MicrasWiki - User contributions [en]

FNORD Awards

2014-01-09T20:10:52Z

Benkern:

The People's FNORD Awards refer to annual community recognition awards bestowed upon members of the Anglophone Simulationist Community, typically every January. They are generally considered the most prestigous micronational award.

==History of the FNORDS==

The awards were first organised by [[Scott Alexander]] in 2002, and were organised by the staff of MNN each year until 2008 with the collapse of MNN, when FNORDs were awarded by the [[MCS]]. Typically, a judging panel of five veteran micronationalists convenes to decide the recipients of each award from a group of nominees named by the general population.

[[File:Myfnord08.gif |200px|thumb|right|Typical FNORD Medallion]]

FNORDs are believed to have been inspired by the similarly named [http://www.molossia.org/nortonawards2000.html Emperor Norton Award] of the seccessionist micronation of Molossia. These were similarly awarded each year and, like the FNORDs, were named after [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Norton Emperor Norton I], an eccentric citizen of San Francisco during the late 19th century who declared himself ''Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico'', and known by many as the 'First Micronationalist'
To distinguish this new micronational award from the awards issued by Molossia and the seccessionist micronationalists, the new awards were named the '''''F'''antasy/Simulated '''Nor'''ton Awar'''ds''''', hence ''FNORDs''.

Prior to 2006, the number of awards varied greatly with very little consistency in recognition categories. Some years, the general public were invited to create the recognition categories, adding further inconsistency between years. In preparation for the 2006 awards, Liam Sinclair, the chair of the awards judging committee from 2004 to 2007, implemented a system of fixed awards year-to-year, with the most prestigious awards being retained. The addition of new awards is dependent on whether or not there is a quantifiable uniqueness to the nature of the award which can be objectively considered (i.e. not awarded on bias). For example, 'most efficient government', awarded to [[Babkha]] in 2005, did not qualify as every government has its efficiencies or lack thereof.
The FNORD Awards, while named after the year in which they are awarded, in fact recognize achievements in the previous year (for example, the 2007 FNORD Awards recognize achievements in 2006).

FNORD awards are now hosted by the [[MCS]] and since 2009 have also been awarded in the form of physical medals, whereas before they were simply forum images.

[[File:FNORDmedal.png|200px|thumb|left|First Physical FNORD Medal, issued in January 2010 for the 2009 FNORDs]]

==Categories of FNORD award==

As of 2008, there were in excess of thirty-five individual awards handed out, the vast majority of which were "one-off" (that is, awarded during one year only). The following includes only the permanent awards named prior to the 2006 ceremony (many of which have been awarded several years prior to that date). Where the names of permanent awards have changed from pre-2006 names, the pre-2006 awardee of the equivalent award is named as a recipient of the permanent award:

'''Odlum Award for Overall Achievement''' - Named for Shane Odlum, the founder and leader of the micronation of Blackrock, this award is the most prestigious of all FNORD Awards. It is typically given to a veteran micronationalist in recognition of years of service to the community at-large.

*'''Abbas Namvari & Charles Beard Award''' for Conflict Resolution - honouring two of the greatest diplomats in the community's history (Namvari of [[Babkha]] and Beard of [[Attera]]), this award is given to a micronationalist, or group/micronation, who exhibits great achievement and leadership in diplomacy. The award was re-introduced for the 2007 ceremony.

*'''Best Revolutionary Concept''' - awarded in recognition of a micronationalist, or group/micronation, whose innovative concept receives widespread attention and improves the community at-large.

*'''Bill Dusch Award for Micronational Cultural Development''' - named for the most prominent creator of the Soloralism micronational culture/religion, the award is presented to a micronationalist, or group/micronation, who makes a significant contribution to the development of culture within his/her micronation or intermicronationally.

*'''RIMA Award for Excellence in Micronational History''' - created by Liam Sinclair, this is awarded by the Royal Institute of Micronational Antiquities to the micronationalist, or group/micronation, who contributes most to the preservation of the community's history. It is not awarded to any micronationalist who is a member of the Institute's management. The award was first introduced in 2006.

*'''Norton Award for Excellence in the Field of Journalism''' - awarded to the micronationalist, micronation or media service that makes the most significant contribution to journalism and news media in the community each year.

*'''Peter Little Award for Excellence in Micronational Literature''' - named in honour of Peter Little, a micronationalist with atrocious spelling and grammar who was active in the community from 2001 to 2003, this award recognizes contributions to the development of the community through literature.

*'''Best New Micronationalist''' - as the name implies, this award is given to an outperforming micronationalist who has entered micronationalism within the past year (though in 2007, it was awarded by the judging panel to [[Jeremy Hart]] who was in the community just over a year).

==Spin-Offs and Imitations==

[[Shireroth]] has hosted, on occasion, Malarbor Awards, designed as a spoof FNORD award for Shirereithan citizens.
Infrequently, members of the MCS host the unofficial [[Masom|MASOM]] (Micronational Awards Society Of Micras) Awards, also tongue-in-cheek. Therefore although many micronations run their own systems of orders of merit, the FNORDS are the only truly intermicronational series of awards in the Micran Sector and hence the most prestigous.

==Judging Panels==

'''Past Chairs of the FNORD Judging Panels:'''

*Scott Alexander (2002)
*Iain de Vembria (2003)
*Liam Sinclair (2004 to 2007)
*Lachlan Powers (2008)
*Scott Alexander (2009)
*Guido Zambelis (2010)

==Recipients==

===FNORDs for 2002:===
* Best micronational website: Tie between Dafydd Young of [[Baracão]] and Mik'el Tzion of [[Attera]]
* Best micronational forum: Daffydd Young of [[Baracão]]
* Greatest Contributions To Micropatriology: Stephen Foong of Morovia
* Greatest Contributions To Micronational Culture: Tie between Cardinal James Murphy of Hanover and Eoin Dornan of [[Treesia]]
* Most Insane Micronationalist: Yuri Andropov of Novaya Zemlya
* Most Likeable Micronationalist: Ari Rahikkala of [[Shireroth]]
* Norton Peace Prize: Mik'el Tzion of [[Attera]] and Harvey Steffke
* Odlum Award For Total Individual Achievement: [[Erik Metzler]]

===FNORDs for 2003:===
* For Achievement in Diplomacy: Johanns fonn Klosso for merging Cranda, [[Slobovia]] and Northworthy into Arminy, with honourable mention for delegates of the Argaath Perez Peace Conference (resulting in peace between [[Attera]] and [[Babkha]].
* Achievement in Constitutional Framework: Drafters (Liam Sinclair and Mik'el Tzion) of [[Attera]]'s Fourth Crimson Constitution with honourable mention for the Hano-Pendronian Committee for the attempted merger of Hanover and Pendronia.
* Best Micronational Website: [[Shireroth]], with honourable mention for [[Babkha]]
* Best New Micronationalist: Emperor Delphi Augustus of [[Antica]]
* For Micronational Literature: Babkha, for ''The Burning Sands of Tashbaan''
* For Micronational Economics: Sander Dielemann for creating the Micronational PhpBank software
* Achievement in Micronational News: Jack Santucci
* Best Forum Design: Iain de Vembria, for [[Treesia]]
* Tallini Award for Egotism: Prince Kieran of [[Breuddwyd]] and Kuralyov
* Best Speaker: Rakesh Ackbar, with honourable mention for [[Scott Alexander]]
* Best New Micronation: [[Gotzborg]], with honourable mention for Feianova
* The Odlum Award for Overall Achievement: Alexander I of Hanover, with honourable mention for Presidente Alarico Veto Julia of Baracão

===FNORDs for 2004:===
(Attended by His Excellency President Kevin Baugh of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Molossia Republic of Molossia])
* "Tis But A Flesh Wound" Award for Refusing to Give Up in the Face of Failure: David Redstone
* Odlum Award for Overall Achievement: Liam Sinclair, [[Attera]]
* Best Message Board: [[Mayo|Regio Mayo]]
* Best Newsblog: Atteran Chronicle World (Liam Sinclair)
* Einstein Award for the Best New Idea: Sander Dieleman, Iain de Vembria and Jack Santucci for the MNN News Feed Development
* National Leader of the Year: Delphi Augustus of [[Antica]]
* Best Website: Kingdom of [[Gotzborg]]
* Most Efficient Government: [[Babkha]]
* Most Culturally Developed Micronation: [[Babkha]]
* Saeed al-Sayyaf Award for Best Propaganda: [[Shireroth]]
* Most Unusual Micronation: [[Babkha]]
* Best Avatar: Shyriath
* Most Committed Micronationalist: Robert Davis of [[Gotzborg]]
* Least Arrogant Micronationalist: Tahmaseb Shah of [[Babkha]]

===FNORDs for 2005:===
* Odlum Award for Individual Achievement: [[Ryan Caruso]]
* Best Revolutionary Concept: Kingdom of [[Lovely]]
* Bill Dusch Award for Micronational Cultural Development: Ric Lyon
* RIMA Award for Excellence in Micronational History: The staff of MicroWiki (former MNN wiki)
* Norton Award for Excellence in the Field of Journalism: Novaya Zemlya
* Peter Little Award for Excellence in Micronational Literature: Greg Russell
* Best New Micronationalist: Carson Smith

===FNORDs for 2006:===
* The Odlum Award for Individual Achievement: August Charles of [[Gotzborg]]
* The Abbas Namvari & Charles Beard Award for Conflict Resolution: Edgard II of [[Alexandria]]
* Best Revolutionary Concept: Geographical Standards Organisation (GSO)
* The Bill Dusch Award for Micronational Cultural Development: [[Maximos]] of [[Matbaa]]
* The RIMA Award for Excellence in Micronational History: [[Scott Alexander]] for ''Microscope''
* The Norton Award for Excellence in the Field of Journalism: Liam Sinclair of the Coprieta Standard & Koen Nevens of the Alternative Media Company
* The Peter Little Award for Excellence in Micronational Literature: His Majesty King Jeremy of New Britannia & Johanns fonn Klosso
* Best New Micronationalist: His Majesty King Jeremy of New Britannia.

===FNORDs for 2007:===
* The Odlum Award for Individual Achievement: Enrique Portela of [[Alexandria]]
* The Abbas Namvari & Charles Beard Award for Conflict Resolution: Hesam Jahandar of [[Babkha]] and Dr-Spangle of the [[CIS]]
* Best Revolutionary Concept: Kingdom of Hanover's SecondLife Colony
* The Bill Dusch Award for Micronational Cultural Development: Tokidoki Magic System
* The RIMA Award for Excellence in Micronational History: Jacobus Kahuneamea
* The Norton Award for Excellence in the Field of Journalism: Liam Sinclair for the Coprieta Standard
* The Peter Little Award for Excellence in Micronational Literature: [[Jeremy Hart]] for ''King Under the Mountain''
* Best New Micronationalist: Liam conDoin

===FNORDs for 2008:===
* Tony Au Award for Economics: DStryker (Andreas Mayer) of Lavalon for the Economic Think Tank project
* Liam Sinclair Award for Micronational History: Jonas Windsor for Wiki articles on [[Batavia]]
* Jeremy Bellamy Award for RecWar and Storytelling: Anthony Montague
* Liam conToketi Award for Best New Micronationalist: Peter Ulsnes
* Best New Idea: Dr-Spangle for his Micronational Meetup link chart
* Bill Dusch Award For Cultural Development: Troy Thompson for the creation of the Babkhi language
* Best Graphic Artwork: [[Scott Alexander]] for the Quetzal series of [[MCS]] maps
* Iain Jacobson Award for Micronational Journalism: Will Tomsett
* Odlum Award for Overall Achievement: Hesam Jayatar

===FNORDS for 2009:===
* Most Promising New Micronation: [[Victoria]]
* Award for Graphic Arts: [[Bjorn Olsen]] of [[Victoria]]
* Award for Leadership: Octavius (Chrimigules) of [[Antica]]
* Jeremy Bellamy Award for Literature: Ben Kern for ''Rauðbjörn's Saga''
* Bill Dusch Award for Cultural Development: Aryeztur Mejorkhor of Aryez, [[Antica]]
* Josh Coales Award for Best New Idea: Erik Metzler and Ari Rahikkala for the Small Commonwealth
* Tony Au Award for Economics: Andreas the Wise for the Small Commonwealth Unified Economy (SCUE)
* Iain Jacobson Award for Journalism: [[Maximos|M.Goltz]] of [[Ashkenatza]] for the ''Litovsker Tagblatt''
* Liam conToketi Award for Most Promising Micronationalist: Andrew Allot of [[Shireroth]]
* Shane Odlum Award for Overall Achievement: [[Nathan Waffel-Paine]] of [[Natopia]]

===FNORDS for 2010:===
* Most Promising New Micronation: [[Normark]]
* Award for Leadership: Harvey Steffke of [[Nelaga]]
* Liam conToketi Award for Most Promising New Micronationalist: Philip Fish of A1
* Iain Jacobson Award for Journalism: Christopher Octavius of [[Antica]] for ''A Speakership in Review: The Speakership of Benjamin Sebastocrator Timothy Quentin Kern''
* Tony Au Award for Economics: Andreas the Wise of [[Gralus]]
* Josh Coales Award for Best New Idea: Harvey Steffke and Andreas the Wise for the foundation of the Bastion Union
* Charles Beard Award for Conflict Resolution: [[Shyriath|Shyriath Bukolos]] as [[Shireroth|Shirereithan]] Kaiser B'Caw I
* Jeremy Bellamy Award for Literature: [[Ryan Caruso]] for ''The Retreating Ice''
* Bill Dusch Award for Cultural Development: Greg Russell of [[Nelaga]] for the ''Nelagan Naval Guide to the Untrained''
* Award for Graphic Arts: Rebecca 'Artz'
* RIMA Award For Micronational History: Harvey Steffke and [[Maximos|M.Goltz]] for work on MicrasWiki
* Shane Odlum Award for Overall Achievement: Andreas the Wise

===FNORDS for 2011:===
* Liam conToketi Award for Most Promising New Micronationalist: Illuminarch Nicholas
* Iain Jacobson Award for Journalism: The A1 News Service
* Tony Au Award for Economics: [[Aster|Szhmuel Astopov]] for Port Side Industries and [[Ardashir]] for his Sinister Military-Industrial Complex
* Josh Coales Award for Best New Idea: Scott Alexander for Archipelago
* Jeremy Bellamy Award for Literature: [[Craitman]] for his Marriage to Queen Annika
* Bill Dusch Award for Cultural Development: Nick Turner for the Silver Yak Horde and [[Normark]]
* Rebecca Panks Award for the Graphic Artz: [[Maximos]] for his work published at the Bastion Expo '11
* Shane Odlum Award for Overall Achievement: Harvey Steffke

===FNORDS for 2012:===
* Liam conToketi Award for Most Promising New Micronationalist: Arne Govaerts
* Most Promising New Micronation: Kingdom of New Victoria
* Iain Jacobson Award for Journalism: The Coprieta Standard and the Batavian Post
* Award for Leadership: Mira Raynora of Shireroth
* 'Tis But a Flesh Wound Award for Refusing to Give Up in the Face of Failure: Giles Melang
* Jeremy Bellamy Award for Literature: Gerk ronAnaglea for Analis and Benkern for the Coronation of Yardistanislaus (compilor)
* Bill Dusch Award for Cultural Development: Jingdao and South Batavia
* Charles Beard Award for Conflict Resolution: The MTO for their Conference on the Law of the Seas
* Rebecca Panks Award for the Graphic Artz: Meekras
* RIMA Award For Micronational History: Vilhelm Benkern for his history of Mar Sara
* Shane Odlum Award for Overall Achievement: Craitman

===FNORDS for 2013:===
* Award for Sport: Barnaby Hands for the MHL
* Tony Au Award for Economics: The Ministry of Coin of Hamland
* Liam conToketi Award for Most Promising New Micronationalist: Ryker Everstone
* Most Promising New Micronation: Free State of Haifa
* Iain Jacobson Award for Journalism: The Coprieta Standard
* Award for Leadership: Lord Lewis of the Isles (Hamland)
* 'Tis But a Flesh Wound Award for Refusing to Give Up in the Face of Failure: Carl Jackson
* Jeremy Bellamy Award for Literature: Krasniy Yastreb for Kapusta Kaput
* Bill Dusch Award for Cultural Development: Nathan Waffle-Paine for Natopian development
* Charles Beard Award for Conflict Resolution: Kaiseress Mira Raynora II of Shireroth
* Rebecca Panks Award for the Graphic Artz: Shyriath Bukolos for the Gloria Mundi and Bjorn Olsen for his portfolio
* RIMA Award For Micronational History: Kaiser Aiomide for Raynor's Keep
* Shane Odlum Award for Overall Achievement: Christopher

[[Category: History]][[Category: Organizations]]

FNORD Awards

2013-12-15T20:22:10Z

Benkern: 2011+2012 added

Cheltian Nation

2013-11-02T19:43:15Z

Benkern: Created page with '{{Nation |country = The Cheltian Nation |image_flag = Cheltianflag.png |language = English |demonym = Cheltian |capital = (Itinerant chieftain) |largecity = Far Char Lodgment |w…'

{{Nation
|country = The Cheltian Nation
|image_flag = Cheltianflag.png
|language = English
|demonym = Cheltian
|capital = (Itinerant chieftain)
|largecity = Far Char Lodgment
|website = n/a
|forum = [http://cheltian-nation.proboards.com/]
|wiki = n/a
|population = 3
|active = 1
|date_founded = 11 February 2013
|government = Tribal
|leader = [[Benkern|Barr Ambidextrous Boar Tulip]]
|currency = Barrtip
|animal = Asphodel Goat
|fruit = Yesh
|drink = White Cheltian
|map_image =
|maps = n/a
|spcoords =
|pacoords =
}}

The '''Cheltian Nation''' is a micronation founded in February 2013 by [[Benkern|Vilhelm Benkern]]. Its culture and society are tribal, with strictly-observed concurrent class and caste systems. The spiritual and religious aspects of the Cheltians are closely integrated into the governmental structure, with the chieftain/warrior class ruling on the basis of divine blessing as indicated by continuing successful rule.

=History=

The micronation was founded with a strong focus on simulated history and culture. The fictional history of the Cheltian Nation is as yet still vague, but a rough timeline can be sketched:

* Ancient history: The first nation states form in north-west Keltia: the Free Republic; Baracao; Varja, Politika; Korhal; then Karnali (later part of the Grand Commonwealth).
* Prehistory: Various culture and ethnic groups in north-west Keltia are ruled by many other micronations. They include Col, Durntkinstan, Gralus, Hatay, Iridia, Oscland, Stormark and Vanderveer.
* Magic invasion: Toketi, later part of the Gralan Empire, swarms over the region and founds the hated Laranel polity, where no provincial governors are appointed and therefore no right of redress exists except to central government.
* Disintegration: Colish communism fails, local monarchs fall, even Gralan government becomes corrupt and declines. Roving bands of rebels and bandits become commonplace.
* Coalescence: From within Gralus and across the Green, people are brought together in a common Keltian or Cheltian identity by a shared arduous history, a common culture and tongue, and shared stories and songs.
* Development: The prototypical social strata form among the Cheltians.
* Formation: The Barr caste become formal rulers of the Cheltian Nation and the state begins exists as it does today. The roving court begins the Great Trek.
* Expansion: Shipbuilding begins in earnest when the shipwright caste (Rirn) is recognised and the Far Char Lodgment is founded after successive successful voyages across the Strait of Pearls.

=Society & Government=

The government structure is flat but relies on the caste system. Cheltian society is divided into three classes, made up of twelve castes currently. Castes are created and absolished, though very rarely, in response to significant societal change. Social mobility is encouraged very selectively, and all Cheltians are born into a caste based on those of their parents. The present caste system is made up of the following:

*Upper class: Rulers, administrators
**Chieftain/Warrior ("Barr")
**Judge/Priest ("Char")
*Middle class: Skilled workers, officials
**Merchant ("Murn")
**Scribe ("Lorm")
**Soldier ("Birn")
**Shipwright/sailor ("Rirn")
**Bard ("Tirn")
**Farmer ("Firn")
**Tailor ("Sirn")
**Weaponsmith ("Shirn")
*Lower class: Unskilled workers, foreigners
**Forager ("Lell")
**Poor ("Nell" - Of no status, includes all non-members of the Tribe except the Barr's Royal Cousins)

The Barr is a caste, but also specifically refers to the individual Barr (the distinction between monarchy/monarchy or royal/royalty) who is Head of State and Head of Government such as it is. The Barr makes decrees, called Fiats, and also issues Orders-in-Council when advised by two or more Char. Orders-in-Council generally consist of executive orders and civil legislation, while Fiats concern certain affairs which are of special religious significance. Since the Barr holds office at the pleasure of the world's natural spirits, that gives him alone the power to amend certain divinely-sanctioned constitutional matters - e.g. caste status - but also means he is fully responsible for those decisions.

Char are the civil administrators of the Nation, and govern the Far Char Lodgment as absolute oligarchs. They perform important religious roles in addition to their governmental offices.

=Culture=

The Cheltians have a rich culture which takes many forms. The primary form of cultural and artistic expression is verse poetry or songs. Writing and performing these works is the sole preserve of the minstrel caste (Tirn), which makes them - along with the scribes/Lorm - the primary recorders of history among the Cheltians. Contemporary songs celebrate or condemn current events - such as ''The Rirn's Song'' [http://cheltian-nation.proboards.com/thread/11/rirn-song] - while old songs, telling of their ancient history or long-term ambition, are also popular. ''Between Two Peaks'', of unknown authorship, is a centuries-old song which tells of a prophecy by a river spirit from between north-west Keltia's two highest mountains. [http://cheltian-nation.proboards.com/thread/1/peaks]

Religion and spirituality are an important part of the lives of most Cheltians. From the Rite of Transition through which adolescent Cheltians pass into adulthood to the Rite of Foreign Embrace whereby non-Cheltians are accepted into the Nation, religious ceremonies are important and regular events. They are dominated by the Char caste. A good example of the centrality of religion to Cheltian life, besides its role in governance, is the cult relating to weaponry. Arms are only permitted to be carried by the Charr and Birn, and they are taught that attacking with a weapon is a spiritually-charged action which has significance beyond its consequences on Micras. It is the soldier's duty to attack those whom they are commanded to attack, and they will be rewarded for this. The Barr's duty to lead the Birn (and the Nation in general) well, the consequences of the battle or war are his responsibility and not those of the soldier. In this way, the religious significance attached to the roles of individuals in Cheltian society pervades almost every aspect of their lives.

[[Category:Nations]]

File:Cheltia flag.png

2013-11-02T17:43:00Z

Benkern: