Political Leaders

The King of Morada

Born Matthew Alvarez, he became king of Morada upon his father's death in 1982. Although popular, he is less intelligent than his father, and none of the old king's political savvy. He tends to be impulsive, easily coerced, and given to pet projects that never see completion. He has a bad habit of appointing his friends and well-wishers to the Royal staff, and to various special ministries, without consideration for the suitability of such appointments. Still, he is rather kind, and definitely not malicious, and he has a certain 'jet setting' flair that gives him some renown with the citizens of the island. Many feel that since the King is still young, 37, he will grow out of these tendencies as he matures. He is considered a 'Progressive' in policy, and his newest pet project is a monorail system designed to circumnavigate the island. This, he hopes, will bring in more tourists, and perhaps more of the American and European trade (although how this is to be accomplished, King Matthew isn't quite sure). One project of his that has been successful is the University. As far as facilities and faculty go, it is superior to any in the geographic area, and brings in students who would other wise never have looked at Morada as a possible locale for education.

Phillippe Gaume'

The King's Steward, Minister for Protocol of the King's Retinue. Phillippe Gaume' (or Monsieur, as he prefers to be called) has been with the King's household since he was twenty years old. Blessed with an eye for detail, and a head for figures, he was quickly appointed to the position of Royal Accountant. Unfortunately, such a position did not satisfy young Phillippe and he maneuvered himself into a position where, whenever the post became available, he would be the natural choice for King's Steward. Having worked in that capacity for several years, he is beginning to wonder if he can deal with the Monarch's phenomenal idiocy much longer. As King's Steward, Monsieur Guame has the responsibility for the public aspects of the city of Cape Marassas (this includes utilities, minor city offices and appointments, city sales tax, parks and recreation, etc.). He also is the Minister for Protocol -- an empty function, in his opinion, as the King has no protocol himself. Phillippe aspires to the time when the King will depend on him alone for advice on political questions, and then he will be able to take control over almost every aspect of life on Morada. Given his natural abilities and his age (41), he may very well live to attain his goal. Time is on his side, even if the King isn't.

Francoise "Lyre" Cafaro

Minister of Commerce and Labor, Governor Vicinage 7. Born to parents of mixed Carib and African decent, Francoise learned at an early age that prejudices founded by the Spanish and French have not totally died away in Morada. While clinging the traditions of the island's 'native peoples', she sought to overcome those prejudices with education and political activism. Through the gift of a wealthy 'friend' she was able to afford a university education. Spurning the island's University, she selected Harvard and was admitted to their pre-law program. After the money ran out, she supported herself through singing. Her voice became renowned through out the music world for its clarity and tone, and if she chose, Ms. Cafaro could have made it her livelihood. It was during these university years that she acquired her nickname, Lyre, but her love was for law, and for her people in Morada. She missed the rituals, the community, and the magic that was a part of daily life in the Reserve. After passing the bar, she returned to Morada to fight for her peoples rights (in what ever capacity was needed). Francoise is politically a die-hard Traditionalist and an Isolationist. She feels that an increase in tourism and foreign money would sabotage the Island's self-sufficiency, and turn her people back into nothing more than "slaves for the ignorant Europeans." She has run unopposed for the Governorship fifteen times since she first took office. The King's dislike of Ms. Cafaro is well known, and he has called her vicinage for elections more than any other on the island. Most of the Governors who disagree with Ms. Cafaro's viewpoints keep their opposition subtle and leave personalities out of it. There is still a rumor flying concerning the death of one of her more vocal (and insulting) opponents. After a particularly horrendous (by most everyone's standards) legislative session, the man ended up dead of no apparent causes. Locals whispered that voodoo was the reason, but were careful not to lay the blame on Francoise Cafaro's doorstep.

Eric Morris

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Governor Vicinage 4. Mr. Morris is unique in the Assembly, as he is the only member who is of straight British decent. Exceedingly well educated, of quiet demeanor and unemotional temperament, Mr. Morris has a natural flair for seeing to the heart of a matter and finding solutions that fit his own agenda. After teaching PoliSci and History for twenty-three years at Morada's University, he made his debut into the politics of the island and quickly moved up the ranks in his home vicinage. Three years ago, he became Governor, and was confirmed as Minister of Foreign Affairs. As a "Progressive" he uses all his skills in furthering the goals of the main 'businesses' with in the vicinage -- the Hospital, and the University. Opponents of Mr. Morris's policies say that he only has an eye on what is good for the upper class, and has no real concerns for those in the lower income bracket. His past voting record bears out this accusation out to some extent.

Richard de Chabineux

Minister of Transportation and Development, Governor Vicinage 2. Originally a Moderate, Mr. de Chabineux has been successfully wooed by the King's associates, and is now an out and out Progressive. Although young, he is neither reckless nor impulsive, and is willing to wait for the right moment before launching any actions. Obsessed by power, de Chabineux will make alliances as he feels is necessary to promote what ever scheme is afoot, including under-the-table payoffs to prominent leaders in other vicinages. Some of his constituents feel that this makes him unreliable, but others see his machinations as benefiting the island as a whole. In reality, everything Richard plans is for his own benefit, but as he is clever enough to understand his power base, he does very little to harm the people, who's good will keeps him in office. He is hoping that sometime in the not so distant future, their support will no longer be necessary, and he will be able to pursue his ambitions regardless of policy.

Maria Alverez

Minister of Health, Education and Welfare, Governor Vicinage 1. Mrs. Alvarez (cousin-in-law to the King) wishes she had never taken her husband's last name when she got married. She feels that being an 'Alvarez' is a disadvantage when your milieu is Moradian politics. Having run for Governor on a dare from her husband -- who told her to stop complaining and do something about the problems she saw -- she was astonished to find herself in the Assembly at the start of the winter session two years ago. With no previous experience in legislation, save that of running a household of seven, Mrs. Alvarez governs by instinct and common sense. She actively seeks her constituents' advice and council, and makes decisions based on that information. For this reason, her voting tends to be erratic at times, and the information that she possesses is often incorrect or incomplete. Viewed as a "Moderate" by the others in the Assembly, Governor Alvarez insists that she has no true affiliations, and votes as she feels the need. One thing is for sure, she rarely sides with her cousin, the King, and wishes that his idiotic behavior wouldn't reflect so badly on the rest of the family.

Roberto Gomez

Minister of National Security, Governor Vicinage 3. Mr. Gomez is an observer. He watches everything. Previously a strategist for the Moradian Army (all five hundred of them), he has taken covert operations to heart. Some say this makes him a natural for dealing with matters of Internal Security, but others, more inclined to be uneasy about being spied upon, say that Roberto Gomez is a dangerous man. Most of his constituents are puzzled as to how he came to be their Governor, but few are willing to call him to account. His voting record is Moderate to Traditionalist, and he very rarely opposes any proposed legislation by arguing about it. He simply casts his vote and lets others pick up the pieces.

Nuito Slesin

Ministry of Science and Energy, Governor Vicinage 6. Mr. Slesin is the eldest of the Assembly members. At 68 years of age, he is trying to decide if this will be his last session, and if he should learn how to deep sea fish. As the Governor for his Vicinage for the last 17 years, he feels that he has more than done his civic duty. Wise and witty, there is not one member of the Assembly that does not appreciate his humor, even if they do not care for his voting record. Nuito is a strong believer in improving the technology on the Island, and feels that Morada will suffer in the eyes of other countries (US, Canada and Europe) if it does not do so. Cautiously 'Progressive' in his voting, he even endorses the King's attempts to build a light rail system, although his reasons for wanting it built are quite different.

Luce "The Iceman" Berthelot

Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Governor Vicinage 5. Mr. Berthelot's ancestors were French noblemen who came to Morada in the 1700s and increased their already sizable fortunes with trade and sugarcane. These facts were learned early by Luce, and never forgotten. Living still on the family plantation, he is considered by all of Morada to be a true Gentleman. Known as much for his icy reserve as for his French suits, he has been known to make the King tremble with only a cool stare. It is an established fact in most people's minds that Luce Berthelot cares only about money and what it can buy -- whether this is true or not is known only to Mr. Berthelot. Quietly Moderate to Progressive, his actions as PM have been flawless, if inscrutable. Considered the most desirable man to have at diplomatic functions (if only for his good looks and breeding), Luce Berthelot is in the eye of every matchmaking, materialistic mother ever to have a daughter of marriageable age.

Back To Preamble | Back To Overview | Return Home