I am going to make my replies to this out-of-character. I intend to create a more in-character response later, but for now...
Who's to say that Lord Casca isn't trying to unite the various peoples and lands of Baja in an effort to create a more harmonious and peaceful society? I know that many people of today's age have a mindset that demands freedom at all times (and it's a mindset I have trouble agreeing with myself), even when it's been proven throughout history that individuality isn't the best way to get things done.
Imagine an army with soldiers who all feel that they should each be the one taking command. It's never going to work.
Perhaps Lord Casca aims to forcefully place Baja under one direction so that it can better protect itself in the future from the ongoing invasions. He may be doing all of Baja a huge favor by undertaking this responsibility himself, and casting himself as the anti-hero who will perform the dirty but neccessary sins for the good of Baja.
Your opinion is absolutely valid, my friend. In theory, I actually agree with what you are saying. A strong, unified society is much better equipped to handle the onset of the Shadowlords, and send them back to the burning abyss from whence they came.
On the other hand, the player-cities of Dawn and Avalon (some of Baja's first roleplaying "stages") have been largely independant since their inception many years ago; as far back as the days of Lord British. They are strong-willed, independant-minded folk who don't take kindly to some foreign king demanding that they bend knee (or face the consequences). Dawn has long been an ally to Britannia (the Grand Duchess of Dawn has tended to the wounded Britannians during many of the invasions over the past couple of years), but they were called out during Casca's opening speech and told that they must "immidiately dissolve." There are actually arguments for and against Dawnite (as well as Avalonian, Lumarian, Orcish, etc) Independance; which can be discussed in a more in-character manner later.
This is actually a good thing for our small, but slowly returning roleplay community. Conflict breeds roleplaying, and roleplaying breeds conflict. I encourage everyone to weigh-out what their characters would do; even if you don't roleplay but just want to participate in the storyline.
Do you think we need a strong, unified Britannia? Then you might support Lord Casca. A group of fanatical inquisitors has already voiced their approval of this new king. The Royal Britannian Guard is also naturally behind Lord Casca.
Do you think that Lord British is the True and Rightful King? Then you might protest him. There are many who have prophecied the "Return of the King", and have voiced their opinions thus.
Some of the more independant-minded have thrown their support behind Dawn. One does not necessarily need to be against Lord Casca, to oppose this particular measure. Many of the Feluccians feel the same way as the Kingdom of Dawn.
Also, some of you might be former members of the Partisans of Chaos? Or members of the factions? Someone is welcome to take this, and make their own protests and resistance against Britannian hegemony.
Despite all that which I find of highest priority, even Lord British never attempted to subjugate or crush the Kingdom of Dawn, or Avalon, Lumeria, or others. It is my view that IF Lord Casca seeks to use force against those who it would be far wiser to see as allies, then we will have to act. And the time to discuss what action we would take in such an event, and to plan for such action, Is NOW!
Agreed.
Such discussions are certainly ongoing. There are many kingdoms, and many roleplayers involved. Some will take one side, and some will take another.
Interesting...I believe Casca wants a Ruler from 'Each town and kingdom'
to be appointed as spoke person. Sounds like he's looking to make another
council of about 12 people or so. Could be a good or bad thing. But.... If
Casca is really trying to bring the people together why is his castle locked
and why all the guards ???
Soo.... The people of Baja need to start electing people to represent the
town and kingdoms before Casca elects his own people !!!
Casca's intentions were more along the lines of representatives or ambassadors from each independant-kingdom (Dawn, Avalon, Lumaria, and some of the larger guilds who want their say) who wishes to express some grievience against Casca's aim at total unification of Sosaria.
Casca, as you might remember, was the prosecutor at Ricardo's Trial; and intended for it to be something of a court proceeding. If your kingdom could justify their independance, he would "allow for it." I would encourage guilds who have a special kinship with a certain town or region (such as if your guild is based around Vesper, Britain, Luna, etc), then you might also take the opportunity to step forward for that city.
The Royal Council has already been "elected" though. You wouldn't be able to have a EM-endorsed council of twelve, only because it wouldn't be fair. Who would get the right to be on the council? The roleplayers? They might be more involved in the storyline, you guys are just as much a part of the community as we are.
On the other hand, a player-run council? Now that might be something. *Grins*
I could be wrong, I understood it to be one per city and kingdom.
Either way, We need to get it together and elect someone to be a
representative for us...
Nicholas the Old, being a close friend and councilor to many of these kingdoms, was asked to represent the Kingdom of Dawn, the Duskwood, and so fourth. He might also represent Avalon, Lumaria, and the Dark Tower; but that is up for the members of these societies to decide.
He isn't representing the community as a whole, just those who asked him to.
