The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Unrest in the Capital

The newly-trained city guard has continued the militia's arrests of seditionists and citizens who participate in unruly gatherings. The mood in the capital is agitated, though representatives from the Courts assure us that the ringleaders of the insurrections have been safely locked up.

Workers Profit From Mines

The mining operation in the southwest is bolstering both the Treasury and the worker's pockets. While the bulk of the output is being used to back the Treasury's new issue of currency, the workers are receiving direct share of the substantial profits as part of the compensation for their labor.

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The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Fewer Bandits in the Country

Between the training of the village militia by Albert Franshis from the National Military Academy and the reassignment of soldiers who were formerly keeping the peace in the capital city, fewer problems with bandits have been reported of late. With more work in the fields and docks and fewer deserters from the army, the life of a bivouacking brigadier is looking less attractive. Soon we'll be able to venture back out into the country again without constantly fearing for purse and person.

Full Field Forecasts Fuel Famine Fears

While the harvest forecasts are bright and sunny, there is a cloud on the horizon: preserving it long enough to eat. Food preservation has always been a constant concern of the country-folk, but with food-stocks that are already precarious the problem is how to preserve the surplus in enough quantity to weather the next famine.

Moderate Society of Revolution Pushes Clemency

The Moderate Society of Revolution has been winning friends in the National Assembly with their new plans to avoid turning the former king into a Royalist martyr. They fear that an execution would lead to a swell of support for the counter-revolutionaries and royalists. For the moment, the Moderate Society of Revolution has the support of both the moderates and the royalist-sympathizers in the capital, putting their political power on a firm foundation.

Princess Marguerite Gains Support

The Princess Marguerite has become a very popular figure in the countryside, due to her efforts to provide food during the worst of the famine. Her household stamp was on many a delivery of much-needed food, and many of the peasants have taken to wearing the ribbons of her colors. Her actions mean that the royal family has remained popular despite the trial.

The actions of the speculators and entrepreneurs who bought of the estates of the former nobility–those the country folk have taken to calling the New Men–have proved unpopular, and many in the countryside blame the revolutionaries for the problems they have endured.

Diplomats Arrive From Cassano

The diplomats from Cassano have taken up residence in the upper floors of City Hall. They will be meeting with representatives from the city and the National Assembly in a secure location.

Society Column

By The Original Cranckenthorpe

Mme Préjean, formerly of the capital and of late of Amalric Province, and Minet, educated at the National University, celebrated their wedding this week. Their entertainments are expected to be delightful, and word has it that they have laid in an extensive supply of the best coffee.

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The Village Tree

Sent each week to all of the villages of Callisto, providing news of events, instruction in laws, and discoveries relevant to every citizen. Available by subscription to farmers, pastoralists, landowners, rural inhabitants and friends.

The Grange

Our local community-organized farming collectives go by different names in different places, but one of the most common names is the Grange. Unlike urban guilds – the masons, the laceworkers, the jewelers, the tinsmiths, the bookbinders – the Grange has been described as more like an extended family. By rule, every Grange includes both men and women.

Some Granges have a hall, particularly in Adelais and Toussanint, while an Amalaric Grange hall is more likely to be a borrowed barn. Some of the richer areas have elaborate ceremonies, and a few have a hall erected by a member of the local nobility with extensive agricultural landholdings.

The green-hatted Grange representatives organize dances, store food, and make preparations against the chance of famine. They also act as an informal network of agricultural knowledge and aid in the establishments of new farms and families.

Execution of the Monarch

The trial of the Monarch has come to a close: barring any last-minute surprises, the vote to execute the king and permanently abolish the monarchy will pass. The former king has refieved little to no support in defending him against the accusations.

A Homily: The Sixth Precept of the Doctrine Universal

Sixth Precept: Statements in peace are more lasting than those in anger.

A prize for invention?

There are rumors of a proposed prize for inventors. The prize is currently held up by discussions of funding, but we're sure that if it is implemented we will see a great many clever new innovations.

Mining in the Southwest

Despite the recent storms the plans to begin mining precious metals in the southwestern peninsula is progressing. The undertaking is backed by the Treasury Department, which has given notice that will be issuing notes backed by the mined gold and silver.

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The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Storms in Adelais

The southlands have been wracked by fierce storms, causing much trouble in that region. The Adelais coast was particularly affected. There's some concern that this may have affected the mining operations when are beginning at the deposits discovered in the southwest.

Education for the Masses in Amalaric

The establishment of a university in Amalric has been well-received by the citizens there, as have the schools in the surrounding countryside. The practical instructions on agriculture and commercial mathematics have been well-attended, as our citizen farmers avail themselves of the opportunity for education. The political instruction has been effective as well: the instructions on political science have awakened a consciousness of citizenship in the great project of the Republic. Citizen Aurelie, headmistress of the new university, is to be commended.

An Ancient Account of the Spheres

An acolyte from the National Cathedral has noticed that the spheres so recently discovered in our country sound very similar to something described in the Wise Writings of Retaro, one of the oldest and almost apocryphal parts of the Doctrine Universal. There they are called, freely translated, the "rotund engines of the vivid adversary".

Diplomats from Cassano

At the start of Messidor, a delegation of diplomats from Cassano arrived in the capital. They are here to discuss the the foreign policy of the Republic.

The Doctrine Universal in the Republic

The remaining bishops in our Republic–those who have not emigrated or been removed because of corruption– have been embracing the active culture of discussion encouraged by the nature of our Republic. The philosophy and organizational structure of the Doctrine Universal seems amenable to this development, embracing the new participatory transparency, at least within our borders.

Speaking of corruption and transparency, the Holy Seat has sent the Archbishop Marcellus, formerly of the now disbanded Examination Order of the All-Seeing Eye. No doubt the Archbishop will embody the Third Precept of the Doctrine Universal: "Punish evil with righteousness and good with good."

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As we move into Messidor, the game continues to be active, with a total of 111 letters sent. There are currently ten players, with nine of them having sent at least one letter this past week.

Most players got exactly two letters over the past week, with a few getting more or less. Hopefully that isn't too overwhelming. On the other hand, if you'd like to get more mail, just drop me a note and I'll inform your contacts.

You've collectively managed to get quite a lot done, as we enter the mid-game. I've seen some particularly clever uses of narrative authorities. Not to mention a number of creative stories that have surprised me.

As the National Assembly draws near to a vote on some important issues, remember that any character can warn of the effects of those votes if they pass, even if your character isn't on the National Assembly themselves.

Also, if you want to invoke your narrative authority, it's much easier for both of us if you describe what happened in the past tense. You have complete authority over this stuff, you can just describe what happened and what the consequences are! No need to wait for approval from someone else.

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From the Catalog of the National Archives

Painting: "Battle of Montequeue",

Shows General Nompress invading the Adeline Pass, amidst outnumbered odds against the invading forces of Cassano. A battle that came to be renown for the bottleneck tactic which won him the war.

Painting: "The Conqueror" by Maester Hobbs

A painting of King Bartholemeou standing on the corpse tribesmen from the east. A most impressive painting.

Document: "What's So Special About the Ordinary?"

a pamphlet on the liturgy of the Doctrine Universal
"The Ordinary typically spans the time between from Vivficia in Floréal to Praevisa in Brumaire. In Vivificia we celebrate His Conquering of Death and in Praevisa we celebrate His Birth and the fulfillment of the Prophecy of His Coming. In between those festivals however, the Ordinary is a time for the Church to focus on service to their constituents."

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The current state of the Republic of Equality.

It is currently Messidor - the month of harvest

Army

The National Army:
...is on the frontier with the Holy Rumi Empire
...is weakly loyal to the Republic
...has high morale
...is low on material
...has few soldiers, disorganized

The National Navy:
...is small
...is low on material
...has high morale

Places

The Province of Toussaint is calm, with high food prices, disrupted commerce, and a good planting. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Toussaint is weakly loyal to the Republic.

The province of Amalric is calm, with high food prices, stable commerce, a good planting, and good fishing. The food distribution has kept the population fed. Amalric is weakly loyal to the monarchy.

The province of Adelais is calm, with moderate food prices, stable commerce, and good fishing. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Adelais is weakly loyal to the Revolution.

Merovia, the Capital City is calm, with moderate food prices and disrupted commerce. The food distribution has kept the population fed. The city is strongly loyal to the Revolution.
The city guard is strongly loyal to the National Assembly.

Politics

The National Assembly is:
...the Friends of the Constitution are in ascendance.
Major political clubs: Friends of the Constitution, Highlanders, Moderate Society of Revolution, Populist Children of Equality
The National Finances are rich.

Currently Debating:

• The Trial of King Martel XVII, likely to end in Royal Execution and the Permanent Abolition of the Monarchy: ✘ ✔ ✔
• Increased Military Allotment: ✔ ✔

Previously Debating:

• Establishing a national food distribution infrastructure (Passed)

Offices:

• Treasurer
• General of the Armies
• Department of Science
• Deputy to the Minister of Citizens
• Representatives on Mission: 1

Projects

• Fishing Fleet: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐
• Painting of Amalric Harbor: ☑ ☐
• Food shipments to the capital: ☑ ☑ (completed)
• Amalric Harbor: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)
• Southwestern Scientific Expedition: ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)

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The Village Tree

Sent each week to all of the villages of Callisto, providing news of events, instruction in laws, and discoveries relevant to every citizen. Available by subscription to farmers, pastoralists, landowners, rural inhabitants and friends.

Archbishop to Examine Royal Evidence

The Archbishop being sent by the Supreme Pontiff to our famed capital to weed out corruption has another mandate as well: to review the evidence presented at the Royal trial, which is proceeding even as we go to press.

Local Community Helps Out

At the behest of the resident housekeeper, the local Grange have been helping tidy up the estates that used to belong to Citizen Alexandre, making sure that everything is in good working order from top to bottom. Although the former owner is not in residence, it goes to show that our citizens can still come together.

Harvest Looks Promising

If the spring produce is any indication, the crops are doing well. Berries and carrots are much preferred to acorn mush!

Census Reveals Villages More Populous Than Previously Believed

As the tallies from the provinces come in, it is apparent just how superior the Scientific Methods of the Republic are: the estimates that the royal court had of the sizes of the villages are wide of the mark, with many villages having more mouths to feed than previously expected. No wonder the countryside was starving!

Column: The Tatler

By Cranckenthorpe (the real one)

Mme Préjean of Amalric Province has been seen with a beau these past few weeks. Is the widow contemplating a new alliance?

Our own Frederick Chouhomme was sighted in the capital of Dál Riata. What's a good country boy like him doing over there?

The country monk Alec of Orvault has been seen in Merovia. Who sent him all the way there?

Citizen Aurelie, who opened that new College of Amalric, is reportedly hard to get hold of. You shouldn't work so hard all the time, my dear.

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Mama Duchesne: Friend of the People

Duchesne, the voice of the people, telling the stories no one else will!

Sensational Story: The Doctor Who Wouldn't Die!

A missing professor gone mad! Doctor Baethke was on the Scientific Expedition to the Southwest, and tried to open one of the mysterous metal spheres! Completely reliable witnesses swear that something glowing emerged from the sphere, enveloped him, and drove him into a murderous rampage, capable of ripping a man's arm off. The workers subdued the thing that the doctor had become with acid, but it still lived. They threw him down into the pit and buried him alive. The expedition swore all who witnessed it to secrecy.

Royal Food Relief!

What's this? Some of the food delivered to the city from provinces is marked with the seal of Princess Marguerite! Is she behind the extra shipments that have been turning up in the poorest of our villages? Are the New Men and the National Assembly just copying her plans? No wonder there's still those who are loyal to the monarchy.

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The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Amalric Harbor Construction Complete

The work on the newly-improved harbor in Amalric has been completed. The efforts of white-shirted laborers from the capital, brown-headed monks from the parishes, and green-hatted farmhands from the fields came together in a marvelous display of our National Spirit. A painting has been commissioned to commemorate the scene.

Now that the harbor is complete, the fishing fleet of Amalric can take full advantage of the bounties of the seas. The workforce has profited as well, both from the construction and from the new need for laborers at the docks to unload the cargoes of the many ships from across the seas. Some of those ships have brought in food shipments from as far away as the United Confederacy of Vespucia, that land across the sea.

Large Deposits of Precious Metals Found

The new science of ground sonics has revealed the location of large underground deposits of gold and silver in the mountains of the southwestern peninsula. While local flooding has been a problem, there are already plans in place to begin mining, and workers are being recruited even now.

Strange Lights Seen In Southwestern Archaeological Site At Night

No explanation has been given for the phenomenon of the strange lights reportedly seen at night at the site of the excavation of the three spheres in the south-west.

Flooding in the Southwest

The southwestern corner of the country has seen extensive local flooding from the spring runoffs from the mountains. Summer may bring relief, but the extent of the damage has yet to be surveyed.

Southwestern Expedition Uncovers Fourth Sphere

The Scientific Expedition to the Southwest has announced the discovery of a fourth sphere. No doubt this one will also be a rich source of archaeological information.

Professor Adjunct Missing

Doctor Baethke, a Professor Adjunct at the National University has been reported missing. His landlady reports that he has not returned recently, and inquiries at the University reveal that he was last seen departing on the scientific expedition to the southwest.

Food Shipment To The Capital

A group of provincial farmers have organized a food shipment to the Capital, bringing all kinds of produce that was previously in short supply. The farmers went home well paid. Between the national distribution and this new supply, the city's food shortage has been alleviated.

Ecclesiastical Reform

The Holy Seat of the Supreme Pontiff has announced that corruption in the ecclesiastical hierarchy will be weeded out and burned, branch and root. Gold shall never be held more important than the well-being of the people. Especially condemned are those bishops who are so venial that they do not deign to reside at their bishopric seat.

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The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Commodity Trading Reports

Gold and silver have dropped to new lows today, while lumber and stone are doing quite well in the markets. Foreign trade prospects uncertain, but expecting changes soon. Food prices remain high, particularly in the capital, though the nationalized distribution has staved off immediate starvation.

Missing Artwork

There are reports that the authorities have leads on the whereabouts of some of the artwork that went missing from the National Museum (formerly the Royal Gallery) during the immediate aftermath of the Revolution. Any citizen with further information is urged to contact the National Museum.

A Report on the Spheres

Working in pairs, laborers have removed the last extraneous stone from the large spheres discovered in the southwest. The spheres are each situated in a kind of bowl or depression, perfectly fitted, and rotate easily with the lightest touch. They make the air near them quite unusually cold. Scholars estimate, based on the markings near the bottom, that they may be Taboral artifacts, which would place their age at 5,000 years or more. The Taboral tribe, ostracized by the Manorians, came east to what is now our country, or so scholars tell us the story goes. The three known spheres are arranged in an isosceles triangle, and efforts are underway to discover if this pattern is repeated.

Underwater Vehicles

A prototype underwater vessel has reportedly been constructed, capable of traveling beneath the ocean waves.

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The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

Scientific Wonders

Many inventions can be found in the capital these days, though some are less finished than others: a rope that doesn't retain water, plans for ships that sail underwater, muskets that do not need to be packed with powder before shooting. There are even some crackpots who think that humans may achieve flight!

A Painting of the Revolutionary Heroes

A new painting was unveiled to the public today. It has the the benefactors of the revolution holding open the palace doors to the public so that they can govern the people in peace, not in tyranny. In the foreground, General Dominique Cervoni is accepting a white flag as truce, offered by the head of the public commission, prior to entering the Palace.

Military Training For City Guard

The Merovia city guard is being put on a new professional standing via the training they are receiving through the National Military Academy.

Crown Loyalists Threaten Prisons

The guard forces at the prisons have been doubled, in fear of the threat posed by potential loyalists to the monarchy.

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The Village Tree

Sent each week to all of the villages of Callisto, providing news of events, instruction in laws, and discoveries relevant to every citizen. Available by subscription to farmers, pastoralists, landowners, rural inhabitants and friends.

A Homily

"The Doctrine Universal cares most for the well-being of the people. What's good for them is good for itself, as it's incorporated in the Wise Writings of Retaro. So if we care for others we help ourselves."

Harvest Projected to be Good

The good weather in the spring planting is projected to continue. Hopefully this will lead to a good harvest!

Laborers From Capital Sent to Assist In Amalric

Laborers from Merovia, together with funds from the city, have been sent to assist in the project to improve Amalric's harbor, which is now nearing completion.

Navy Ships Added To Fishing Fleet

Some of the older ships in the navy have been added to the fishing fleet being assembled in Adelais.

Scientific Expedition to the Southwest has concluded

The well-funded scientific expedition to the south-western peninsula has concluded, and the members are expected to announce their results soon. No doubt it will be very enlightening!

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The current state of the Republic of Equality.

It is currently Prairial - the month of meadows

Army

The National Army:
...is on the frontier with the Holy Rumi Empire
...is weakly loyal to the Republic
...has high morale
...is low on material
...has few soldiers, disorganized

The National Navy:
...is small
...is low on material
...has high morale

Places

The Province of Toussaint is calm, with high food prices, disrupted commerce, and a bad harvest. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Toussaint is weakly loyal to the Republic.

The province of Amalric is agitated, with exorbitant food prices, disrupted commerce, and a bad harvest. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Amalric has unclear loyalty.

The province of Adelais is calm, with high food prices, stable commerce, and good fishing. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. Adelais is weakly loyal to the Revolution.

Merovia, the Capital City is calm, with high food prices and disrupted commerce. However, the food distribution has kept the population fed. The city is strongly loyal to the Revolution.
The city guard is strongly loyal to the National Assembly.

Politics

The National Assembly is:
...the Friends of the Constitution are in ascendance.
Major political clubs: Friends of the Constitution, Highlanders, Moderate Society of Revolution, Populist Children of Equality
The National Finances are rich.

Currently Debating:

• The Trial of King Martel XVII, likely to end in Royal Execution and the Permanent Abolition of the Monarchy
• Increased Military Allotment

Previously Debating:

• Establishing a national food distribution infrastructure (Passed)

Offices:

• Treasurer
• General of the Armies
• Department of Science
• Deputy to the Minister of Citizens
• Representatives on Mission: 1

Projects

• Fishing Fleet: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐
• Amalric Harbor: ☑ ☑ ☑ ☐
• Southwestern Scientific Expedition: ☑ ☑ ☑ (completed)

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The Merovian Review

All the latest, from the Capital that sets the fashion

National Assembly Debates Increased Military Allotment

Based on the positive reports from the Treasury Department, the proposed legislation to increase the military allotment is being debated in the National Assembly. Not only would this help secure our borders, but the decrease in deserters and the increase in patrols would likely help address the bandit problem.

Land Sales Fund Food Distribution

The National Assembly has approved the sale of nationalized lands to fund the ongoing national food distribution.

The Fourth Precept

The Fourth Precept of the Doctrine Universal: Everyone gets what they are entitled to.

Execution of the Monarch?

Debates the National Assembly as the trial of the monarch stretches on have suggested that the execution of the former monarch may be necessary. The way things are moving, it could happen as soon as next month.

Replacing Military Guards in the City?

In order to deal with the unrest in the city, several military units have been stationed in the capital. If the city guard is instead supplied with new recruits, these units would be freed to deal with the banditry in the countryside.

Peace Treaty with Anhalt

The Ambassador of Anhalt, Ferenc Nagy, was in the capital city this week to conclude the peace treaty with that country.

Dál Riata Supports Emigrant Return

While they assure the emigrants that no harm will come to them in that country, Dál Riata is offering every citizen of Merovia free passage back home up until the end of Prairial. No word on how the return of the emigrants will be received here.

Amalric Opens School

Citizen Aurelie, Master of Reformed Education, has opened his College of Amalric in that city. The education will surely benefit the local population.

Scientific Enquiries Into Spheres Found in the South-West

The inquiries into the nature of the spheres are listened to with interest in the fashionable cafés of the capital. There are more questions than answers at present, but high hopes that we shall soon know more.

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