The Sentinel

[Adwest]

THE SENTINEL
Premier news publication of the Grand Kingdom of Adwest

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Neil Gore-Culross named Lord Protector



The Count of Laxenhive - a vassal and longtime confidant of Her Majesty - has been appointed as the Grand Kingdom's third Lord Protector

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Article by Anita Bates | Tolven 1583 | Gregminster, Ormbeck

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Her Majesty the Queen has appointed Count Neil Gore-Culross of Laxenhive as the Lord Protector of the Grand Kingdom of Adwest. The event took place in a special joint session of the Royal Diet earlier today, with Queen Sophia I herself addressing the members of both chambers of the Diet and urging continued national unity and strength in the face of challenges to imperial restoration. Her Majesty described the appointment of the Count of Laxenhive as a "continuation" of the epoch which begun two decades ago under her and her steward, the late Lord Ashford.

The Count of Laxenhive is a Lower Noble and a vassal of Her Majesty the Queen in her capacity as Duchess of Ormbeck. He has seen several years as a soldier and is an alumnus of Solmerrow, although retired early upon inheriting the lands and title of his father, Count Peter II. He then entered government service thereafter as a military adviser and eventually Minister of War for King Edward III, a portfolio he held for two decades. He stepped down in 1550 and returned to the administration of his family's estates for the succeeding years, only to resurface as chief of the Royal Adwestene Constabulary under Lord Ashford's government in 1568 and as a member of the Round Table Council in 1570.

The Count of Laxenhive's considerable profile in government service and lengthy familiarity in national political circles, in addition to his proximity to the Queen and the rest of the royal family for many years, are cited as the primary reasons for his appointment.

The Count of Laxenhive's ascension has been hailed as an achievement by the Deputies of the Royal Convention but as a disappointing surprise to some within the Ducal Council. Expectations initially fell upon Lord Roderick de Meisen of Lincrest as the likely successor to Lord Ashford, owing to his seniority within the High Nobility and his leading role in Lord Ashford's economic restructuring. Such expectations gained traction as the Lord de Meisen ramped up his public appearances in numerous high profile engagements and his meetings with both Her Majesty and his peers in the council.

In spite of this unexpected appointment however, the Ducal Council has expressed its resolute support to the continuation of Adwest's empire-building under the helm of someone not from their ranks. Lord Robert III Halnish has voiced such sentiments in today's joint session.

The Count of Laxenhive in his first address to the Royal Diet has named Adwestene reclamation of the Northern Territories "and beyond" as his government's primary concern and has promised "immediate and significant action" within the next few months. He has also promised a slash on taxes across the board alongside the continuation of the policy of corporate consolidation and strengthening, with an eye on the retail and light manufacturing industries.

Further details on the new government's domestic and international agenda will be revealed later this week, as the Count of Laxenhive names the new ministers of the court.

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