The Free Shire of Sûza

About the Free Shire of Sûza

What is Sûza?

The Free Shire of Sûza is a micronation founded on the principles of voluntary cooperation, democratic governance, and connection to the natural world. Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's Shire, we seek to build a community that values simple pleasures, honest work, and mutual respect.

Our Philosophy

Sûza represents a desire to move forward and build a better future through small, everyday actions. We draw from the wisdom of generations past, valuing handcrafts and imagination over production lines and pure efficiency.

We don't seek a return to the past, but rather to bring forward elements of historical traditions that enhance our lives while making the most of what the modern world has to offer.

Territory & Structure

Sûza is divided into four Farthings: Northfarthing, Eastfarthing, Southfarthing, and Westfarthing. Within each Farthing are Folklands - family units that serve as the basic territorial divisions of the Shire.

Established Folklands:

• Cantium (Eastfarthing) - Hearth of Thain Wilcome Greenhand
• Belerion (Westmarch) - Hearth of Warden Ithil Starfoot
• Zingham (Buckland) - Hearth of Master Gaffer Daggins

Our Values

• Voluntary cooperation over coercion
• Democratic participation and transparency
• Connection to nature and seasons
• Creating rather than consuming
• Celebrating simple life

Our Motto - "Freedom. Joy. Play."

Freedom…

…is the core pillar of Sûza. There are three core freedoms we must hold true:

Freedom to Join – anyone must be free to join Sûza as a citizen, provided they are a safe addition to our people and can feasibly participate in society. And once a citizen, people must be free to join any activity they wish to.

Freedom to Leave – anyone must be free to leave Sûza as they please. For whatever reason, they are of course then also free to rejoin the Shire should they wish to in future.

Freedom to Be – while within the Free Shire anyone can do what they like, so long as they do not endanger anyone. Most of all we give them freedom to be themselves to their truest, fullest extent. Freedom to Be also includes being free to object and to disagree.

Joy…

…is essential to produce a functioning voluntary community. Without joy, Sûza becomes work and then why are we even doing it? Joy naturally enhances everything we do, through Joy we become more comfortable with Freedom.

Play…

…is the method, the glue, that holds Freedom and Joy together. Freedom is necessary because it allows and legitimises Play. Play is, for us, the core building block of Joy. Play is the act of doing something because it is fun in that moment, or because it seems like it would be a good idea. Play can never be forced, hence the core of Freedom.

We do not believe seriousness is born from a lack of play, it is formed through play being made official and meaningful.

Inaugural East Farthing Championships

On the 25th Foreyule S.R. 1 (14th December 2025), the first athletic records of the Free Shire of Sûza were established at Cantium in the Eastfarthing. Despite challenging winter conditions with wet grass, Thain Wilcome Greenhand set the founding standards.

National Rankings

Men's 20m Dash - All-Time

Rank	Athlete	Folkland	Time	Points	Date
1	Wilcome Greenhand	Cantium (EF)	4.08s	1000	25 Foreyule S.R. 1

Men's 10m Dash - All-Time

Rank	Athlete	Folkland	Time	Points	Date
1	Wilcome Greenhand	Cantium (EF)	2.34s	1000	25 Foreyule S.R. 1

Scoring System

Scoring Principles

All events use a fixed baseline scoring system where the Inaugural Record (established 25 Foreyule S.R. 1) serves as the permanent 1000-point reference.

Breaking the record earns additional points but does not change the baseline. This preserves the historical significance of the Championships.

20 Metre Dash Scoring

Baseline: 4.08s (Thain Wilcome Greenhand)

Formula: Points = 1000 × (4.08 ÷ Athlete Time)²

Note: All performances are measured against the Inaugural Record, regardless of subsequent records being set.

Constitution of the Free Shire of Sûza

Signed 12th Afterlithe S.R. 1 by Thain Wilcome Greenhand

Article I – Sûza

The full name of this nation is the Free Shire of Sûza. The territory consists of four Farthings, each containing Folklands where citizens reside. Sûza claims full sovereignty and right to self-governance.

Article II – Citizens

Citizenship is conferred upon those aged 13 or older (or any age if related to an incumbent citizen), who uphold the Rules and Constitution, and whose application is approved by the Mayor.

Citizens have the right to:

• Maintain personal privacy
• Take a 'Hobbit' name
• Own and maintain their land
• Due process and fair trials
• Participate in community events
• Attend the Moot and vote
• Hold public office

Article III – The Moot

The Moot consists of all citizens who attend quarterly sessions. Presided over by the Thain, the Moot may propose and enact Rules, approve appointments, amend the Constitution (by supermajority), and approve budgets.

Article IV – The Thain

The Thain serves as Head of State and Chair of the Moot. The role is hereditary, passing to the named heir or closest living relative who is a Sûzan citizen.

Article V – The Mayor

The Mayor is elected annually on the First of Lithe. Responsibilities include reviewing citizenship applications, issuing Grants of Merit, and serving as Vice-Chair of the Moot.

Article VII – Law and The Rules

The Rules are the collective body of legislation issued by the Moot and Mayor. Punishments must be unanimously agreed upon by Moot, Mayor, and Thain. No citizen may be jailed or killed; maximum fine is £30.

Article VIII – Date and Time

Sûza follows the Shire Reckoning calendar, with S.R. 1 corresponding to 2025 CE. Sûza Standard Time (SST) is GMT+00:15.

Download Full Constitution (PDF)

Government of the Free Shire

The Thain

Current Thain: Wilcome Greenhand

The Thain serves as Head of State and presides over all Moot sessions. As a hereditary position, the Thain provides continuity and may call emergency gatherings when needed.

The Mayor

Status: Position currently vacant - elections to be held First of Lithe S.R. 2

The Mayor serves as Vice-Chair of the Moot, reviews citizenship applications, and may issue Decrees (subject to Moot veto). Elected annually by popular vote.

The Moot

The legislative assembly of all Sûzan citizens. Convenes quarterly to propose and vote on Rules, approve appointments, and review government actions. All citizens present have one vote; decisions pass by simple majority unless otherwise specified.

Next Session: Winter Moot S.R. 2 (date to be announced)

The Watch

Status: Not yet established

The Watch consists of Shirriffs (who ensure citizens uphold the Rules) and Bounders (who keep watch on borders and lands). Members are appointed by the Mayor, subject to Moot approval.

Citizens interested in joining the Watch should contact the Thain.

Treasury

Current Balance: £5.10

The Treasury operates on voluntary contributions only - no mandatory taxation. All transactions are reported at each Moot session.

The Shire-Post

Official newsletter of the Free Shire of Sûza - Published bi-monthly

About The Shire-Post

The Shire-Post is the official chronicle of life in Sûza, featuring Moot reports, citizen contributions, historical articles, and reflections from the Thain's Desk. Published every other month, it serves as both official record and community connection.

Current Issue: Foreyule S.R. 1

Featured Content:

• The First Moot of Sûza - complete report
• The Four Acts - seasonal calendar, national sport, folklands, and treasury
• Treasury Report - the £5.10 story
• From The Thain's Desk - reflections on building the Republic of Heaven
• Dates and Times in Sûza - understanding SST and Shire Reckoning

Download Issue 1 (PDF)

Submit Content

Contributions are welcome from all citizens and supporters! We seek:

• Articles on Shire life and activities
• Poetry and creative writing
• Photography and artwork
• Historical research and etymology
• Nature observations and rambling reports

Next Deadline: 20th Afteryule S.R. 2 (10th January 2026)

Contact: henleywilliam01@gmail.com

Archive

• Issue 1 - Foreyule S.R. 1 (Current)

Official Documents

Constitution & Founding Documents

• Constitution of the Free Shire of Sûza (PDF)
• Signed: 12th Afterlithe S.R. 1 (4th July 2025)

Moot Minutes

• Autumn Moot - 17th Foreyule S.R. 1 (6th December 2025)

Acts & Rules

Enacted at Autumn Moot S.R. 1:

• The Reckoning of the Seasons Act
• The National Sport Act
• The Folklands Declaration Act
• The Treasury and Budget Act

The Shire-Post Archive

• Issue 1 - Foreyule S.R. 1

Reference Materials

• Shire Reckoning Calendar
• Recruitment Flyer
• Folklands Map (Coming soon)

About the Thain

Thain Wilcome Greenhand

Head of State of the Free Shire of Sûza

In Office: 12th Afterlithe S.R. 1 - Present

The Role of Thain

As Head of State and Chair of the Moot, the Thain serves as the constitutional guardian of the Free Shire. The position is hereditary, providing continuity and stability to Sûzan governance across generations.

Founding Vision

Thain Wilcome founded the Free Shire of Sûza on the principles of voluntary cooperation, democratic participation, and connection to the natural world. Drawing inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien's Shire and the philosophical concept of the "Republic of Heaven," the Thain envisions Sûza as more than a micronation - it is an experiment in building something good through small, everyday actions.

As expressed in The Shire-Post Issue 1:

"Sûza is not merely a micronation for micronationalism's sake, it is an experiment in voluntary governance and a vessel for change... We don't want a return to the past, we want to bring forward elements of historical traditions that we feel enhance our lives while also letting us make the most of what the modern world has to offer."

Beyond the Shire

In addition to his duties as Thain, Wilcome is the founder and editor of Saber Talk, a sports journalism blog covering the international LED Saber combat circuit. His work spans tournament analysis, fighter interviews, and advocacy for fairness in emerging competitive sports.

Philosophy & Projects

The Thain's approach to both Sûza and his broader work reflects a commitment to:

• Active creation over passive consumption - Building rather than scrolling, making rather than watching
• Community through voluntary cooperation - No coercion, no mandatory obligations
• Connection to the physical world - Getting outside, observing nature, engaging with place
• Documentation and storytelling - Recording the small stories that make up a life well-lived
• Building the Republic of Heaven here - Creating goodness in this world through attention, care, and craft

Current Initiatives

The Thain is currently leading several projects for the development of Sûza:

• Editing and publishing The Shire-Post bi-monthly newsletter
• Drafting Sûzan Croquet rules for presentation at Winter Moot
• Documenting the bounds and features of Cantium (his Folkland in the Eastfarthing)
• Maintaining transparency through public Moot minutes and Treasury reports
• Personal challenge: One month without YouTube to encourage active engagement over passive consumption

Constitutional Powers

Under Article IV of the Constitution, the Thain may:

• Call a Sûza-muster in times of need
• Convene Especial Moots outside the regular schedule (with 5 days' notice)
• Preside over all Moot sessions as Chair
• Provide continuity of governance across administrations

Contact the Thain

The Thain welcomes correspondence regarding Shire matters, citizenship inquiries, newsletter contributions, and general questions about Sûza.

Email: henleywilliam01@gmail.com

Citizenship

About Sûzan Citizenship

Citizenship in the Free Shire of Sûza is open to those who uphold the Rules and Constitution and wish to bring goodwill to the Shire. Citizens enjoy full participation in democratic governance, may establish their own Folklands, and contribute to the community's growth.

Requirements

To become a citizen of the Free Shire, applicants must:

• Be aged 13 or older (no age requirement if related to an incumbent citizen)
• Uphold the Rules and Constitution
• Bring goodwill to the Shire
• Have their application approved by the Mayor (or Thain while position is vacant)

Rights of Citizens

Citizens of Sûza have the right to:

• Attend and vote at all Moot sessions
• Establish their own Folkland with designated Hearth
• Take a 'Hobbit' name and maintain cultural identity
• Hold public office (Mayor, Watch positions)
• Participate in all community events and gatherings
• Contribute to The Shire-Post newsletter
• Make voluntary contributions to the Treasury
• Maintain personal privacy (information not shared without consent)

Responsibilities

• Uphold the Constitution and Rules
• Contribute positively to Shire community
• Declare Folkland name and location to the Mayor
• Treat fellow citizens with respect and goodwill

Application Status

Currently: Citizenship applications are not yet publicly available. The Free Shire is in its founding phase with the inaugural citizens and the Thain's invitees establishing the governmental framework.

Applications will open once:

• A Mayor is elected (First of Lithe S.R. 2)
• The Watch is formally established
• Initial governance structures are fully operational

We anticipate opening applications following the Winter Moot S.R. 2 and the establishment of the Mayoral office.

Current Citizens & Folklands

The Free Shire currently has four citizens:

• Thain Wilcome Greenhand - Folkland of Cantium (Eastfarthing)
• Ithil Starfoot, Warden of Westmarch - Folkland of Belerion (Westmarch)
• Gaffer Daggins, Master of Buckland - Folkland of Zingham (Buckland)
• Primula Claywhistle - Southfarthing

Contact the Free Shire

Contact the Free Shire

For general inquiries about Sûza:

Email: henleywilliam01@gmail.com

The Thain welcomes correspondence regarding:

• General questions about the Free Shire
• Expressing interest in future citizenship
• Contributions to The Shire-Post
• Moot attendance inquiries
• Watch recruitment (once established)

The Shire-Post

Submit articles, poetry, artwork, or other contributions:

Email: henleywilliam01@gmail.com

Next Deadline: 20th Afteryule S.R. 2 (10th January 2026)

Stay Informed

To receive updates about Moot sessions, newsletter releases, and Shire announcements, email the Thain to be added to our mailing list.

Useful Links

• Shire Reckoning Calendar
• Saber Talk (by Thain Wilcome Greenhand)