[IC] The Meridian Journal - Diariú di Merídia

Remain, or Reform: the power struggle in Ardinat

The nobles of Ardinat are fighting over the succession. Pictured: the Majestét Palace, the residence of the Monarch.

Ardinat - The throne is being contested. The King of Ardinat has called for an assembly of all the nobles of the realm, in order to debate and vote on the heir to the Excador dynasty.

Despite what Ardinat's state media may tell of an unified nobility electing a better future, there is an enormous power struggle within the aristocrats on who should be the heir. And for the first time, it is deeply ideological.

Wait, Ardinat elects its heirs?

No. The nobles do, silly.

To be more specific, only the 316 Counts and the 16 Dukes of the realm elect the heir. No Baron (what would you call a Mayor), Lord (in this context it can mean noble agricultural landholders and tycoons, but this title is given to sons and daughters of nobles who did not inherit anything as well), or Chavalier (or Knight) would ever be considered for such an election. That is the lower nobility, silly!

This process is actually historically recent: fearing weak leaders at a time of revolution, especially in Meridia, Ardinatan nobles in 1832 "discovered" (or, more properly said, forged) new texts on the Monotic faith, saying that the heirs to their Monarchs sent from their God are to be elected by their nobles.

So, who are the candidates?

There are three, all the King's children: the Prince Augustús, the Princess Luciánę, and the Prince Loúis.

Prince Augustús

The eldest of the three, Augustús is a fervent advocate for democracy under a constitutional monarchy. Of course, none of the official channels may tell of that, but secret sources in the government repeatedly tell of his efforts in the politics of the nobility.

Now, as is the rule, voting blocs must vote with their parent houses, and they are all in favour of despotism. But, when selecting an heir, everyone can vote as they desire. Democratic Avengnon or Krisiano nobles can finally attempt to reform the country towards a new era of liberty.

But they shall find the going harsh. A majority of the nobility supports the current system in varying degrees, and would not like for a democratic regime to take its place. It is simply unacceptable.

Augustús and his mostly young supporters are enthusiastic and may attempt to win, but analysts say there is little chance of this succeeding.

Prince Loúis

This prince is currently the favourite to win the throne. A staunch supporter of the status quo, Loúis is popular with the establishment. However, there is a gigantic downside to it all: he's a rich playboy.

He flaunts his wealth, going on expensive trips abroad, spending money like nothing in the capitals of the world, buying luxury items, yachts and sports cars like money fell out of trees, and he is, reportedly, also incredibly arrogant. There are even rumours that he engages in the purchase of prostitution and drugs, but this is more unclear, as this may be slander from the democratic factions.

Sources always tell of his pampered upbringing, how, unlike the other two, his Mother indulged this soul with everything he desired, as he was the youngest. Apart from that, he is seen as the least intelligent of the three candidates, and would only make an "okay" ruler. In short, he is the darling of the establishment because there is no other alternative.

Or so would you think.

Princess Luciánę

Now, this nominee is basically an unknown figure. Yes, the existence of the princess has been known, but she has never been involved politically in anything. She is now only being considered as the female nobility have made enormous strides in recent years, getting equal status for women in the country. Sources, and the Meridian Government, tell that she is a recent graduate from the Florenzei Academy, Meridia's top university, but there is nothing else known of her. In short, she was not raised to be a political leader.

However, reports are surfacing that, despite her upbringing, she is building a power base, slowly swaying the establishment to her side. And there are rumours that tell she is very intelligent, more so than the princeling favourite. Loúis will have to face a new rival if this is true. And if it is so, Luciánę is a supporter of the status quo, just like her brother.

There are even rumours that Luciánę is the King's favourite to succeed him, so she may receive the personal support of her father.

Who supports who?

This fight goes beyond any factional disputes. As such, we cannot consider this an "Avengnon vs. Krisiano" type of fight. This is one of the few issues all the cliques can and will work together for a single goal, and so will their democratic dissent. For the Monarchy must be preserved, or reformed.