NationStates Jolt Archive

The Chancellor of McIntyre, Douglas Swigert, waited a little impatiently outside of the private apartments of his Duchess. He had planned to spend the day hunting geese on Lake Audrey when he had received her message. He sighed as he saw the sky grow brighter through the stained glass windows, and thought of the duck dinner he would probably not get to eat.
After what seemed like a long wait, he was ushered into the main room, which was filled with flowers, and antique furniture in the baroque style. The Duchess stood by her desk near the unlit fireplace, poring over what looked like blueprints.

'Minister Swigert, I've been pondering how to increase the income for our nation. I'm concerned about the threats we've already received from those horrible goblins, and I also want to improve the level of education and medicine within the realm.'

'An excellent idea, Madam. As you know, we've already started advertizing our honey products in the international press...'

'Yes. I've seen that ad. It's horrible and amateurish. I know we have the best honey in the world, but we need to find a way to make a demand for it.'

She picked up a magazine from the desk and held it up. The open page showed a group of beautiful women lounging around a pool while another woman lay on her chest while receiving a massage from a handsome man.
'How about this?'

'You want a swimming pool, Madam?'

'No, Swigert, not a pool. A spa! The world's most beautiful and exclusive health spa! Think of it! we could have visitors from all over the world, and all kinds of culture and science would be brought to us! What if we invited the Leotan ambassador for a few days of getting beauty treatments for his wife, with some entertainment thrown in. Think of how the word could spread. And think of what we could charge! We have beautiful mountains, gardens galore, charming scenery- as well as the possibility for watersports, hiking and skiing! Plus our weather is perfect all year round!"

Swigert look flustered. 'But Madam, where would we put such a place?"

Here in Leonardia. Remember the Palace of the Knights?"

"That dumpy old place?"
'Not dumpy, Swigert. Charming. Picturesque. Cozy. Exclusive. Besides, it's beautiful inside and out- just a bit drafty. That can be fixed. And I was thinking that there is enough room in the old Reception Hall to house a casino."

My Lady. How are we going to pay for something like this? Do you know how expensive it is? It could cost a fortune, perhaps two fortunes? And we would need to upgrade our train station and airport. Plus we would need all the modern amenities.'

Michele waggled her finger at him. "Swigert, I've known you my whole life. You are a good man, and thoughtful. But we need to move forward in the world. I think if this is presented well to the Parliament, they will see how we can do this while paying little or nothing..."

The Duchy of McIntyre is looking for investors in a promising new and exclusive vacation area. We are interested in developing our beautiful and historic Palace of the Knights in Leonardia into the world's most beautiful and exclusive health spa and casino complex. The 3 mile area will include a health spa, hotel with heliport, casino, opera house, theatre, and a street of exclusive shops. We are also interested in refurbishing a nearby palace for upscale condominiums.

About Leonardia:

Leonardia is a the perfect vacation area. Situated on Lake Audrey, the weather is always cool and comfortable with an average high of 85 degrees F and a low of 33. The cobble-stoned streets and gaslamps have an air of romance about them, and the city is filled with charming shops, restaurants and small hotels. While Leonardia does have cars, most travel is done by bicycle or walking. Out dock is the perfect place to keep a cigarette boat or two, and the lake itself is well-stocked with fish. In the distance one can see the Gerzina Mountains, which we hope to eventually develop as a ski resort.

Leonardia does currently have an airstrip that is perfect for private planes and helicopters.

About The Duchy:

The Duchy is located at the cross-roads of the world, drawing from many different cultures. Our cuisine is primarily Eastern European, with Sephardic and Islamic influences. The specialty dish of our nation, roast leg of butterflied lamb with a mint and honey sauce, reflects the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim ancestors of our nation. You will find that the Duchy is quite accommodating to people of many faiths and traditions.

The spa and casino:
We are currently looking for investors to join us in this new endeavor. The spa and casino will be primarily owned and controlled by the government of the Duchy of McIntyre, with shares sold up to 45 percent. Building should take place shortly and be finished in time for the December holiday season. We will be advertising in the world's most exclusive magazines.

What makes us special?:
McIntyre is home to the world's best honey and royal jelly, which have been used for years in our beauty treatments. We want the world to experience the beauty and delicacy that we have heretofore kept to ourselves, and become the greatest and most fashionable spa in the history of the world.

We will be selling rights to open restaurants, shops, and renting space at low cost to those who wish to join us. We would also like to remind you that our taxes are relatively low for outside contractors- only 15%- which makes us the perfect place to open businesses such as banks and hotels. While land in McIntyre cannot be sold to non-citizens, the Grand Duchess has indicated a willingness to encourage favorable rental rates.