I'm a bit late and several others have echoed my feelings on the matter already, but Im going to wade in anyway.

Im opposed to the proposal.

I acknowledge there's a problem and that the feelings of unfairness some members may be feelings are valid. I don't believe this proposal will adequately resolve the issue though, in fact I believe it will lead to a good deal of division and harm.

I'm going to skip the reasoning that OG barons earned their rank already; others have made that point more eloquently than I could. Instead I'd like us all to consider the very real possibility that this could potentially see some members leave.

I don't disagree that there are some members here who are not actively participating. They would most likely not even notice they've been made non-participating, but there are several members, myself included, who might be caught up in this who definitely do contribute and may decide that the community which allows them to put in work outside of game, but doesn't value the contribution enough to allow them to vote isn't a place they want to remain part of. I won't shy away from saying that if passed, I would need to reconsider my level of involvement here.

I might not have put my time and efforts into churning out 40+ cookie cutter houses, but I have been an integral part of this and past communities, doing essential admin and ministerial work, quite frequently giving up my own personal time at home or at work to be there for you all.

Theres a very real risk here that people who should not be penalised would be. A lot of the additional contributions that certain people make are hard to quantify, but it should count for something.

Unfortunately I don't have an alternative solution to offer. I just know that this proposal will likely cause significant bad feelings and ultimately not resolve any of the issues raised

Why vote for Septimus?

I'm a long time player on this server and its ancestors, long enough to have become part of the furniture. I've been Applications Minister previously with various successes and no complaints.

If elected, I'd like to accomplish a few things, namely I'd be reviewing our current Server FAQ and guides, Applications Ministry policies (which if Im not mistaken havent changed since I set them previously) and start a conversation about the way we currently admit new members; The current process for member applications is fine, but I'd like to see if anyone has ideas/thoughts on how to improve.

In addition I'd also like to investigate the way we advertise the server and engage with new people. I think an increased presence on other social media would be worth looking into.

I'd also like to revive a pet project of mine which has had trouble getting off the ground previously, and create some content for youtube. I'm thinking realm showcases or liege interviews as well as a server trailer.

A collection of footage from various realms, already shot and collated would help us get these ideas off the ground. I'd be willing to sponsor a competition/event for people to submit their own footage as a way to kick start the initiative.

I welcome any questions you may have in relation to the above.

Remember, a vote for Septimus is a vote for success!

Ella Credanh is the name of the largest island of the south west sea of Candarion and home to humans known as the Credanx. Culturally and ethnically, the Credanx peoples are almost identical, however power is divided between 10 powerful clanns, each of which have their own small differences and traditions

Clann Dooinney
Situated on the far western shores of the island, Clann Dooinney have control over a large section of hilly oak forests. Known for their skilled woodworking and love of nature, the members of this clan tend to be one of the more peaceful areas of the island. The Thegn of this Clann is Manus Dooinney

Clann MacCreg
Clann MacCreg controls the southernmost area of the island known colloquially as ‘The Elbow’. This area is mostly plains and the inhabitants here are known for their large agricultural output. Through a series of strategic marriages, alliances and skirmishes, the thegn, Alistir MacCreg has managed to exert control over 2 of the other 5 clanns and is leading efforts to unite the entire region under one king

Clann Quayle
Clann Quayle controls a section of forest near the centre of the island which puts them at somewhat of a crossroads, positioning them between the various trade and peoples which flow north and south. The people here are noted for their high quality textiles. The thegn of this area is Lora Quayle

Clann Slineiue
Much of the Central mountains are ruled by Clann Slineiue. Many of the inhabitants here are skilled miners and much of the regions iron and precious gems come from the mountains and hills here. For several years Clann Slineiue has been at odds with the 3 southern clanns, resisting the growing power and influence of the MacCreg family. The Thegn of this clann is Cedric Slineniue

Clann Erenagh
The inhabitants of the island’s north western pine forests are known for their strong seafaring traditions and love of the ocean. Despite being less isolated and the least disagreeable of the islands two ‘upper clanns’, the Erenagh Clann thegn, Rory Erenagh, has opted to remain independent from the rest of the islands political wrangling.

Clann Griogalach
The swamps and marshes of the far north western part of the island are considerably more wild and difficult to navigate than those found to the east. The people here tend to live in huts or houses raised above the bogs and marshes. Inhabitants of this area are known to practice local nature worship. The Credanx who inhabit this area are notoriously hostile to outsiders and can be quick to anger. Inbreeding has been reported in this clann and as a result, the people here are considered somewhat backward. The thegn of this clann is Willem Grigolach

The woman stooped over the blacked pot which hung over the fireplace and stirred a greyish looking gruel. She looked out of the window to her left and saw the sun had risen a few more degrees since she last tried to wake her son.

“Byen! Get up or you’ll miss your uncle and the boat!” she roared over her shoulder.

A scrawny looking 12 year old emerged from the communal bedroom and sat at the kitchen table. “Im up im up!” Byen yawned while scratching his mess of red hair.

His mother placed a small bowl of the grey stuff she was previously stirring infront of Byen and he felt his stomach turn.

I hate medach porridge

“Is there any honey I can put in here?” He asked, already knowing the answer
“Im afraid not. We’re still out of honey, sugar, spices and anything nice since we sent our fighting men up north for the cause. I might have some bog butter in the larder if you want?” Asked his mother

Byen pushed the bowl away and got up to leave

“I’ll pass. Im going to go meet uncle Brynn before he leaves”
“Be safe and dont make too much trouble!” called his mother as the door swung shut behind Byen.

Byen made his way down the cobbled steps, past his neighbours houses and toward the dock on the river mouth. The sun was properly poking up above the hills now as the little village of Kyllawin was starting to wake.

Since the able bodied men had been sent north to fight against Clann Slinieuie, The necessary work of catching and treating fish was left to those who remained. As Byen was not old enough to fight, he was instead tasked with helping his uncle on the water. Today was his first day

Jogging past the smokehouse, Byen found himself at the docks where several other, mainly older, fishermen were getting ready to row out and begin the catch. At the end of the jetty was Brynn, Byens uncle. A tall man with a muscular physique, Brynn was easily the youngest fisherman left. Were it not for his missing hand and limp he too would have been conscripted with the other local men.

“Your late!” yelled Brynn “ I wanted to be out there before sunrise”
“Sorry Uncle Brynn. I had to help my Ma - “
“Don’t worry about it, but hurry up. We have a long day ahead of us.

Over the next several hours Byen was thrust head first into being a fisherman. Despite having a stump on one arm, his Uncle Brynn was a competent fisherman and he showed Byen how to setup a rod, properly land a fish with a net, followed by gutting and storage of the catch. Though his hands were sticky with dried blood and scale slime, and his entire body ached from the effort, he enjoyed the work he had accomplished. It was satisfying to know he was helping to feed the clann tonight.

As the sun began to sink into the horizon, they turned back to shore and made their way back.

“Uncle Brynn, do you wish you could’ve gone up north with everyone one else?” Asked Byen?
“I wouldn’t mind getting stuck in the middle of all that fighting, but I’d be no use to anyone” he replied, looking down at his boney stump of a hand “Besides, there's important work to be done here. People gotta eat”

Byen watched the approaching shoreline and hoped the fighting was over soon.

“And do you think my Pa will be alright up north?”
“I trust he will be. Your Pa is a good fighter, and knows his way around a sword” replied Brynn off handedly

I hope you’re right uncle Brynn

No one knew just how long Cedrics body had lain in the courtyard. No one knew if he was murdered, or took his own life. The only thing anyone within the walls of Glen Morach could be certain of, is that the siege was about to end.

Edan, Cedrics younger brother, had assumed control as soon as the alarm was raised. Apathy with the current situation was so prevalent that no one had the motivation to challenge him.

Within a few hours, all the women and children had been barricaded in the central keep and the remaining soldiers and able bodied men took arms. Despite intending to surrender, Edan could not rule out a fight.

The soldiers stationed outside the besieged fort crowded around an open campfire and shared their stories of families back home while cooking sausages. It had been some weeks since anything meaningful happened on this side of the conflict. Long enough infact that they were bored and restless. It came as a surprise then when they heard shouting coming from behind them in the direction of the fort.

On the ramparts above the gatehouse, a lone man was waving and shouting at the waiting allied soldiers who watched in confusion. They were too far to discern exactly what was being said.

Before they could react, the drawbridge began to fall. The clanking and squealing of the heavy chains pulling up the portcullis could not be clearer. The siege was about to end.

Edan stood infront of the rising portcullis. Behind him were 20 armed soldiers, spears and swords poised to defend.

As the entrance to Glen Morach opened, Edan stepped forward and made his way onto the now grounded drawbridge. He was greeted at the opposite end by a large group of allied MacCreg/Quayle soldiers, some of whom had their bows trained on Edan and his men.

“We come without malice! Im here to surrender the Slineiue forces” he shouted

One of the opposing soldiers, this one hiding behind a shield rather than a bow and arrow, stepped forward. “Drop your weapons or we will fire upon you”

Edan gripped his sword harder and responded. “Not until I have assurances of our safety! Cedric is dead and we wish this war to end”

“Im captain of this unit and can assure you that you and your people will not be harmed if you surrender, but you must do so now!” came the shield yielding soldier

“As you wish” Edan replied, throwing his sword over the side of the drawbridge into the water below. The Slineiue men lined up behind him also lowered their weapons and threw them on the ground.

This is a difficult question for me to answer, mainly due to complexity, but partially because I've been avoiding thinking about this stuff too hard.

First and foremost, the community is what keeps me anchored here. You guys are without a doubt some of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of spending time with online. I'm not lying when I tell applicants that everyone here is a genuinely nice person (post Fishening at least...). I'm genuinely impressed and awed most days with either someones lore piece, or a build screenshot, or some other thing I'd never thought to do myself.

Primarily I want to just build some cool shit and write a nice story or two. It helps when several people are on when Im on, although that can sometimes prove fatal as I devolve into just run-jumping around the place instead of being productive. I always feel inspired when theres a build contest or lore competition, but I can never keep hold of it enough to follow through. I feel thats more on me and my lack of willpower rather than the activities themselves, which is my key issue: Motivation.

The past year has been a tough one for me. The old server going tits up meant we had to start again and I lost a lot of motivation. I enjoy the 'start from nothing' element of a new server map, but damn do I miss all the shit I and we had built. The additional blow of losing who I felt was a good friend also did me a wrong un for a while. Then IRL I had to get a second job which impacted my spare time, then moving job/country, etc. There's some more I wont go into, but it feels like I've been away for the better part of 12 months. Plus a lot of creative energy has gone into YouTube. I've been thinking of ways I can combine Candarion with You-tube though so I might be able to solve that issue...

I'll be honest in saying that a part of why I've found it difficult to transition my motivation to Candarion, above issues aside, is the changes in the way ranks and vassals work. I was against the current setup and I think its made things too 'loose' and 'vague' for my liking. Im fully aware some have preferred the current setup so I won't moan too much. It just confuses me and seems like a lot of rank stuff is arbitrary. It just made more sense to me to keep all the stuff tied to the realm, but I know im outnumbered here.

If I could change one thing, I'd compress the ranks and get rid of the unnecessary middle tiers. Commoner, followed by 2/3 noble ranks would probably be easier to follow. Its one aspect of the OG server I think they had right.

Issues aside, I think my want to build and then following through with that is starting to go back in the right direction.

It had been several weeks since the Slinieuie forces retreated to the Fort at Glen Morach and raised the drawbridge. Allied MacCreg, Dooinney and Quayle men soon surrounded the area and set up a blockade. Several Nearby villages and farms had been captured and the advancing winter weather meant they wouldnt have to wait for long

With the remaining opposition leaders holed up in Glen Morach, the allied forces need only wait for the food to run out and the winter weather to force their surrender

The interior of the small castle was dark, cold and miserable. The men inside could not afford to light all passages and rooms as candles and torches were becoming scarce due to the ongoing siege. It had gotten so bad that some families had started burning books to keep warm. Water supplies were low, and food even lower.

Cedric Slinieuie sat at the head of an impressive oak table with several family members and advisors. The lone candle in the centre of the table barely lit up the faces of those seated, the rest of the room blanketed in darkness.

The ongoing discussion was going round in circles…

“...We will not surrender! We cannot” exclaimed Cedric while thumping the table with his fist. “We’ve lasted this long, we can see out this siege!”
“Impossible!” replied one cloaked man
“We’ve run out of food and its getting colder” said another shivering gentleman seated on the left
“Our ancestors would roll in their graves if we give in now” grumbled another

The conversation went on like this for some time until the figure seated at the far end of the table stood up. Everyone else fell silent and waited. Addressing Cedric, he made his way around the room; “Our time is up Brother. We will die if we do not surrender. Be the better man and save our people”

“You know not what you say Edan. Our people follow me and would lay down their lives to protect our clann and what we stand for” snarled Cedric

“Then you are a fool Brother. I will not sit idly by as we all wither away and die” replied Edan with sadness in his eyes. "We can fight another day, but not if we all die here"

Cedric stood up and faced his younger brother. "And who would we rally around, you? Just leave before I do something I regret"

Edan stepped back and made his way towards the door, turning back to the room before exiting. "The sun will shine upon us once again. I will make sure of it"

He then exited the room, leaving an awkward silence

Hamlet: Kyllawin
Location: Ella Credanh (20800, 12300)
Lore: Making Do in Kyllawin

The makeshift campsite in the forest clearing was rife with the sounds of celebration. Soldiers sat at firesides, talking, drinking, joking, and counting themselves lucky to have made it through todays skirmish.

After several weeks of fighting, the allied forces of Clanns MacCreg, Boiod and Quayle had pushed the Slinieuie men back enough that they had retreated behind the walls of their keep at Glen Morach. A blockade of the front gate and main road was under way. No one in. No one out. It won't be long now before they surrender.

The leader of the victorious side, Alistir MacCreg, walked through the campsite and stopped every so often to give thanks or share a joke with his men. He could rest easy tonight, but tomorrow, his work would continue

The following is an excerpt from the popular cookbook ‘Credanx Cooking and You’ by Jers Follen.

While the inhabitants of Ella Credanh are known to drink a number of beverages, none are quite as peculiar as Dandelion and Rose Mead, a variant of mead drunk in most villages and hamlets by the poorer peasant class. This recipe is best followed during the months of April and May, as both Dandelions and Roses are in season during this period. In addition this recipe requires 1 finger of ginger, 4 lemons, 6 quarts of honey and several quarts of water. This mixture should produce 3 gallons of mead.

Collect a large amount (roughly one pound each) of roses and dandelions. Be sure to only pick plants which have open petals as plants which are not properly flowering will lead to a bitter taste. Sort the collected flowers, taking special care to remove any insects or dirt which remain. Remove any stems, leaves or thorns.

Place the remaining flowers into a large metal pot suitable for fireside cooking. Top up with boiling water until the flowers are just covered. Cover with lid and simmer for 1 hour. Take off the heat and leave covered overnight too cool and concentrate. Strain the flower remnants out of the mixture and dispose of. This should leave a brown-grey liquid. Let settle until all sediment falls to the bottom.

In a separate pan, add 4 quarts of water, 1 finger of ginger and 4 lemons, cut and quartered. Bring to the boil and allow to boil for an hour. Remove the lemon/ginger mixture from the heat and remove the lemon/ginger pieces

Combine the rose/dandelion mixture with the still warm lemon/ginger mixture and add 6 quarts of honey. Be sure to stir thoroughly with your stir stick to ensure the honey is properly dissolved.

Pour the finished mixture into a large based, narrow necked jug or jar and place in a warm, dark place to ferment for atleast 6 months. If a stronger mead is desired, leave for an additional 3-6 months. Once the desired colouration and strength is achieved, pour out the mead into a keg for distribution, leaving behind all yeast and sediment.

I will be running for Minister of Applications again

I've got 3 for you're consideration

https://forums.candarion.com/topic/1281/siege-at-glen-morach

https://forums.candarion.com/topic/1309/opening-the-gates

https://forums.candarion.com/topic/1316/credanx-mead-recipe

The following is an excerpt from the popular cookbook ‘Credanx Cooking and You’ by Jers Follen.

While the inhabitants of Ella Credanh are known to drink a number of beverages, none are quite as peculiar as Dandelion and Rose Mead, a variant of mead drunk in most villages and hamlets by the poorer peasant class. This recipe is best followed during the months of April and May, as both Dandelions and Roses are in season during this period. In addition this recipe requires 1 finger of ginger, 4 lemons, 6 quarts of honey and several quarts of water. This mixture should produce 3 gallons of mead.

Collect a large amount (roughly one pound each) of roses and dandelions. Be sure to only pick plants which have open petals as plants which are not properly flowering will lead to a bitter taste. Sort the collected flowers, taking special care to remove any insects or dirt which remain. Remove any stems, leaves or thorns.

Place the remaining flowers into a large metal pot suitable for fireside cooking. Top up with boiling water until the flowers are just covered. Cover with lid and simmer for 1 hour. Take off the heat and leave covered overnight too cool and concentrate. Strain the flower remnants out of the mixture and dispose of. This should leave a brown-grey liquid. Let settle until all sediment falls to the bottom.

In a separate pan, add 4 quarts of water, 1 finger of ginger and 4 lemons, cut and quartered. Bring to the boil and allow to boil for an hour. Remove the lemon/ginger mixture from the heat and remove the lemon/ginger pieces

Combine the rose/dandelion mixture with the still warm lemon/ginger mixture and add 6 quarts of honey. Be sure to stir thoroughly with your stir stick to ensure the honey is properly dissolved.

Pour the finished mixture into a large based, narrow necked jug or jar and place in a warm, dark place to ferment for atleast 6 months. If a stronger mead is desired, leave for an additional 3-6 months. Once the desired colouration and strength is achieved, pour out the mead into a keg for distribution, leaving behind all yeast and sediment.

Looks good to me Good luck

No one knew just how long Cedrics body had lain in the courtyard. No one knew if he was murdered, or took his own life. The only thing anyone within the walls of Glen Morach could be certain of, is that the siege was about to end.

Edan, Cedrics younger brother, had assumed control as soon as the alarm was raised. Apathy with the current situation was so prevalent that no one had the motivation to challenge him.

Within a few hours, all the women and children had been barricaded in the central keep and the remaining soldiers and able bodied men took arms. Despite intending to surrender, Edan could not rule out a fight.

The soldiers stationed outside the besieged fort crowded around an open campfire and shared their stories of families back home while cooking sausages. It had been some weeks since anything meaningful happened on this side of the conflict. Long enough infact that they were bored and restless. It came as a surprise then when they heard shouting coming from behind them in the direction of the fort.

On the ramparts above the gatehouse, a lone man was waving and shouting at the waiting allied soldiers who watched in confusion. They were too far to discern exactly what was being said.

Before they could react, the drawbridge began to fall. The clanking and squealing of the heavy chains pulling up the portcullis could not be clearer. The siege was about to end.

Edan stood infront of the rising portcullis. Behind him were 20 armed soldiers, spears and swords poised to defend.

As the entrance to Glen Morach opened, Edan stepped forward and made his way onto the now grounded drawbridge. He was greeted at the opposite end by a large group of allied MacCreg/Quayle soldiers, some of whom had their bows trained on Edan and his men.

“We come without malice! Im here to surrender the Slineiue forces” he shouted

One of the opposing soldiers, this one hiding behind a shield rather than a bow and arrow, stepped forward. “Drop your weapons or we will fire upon you”

Edan gripped his sword harder and responded. “Not until I have assurances of our safety! Cedric is dead and we wish this war to end”

“Im captain of this unit and can assure you that you and your people will not be harmed if you surrender, but you must do so now!” came the shield yielding soldier

“As you wish” Edan replied, throwing his sword over the side of the drawbridge into the water below. The Slineiue men lined up behind him also lowered their weapons and threw them on the ground.

Can Credanh has Nether Map pls?

Name: Credanh
Type: Major (Player Realm)
Overworld Coordinates: (-20800, +12337)
Safety: Line and portal are safe but undecorated

I don't think the time period should make a difference here.

The ancient Greeks and beyond knew of the planets unto Saturn. It wasn't until the invention of the telescope that the later gas giants were identified, but the idea of planets and their relevance to earth was well documented even in the Bronze Age and before

Congratulations on achieving the required votes and having your application approved!

After careful consideration, I would like to offer you a home within Credanh.

Located in the furthest western reaches of Candarion, Credanh is an island nation dominated by several powerful clanns. The isle is predominantly plains and oak/birch forests, with hills and marshy swamps in the north.

The primary inspiration for Ella Credanh and its culture is that of the Isle of Man and the Celtic cultures which inhabited the British Isles, with a dash of norse to keep things interesting.

Credanh is a very new realm, with only one settlement at the moment, though several are planned for the near future. This would be a great opportunity for a new player who wants to deep dive in the realm creation process and help shape the lore and culture of the island.

Regardless of who you choose as your liege, I wish you the very best of luck and want to welcome you to the server

Congratulations on achieving the required votes and having your application approved!

After careful consideration, I would like to offer you a home within Credanh.

Located in the furthest western reaches of Candarion, Credanh is an island nation dominated by several powerful clanns. The isle is predominantly plains and oak/birch forests, with hills and marshy swamps in the north.

The primary inspiration for Ella Credanh and its culture is that of the Isle of Man and the Celtic cultures which inhabited the British Isles, with a dash of norse to keep things interesting.

Credanh is a very new realm, with only one settlement at the moment, though several are planned for the near future. This would be a great opportunity for a new player who wants to deep dive in the realm creation process and help shape the lore and culture of the island.

Regardless of who you choose as your liege, I wish you the very best of luck and want to welcome you to the server

Congratulations on achieving the required votes and having your application approved!

After careful consideration, I would like to offer you a home within Credanh.

Located in the furthest western reaches of Candarion, Credanh is an island nation dominated by several powerful clanns. The isle is predominantly plains and oak/birch forests, with hills and marshy swamps in the north.

The primary inspiration for Ella Credanh and its culture is that of the Isle of Man and the Celtic cultures which inhabited the British Isles, with a dash of norse to keep things interesting.

Credanh is a very new realm, with only one settlement at the moment, though several are planned for the near future. This would be a great opportunity for a new player who wants to deep dive in the realm creation process and help shape the lore and culture of the island.

Regardless of who you choose as your liege, I wish you the very best of luck and want to welcome you to the server