Revolutionary Committee of Shirekeep
The Revolutionary Committee of Shirekeep emerged during the chaotic Mango Anarchy, operating as a powerful shadow government within the Imperial Republic of Shireroth. The Revolutionary Committee quickly became the primary authority within Shirekeep, acting independently of, and often in opposition to, the official government. This shift signaled the rise of republicanism and anti-aristocratic sentiment within the empire and marked the beginning of Shireroth’s transformation from a constitutional monarchy into a de facto republic.
Formation of the Revolutionary Committee
The Committee’s origins lay in the social and economic crises of 1737 AN. The city of Shirekeep was gripped by food shortages, economic downturn, and widespread discontent exacerbated by the Shirerithian default on foreign debts. Failed harvests, likely caused by environmental fallout from nuclear detonations and the destruction of crops during the Benacian offensives towards Maltenstein during the ongoing Shiro-Benacian War, resulted in skyrocketing prices for basic goods. Street protests erupted as the public demanded food and economic relief, yet the official government, mired in factional disputes, was unable to respond effectively.
Amid this unrest, popular revolutionary leader Erasmo Laegel was elected as the new Prefect by a direct vote from the city’s revolutionary mobs. This was unpredecented, as the Mango Throne had always appointed the Prefect beforehand. However, as response to worsening economic conditions and soaring prices, Shirekeep’s denizens organized a secessio plebis: a peaceful yet powerful demonstration demanding cheaper basic goods, services and representation. Under pressure from this popular demand, Prefect Laegel assumed power and happily agreedd to formally institutionalize the Revolutionary Committee as an official representative body of Shirekeep’s population, giving it unprecedented influence in city governance. Although Laegel and other radicals had successfully placed themselves at the forefront of the government, the growing unrest revealed underlying divisions within the Committee, as moderates, radicals, and opportunists vied for influence.
Under Laegel’s leadership, the Revolutionary Committee of Shirekeep was established, representing the seven bailliwick and 16 city districts within Shirekeep (numbering 189 representatives in total). The Committee swiftly assumed control over municipal and, eventually, imperial matters, sidelining the established Legislature and government as it sought to address the people’s needs.
Seizure of Power and Reforms
The Revolutionary Committee acted quickly to consolidate power. Under Laegel’s direction, the Committee declared that the Thuylemans Government was disbanded and ordered the arrest of its ministers, accusing them of treason for their failure to protect the people’s welfare. With the fall of the Thuylemans Government, Laegel was appointed Steward of Shireroth by popular acclamation, a role that gave him significant authority to enact reforms in line with revolutionary demands.
In a formal address to the three legislative chambers (the Adelsraad, Folksraad, and Landsraad), Laegel announced sweeping reforms, declaring that the government would “complete the revolution” by removing the last vestiges of power held by the Kaiseress. Although the Throne remained (as a removal would certainly lead to unpredecented religious uprisings), it became an entirely symbolic entity devoid of authority, marking Shireroth’s transformation into a republic in all but name.
