Shirerithian emigration to Nouvelle Alexandrie
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The Shirerithian emigration to Nouvelle Alexandrie was a significant political exodus that occurred during the Mango Anarchy period of the Shiro-Benacian War (1733 AN-1740 AN). The emigration began as a trickle of nobles and upper-class citizens leaving Shireroth in 1735 AN, but transformed into a larger wave following the establishment of the Revolutionary Committee of Shirekeep and the subsequent Regime of the Bloody Cleansing in 1737 AN. Many of these political refugees settled in Nouvelle Alexandrie, particularly in the regions of Alduria, North Lyrica, and South Lyrica, establishing what became known as the "Little Shireroth" community in exile.
Background
Prior to the exodus, Shireroth had been experiencing severe internal strife following the controversial Bad Neighbour II nuclear attack orchestrated by Kaiseress Salome. The subsequent house arrest of the Kaiseress by Steward Louis Thuylemans and the relocation of the government to Novi Nigrad created a power vacuum in Shirekeep. The situation was further exacerbated by a mounting debt crisis, with Shireroth owing significant sums to both Natopia and Nouvelle Alexandrie.
The establishment of the Revolutionary Committee of Shirekeep under Erasmo Laegel in 1737 AN marked a turning point, as the committee began systematically stripping away aristocratic privileges and initiating radical reforms. The subsequent Flight to Foley incident, where Kaiseress Salome attempted to escape but was captured and taken to Hurmu, catalyzed the radical elements within the revolution, leading to the Regime of the Bloody Cleansing.
Waves of Emigration
First Wave (1735-1737)
The first wave of Shirerithian emigrants, comprised primarily of politically astute nobles and wealthy merchants, began their exodus in early 1735 AN as they shrewdly anticipated the empire's growing instability. These early émigrés demonstrated remarkable foresight in transferring their wealth through complex financial networks, often converting their assets into precious metals and artworks before departure, and establishing banking relationships in Nouvelle Alexandrie well in advance of their arrival. Many worked through their own merchant networks to secure their fortunes, while others leveraged ancient noble privileges to transfer hereditary treasures through diplomatic pouches. Their careful planning allowed them to establish comfortable positions in their new home, with many purchasing extensive estates in Punta Santiago and Lausanne, where they quickly established exclusive social clubs and private academies to maintain their cultural traditions.
However, the conspicuous wealth and behavior of these early émigrés soon drew criticism from both their hosts and less fortunate refugees who would arrive later. As Junior Envoy Carlos Méndez famously complained[1], "The nobles who fled do nothing but gorge and feast! They're rotten to the core. Even our foreign dignitaries have given up on them—they never want to discuss real business, it always circles back to pleading with us to fight their battles!" The lavish lifestyle of these nobles, characterized by extravagant balls, hunting parties, and constant social events in their newly established exile communities, created tension with local New Alexandrian aristocrats and politicians. Their persistent attempts to lobby for military intervention in Shireroth became particularly problematic during the Recession of 1737 and subsequent Fake War, when Shireroth's debt default to Nouvelle Alexandrie made such requests especially unwelcome.
Mass Exodus (1737-1740)
The largest wave of emigration occurred following the establishment of the Revolutionary Committee of Shirekeep and the start of the Regime of the Bloody Cleansing in 1737 AN. This period saw widespread persecution of the nobility, as revolutionary fervor gripped Shireroth. Local peasant uprisings targeted noble estates and rural fiefs, with villagers who had long endured feudal restrictions taking advantage of the political chaos to ransack mansions and burn down estates in symbolic acts of defiance. The Imperial Forces of Shireroth and local marshals, overwhelmed or unmotivated to protect the nobility, often stood by as aristocratic properties were destroyed.
By 1738 AN, radicals had seized control of the Folksraad and Adelsraad, effectively sidelining the Landsraad and institutionalizing persecution of the nobility. Though emigration was officially forbidden, many nobles used their remaining connections to slip out of Shireroth, often at great personal risk. Those who escaped frequently had to leave significant portions of their wealth behind, as the revolutionary government had begun confiscating émigré properties. The creation of mutual aid societies among the émigré community became crucial for supporting these later refugees, who arrived with far fewer resources than their predecessors.
Settlement Patterns
The Shirerithian émigré community established distinct enclaves across several major New Alexandrian cities, with each developing its own unique character and social dynamics. The largest concentration settled in Lausanne, quickly transforming several neighborhoods into what became known as "Little Shirekeep," complete with traditional Shirerithian architecture, restaurants serving Imperial cuisine, and social clubs that maintained the strict hierarchical etiquette of the Shirerithian court. A significant number of émigrés also established themselves in Punta Santiago, particularly in the prestigious Florencia district, where they renovated mansions in the Shirerithian imperial style and established private gardens modeled after those of Raynor's Keep. Meanwhile, Beaufort attracted a smaller but notably wealthy community composed primarily of former Imperial bureaucrats and administrative officials, who tended to integrate more readily with local society while maintaining their own exclusive social circles. These bureaucrats often leveraged their administrative expertise to secure positions as advisers and consultants to New Alexandrian businesses and government offices, helping them maintain their elevated social status even in exile.
Political Activities and Host Nation Relations
The political activities of Shirerithian émigrés created significant diplomatic challenges for their host nations. While many émigrés dreamed of organizing anti-revolutionary interventions to reclaim Shireroth, the political climate proved unfavorable for such ventures. The Recession of 1737 and Shireroth's debt default made potential host nations reluctant to fund military actions, especially given the risk of retaliation from the Shirerithian Navy. This tension became particularly evident during the failed Jinkeai Expedition of 1737 AN, when Prince Yukio's attempted restoration from Hurmu complicated that nation's position of neutrality.
The New Alexandrian government maintained a delicate balance in its treatment of the émigrés, particularly during The Fake War. While granting asylum to verified noble families and providing protection through the Department of Interior, authorities also closely monitored émigré political activities to ensure compliance with neutrality laws. The government faced particular challenges in managing the diplomatic tensions arising from Shireroth's debt default while simultaneously housing a significant population of anti-revolutionary exiles.
