Rhand Times

[Lakhzovia]

Rhand Times

The Rhand Times is the official paper of record for the Kingdom of Rhand - If it appears here it is the truth (as the Royal Censor sees it)

[Lakhzovia]

Rhand Times

Patriarch of Ardiapur Resigns

The Patriarch of Ardiapur today tendered his resignation to the Crown Prince in a move that shocked the Royal Court. During a special audience with the Crown Prince the Patriarch informed the Crown Prince that he would be standing down from his position leading the Rhandic Church effective immediately, citing failing health as his reason. While the Patriarch did not specify the nature of his malady he is expected to retreat from Ardiapur to his private family residence in the country in order to undergo treatment and recovery in privacy and peace away from the stresses of the eternal city.

In an unexpected break with tradition the Patriarch has decided not to appoint a successor from among the current pool of Patriarchs, but rather to elevate the current Royal Chaplain Father Giorgy Crassus to the position. Explaining his reasoning the Patriarch said that throughout his years of close work with Father Crassus he has seen an almost preternatural humility, wisdom, and divine light in him - leading him to have the fullest confidence in his ability to ensure the continuing integrity of the Church in its salvific mission.

The Crown Prince accepted the Patriarch's resignation with sadness, stating that he was honoured to have been Beatified by him. The Patriarch's final official duty will be the annointing of Father Crassus, which will take place this coming Saturday.

[Lakhzovia]

Rhand Times

Conclave of Nomarchs Express Concerns on Royal Agenda

Anonymous polling of the Conclave of Nomarchs has revealed that the majority express some significant concerns in relation to the upcoming issuance of the annual Royal Agenda.

The agenda, the first to be formulated by Crown Prince Laurenz since his beatification, is anticipated to introduce a number of radical new policies in a departure from Rhand's traditional stance of maintaining strong and stable governance. Whilst details on the contents of the agenda are scant at this point, it has been noticed by the Nomarchs that the Prince has widened his pool of advisors beyond the normal courtly circle, seeking input even from commoners. This has generated fears, backed by the Prince's known flirtation with economic liberalisation, that he intends to introduce significant reforms to the agricultural and industrial sectors.

Such reforms are believed to include reducing tariffs on import of food goods, which Nomarchs fear could undermine the domestic agricultural sector as well as plans to make it easier for foreign and domestic firms to set up new businesses in the country which could seriously impact existing businesses, weakinging the country's export base.

The Nomarchs are cautious however, waiting to see the final form of the Royal Agenda before making an official petition to the Palace. Despite this there is a sense of general discontent and an apparent willigness on the part of the Conclave to oppose any radical plans that threaten the stability of the country.