[Atlantia-Announce] Missive from His Majesty, King Amos le Pious

[James Rardin]

 GreetingsAtlantia, 
Over the last week We have heard much concerning the Polling of Confidenceregarding the Baronage of Black Diamond. Much of the information that is beingpushed around social media is uninformed, incorrect or blatant misinformationused to cause further dissent throughout the kingdom. I fear that due to reallife obligations We are not able to be very active in the online SCA, andbecause of that We are behind the curve of the   negativitythat is sweeping today’s society. However, I would like to take a few momentsto share some facts regarding the situation. Throughout Our Reign Her Majestyand I have received several letters of concern from the populace of BlackDiamond as well as many more individuals who approached Us personallyexpressing concern with the behavior of Their Excellencies, especially towardnewcomers. These letters, in conjunction with multiple violations of Kingdom Lawon the part of Their Excellencies, determined that according to Society and KingdomLaw we had a DUTY and an obligation to act and uphold those laws. Although Wecould have acted with more severe action including Expulsion from the SCA dueto violations of Kingdom Law, we chose instead to seek the council and guidanceof the populace by conducting a Polling of Confidence. We consulted with theKingdom Seneschal and were informed by him that under the currentinterpretation of Kingdom Law that the Polling of Confidence was acceptable. Wespoke with their Excellencies about our concerns at 12th Night.  Due to the reaction on their part followingthe conversation, We decided to move forward with the polling and informedtheir Excellencies that We would be initiating a Polling of Confidence. HerExcellency stated at the time that she was confident that they would win thevote. Additionally, Her Majesty and I have been completely withheld of anyknowledge or involvement in the sanctions of our predecessors against DukeWilliam Thomas so We have no knowledge or concern of Their Excellencies’ involvementin that case. Given that, the fact that their Excellencies have now claimedthat the polling is retaliation or revenge are entirely false. Their statementthat they were told that they would be removed regardless of the pollingresults is absolutely not true. The Society Seneschal has reinterpreted KingdomLaw and determined that there is insufficient time to complete a Baronial Pollingand therefore the Polling of Confidence is invalid, to which We have conceded.Although We still have other means of upholding Kingdom Law available to Us,including Expulsion from the SCA due to violations of Kingdom Law and the SCA Anti-BullyingPolicy, now that we are aware of their Excellencies’ possible involvement inthe investigation against Duke William Thomas We are choosing to recuseourselves from the situation and pass along all information to our HeirsDietrich and Una. We hope that Their Highnesses will give this situation theattention that it deserves. To those who have offered Us wise, genuine andcourteous council we thank you for contacting Us and hope that you know thatyour council is valued. To those who have taken this opportunity to voice yourconcerns via social media, please remember the virtues that our Society issupposed to represent. To those victims who have been affected in this matter, Wepray that you can forgive Us that We could not investigate this matter further andWe hope that you will continue to participate in the Society and can find aplace that you feel safe and accepted. To the kingdom, we have fulfilled Ourduties as outlined in the law and now consider Our involvement in the matterclosed.  If you wish to voice furtherconcerns, We ask that you contact us via email at king at atlantia.sca.org, queen at atlantia.sca.orgor via Private Message. Regards,Amos
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