[Artemisia] Kingdom Growth

[Sean Oppenheimer]

Sean and Caryn, August and undisputed rulers of Artemisia send warm 
greetings and words of moderation to our ever-spirited people.

Nearly six months ago a question was asked as a “Pointless Mental Exercise”. 
  That question is essentially the search for an identity regarding the 
Northern reaches of Our Kingdom.  That question was not met with the 
volatile response that it has garnered now.  That question is one that this 
Crown feels should be explored, invited and spoken more of.

To that end, and in effort to quell the emotional outpouring that has come 
about in the last 24 hours, We wish to make it very clear that absolutely 
nothing has happened.  There is no Region in the Northern part of Our 
Kingdom.  There is no name settled upon for this Region that does not exist. 
  There is no violation of Kingdom Law, Corpora or the common sense of due 
process that has caused any such non-existent Region to be fabricated from 
thin air.  Such a thing has not been thrust upon an unwilling and unknowing 
people.

That being said, there is an idea of Growth in our Kingdom and in the North 
specifically.  It has been said that if we are not growing we are dying.  
Growth is inevitable.  Without growth our Society would be pointless.

We see a great future in Our North kept lands.  We see in that future a body 
that may serve as an administrative aid to a Kingdom that has enormous 
geographical boundaries.  This future is clear to us, for we see in the 
present a passionate people eager to learn and to grow.  We speak these 
words with a great caution.  That being that this future is YEARS away.

An unfortunate situation has arisen as a result of poor communication on Our 
part.  Our desire to encourage discussion concerning the growth of Our 
Kingdom was met by an exuberant yet ill-advised action.  A name for a 
non-existent Region was proposed in a manner which appeared to some to 
indicate a naming by fiat.  We wish to state that this is not at all the 
case.  Specifically that no such name has been selected for any such 
non-existent Region.

This misunderstanding has created a great deal of confusion which has been 
complicated by assumptions, which has led to innuendo, which then has led to 
out-right finger-pointing.  All of this is unnecessary and completely 
avoidable.  We wish to encourage a discourse concerning the growth of Our 
Northern region.  As this is a subject that many people are passionate 
about, We ask that this discourse be conducted in a civilized manner.  We 
are aware that there are those who are not ready to discuss this matter at 
all.  As it stands, the subject has been opened and We have no desire to see 
this discussion stifled.

The future of Our northern lands must be decided at the hands of those who 
will see the greatest impact of our (collective) actions.  These are matters 
that are due a great deal of consideration.  This must be done slowly and 
naturally.  This region (small ‘r’) is a long way from any formal 
recognition.  Concerns for who will be Regent/Seneschal/Whatever of what 
consists of the mundane State of Montana are grossly premature.  The 
question right now is not “How”.  The question right now is “If”.  And it’s 
a question that deserves to be heard.

We ask Our populace to understand that this missive has been sent in an 
effort to have Our people better understand Our position on this matter.  As 
such, and as a matter of principle, we have no intention of public 
addressing responses to this writing.  As always, We welcome any members of 
Our populace who wish to offer Us their council on the matters of Our 
Kingdom.  We expect to hear much on this subject and will not make any 
guarantees of a response.

Our thanks to all for your understanding.  We welcome your passion on this 
matter of great import.  We simply ask that you temper your words with some 
compassion for those who may see things differently.

We are, as always, in service to Artemisia

Sean et Caryn
Artemisia