Gryphon Avocatio
Gryphon Avocatio (AKA Nick the Yardistani) is one of the oldest citizens in Shireroth. The exact date of his immigration is unknown, but it is clear that it occurred in February 2001. He has filled many jobs in Shireroth, most notably as the Duke of Yardistan and as Kaiser. Gryphon officially left active participation in the nation in October 2005 after a string of LOAs due to a "change in direction" in his life.
The Beginning
Gryphon first joined at some point in February 2001, before the Hegemony of Alexandros was created. He was invited by his close friend Erik Mortis (who was at the time known as Kaiser Metzler I). He was barely active, but counted among the citizenry of the nation. When the HoA started, he began to post every once in a while on the HoA board. He took the name Nick the Yardistani after being annexed by the Yardistani Annexation Corps some time back.
Sometime either in Alexandros or The Republic of Tymaria, Gryphon claimed Yardistan as his own, basically usurping it from is originator Stjepan Aracic. It became generally accepted that the territory was his.
Most of what Gryphon did in his early days was stir up trouble. He mostly felt displeasure towards many of the senior members of the nations he was in and their apparent unwillingness to notice newbies.
That all changed when the Whit Rebellion occurred in Tymaria. Gryphon, seeking to gain some form of Yardistani independence movement, followed the advice of Erik and threatened the Tymarian government with a Spam Cannon. Despite the fact that no such weapon was in Gryphon's grip, the Tymarian government decided to pay attention for once. Gryphon, as well as Erik, was almost expelled from the RoT, but after several half-hearted apologies from both sides, it was generally agreed that the whole thing was a big misunderstanding. He did, however, get away with all of Shireroth under the Yardistani flag, and was singularly in charge over a large Anarchy (not counting Tymaria, of course).
From that point forward, Gryphon began to be a player in the Micronational world.
After Tymaria - Political Positions
After Shireroth left Tymaria, Gryphon was proclaimed the first Duke of Yardistan. He launched several smaller rebellions, though most of them never took off.
He has been in many positions in Shireroth. He has spent time in the ministries as the Minister of Technology, The Minister of Immigration and the Minister of Naturalization (which he reunited), and as the Minister of Research and Education. He created the basis for the Immigration system Shireroth uses today, and founded both the Library and the University. He has also been Steward, and created the well-known Oustfest during that Reign. He has also served as Kaiser Wylþeow I. Most recently, he has served as an Imperial Advisor to the Kaiser.
Gryphon has also ran for Prætor, but lost.
Political Views and Critics
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Nicolas I - Loki I - Nicholas II - Nicholas III - Ikol I - Steward Stjepan I - Letifer I - Steward Nikkolo I - Wylþeow I - Letifer II - Alejian I - Letifer III - Loki II Progenitor: Nicholas I |
Though in his early days he had fun creating mischief, Gryphon is now perhaps one the most conservative minds in Shireroth. He believes in keeping up with tradition and trying to preserve the old ways that were around when he immigrated. He is against democracy in Shireroth, and believes that average citizens (non-nobles) have no place in the Imperial Government. According to him, lawmaking ought to be reserved to the nobles, those who have earned the privilege. He also feels that micronational economies are a waste of energy, looks down on role-playing in serious situations, and opposes political parties. He is generally an isolationist, and does not look well on dual citizenships.
He has been highly criticized over the years. His critics argue that his policies make it difficult for new citizens to become involved and that he is probably trying to protect the power of his friends and of himself, especially since most of his positions and his long tenure have allowed him to have a great voice in the nation.
In the Summer of 2004, he was labeled as a central figure in the so-called Old Boys Club.
He has had a number of political rivals in the past, including WarVoid, Harvey Steffke, Philip Locke, and Rakesh Ackbar.
Admitting to some extent his own corruption, Gryphon abdicated the throne of Yardistan after being duke for almost three years (with one notable break). He retired to the job of Imperial Advisor where he would have no direct power over anybody. He has served on the council since its creation.
Real Life
In Real life, Nick studies linguistics full-time at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He is also a cyclist and amateur bicycle mechanic, as well as a fencer.
Nick is also one of Shireroth's many Linux users.