The Neo Byzantinian Empire of Stropon

[Asimov]

Wow, a great MD you have here, a very beautiful City.
One question, where can I find this white building in the center of the picture? (Always in desperate need of more diagonal buildings... )

[Strechnitz]

nova vesfalo You are most welcome.

Belfastuniguy If you tell me which building you like and send me the dat file of the flag from your plugin folder I can make an embassy for you. which you on your turn can use for other nations as well. no prob!

Yoder Glad to see you again. the trip is progressing well I hope? Glad you like the updates and stories. 
tut tut Yoder, unbiased journalism? in Stropon? talking about a faux pas! There is no such thing to be found in this awkward yet delighting empire

sebes I'm glad you like it sebes. It has organized my MD tremendously. it looked a bit of a muddle with all those different kinds of updates. but order has come to Chaos!

asimov Thank you Asimov. Both for popping in and for commenting always nice to know people like Stropon. The building is the Mohawk building by SergeantCM. In my previous post I have added a link to the building in my reply to Nova Vesfalo.  Indeed we can't have enough of them diagonals. Luckily we have an entire group of them coming soon from the skillful hand of Prepo.

Well, now it is time for the Third part of our tour of Strechnitz. please enjoy.


Well, I hope nobody got a bad headache or morning sickness as a result of painting the Beach Boulevard red with old Sprenklemayer?  Not too bad, well I consider that as good 8) but I am wearing shades though. for the sun seems ten times as violent as the day before. Ah there comes our host looking fit as a bird.


Well hello there! Did everybody enjoy there night on the town? I remember very little of it. I'm glad there were no reporters near us yesterday or the papers would have had a field day. ha-ha Even the Stropon Times could have regained some of her lost subscribers with pictures of the international diplomatic delegation walking the polonaise on the Strechnitz Beach Boulevard with me leading you Hahahaaa! Right. Let's get serious again shall we? Right!


Today we'll start with the 19th century city expansions around the old city walls. We'll leave the city through the Princes Gate near the Chapel of Peers. and we enter one of the great squares that lie around the walls. The Muntzen Platz! This is square is almost a park for it is filed with these silky green lawns instead of marble or granite. This square however is the financial heart of the empire. Conveniently located right next to the political center if you get my drift...right? Right!


If we walk to our right we see the Stropon Mint. In those basements the Stroponian Crowns and bonds are printed and stored. The bright red building does not house, contrary to popular belief, the strategic gold reserve of the Empire. That gold bullion is safely tucked away in Burg Broch. the least inviting castle of this country. Perhaps you'll see it someday. I hope not for it also houses the maximum security prison Brochfels where traitors and top criminals end up. Von Strooperen is there now. Awaiting his trial the dismal no good for nothing....right. Lets not get into that shall we? Right!


Just on the corner of the square past the gray building housing the HQ of the Stroponian Commerce bank stands the proud tower of the National Stroponian Bank. This monitors the Stroponian crowns position towards foreign currencies like the Euro, the Dollar, the Pound, the Yen, et cetera. And it keeps a close eye on the interest rates and such. The tower is built right on top of the old building. The only visible parts of its predecessor are the columns and the tympana crowning the entrances. An architectural monstrosity to some. But I quite like it actually. Hmm? What do you say my dear? The statue? Oh that is the first Director General of the National Bank. Sir Waldemar Waldesheim. his adage was Pecunia non olet, or translated. money dos not stink! Quite true, quite true.


Ah yes overlooking the square and the old city stands the majestic Colony house. As you may know our two colonies are run by Viceroy's who come from the families of the Prince Electors. Their permanent representations in Stropon House in this stunning building. the central pavilion is the Stropon pavilion and to the left we see the Quitaniana wing and on the right naturally the Nargoon wing. Their most important job is monitoring the cash and good flows from the colonies to the motherland that are destined for the government and public use. this is apart from the private economy. This building is responsible for oodles of wealth for Stropon. And not just us, but the Proles have also benefited grand from these fortunes. Public transport, public housing you name it. They owe the good will from the Imperial administration of course. But the money came from here. I tell you.


And here we have that fabulous hall of Fortune. The marble clad palace where the light-footed lady profit dances around. Followed closely by her two suitors, swindle and ruin. You all know what I'm talking about right? Central Station? My Goodness. From which hell hole did you crawl? No! You? Yes indeed, my good man. The Stock Exchange! Here we see the Imperial Stock exchange. The favored casino for bankers and stockbrokers.



Remember the Colony House? Well we near one of the projects paid with that money. "RoterBurg" the largest public housing project in Strechnitz. Built in 1913 and completed in 1914. Only 2 months after Stropon was dragged by its hands and feet into the First World War The Emperor at the time in a whim of compassion felt that the proles should not be abandoned to the large workers quarters surrounding the Stroponian Factories. They had a right to live in between the privileged classes amidst the finer notes of culture and education. Thus giving them the opportunity to ennoble themselves and become better persons than the drunks and wife beaters in the slums.

At least that was the general idea at the time. Since this part of the city has a direct view on Citadel hill which lies on the other side of the wall. Its design had to be more and better executed than the usual boxes full of apartments. So the architect came up with these triangular buildings. With shops on the ground floor and its own school, subway station and post office. The buildings were deliberately placed in an irregular pattern to avoid the dull repetitiveness of many public housing projects. The result lies before your eyes. Since it's opening in 1914 it has been a great success. Nowadays it has been a magnet for young designers and artists bringing life and creativity to this Bohemian district unparalleled anywhere in Strechnitz. During the day it offers many things in the boutiques and galleries where you won't find a second piece of anything. And during the nights Roterburg is famous for the jazz bars and artist cafes. Everybody from any walk in life is welcome here and treated as an equal. famous with the youngsters that is. Not something for our kind of people. if you know what I mean. Well. I would not mind having a jolly time here but the wee wife does not deem this place worthy of her presence. So it is a forbidden territory for me....come to think of it...she is away for another whole week.... hurry up people I just remembered having an appointment this evening
What? Oh yes. The statue. It is dedicated to the equality of mankind and a manifest against racism. Trampled by the figure of equality. Of course Stroponians oppose racism. We are adamant against it you know. We have always segregated our society along social and economic lines. But never racial. Oh no! Let's move on. Shall we? Right!


The Bahnhof Allee. Another main artery breaching the walls, connecting the old and the 19th century part of Strechnitz. Alongside the canal we see the large department stores. with names like "Regallan's", "Pschorr's", "Flaumbold's" and "Elegantis". The four treasure troves from the Belle Epoque. Bringing every possible luxury item to you, as long as you can afford the damn things.


And the Central Station of Strechnitz of course. Or does it look like a Stock exchange to some of you? no? Right! It is a nice building though. The statues represent the virtues of Stropon and the modern industrial age. All very allegorical and such. though I must confess the food in the first class restaurants is exquisite. The Bars serve great cocktails too. But erm...I think we should not stay here too long. We had quite enough last time did we not? Right


This church is the Austrian Grand Ducal Chapel It was a gift of the Austrian Grand Duke Isidor Oeljanov Kemplitin to the Catholic minority in Stropon after his marriage with The Stroponian Princess Appolonia Victoria.


Now we keep following the the Ceintur Bahn which follows the city moat around the city walls. And we now come to the large Epochen Platz. Or Epoch square, which is graced with the grand fountain depicting the expulsion of Lucifer. The fountain has little to do with the name of the square which is derived from the obelisks surrounding the square. each one dedicates to every different epoch in the Imperial history. It starts with the founding of Rome through the Roman and Byzantine Empire up and to the Neo Byzantinian Empire of Stropon. It ends with the last obelisk representing the Epoch of Doctrine which is nearing its end. This large square is a testament to the people showing that we are the only and true inheritors of the Roman Empire surviving over 21 centuries. Stunning is it not?


The largest building facing this square is the Imperial Museum of History and fine arts. A humongous building, filled with artifact of every period and time. One needs 3 days merely to see the collection. And than you have had no time to study each artifact on display. The imperial collections are much bigger though. So 4 times a year. Coinciding with the seasonal change the entire collection on display returns to the depots and is replaced by another part of the collections. So every item is on display 4 months a year. I can assure you it is one hell of an operation. And that is without the temporary exhibitions from other museums or artists. Apart form the permanent collection. As you can see it is a neo gothic building. Quite popular in Strechnitz. Remember the City Hall. But apart that not very common in Stropon.


On the west side of Epochen Platz we see the Triumphal arch of Prenglerlitz. It commemorates the Stropo-Thurinian war of 1887. It was a small war between the north Italian Kingdom of Turin and the neighboring Empire of Stropon. Our soldiers held fast long enough for the diplomats to work out a peace result pleasing both monarchs. The reason for the conflict was the smuggling between the italian-stroponian borders.


The commemorative arch stands in front of the pretty Church of Saint Maxim the neo gothic Cathedral facing the south side of the square. The cathedral is famous for two things. The organ concertos and the masses to the fallen heroes of Stropon. Behind it lies the Strechnitz military cemetery. With the remnants of countless heroes. We will end our afternoon with a concert inside the cathedral. I see the other visitors assembling in front of the building. Good. We are right on time. After the Phillip Glass Concerto there will be a nice dinner for everyone. Myra, will assist you there. I've got to go now. Perhaps I'll see some of you later tonight in the bohemian "Roterburg"?  Right? Right! Well Tallyho and that sort of thing...I'm off!

[rooker1]

Holy, can you say major avenue intesection.  I never knew you could do that many, nice job.  I love the choice of your bats for this city and their layout.  The parks also look very nice, great job over all.

Robin   

[sebes]

Talking about Grandeur... this is a very nice example....the Epochen Platz being the absolute pinnacle of that 

[Pat]

Stretch i dont know what to say here but wow great update......

[Russell]

Loving the sight of the Austrian Grand Ducal Chapel and RoterBurg - two striking objects in this grand and lavish update. And of course Muntzen Platz and... Oh, there are so many. Strechnitz, you have done it again. 

[bat]

another wonderful update! Your avenue intersections are looking wonderful!

[Strechnitz]

Hello my friends,

It is time for some replies on your posts. alas I am out of the country right now so I can't promiss a substantial update soon but I do have big plans to dazzle you all in the near future. they are a few different subject involving the gracious help and collaboration of a few of the very best (in my humble opinion) batters around and active today!
But I won't reveal too much here. that would spoil the fun. evil me. hehehe

I am on a brief holiday at the moment and the weather is dreadfull. as I type we have a rather violent thunderstorm outside oh well. in three weeks I'll have another little holidy. let's hope the weather is better then.

but on to the replies.

rooker1 Major avenue intersection, major avenue intersection, major ave... yeah I can say that. these intersections are quite easily made when you have the NAM installed. It is one of the many improvements the NAM team has made for this games transit options. As you can see I love to use them  thankl  you BTW for your compliments about the buildings and the lay out. I apreciate it.

sebes Thank you my friend. I am glad you like the epochenplatz so much. I am sorry I can't show you the entire square in all it's glory/ the truth is, that I have to wait at least another month for my new computer. and when I manage to start the game(in half an hour) I can do a lot but with the size and population in strechnitz I can't zoom in or out without the game crashing. So my zoom is fixed. that's why I am not at all happy of every pic I have posted the last few weeks. with the new computer I will refresh some of them. if only to make me feel better about them.

patfirefghtr Thank you for your kind words Pat. And one does not need to use a lot of words to express a feeling now does one? I am glad hat you clearly like my little contribution to this great site and that is more than enough for me. thank you for your support Pat

Russell Good to see you enjoying this update as well Russel. The Roterburg was designed in the spirit of some great public housing projects in the early 20th century in europe. most tenements for the worst off were really horible unhealthy places where the poor were piled up on eachother t fill the rooms with more people so that the landlords earned more cash. Now I have given the Stroponian elite a very strange attitude towards the normal folk  or proles as they call them. Not because that's the way I feel about them.  but because I want to portray Stropon as a decaying oligarchy. decaying from the inside out. the doctrine of Autocracy has kept foreign influences out for almost a century so perhaps that will work as a catalist for reform? one way or another.
And the fun part is that although I sometimes give a hint here and there. Everybody seems to accept without any shadow of a doubt that the tranquil lavish and aristocratic image painted by the Stroponian guides and the papers is true.
Are all the proles really meak and toothless? pushed around like cattle while their blue blooded Lords who hardly have a sound idea about how the real world or society works chitter and chatter in their palaces and the house of Peers of the realm?  we'll find out. sooner or later my friend

bat Thank you my friend. I am happy that you too like the intersections. I believe they add a real metropolitan feel to a city. The day I found out that they were possible in NAM was a very happy day indeed

[kwakelaar]

What I find most impressive is that in this big city you still take the time and effort to add smaller and interesting details. Strechnitz is built on a grand scale with big avenue intersections and large open squares, both look very good by the way. The Epochen Platz is a nicely crafted area with the different fountains, monuments and green areas, it's got a uniform design with some variations in the greenery, this would be my favourite spot in this update.

And as always it seems that our Stroponian hosts are balancing a very fine line of international diplomacy. The act of isolation was maybe not such a bad idea after all 

[tooheys]

Strechnitz, I still have a few pages to view but I like what I have seen to date 

That avenue intersection though, if the traffic lights fail, I'd hate to be the poor cop who has to sort that mess out .

Seriously though,  I can learn a lot from this MD, and while a late starter, look forward to what is to come.

Cheers

Dave

[threeswept]

I agree with kwakelaar...sometimes it's all about the details and it's obvious that you strive for realism. I can imagine myself strolling the broad avenues taking in all the sites! Great work! I can't wait to be dazzled with your next update!

[Strechnitz]

Time for some Personal Replies,

Kwakelaar Thank you for this remark. Indeed I try to lay out a general idea with large avenues. and then fill up the spaces in between as if they are autonomous. so they all need some characteristic elements. I'm glad you apreciate that. thank you    and what the fine line concerns. it's all in a days work is it not

Tooheyswelcome Tooheys. I'm glad you like what you have seen so far. it is quite a read I'm afraid for I am known to use 8 sentences instead of one where needed better a late start than none at al right? I am often a late starter with other great MD's so join the club I would say

Threeswept also a warm welcome to you Threeswept. And I am honored to be among the first threads in which you post. I do strive for realism, thank you. but not always. one can't push the limits of a game alas. thank you for your praise there is a lot more to come. so please be dazzled



Stropon Herald, recording the news as it happens since 1893.


Jerome Victor IV deified in Bliss!
By our palace correspondent

The Regime in the befriended country of Bliss has recently baffled us and the rest of the world by declaring themselves living Gods. For this purpose they have built huge temples where the population can worship their rulers. If there is one totalitarian regime in the world that could pull this off than it must be Bliss. And they have! But my dear readers it does not end there! Yesterday the Olympus of the living Gods of Bliss erected a temple for our Holy Imperial Majesty Jerome Victor IV. Fact or folly? Fact is that sources close to the emperor report that our old ruler was gratified by this gesture of the regime he personally admires.
Rumors from high up the government suggest that not only Bliss has been thanked for their deed but that the Emperor ordered that a temple should be erected soon in honor of "The Pantheon formerly known as the Regime".

But where does this end? Will after this structure's been built, others emerge with golden statues of Jerome Victor? Will we have to honor him with votive sacrifices like the emperors of the old pagan Rome? "It does seem that the circle of history once again has described a full circle. Emperor Augustus was the first to be declared a living god. It was nothing more than a political stunt to subdue the pious yet more rebellious elements in the old empire. With the adoption of Christianity by Constantine the huge pantheon of the old roman gods including the cults of deified emperors slowly but surely died out through persecution and voluntary conversion. The Byzantine Emperors did try to maintain that mystic godly aura of their pagan predecessors by proclaiming to be the living Jesus. Not the real one of course but more like the transcendental version on earth. The Empresses were viewed as the successors of Mary. This made the court etiquette very complicated as you can imagine. With festivities the emperor dined with 12 of his best nobles who personified the 12 apostles. Naturally a man or woman has flaws and faults. Even a ruler! But when he or she is personified with a Deity or made godlike all their actions acquire that aura of infallibility. For have you ever heard of a fallible God? If so they have perished with their respective cults centuries ago! That did not however prevent the second empire from utter collapse. And thus a third empire emerged from the mists of time. Our Stroponian Empire, the successor of this long Imperial tradition. Now our rulers were not presented as gods second man on earth like for instance the papacy claims. No! Our emperors are wise and holy but they are in the end men or women who are mortal and fallible like the mortals they rule. This seems to me not to be enough for our holy Imperial majesty. If he would adopt this Blissful cult and adopt it into the religious family of Stropon. Than we are back at the beginning with old Augustus. Do we want that? But we should not jump to conclusions to hastily. Not as long the prince electors do not wander through the streets dressed as High Priests we need not worry...yet."

Professor Adonis Leidelmayer Cnut. Who holds the Chair for Dynastic History at Strechnitz University. "Has anyone realised yet that we have no room for a new epoque obelisk on the Epochen Platz?, there is no room for a new era of godlike rulers there!"


8th World Wonder's restoration nears completion.
By our general interest correspondent

The spectacular Imperial Hunting retreat and winter refuge, Listerlunde on the shore of Lake Zerlingen will soon be unveiled to the public after a restoration of nearly 25 years. In this time the Grand building designed in the 18th century by the worldwide renowned architect, Don Carlos Christobal San Eustacio de Merveilhosa and the unique formal gardens and grounds have seen an extensive restoration. After Jerome Victor II instituted the Doctrine of Autocracy after the disastrous outcome of World War I most imperial residences faced a sober regime like the Imperial citadel whose high maintenance gardens were turned into low cost grasland or even closure like the Listerlunde complex which had horrendous costs of upkeep and was only in use for about 2 month each year. The magnificent palace which is amongst the largest of Europe slowly but surely fell to ruin and the enchanting terraced gardens renowned for it's fountains and statues was overgrown with weeds. The statues crumbled and the basins where once proud fountains jetted water in the air nothing but murky basins remained as cradles for algae and moss.

But no more! The lean years after WWI are far behind us. Where all the palaces and monuments since long been restored to full glory Listerlunde lay forgotten amidst the old trees of Zerlinger wald as a true Sleeping Beauty.  In 1982 Sleeping Beauty was carefully caressed by the Stroponin Imperial Historical Society in the role of Prince Charming before kissed back to life. Studies were made of the archive material and the original plans of Don San Eustacio de Merveilhosa's original plans, while the brambles and other trees were cut away to reveal the intricate system of terraces and gardens. After assessment of the damage of over 60 years of neglect the vast and complex restoration could start. Different teams concentrated on different parts of the palace servant buildings and the gardens while other teams would rummage through the immense imperial archives depot searching for the wagon loads of furniture, artworks and chandeliers et cetera that were locked away by Jerome Victor II as a safeguard against theft. Some pieces had found their way to other imperial or princely residences. These teams were responsible for the recreation and restoration of the parquet floors and décor of the rooms and halls. And now finally after 25 years the project nears it's finish. The grand opening to the public will be televised in the popular TV program `Sights and Seeings` where Caroline will take the viewer on a tour along some of the highlights of this eighth World Wonder! Palace officials have stated that the romantic hunting lodge near the palace will remain off limits to the public for it is the intention of  His Imperial Majesty the Emperor to reinstate that as a Hunting lodge. This coming winter the first great hunt since 1915 will be held there.

The restored ceiling of the imperial staircase.

Same sex marriages legalized.
By our political correspondent

The last few weeks before the summer recess of government is never a very exiting period in the governmental year. No new laws are put before both houses. Most Peers and representatives are busy planning their society agendas for the summer. The Lord High Ministers find reasons for every issue or problem to be directed to September when the new year starts. In general politicians and political journalists usually spend these weeks with 3 hour luncheons and early drinks exchanging gossip and joking about all the little crises of the last year without doing any actual work. But not so this year!

In their strive to open up to the world and modernization the legalization of marriage of same sex couples, gay or lesbian is being adopted by more and more countries over the whole world. The Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Canada, and others have lead the way. Other countries don't go that far but has adopted laws giving gay couples the same rights as everyone else. Lord High Minister for the Interior Von Thurnentax bis Rottweiler had put a proposal before both the House of Peers and of the Peers. Both accepted the proposal without amendments after which the Emperor ratified it as law.  Von Thurnentax bis Rottweiler who is a well known publicly homosexual living together for over 7 years with his partner the Duke of Amarantopol announced the new law from the Rostra platform on the Square of Augusutus Heraclius the Great effecting the  law from that moment forth, binding all loyal subjects in Stropon and her overseas territories. In an interview the esteemed Lord High Minister declared ` Thank Gawd we have always been a liberal country. Treating every one with respect and humanity. Even so with the gay and lesbian community. There has never been a real reason for us to feel threatened or persecuted. If it was only a Prole thing...perhaps but by Gawd even we are at it, like rabbit I might add. The Grand prelate council was asked if their were religious reasons against the same sex marriage proposal but the high Prelates found nothing in the holy texts of  Simeon that denies us the right to marry whom we love. And yes this is a very happy day for all of us.` Liberal and broad minded we may be, while announcing the new law the Lord High minister was hit by  rotten tomato. The organically grown yet overripe vegetable caused no damage apart from some stains on von Thurnentax bis Rotweiller´s immaculate attire. The perpetrator has been caught by the civil guards present and will be brought to justice. The little incident did not shock the Lord High Minister. He jockingly stated  `I say, we can´t all be modern now can we. By Gawd, we´ll have tomato soup at the weddings dinner. Upon my Word!`

The Lord High Minister for the interior after his announcement

The "season" starts with a gay BANG!
By our society correspondent

With the Houses of Government gone into their summer recess the summerseason for the High Society starts. 2 months filled with large summer balls and feasts. The Horse Races at Strechnitz and the Wòrlitzen Badt Regatta are some of the high lights. The season will officially start with the Debutantes Ball At Dampotzen Palace, the Imperial summer residence, where the offspring of Stropons finest who have come of age this year will have their debut into the high society in presence of the Emperor. The second largest event will be the first gay high society marriage of the The lord High Minister and his partner the Duke of Amarantopol. Further more the well to do and the blue bloods will be found at every society watering hole to shine in their designer clothes displaying their wealth. At each and every one of these events I, Sophie Von Hòllewegen will make reports for you to relish in the high societies dazzling hot summer!

our society correspndent getting ready for the season.

[Yoder7652]

Well, Stretch...I've just finished reading your last update and the newsapaper...so many details and content! In the tour, I particularly liked the RoterBurg housing complex...it is a great use of a great building. I was also fond of using Grand Central Station as a stock exchange...I think it fits it well. Also, the area around the Imperial Museum of History and fine arts was very well done...particularly the fountain out front. Great paper, too! It seems that there is alot of news coming out of Stropon. Extend my congratulations or (maybe condolences ) to the Emperor for becoming a deity! It is also great to read about Stropon's progressive legislature on the eve of the summer society season...at any rate, great updates as always, I look forward to more!

[Russell]

Dear Strech, what a fascinating edition of the Stropon Herald - deification, restoration and gay marriages, and what a charming society correspondent!  The Stropon Herald (did it not use to be the Stropon Times?) is such a delight to read and always manages to bring additional life to your already remarkable MD.

By the way, the ruling Gods of Bliss wishes to inform His Holy Imperial Majesty that their happy citizens are flocking to His temple to worship Him through prayer and sacrifice, so much so that the ruling Gods are becoming envious (not a good sign).

[Emperor Stormont]

Fabulous update Hubert - congratulations to Stropon for legalising gay marriage, the Imperial Government and the Emperor himself is indeed very pleased to see Stropon society progress.

Btw, I love the pic of the minister, that coat looks fantastic (I want one now). 

[Pat]

Ooooooooh boy strecth im smelling trouble from Bliss this is not good...  My people in both area's are getting very worried here...  I will be keeping a close eye on this situation - pat

[urban]

wow,I haven't read the articles yet but I already have to say, that those pictures show one of the best european-looking city I have ever seen People often say here is a european-looking city and I wonder, if they ever had been to europe before, but your city is great

[Snaper]

Great update, I like your parks in the city  But all these enormous intersections, I don't know, I don't catch on

It's very beautiful 

[bat]

Great new newspaper!!

[Strechnitz]

Thank you for you reactions people. I really apreciate it. I will post personal replies in my next post. For now I only have a short announcement to make.

Government may enjoy their summer break. the weels of the civil service keep on turning as always. making sure that every new decision and policy is carried out as it's suppost to. one of them is the following.
The government will ask the government of Nova Vesfalo if they are willing to open diplomatic relations with the Stroponian Empire.



Strechnitz.