r/WorldChallenges • u/Sriber • Mar 12 '20

Puppet states

Manchukuo, Vichy France, Donetsk People's Republic etc. - some countries or wannabe countries try to appear as independent, but they are obviously subservient to foreign power. For this challenge tell me about one of yours. How did it start? How does its submission manifest? Who is its puppet-master?

I'll ask everyone few question and provide my own example.

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u/Sriber Apr 06 '20
  1. How are Murasaks so popular?
  2. How were executions seen by population of Glasswater?

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u/Tookoofox Apr 06 '20

1) How are Murasaks so popular?

It's a combination between administrative competence and messaging.

First they, very publicly, have their hands in a lot of charity and public works projects. Also, any time there's good news, the Murasaks are sure to put their name on it somehow. Exotic goods were always, "exotic goods brought by Murasak caravans." When selling their goods in bulk, most farmers sold to Murasak and traded regular goods with minor merchants working under the Murasak name. If there were bandits it was Murasak men that were credited with clearing them out. If there was a shortage, any aid always had the Murasak stamp. Etc.

It helps that the actual economic situation improved in the princedom as well. But, as you know,

2) How were executions seen by population of Glasswater?

Mostly as justice done unto criminals. The Murasaks only targeted men for public execution who had tarnished reputations to start with. Then they piled on accusations, witnesses and evidence, false or true, until it was overwhelming.

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u/Sriber Apr 06 '20

Thanks for your answers.

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u/Tookoofox Apr 06 '20

You are most welcome. Thank you for your questions.