The Neo Byzantinian Empire of Stropon

[Pat]

OK origanel post modified now....

Hubert that is simply wonderful teaser and very ummm asianistic if thats even a word lol

[bat]

Nice looking picture there! Great work!

Congrats on 400 (+) replies!

[kwakelaar]

Great update and great teaser.
Lady Ottoline von Strasslomirov von Beckenstein is not looking for a son to adopt by the way? 

[Strechnitz]

M4346

But why?!  Methinks the ladies would protest too much. 

I agree, but if he ran around naked the police would take him of o the bureau and thats not what I have in mind for him.
And thank you for the wonderful heart warming comment!
Bat Thank you Bat
SebesThank youSebes, I'm afraid that decadence is my middle name.
Stormont Thanks Michael. I hope you didn't wait too long. is this next episode in line with your thoughts?
Pat Thanks Pat, I hope this is a safe addiction LOL 
Kwakelaar

But why?!  Methinks the ladies would protest too much. 

well she might. you are put on the shortlist my friend. after all you have created the bats that will make her summer residence.

...and after a restless but calm night in the Empire and her overseas dominions, at day
brake the story continues.

The next morning Lord high Chancellor Fritz Clauwenbach was driven to his offices in the Citadel Palace. He looked outside at the people going to their work. Next to him lay reports from the Interior office and the Secret police. The disputed speech of the emperor had caused a wave of expectations and hope amongst the working masses in the empire both in Europe and overseas. Not all of these ideas were logical and realistic. Spontaneous gatherings of crowds chanting the name of their beloved emperor had formed on city squares that evening. No riots or anything unpleasant had occurred other than a few people being arrested for being drunk in public. It worried the Chancellor that the people seemed to give such a weight to the Emperors words. His priority right now was containment and damage control before the peoples expectations rose to high.

The people had to be calmed down and it had to be made clear that the emperors proposals were nothing more than cosmetic changes. The Empire would, in the core, remain its traditional self without any democratic or constitutional nonsense. The car stopped in front of the imperial wing of the Citadel palace and Lord Clauwenbach ascended the marble stairs to the second floor where in the large oval ante chamber to the Emperors study stood someone already waiting.

It was The Arch High Prelate of Strechnitz. Apart from the Supreme High Prelate of Simeonopole he was one of the most powerful men in Simeonism, the Stroponian State religion. This Alexander Anastacius von Rumboldt was partly so powerful because he also was the Emperors confessor and advisor on religious matters. Although the Chancellor suspected Alexander Anastacius to be Atheist himself, his Theatrical gestures and intonations during conversation as during mass could put the fear of God into even the staunchest atheist in the Empire. The Grand High Prelate was dressed in the usual bombastic attire with which the prelates liked to adorn themselves.

"Your eminence."
"Your Lordship"
Alexander, why did you not warn me for this? You are his confessor are you not? That never stopped you from sharing information before!" Fritz said accusingly.
"My dear friend. I knew nothing of his outrageous plans. Honest. I am here to talk him out of it. My eminent brothers are breathing down my neck like the Peers of the realm no doubt do with you. His Illustriousness Halicarnassus VIII almost had a heart attack in the Appostolian palace when he heard the news. His chamberlain says he has locked himself in his private chapel to pray to our Lord almighty. Although between you and me, I believe we can do more good here and now than to wait for a divine intervention.
"Indeed Alexander, the rabble is getting restless. They want results. And so does the nobility. Accept they don't want any results at all...apart from maintaning the status quo..."

A lackey in livery and powdered wig entered the room and bade the to men to follow him to the Emperor.
"one last word Alexander, we must form a united front to the Emperor, you know how he can be!"
"Rest assured Frits, we are of one mind and supporting one cause. Well talk him out of it." And with a reassuring pad on the shoulders the men followed the lackey to the Imperial dining room where lunch for three awaited them.

The three men had eaten their oyster and lobster lunch in silence. Not before the plates were taken away did his majesty speak (and one never addresses the emperor unless spoken too.)

"Well that was quite deliscious, what? So gentlemen, I believe that you are owed an explanation. Opening our borders again has already shown us many benefits. The economy is booming. Export is quadrupled If I may believe the figures my cabinet gives me, et cetera. My recent trips to Atlantis and Osturland has shown me however, that our holy Empire is hopelessly falling behind in the field of human rights. The democratic base of the Empire is laughable. The people can only choose their representatives and the rest of our system is reserved solely for 5 % of the population....Don't interrupt me gentlemen. I am an old man now and The world around us has changed considerably in the last 50 years. We have to stop thinking of ourselves and think of the future. The people now can travel to other countries and see the discrepancies between our system and our neighbouring countries. This could lead to chaos and revolution. We don't want that do we? So we have to grab the bull by its horns and make sure that we reorganise the system voluntarily from within instead of being forced by outsiders."

"Amen, your majesty" answered the Prelate dramaticly.
"Indeed, a wonderful notion your Majesty, and the Cabinet feels that they should indeed be looked into. Therefore we have already undertaken action to set up an interdepartmental committee with participants from every ministry and deputations from every principality as well as vice royal deputations for the colonies. They will investigate the possibilities and the foreign systems so that they can draft proposals how and where we can adapt the system to implement your majesty's wishes in the best possible way!" The Chancellor said almost believing it himself.

"But don't these take a lot of time von Clauwenbach?" Jerome Victor asked.
"Not more than absolutely necessary your majesty." The chancellor responded with a broad smile.
"Rome wasn't built in a day your Majesty, as indeed was Simeonopole. Only our Lord God can built a world in six days. We have to patiently labour until the deed is done! And with Gods help it won't take any longer than necessary" Alexander Anastacius added piously.
Jerome Victor did not seem wholly convinced but decided to give them the benefit of the doubt.

In the meantime star Herald reporter Amaranta Borges had left the Imperial Records building in Strechnitz. Her search had revealed not a shred of evidence to substantiate Iskanders story that the late wife of Jerome Victor IV, Empress Marie Claire had not died a natural death. The Medical archives building containing all the medical records also proved to hold no clues. She had slipped on the floor of the Palace chapel in Kayserbürgen palace and broken her neck, the poor woman. Nothing in any dossier or medical record contradicted those stated facts. Was it a hoax from Iskander? To fool her? No that was impossible. He was a colonel of the secret police. He would not give her a slip of information if there was no truth in it.

And time was ticking away. Her deadline was approaching faster than was desirable. When she finally looked up from her deep thoughts and found herself next to the Imperial Gallery of Art. Had she walked all this way from the archives building? Desperate to find a clue she bought a ticket and roamed the rooms and corridors filled with paintings and other works of art. She found the room where portraits of all the Imperial consorts hung in their heavy gild frames. After a while she stood in front of 3 paintings depicting the unfortunate Marie Claire.

Amaranta sat down and looked at them. The Empress had been a beautiful woman. with a waist most women could only dream of. unfortunately she had her accident before she got pregnant of an heir to the throne. This ended the Fleigelreuth dynasty. For Jerome Victor IV would now be the last Emperor in that line. Stroponian law of succession only allowed the first born child of the first wife to become heir to the throne. And no other. so marrying a second time would hve been to no avail. sunken in thought Amaranta looked at he paintings. although she died when Amaranta was only a little girl she new how proad Marie Claire had been on her figure. espescialy the slim waist. she always wore clothes that showed her divine figure. more and more Amaranta found herself looking at the most left protrait of the Empress. somehow it was different from the earlier ones. but what was it? Amaranta could not place her finger on it...but wait a minute! Amaranta compared them again. on the left one the Empress had a voluptuous scarf draped around herself obscuring her slim waist out of view. could it be...?
Amaranta's instinct of a bloodhound most good reporters had jumped to life. She aproached the paintings and looked at the dates. the portret on he left was dated only 3 months prior to the accident. could it be...? Amaranta scribled a few things down in her notebook and ran, no she flew though the heavily decorated rooms towards the exit of the museum.

To be continued...

[bat]

Great update and wonderful new work! Looking forward to the continuation.

[kwakelaar]

Wel, that just might be the cover story she needs.

[sebes]

O M  G    ....      You're not going that direction ... are you?

Once again you manage to keep me out of my sleep 
Please don't stop - go on 

[Emperor Stormont]

Well of course I just love it, it's fabulous what more could I wish to read in a CJ......truly glorious.


Was she pregnant........or was she not WHO KNOWS.......I'm sure someone did though   


Awaiting yet more regal wonders and intrigue from Stropon 

[Strechnitz]

Bat Thank you my faithful friend, here it is
KwakelaarIndeed, this could be it. but is it true? and where will it go from here?
Sebes I do hope you get sóme sleep, Sebes BTW I might go another way
Stormont

I'm sure someone did though

Did what? "know" or "get her pregnant?" ooh I am so evil, sorry

In the monumental entrance hall of the Imperial Gallery of art Amaranta borges was stopped by 3 security guards. "why are we running madam? We don't have a work of art hidden in your purse have you? Please come quietly with us to the office madam."
"certainly not! I have an epiphany, and have to act on it immediately. Get out of my way you over evolved gorillas!"
Naturally complying to these uniformed baboons was the last thing on her mind now that she was on the scent of a huge discovery but when they grabbed her by her arms and escorted her to the office she had no other option than to comply. 2 hours later she finally could leave the building. Outside she grabbed her cell phone and made a call.

At the Jubilee Square the new Flagship store of AMERIKANO inc. the haute couture consortium of Republique du Tient had opened its doors. Every high society fashionado that could afford it was there check it out. The gilt logo of "House of Amerikano" shone in the Sunlight.

A very happy Anastacia von Reigen, chief editor of the Stropon Herald left the building after some retail shopping when her mobile rang.
"Yes?...Ah Amaranta, what have you got?...a possible top story?...Ahuh...
Iimperial family?...Ahuh...Possible secret police involvement?"
Anastacia crossed the Avenue of the Colonies and headed towards another high end retail store.
"Great, whatever it is type it out and get it on my desk by...
What! You don't have the story yet?...
You are working on it and need more time?...
You know my deadline Amaranta, why make an exception for you? There is plenty of fish in the pond craving your place on my payroll you know...
Tell you what; you are extremely fortunate that I am in a good mood now. I have just plundered AMERIKANO's new collection. You get all the time you need, but it better be good or I'll turn you into fish food personally. Alright?" And wih that she hung up and disappeared in the Cartier boutique.

On the other side of the world, in the Jungle of Nargoon, our mysterious Simeon had walked through the rice paddies and farming hamlets. He did not know where he was or where he went. He only knew that his path was set out for him and that he was guided by the angels. At the brink of dawn he saw a brightly lit villa amidst the fields. That was where he would stay until he would receive a sign from the heavens to act. The current occupants would not live to see brake of dawn...

2 hours later, an official who was very high up the Vice Royal government was driven through the Streets of the Capital Sri na Dagangh when his secured private mobile rang.
"yes?...ah professor...he was set free yesterday? Good. And you assure me that the mindalterations are succesfull? Good! I always wanted a puppet who would do as asked. I am very pleased Professor. Give him his first mission. I want to see fireworks in tomorrows news." And with these ominous words we already leave Golden kingdom as Nargoon was called in the pre-colonial Era.

For the bulk of the Stroponians. Thé news that concerned them was the "democratisation of Stropon" or "power to the Proles" as the working mass liked to call it. In the princely capitals people marched to the Palaces of power to demonstrate for more rights and influence. All very peaceful and under the watchful eye of the Civil Guard (police)

Most of the people though had supper at home and watched the 8 o'clock news. This was followed by the immensely popular program "Sights & Seeings" presented by Alexandra von Hofenburg. Bringing the lustre and opulence of castles and palaces into the Stroponian sitting rooms for the people to enjoy. This season she showcased all the Imperial residences. The nation was glued to the telly to see them. After Kayserbürgen and Listerlunde, the new series portray Dampotzen palace, the Imperial summer Residence.

Will be continued...

[bat]

That is a nice new episode there! Wonderful pictures! Looking forward to the next episode!

[Strechnitz]

Official Teaser

Do you remember Kaiserbürgen Palace her serenity?

Did you love seeing the grandeur of Listerlunde Palace?

Did you find the Citadel Palace journey through time refreshing?

For those of you who enjoy monumental residences and grand garden layouts, fear no more!

This weekend I will start a new series of updates showing you Dampotzen Palace. The summerresidence of the Stroponian Emperors. A veritable little baroque paradise amidst Elesian forests. It has been mentioned a lot in this thread but until today you have never sen a glimpse of it.

And that, my dear friends is about to change!

As an appetiser I offer you 2 nightpics of the palace. I have used Kwakelaars wonderful baroque palaces pieces for most of the buildings. So, enjoy them for more will follow soon.

The Palace Chapel, virtuously dominating the palace devoted to worldly pleasures.

The Private wing of the Empress. Overlooking the fountain of Selene, the roman Moon goddess.

Strech.

[Emperor Stormont]

OMG Where did you get those?.......................I'm dying to have them now.....damn you Hubert.......LOL 

Do I see some new garden pieces in those images? You must allow me to see more 

(EDIT - Found them !! lol lol)


Btw as always I loved the previous update, Anastacia von Reigen is welcome to shop in Atlantis any day is she attending the upcoming special event???

[capo]

There couldn't have been a better MD to showcase these excellent Kwakelaar props in. I really enjoyed reading up on the updates that I missed and as always I must say that the pictures go so well with the story. Congratulations on reaching the 400 post milestone, that's quite an accomplishment!

[sebes]

My dear Strech: I did not sleep much from curiousity, and still am wondering were we are heading (but have a hinch though, knowing you now a bit..).

But now. after this awfull mean teaser, I will definately not sleep anymore until I have seen the details of that awesome Palace. But...  Damplotzen  You WILL have to tell me how on earth you got to THAT  name...

[kwakelaar]

And suddenly we are really being spoiled, a new update and a teaser.
Well you can imagine that I very much was looking forward to the Dampotzen Palace and I was expecting to see another gem by Debussyman being used for this one, but I guess you are saving that for something else. So I will just enjoy to see what you have come up with for the Kolhof buildings.
House of Amerikano is looking excellent, nice work on the billboards.
Exiting reading about the happenings in the colonies, I look forward to see what this apparently brainwashed person is going to be used for .

[bat]

Nice looking teasers there! Looking forward to the update...

[Revol]

That palace looks beautiful! Nice use of Les Invalides with the neo-classical buildings! 

[dedgren]

Congratulations, Strechnitz-



...literature meets the MD and they go off hand-in-hand

   down the long, dark hallways of a truly twisted imagination...


The Staff

n.b.:  Stropon becomes the first Mayors' Diary to have been recognized as being Of Special Interest a second time- SC4D is most honored to host it. -DE

[Pat]

Hubert, This is wonderful and awesome that you have gone to OSITM again WOW this is such a first and a great special treat.... Congrats man and i sooo  look forward to seeing what you have devilishly planned for the month...

[JanYpe]

Another palace!     That chapel is quite something, can't wait to see the rest of the palace.