Erasmo Laegel

Erasmo Laegal, portrait made in 1737 AN.

Erasmo Laegel (1711 - present), or The Butcher for Justice, was a prominent revolutionary figure during the tumultuous Mango Anarchy in Shireroth. Rising from humble origins as a butcher in Shirekeep, Laegel became a charismatic leader who played a central role in establishing the Revolutionary Committee of Shirekeep, ultimately serving as the city's Prefect by popular mandate. He became a member of Society of the Friends of the Revolution in 1737 AN, when the movement's popularity spread throughout the capital city.

Early Life and Family

Erasmo Laegel was born in Shirekeep in 1711 AN to a mixed-heritage family. His father hailed from Lunaris, bringing with him the stoic values and traditions of the Lunarian countryside, while his mother was a Sathrati, renowned for her skill in herbal medicine and storytelling. This blend of cultural influences shaped Laegel's perspective, giving him a deep appreciation for the diverse identities within the empire.

Growing up in the bustling neighborhoods of Shirekeep, Laegel worked in his family's small butcher shop from an early age. Known for his sharp wit and strong sense of justice, he quickly gained a reputation as a defender of the common people. His connections with the working class of the capital city would later prove instrumental in his rise to power.

Political Awakening

The economic and political hardships of the 1730s, compounded by the Recession of 1737, pushed Laegel toward political activism. National Humanism, while seen as an enemy ideology, influenced his ways of thinking. By 1735 AN, the Shiro-Benacian War and political infighting in the imperial government (between Kaiseress and the Thuylemans Administration), combined with offensives near Maltenstein, had left the capital in chaos. The discontent of the working masses grew, culminating in food riots and public unrest. During this period, Laegel began to emerge as a leading voice for the oppressed, aligning himself with revolutionary ideals and advocating for a radical restructuring of society.

As food shortages gripped Shirekeep, Laegel organized community kitchens and spearheaded protests against price gouging by wealthy merchants. His fiery speeches in the city’s markets earned him the nickname "The Butcher for Justice".

The Mango Anarchy and Revolutionary Committee

In 1737 AN, the denizens of Shirekeep staged a secessio plebis, refusing to work or pay taxes until their demands for affordable food and representation were met. Under immense pressure, the Prefect of Shirekeep allowed the formation of the Revolutionary Committee, a shadow government representing the city's bailliwicks and districts.

Erasmo Laegel was pushed forwards as Prefect of Shirekeep by an illegal but popular vote, a position that placed him at the forefront of the revolutionary movement. This to the annoyance of other revolutionary leaders like Marius Gallo and Sakuragi. As Prefect, Laegel dismantled the remnants of the Thuylemans Government, arresting its ministers and accusing them of treason. He declared that the revolution would be completed by stripping the Kaiseress of her remaining powers (her imperium and Imprion, transforming Shireroth into a de facto republic near the end of 1737 AN.

Under Laegel’s leadership, the Revolutionary Committee took control of Shirekeep’s administration, enforcing rationing, organizing militias, and attempts to redistribute wealth. Though his radical policies alienated the nobility and conservative factions, they earned him the fervent loyalty of the working lower classes.