs. For the last 100+ years the Dukes of McKitrick have held a treaty with
these Morkons and a relatively peaceful existence has ensued.
The Great plains of Central Duke's Hold are only lightly cultivated. Being used
mostly for beef production and strip mining.
The 2 forests of this March are only semi tamed and used principally for fruit
production and hunting.
Duke's Hold also sees the source of the Great Canal. Which winds it's way from
The Waltham McKitrick River through Miner's Delight and then south and east to
Centerville. The canal way was scratched through the foothills with
considerable effort and resembles one long and very rugged strip mine.
First March is bordered to the north by Duke's Hold to the East by Second
March, to the South by Second & Third March, and to the West by Waltham.
The Principal City of First March is Centerville. Something of a misnomer as it
is not in the Center of the Duchy or of First March either.
Prominent Terrain Features include the toe of Miners Delight, A sizable forest
to the immediate south there of, and a Large cleared area on the eastern edge
of the March.
There are a total of 3 distinct Forests in First March the Black forest is
mentioned in passing above being the largest. Each of these forests are used
primarily for hunting and Lumber operations.
Large tracts of Farmland separate each forest. Common products are wheat, Corn,
and Soy beans which are used to feed livestock. The Marquis also holds a large
tract of Cleared Land exclusively for the Raising of Horses. Many fine Middling
sized Chargers have been sired and trained here.
Second March is bordered to the North and west by Duke's Hold and First March
to the, to the South by the Third March To the East by the Barrier Cliff and
the Sea.
The Principle City of Second March is New Port. New Port was opened some 100
years ago after the loss of Falmouth. It is an artificial port and somewhat
less prosperous even now than Falmouth.
Prominent Terrain in Second March is the Old Lands a large Plain and a single
smallish forest.
The Old Lands are used for goat and Sheep herding, some silver mining and The
Growth of Coco plants. The principal exports being Chocolate, Cocaine, and
wool. Coco plants were imported long ago and McKitrick has developed a system
of glass houses to protect the plant from the harsh environment that surrounds
it.
The Plains are used for some farming and animal herding.
The sea front is used for fishing.
The forest bears some hunting but is seriously tamed for fruit production,
Lumber, and various nuts.
Third March is mostly forested some farming does take place along with a great
deal of hunting. Two cities mark this as the Heaviest trading center in
McKitrick. River City is at the last contact the Waltham McKitrick river has
along the McKitrick Border and Upper Falmouth is a major trade center between
McKitrick and the rest of the Realm. Upper Falmouth suffers in trade due to
it's lack of port facilities making it primarily a trading center with
Waltham.
The forests are heavily lumbered, hunting and trapping are also a major
pursuit.
Third March is the poorest of the Three Marches. Duke McKitrick believes that
it's potential is higher than it's current reality, but lacks a replacement for
the Current Marquis.
New Port is a man made port that was created in response to the loss of
Falmouth and the Fourth March. The port took 10 yrs to construct and
immediately failed to bring in expected revenue. Habitation of New Port also
lagged. Incentives were offered and business picked up some but not
substantially. Ship captains were interviewed and a lack of adequate means to
get produce to market was sighted as the primary reason for the light use. New
Port quickly became McKitrick's Naval Base and seemed to fail to be thing more.
To find a solution to this problem then Duke McKitrick established McKitrick
Institute of Science & Technology or MIT for short.
During the reign of the next Duke McKitrick a MIT came up with a solution;
Cobble Stone Roads. The first paved road was the Silver Strike New Port Road
Later renamed Route 1. Spurs off Route 1 quickly came into demand and public
demand forced the Duke to begin spurs off of Route 1. The final Spur being The
New Port Upper Falmouth road. The Border Road or Route 2 was begun after it
became apparent that the Military applications for such roads were substantial.
Route 2 also made the Founding of River City a reality.
The Effect of Route 1 on New Port was substantial. Business picked up by 200%
over the next 10 years. Unfortunately this was still far short of Falmouth's
Business. MIT was ordered to continue to work on the problem.
The Great Canal was the Next Plan that MIT produced. An Ambitious Plan that
would span Decades in construction. The Plan called for an artificial River to
be cut through Miner's Delight and then travel to Centerville then turn south
for over 100 mi. and finally turn nearly due east to New Port. Construction
time was estimated at 40 yrs. 10,000 workers and skilled craftsmen were needed
for the completion. Such an Epic project required equally epic financing.
Costing an estimated $5,000,000 per year in Labor and material costs. The
construction took 20 yrs to breach Miner's Delight and 20 yrs more to
complete.
The Construction of this Structure are said to have drained McKitrick's
Treasury and nearly ruined McKitrick's Economy permanently.
Strangely enough the Canal has also increased tourism among the wealthy from
other duchies.
Canalway, and Little Strike each came into existence as a result of the
Canal.
River City became a Jumping off point connecting McKitrick to the River and
making trade up and down the river practical reality.
Canalway sprang up as a means of connecting Upper Falmouth to the Canal.
Little Strike was founded after a small gold deposit was discovered. The search
for Increased Mineral exploitation was created by the increased demand for
money caused by the construction of the canal.
McKitrick's government is a pyramidal structure with Duke McKitrick at the top
of every pyramid accept one. The Duke is the Head of all guilds. He is the
Honorary Chairman of the union of farm workers. He is the Commander and Chief
of all armed forces in the Duchy. In fact, the only structure he is not
involved in is the Church. In effect the duke control's all the power within
the realm. In Practical terms the Duke's power limited by the time it takes to
deal with the people that make things work.
Each village has a guild master for every guild represented. This Guild master
has a number of apprentices & Journeymen who work for him and in return he
trains them, provides room and board, and pays their guild fees. He also is
responsible for protecting guild interests within the law.
The Village Guild master in return bows to the will of the Town Guild master
that he is affiliated with.
The Town Guild master has the same resources and responsibilities as the
Village guild master plus he must oversee the Village Master's to make Make
certain that journeymen and apprentices are being properly trained that
journeymen and apprentices are Given the proper chance to advance, that guild
bylaws are being observed. The Town Guild Master also chooses replacements for
Village Guild Masters that have died or grown to old to continue working.
The Town Guild Master answers to the City Guild Master.
The City Guild Master is similar to the Town Guild Master But he oversees Towns
He may also have a number of Master craftsmen available that are not associated
with a town or village. Each of these may have their own shops within the city.
The CG Master must insure fair trade practices between these shops are
maintained.
The CG Master answers to the Capital Guild Master. The Capital Guild Master
oversee's The City Guild Masters and reports to the Duke. The Cap G Master
makes all the day to day decisions that affect the Guild and then justifies his
actions to the Duke at a monthly meeting.
Union of Farm workers
Since Farmers do not have a Guild they have created a union. The Duties of the
union are to protect it's members from abuse by the nobility, give assistance
to it's members during times of Crisis and provide legal aid for court cases.
Each Village holds a monthly meeting of the Farmers and serfs nearby. The
village then chooses a representative to attend monthly meetings at the nearest
town. The Towns choose representatives for monthly City meetings and so on. The
final representatives then meet with the Duke and explain the Farmers'
situation to him. The Duke then is expected to act upon any problems brought to
his attention.
The Union uses a simple rotation to choose its representatives.
No meetings are held during harvest or Planting.
McKitrick's Institute of Science & Technology (MIT)
The Duties involved in this small organization are to find ways to improve the
standard of living for Citizens of McKitrick through innovations. To Calculate
the interest on loans owed to the Duke. To Train others in order to perpetuate
the skills developed by the members of MIT. Finally, They are responsible for
the design, construction, and upkeep of all public works.
The purpose of the Nobility in McKitrick is to extend the Duke's power
regionally. The Nobility are the Duke's representatives and answer to him.
The reality of the Nobles' circumstance is that they are mainly large land
holders. They administrate over the land they hold in the Duke's name and are
responsible for maintaining order and increasing the prosperity of the lands
Held by them. They provide the Duke with trained and equipped Troops. They also
are responsible for leading those troops into battle. Their son's are the
Duke's Companion Cavalry and are expected to be equipped properly for their
station. The Nobility enjoys the greatest wealth and responsibility Within
McKitrick.
The Nobility enjoys a number of simple advantages. Sons that aren't seeking
Their parents thrones are easily admitted into fine universities or the Clergy,
Most of the Judges are of noble birth so the Courts are reluctant to deal
harshly with noble offenders. The Nobility generally has extensive experience
and training in public speaking; they can also afford the some of best legal
counsel available.
The Duchy of McKitrick has the most tightly defined legal system of any of the
duchies. That is, there is a case for everything and a law for every case. A
few highlights from the law books follow:
Civil laws are a matter of judge's/duke's discretion. (Note: the duke is more
interested in public relations than in justice, therefore the poor usually win
in disputes with the rich unless such a decision would make the duke look
silly. Disputes between equals are just.)
Any son is eligible to Inherit his parent's possessions. Daughters are
conditionally eligible.
If a woman marries she is no longer a member of her parents household. All her
possessions are forfeited to her husband.
Out of wedlock: If a woman claims not to know who the father is the birth is
Virgin (there is no father).
If the woman truthfully proclaims the father then He is obligated to marry and
support the woman & his child.
If a woman has unfathered children and then marries those children become
disenfranchised.
All Eligible children have the right to contest for their parent's property.
Only one may inherit.
A woman may carry a title so long as she is unmarried. Upon marrying, her Title
reverts to her husband and she becomes his consort.
Only Blood relatives of the McKitrick family may inherit the title of
Duke/Duchess. A Duchess of McKitrick must remain unmarried to maintain her
position. She must Abdicate to marry.
(Note: The Duchess of McKitrick is the formal title of the Dukes Female
Counterpart. The Duke's wife is merely the Duchess)
To become the Heir a child must be the obvious choice. This is normally
accomplished by an uncontested declaration of intent. Where inheritance is
contested the hopefuls Mother or Lord choose the successor. In the case of
Ducal inheritance where the mother is dead The Hopefuls must campaign to gain
support popularly & amongst the Nobles. Once a predetermined deadline
occurs a neutral Party chosen by the hopefuls counts the troops fieldable by
Each side and declares a successor. This Succession may be further contested by
right of combat with the armies assembled.
Noble's siding with one side or the other swear allegiance to their choice as
if their hopeful were indeed the new Duke or Duchess. As one's future may
depend upon a correct choice the loosing Nobility will tend to push for battle
unless the sides are obviously uneven.
Criminal cases in McKitrick are heard by one of the Duke's magistrates. The
Judge is fully entitled to hear all criminal cases accept one "Unlawful use of
Magic". Magistrates are also given a great deal of flexibility in handing down
sentences. Traditional Sentences are generally adhered to but a judge may hand
down punishments that fit the crime involved more closely.
Members of the Thieves Guild pay a fine and must return the stolen object.
Non-members of the Thieves Guild pay a fine, must return the stolen object and
are subject to the justice of the Thieves Guild. (Note: a recognizable body
must be returned.)
The perpetrator is fined and must provide work replacement for the injured
party. Without injury: The perpetrator is fined.
Members of the Assassins Guild face a fine and work replacement (or monetary
compensation). Non-members of the Assassins Guild face heavy fine and are
subject to the justice of the Assassins Guild. (Note: again, a recognizable
body must be returned.)
Note: Members of the Assassins Guild who are forced to rely on their status as
Assassins are usually lynched on the way out of town.
The penalty for rape is slow impalement, liquidation of all assets and
enslavement of all immediate family members. (Note: Rape is defined as unlawful
sexual intercourse by force or threat.)
Basically, I didn't do it and I wasn't there.
I did it and I'm proud of it.
Persons successfully using the self-defense plea are subject to liquidation of
all assets and banishment. The defendant keeps the money and is escorted beyond
the border of the duchy. (Note: Self defense is defined as killing another to
defend self or home.)
Carries no penalty. (Note: Bounty hunting is defined as the capturing or
killing of a known criminal in an attempt to bring said criminal to justice.)
(Additional note: The criminal in question need not previously have faced trial
so long as the criminal is found guilty when the trial is held [posthumously or
otherwise].)
Is punishable by immediate death regardless of the crime committed. Note: There
is a significant hearing held there after to insure that the Criminal was
indeed resisting arrest. Abuses of this privilege are not tolerated.
Reverses the penalty onto the false accuser.
Piercing of the Tongue and a 20 lashes with a steel embedded whip.
Removal of tongue and mangling of hands. Note: "magic" is defined as any use of
detrimental arcane powers. "miracle" is defined as any use of beneficial
arcana. Clerics may do "magic", mages may do "miracles". It all depends on who
is affected by the spell and how.
Second time offenses are treated more severely. There are no Third time
offenders.
Some important highlights on This Law:
The law was instituted shortly after Duchess McKitrick's death. This also
coincides with the Banishment of the Claw. Any relationship between these 2
events can only be speculated on.
Only one court is available to hear charges of this type. The Duke's Court.
Since the institution of the law some 43 members of the Claw have been found
guilty of Magery. In the 103 other cases tried none of which involved Claw
Members as defendants only 17 guilty verdicts have been handed down.
A Typical Case on the books is as follows:
A Citizen was accused of murder by a bereaved son and a Claw Priest. During the
Course of the trial The Claw Priest admitted to Spellcasting Claiming it to be
a Miracle. The Justice involved immediately refused to hear further details of
the case until after the Duke had passed judgement on the particulars of the
case. The Priest was found guilty of Magery and his evidence was then
considered to have contaminated the evidence and the grieving son was given the
chance to drop the charges.
Miscellaneous Laws that do not fit either of the 2 previous categories. Usually
having to do with the opening of a new guild, the raising or lowering of some
specific tax or some other duchy wide event. Occasionally however something
more significant is done with a proclamation such as the redefinition of the
Claw's status in McKitrick.
(Simplified version) Hence forth all Members of the Order of the Claw by their
own declaration and that of the government of Waltham are to be considered a
portion of the Armed forces of Waltham. Any encroachment by any member of the
Claw upon McKitrick Soil will be viewed as an act of aggression by the forces
of Waltham against the lands of McKitrick. This Proclamation does not include
journey's to Tournaments by individual members of the Claw or other such
occurrences however it does include any trespass by groups singly or en mass
that are considered a threat to the well being of the State.
Although McKitrick Government does not itself directly tax his subjects the
Duke does allow his vassals to do so.
Ducal taxes currently being leveled within McKitrick are: Road use tax, Guild
tax (paid with guild fees), Hunting Tax (paid with the purchase of a hunting
license), property tax, court fees & fines.
Direct taxes leveled by vassals of the Duke are restricted to 5% of the Gross
Annual Product from those lands.
Contrary to popular belief there is no legal president for enslavement for debt
public or private within McKitrick. Slavery is a limited condition that occurs
when certain circumstances conspire against an individual. The Conditions of
lawful enslavement are: Sentence as the result of a commission of a crime.
Inability to pay fines leveled for the commission of a crime. Being born into
slavery. Being taken prisoner during a war in which you or your family cannot
obtain the ransom demanded for the individual's release. Being taken prisoner
at the conclusion of a siege in which the field commander has authorized the
taking of slaves. Being taken prisoner during a slave raid as authorized by the
Duke McKitrick. Being purchased from a private individual of another state in
that state that itself allows slavery and being lawfully transported to
McKitrick.
Any unlawful enslavement results in role reversal the enslaved is entitled to
1/2 the assets of his abductor. The State receiving the other half.
Trials wether Civil or Criminal follow the same procedures. The Duke's
representative tries the case. Each side make's it's plea. Each side gives
their truthful (but not necessarily honest) side of what happened. McKitrick
courts have a reputation for being able to tell a lie from the truth. Witnesses
are presented to help give additional evidence. Physical evidence is presented
if appropriate. The Judge then decides who is right and who is wrong. He then
penalizes the wrong doer and compensates the victim.
While the above is true to a point it is not completely accurate. No Lawyer is
allowed to present either parties case, however Barristers may be consulted
prior to the Trial for advice and to help prepare the case and to help practice
for testimony. The barristers will strongly recommend that only the truth be
told as having a lying client reflects poorly on him and he may well be shut
down if the Courts believe that he coaches his clients to lie.
Be that as it may. Flavoring the truth is not only allowed it is expected.
Therefore Barristers tend to help their clients bend the truth to suit their
needs.
The plea is perhaps the most important part of a case as there are many choices
and each holds it's own connotations. Cases have been won and loss by incorrect
pleas.
Witnesses can be a devastating expense for the looser as each witness heard
must be paid for his/her time. The looser foots the bill.
In McKitrick law Intent is considered impossible to prove. Therefore there is
no attempted murder. Such a thing is Assault with or without injury. The judge
takes into account the circumstances of the event when handing down his
sentence to the wrong doer.
Next, you cannot be an accomplice to a crime. That is if a man robs a bank and
his friend is waiting in a wagon at the front door. The man who robbed the bank
is guilty of bank robbery. The Wagon Driver is not. If during the getaway the
City guard shows up and the driver flees with the bank robber still in the
wagon. The driver is guilty of resisting arrest while the bank robber is not.
The class structure of McKitrick is as tightly defined as is the legal system.
Basically, there are three classes of people: nobles, clergy, and others.
The clergy have their own organization which will not be discussed here.
Churches in the duchy are required to feed and house the poor. (their civic
duty) there are contingencies for additional churches (ancient contingencies)
which will be explained when another religion is found and wants to open a
branch in York.
There are basically 4 classes of non-noble:
Value varies, but averages about 20 coins. Slaves are property, they have no
civil rights whatsoever.
Value varies, but averages about 100 coins. A serf is the slave of the land.
Civil rights are complete, except that they are not allowed to leave the land
to which they belong. They may buy their freedom for the above amount, if they
can find a way to raise the cash.
That is, non-land-owner. Civil rights are complete.
All civil rights and other feudal obligations.
There are five hierarchical classes of nobility, organized into triads. They
are:
There is exactly one of these. He keeps an army of his own personal guard and
can levy troops from any below him at will.
There are three of these. Each can levy troops from the counts below him at
will.
There are nine of these (three per marquis). Same arrangement for troop levies.
27 of these folks (three per count), each of which levies troops from his
barons.
81 of these people, each of which levies troops from the land-owners working
his lands.
The right of just taxation. As prescribed by Duke McKitrick and
Tradition. Basically Nobles represent the government and while the government should be
self supporting that is not always an effective reality. Therefore the
Government may tax the governed in order to cover operating expenses. The
Government does not have any rights to personal possessions accept as
compensations for defaulted taxes. Nor may a person be imprisoned or otherwise
injured by the government unjustly.
What this means is that if your taxes are paid up and your noble wants your
best horse he has to buy it from you. You may of course refuse. If the noble
takes your horse you may take him to court for theft.
The advantage of Nobility is that they collect taxes while non nobles pay
taxes. This is not strictly speaking true but it's close enough for jazz.
While The Duke does not rely on personal taxes to support his government most
of his subordinates do.
With the advantage of collecting taxes comes the responsibility of maintaining
public works that run through the noble's lands. Maintaining a sizable guard
and paying tribute to his or her lord.
The Army and Navy of McKitrick are McKitrick's chief supporters during times of
crisis. Each unit leader owes direct allegiance to the Duke and is paid by the
Duke. The Political Might of the Military is nearly that of the COE. The
Military has a direct hand in choosing the Duke's Successor (provided that the
duke currently is unwed) and protects the duke and the duke's lands from
incursions by enemies both domestic and foreign.
Soldiers are to uphold and obey the laws of McKitrick. Within Cities he shall
yield to the authority of the city guard. They shall obey their Superiors and
the Duke of McKitrick. Soldiers of McKitrick shall conduct themselves in a
manner befitting a Representative of the Duke.
Failure to live within the bounds of these rules is a court martial offense.
Equipment varies widely amongst units and is dependant upon the task set before
each unit. See below for more information.
Recruits are found within all walks of McKitrick life. Any person wishing to
join the McKitrick Military may do so by going to the nearest Post of the type
of unit desired and enlisting.
It must be noted that drunks and vagrants seem to prefer the navy.
Each Soldier receives Room & Board and additional moneys concurrent with
other trained artisans.
At the end of 20 yrs of service each soldier will receive a bonus based upon
awards and meritorious citations won and duties preformed.
The Nobility of McKitrick politically are the second most powerful group. The
Source of the power of the McKitrick Nobility is that they control sizable
numbers of troops, have a hand in the selection of the next duke, and
administer most of the economic might of McKitrick. They are also the most
difficult power structure in McKitrick to control.
When a noble dies or is replaced for other reasons certain things happen.
First, the Successor is chosen. Next, the Successor receives his new lands from
the Duke. The Duke and the Successor are now at war. A good faith cease fire is
in effect until armistus negotiations are concluded or fall through. Finally,
the Duke and the Successor Negotiate a treaty binding upon both parties.
Certain duties are exacted from both sides and tradition sets the appropriate
levels for tribute and terms of duties to be exacted by the duke and the
support that can be expected by the Successor. Upon conclusion of these
negotiations the successor has now joined the ranks of the McKitrick Nobility.
Officially Duke McKitrick has no ties with the church. Unofficially all of the
prominent clergy receive a stipend from the duke and other favors in return
they carry out his wishes as concerns church policy. Occasionally a clergyman
will have some difficulty with this arrangement in this case he is removed from
office either officially or accidently.
The Guilds are the people's voice within McKitrick. What affects the guilds
affects the people. While the guilds have very little formal power they have a
great deal of influence over internal policy.
Where the Guilds represent Freemen The Farmers Union represents serf and the
minor landowners. The power of the Farmers Union is the power of hunger. While
the Union is probably the least powerful group within McKitrick it does have
the power to protect it's members from the abuse by the government and from
careless brigands.
The COE is probably the most politically powerful organization in McKitrick.
It's primary duties are information gathering with secondary duties of Sabotage
and assassination. The COE is also responsible for the internal security of
McKitrick and bringing any possible crisis situation to the attention of the
Duke before such a situation is a problem.
The COE works under a very loose code. Basically COE is required to provide
truthful and complete information to the Duke. The COE is primarily an advisory
body. Any COE member that embarrasses the Duke is subject to Ducal justice. Any
member that attempts to retire prematurely from the COE is Subject to Ducal
Justice. Any member that intentionally provides misleading or incomplete
information to the Duke is subject to Ducal Justice. Disobedience to a superior
within the COE is Subject to disciplinary actions deemed appropriate by COE
Hierarchy.
The COE practices a very informal recruiting scheme. Persons wishing to become
operatives are never contacted. Persons found useful by COE operatives may be
contacted after careful consideration and prolonged association.
Most COE operatives come with most of the skills necessary to preform their
duties as COE operatives. Those that do not are provided with training on a one
to one basis over a period of time deemed appropriate for the situation and
personnel involved.
Silver coin minted in the region that the operative is stationed.
The Legion being a new organization is currently of only limited political
strength. It is an expensive organization that seeks to become the instrument
of McKitrick policy abroad. The method of introduction is the voluntary request
for assistance or the acceptance of an offer by the Duke. Either way the
Mission of The Legion is to assist other Dukes in times of Civil unrest,
invasion or political upheaval. The Legion is expected to be paid by the
Hosting Duke. The Legion also retains the right to confiscate equipment taken
in the field by person or persons acting in defiance of the host Duke's written
orders.
Unit size and composition is still being worked out.
A recruit who signs with the legion accepts the responsibility to obey the Duke
of McKitrick and the recruits superiors. He will conduct himself in a manner
befitting a representative of the McKitrick government and extend every
courtesy to citizens of whatever duchy he is stationed in. He will uphold and
obey the law of the host Duchy he is stationed in.
Tours of duty within a specific duchy may vary however the term of employment
for a member of the Legion is 20 yrs or life which ever is more appropriate.
Equipment provided for the Legion varies a bit from unit to unit however as the
Legion proves itself it's equipment will be upgraded to reflect it's status
within McKitrick.
The Legion provides Food, Shelter and a new life for those that join it. Pay is
not specifically provided for. Each unit is allotted an amount of discretionary
funds that it may use as it sees fit. Theoretically the higher the status of
the unit the more funds it will receive as the legion has not existed for very
long the implementation of this policy remains to be seen.
The Duke of McKitrick has set aside a parcel of land to be used to support and
provide a place of retirement for the Legion. The land's administration shall
be provided for by it's tenant in chief, the commander of the Legion. At the
time of this writing Eugene McKitrick and his successors. The Legion is free to
administer the land as they see fit accept they cannot surrender the land to
any other person, persons, or government such an attempt will result in the
forfeiture of the land back to the Duke of McKitrick.
Although the city guard has a great deal of civil power it has very little
political power. It is considered a weapon of the city government to be used to
protect the citizens of the city. It's power and political might are confined
to the city it serves.
The city guard operates in 4 man patrols and is never to into groups smaller
than 2 men.
For every 4 patrols there is to be 1 sargeant & 1 corporal commanding and
coordinating. This unit is called a section.
For every 3 sections there is to be 1 lieutenant & 1 platoon sargeant
commanding and coordinating. This is the platoon.
Additional unit and designations many be necessary depending upon the size of
the city involved.
The City guard is authorized to search a private citizen's home if the guard
has obtained a warrant and is executing the warrant in good faith. Warrants
shall be issued by a judge and any conflict resulting from erroneous warrants
will be resolved by the issuing judge.
If the City guard is required to use lethal force during the commission of it's
duties the statements of 2 officers are necessary to prove for just cause. If
the officers stories do not match then an additional investigation is
required.
Each City will also maintain at least 1 barrister for use as legal counsel.
The standard issue for police is to be Heavy leather over over light leather.
Additional armor may be worn at the officer's discretion. Standard weapons
issued shall be the Heavy Crossbow, shortsword and medium shield. Officers
Shall also carry a signalling device to alert others of potential danger. The
Current issue device is a wooden rattle that is spun to make noise.
In the event of a criminal investigation city guard is required to obtain any
evidence available for exhibition and interview all available witnesses. An
officer may also testify in the event that he observes some criminal
activity.
Normally the city guard is an evidence gathering and crime stopping
organization. In the event of a murder the Police Will also act as the victim's
advocate. An officer of at least Lieutenant's rank will act as the Advocate.
Otherwise it will provide the victim with a barrister. The looser of the case
will pay the barrister's fee.
The City Guard recruits from free citizens of McKitrick. Recruit eligibility
varies however no recruit shall be eligible if convicted of a criminal act.
Pay varies from city to city but in no case shall it be less than 3 1/2 times
the cost of living for that city.
Retirement benefits vary from city to city. No limit is set for minimum
benefits.
Relationships between McKitrick and Waltham remain good despite a number of
difficulties, Chief among these being McKitrick's recent Proclamation
concerning the Claw, and McKitrick's support of Lethbridge for Grand Duke. One
old score between these 2 remain that being the Legal annexation of McKitrick's
fourth march by Waltham some 100 yrs ago.
Relations with Lethbridge have been good since Judith's wedding. James Dowered
Judith with 50 talent's of gold and sent the Legion to support Harold during
his first somewhat shaky month's. James would never mention it but his favor to
Harold and his support in the Council depend heavily upon Harold remembering
who supported Lethbridge when Harold needed help most.
McKitrick has attempted avoid distressing his cousin by not pushing very hard.
McKitrick understands that Tudor is caught between 2 more powerful neighbors
and that Tudor is reliant upon the goodwill of the Council when rights of
Succession become an issue.
McKitrick views The Duchess of McMannon as being a bit to defensive about
everything having to do with herself or her duchy to support or expect support
from McMannon. He does his best to ignore her tirades but expects that others
are becoming as tired of it as he is.
McKitrick Devonshire relations are normally a bit strained. Devonshire is
McKitrick's primary competition in many markets. This overflows into most
political situations.
McKitrick and Chesterton of late have developed a polite relationship.
McKitrick views most of Chesterton's policies as simplistic but avoids direct
confrontation for appearances sake.
McKitrick has very little in common with Hampshire. Hampshire's economic
condition is poor at best and their political policies are isolationistic.
Relationships have improved dramatically between these 2 duchies. The marriage
between Eugene & Anastasia have improved official relations the 2 duchies,
however the families are still attempting to understand each other.
As Pendleton has become less supportive of Devonshire, McKitrick has become
less hostile toward's Pendleton. McKitrick views the break up of the eastern
coalition with mixed feelings as his western coalition has also started to
break up.
Pendleton has steadily become someone to leave alone so as not to force him
back into the arms of his x-friends.
McKitrick enjoyed a number of freedoms under the old Pope, Father Edward (James
McKitrick's brother) not being willing to press his brother to hard. Now that a
new pope will be chosen how McKitrick will fare in the future is difficult to
say. McKitrick has taken a number of actions that have frustrated many church
officials over the years and he may be forced to pay for those actions soon.
The Church may well not press their luck with McKitrick because of the
difficulties they are having with Hudson but this remains to be seen.
The Duke on the other hand is intolerant of church policies and disapproves
greatly of the verdicts of the Lateran council. Most likely during a schism in
the church, McKitrick will split from both sides and proclaim himself and his
inheritors Pope of the Church Of McKitrick.
McKitrick has a vigorous export business which relies very much on services as
opposed to raw goods. His horses are known to be of excellent quality, and
exceptionally well trained. In general, McKitrick's lands are a place where
training can be found for most anything. Providing, of course, that the trainee
is willing to join the appropriate guilds and pay the appropriate fees.
McKitrick also has the only silver mines on the west side of the Dread Sea. He
mines and mints all of his own currency, and sell a good deal of raw and
processed silver to the other Dukes. In a word, McKitrick is the richest (and
most powerful) of the western duchies.
Specific Goods exported include: Lumber, furs, Chocolate, wool, Cocaine, Beef,
Leather, Leather goods, Mercenaries, wool goods, some crafted goods, horses,
Limestone, Granite, silver (minted & raw ore), slaves, and ships.
Specific Examples Include: Chocolate, Slaves and Cocaine to Tudor. Horses,
Ships, Lumber, Limestone, furs, and Chocolate to Chesterton. Draft Horses,
ships, specialty Lumber,and Powdered Limestone to Hudson. Lumber, Leather,
Wool, & Limestone to Pendleton.
Specific imports include: Farm implements, textiles, tobacco and silk from
Tudor. Coal, Skiathos, and Rice from Waltham. Tobacco, and cotton from
Lethbridge. alchemical goods from Devonshire. Gems & Jewelry from
Chesterton. Exotic Seafood, from Hudson.
Other than the normal annual festivals that one will find in any Duchy there is
one occasion of importance in McKitrick, The McKitrick's annual party.
Time: Just after fall harvest.
Location: McKitrick Palace. Silver Strike.
Details
Each noble and his wife is given a place at one of four tables. A person's
table and position at the table let's everyone know just how the Duke feels
about the noble's performance during the past year.
The first table is the Duke's table. Only the best and most loyal receive a
place here. Each person at the Duke's table receives a generous gift and the
food here is the best and most varied.
If a Noble is seated on the Duke's right He has achieved a status of higher
favor than one on the left. At the Duke's end of the table sit the Peers. At
the Duchess' end sit their wives.
Currently The Duchess' end of the table is occupied by Julia. Until her
betrothal and subsequent marriage Judith occupied the Duchess' position.
The Second table is the Heir's table. At the head of this table is the prince
or princess that is expected to inherit the Realm. Eugene occupies this
position. Until his death Rabban sat here. At the Foot of this table sit's the
Heir's wife or another Heir. Currently Jack McKitrick occupies this position.
Until her marriage this position was Gillium's province.
The food served at the second table is as fine as that at the first. It is
however limited to the Heirs' favorite foods. Each Peer at this table also
receives a gift. Not so generous as at the first table but still a goodly
gift.
The Third table belongs to those peers that have preformed acceptably but have
not distinguished themselves in any way. The food is fine but not exceptional
and the gifts are more consolation prizes.
The Fourth Table is reserved for those that are in trouble. Any position at
this table is a signal that the peer's holdings are at stake. That food is
served to this table at all is proof of the Duke's generosity.
The army is divided into 7 subdivisions. They are organized like this:
* Companion Cavalry: 2 units of 100 men each. Dressed in plate male, carrying
lance, Broadsword and shield. These are the true Knights of his realm.
* Heavy Cavalry: 4 units of 100 men each. Dressed in chain, carrying lance
Broadsword and shield.
* Light Cavalry: 6 units of 100 men each. Dressed in Heavy leather, carrying a
composite longbow, lance and short sword.
* Phalanx: (infantry) 4 units of 500 men each. Dressed in Heavy Leather Over
Light and carrying pike, lg. shield and shortsword.
* Hypasts: (infantry) 7 units of 250 each. Dressed in Heavy Leather over Light,
carrying longsword, lg. shield and javelins.
* Light Infantry: 6 units of 150 men each. Wearing Light leather and carrying
longbow and shortsword.
* Scouts: Light Cavalry without the lance. 6 units of 25 men each.
* The Foreign Legion - 1500 Infantry. Dressed in chain and carrying an
assortment of heavy weapons.
* The Foreign Legion - 500 cavalry. Dressed in Heavy plate over Chain and sport
scale Horse barding. Shield, Lance & broadsword are weapons of preference.
McKitrick is the home of 100,000 people which makes it an average sized
duchy.
Population by profession fully 1/2 the population is involved in some form of
agriculture.
The standing army is 6,000 men plus some 30,000 militia gives this duchy the
largest military in the realm. Recently McKitrick has added a new unit to
McKitrick's Arsenal; The Foreign Legion. The Legion is a recent addition and
has rapidly grown to some 2000 men strong.
The Duchy of McKitrick was founded with the completion of Thornhold. Prior to
that event McKitrick family were one of numerous Robber barons that infested
that region.
After the Founding of McKitrick Border wars were fairly common until the
Signing of the Ducal Pact.
During the Great Elf wars it became readily that Silver Strike was more
resistant to Elven incursions and that Thornhold was Proof against most Magic.
Noted Church Scholars have explained this as having to do with the low power
level of the Area with Thorn Hold being built on a Power empty spot.
Thus the McKitrick Capital was bypassed for the most part and the Duchy was
left alone more or less. This explains why the then Duke McKitrick was much
more willing to talk Peace than other portions of the Kingdom.
The most recent occurrence of note is the founding of New Port following the
loss of The River Port and the subsequent paved road net and Canal that were
built to service it. These accomplishments have taken the energy of 3 dukes and
has explained the duchy's more or less peaceful coexistence with her neighbors
during that time. With the Completion of The Canal works and the Aqueduct
feeding the town many are uncertain of the future peace of the region.
The recent adjustment in the Order of the Claw's Status point to The Duke's
disaffection with the status quo.
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