GUIDEBOOK FOR NEW CROWNS © 2004 The Adrian Empire Inc., all rights reserved. Anyone is welcome to point out any error or omission that they may find. NEW CROWN GUIDEBOOK: Table of Contents Page 2 of 16 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................................ 1 I. FORWARD ............................................................................................................................................................ 3 II. WHAT IS A CROWN? ......................................................................................................................................... 3 A. ADRIA............................................................................................................................................................. 3 B. MUNDANE ...................................................................................................................................................... 3 III. NEW CROWN: BEHAVIOR ............................................................................................................................... 4 A. MOVING DELICATELY .................................................................................................................................... 4 B. COURTS .......................................................................................................................................................... 4 C. USING A DIFFERENT PERSONA........................................................................................................................ 4 IV. GOVERNMENT.................................................................................................................................................... 5 A. TURNOVER ..................................................................................................................................................... 5 B. MINISTERS...................................................................................................................................................... 5 C. COMMUNICATION .......................................................................................................................................... 6 D. UNDERSTANDING BORDERS ........................................................................................................................... 6 E. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SUBDIVISIONS ......................................................................................................... 7 F. REPORTS......................................................................................................................................................... 7 V. ADRIAN LAW....................................................................................................................................................... 8 A. THE BYLAWS.................................................................................................................................................. 8 B. WRITS, CODICILS............................................................................................................................................ 8 C. ESTATES MEETINGS........................................................................................................................................ 8 D. MOTHER, MAY I? (OR "WHAT YOU CAN DO") ............................................................................................... 9 E. WHAT YOU CAN'T DO .................................................................................................................................... 9 F. AWARDS, TITLES, ETC. .................................................................................................................................. 9 G. CANTONS...................................................................................................................................................... 10 H. ESTATES ....................................................................................................................................................... 10 VI. EVENTS ............................................................................................................................................................... 11 A. REGULAR TOURNAMENTS ............................................................................................................................ 11 B. PLACING BIDS FOR IMPERIAL EVENTS......................................................................................................... 11 C. DEMONSTRATIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 12 D. ESTATES MEETINGS...................................................................................................................................... 12 E. WARS ........................................................................................................................................................... 12 F. NOTICING THE POPULACE ............................................................................................................................ 12 G. IMPERIAL ESTATES MEETINGS..................................................................................................................... 12 VII. MUNDANE .......................................................................................................................................................... 13 A. CHATTEL GOODS ......................................................................................................................................... 13 B. FINANCES ..................................................................................................................................................... 13 C. DONATIONS.................................................................................................................................................. 13 D. MEMBERSHIPS.............................................................................................................................................. 13 E. CONTRACTS.................................................................................................................................................. 13 F. INSURANCE BINDERS ................................................................................................................................... 14 G. WHEN TO CALL THE POLICE ......................................................................................................................... 14 VIII. OUTGOING CROWN ........................................................................................................................................ 14 A. SELECTION OF YOUR REPLACEMENT............................................................................................................ 14 A. TURNOVER ................................................................................................................................................... 15 IX. RETIREMENT .................................................................................................................................................... 16 © Adrian Empire Inc. JULY 2004 NEW CROWN GUIDEBOOK: Forward Page 3 of 16 I. FORWARD Congratulations. Being a crown of the Adrian Empire is an extremely large and important task. Many see the Crown as a part in a play or winning in what they view to be a game. This is a poor view to take. The Crown is the head position of a subdivision and must bridge the gaps between mundane requirements, the fun of it's populace, expanding it's realm and historical accuracy. The duties and responsibilities of a Crown are great and should not be sought without serious consideration. The rules of the Empire are already listed in the bylaws and other manuals. Since they are ever-changing, we will not list all the specific duties in this guide. Instead, we have designed this to be a general overview, and guideline of how to act while you are the Crown. II. WHAT IS A CROWN? A Crown is the ruling noble for a chartered subdivision within the Empire of Adria. A chartered subdivision is an geographic area that has been chartered and recorded with the Imperial Estates. The crown rules this area and makes all the final decisions within its borders (subject to the limits granted in the bylaws). As a subdivision grows, it gains more independence. The pinnacle of this independence is a kingdom. Kingdoms are sovereign, but never separate. They are, now and always, part of the Adrian Empire. The Crown should rule the subdivision as an extension of the Empire. It should follow the bylaws and seek any assistance needed from Imperial Ministers. This does not mean the subdivision can't have its own identity. Local rules and traditions are allowable - and encouraged. A. ADRIA With the Adrian Empire, the Crown is the beacon of leadership for its populace. The Crown should always be a lamp of Chivalry. Many new members will silently observe the Crown and decide if they want to join the Empire. In addition, the Crown should: · Lead the people with fairness · Make decisions based on what is best for the subdivision and the Empire · Appoint ministers to complete the needed tasks · Create an environment such that simple observation will promote education Crowns are expected to handle the day to day operations of running the subdivision. However, they do have duties to the Imperial Body. The main duties can be summarized as reporting, holding events and maintaining a working government, all of which are outlined in this guide. And remember, a kingdom is sovereign. That does not mean "separate." They have certain powers and privileges and don't have to check with the Imperial Crown before they certain actions. They does not mean they do not have to follow the rules, or report to the Imperium. B. MUNDANE Within the mundane world, the Crown is the president of the local chapter of a national not-for-profit educational organization. The Crown is part of a national organization. That has to always be remembered. Anything that affects the local subdivision, also affects the national organization. Mundane requirements are that the Crown must: · Maintain proper financial reporting · Practice nondiscrimination among its populace · Make regular management reports to the Imperial government · Maintain (or oversee the maintenance of) the chattel goods · Represent Adria in local contract negotiation · Oversee collection of memberships · Promote education in the medieval lifestyle © Adrian Empire Inc. JULY 2004 NEW CROWN GUIDEBOOK: New Crown: Behavior Page 4 of 16 III. NEW CROWN: BEHAVIOR Listen to any advice given to you, even if it is difficult to hear it. Do not make the person feel bad for disagreeing with you (don't threaten them with charges of treason, and don't tell them they're crazy, or stupid). After listening, make the decision you feel is best. A. MOVING DELICATELY Always remember that a reign doesn't last forever. The people you offend today will probably be the Crown you bow to at some point in the future. Of course, you plan to do things differently than the outgoing Crown. That's expected, and is your right. Make it a positive move, not a negative one. It is the difference between "We thought we'd try it this way," and "We are not going to continue that garbage." Always keep tact and diplomacy foremost on your mind. You are your subdivision. Do what is best for the subdivision. This will not always be what is best for you. You will not always agree with what is best for the subdivision, and you will not always know what is best. B. COURTS An event will begin and end with "court." This is not a judicial proceeding, but rather an event with much pomp and circumstance. The events of the day will be announced, the Crown may address the populace, announcements are made. There may also be skits or other activities, such as knightings or squirings. When presiding over court, remember that the populace is held hostage. It would be rude and insulting if they leave until court is over and they have been dismissed. For this reason, think carefully before you hold courts that are overly long. A common practice is for the court to contain only the business of the day, and whatever business pertains to the Crown. All other business takes place during "audience." After court is over, the populace is dismissed, and may leave if they wish. They may also stay, and often they do. During audience, presentations are made, knightings and squirings happen, households are inducted and their oaths received, role-paying skits are conducted (the "christening" of a new Corsair ship, etc.). Proper etiquette should be followed in court, ...