Stuffie Studios is notorious for launching (at least) 6 series and only having 2 successful ones. The hoards of one-shot spin-offs are known as disastrous embarrassments, and here Mia Plus will be going through and analyzing each other.
The Bananomanomans
In December 2011, after the success of Judge Mia's premiere in November, Stuffie Studios authorized Furco Films to begin developing a spin-off focusing on Mia's daughter's family. The first season of eight episodes was ordered on December 27, with Bennett Joel as a director, writer, and camera operator. The first episode, "The New Doo," was officially released on January 9, 2012, taking place between the 3rd and 4th seasons of Judge Mia. Despite mixed-to-negative reception, the episode is still considered one of the few "decent" spin-offs. The main series, Judge Mia, even incorporated some plot lines from The Bananomanomans, such as the characters of Mrs. Dotter and Mr. Shinypelt. The second episode, "Bong!", began filming in late January.
On February 6, 2012, Stuffie Studios confirmed that The Bananomanomans was on an indefinite hiatus. Production on the second episode halted. After a slow and painful death, the series was officially cancelled on July 14, 2013. Later that week, Bennett Joel stated: "It lacked momentum and encouragement. The premise became unnecessary now that Matilda and the family are getting more screen time on Judge Mia."
On January 27, 2014, a revival attempted of the series was confirmed, titled The Bananomanomans: Again. With the exact same premise, Stuffie Studios ordered ten episodes. The pilot episode was written, but the series was cancelled on February 19, 2014 before filming began.
Postcards from Buck
Admired for its rare pedigree status, Postcards from Buck is the only Judge Mia spin-off exclusively created by Stuffie Studios, without any third party producers.
However, the idea was first conceived as a temporary replacement of Buck's Lil' World. Showrunner Samuel Anderson announced in April 2012 that the eighth season of Judge Mia would feature "Postcards from Buck" segments at the end of each episode, featuring Buck as he travels around the world. That idea was scrapped a few days later, favoring instead a brand new web series spin-off.
The actual spin-off was confirmed on May 10, 2012, with seven episodes ordered. Buck departed Judge Mia at the end of its seventh season to star in the new series, but Stuffie Studios only planned to produce one season so Buck could eventually return to Judge Mia.
The title, concept, and premise of Postcards from Buck is heavily influenced by Postcards from Buster, a spin-off of the PBS childrens' series, Arthur. Postcards from Buck even goes so far as to use Buster's exact theme song.
The first episode, "Chillin with the Chus," was released on June 28, 2012 to generally positive reviews. It takes place between the 7th and 8th seasons of Judge Mia. It was praised for its humor and utilization of the fan-favorite character, as well as the introduction of his estranged father, Conga. The second and third episodes, "Buck's Brush with Royalty" and "Hangin with the Hags," respectively, who both filmed in July 2012. Unexpectedly, the series went on hiatus on July 18. On September 6, 2012, Stuffie Studios finally cancelled the series.
The second and third episodes of the series were never released, and the footage is lost.
Pinecone & Acorn
On June 20, 2015, Furco Films rebranded itself as Northsouth Productions.
On July 6, 2015, the studio announced the production of a new web series: Pinecone & Acorn, starring two recurring characters from Judge Mia. Despite taking place in the Miaverse, Pinecone & Acorn is not considered a spin-off of either Judge Mia or Monkeytown. Nine episodes were ordered for the first season.
The series had a more ambitious premise than its predecessors, being told in a slightly epistolary style between brothers Pinecone and Acorn. The series was split between two settings: Pinecone at college and Acorn at home.
The now-defunct Facebook page for the series was very active during the production of the series, even releasing a full episode list of the season.
Writing for the first two episodes occurred on July 7, and the first episode, "Schools & Houses," was filmed the following day. Bennett Joel directed, wrote, and filmed the episode. The episode was originally meant to premiere on July 9, 2015, but its release was delayed due to technical difficulties in the editing department. For several weeks, there was no word on the series' status.
On July 22, a bootlegged copy of "Schools & Houses" was posted on YouTube. It is often mistakenly considered to be the official episode, which Furco Films has denied. "I'm glad it is able to be watched, but that isn't the quality I want it to be," said Bennett Joel.
The first episode was praised for its plot and writing, but was criticized for its editing, equality, and voice acting. At the time of its release, it was the longest Miaverse episode.
On September 1, 2015, Pinecone & Acorn was put on hiatus.
Brownfeather, a Judge Mia character and the mother of Pinecone and Acorn, dies sometime prior to the events of "Schools & Houses" in a tragic bulldozer accident. However, Brownfeather was set to appear in an upcoming Monkeytown episode ("Custody Wars: Part 2"). Because of this, Pinecone & Acorn is considered non-canon. However, since the series was never officially released, it can be argued that it was never canon in the first place.
The series was officially cancelled on December 19, 2015.
Lily
A new production company, Windowsill Studios, acquired licensing from Stuffie Studios to create a new web series in July 2015, around the same time as Pinecone & Acorn. Bennett Joel from Northsouth Productions contributed to writing this series.
The series was intended for a younger audience, and was briefly marketed under the label "JMN Jr." The series follows title character Lily Pads, who ventures from her hometown to the big city of Pochester.
On July 21, 2015, a season of six episodes was ordered. The first one, "Goodbye, Mom...Hello, Life!", was released on July 22. Among the rest of the Miaverse, this episode takes place after "The Duel" and before "Custody Wars: Part 1." The second episode, "New Job, New Friends!", was written but never filmed. On July 30, the series was put on hiatus by Windowsill Studios.
The only existing Lily episode was controversial and critically panned. However, it is responsible for introducing the city of Pochester, Elland, a location was later incorporated in Monkeytown and the rest of the Miaverse. Because of this, Lily is considered canon.
As of April 26, 2018, Windowsill Studios has made no announcement about cancelling or continuing Lily, and it remains in production limbo.
Birdena & Friends
Birdena & Friends, also known as The Geezerly Adventures of Birdena Bittlemeier, was a proposed third spin-off of Judge Mia. It was rumored on August 10, 2013, when Stuffie Studios said they were "interested in giving fan-favorite character, Birdena, a show of her own."
Details about the series were slowly released: It was take place at Geezer Groves Retirement Home, following Birdena and her elderly friends, and would also feature the preschooler characters for side-plots.
Hopes for the series ended when the toy used to portray Birdena was accidentally donated to charity, eliminating the chance of Birdena ever appearing in video form again. Even though no official announcement had ever been made, Samuel Anderson said on November 13, 2013: "It just isn't happening. We don't have Birdena."
Mia
On March 24, 2015, Samuel Anderson announced that a revival series of Judge Mia was in pre-production. The series, simply titled Mia, was intended to continue the story of Mia Redford and her friends after the end of Judge Mia in 2013.
On March 27, Anderson confirmed the return of Judge Mia, the Bananomanomans, Turdsley, Buck, Brownfeather, and Humphrey on the new series. He also stated that the first episode of Mia would open at the funeral of Birdena Bittlemeier, who was confirmed to have died in "Judge Mia Forever."
The concept of Mia was eventually scrapped. Instead, it was restructured and eventually become the premise of Monkeytown, which had a considerably longer time jump and placed Buck Snortleson in the protagonist slot.
Ivy
After Rhonda Clark's smash-hit appearance on the series finale of Monkeytown, she became one of the most sensationalized and widely-loved addition to the franchise. Because of this, Stuffie Studios ordered an eight-episode limited-run web series on October 14, 2016 starring Rhonda.
The series, titled Ivy (Rhonda's middle name), was intended to be a prequel, following Rhonda life up to the moment she meets Buck. The main cast included Rhonda, her elderly parents Alfred and Edna, and her deadbeat best friend Susie.
On October 20, promotion for the series began on Bennett Joel's Twitter page. Production was scheduled to begin on December 10, but the series was cancelled on November 12.
Writing that expands and enriches the world of Judge Mia.
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
The Monkeytown Anthology Series is Returning
Last year, we announced that the Monkeytown Anthology Series was cancelled. However, the series has been back in business since last December. Three stories are currently in development.
Life as Jasmine 2 (a time-jumped sequel to Life as Jasmine) was first announced on December 22, 2017, but scrapped on December 31. It has been back on the drawing board since March, and will be released in August 2018.
Two brand new stories are also in the works. One is a currently-untitled piece starring Gabby Snortleson, daughter of Bradley Snortleson, as a young adult in the 1380s. This political action-thriller story will be released in May 2018.
The third story will be released in summer 2018. We will not disclose plot points or character until closer to the release date.
Friday, December 29, 2017
The Democratic Reformation of Furria
Support for a democratic federal government in Furria has a long and weak history, failing to gain much traction through the centuries. The first legal move towards democracy was in 1359, when 58 of the 79 Furrian counties drafted and signed a letter to King Milo, requesting he establish an elected head of government, abolishing the absolute monarchy. The letter was written primarily by Brendan Wilmers, the popular County Prefect of Dynasty County. Milo and the royal family were reportedly very offended by the Wilmers Letter (as it came to be known). However, Milo's Royal Council advised him to appease the citizens, whose unrest was noticeably growing.
On May 16, 1360, the Furrian Prime Minister Referendum was held, a ballot that asked one yes-or-no question: "Do you think that the Kingdom of Furria should establish an elected Prime Minister position to lead the government?" The referendum was rigged by federal agents all across the country. The final results were 86% "No," 9% "Yes," and 5% "I Don't Care" with an estimated 77% voter turnout. The government was immediately accused of rigging the votes. Third-party pollsters had previously predicted the results as 90% "Yes." The Furrington Palace did not initially comment on this accusations.
On July 13, 1360, Councilman Norman Builda of the Nineteenth Royal Council was unknowingly recorded, admitting to the plot to rig the Referendum. The recording was leaked by The Yonkers Post the next day. National outcry erupted.
In order to quell calls for him to abdicate, Milo released a statement on July 26, which read:
Acting under temporary authority, the FCDR announced the decodification of the Grand Constitution on August 7, 1360, to be effective on March 1, 1361. This gave the FCDR a window to create a new constitution, which the press preemptively named the New Codex.
Drafting of the New Codex began in August and ran through December. Throughout this period, the press theorized that the New Codex would overthrow King Milo and the monarchy. On December 17, the New Codex was released to the 79 counties for ratification. As declared by the FCDR, at least 60 counties had to ratify the New Codex for it to become the law of the land.
On December 31, Rupert County became the 60th county to ratify the New Codex. After several conventions of the counties to consolidate the Codex, the final drafted was completed on February 20, 1361. The Codex was given its official name (The Constitution of the First Furrian Democracy), although it is still widely referred to as "the Codex" by the press.
Contents of the New Codex (plainly worded paraphrase):
On May 16, 1360, the Furrian Prime Minister Referendum was held, a ballot that asked one yes-or-no question: "Do you think that the Kingdom of Furria should establish an elected Prime Minister position to lead the government?" The referendum was rigged by federal agents all across the country. The final results were 86% "No," 9% "Yes," and 5% "I Don't Care" with an estimated 77% voter turnout. The government was immediately accused of rigging the votes. Third-party pollsters had previously predicted the results as 90% "Yes." The Furrington Palace did not initially comment on this accusations.
On July 13, 1360, Councilman Norman Builda of the Nineteenth Royal Council was unknowingly recorded, admitting to the plot to rig the Referendum. The recording was leaked by The Yonkers Post the next day. National outcry erupted.
In order to quell calls for him to abdicate, Milo released a statement on July 26, which read:
The royal family has heard the people's cries. We were unaware of the dishonest atrocities behind the recent referendum, and the Queen and I are devastated to learn of this corruption. Punitive measures are being implemented; The Royal Council has been dissolved, effective tonight at midnight. As King, I have entrusted the Furrian Counsel for Democratic Republicanism with the healing of our great nation. As always, the Crown stands high and mighty about the malice of worldly government: an warrior of freedom and champion of the people. Sincerely, your King Milo Fuzzums Furry I.The Furrian Counsel for Democratic Republicanism is an independent activist group that formed in 1331, promoting the abolition of absolute monarchy. In 1358, Prefect Brendan Wilmers was elected the Chairman of the Counsel. In the Wilmers Letter, Wilmers had personally recommended the FCDR to King Milo for reconstruction of the government.
Acting under temporary authority, the FCDR announced the decodification of the Grand Constitution on August 7, 1360, to be effective on March 1, 1361. This gave the FCDR a window to create a new constitution, which the press preemptively named the New Codex.
Drafting of the New Codex began in August and ran through December. Throughout this period, the press theorized that the New Codex would overthrow King Milo and the monarchy. On December 17, the New Codex was released to the 79 counties for ratification. As declared by the FCDR, at least 60 counties had to ratify the New Codex for it to become the law of the land.
On December 31, Rupert County became the 60th county to ratify the New Codex. After several conventions of the counties to consolidate the Codex, the final drafted was completed on February 20, 1361. The Codex was given its official name (The Constitution of the First Furrian Democracy), although it is still widely referred to as "the Codex" by the press.
Contents of the New Codex (plainly worded paraphrase):
- Article I
- Section 1
- Clause A: The head of state shall be the Monarch of Furria,
- Clause B: The Monarch of Furria is a hereditary position with absolute primogeniture.
- Clause C: When a Monarch dies or abdicates without any heir, the closest blood relative must be found and crowned. If absolutely no heir can be found, the Federal Assembly may elect one of their members to assume the position.
- Clause D: The Monarch shall have a minimal role in the governing of Furria, but may have one equally-weighted vote in the Federal Assembly. In the Federal Assembly, the Monarch shall be represented by the Royal Delegate who must vote how the Monarch has decided. Royal Delegates are chosen by the Monarch, and cannot vote faithlessly. The Royal Delegate cannot propose bills.
- Clause E: The official title of the Monarch shall be: His/Her Royal Majesty the King/Queen (Name) of the Kingdom Furria and Its Acquisitions. When addressed in writing, the Monarch shall be referred to as: His/Her Majesty. When addressed verbally, the Monarch shall be referred to as: Your Highness.
- Clause F: The official title of the spouse of the Monarch of Furria shall be: His/Her Highness Prince/Queen Consort (Name) of the Kingdom of Furria and Its Acquisitions.
- Clause G: The official title of the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of the Monarch of Furria shall be: His/Her Highness Prince/Princess (Name) of the Kingdom of Furria and Its Acquisitions. Great-great-grandchildren of Monarchs and every generation that follows do not receive titles. They will be granted titles when the Monarch moves down a generation, thus qualifying them as a great-grandchild.
- Section 2
- Clause A: The head of government shall be the Prime Minister of Furria,
- Clause B: The position of Prime Minister shall be decided by a nationwide popular vote every five years.
- Clause C: The Prime Minister heads the bureaucracy and executes laws.
- Clause D: The Prime Minister has one equally-weighted vote in the Federal Assembly, where he is represented by the Prime Delegate. The officeholder of Prime Delegate may be chosen by the Prime Minister, and its subject to the same exact rules as the Royal Delegate. The Prime Delegate cannot propose bills.
- Clause E: The Prime Minister serves a five-year term, renewable only one time.
- Clause F: The Prime Minister must approve or veto every law from the Federal Assembly. A veto can be overturned by a two-thirds vote.
- Clause G: The Prime Minister can appoint a Federal Council of 12 individuals to assist and advise, known as Councilors. Councilors must be approved by the Federal Assembly. 11 of the Councilors are on an equal level, but one of the Councilors (who is chosen by the PM) is known as Councilor Magistrate. The Councilor Magistrate is essentially the second in-command.
- Clause H: If a Prime Minister dies in office or resigns, the Councilor Magistrate becomes Prime Minister. As with every PM, the new PM may reorganize his or her Federal Council.
- Section 3
- Clause A: The Supreme Court of Furria shall consist of 13 justices and hold the constitutional authority of the country.
- Clause B: Justices are appointed by the Prime Minister with confirmation by the Federal Assembly.
- Clause C: Justices serve exactly one 12-year term, and they cannot be re-appointed. When their term expires, the current Prime Minister must appoint another potential justice, who must be confirmation. The same must happen when a justice resigns or dies.
- Clause B: The position of Supreme Justice is appointed by the Prime Minister. He or she has a equal vote with the other 12 justices, but is treated as the leader and representative of the national court system.
- Section 4
- Clause A: The Federal Assembly shall be the legislative authority of the country.
- Clause B: The Federal Assembly shall consist of three Representatives from each of the 79 counties. a total of 237 Representatives. Along with the Royal Delegate and Prime Delegate, there is 239 seats in the Federal Assembly.
- Clause C: Representatives shall serve four year terms, with an election every four years. Only current members of a County Assembly are eligible to be run for the Federal Assembly.
- Clause D: In each county, instant runoff elections shall be held, ranking the candidates. The top three candidates with the highest rankings are sworn in as Representatives.
- Clause E: All Representatives may propose a bill on the Assembly floor.
- Section 5
- Clause A: In county governments, the County Prefect shall remain the executive head, elected in a popular vote every six years.
- Clause B: Every Prefect may appoint 12 individuals to the County Council, known as County Councilors. County Councilors must be confirmed by the County Assembly.
- Clause C: The County Assembly consists of varying numbers of County Representatives from a county's numerous wards. Wards are divisions of a county into even smaller constituencies.
- Clause D: The County Assembly as the power to designate private, individual judges to the County Judiciary, the court system of the county.
The New Codex became law on March 1, 1361, and the first election for Prime Minister was held on April 30. Pooh Pucenose, the former President of the now-defunct nation of Samua, was elected as the first Prime Minister of Furria. This alleviated fears of a Samu uprising. Prime Minister Pucenose was sworn in on May 18. On that day, the FCDR lost its authority to rule Furria.
As a precedent, the Prime Minister election is held on April 30 of the election year, and the new PM is sworn in on May 18.
The first Federal Assembly election was held on June 14, and the 237 members were sworn in on July 30.
Throughout the government, only County Prefects were allowed to retain their office, as the New Codex changed very little of their system.
The monarchy changed very little, despite many predictions. King Milo did not resist his decrease in power.
Monday, September 4, 2017
CSI Furria: The Murder of Mabel Sockscalp
Mabel Capapasosa Tiffany was born in the summer of 1218 in Furrington, Furria to Richard and Sarah Tiffany. Richard was the son of Walter Tiffany, an extremely wealthy business man and influential member of the Furrington elite. Sarah Tiffany (née Haberdasher) was a celebrity fashion designer, especially known for her elaborate gowns and dresses. Sarah first became well-known in 1215 for winning a contest to design a dress for Queen Corina Furry (wife of King Cave Bear and mother of King Milo).
As the daughter of two celebrities, Mabel grew up in the limelight. Her entire childhood was recorded in tabloids and radio talk shows; she became known as the "Darling of the Capital." Wearing her mother's dresses, Mabel competed in the Miss Furrington Child Beauty Pageant, winning the event six times. Merchandise with Mabel's name was face were produced and sold by several department stories in the country. Mabel's success only added to the insurmountable wealth of the Tiffany clan.
At the same time, another family lived in Furrington—in extreme poverty. Barry and Maxine Bittlemeier had four children and struggled to find jobs. Their eldest, Dorothy Bittlemeier, was born in 1159 and later ran away to Yonkers, Samua in 1176. Their second child was Georgia Bittlemeier, born in 1167. Their third child was Fiona Bittlemeier, born in 1174. Finally, their fourth daughter was born in 1213: Anastasia Millicent Bittlemeier. Maxine died a few hours after Anastasia was born.
As a child, Anastasia was lonely and neglected. She never met her oldest sister, who lived in Yonkers; Georgia and Fiona had both married and moved south, only visiting on holidays. Anastasia's father, Barry, was very old when she was born and didn't care about her. These conditions caused Anastasia to become mentally unstable.
Despite her troubles, Anastasia loved art and practiced constantly, keeping sketchbooks full of her work. Her father discouraged this, and often destroyed Anastasia's art while she was asleep.
Anastasia had her first psychotic episode when she was 12. In school, her art teacher told her that she did not have enough talent to became a true artist. Anastasia used a pair of scissors to impale the teacher's abdomen, then used his blood to paint a self-portrait on the wall. The teacher survived, but Anastasia was put under close watch by mental health experts, evading punishment due to her age and the insanity defense.
As a teenager, Anastasia closely followed Mabel Tiffany in the news. She was immensely jealous of Mabel's wealth and celebrity, and thought it was unfair to have such a stark financial divide in the same city.
At age 20, Anastasia's father forced her to marry Norman Clark. Age 47, Norman was Barry's employer at the time, and offered him a raise in return for his daughter. Anastasia lived with Norman in his home for several years. She had a son, Alfred, in 1238.
Norman had a daughter from a previous marriage: Penny Clark, who lived with Anastasia. Anastasia, whose mental state had worsened, saw striking similarities between Mabel Tiffany and Penny. Eventually, Anastasia fully believed that Penny was Mabel. One day in 1242, Anastasia kidnapped Penny (calling her "Mabel" and "rich girl"), dragging her into a guest room in Norman's house. Using a knife, Anastasia carved the words "The Darling" into the Penny's forehead, referencing Mabel's nickname. Then, Anastasia strangled her. The murder was soon found, and Anastasia pleaded guilty.
Anastasia was relocated to St. Macie's Institute for the Insane in 1242. Her sister, Fiona, tried to bail her out, but Anastasia was considered too dangerous to be released. At this time, Barry (Anastasia's father) had dementia and had forgotten about his daughters.
In the mental hospital, Anastasia was allowed to watch television. That was how she discovered that Penny was not actually Mabel Tiffany. Anastasia was outraged when she saw one of Mabel's interviews on a talk show. Anastasia grew more and more violent, using her art as an outlet for her fury. She drew feverishly, ripping up her work and throwing it around her room.
After an attack on a fellow patient, the nurses at St. Macie's became desperate. They moved Anastasia into the basement in 1250, locking her down there with only one meal a day. They hoped the minimal food would decrease her energy and make her less violent. Anastasia lived most of her life in the basement of St. Macie's. Her fixation on Mabel Tiffany and her wealthy evolved from jealously to obsession.
Meanwhile, Mabel had grown up and married Maurice Sockscalp. A kind woman, Mabel was an avid philanthropist and often hosted charity events.
In June 1274, St. Macie's underwent renovation, and the basement door was temporarily removed, replaced with thin chicken wire. Anastasia escaped the Institute. Early that week, she had read on a newspaper (which was used to wrap up her food in) that Mabel Tiffany was hosting a charity ball at the prestigious Grand Atrium Hotel
Anastasia entered the Grand Atrium Hotel through the back door, posing as a waitress. After surveying the party, Anastasia located Mabel, who was standing in the center of the ballroom, wearing one of her mother's dresses and happily talking with other rich Furingtonians. Anastasia approached Mabel, offering her an hors d'oeuvre. Mabel cheerily reached for a deviled egg as Anastasia pulled a gun out of her back pocket, shooting Mabel through the head. The crowd erupted in chaos as Anastasia blindly shot a few more rounds, hitting several other people at the ball.
As the police arrived, Anastasia ran up the stairs of the hotel. She finally found her way to the roof, and threw herself over the edge, her body landing on top of a police car.
In 1276, St. Macie's Institute for the Insane was permanently closed for its inhumane treatment of Anastasia Clark in the basement. Fiona and Georgia were both too ashamed to hold a funeral for Anastasia; Barry had died in 1255.
Mabel's death on June 18, 1274 was a tragedy that rocked Furrington, especially the wealthy, and security on all prestigious venues were increased in the years to come.
In 1339, the former building of St. Macie's Institute for the Insane was been cleaned out for demolition, and a self-portrait of Anastasia Clark was discovered. The portrait was given to Alfred, Anastasia's son, who had married and had a daughter. St. Macie's was then demolished.
As the daughter of two celebrities, Mabel grew up in the limelight. Her entire childhood was recorded in tabloids and radio talk shows; she became known as the "Darling of the Capital." Wearing her mother's dresses, Mabel competed in the Miss Furrington Child Beauty Pageant, winning the event six times. Merchandise with Mabel's name was face were produced and sold by several department stories in the country. Mabel's success only added to the insurmountable wealth of the Tiffany clan.
At the same time, another family lived in Furrington—in extreme poverty. Barry and Maxine Bittlemeier had four children and struggled to find jobs. Their eldest, Dorothy Bittlemeier, was born in 1159 and later ran away to Yonkers, Samua in 1176. Their second child was Georgia Bittlemeier, born in 1167. Their third child was Fiona Bittlemeier, born in 1174. Finally, their fourth daughter was born in 1213: Anastasia Millicent Bittlemeier. Maxine died a few hours after Anastasia was born.
As a child, Anastasia was lonely and neglected. She never met her oldest sister, who lived in Yonkers; Georgia and Fiona had both married and moved south, only visiting on holidays. Anastasia's father, Barry, was very old when she was born and didn't care about her. These conditions caused Anastasia to become mentally unstable.
Despite her troubles, Anastasia loved art and practiced constantly, keeping sketchbooks full of her work. Her father discouraged this, and often destroyed Anastasia's art while she was asleep.
Anastasia had her first psychotic episode when she was 12. In school, her art teacher told her that she did not have enough talent to became a true artist. Anastasia used a pair of scissors to impale the teacher's abdomen, then used his blood to paint a self-portrait on the wall. The teacher survived, but Anastasia was put under close watch by mental health experts, evading punishment due to her age and the insanity defense.
As a teenager, Anastasia closely followed Mabel Tiffany in the news. She was immensely jealous of Mabel's wealth and celebrity, and thought it was unfair to have such a stark financial divide in the same city.
At age 20, Anastasia's father forced her to marry Norman Clark. Age 47, Norman was Barry's employer at the time, and offered him a raise in return for his daughter. Anastasia lived with Norman in his home for several years. She had a son, Alfred, in 1238.
Norman had a daughter from a previous marriage: Penny Clark, who lived with Anastasia. Anastasia, whose mental state had worsened, saw striking similarities between Mabel Tiffany and Penny. Eventually, Anastasia fully believed that Penny was Mabel. One day in 1242, Anastasia kidnapped Penny (calling her "Mabel" and "rich girl"), dragging her into a guest room in Norman's house. Using a knife, Anastasia carved the words "The Darling" into the Penny's forehead, referencing Mabel's nickname. Then, Anastasia strangled her. The murder was soon found, and Anastasia pleaded guilty.
Anastasia was relocated to St. Macie's Institute for the Insane in 1242. Her sister, Fiona, tried to bail her out, but Anastasia was considered too dangerous to be released. At this time, Barry (Anastasia's father) had dementia and had forgotten about his daughters.
In the mental hospital, Anastasia was allowed to watch television. That was how she discovered that Penny was not actually Mabel Tiffany. Anastasia was outraged when she saw one of Mabel's interviews on a talk show. Anastasia grew more and more violent, using her art as an outlet for her fury. She drew feverishly, ripping up her work and throwing it around her room.
After an attack on a fellow patient, the nurses at St. Macie's became desperate. They moved Anastasia into the basement in 1250, locking her down there with only one meal a day. They hoped the minimal food would decrease her energy and make her less violent. Anastasia lived most of her life in the basement of St. Macie's. Her fixation on Mabel Tiffany and her wealthy evolved from jealously to obsession.
Meanwhile, Mabel had grown up and married Maurice Sockscalp. A kind woman, Mabel was an avid philanthropist and often hosted charity events.
In June 1274, St. Macie's underwent renovation, and the basement door was temporarily removed, replaced with thin chicken wire. Anastasia escaped the Institute. Early that week, she had read on a newspaper (which was used to wrap up her food in) that Mabel Tiffany was hosting a charity ball at the prestigious Grand Atrium Hotel
Anastasia entered the Grand Atrium Hotel through the back door, posing as a waitress. After surveying the party, Anastasia located Mabel, who was standing in the center of the ballroom, wearing one of her mother's dresses and happily talking with other rich Furingtonians. Anastasia approached Mabel, offering her an hors d'oeuvre. Mabel cheerily reached for a deviled egg as Anastasia pulled a gun out of her back pocket, shooting Mabel through the head. The crowd erupted in chaos as Anastasia blindly shot a few more rounds, hitting several other people at the ball.
As the police arrived, Anastasia ran up the stairs of the hotel. She finally found her way to the roof, and threw herself over the edge, her body landing on top of a police car.
In 1276, St. Macie's Institute for the Insane was permanently closed for its inhumane treatment of Anastasia Clark in the basement. Fiona and Georgia were both too ashamed to hold a funeral for Anastasia; Barry had died in 1255.
Mabel's death on June 18, 1274 was a tragedy that rocked Furrington, especially the wealthy, and security on all prestigious venues were increased in the years to come.
 |
| A self-portrait by Anastasia Millicent Clark |
Saturday, July 8, 2017
An Enemy Speaks: The Judge Maya Story
Margot Maya Bananomanoman (who mostly went by the alias Judge Maya) was born on August 1, 1279 in Gulta, Bangladult to Bran and Cece Bananomanoman. Bran is the first cousin of Murphy Bananomanoman.
Four months after her birth, Margot's family moved to Yonkers, Furria. Unable to afford being permanent residents, the family lived as illegal immigrants. Bran and Cece both worked at a fast food restaurant (the employer neglected to ask for any documentation). The couple had a second child, a daughter named Miggy, in 1281. Since she was born in Furria, Miggy was the first of her family to be a full citizen.
As she grew up, Margot started going by her middle name, Maya. Eventually, Bran and Cece saved up enough money to apply for citizenship. However, they only had enough for one person, so they agreed that Bran would be the one to become a citizen. After applying in 1283, Bran officially became a Furrian citizen in 1289.
Bran was now able to attend college at Yonkers Community College in order to get a higher paying job. After graduating in 1293, Bran was hired at S. C. Shinypelt (he would later help his cousin, Murphy, get a job at the company). With his new job, Bran was able to save enough money to apply Maya for citizenship in 1295. Sadly, Cece was suddenly deported back to Bangladult in 1295.
In 1296, Miggy was cast the lead role in the film The Chairmaker's Daughter. She instantly became a household name, and acted in several other blockbuster films through her teen years. This made Maya extremely jealous, as she felt overshadowed by her younger sister.
In 1297, Maya moved out of her family's house to get away from Miggy. She never went to college, but did take an apprenticeship with Raggu Hyles, a miserly genius who owned an auto shop called The Grease Garage. Their, Maya learned to use metal and spare parts to invent things. Raggu, an ex-convict, began to rub off on Maya, who became fairly malicious (especially towards Miggy, who often tried reaching out to her sister).
In 1298, Bran and Miggy had accumulated enough money to bring Cece back from Bangladult. However, after traveling to Gulta to search for Cece, they learned that she had been living with another man, with whom she had four new children. Bran was furious that he had spent so much money for a wife who didn't care about him. He and Miggy returned to Furria after a three-day stay in Gulta.
After becoming a full Furrian citizen in 1300, Maya's life remained uneventful for several years. She continued to live in Raggu's house, and tried to launch a career as an inventor. One of her most successful devices, created around 1302, could switch consciousnesses between two bodies.
In 1303, Cece returned to Furria with her new husband and four children on a vacation in Samu Beach. When Bran heard that Cece was in the country, he drove to Samu Beach and began to stalk her. After finding her hotel, Bran murdered Cece, her husband, and two of her children. Bran was sentenced to life on Exile Island (a Furrian territory off its south coast) for his crimes.
In February 1310, Raggu Hyles was hired to fix an electric problem in the backroom of JMN Studios. On that day, Rory Bowser (A.K.A. "Drag-a-Butt") committed arson in the bathroom, setting the building aflame. Raggu Hyles died in the fire.
After Raggu's death, Maya was wallowing in grief. She had formerly been a fan of the Judge Mia series, but now blamed Mia for the death of her mentor. Furious, Maya sought revenge on Mia, and plotted a scheme to foil Mia's life by becoming a more popular judge and ruining her career.
Using Miggy's connections, Maya set up a pitch with Guacamolito Scumicimodito, the co-owner of the Judge Mia Network. Maya wanted to make her own judge show, but Guac felt that her voice as too deep and unfriendly to be a television personality. This problem was fixed by giving Maya a wireless-controlled device that altered her voice when planted inside the larynx, changing her deep voice to an extremely high-pitched squeak. After using the device on her show, Maya continued to use it in her everyday life, even when she wasn't being filmed. Finally, Maya's TV show (titled Judge Maya) was picked up by JMN, and the first episode ("Princess Pinky Pie vs. Lady Lollipop") was aired in March 1310. Unlike Judge Mia, Judge Maya's TV series (titled Judge Maya) was completely scripted, because Maya was not a real judge. The episode was filmed at Judge Maya Studios, a rented warehouse.
Mia herself (who obviously did not want any competition) was not informed that another courtroom series was going to be aired on her own channel, and was naturally offended when she discovered Judge Maya.
Eventually, Mia and Maya came to know each other as archenemies. In September 1310, Maya devised a plan to harm Mia's family by befriending her loyal confidant: Nut Nuttingham. After that plan was foiled, Maya was sent to jail by Mia due to King Milo's Pink-and-White-Stripes Law. She was brought to the Maximum Security Prison in the Furrian Annex (Brinkland).
Later, after escaping prison, Maya used the Switchy Machine Thing (went she invented as an apprentice to Raggu) to transfer consciousnesses with Mia. Withing Mia's body, Maya schemed to ruin Mia's reputation and, therefore, her life. That plan was also foiled, and Maya was sentenced to fifty years on Exile Island.
On Exile Island, Maya met her dad, Bran. Using an unsuspecting bystander (Birdena Bittlemeier), the father-daughter team devised a plan to escape the island. They both escaped, but Bran drowned somewhere between the island and the mainland.
After returning to Yonkers, Maya's motives began to change. Instead of simply ruining Mia's life and career, Maya wanted to ensure that she became even more famous and successful than Miggy. Maya and Miggy still had a horrible sibling rivalry, all because Maya resented Miggy's success.
Maya hired several henchpeople to work for her, including Fluffy Wuffy Bearhart, who was impoverished and needed the money.
Later, Maya kidnapped Murphy, Matilda, Marley, and Maggie Bananomanoman, who were unaware that they were related to her (Murphy never told anyone about his cousin Bran, because he was ashamed of being related to a heartless killer). Maya held them for ransom, asking Mia to give her her job in exchange for her family's life. This way, Maya could replace Mia as the most powerful TV star in the country, and finally outdo Miggy.
After Mia failed to pay the ransom, Maya apparently killed both Matilda and Murphy (however, they were later revealed to still be alive). Mia told Maya to "run away," which frightened and intimidated her.
After that scare, Maya returned to The Grease Garage, Raggu's now-abandoned auto shop. There, she continued to build her hatred of Judge Mia. She lived and worked in The Grease Garage until she was approached by the Evil Association, which had been recently rebranded as the New World Order of the Evil Conglomeration after Fransisco del Gumbo became its leader.
After a failed attempt to sue Judge Mia, Maya and the rest of the New World Order of the Evil Conglomeration were sent to prison.
In 1326, Maya was released (other members of the New World Order of the Evil Conglomeration had gotten released at earlier or later times). Miggy had visited Maya in prison every day, and the sisters finally reconciled. While in prison, Maya received intense counseling and therapy, and recovered from the trauma of her mother's betrayal and her father's killing rampage. Maya no longer wanted to harm Mia after facing and conquering her problems. Maya currently (1338) lives with her sister, Miggy, in Yonkers.
Four months after her birth, Margot's family moved to Yonkers, Furria. Unable to afford being permanent residents, the family lived as illegal immigrants. Bran and Cece both worked at a fast food restaurant (the employer neglected to ask for any documentation). The couple had a second child, a daughter named Miggy, in 1281. Since she was born in Furria, Miggy was the first of her family to be a full citizen.
As she grew up, Margot started going by her middle name, Maya. Eventually, Bran and Cece saved up enough money to apply for citizenship. However, they only had enough for one person, so they agreed that Bran would be the one to become a citizen. After applying in 1283, Bran officially became a Furrian citizen in 1289.
Bran was now able to attend college at Yonkers Community College in order to get a higher paying job. After graduating in 1293, Bran was hired at S. C. Shinypelt (he would later help his cousin, Murphy, get a job at the company). With his new job, Bran was able to save enough money to apply Maya for citizenship in 1295. Sadly, Cece was suddenly deported back to Bangladult in 1295.
In 1296, Miggy was cast the lead role in the film The Chairmaker's Daughter. She instantly became a household name, and acted in several other blockbuster films through her teen years. This made Maya extremely jealous, as she felt overshadowed by her younger sister.
In 1297, Maya moved out of her family's house to get away from Miggy. She never went to college, but did take an apprenticeship with Raggu Hyles, a miserly genius who owned an auto shop called The Grease Garage. Their, Maya learned to use metal and spare parts to invent things. Raggu, an ex-convict, began to rub off on Maya, who became fairly malicious (especially towards Miggy, who often tried reaching out to her sister).
In 1298, Bran and Miggy had accumulated enough money to bring Cece back from Bangladult. However, after traveling to Gulta to search for Cece, they learned that she had been living with another man, with whom she had four new children. Bran was furious that he had spent so much money for a wife who didn't care about him. He and Miggy returned to Furria after a three-day stay in Gulta.
After becoming a full Furrian citizen in 1300, Maya's life remained uneventful for several years. She continued to live in Raggu's house, and tried to launch a career as an inventor. One of her most successful devices, created around 1302, could switch consciousnesses between two bodies.
In 1303, Cece returned to Furria with her new husband and four children on a vacation in Samu Beach. When Bran heard that Cece was in the country, he drove to Samu Beach and began to stalk her. After finding her hotel, Bran murdered Cece, her husband, and two of her children. Bran was sentenced to life on Exile Island (a Furrian territory off its south coast) for his crimes.
In February 1310, Raggu Hyles was hired to fix an electric problem in the backroom of JMN Studios. On that day, Rory Bowser (A.K.A. "Drag-a-Butt") committed arson in the bathroom, setting the building aflame. Raggu Hyles died in the fire.
After Raggu's death, Maya was wallowing in grief. She had formerly been a fan of the Judge Mia series, but now blamed Mia for the death of her mentor. Furious, Maya sought revenge on Mia, and plotted a scheme to foil Mia's life by becoming a more popular judge and ruining her career.
Using Miggy's connections, Maya set up a pitch with Guacamolito Scumicimodito, the co-owner of the Judge Mia Network. Maya wanted to make her own judge show, but Guac felt that her voice as too deep and unfriendly to be a television personality. This problem was fixed by giving Maya a wireless-controlled device that altered her voice when planted inside the larynx, changing her deep voice to an extremely high-pitched squeak. After using the device on her show, Maya continued to use it in her everyday life, even when she wasn't being filmed. Finally, Maya's TV show (titled Judge Maya) was picked up by JMN, and the first episode ("Princess Pinky Pie vs. Lady Lollipop") was aired in March 1310. Unlike Judge Mia, Judge Maya's TV series (titled Judge Maya) was completely scripted, because Maya was not a real judge. The episode was filmed at Judge Maya Studios, a rented warehouse.
Mia herself (who obviously did not want any competition) was not informed that another courtroom series was going to be aired on her own channel, and was naturally offended when she discovered Judge Maya.
Eventually, Mia and Maya came to know each other as archenemies. In September 1310, Maya devised a plan to harm Mia's family by befriending her loyal confidant: Nut Nuttingham. After that plan was foiled, Maya was sent to jail by Mia due to King Milo's Pink-and-White-Stripes Law. She was brought to the Maximum Security Prison in the Furrian Annex (Brinkland).
Later, after escaping prison, Maya used the Switchy Machine Thing (went she invented as an apprentice to Raggu) to transfer consciousnesses with Mia. Withing Mia's body, Maya schemed to ruin Mia's reputation and, therefore, her life. That plan was also foiled, and Maya was sentenced to fifty years on Exile Island.
On Exile Island, Maya met her dad, Bran. Using an unsuspecting bystander (Birdena Bittlemeier), the father-daughter team devised a plan to escape the island. They both escaped, but Bran drowned somewhere between the island and the mainland.
After returning to Yonkers, Maya's motives began to change. Instead of simply ruining Mia's life and career, Maya wanted to ensure that she became even more famous and successful than Miggy. Maya and Miggy still had a horrible sibling rivalry, all because Maya resented Miggy's success.
Maya hired several henchpeople to work for her, including Fluffy Wuffy Bearhart, who was impoverished and needed the money.
Later, Maya kidnapped Murphy, Matilda, Marley, and Maggie Bananomanoman, who were unaware that they were related to her (Murphy never told anyone about his cousin Bran, because he was ashamed of being related to a heartless killer). Maya held them for ransom, asking Mia to give her her job in exchange for her family's life. This way, Maya could replace Mia as the most powerful TV star in the country, and finally outdo Miggy.
After Mia failed to pay the ransom, Maya apparently killed both Matilda and Murphy (however, they were later revealed to still be alive). Mia told Maya to "run away," which frightened and intimidated her.
After that scare, Maya returned to The Grease Garage, Raggu's now-abandoned auto shop. There, she continued to build her hatred of Judge Mia. She lived and worked in The Grease Garage until she was approached by the Evil Association, which had been recently rebranded as the New World Order of the Evil Conglomeration after Fransisco del Gumbo became its leader.
After a failed attempt to sue Judge Mia, Maya and the rest of the New World Order of the Evil Conglomeration were sent to prison.
In 1326, Maya was released (other members of the New World Order of the Evil Conglomeration had gotten released at earlier or later times). Miggy had visited Maya in prison every day, and the sisters finally reconciled. While in prison, Maya received intense counseling and therapy, and recovered from the trauma of her mother's betrayal and her father's killing rampage. Maya no longer wanted to harm Mia after facing and conquering her problems. Maya currently (1338) lives with her sister, Miggy, in Yonkers.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Furrian Government: The Ins and Outs
The Kingdom of Furria was formed in the year 837 as an absolute monarchy, and has continued to allow the complete and ultimate power of the reigning monarch. The following is an informal description of the government and organizations of Furria.
1. Beginnings of the Monarchy, the Constitution, and Royal Councils
The government of Furria is obviously headed by the Monarch of Furria, who theoretically abides by the rules of the Grand Constitution.
The Grand Constitution was solely written and conceived by Augustino Pucenose, a highly-regarded philosopher, intellectual, and revolutionist thinker, in 838. Augustino was a major figure in the Furringtowne Revolutionary Cold War (829-837), which was the non-military showdown between Benetia and its colony of Furringtowne for independence. After violent threats from both sides, Furringtowne declared its independence, which surprisingly did not lead to military action from Benetia. (In modern Furria, this empty threat from Benetia is known as the "Bluff Heard 'Round the World").
The group of influential Furringtowne citizens who had orchestrated Furrian independence agreed to commission an official constitution from Augustino Pucenose, the premier scribe of the colony. This group of people was known as the First Royal Council, meant to assist the eventual monarch. Sleepy Bear Furry (the eleventh and final Governor of Furringtowne) and his adult son, Wild Bear Furry, were both members of the First Royal Council.
The Grand Constitution contains all of the laws enforced within the nation. However, this constitution also states that the current Monarch of Furria has the eternal right to ignore or change the Grand Constitution, making it considerably less important.
In one section, the Grand Constitution states that the monarchy is a classic hereditary system (the firstborn child of the monarch, male or female, becomes the heir). However, when a dynasty ends (when the current monarch dies without an heir), the Royal Council must vote on which one of their members should become the next king and begin the new dynasty. Therefore, the monarchy is also somewhat democratically designated.
In 838, the First Royal Council elected Augustino Pucenose to become the first Monarch of Furria. Wild Bear Furry, a member of council, was angered by this; He wanted to become king. On June 28, 838, Wild Bear hired a band of homeless peasants to kill the entire council (including Augustino), after which he declared himself king. This horrific act is known as the "Genesis Massacre," as it allowed the beginning of the Furry Dynasty, the first and currently only dynasty to ever hold control of the nation.
King Wild Bear Furry appointed 43 of his followers and created the Second Royal Council. Despite assassinating Augustino Pucenose, Wild Bear did not change any of the Grand Constitution that Augustino had written.
In 891, soon after his coronation, King Strong Bear (Third King of Furria) created a new office within his Royal Council. King Strong Bear (and every king after him) chose one member of his Royal Council to be slightly more powerful than the rest of the Council, with the title of Head Advisor. The Head Advisor acts as the sole representative of the Royal Council, the bridge of communication between the King and his Council.
After his coronation, each new Monarch has the right to appoint a new Royal Council, containing a varying number of members between 20 and 100. King Milo is currently assisted by the Nineteenth Royal Council, with Head Advisor Rorie Builda. Royal Councils are meant to be advisory, and have no actual power over the king.
2. The Third Branch: The Royal Judiciary
Alongside the Monarchy and the Royal Council is a third branch of government: The Royal Judiciary. The Royal Judiciary is the network of judges assigned to work at Supreme Court in Furrington, the nation's capitol.
The Royal Judiciary runs as a semi-private business, unlike the Royal Council (however, the king can obviously intervene and do whatever he wants). The Judiciary is headed by a Head Justice, who assigns cases to other members of the Judiciary and makes most of the decisions in Supreme Court. (Judge Humphrey Dooberton was hired by Head Justice Cynthia Pucenose in 1311 to work at Supreme Court.) However, the Monarch of Furria also holds the title of Supreme Justice, and he has the final decision in every court case.
Head Justices serve for life, and nominate a successor from the Royal Judiciary to become their replacement. In the case that a Head Justice dies before determining his/her successor, the King of Furria will choose a new Head Justice from the Royal Judiciary.
3. Dynastic Corruption, Nepotism, Sexism, and Accusations of a Dictatorship
The Grand Constitution states that the firstborn child of the current monarch is the official heir to the throne, regardless of the child's sex. However, there has never been a Regnant Queen of Furria (the wife of the king is granted the title of Queen Consort of Furria, but she has much less political power than her husband, the Regnant King of Furria). This is due to a method known by historians as "heiress denial."
In heiress denial, a king would disown all of his children until a male was born. The disowned daughter would be stripped of her parentage and title, and thrown into a peasant community. Her birth would be omitted from royal records, and (in most occasions), her existence would be hidden from the entire nation. In more extreme occasions, infant princesses would simply be killed by a midwife or the king himself. Once a male child was born, he would be regarded as the heir and "firstborn child," since all the girls that were potentially born before him were either disowned for dead.
Women are allowed to serve in a Royal Council, yet it was not common until King Cave Bear. Cave Bear was also the first king to put an end to heiress denial. However, he did not have any daughters.
Every king is expected to appoint only elitist and wealthy individuals to his Royal Council. The monarchy has several symbiotic relationships with many mega-rich aristocratic families, keeping each other in power for as long as possible. These Furrian elites usually include family members of dynasty, such as the brothers of the King (Prince Miles Furry, brother of King Milo, is a member of the Nineteenth Royal Council).
The monarchy is seen be many national and international scholars as an oppressive dictatorship, but there has been no large-scale or successful rebellions.
4. The Seventy-Nine Counties: Subfederal Government
King Theodore was the first monarch to divide the nation into smaller pieces. He and the Fifth Royal Council drafted a new map of the nation, divided into 55 counties. Each member of the Royal Council was given ownership of one county.
In 960, the new King Ronaldo appointed 86 members to the Sixth Royal Council. There was no longer enough counties for each council member, so that method was discontinued. Instead, King Ronaldo made an amendment to the Grand Constitution which states:
In 1267, Furria annexed the neighboring country of Samua. After the annexation, new counties were created, resulting in the modern number of 79 counties.
Within each county, the County Prefect appoints his/her County Council, a smaller-scale version of the Royal Council. The County Council is the main legislative body of the county. Each county also contains a Country Judiciary (a smaller-scale version of the Royal Judiciary) which is a network of certified judges who are given permission by the County Prefect to perform official legal actions. Judge Mia Redford was a member of the Yonkers County Judiciary. Each County Judiciary is headed by the Head County Justice (small-scale equivalent to the Head Justice on the federal level). There is no county-level equivalent to the Head Advisor.
5. Religion and the State
The official religion of Furria is the Church of Benetia, which originated in the country of Benetia and was carried over to the Furringtowne colony. Despite its federal standing, it is sparsely followed in the country. Christianity, specifically Catholicism, is the most practiced in Furria.
6. Citizenship and Immigration
All children who are born within Furrian borders (including territories off the mainland such as Bearmuda and the Furrian Annex) are granted Furrian citizenship. Also, a child who is born to two Furrian citizens outside of Furria is also granted Furrian citizenship (in addition to the citizenship of the country they were born in).
Most immigrants come to Furria through Port Milo, the hub for westward immigration. Many travelers chose to live inside the country as an illegal immigrant, but those looking for more protection and lawful recognition from the state can register themselves as a permanent resident. Permanent residents have more rights than an illegal immigrant, but less than a true citizen. Registration costs a large sum, and permanent residents must pay a brutally expensive tax each year to incentivize citizenship.
Those who wish to apply for citizenship must go through several obstacles and expenses, with the process taking an average of 8 years.
In Furria, there is no green card system, and someone cannot become a citizen simply because their spouse is. However, there is a considerable discount on the price of being a permanent resident for the spouse of a Furrian citizen.
1. Beginnings of the Monarchy, the Constitution, and Royal Councils
The government of Furria is obviously headed by the Monarch of Furria, who theoretically abides by the rules of the Grand Constitution.
 |
| Augustino Pucenose, pictured at the first assembly of the First Royal Council. |
The group of influential Furringtowne citizens who had orchestrated Furrian independence agreed to commission an official constitution from Augustino Pucenose, the premier scribe of the colony. This group of people was known as the First Royal Council, meant to assist the eventual monarch. Sleepy Bear Furry (the eleventh and final Governor of Furringtowne) and his adult son, Wild Bear Furry, were both members of the First Royal Council.
The Grand Constitution contains all of the laws enforced within the nation. However, this constitution also states that the current Monarch of Furria has the eternal right to ignore or change the Grand Constitution, making it considerably less important.
In one section, the Grand Constitution states that the monarchy is a classic hereditary system (the firstborn child of the monarch, male or female, becomes the heir). However, when a dynasty ends (when the current monarch dies without an heir), the Royal Council must vote on which one of their members should become the next king and begin the new dynasty. Therefore, the monarchy is also somewhat democratically designated.
In 838, the First Royal Council elected Augustino Pucenose to become the first Monarch of Furria. Wild Bear Furry, a member of council, was angered by this; He wanted to become king. On June 28, 838, Wild Bear hired a band of homeless peasants to kill the entire council (including Augustino), after which he declared himself king. This horrific act is known as the "Genesis Massacre," as it allowed the beginning of the Furry Dynasty, the first and currently only dynasty to ever hold control of the nation.
King Wild Bear Furry appointed 43 of his followers and created the Second Royal Council. Despite assassinating Augustino Pucenose, Wild Bear did not change any of the Grand Constitution that Augustino had written.
In 891, soon after his coronation, King Strong Bear (Third King of Furria) created a new office within his Royal Council. King Strong Bear (and every king after him) chose one member of his Royal Council to be slightly more powerful than the rest of the Council, with the title of Head Advisor. The Head Advisor acts as the sole representative of the Royal Council, the bridge of communication between the King and his Council.
After his coronation, each new Monarch has the right to appoint a new Royal Council, containing a varying number of members between 20 and 100. King Milo is currently assisted by the Nineteenth Royal Council, with Head Advisor Rorie Builda. Royal Councils are meant to be advisory, and have no actual power over the king.
2. The Third Branch: The Royal Judiciary
Alongside the Monarchy and the Royal Council is a third branch of government: The Royal Judiciary. The Royal Judiciary is the network of judges assigned to work at Supreme Court in Furrington, the nation's capitol.
The Royal Judiciary runs as a semi-private business, unlike the Royal Council (however, the king can obviously intervene and do whatever he wants). The Judiciary is headed by a Head Justice, who assigns cases to other members of the Judiciary and makes most of the decisions in Supreme Court. (Judge Humphrey Dooberton was hired by Head Justice Cynthia Pucenose in 1311 to work at Supreme Court.) However, the Monarch of Furria also holds the title of Supreme Justice, and he has the final decision in every court case.
Head Justices serve for life, and nominate a successor from the Royal Judiciary to become their replacement. In the case that a Head Justice dies before determining his/her successor, the King of Furria will choose a new Head Justice from the Royal Judiciary.
3. Dynastic Corruption, Nepotism, Sexism, and Accusations of a Dictatorship
The Grand Constitution states that the firstborn child of the current monarch is the official heir to the throne, regardless of the child's sex. However, there has never been a Regnant Queen of Furria (the wife of the king is granted the title of Queen Consort of Furria, but she has much less political power than her husband, the Regnant King of Furria). This is due to a method known by historians as "heiress denial."
In heiress denial, a king would disown all of his children until a male was born. The disowned daughter would be stripped of her parentage and title, and thrown into a peasant community. Her birth would be omitted from royal records, and (in most occasions), her existence would be hidden from the entire nation. In more extreme occasions, infant princesses would simply be killed by a midwife or the king himself. Once a male child was born, he would be regarded as the heir and "firstborn child," since all the girls that were potentially born before him were either disowned for dead.
Women are allowed to serve in a Royal Council, yet it was not common until King Cave Bear. Cave Bear was also the first king to put an end to heiress denial. However, he did not have any daughters.
Every king is expected to appoint only elitist and wealthy individuals to his Royal Council. The monarchy has several symbiotic relationships with many mega-rich aristocratic families, keeping each other in power for as long as possible. These Furrian elites usually include family members of dynasty, such as the brothers of the King (Prince Miles Furry, brother of King Milo, is a member of the Nineteenth Royal Council).
The monarchy is seen be many national and international scholars as an oppressive dictatorship, but there has been no large-scale or successful rebellions.
4. The Seventy-Nine Counties: Subfederal Government
King Theodore was the first monarch to divide the nation into smaller pieces. He and the Fifth Royal Council drafted a new map of the nation, divided into 55 counties. Each member of the Royal Council was given ownership of one county.
In 960, the new King Ronaldo appointed 86 members to the Sixth Royal Council. There was no longer enough counties for each council member, so that method was discontinued. Instead, King Ronaldo made an amendment to the Grand Constitution which states:
The government of each Furrian county shall be headed by a County Prefect, who shall be elected by a popular vote within the county every six years.County Prefects are one of the few democratically-elected officials in Furria, and they may be men or women. However, the Prefect election process has grown corrupt since the first elections were held in 961, and Prefect elections are usually completed rigged by the monarchy and elite families.
In 1267, Furria annexed the neighboring country of Samua. After the annexation, new counties were created, resulting in the modern number of 79 counties.
Within each county, the County Prefect appoints his/her County Council, a smaller-scale version of the Royal Council. The County Council is the main legislative body of the county. Each county also contains a Country Judiciary (a smaller-scale version of the Royal Judiciary) which is a network of certified judges who are given permission by the County Prefect to perform official legal actions. Judge Mia Redford was a member of the Yonkers County Judiciary. Each County Judiciary is headed by the Head County Justice (small-scale equivalent to the Head Justice on the federal level). There is no county-level equivalent to the Head Advisor.
5. Religion and the State
The official religion of Furria is the Church of Benetia, which originated in the country of Benetia and was carried over to the Furringtowne colony. Despite its federal standing, it is sparsely followed in the country. Christianity, specifically Catholicism, is the most practiced in Furria.
6. Citizenship and Immigration
All children who are born within Furrian borders (including territories off the mainland such as Bearmuda and the Furrian Annex) are granted Furrian citizenship. Also, a child who is born to two Furrian citizens outside of Furria is also granted Furrian citizenship (in addition to the citizenship of the country they were born in).
Most immigrants come to Furria through Port Milo, the hub for westward immigration. Many travelers chose to live inside the country as an illegal immigrant, but those looking for more protection and lawful recognition from the state can register themselves as a permanent resident. Permanent residents have more rights than an illegal immigrant, but less than a true citizen. Registration costs a large sum, and permanent residents must pay a brutally expensive tax each year to incentivize citizenship.
Those who wish to apply for citizenship must go through several obstacles and expenses, with the process taking an average of 8 years.
In Furria, there is no green card system, and someone cannot become a citizen simply because their spouse is. However, there is a considerable discount on the price of being a permanent resident for the spouse of a Furrian citizen.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Life as Jasmine: A Monkeytown Anthology Series
Merry Christmas! We are proud to debut Life as Jasmine, a multi-installment story which takes place after Jasmine and Bruce have been married for a number of years. Jasmine is feeling discontent as an adult, and is especially stressed due to the hustle of Christmastime.
Life as Jasmine contains three installments. Enjoy!
Life as Jasmine contains three installments. Enjoy!
December 25, 2016:
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