Oltiryngard: Stories of the Empire (Closed, IC, PT)

by **Fjeld** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:37 am

Fjeld Borg, East Drachensfell

Siegvard entered his chambers, dropped his vine-branch cudgel on a chest and removed his travel clothes. His visit to the oak groves flew from his mind as he dressed himself in the white and blue robes of the Pontifex of the Templum Animae. He opened a casket full of letters and removed two documents. He then left his study and walked up to the highest tower in the castle where a bagpiper was on station. He said, "call the College of Magi together." The haunting tones of the bagpipe spread far on the wind, and in Underfjeld, the town surrounding the stronghold of the House of Fjeld, old men heard the call and dressed in their ceremonial robes.

Sanctum Animae, under Fjeld Borg, East Drachensfell

Siegvard was already sitting in the the Aula Vocum, regarding the many gray-haired men entering the circular room. Most of them were dressed in either white or green robes, except for Eirik Rød, the Carnifex of the Templum, who was dressed in crimson robes.
It took a while before everyone had washed their face, feet and hands, but eventually the College was gathered, and Siegvard stood up from the pillow he had regarded the Magi from and walked to the center of the room. All the fifty Magi were seated at the boundaries of the room, their bodies half in shadow, and listening attentively.
"King Wolfgang has issued an edict, and a few days ago news of it arrived in my chambers," he said, and passed the document around.

BY THE ORDER OF HIS MAJESTY THE KING,

It has come to the attention of HIS MAJESTY that certaine nobile houses in HIS domain are failing to ABIDE by the commands of HIS HOLINESS THE PATRIARCH, and are not acting as goodlie Luminists ought to. Therefore, HIS MAJESTY commands that those lords who worship PAGAN gods over the ALMIGHTY shalt be stripped of all their titles, and EXILED as heretics.
God Save the King

When most of the Magi had seen it he continued, "this, of course, is an afront to our House, our Faith and our People." One Magos stood up and said, "but the edict is directed at those who worship pagan gods, surely we can just say we do not worship pagan gods?"
Siegvard answered, "but the spirit of the edict cannot be escaped on pure semantics, our gracious King is hostile to our Faith. He clearly demands that we must worship his supposedly almighty magnanimus, and none other."
The Magi were clearly bothered by this, and one white-robed Magos Bellis stood up and said, "maybe we should ally with those who worship the many, the old magnanimae? Surely they would hate to allow the Luminists a victory?"
"That might be a good idea, after all a forest fire does not end with just one tree," Siegvard said, "then I want all Magi who support a letter to the followers of the magnanimae in Asamark for support to raise their fists in the air." Fourty-seven fists rose.

Siegvards Study, Fjeld Borg, East Drachensfell

As Siegvard had been up from the Aula Vocem his wife, Iôrund, had come to him with a letter from the Herzog. And the news were good. He told his wife to fetch their son Ask and assemble twenty huskarls with horses and gear for travel. He then hurried up to his study to write a response.

He placed the letter in a budstikke and left for the courtyard. There he gave the budstikke to his son Ask, who was by now equipped for travel, with orders to bring it to the Herzog of House Hermanir. Ask and his escorth promply rode out of Fjeld Borg through the town of Underfjeld and through the fields of rye, purpleroot and cloudberries, then headed north.

by **Ivlendir** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 2:17 pm

Imperial Bedchamber, Ivlendir

Ealdred glanced at the Pandesian girl while reading the letter. When he had finished he set it down and turned to his wife. The Empress Sophia looked at the young girl. "Go to sleep, young lady. The Emperor is tired and needs his rest," she said, ushering Saanya out the door. The last thing Saanya saw was the Empress picking up the letter and looking angrily at her husband. Court tomorrow would doubtless be another hostile one between the two.

Imperial Court, Ivlendir

"So, Fjeld rises in the north, to whom Asamark sends soldiers for assistance. Asamark calls for pagan allies from Tsalaki and Pandesia while continuing to defy my orders and calling in his banners. Ulric will ride into a ring of steel in the North. And the Pandesians have locked up Luminist priests. And to top it all, the Patriarch will visit soon enough. What am I to do with such a pit of vipers as this empire? I have a mind to kill them all." The Emperor touched the pommel of Peacebringer, the sword of his house.

"The pagans look to bind themselves to one another against the Church, milord," said Godfrey of Westhaim, Archbishop of Ivlendir. Godfrey was a mystery to men like Waylon and Lord Mortimer. The Emperor had rode out to Westhaim one day, returned with this young priest and with the consent of the then-Patriarch, Godfrey had been appointed Archbishop. He seemed to fit the Emperor though, a soft touch. Waylon liked him immensely more than the conniving Venetia. The Archishop, his miter on his head and wearing gilded robes, continued. "The Church strikes out with a closed first when it should extend an open hand. Is not your grandson the son of a pagan, yet anointed as as Luminist? I council caution here. Rash action may put the realm's pagan lords into open rebellion."

Gabriel stood up. "In all respect to our luminous Archbishop, you should call out your men, your majesty. Send me north with a few thousand to meet Ulric on the road. Together, we will assist our Uncle Wolfgang against Fjeld. Then, we will turn north to Asamark and bring back all your grain!" He looked at the Pandesian girl Saanya who stood behind the Empress. "I hesitate to say this in the presence of this girl, but the Pandesians defy the law by arresting these priests. The law is clear here; the lords temporal are ruled by the Emperor's law, and the lords spiritual are ruled by the Patriach's. One cannot rule the other without great harm to our souls."

"Gabriel is right, Ealdred," said Empress Sophia. "My brother shows his righteousness. It is high time these pagans saw the light. Gratian was anointed ten generations ago. You should not commit this sin of leniency as your ancestors have done. Issue orders to convert to all your vassals."

"Would that Jordan were here now!" said the Emperor, shaking his head. "But we have his shadow, at least. What do you think, Farran?" Ealdred stared at his Grand Marshal. Earl Farran Heyshiel had been Jordan's most valued lieutenant. Originally a mercenary, he had sworn to Jordan when the Lion had destroyed yet another rebellious army. Heyshiel had been overwhelmed by the Lion's ferocity. He had served the realm ever since, taking over as Grand Marshal when Jordan met his untimely end.

"Your son has the right of the law, your majesty. The Pandesians break it by imprisoning these priests. It will be a gross violation if they execute them. This is a matter you should discuss with the Patriarch when he comes. As for the north, I fear that sending forces to aid Ulric will escalate tensions. He will have to pass through Fjeld on the way to Asamark. Perhaps he might be able to advise us on the situation when he returns. Regardless, Ulric Lionsbane is a capable warrior surrounded by other capable warriors. Your brother found that out in a difficult manner. If we do too much, we risk the deaths of both Ulric and your grandson. Until Prince Gabriel and the Sturlungar girl produce a son, we must protect Osgar."

The Emperor held the pommel of Peacebringer while he scratched his beard. He sat in silence, the room quiet as the emperor pondered his moves. Finally he spoke.

"We will let Wolfgang fight Siegvard and Theud. Let the Northmen kill as many as one another as possible. I will not risk my empire for my brother-in-law's zealotry nor my vassal's pride. How God disposes that battle will suit us, no matter the outcome. Ulric is to get the seed, nothing more."

Gabriel and Sophia started to protest, but he waved them off. "Send a raven to Prince Castamir, care of his daughter Berúthiel. We will receive Elendur. But remind her of the law. The priests must be let go. And furthermore, remind her who her liege lord is. King Riordan should deal with matters of my law first. She forgets her place in her haste to enforce our law. Thank her for her loyalty and her efficiency. Suggest also that Elendur ride north with our good Keeper of the Seals, Duke Trasaric of Crethir. Tell her also that we will take up her case with the Patriarch when he arrives. If she resists, well, Gabriel is our champion, and whomever she chooses will face him in a trial by combat. We have more civilized ways of dealing with lawbreakers than war and arrest. Also, Oldenkirk, gently remind our good friend Riordan that he might do more about his southern subjects."

"We will also make the marriage of my daughter contingent on conversion to Luminism. I believe that there's that Dannik boy in Sverq who could prove a useful son-in-law as well. Let us receive suitors, bind them to the Church. At least one house will take in the Luminist faith." The Emperor's mouth broke into a smile. Gabriel looked very grim, as did Sophia.

"Get out. All of you. Save Godfrey." The Archbishop stood in place as the rest of the court filed out. Ealdred gestured him over. The Archbishop approached the throne. It was an old chair, carved from a massive piece of marble. Saints and emperors and kings were carved into it. At the top, Ivlen, the first King of the Vale, and Gratian, the first Emperor, supported the arms of the House of Ifelin. He leaned in close, hiding the Emperor's mouth from viewing eyes as his imperial majesty whispered softly in his ear.

He listened intently. "He has been known to utter such sentiments, your majesty. It is unbecoming of his station." The Emperor whispered again and Godfrey responded. "Yes, your majesty. I believe there is precedence, perhaps, but you should not depend upon it. He may be more useful bound to our will." The Emperor whispered again.

Godfrey smiled. "I will always be your loyal servant, my lord."

by **Pandesia** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 2:46 pm

The Most August Princedom of Pandesia
The Southern Court of Pandesia, the Holy City of Pandora, the Realm of Pandesilla
Under the Benevolent lordship of his Serene Highness Prince Castamir IV Tarquilya-Alcedina

To the lords and princes of the heathen world, to the prince of Raven's Perch, the Herzog of Asamark, the Lord of Fjeld and indeed to all lords, knights and princes even opposed to the spread of extremistic luminism be well greeted,

As the regent and heir respectively of the Most August Princedom of Pandesia and all its realms and lands, in the solemn name of his serene highness Prince Castamir IV Tarquilya-Alcedina, Lord of Pandora, Prince of Pandesia, Grand Admiral of the Southern Seas, Lord of the Southlands, Warder of Prinzwood and Sovereign of the Southern Cities, we, Berúthiel Tarquilya-Alcedina and Miraz Tarquilya-Alcedina, write you uniscent as we believe firmly that we all stand on a knifes edge from which we cannot afford to stray even the slightest if not we are to fall completely and our religious traditions be stomped by the bloody extremism of inquisitions and cruel patriarchal creeds.

Let it first be noted that as we write this communiqué from the southern court of the principality we do so from a city in which an archbishop of the luminist faith can have a friendly, if heated, theological debate with a High Priest of God Enkur, where a shaman and a magi can discuss esoterism, where a druid and a philosopher can converse about the meaning of life, all under the noble patronage of our most noble lord Prince. Pandesia is a realm where no man or women need fear for his life or property if he or she reject any religion or embrace any other. As such should it be claimed that this realm of the House of Tarquilya-Alcedina is hostile to the luminist faith then that will be a foul lie propagated by those extremist who we are indeed sceptic of. Nothing could be further from the truth as prosperous luminist monasteries and churches bear witness too.

Yet however much we respect the spirituality of all our citizens as we write thee noble lords, knights and even commoners who has received this communiqué let it also be noted that we do so observing a magnificent marble dome of a temple to all gods rise before our eye in the center of our fair city, a dome that already rises above the highest tower of the cathedral of the luminist faith. As this dome rises so must all those faiths, old or new, that has been rejected by the luminist extremists in the form of a king of the north, a patriarch of the east and an inquisition whose influence can only be to great. Such impudent fanaticism must be curtailed and indeed so it shall in the name of all gods of all faiths.

Good folk of the empire of Oltiryngard, princes, lords, knights, clerics, commoners, soldiers hear these words of the gentle south. There is not one god who is master of all and in whose name intolerance and cruelty is condoneable. There is no single faith who is to be universally accepted throughout the empire. There is no single spiritual lord to whom all must bow. No there are not, and by all gods too whom we swear we hereby openly defy this notion.

Thus it is our will to appeal to the emperor, sovereign and master of us all, that he in his wisedom must see that what we here have decreed is a truth which cannot, shall not and must not be rejected. We will besiege ou noble prince and lord that he will not stand for the agressive attempts by the luminist faith to consume his realm and enslave his people. We besiege those, heathen or luminist alike, who reject religious tyranny to join our efforts to make the emperor concede to our creed for freedom of religion throughout his realm and freedom from persecution on the grounds of spirituality. This is a goal we are willing to propagate through diplomacy that the emperor will see its wisedom, but if need be it is also an ideal which we will fight for on any battlefield from Pandora too Therisylvania and even to the capital of the empire itself.

We appeal to our fellow heathen lords, named or not, great or small, rich or poor, to join us in this crusade for freedom of patriarchs and inquisitions. We ask our heathen brothers, all those not willing to bow to a patriarch and his puppets, to join together in brotherhood, in a great Heathen League, to oppose the tyranny of the luminist extremism that has sadly gripped this land the result of the famine we all face.

May all Gods preserve the Heathen League
Berúthiel Tarquilya-Alcedina
Miraz Tarquilya-Alcedina

It was an almost historic moment the chancellor thought as he saw the two siblings, the Princess Regent and the Crown Prince, sign the same document even managing to smile to one another doing so. The chancellor said a quick prayer to the gods of the doomed temple rising beyond the palace that the cooperation would make a new precedent for the estranged siblings. "A good idea this Heathen League my dear." Prince Miraz said politely flashing his older sister a charming smile that in the eunuch chancellor's eyes made him look alot like the late crown prince Valacar. Berúthiel returned the smile for once glad that she could see eye to eye with the little brother she still had some emotions for. "We risk quite alot if they say no. I doubt the emperor will be pleased when this follows the arrest of half the clergy in our realm." She said slightly more pessimistic. Miraz shrugged indiferently, his lack of political skill was exactly why Berúthiel believed herself a better succesor once Castamir died. After all what did it matter that Miraz was a talented soldier when Pandesia did not wage wars, on the ground at least? "Asamark pretty much already have suggested something similarly and Raven's Perch also seemed agreeable towards the notion." Miraz said before emptying a glass of the finest tegan wine Pandesia could produce. "Well I have to go sister." He said nodding slightly towards the chancellor before leaving the room humming parts of the march song of the pandesian army.

Berúthiel shook her head turning to the chancellor with an intense glance. "That man must never rule Daenos." She said addressing the chancellor by his first name, something she hardly ever did. The half man sighed, he hated to discuss the line of succesion with the princess and her brother. "Your highness I do not presume to be in any position to decide who shall succed his serene highness prince Castamir IV. But your brother is the oldest son of the oldest son of the prince and as such first in line." Berúthiel snarled her famous tempter rising. "But I am the regent and has been appointed by the prince as his lawful representative. It would only be natural that I succed him on the throne would it not?" The chancellor started sweating a little. Berúthiel did have arguements for her cause, the least of which was not that she was far more talented then her younger brother. But succesion was succesion and it was not something the chancellor involved himself in. Having been castrated in the southern cities at the age of seven he had difficulty understanding such things seeing as he could never himself farther a child.

"Have your highness considered king Riordan's proposal?" The chancellor requested eager to move on to another, although related, subject that did not involve a discussion of legality. Princess Berúthiel nodded hesitantly. "I have indeed given his majesty's offer much consideration. My daughter Saanya is certainly of marriageabl age and marrying a king would be most fitting. Yet I am not entirely convinced yet. I had imagined an alliance with Raven's Perch as being a more obvious choice seeing as the border between them and Sverq is the one furthest from Pandora and since having Sverq located between our own dominion and that of an ally would suit me well." The chancellor raised an eyebrow for a moment. Princess Berúthiel's cunning and skilfully scheming nature had the drawback of making the woman somewhat paranoid in regards to her vassals. While Magna Lpqy was unlikely to posses the ability to rebel seeing as the state was one of the most impooverished of the empire and was bordered entirely by the principality itself, Sverq was an entirely different matter. In size it was a worthy rival of Pandesia and in population it was not much behind the principality. Its army was considerably bigger and it was very far from Pandesia and the southern heartland of the principality. Yet the lords of Sverq had never before given reason to doubt and the chancellor couldn't help but feel that perhaps the princess was a bit excessive in her paranoia. But then he had a briliant idea. "If you highness fear Sverq's loyality perhaps your highness could marry one of the senior lords of Sverq yourself." He suggested.

Berúthiel for a moment looked at her chancellor like he was an idiot. "I am close to forty chancellor and have four children. No fifth will come from my loins." She coldly replied. She had little patience with silly ideas. But the chancellor was not willing to give up. "Your highness has the appearence of a much younger woman and is noted far beyond our borders for your beauty, plus your highness are the most powerful woman in the entire empire. I can't imagine that any lord of the empire would be anything but delighted to marry your highness regardless of the possibility of progeny. What lord of Sverq would not be willing to give his right arm for your majesty's hand?" Berúthiel blushed slightly receptible to flatter. She took great pride in both her beauty and youthful appearence. While she snarled at those who mistook her for an older sister of her children she secretly liked it. "Test the waters then. Make an informal inquiry amongst the most prominent lords of Sverq." She said dismissing the issue of who she was too spend the rest of her life with like irrelevant. "Now we are talking about Saanya." She added pulling out a parchment and gripping her magnificent kingfisher feather quill to write a letter to the king of Chulainan.

Two fold blessed King of the Eastern Reaches, Lord Paramount of the South,

It is indeed most surprising to receive this proposal of your majesty. While the benevolence by which your majesty rules this great kingdom is beyond question and, dare I say, an example for the other king of this empire, I did not expect your majesty's understanding in this matter that can bring Pandesia int conflict with the emperor himself as well as the northern parts of the realm where luminists have power. The more delighted am I, and the heathens of the south with me, that your majesty, as our overlord and liege, recognises that we are spiritually opposed to the patriarchy and its doctrines.

Concerning my daughter, the sunshine in my eyes, my beloved Saanya she currently resides in the capital where she waits for our empress and as such can not at the moment enter marriage. But alas as a mother I can not deny that she has grown a lot and has reached an age in which it is me a both heavy burden and delightful task to find her a husband. It goes without saying that a marriage to your majesty's son would be a most pleasent alliance. Yet in these dark times planning too far out in the future seems wrong. The gods, my or the luminist, are all to eager to wreck the plans of mortals in times of wolves.

I thus suggest that delegations from both our houses meet as soon as possible to discuss the possibility of such a union, the terms under which it will be entered by both parties and the time in which it is fitting to do so. Should your majesty be so inclined I would dispatch my most enrusted advisors to your majesty's court in Chulainan to discuss these matters.

Berúthiel Tarquilya-Alcedina

Ivlendir
The Imperial Court
Emperor Ealdred

Princess Saanya fled the imperial bedchamber almost bursting into tears that she had apparently angered the empress. She quickly ran through the halls of the palace too her own private chapel to her personal goddess. It was a place where the young girl feelt comfortable and at ease. There she was happy to see the young priestess Zôrzmiril of the Southern City, a tan skinned girl from the cities accros the sea who, despite being only a few years older then Saanya was already a priestess of the Tōnsûi Daiûm pantheon. The almost crying princess quickly ran into the arms of her priestess and friend for comfort and support. "That bad?" The young esoteric priestess said carressing the girl.

Rambling of the entire tale Saanya nodded while collecting herself slightly. At times like these all she wanted to do was to mount her horse, Snow White and ride all the way to the South far away from the empress who disliked her for her religion and a generally hostile environment. Zôrzmiril, a fanatic enemy of the patriarchate who had condemned her often and even attacked shrines of the Tōnsûi Daiûm outside the safety of the principality. "My dear little girl you should not cry you should be happy." Zôrzmiril said with a beautiful smile holding the princess out from her a moment to look her into the eyes. Giving her a kiss on the forehead the priestess hugged her little lady again. "Don't you see that this is a good thing? Now that your mother has finally defied the heresy of the patriarch and his foul minions you will be guaranteed reincarnation as a saint. The piety your house displays in this generation will be remembered and rewarded for a thousand others all the way to the end of time." The sensual priestess spoke passionately kissing the princess on her cheeks and takig a few dancing steps.

Saanya, now with a faint smile on her fair lips, giggled a little dancing with the priestess. "But the empress looked really mad, and now she will probarbly punish me and be mean." The princess said almost bursting into tears again. She really tried to get along with the woman but it did not go well. Zôrzmiril gently shook the young princess. "Don't be such a pushover Saanya, you can't continue to care so much for whether or not others like you or not. You need to be strong and hard. After all you will probarbly soon have to be married and men need a firm hand in a marriage." Saanya shivered slightly. Marriage was not something she looked forward to. Since she six months prior became a woman, something that her mother had not had much to say about despite the pain it had caused the little princess, marriage had inevitably become much more engrained in her mother's mind. In fact that was part of the reason why Saanya had been send to the court so she could learn to behave like a proper lady. "But I don't want to get married." The princess complained. "It sounds horrible and I am afraid that it will hurt when I will have to do that ... Thing." Zôrzmiril laughed. "Oh, but I think you will find that that thing you speak of can be quite pleasureable. Of course that is another matter that requires a considerable amount of adult supervision as men do is rather clueless in tha department. But you will soon learn to enjoy and even crave it." The priestess said with the certainity of a woman worshipping the goddess of fertility through hierogamy. "It sounds horrible and disgusting." The princess said sceptically. "No my dear, it is very pleasurable." Zôrzmiril said her hand gently carressing the little princess's chin before she leaned in and gently kissed the soft lips of her lady.

As the kiss ended Saanya blushed her face becoming completely red. She started giggling incontroleable while still feeling a tingle in her body and a pleasent feeling on her lips. Zôrzmiril smiled too the blushing princess carressing her hair as she leaned in for a slightly longer and slightly more passionate kiss. "I think you will find that of all the gifts the goddess has granted us this can very well be among the greatest. It is not something to be scared of but something to be desired." The priestess said as Saanya leaned lingered for a moment after their kiss ended. "Be strong Saanya of House Tarquilya-Alcedina, the true gods require it of you."

...

The next day princess Saanya feelt a surprising calm as she stood in the hall listening to attacks from both the crown prince and the empress on her mother's disposition and arrest of the priests of the luminist faith. As the criticism of her house intensified princess Saanya remembered the words of the priestess. She needed to be strong for the goddess. Still warm and fuzy after kissing with Zôrzmiril princess Saanya feelt like she was a changed woman. Yes for the first time she feelt like a woman comfortable in her changing body. She was ready to serve the goddess at the emperor's court.

"My humble person have no entitlement to contend with your noble lordships on these grand issues far exceeding the understanding of my person." Saanya said displaying the perfect overly submissive manners of her kin. "But it seems that your highness may have misunderstood the ill phrased letter from my noble mother. The arrest of the clergy was sanctioned by the archbishop of Pandora. As primate of the Ecclesiastic Province of Heismed he is the lord paramount of the church in the south. As his seal was on the arrest orders its legality is beyond contestation as long as the patriarch has not issues a counter order." Robbed of her nerves and anxiety princess Saanya for once displayed the inherent political talent that she had perfected through studies and observation but which she was rarely allowed to display.

"I can furthermore assure your majesty that the whole of Pandesia, from the Visrun to Heismed, has nothing but the utmost loyality for your majesty's crown and have my mother acted to rashly she has done so solely because she feared that the decision by the clergy of the church in the south would undermine imperial authority. I also have no doubt that my mother will accept your majesty's judgemen and concede to those terms forwarded her. It has indeed never been the interest of Pandesia to cause strife, our only interest have been the preservation of imperial supremacy over ecclesiastic schemes." The princess continued before retiring form the room with the rest of the nobles, relieved that the emperor had choosen to ignore his wife and son's petition. While she had a new sense of confidence as she ran towards the chapel where Zôrzmiril awaited her Saanya did not believe for a moment that the pandesian principality could have won a power struggle against emperor Ealdred.

by **Tsalaki** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 3:00 pm

It wasn't long after Wetuno had left with Lord Etotsi's message to Asamark, that the elderly gentleman sat down to begin another letter. This time to a very different recipient. The brush was dipped in ink, and the stumbled writing began.

To the Most Esteemed Emperor, Ealdred II:

My lord, I pray that grace and peace find you in these most troublesome days. I am but a humble servant of my lord, Olav, Prince of Kiaca.

It is with great fear and trembling that I write to you. As you well know, I am your loyal subject. However these times are beginning to trouble me greatly, and I fear that only your intervention could save us from catastrophe. For I hear rumors of war sweeping across the empire, and it troubles me greatly. All in the name of religion! Are we to believe that after so much tolerance for so long that all of a sudden hatred and strife began to arise out of people simply because of their religious beliefs?

No my lord, I believe that this is merely a ploy to divide the empire. We look to you for guidance.

I do not ask that you make any judgements or decisions, that is beyond my place to ask of you. I simply ask that you consider your loyal subjects when weighing this grave matter. We who do not worship the same god(s) as you, yet who are loyal to you anyway. May clarity and wisdom be with you my lord.

Your Most Humble Servant,
Onawa Etotsi

A few tears gathered at the corner of his eyes as he sent this letter with his speediest messenger to Ivlendir.

by **Chulainan** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 4:04 pm

I read over this post and have relised how embarressing it is. It never happened due to the the impossible people teleportation that was featured and the speed at which certain events occured. I apologies for the inconvinience. It won't happen again

by **Raven Perch** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 4:50 pm

Throne Room,
Raven's Perch

Already, the men nearest the Perch began to arrive to the Princely Court. Nearly seventy men would be seated in the hall, gazing up at the prince, all bowing and courteous, hoping for favor. Though, the throne room was quite intimidating. Numerous tapestries hung from the ceiling showing many Kings of the Tallonds and Princes of Raven's Perch, as well as the Slashing of the Tallonds. Ah, the days when House Constanhys were able to crush their enemies without a fight. Now that tradition has gotten significantly harder.

Today, all a lord had to do was win battles and have large armies to gain power. No one seemed to care about intelligence or strategy anymore. House Constanhys would continue the tradition of intrigue to the best of their abilities.

The most intimidating part of the throne room was the Throne of the Raven. It was an enormous chair set upon a dais and made of pure silver. Two pieces of silver molded in the shape of wings spread out from the back of the throne, which was shaped to look like a raven's tail feathers. The arms of the chair were the shapes of raven's heads, while the legs were a raven's legs, talons and all. From here, Quintos ruled over Raven's Perch.

As the throne room filled with members of the Princely Court, the Steward of Raven's Perch began to read a list of the business that needed tending. "The first order of business is transfer of grain from El-Al to Raven's Perch", belted Aeros, his voice carrying throughout the room. Already, nobles began cursing the Church, while the preservers of peace attempted to calm them. "Next is the issue of the imperial edict. We are to determine if the Church has violated the law and whether to urge His Imperial Majesty to halt the actions of the Church." Whenever the word 'Church' was mentioned, the nobility grew louder and louder, with some clergymen joining them.

"Silence, all of you, in the name of your Prince!"

The speaker was non-other than Quinlas, daughter of Quintos. Prince Quintos smiled, wondering when she would make her appearance, no doubt attempting to ease the Princely Court to the sound of her voice and the authority of a woman. Everyone knew that Quinlas was Quintos's favorite child, hence her name. Should she had been a male, she would have been Quintos II.

"Hear, hear, my daughter. Come, sit with me in your mother's place while she travels home from Highsilver.", stated Quintos, further letting all know how much he adored his eldest child.

"Your Serene Highness", shouted Duke Bawdewyne of Coppershore, "Why should Raven's Perch oppose the Church when they are handing out grain for our people? They are not breaking any laws. Besides, what are a few churches and converts going to do to hurt us? The people will simply convert to eat, then turn back to the gods of old. Sure, some will stay, but they will always remain loyal to House Constanhys."

Many members of the court began to grumble, not liking the idea of allowing Luminists into their borders. Quintos simply shrugged, not seeing another viable option.

"I agree, the Church cannot harm us. We have done nothing to them and will continue to do nothing to them. However, I will advise my brother to council the Emperor on his absolute authority as an action to curb the ability of the Church to spread its message through bribery and blackmail. There, all of the current issues have been fleshed out."

At least that shut many nobles up. They knew deep down that their prince would never make a move against the Church. It was far too politically unpopular and bad for the people.With the prince's ruling, many nobles began to exit the hall, going to the castle's guest chambers. From there, they would await the arrival of their Prince of the Empire.

Augustan Road

Immediately turning away from his brother-in-law, Willas directed his horse to turn about, the other men of the Perch following suit. As any logical group of men who did not know exactly where they were going, the imperial mounts began to follow, with Ulric, Dan, and Cleon riding with Willas.

"Of course, Ulric, but you know how my father has ingrained courtesy into my brother and sisters' heads. He loves all that formal stuff, always reminding himself and others of their place."

Willas's long, raven colored hair flew out behind him. He preferred the wind in his face instead of a piece of steel. If he kept the habit up, it would get him killed. Turning to face Ulric's companions, allowing his horse to guide everyone back to the mountain castle, the male heir of Raven's Perch introduced himself.

"It's a pleasure to meet the both of you", Willas said, trying not to laugh at the jokes between the three men of the Empire. Watching the two of them lead the troops made the heir sigh. He lost his entertainment on a rather boring ride home. His interestes would soon be sparked by the words of Ulric.

"I have heard rumors. Why?"

And there it was, Raven's Perch, built upon the tallest of the Black Mountains. Some say it is impregnable, others say it could come tumbling down at any moment. Truly, the Perch was a mastery of architecture and power.

by **El-Eal** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 5:10 pm

Castello de luminous was once again bracketed by argument as the many bishops once again gathered for a discussion. The Castellos chapel was filled with cardinals as they bickered amongest themselves about the faimine situation. Each had diffrent views and many peered at the empty throne as Valiant had already taken himself to meet the emporer, now without its head a vote had to be taken. The famine situation had worsened and many declared the church of blackmail as it dispensed food to only its followers. There where two major sides of the debate, one side said to keep as they where doing. Many out of desperation had converted and they had gotten the food needed. Yet this caused discontent among the pagan who the same side argued did not deserve food. They claim to pray to pagan gods let them answer their prayers, shouldnt the church save those who saw the light? Though the other side debated that blackmail did not truly convert and that the church should be accepting to all. Indeed it wasnt a strong argument but many of the cardinals firmly believed in this policy.

So it was that many pilgrims stood outside waiting for the annoucment of the vote. They stood erect silent in prayer to let the bishops make the right decision. INside the chapel the bishops moved stoicly and silent as they placed small slips of paper into the simple oak box. After everyone was seated the votes where tallied and checked once more for mistakes. The votes counted the stewards put a grass into the nearby fire place giving it a yellow haze. THe haze drifted into the air and the crowd cheered as the vote came to a conclusion. At the front door to the Castello a lone man with a partchment white and pristine. He cleared his throat as he came to the large wooden stage built for such an occasion.

"By order of the papal conclave! The cardinals have agreed that the famine situation grows worse every passing day! Though the luminous followers have enough to eat the pagans do not. We had previously given wheat to our churches to dispense to the followers of the faith. The church watches over its flock, though the pagans still go hungry. The luminous chiurch has been talked down upon as if they wish for others to starve! Though does not the sheperd care to feed his own sheep before he cares for another mans? Though through the grace of God we must change! The pagans may not see the light as we but they are human! God has created everyone for a purpose whether he chooses to follow god or be blind is a matter for them. It is for these reasons that the churches wheat be dispensed to all peoples regardless of faith. For god is merciful and would not want even the most evil sinners to starve. Therefore it has become a policy that all those in need heed our words! You shall recvie several sacks of wheat and seed for your families. That the church is loving enough to try and stave off this famine! Together with the grace of god we shall ride out this storm!"

The crowd was aw struck, never truly before had the luminous church cared for the pagans. Yet many felt the need to help as they where one nation. The Patriarch would agree as he said all will eventualy see the light but they are too hungry to see. The crowd was silent but slowly the crowd began to cheer until it was a rolling tide. The luminous church had decided to give food to the needy and though it had been patronized before they sought to help. Maybe even grab some followers who saw the generosity along the way. The five thousand bushels of wheat along with the many pounds of wheat and seed already stored was to be dispensed among the churches who would see to it that it was dispensed to the people.

The bishops some a little unconfortable with helping pagans nodded as they eventualy came to terms with it. This could provide a base for good relations then when they where not looking they could swoop in. Though that would take careful planning on the churches part as they watched ships and wagons depart filled with food. Maybe the famine had been a call from god to act on his behalf? Either way there job was far from over the bishops had to dicuss the disturbing message sent by pandora and the construction of some pagan leauge. Aparently some sort of scandel came from the archbishop in pandora had done his duty by dispensing food to only the flock but this had not gone well. This was a fine example of the pagan violence. Yet they did not dwell on this matter they had to clean it up.

To Berúthiel Tarquilya-Alcedina

The church sees nothing wrong with careing for its closest followers first. Would the sheperd starve his own sheep to feed that of another mans? We have abundance in wheat yes but we find it difficult to give to everyone as many still look down on this faith. We will though give out the food to even the pagans as we wish not the nation as a whole to collapse into anarchy. We will ensure that even the those who worship other gods be fed and maybe with bellies full can see the light of our faith. All we ask is that the house court of pandesia recognize the light. That you should convert to save your soul, though this is not a condition. Regarding the fact of recognizing archbishop of Pandora as the paramount lord spiritual of Heismed we have yet to discuss. You have broken the imperial law for even imprisoning the priests. So we suggest you leave them unharmed as we will send an envoy on behalf of the church to discuss the archbishops situation. His name is Leviticous and will arrive with this letter.

Let you witness gods power as the patriarch is his voice on earth. We ask you to convert as we want all people to be saved. Still you will find that the food is being dispensed to all people regardless of faith. Do not think though for a second we have given in or are weak. We do this for the patriarch voices it to be so out off the kindness of his heart! Now in every city the papal agents will arrive with many carts of food to be dispenced, we humbly ask you to guard this food and ensure its proper distribution.

From, his holiness,
Valiant II,

At the current moment Valiant was seting his foot down on the deck of the gally which was to transport him as he made his audience with the emporer. Yet he had been informed as he had actualy made the decree to send food to the pagans. He had also asked that a small percentage of the churches wealth of five thousand silver pieces be dispensed to each house to help the peasents who still suffered so. This was easily accomplished as the churches wealth even in times of strife seemed to continue to grow in vastness. Though his heart ached to see the filthy peasents grovel for food and thus ordered the wheat and seed be given to everyone. He had no idea how this would affect the churchs standing but hoped an accord could be made with the pagans if for only temporarly.

by **Ivlendir** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:28 pm

Augustan Road, Outside of Raven's Perch

Ulric whistled as Raven's Perch came into view, temporarily disrupting his train of thought. Dan looked back at him and grinned. "I hope your face doesn't scare everyone out of there," called Ulric, smiling. But when Dan turned away, his smile dropped and he stared at the mountaintop stronghold with a contemplative look in his eyes. He rode in silence like that, forgetting Willas and the talk of the Cult of Nithlim. It was a while before he said anything to his brother-in-law, but when he did, his face was a mask of emotion.

"I'd been away for so long, I'd forgotten what it looked like. It seems like a single stone would knock it down, or force it to take wing." He turned from Willas and stared at the fortress a moment longer. "God's Blood, I hope they keep Osgar away from the edge! I want to see him grow up, be a knight. Maybe one day he'll take my place as..." he drifted off. He had not really been speaking to Willas at that point. He looked back to Willas. "We were talking about the Cult of Nithlim. Take a look at Cleon there."

"Cleon is the heir to the Thane of Kilwaim, and a Knight of the Pines. I should call him Sir Cleon, rightly, but I don't. All his titles mean nothing to me. He's my blood-brother, and my father's vassal. But he's more to that. Likewise, Dan up there," he gestured to the Scarecrow Knight, "is no one in this world, and by all right should mean little to me. A hundred soldiers would leap at the chance to be captain of an Imperial Prince's guard. But if Dan sent me a letter saying that he needed my sword, I would cut my way across the empire to get to him. If he fell by an enemy's blade, I'd ride to avenge him. Or Cleon would, and they only pretend to like one another for my sake. This is the Cult of Nithlim. The ancient brotherhood of the warrior god. Each brother's identity is only known to other members, and what transpires in the Cult, we never speak of outside of it. I think the Church would look poorly on our Luminist brothers. Across the empire, our warriors are scattered, but we rise and fall together."

He looked at Willas. "And as its Chieftain, I'm asking you to join."

by **Lpqy Magna** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 11:02 pm

A Generic Squalid Village; Border of Lpqy Magna and Pandesia

Arther Pendra looked glumly at the meager amount of bread ration in front of him. As a Peon, he had little expectation for more. He didn't mind though, because he didn't mind anything. His hunger, and exhaustion, were too much for one man to allow himself the luxury of thinking. He looked up, and saw that his liege had dropped a poorly constructed pike at his feet.

"Get moving, you bum!" he yelled, and aimed a kick.

It was all for show; he wouldn't move faster, and the nobleman didn't care.

Even as the messages were flying out of Pandesia, Lpqy Magna had been sending its own. There wasn't much of a transportation system to speak of, but the Duchy was very good about its horses. The ones they didn't eat, that is. Generations of selective breeding, the slowest horses were always eaten first, had created in the southern Duchy a truly light and fast breed. The "Despotas" of the various villages and keeps were informed that the King would be organizing an army, again. Not to do any invading, at least, not yet; instead, he would do some pillaging. Another matter entirely that did not, as the message read, "involve any droll sieges, stressful battles or anything other than some good old-fashioned plunder'n'rape."

This, of course, was widely considered a good idea and the various Patriarchs had managed to assemble a not inconsiderable force. Around twenty-five Despotas had arranged for aboout seven thousand 'peons' to establish themselves on the border of their Duchy's former liege.

The Duchy had been informed of the deteriorating relationship of Pandesia and the Luminist hardliners by the recent absence of the region's few bright spots: generous behavior on the behalf of Luminist priests cum humanitarians. With their recent internment by Pandesian authorities, the border area, which had the highest average calorie intake until this point, very quickly informed what-passed-as the central government that the priests were gone. More importantly, that they were being arrested for some very specific and bemusing reasons.

Pandesia had not complied with Luminist demands for a variety of conflicting and, so judged Tyrus Himilco (Duke of Lpqy Magna), incomprehensible reasons. In the name of religious freedom, the Principality had arbitrarily locked away Luminist priests: of all stripes and colors. There was no distinguishing between those specifically tasked with the orders from the Church, and those who had merely sat quietly in their abbeys. In the name of promoting debate and greater inclusion, Pandesia's regents had not contacted the Luminist Church to protest the directed orders, instead they had relied on violence.

As Tyrus Himilco remarked dryly "does anyone even know Luminist doctrine? It seems childish to arrest, wholesale, a religion without even knowing... Anything about it."

The news of the dilemma had reached the House of Himilco a day after the final priests had been rounded up by Pandesia. Two days later, horse messengers had reached the relevant townships. A day later, troops had begun streaming into this squalid village.

Equally, a short missive had reached the relevant authorities of Berúthiel Tarquilya-Alcedina and Miraz Tarquilya-Alcedina as the Peons were being told that, no, they would not be getting anymore food for the day. If they wanted more, they could "forage."

The House of Himilco has three issues of contention:

(1) The spurning of the Empire's official religion in a provocative and violent manner.

(2) General lack of intellectual and spiritual coherency from the rulers of Pandesia

(3) The unequal spread of foodstuffs by Pandesia and her nobility.

Until these points are understood and acted upon, in a constructive manner towards mutual benefit, then the House will no longer be considered a vassal of Pandesia.

Sincerely,
the House of Himilco

by **Pandesia** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 3:00 am

The Most August Princedom of Pandesia
The Southern Court of Pandesia, the Holy City of Pandora, the Realm of Pandesilla
Under the Benevolent lordship of his Serene Highness Prince Castamir IV Tarquilya-Alcedina

Berúthiel calmly read the letter from the patriarch sitting on a magnificent chair carved in black marble with the seal of the House of Tarquilya-Alcedina engraved on it. The princess and regent had dressed up in her finest silken robes and wore the most magnificent jewelry the south could produce, on her head a tiara no less richly adorned with gems then that of the patriarch rested. The delegation from the patriarchate would see the power and greatness of the southern principality and the House of Tarquilya-Alcedina and hopefully realize that they could not dictate to the prince of the south their will as they could on northenmen and the imperial court.

The elaborately dressed princess put the letter aside gazing down upon the envoy Leviticous. For a moment the princess glared at the man like the kingfishers embroidered on her robe before she sighed loudly. "Religion." She said in her own language not caring if the priest knew it or not. "Be well meet Leviticous, envoy of Valiant Secundus Patriarch of the Luminist Faith, Prince of El-Eal." The princess said politely. "I suppose I am in my good right to intercept those food supplies that your master sends to be distributed as my state has long frawned upon charitable givings in times of need. But despite what may be commonly believed in your northern city I am not, nor am my liege lord the prince, a monster opposed to the church for the sake of being opposed to the church." The princess shrugged well aware that it was unlikely that the man would understand that, or want to understand it. "The food will be guarded while it is being distributed. The church will be welcome to preach as long as those listening and those who aren't are treated equally in regards to receiving food."

The princess made a slight gesture for the priest to follow her as she stood up from her marble chair. A slight mumble rolled through the nobleman and eunuchs of the court wondering why the princess wished to talk privately with the man. The princes quickly lead the man too a room in her palace from which a sea view over the bay revealled the cathedral of the luminist church right next to the rising temple of all gods. "Concerning the appointment of the archbishop of Pandora as primate of Heismed it is a very delicate matter and one that I must ask you to give ample consideration. Archbishop Daeron Castamaitë may very well be considered a traitor of the church in El-Eal and the fact that he disagrees with the ... Shall we say activistic? missionary policy of the church may work to his disadvantage but his appointment would be a matter of great importance to all of Pandesia as the region of Heismed should be under the same theological jurisdiction, which would obviously need to be centered around the most prominent diocese, that of Pandora. Should the patriarch accept this appointment it would certainly help improving ties between his patriarchate and our principality. In fact marble prices for church building would probarbly decrease considerably and I can practically guarantee that a new cathedral would be erected here in Pandora to house the new primate of Heismed, a cathedral that would not be overshadowed, figuratively or otherwise, by a heathen temple." The princess, after casting a look out at the already overshadowed cathedral politely guided the envoy over to a table where a model of a massive basilica stood. It was greasing but no religion could work without its symbol and the basilica was a magnificent one.

Just as the princess was about to say something more to convince the man group of eunuchs and the master of letters entered the room. They all immediately made proskynesis towards the princess. "Your faithful servants greet their princess and lady." The men said before entering the room, the master of letters holding a very officially looking letter in his hand. "Excuse me for a moment your eminence." Berúthiel said stepping towards the letter quickly reading it. She then handed her seal to one of the eunuchs who held it while another poured vax on the letter. The first then placed the kingfisher seal in the vax sealing the letter. Recieving her seal again Berúthiel turned to the envoy. "Apologies your eminence. Now what do you have to say to my suggestion?" She said as the eunuchs retired with the letter for Lpqy Magna.

Everloved vassal lords of Lpqy Magna,

What a sad day that I shall receive such disrespect towards my beloved grandfather his serene highness Prince Castamir IV Tarquilya-Alcedina, Lord of Pandora, Prince of Pandesia, Grand Admiral of the Southern Seas, Lord of the Southlands, Warder of Prinzwood and Sovereign of the Southern Cities, overlord of Lpqy Magna, from our western vassal. Should the end of the world come I would have never doubted the loyality of the House of Himilco to the House of Tarquilya-Alcedina and I am indeed filled with sorrow that your most noble house have so little fail in my beloved grandfather as lord of the south.

Sorrow is of course not mutually exclussive with resolve and where I a less kind and more vindictive woman I would perhaps consider meassures by which to ensure the continuance of ties between House Himilco and House Tarquilya-Alcedina. But what good would it do any of us where I to block and land trade to Lpqy Magna and have my fleet sink any trade vessels nearing the shores of your fair city? No, I shall not concede to such violent and cruel meassures to a respected and everloved vassal such as your house.

Instead I shall show commitment to resolve this crisis through diplomatic means. First of all I would like to rectify your lordship in your assesement of the current situation within the borders of the principality. While indeed priests have been arrested the majority are already free again and at no point was the ecclesiastic leadership of Pandesia in disagreement with the decision to arrest those clerics who defied the imperial edicts and standing pandesian anti famine laws. Thus the first issue you raise does hardly exist. The arrests was sanctioned by the majority of bishops and most clerics choose to cooperate with the authorities in a manner that is most commendable.

Regarding the perceived lack of spiritual and intellectual coherency of the lordship of Pandesia I would be most delighted to hear your lordships elaborate upon this issue and explain in what manner you are displeased with your liege lord in these matters.

But pertaining to the accusation of unequal distribution of foodstuff I must protest and demand your apology. The House of Tarquilya-Alcedina has staunchly refused to tolerate the starvation of any citizen throughout our realm. All who has attempted to withhold food from the tables of the poor has been punished accordingly and ten thosands of golden leopards worth of food has been delivered from the army supplies to local village authorities for distribution among the general populace. Should any man or woman within my grandfather's realm suffer from starvation it will be due to the neglectful actions of their local leaders and the luminist church not the actions of their loving prince whose heart has been as moved as my by the suffering caused by this famine.

I implore thee lords of Himilco to reconsider your prideful and arrogant declaration. Should not this matter soon be solved to the satisfaction of both our realms and houses I fear that much blood will be shed over the issue something my heart is appalled to even consider. Recant your declaration of independence and cooperate by your annointed lord and peace and prosperity shall reign in the lands of the South.

Berúthiel Tarquilya-Alcedina

The Most August Princedom of Pandesia
Rhovanian Lands, The border between Pandesia and Lpqy Magna, the Realm of Pandesilla
Under the Benevolent lordship of his Serene Highness Prince Castamir IV Tarquilya-Alcedina

All her gentle words and refusal to shut down trade routes to Lpqy Magna aside Berúthiel, princess of House Tarquilya-Alcedina, was furious at the letter from the house of Himilco. Her fury against rebellious vassals exceeded even her arrogant renounciation of the church's action and few would have sleept peacefully with an enemy such as she. By the time her reply to Lpqy Magna would arrive the borderlands would already be swarming with troops ready to strike at the princess's order. The castles near the borders had been fortified to prevent a large lpqyan army from penetrating into pandesian territory. At the same time the rhovanians, always eager to wage war, had assembled their tribal armies mustering 2300 of their famed horsemen. Should the rebellious vassal choose independency over the gentle overlordship of a woman who could be both kind and merciful when she was not furious then the rhovanians would start pillaging the countryside to lure the enemy into sending an army into pandesian territory where it would be forced to besiege the castles while having difficulties to resupply its troops. Of all military eventuallities rebel from the west was what House Tarquilya-Alcedina was best suited at.

by **Stalrich** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 3:55 am

Fortress of the Light – Eastern Stalrich

Lord Herrmann and his retinue fell silent as they rounded the bend in the road. There ahead of them was a sight that never failed to lift their hearts. Rising out of the plains as if to reach to Heaven itself was the Fortress of the Light. Situated near where the nations of Stalrich, Fjeld, and Tsalaki meet, it was a towering structure, protected by walls and a dry moat. The fortress was also known as the “Shield of the Faithful”. In the 300 years since it was built, it had never fallen to enemy soldiers while the faithful defended its walls. And yet, despite its purpose, the Fortress was beautiful. Filled with trees and grass and flowers, one could walk inside the square and feel as though they were in the presence of the Almighty himself. It was an oasis for the weary, where they could fill their hearts with hope.

Robert snapped out of his daydream when he saw a cloud of dust headed his way. Squinting, he could make out the bright white cape of a Brother of the Light headed his way. He reined in his horse and awaited the messenger.

“Holy Commander, I apologize for the rude welcome, but we have grave news.” said the messenger.

“What is it my brother?”

“This my lord.” As he said this, the messenger extended a piece of folded up parchment. The commander opened the paper, and as he read, the smile slipped from his face.

“What in the name of the Almighty is this?!! A Heathen League?! Has the world gone mad?! Where did you get this?!”

“We intercepted a messenger not one day ago my lord, the pigeon it was attached to had been attacked during flight and was wounded. Having heard of the King’s edict, we figured you might be on your way here, and so we were on the lookout for you. The Almighty himself blessed us with this message. We believe it was bound for Fjeld my lord.”

“Fjeld? This is not good. Those heathen must be looking for allies to fight the Righteous. We MUST put an end to this! Do we know if there were any other messages sent?

“I’m afraid not my lord. We only captured this one by a stroke of luck. We do however believe that other messages were sent to Asamark, Tsalaki, and Kiaca however.”

“Well then brother, it is time. We cannot afford to wait any longer or the heathen will gather an army to try to crush the Righteous! We must stop this before it starts! Sound the alarm, muster the troops! The Brothers march to war! Adolf! Come here! Take this message to the Imperial Pigeon System. Send it home to Stalrich for my son. Tell him that the troops must be gathered, they must march within the week. I expect to see the Guards of Stalrich camped outside the Fortress within the fortnight! Now go!”

With that, the serenity was broken. A guard wheeled his mount around and sped off towards the closest Pigeon Post some 5 miles back. Robert and his remaining men made their way to the Fortress. It was time, time for the Brothers to defend the name of the Almighty again.

Edit: OOC: Put up Brothers of the Light military factbook.

by **El-Eal** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 4:20 am

Leviticous stood before the throne and listened intently he was a young man no more then twenty nine years of age, yet he was also a cunning man and manipulative. His brown hair was neat and his green eyes gentle, though inside his mind was a storm of thoughts. One of which was that the Pandesians had found little faith in the patriarch beacuse of his vast wealth but here they where with tiaras and silk while still the people starved. Leviticous had been previously informed that these heathens where not as easily steered as those who atleast saw the truth in the north. Here he was to be in hostile waters where he could be detained for a number of reasons, this leviticous intended not to happen.

As Berúthiel spoke Leviticous listened with ease as he knew the languge but did not judge the woman for her obvious discontent on the church. It so happend he had recived some knews from the patriarch himself about what the over flowing vaults of leopards was to be used for. He had always knew that the current patriarch was more generous then any other but he just hadnt realized how much so until now. Yet that hardly mattered in the current situation as he moved with the princess to private chamber, he again thought it funny how this woman cared more for the stability of her religion then for the hungry as she obviously wanted to talk about the bishop more then the food. Then again he might have been interpreting her mood wrong.

As the princess spoke to the man and read the letter Leviticoous took a moment to look out at the bisilica a wonderous building now being over shadowed by a heathen temple. No more an insult to him then it was to burning it down, he hid his anger at the thought of pagan temples covering such a great work. Nevertheless when she apologized he nodded and merely went to business.

"My lady let us talk about the inquistion of the north you seem to have a misunderstanding of this. It is regretable that such a thing is occuring beacuse of the luminous people there but it is not connected to the patriarch. The Patriarch would never force an inquistion on the peoples it is the courts of the north who decide to do this. So in this the archbisop has not been viewed as a traitor and is in good standing with the patriarch who sends his regards. As you should know the patriarch is actualy been doing abit of charity. In the past few months we have begun to workon buildings beyond pure spirituality. It is good for luminous people to be charitable as the commandments dictate (ooc: working on tenants). So it has been the church now in every city and village in its reach have begun setting up medical aid for many. We have been setting up orphanages for children whose families can neither afford or feed during the famine. The church even here is begining the construction of schools for the education of all. We have church run inns for safe lodgining and provide a lifestyle for those who wish to live out their days in prayer."Leviticous took a moment to let it all sink in and he smiled as if the charity of the patriarch was his own.

"All these works have begun and the schools and places for the sick will be ready very soon in every region if not every village and town. Anywhere where there are souls to be saved that is where th church will be. So I care not if you view our church as dogs as many pagan leaders do. For I know as a fact that this patriarch cares for the people far more then your luxuary covered court does. The church will dispense the food to the needy as it is far closer to it then you, we only ask you send troops to ensure it is not raided along the way as patriarchal guards are limited. But as for the bishop it has been granted that the patriarch has agreed to his appointment, though I certainly would not have he has. So I shall see to it that the archbishop recivies his patriarchal gift of two thousand leopards to continue the construction of medical care and educational facilites as the literacy rate is astoundingly low among the peasentry. Also I will be staying at the near by mission of [i]Saint Nethani. So did you have any more concerns?"[/i] With that his smile faded into a almost blank expression, though it hinted on his thoughts by his smug look. He watched the princess unafraid to look her in the eyes as if he looked into the depths of hell.

Meanwhile the carts of food had already begun to move to the dispersed churches as they began the movment of food and seed. At the same time the patriarchal guardians clad in full body armor marched in to Leviticous carrying a large chest which thunked loudly on the ground when it was opened it gave off a gentle shine. Two thousand leopards for the archbishop to spend on advanceing the patriarchs orders of building orphanages and schools. Inside was the holy bible which leviticous took and promptly handed to the princess. He waved off the guards who marched away in step whilst he gave the biblehis facial expression remained the smug look he had.

"To a commoner his soul is the most precious thing he has, not to protect it is like leaving a chest of gold for thevies. You my lady should think about converting to do so. If every man and woman saw the light we would not need to argue and bicker of course it is only a suggestion. Thou never knows when their time is called and are in the prescene of the almighty.

by **Sverq** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 5:30 am

Please, no one post! I'm halfway through writing one that will make up for my absence for two pages! I'll edit this with my post when I can!

by **Asamark** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 7:16 am

Fortress of Asamark
Herzog Theud's Chambers

The letter sat on the stone table as Theud paced back and forth looking out of the window in his chambers. The sun was bearing down on the foothills where the last of the winter snow was beginning to recede. The farms to the South had begun planting the grain already. Theud was carefully considering his reply to Siegvard. Theud was trying not to read too much into the letter, but it sounded as though Siegvard was potentially offering Fjeld up as a vassal in the future. The added vassalage would certainly be welcome, but Theud new he must proceed with caution. The Northmen were all of one people, they shared a culture, they shared tradition, and heritage. Bringing another vassal in, equal to his current vassals would likely upset them. He could not stand against them united.

"Brother, what do you intend to do?"Alafric asked, Theud's younger brother. Theud had been keeping him closer at hand of late. Should Theud make the journey past the Marble Arches, Alafric would be the head of House Hermanir. Alafric was a skilled enough warrior to fill the role, but he had spent little time dealing with the administrative worries of the house. "Do you intend to accept another vassalage, if Fjeld offers it to you?"

Theud glanced once more out the windows before turning to address Alafric's question, "I am unsure of how to proceed. I cannot seem to eager to potentially accept a vassalage, because they might not be suggesting to offer it at all. Culture is another factor to consider. They may not interact well the other vassals, but they deserve more than a shunning. I think that I shall continue to offer my assistance, and if they request to swear vassalage to me, I hardly think I can refuse it." Theud ruminated. His brother nodded as he spoke, understanding his reasoning, "I shall have to draft another letter to Siegvard, I have some critical advice that must reach his ears."

High Lord Siegvar of House Fjeld

I am most pleased to hear that you are accepting of my help. I understand the strain that your lord has placed on you. It is a strain I feel the kin of when 'ere I think on the emperor himself. I suggest that you write to the emperor, and explain to him the betrayal you have suffered, and that by choosing to depart from your lord's service, you do not intend to depart from the emperor's service altogether.

I have sent letters to my Hochjarls, and Jarls. They should be preparing to march as I write this letter. Hopefully they will be on the march in a scant few days. I am sending a representative to you, as an envoy of my house. My brother Alafric Hermanir will be attending you at court, and he will also be in charge of directing my forces in your lands. May the gods of war and protection watch over our endeavors, and deliver victory unto us.

Herzog Theud

After sanding the ink, Theud confirmed his plans with Alafric. Out in the yard a commotion could be heard. With a glance out the chamber windows Theud could see one of his Karls riding through the entrance gates on a medium horse of decent quality, his spear standing at attention in this right hand. Theud estimated that within the next few days, the number of men in his fortress would swell considerably.

Before nightfall, Theud watched through that same window as Alafric rode forth from the gate, his half-plate reflecting the setting sun as he rode off to the location where House Hermanir's forces we meeting before setting off together for Fjeld. A squire followed Alafric out from gate.

by **Tsalaki** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 9:23 am

The priests had departed, letter in hand the day before. They would be walking at a steady pace, and could probably reach Asamark within 3-5 days. Nothing was carried with them except for the clothes that were on their backs, both having taken vows of poverty upon entering the priesthood. There was food with them, but only a bit, enough for them to make it to Asamark. Whatever their thoughts on the matter, it was beyond them. Lord Etotsi had asked them to go, and so they had went.

----

The messenger had departed immediately from Lord Etotsi's presence. But instead of actually carrying out the message himself, being a bit lazier than most of the servants, he instead had the message sent by carrier pigeon to the Emperor's palace in Ivlendir. In fact, the message had been sent yesterday evening. Unless the pigeon had been intercepted, in all likelihood, the pigeon should have arrived at the Emperor's palace by now. Until the Emperor decided to respond, the messenger thought it best that he lie low for a while. After all, he should have been well on his way to Ivlendir by now.

by **Haringard** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 9:24 am

"Sir, The empire has requested our grain." said Gresgor the Dukes steward. "Hmm?" the duke looked up from the letter he was writting. Gesgor said again "The empire requires our grain ma' lord". The Duke sighed, he knew that the people of Haringard would suffer if they gave up the grain. The duke looked around his office at all the framed letters from the Empire. The House of Haringard had been loyal to the Empire ever since it was granted the title of Grand Duchy. "Call a council, i want all the officials there..."

Two guardsmen opened the heavy oak door that lead to the throne room, 6 officials walked into the large room and bowed before standing at the edges of the large Yellow Rug in the centre of the room. "The Empire requires our grain my trusted officials, How much do we have?" asked the Duke. "We have checked the warehouses ma'lord and we barely have enough to feed half the population, the famine has hit Haringard hard." said the officials in chorus. The Duke knew that he could not refuse the Empire its grain but he couldn't take the grain from his people either, he fiddles with the handle of his sword. "I will send a letter to the Emperor explaining our situation. Council Dismissed."

After long deliberation the Duke started his letter.

Emperor Ealdred,
The Grand Duchy of Haringard has never refused one of your requests before but I beg you to reconsider your demands, We do not possess enough grain to feed our own people let alone the rest of the empire. As you know Haringard is generally a grain rich province but the famine has hit us hard, our crops have not grown and seed is already rationed, we do not yet know if we will have enough seed to sow next year. Haringard always supplies the empire with soldiers in times of war and we are never late with our taxes, we have obeyed your every law and request, we ask that you understand our plight and allow Haringard to keep its grain for next year. You know lord that if you require this grain Haringard will supply you but I ask you to consider if Ivlendir requires our grain and cannot source it from other provinces.
Your humble servant
Grand Duke Haringard

The Duke poured the hot wax onto the letter and stamped it with the Haringard seal before handing it to a soldier to deliver on horseback. A fire had destroyed the Messenger pigeons and there homes in Haringard, the duke knew that it would not take more then a day to deliver a message by horseback because the provinces were so close togethor.

by **Pandesia** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 9:27 am

The Most August Princedom of Pandesia
The Southern Court of Pandesia, the Holy City of Pandora, the Realm of Pandesilla
Under the Benevolent lordship of his Serene Highness Prince Castamir IV Tarquilya-Alcedina

The princess listened politely too the young priest her face not betraying her increasing anger at the arrogant fool. What did he knew of the south or of starvation? Like a lesser deity the priest dared preach to her, her the regent of the realm, how to rule her dominion. The patriarch could not have made his intentions clearer by sending such a man who knew nothing but fanaticism.

"You bore me priest." The princess replied arrogantly ignoring the gold that had been placed before her. "Do not make the mistake to believe that you, or your master, know better then I the wishes of my people and how to respond to them. Do not mistake your theological education and religious piety for true knowledge and sagacity. I am Berúthiel Tarquilya-Alcedina and it is by my wise leadership that public grain doles are ample and distributed throughout my realm, without discriminating against any religion I might add. It is trough my decrees that noblemen of this realm are robbed of prima nocte, serfs and infinite power over their subjects. It is I who keeps Schoolarium open to educate teachers and doctors for the benefit of all my realm." The princess made an angry gesture towards the chest throwing the book back on it. "2000 Golden Leopards you say priest? Congratulations, if you multiply it with five you may reach the level of public funding for the welfare of my people."

She turned from the gold looking angrily at the man. For a moment she said nothing calming herself. The priest was even younger then she herself, hardly thirty yet. While that was no excuse for ignorance there was no need to seek a confrontation with the fool either. "You wrong me, my house and this princedom by your impudent arrogance cleric. What have I done to deserve your hatred? Have I not issued generous land grants too your luminist monasteries? Have I not allowed every luminist village in my realm to build a church with timber from my holdings in Prinzwood? Have I not prosecuted those pagans who have commited crimes against my luminist subjects? I have done all those things because I do not discriminate any of my subjects regardless of their faith. Can your patriarch really say the same. Yet you come here and preach to me how to rule my land? But what do you know of this land? What do you care for the traditions of the adûnaics, the rhovanians and the pandai?" For a moment the princess looked at the priest as if she expected a reply to her rhetorical questions. Then she sighed and shook her head almost in saddness as if she actually cared.

"I fear that continuation of this discussion is pointless." She said. "I have made my stance clear and so have you certainly priest. Any continuance would be futile as I shall not reconsider my stance and I doubt your mind is even free enough to consider such a notion. I thank you for your visit priest. Enjoy the wonders of my city, a place where no man need to far religious persecution." The princess made a quick gesture ending the audience before sitting down at the table where the model of the new basilica stood. She had done what she could but she was not willing to stand and be lectured.

The Land Between Pandesia and Chulainan
Castle Ford Anatir, the Frontier District of Heismed North, the Realm of Pandesilla
Under the Benevolent lordship of his Serene Highness Prince Castamir IV Tarquilya-Alcedina

Lord Abrazân Castamaitë, Baron of Tiristaeth and younger brother of the archbishop of Pandora was not normally a man who travelled with much escort even when on a travel as far north as the city of Chulainan. As one of the most entrusted members of the northern court of the Fortress of Sangahyandion II princess Berúthiel had however refused that he could travel through the kingdom of the Eastern Wastes at a time of strife, without a considerable escort.

Thus as he crossed the river of Anatir entering into the outskirts of the duchy of Crethir he was followed by thirty knights of the court. A force that could disuade even the largest band of robbers and any local baron from causing any troubles with the bastard son of Prince Castamir IV with his favorite mistress. "Are we there yet?" Lord Abrazân's young squire Minulzôr inqured for the what was neither the first nor the last time of the day. Lord Abrazân for a moment considered slapping his twelve year old brand new squire but refrained from it. Despite having te annoying haste of all youths Minulzôr was a wonder who handled his weapons like a much older squire and knew dozens of tricks to keep lord Abrazân's uniform in a more than stellar appearence. It didn't hurt either that the youth was clever and well educated, in fact more so then Abrazân who was born in a time when education in Pandesia was still reserved for the scholars of Schoolarium. "Actually we are." The fifty three year old lord of Tiristaeth said pointing towards a group of riders. "I would imagine that, that is king Riordan's knights here to greet us. With a bit of luck we will sleep in real beds tonight." Several of the knights, many of which in Abrazân's eyes where little better then his young squire responded well to that announcement with the obligatory comments about the perceived beauty or lack thereof of the woman of Chulainan. Soldiers would be soldiers Abrazân though shaking his head knowing that the brothels of the capital of the vast kingdom of Riordan of the Eastern Wastest would not be lacking custommers tonight.

The Empire
In the Realm of Ivlendir
Of Emperor Ealdred II

Prince Elendur Tarquilya-Alcedina, Prince Protector of Pandora and the Southern Court had been in a good mood when he left his home city to travel to Ivlendir. While he did not look forward to be away from his yonger brothers or even his three cousins with whom he had a close and even loving relationship despite the struggle between his mother ad their father. While these people he cared for made leaving the southern warmth for the cold and brutish north hard it was however preferable to stay at the tense atmosphere at the court. His mother princess Berúthiel became ever more tyrannical in her struggle against her younger brother who did not shy away from confrontation either. It was impossible for Elendur to picture himself so cold and cruel to any member of his own family.

Yet with the health of Castamir IV in steady decline and the issue of who should succed him becoming more and more relevant the siblings intensified their feud now strugglng with all but military power against one another. Yes there had even been an armed confrontation or two, something that Elendur found to be the height of stupidity considering how ties between the imperial court and Pandesia, which had never been strong, had weakened considerably recently. If given an opportunity the young prince suspected that the emperor would be thrilled to depose of the House of Tarquilya-Alcedina forever. The better it was if a marital alliance could be entered between himself and the daughter of the emperor Elendur thought.

Riding silently his men, his three year older squire, two soldiers from the court and four rhovanian riders, knew better then to disturbe their prince and master. Well the squire and soldiers did, the rhovanians didn't speak because rhovanians never speak. But on the fourth day of riding where the prince had hardly said a word the squire became a little worried about his young master, and after making camp decided to question him. "You are silent my prince?" The squire, Amlaith, inquired. "I merely think about what will meet us at a court where our religion is hated and our customs ignored." Elendur replied after a moments thought. He half feared that he would not even be allowed into the court to meet the princess and half feared that he would be offered her hand on terms that he could not concede to. His mother had been very vague in the religious question and had neither refused conversion nor implied she would accept it. "Hopefully the company of easy women." Amlaith laughed hoping to cheer up his young lord. A slight smile was the only result. "Of all things can be said of Virva of Ivlendir easy is probarbly the term that is least fitting. I fear that I will have to walk through the metaphorical fire of the luminist faith to have a chance." Elendur said drawing in the dirt with a stick the marking of God Enkur for protection.

The prince shrugged living up sightly. "It is in the gods hands now, theirs or ours. Now I wish to sleep." He said before pulling his cape around him to rest. Amlaith nodded slightly disturbed by the fatalistic outlook of the prince. Of all things Amlaith had expected that they would meet in the city of the great warrior emperor Ealdred II a cross held before their faces had been the last. The squire feel asleep reciting prayers to Enkur, God of Death, War and the Great Skies.

After an uneventful journey, where the prince did not once against elaborate on his growing worries about the court the group neared the capital of the empire, the city that was said to hold more people then all of the Southern Cities combined. Not that that meant anything to any of the travellers as none of them had ever crossed the southern sea to see the seven cities beyond the ocean. Prince Elendur, who had insisted that the group spend several hours making their armour and horses spotless before entering the city, something the rhovanians had flat out refused, rode first into the city with a massive pandesian banner, held by Amlaith, behind him. A prince in all his regal pride ad greatness Elendur rode towards the castle his mood changing between looking forward to meet his sister and dreading to present himself before the emperor and especially the emperor's more religious advisors. The fate of the Southern Principality was now in his inexperienced hands and in whether or not he could gain those of princess Virva.

by **Sverq** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 11:58 am

The Grand Duchy of Sverq
Duchy of Sver, Kz’Sver
The Grand Hall

Torches lit the Hall, flickering and casting shadows upon the cold stone walls. A large table ran along the center of the room, chairs arranged almost haphazardly left where they were after the Meet. Only five figures still sat at the table fit to host eighty, all close to the head of the table. Around the outside of the hall, Twelve men of the Phalanx stood guard with eight of the Duke-of-Zellit Highlanders, the ceremonial halberds and claymores gone in place of their preferred regular weapons. It was late, later than any of them really should have been worrying about any matters of state. The man at the head of the table dropped the letter he had received and let it float softly to the table. Sighing he sat back in the grand red cushioned chair. It had been the first of the missives that had been given to him, almost three days ago now, and he had simply been too busy to open it. That and it had the seal of the Patriarch on it.

Naii was not a Lumanist man; then again, neither was he a pagan man. Although he really should represent one of the faiths prominent within his domain, with him as one the opposite faction would despise him. So he was neither, and attended only attended a service if it was a particular holy day. Sighing again he felt his age getting to him. It was sowing season, the heat of the south still drifting in the room. Naii looked to his right, to his first-born, Brai, his Lord-Commander of the Army and the next to step into position of Grand Duke. “What do you think, son?”

Brai shrugged, he really had no idea what to do about it. One time the Patriarch sends word that churches are giving out food only to those of Lumanist faith, and then the next is that everyone can have it. Coupled with the letter from his sisters in Pandesia, he really had no idea what to make of it. “Good for them, is all I can say in all honesty, father. Really, one way or the other, it doesn’t affect us. We have ample food for all, God if we needed to we could probably supply the entire south.” Brai was a lumanist man although he knew he’d have to cut his ties once he becomes Grand Duke.

Across from Brai the man reached for his goblet and peered in, finally deciding it wasn’t worth getting the last of it he placed the goblet down and sat back heavily. “With this word brought back from the north, of Asamark and Therisylvania, it just seems to be getting worse.” He shrugged, picking up a piece of parchment brought to the Keep by a Captain of a trader vessel, who was rewarded for the information. “It has come to the attention of his MAJESTY,” he spat, sitting back in his chair, “that cert-ayne nobile houses in HIS domain are failing to ABIDE by the commands of his holiness, the Patriarch, and are not acting as goodlie-” he paused smirking a little, “Is that even a word? - Luminists ought to. Therefore, his MAJESTY commands that those lords who worship pagan gods over the ALMIGHTY shalt be stripped of all their titles, and exiled as heretics. God Save the King.”

“Don’t mock him, Venner,” said Naii half-heartedly, knowing that Venner was teasing his brother as much as mocking King Wolfgang, as the man next to Brai muttered, “God save the king, indeed.”
Naii looked up and frowned. Normally he wouldn’t have people speaking at the same time as him, but in these informal sessions he really didn’t mind, however that wasn’t what was troubling him. “My Lord Earl, what were you saying?”

Earl Haerul of the Free Cities coughed softly before speaking, “Nothing, m’lord, I’m just wondering what we would do if the Emperor commands this too?”
“Well,” shrugged the Grand Duke, while smiling, “I can only suppose Pandesia would muster the army, send its navy east, and call upon Crethir, Lpqy and us to support her unless the Emperor changes his mind.”
Venner nodded, “Yes, they would order us to defend against any seaborne incursions to the west while their all-powerful Navy sits outside Ivlendir.”
“And then,” finished Brai, “If civil war occurs, we’ll be required to defend the south as well as marching through the Vale to Ivlendir.”

The Grand Duke looked away, glancing at the guards around the room. The Phalanxmen in their slim armor, the hulking Highlanders... he tapped his fingers on the table, thinking. He glanced at the men around the table – his sons having at each other over what would happen, the Earl amused over the debate. Then his eyes stopped on the last member of their group, Baron Vairaz of the Vale and he immediately began ruffling through the letters piled on the table. “How easy is it to get a force of men through the Vale?” he asked Vairaz, his sons stopping mid-sentance.
Brai looked sharply at his father, “What?”
The Grand Duke rolled his eyes, “Vairaz, how easy is it to – ha!” he cried as he found the letter he was looking and reading it again. His eyes darted from left to right as he read the neat script before he continued, “ – easy is it to get a force of men through the Vale?”

The Baron was a late addition to the group, but a well needed one. The Earl and the Baron - along with the Baron’s father, the Margrave Nsre - had arrived at the same time; unfortunately the Margrave was called back after the Meet due to some pressing matters in the Northern March. So the Baron stayed in this informal council, privy to secrets he wouldn’t have known before. At 26, Baron Vairaz Nsre of the Vale was not an important man. He was to be the next Margrave, however his 48 year old father was no closer to dying than Vairaz was, and thus all the man had was the small title to the most northern fief in the Grand Duchy. However, in recent years the Baron had been more times around the Empire than nearly any other noble in the Empire.

Vairaz shrugged, “Depends how many men, sire.”
“My Lord, or Lord will do just fine,” waved the Grand Duke before sitting forward, “Say, something like a Marshle?”
The Baron’s face twisted slightly in thought. Three thousand men, commanded by a Knight-Marshal, and the Vale was not an easy place to go through. Countless dangerous animals lived there, plus brigands and any number of criminals. “Such a large group..” he ‘hmmed’, “Not easy with a large party, the baggage train would get caught up easily.”
Naii nodded, tapping his fingers. No doubt his sons thought he was seriously considering invading the capital. “What about a small party – say, a twenter?”
Vairaz smiled and nodded. “Much easier, si- lord,” he corrected himself, “If you send, maybe a centente at a time in a different direction they could hunt for their food, carry what is needed.”
Now the Grand Duke shook his head, “It’s good you are thinking ahead, but no, only a twenter.” He looked at the Heir, “Lead by your son, in fact.”
Brai’s eyebrows rose sharply, “Dannik? Why?” Dannik was his first-born and a Knight-Captain of the Duchy of Zel.
“Aye,” nodded Naii solemnly before rising and passing the letter to Brai, “With a twenter of guards. It should be sufficient, should it not, Baron?”
“For the Vale, lord? If I had not already said it would, I would say it was not. If only because he is your grandson, not because he is incapable.”
But this time Brai shook his head as he read through the correspondence from a Sverqi in the Capital, “No, he will go,” he muttered before turning to his father, “Who sent you this? It is not addressed to us.”
The Grand Duke smiled and indicated with his hand towards Haerul and Brai lifted an eyebrow.
The Earl’s eyes shifting left and right before he leaned forward and, in hushed tones, asked, “Lord, with the guards here?”
Naii’s mouth formed a small ‘o’ before he covered it with a hacking cough, “I fear my health is not what it was before winter.” He snorted softly, remembering that many of the people here, guards included had caught the Cough over winter, and he just hadn’t got over it. “I fear that I should not worry about matters of state at this unfitting hour, we will talk about this in the morning.”
Venner smiled, “It is morning, father.”
“Ah, well...” muttered the Grand Duke, before clapping his hands. “We will continue this in my study, then. At least there it is more comfortable and considerably better for my health.” Placing his hands on both arms of the chair and he stood, gathering what papers he could carry before Brai placed an hand on his arm, and the Grand Duke remembered where he was.

Previously, before during the winter months up around his study on his own he would be more than happy to carry things around himself, to draw water and other menial tasks. But here, out in the open infront of the guards, he had to be the Duke of the third largest dominion in the Empire. Clapping his hands, he called the pages forward and indicated to several documents he wanted brought to his study, before he broke away and walked over to one of the guards – a Phalanxman.
“What is your name?” Naii asked.
“Gyre du Venderwalkn, sire. Earl-of-Freci’s Phalanx,” replied the guard calmly, however inside he was shaken.
Naii turned back to Haerul, “One of your’s, eh?” The question had a double meaning.
“Aye, lord, one of mine.”

Naii turned towards the Corporal of the Guard, “Corporal?”
A boot came crashing down, “Sire!”
“Tell the Knight-Lieutenant that I expect to see the full guard assembled on parade tomorrow morning one bell after waking,” he ordered.
“Aye, sir!”
Turning back to Gyre, Naii gave a second order, “I expect to see you and four of your most trusted comrades after parade.” Turning away, Naii left the dumbstruck man and joined the rest of his council at the door, which looked just as dumbstruck as the Phalanxman.

The walk to Naii’s study was a quiet one, giving him time to think about what was happening. His sons did not know about the Earl, and neither did the young Baron. Naii had a soft spot for the young Baron; he was like a grandson to the old Duke. Ever since his father had given Vairaz the Barony, he had been privy to more secrets then even his two Dukes. In all honesty, Naii trusted the his two Margraves more than he trusted his Dukes. The Margraves were military men, not those ambitious with power such as the Dukes. Margrave Nsre commanded the North and a sliver of the east where the Forts were. Margrave Xiou commanded the far north, the border with Raven’s Perch. The Grand Duchy had not seen war for – Naii looked off at the tapestry on the wall, hoping that one of them would jolt his memory. He went past four until the fifth reminded him – The Battle of Xioq, Hundred and Twenty years ago, he sighed. It was the last battle with Raven’s Perch where the Free City Phalanxmen re-enforced the besieged Stronghold via the river, with the Zel Highlanders and the Xiou Marshal supporting from the land. Gods, that was a battle from the legends, and since then, with the Free City treaty, the Phalanxmen have been an integral part of any significant force.

Then they had arrived, his irrelevant thoughts taking up much of the walk. The guard posted outside saluted the Grand Duke and opened the door for them. The Grand Duke entered followed by his council and lastly two pages that were carrying the files he requested. Dismissing them, he sat down heavily behind his desk and indicated the rest of them should sit.
“I’ll stand, thanks, I’m not used to this sitting for a long time,” said the Baron.
Brai snorted, “No doubt, with all the hard work you do for harvest.” The Vale was hardly a agricultural region, being able to produce not much more than what they need. The young Baron stared daggers at the Heir as he continued, “So, father, Earl,” he nodded at them both, “Why do we need to be up here?”
Naii sat back in his chair, as did the Earl. “I probably should have told you this before...” he muttered before rifling through some of the papers on his desk and handing them to his first-born, “Take a look for yourself.”

Brai took several of the leaflets of paper and looked at them, gradually his eyes got wider, and looked sharply up at his father, “Treasury reports, messages to and from the Capital, missives from El-Eal to churches... what is this? This, these... whatever they are, they are illegal.”
His father snorted, “If they were illegal, would we have them.. wait, no, we probably would, and they probably are in some hidden backwater law.” Rising out of the chair slightly, he leant forward and picked up the goblet of warm water mixed with ground beans recently sent from Pandesia, coffee they called it. “No,” he continued, taking a refreshing sip of the coffee, “No, this is all thanks to the Earl. You see, for years, the Earl, his father, and other hidden people in history have been serving the Grand Duchy in a way not known to you, or your brother. I’m fairly sure no one but me and the Earl know of his... other duties.” The Grand Duke missed the glance between the Baron and the Earl as he got up and approached the bookcase behind his desk. Pulling out a large volume, he reached in and there was a small click, and then his arm went in further that the bookcase appeared to be thick. His arm soon returned, intact, with a small book in hand. Replacing the larger volume, he turned back to the group, lightly throwing the book at the Earl. Then he looked at his sons who still had confused looks upon their faces.

“The Earl,” he continued, after a time, leaning his arms over the back of his chair, “is our representative in the Free Cities, but his relationship as a Free Citizen allows him to be almost anywhere without prejudice. No, he is not only our representative, but he is so much more. Given the missives in your hand, can you not tell? He is my Spider, my spy master.”

Brai’s eyebrows shot up, “Spy master? Why would we need one, we are not in a time of war?”
“Are we not?” asked the Earl, “Is not every House plotting their own position to power? Given the Eligibility of the Emperor’s daughter, the way to the Imperial household, does not every House with a son present themselves as eligible bachelors. Gods, even the King of Chulainan has proposed a son to marry your beloved niece, Saanya. I have people working with the Imperial Pigeons and Fast Riders, and I know much of the communications that head out of the Capital.”
Brai sighed at the mention of his niece, Saanya Tarquilya-Alcedina. Her father, his brother, Fallis had died in a hunting accident in Prinzwood eleven years ago. Brai had not been particularly close to Fallis, however Gaden was – his yet unmarried brother. It had severely affected the youngest of the four brothers to a point where many of the du Zealan had only seen Gaden once or twice since then. Now that the Grand Duke had given Gaden permission to marry out of love, rather than political gain, he had stop coming to Kz’Sver altogether.
“I see your point, my Lord Earl,” he muttered as a solid knock came through the thick door. The young Baron looked at the Grand Duke, who waved permission.

“Yes?” asked the Baron, before taking a leaflet of paper and closing the door. Turning back to the group he shrugged, “Didn’t say a thing, what an odd fellow.” Turning the note back and forth he raised an eyebrow, passing the paper to Haerul, “Its –err, in a foreign language. I believe this is your name, my Lord Earl.”
The Earl smiled as he read it, “Yes, quite.” He passed it to the Heir, “Correspondence from my people in the south.”
Bari frowned as his eyes ran over the page, “I can’t read this, nor can I put the language.” He passed it across to Venner who concurred.
“It is good you can’t,” responded the Grand Duke, “Only very few can, it is a language my good Earl has created. He’s created several, actually – a very resourceful man.” He looked at the Earl pointedly.
“Ah, very well,” he coughed before reciting the message he had memorised, “ ‘Magna assembles, Pandesia retorts with force on the border, Lumanist’s attempt to win over Reg.’ ”
“Reg?” asked Venner.
The Earl nodded, “Aye, the Princess Regent.”
The Grand Duke sighed, “I’ll pen an offer of support in the morning, but we are getting off track here. We were talking about the Vale, and my lord Earl brought up a good point about the Emperor’s daughter.”

The Baron, who had been quiet for a time, nodded and spoke up, “Aye, the Vale. Yes, if you were sending a twenter through the Vale, they would have little trouble - only the animals and the occasional brigand.”
The Grand Duke’s fingers put a beat out on his desk as, in his other hand, he re-read the letter that started this lengthy conversation. Finally sighing, he turned to his first-born. “Your son, Dannik, he is of marrying age. As is the Emperor’s daughter. He will go through the Vale, accompanied by the good Baron here as well as a twenter Bodyguard made up from my own men.”
“My son, to marry the daughter of the Emperor?” murmured Brai.
His brother snorted, “No, to see if he is fit to marry the daughter of the Emperor.”
Brai’s eyes shone as he still murmured, “It would make me brother to the Emperor..”
The Earl glanced sidelong at the Grand Duke, almost sighing.

The Parade Ground was bright as the armor of the Grand Dukes two cenete of guardsmen stood upon the paved ground which accounted as the Parade Ground. The light blue ceremonial armor of the Phalanxmen combined with the white-gold tinged Highland breastplates and the mottled green uniform of the rangers mixed throughout the bright polished men-at-arms and his red-golden contingent of twenty knights. He knew the armor was not gold, just polished that way, but it was still none-the-less impressive. Two twenters of spear and one of halberds gave them a strong background, as the Phalanxmen displayed the best of their weapons. Of course, if it came down to a real fight, they could no doubt use these weapons, however they were mainly used for ceremony.

“Sir!” bellowed a voice from below as the Serjant-in-Chief marched out proudly and saluted the Knight-Lieutenant who commanded the Guard. “Grand Duke’s Household Guard, Upon the Roll: Two Hundred; Upon the Parade: Two Hundred; Absent: Zero!”
“As you were!” replied the Knight-Lieutenant.

They were close to the end; almost all of the Keep had come out to see the spectacle. Not often did the Grand Duke request a formal Parade, but when he did it was a sight to see.
“Dis-missed!” bellowed the Knight-Lieutenant. As one the column of troops rotated pivoted right on the ball and heel of their feet followed by a resounding crack as two-hundred boots came down simultaneously. Then all at once the two Squires which served as the head of the Cenete began calling out simultaneously, “Front Rank by the—” “—middle rank –” “—right wheeling—” “—MARCH!” Somehow in the confusion both cenete managed to set off at the same time, and wheeled off the parade ground.

The Grand Duke turned to his wife, his beloved of forty-three years, “That was wonderful, was it not?”
She nodded, rising from the chair that had been set out for her next to her husband’s, “Quite. I haven’t seen them parade in a while.”
The Duke nodded slowly, rising from his own and joining his wife as the slowly retreated from the small raised podium put in place for them. They chatted for a few minutes about meaningless things, about Darrik and the Vale, before Naii squeezed her arm lightly. “I have some small matters to attend to before I break my fast. I will join you presently.”
Salia curtsied, “My Lord,” and they both broke out in smiles. She hadn’t done that since... well, neither of them could remember.

Parting their own ways, the Grand Duke moved off towards the barracks where he was to meet that Phalanxman – Gyre – and his men, along with Baron Vairaz and his grandson, Darrik. It was not a long walk, and he had time to compile his thoughts. He mused over whether or not the man, Gyre, would choose those of his kind, of Phalanxmen, or he would choose wisely over the different units. When he arrived, he found he was not disappointed. There before him, was Baron Vairaz chatting away happily with two Rangers. Next to them a Highlander sat happily chatting away with a Light Horseman, Gyre, the Phalanxman, and his Grandson, Darrik about the importance of the two-handed sword. The Highlander saw him first and began to rise before Naii waved him down, “No need to be so formal.”

Nodding to the various ‘Sire’s and ‘M’Lord’s he stood next to his Grandson, “Right, most of you will be wondering why I’m here – why you’re here for that matter.” He lightly squeezed his grandson’s shoulder before continuing, “Gyre here chose you because you are good men. I chose him because he was a hidden man – an unknown to me, however not unknown to my most trusted council. It’s the best that some things remain hidden, and all-in-all, protecting this young man is one of them.”

He paused for a second before going on, “The Knight-Captain here will be heading to the capital, however not the long route. No, you, as his body-guards along with him and the good Baron, will be going through the Vale.”
“M’lord,” coughed the Highlander, “With all due respect, Highlander’s are not good fighting horseback, as I understand the way through the vale is easiest.”
“Nor are we, lord,” put in the other Phalanxman.
“Aye, that is so, but if you could not ride you would not be here. If you must fight, dismount then, but it is simply a matter of time... and a trial to test this young lad.” Looking at each of the soldiers he continued, “So, to make up the bodyguard, you men will choose three more that you trust with your lives. This will give you all experience working with who you do not on the norm.” Twenter’s were rarely broken up, and units were often forged together for life.

“You will leave tomorrow, and it is a one-hundred and eighty mile journey, I suggest you get preparing,” the Grand Duke said before he turned and left the thoughts churning in the men’s minds. There was more than that, than hopefully winning the hand of the Empress-to-be. Nay, Naii could present a hundred reasons, but he wanted someone in the north that could provide credible information, and no doubt the Earl Haerul will add someone to Dannik’s party. The proper Imperial Courtly education is just a bonus.Walking back to his study he felt the notes against his chest that rested on his inside-jacket pocket, and changed route to head to the Steward’s Room. Opening the door, the stewards hardly had time to get out of the chairs before he was gone, with orders left to send one message south by Light Messenger as soon as possible, and the other to be sent north via six Imperial Pigeons.

One thing that was not stated in the council meeting by his sons, or by the Earl or Baron, was why they resorted to a message addressed to another dominion. Naii didn’t trust the Pigeons, since it had been implemented he had not received a single message on time, sometimes not at all. Someone was out to get the Grand Duchy. Who was the question, not if.

To my Honoured Brother and Liege His Serene Highness Prince Castamir IV Tarquilya-Alcedina, Lord of Pandora, Prince of Pandesia, Grand Admiral of the Southern Seas, Lord of the Southlands, Warder of Prinzwood and Sovereign of the Southern Cities, and my honoured daughter, Princess Berúthiel Tarquilya-Alcedina.

I bring you, by our Light Horse, one of the only messages hope to be secure. I no longer trust the Imperial Pigeons due to some severe delays in messages from the Capital reaching me. I, through means of intelligence from various sources, am only barely aware of what happens in the far north. That, and this ‘Heathen League’ our Honoured Daughter and Son have created. We request that you do not take such a drastic action that your hand will be forced unto war.

We have also noticed that the Lpqy have been amassing on your border, and wonder if there is such a way we can mediate such a conflict? We have the food we can send south to the starving if you have so much as a need.

On the note of food, our next caravan will be coming south presently, upon with there is grain, barley, rye; the amounts of which are attached for your stewards. In note of rumours drifting to us, we are also willing to fill any quota required upon the Most August Principality.

Lastly I have two requests on behalf of, firstly mine, and secondly mine household. Due to.. Interference with the Imperial Pigeon, as stated above, I am of lack of news of the Capital. Could you, by perchance, alert myself to the happenings within the Imperial Court, and secondly alert the Capital on your next missive, as I am unsure should my pigeons arrive at the Imperial Coop. Secondly, my household has fallen in love with that bean you call ‘coffee’, by chance could you send some north for us to present to our Lords. I’m sure it will bring pleasure to your Knights and plantation owners once the contracts for a regular supply are sent south.

With Love and Regards,
Naii du Zealan,
Grand Duke of Sverq, Duke of Dz'Sver, Duke of the Zellit Mountains, High-Lord Admiral of Brejj, Keeper of the Sveree River, Warden of the Free Cities, Grand Master of the Vellite Order.

To Ealdred II of Ifelin, called the 'Wrathful', Emperor of Oltiryngard, Lord of Ivlendir,

My liege, I have good news and bad news to send north to you. Firstly, my Grandson, the Knight-Captain Derrik du Zealan, will be presenting himself in no more than ten days at your Court. He will be travelling via the Vale, and will arrive at the head of the Corrant River in approximately six days. I fear I have been severely lacking in giving him a proper, courtly education, offering only what I can provide in my humble keep. I am sending him north to experience the grander spectrum of the Empire and for him to present himself as my figure in your court for a year, upon which time he is free to leave and continue onto the Allitrom University, return home, or stay in your court as a courtier.

Also, sire, why must I send one to your court to stand in my place? I fear betrayal of the pigeons, flying to a third party or someone capturing them and sending on others, and thus my decisions answers to your questions or other thusly urgent requests cannot reach you. No matter how, I have not been requiring the messages sent to me from neither the capital, nor many other Dominions within the Empire. I have my own men searching within Sverq for a traitor. If he’s here, I assure you we will find him, and we will bring him to justice. Until such a time, messages will be sent to Dannik via a different route, several infact, to ensure that it somehow gets to you.

I’m sure my grandson will look forward to meeting the Imperial Family.

Ever Faithful,
Naii du Zealan,
Grand Duke of Sverq, Duke of Dz'Sver, Duke of the Zellit Mountains, High-Lord Admiral of Brejj, Keeper of the Sveree River, Warden of the Free Cities, Grand Master of the Vellite Order.

Baron Vairez broke from the laughing group, and strode off to the armory. He had but hours to find what was necessary and return, lest he not get the practice and feel of any weapons he had chosen. Despite being in the Keep, the Baron kept his Ranger cloak with him, albeit a more flashy, courtier design. He could still be recognised by any member of the Keep as a Ranger, however he had a kind of style. Not to mention he was beautiful – well, no, handsome was more the word. As he swaggered past some giggling, red faced maids, a shadow caught his eye.

“My lord Baron?” whispered the shadow, it’s voice like a harsh wind through trees.
He knew that voice. “M’lord?”
“You are going to Ivlendir with the Knight-Captain?” It was more a statement then a question. “I do trust you will follow your duties.”
“Of course, m’lord, you can count on it,” he replied, continuing to walk along as he heard some footsteps rounding the corner ahead.

“There you are!” cried Dannik, “I thought you went to the armory.”
Vairez smiled, holding his arms out, “This place is huge to a backwater Vale lad like myself. I simply got lost, is all.”
Dannik chuckled, and turned back the way he came with the Baron now in toe. Vairez was anything but what he appeared, inside he was shuddering. God, I hate that voice.

by **Crethir** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 12:12 pm

Pandesia wrote:"Actually we are." The fifty three year old lord of Tiristaeth said pointing towards a group of riders. "I would imagine that, that is king Riordan's knights here to greet us. With a bit of luck we will sleep in real beds tonight." Several of the knights, many of which in Abrazân's eyes where little better then his young squire responded well to that announcement with the obligatory comments about the perceived beauty or lack thereof of the woman of Chulainan. Soldiers would be soldiers Abrazân though shaking his head knowing that the brothels of the capital of the vast kingdom of Riordan of the Eastern Wastest would not be lacking custommers tonight.

The approaching group of riders got closer, and the Maroon and Silver of the Duchy of Crethir was visible on their surcoats. The force consisted of some twenty men at arms, a hundred footsoldiers, and twenty crossbowmen. "Salutations, noble lord. I am Sir Vorenus, Captain of the Guard of Duke Trasaric Tar Carnehil. He recieved word of your coming, and extends a formal offer of hospitality for you and your company. The roads are dangerous of late, and we will be happy to escort you to my Duke's home."

------------

Duke Trasaric had been busy of late, preparing to take up his appointment at the Emperor's court. He had finally managed to make time to write, and began composing the letter he would send to the Emperor. Normally he would ask him in person after travelling to the capital, but he wanted to waste no time in this matter.

To his Imperial Majesty

I hereby ask permission for a license to fortify certain portions of my territory. The first new castle would overlook the southern road to Pandesia, commanding the approaches against all potential invaders. The second will be located in Gratian's wall, near the mouth of the Anatir river. The Anatir river flows down from the mountains into my territory, and an invading army could use this route to supply an invasion. I hope to forestall any such attempt by the construction of this castle. His majesty may rest assured that the castle building will be done entirely at my own expense, and will not interrupt any taxes or duties he is entitled to.

Your obedient servant

Duke Trasaric Tar Carnehil

He sealed the letter, and handed it to his secretary to send off with a bird. It would be expensive, but he could have the new castles built in a year's time if he threw enough money at the project.

by **Lpqy Magna** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 2:03 pm

Lpqy Magna, Lpqy Magna

Tyrus Himilco reclined on his magnificent throne, constructed out of some ridicolous material which seemed to enjoy whatever pains it caused his not inconsiderable ass. He waited patiently for the messenger to relay the message that had arrived by carrier pigeon from his former lieges.

He yawned visibly, along with most of the court, as the introductions were made. As a people who were often accustomed to hunger, cold, disease and what have you; the frivolities and pomposity of Pandesia was never very popular. Now, less than ever.

The messenger continued to read: "But what good would it do any of us where I to block and land trade to Lpqy Magna and have my fleet sink any trade vessels nearing the shores of your fair city? No, I shall not concede to such violent and cruel meassures to a respected and everloved vassal such as your house."

Himilco grinned; if there was any trade of value going into his ports, this was the first he heard of it. 'Hell,' he thought, 'if there are any merchant cogs transversing Magna Bay, they are probably those damnable smugglers.' It was pure Pandesia to be the liege lords of a territory for as long as they had been, and still not understand the crippling poverty of the area. If they wanted to impound this, as of yet, invisible merchant fleet; more power to them. He would be more than delighted to hear reports of stammering Pandesians trying to tell their Dual-Monarchs that they weren't crazy, it was just they believed in things that had no basis in reality.

"While indeed priests have been arrested the majority are already free again-"

The Court gave a respectable guffaw. They had only been arbitrarily, illegally and violently arrested for a short time! Now, a few remarked sarcastically, we should do the same to them. After all, they seem to see no problem in it.

"and at no point was the ecclesiastic leadership of Pandesia in disagreement with the decision to arrest those clerics who defied the imperial edicts and standing pandesian anti famine laws. Thus the first issue you raise does hardly exist. The arrests was sanctioned by the majority of bishops and most clerics choose to cooperate with the authorities in a manner that is most commendable."

At which point the various vassals and court hanger-on's became quiet. It was one thing to fiddle with the facts, as it were, it was quite another to lie. Was anyone in Lpqy Magna supposed to believe that? If the vast majority of Pandesia's higher ecclesiastic echelon was not 'in-line' with the Church proper, then how did the Priests ever receive their instructions? Was Lpqy supposed to believe that the Church, arbitrarily, had sent a carrier pigeon or messenger to every man of the cloth; going outside the established Church hierarchy? Simply put, if the Bishops were truly appalled at the instructions they had received at the behest of the Church there was no plausible reason for why they would pass those instruction onto those beneath them in the hierarchy of the Church.

Some wondered aloud that if the ecclesiastic authorities of Pandesia had never relayed the information, which seems very probable, why then were the Priests arrested in the first place? If the letter was speaking the truth, it was clear: the authorities within Pandesia had become quite mad and were attempting some sort of odd, indefensible power consolidation. Why else attack the only credible institution not directly associated with the Principality over a matter no one of appreciable Luminist influence had actually condoned within Pandesia in the first place?

"But pertaining to the accusation of unequal distribution of foodstuff I must protest and demand your apology. The House of Tarquilya-Alcedina has staunchly refused to tolerate the starvation of any citizen throughout our realm."

"Their realm?" Harrumphed Tyrus, "their realm is on lease from our Emperor!"

"ten thosands of golden leopards worth of food has been delivered from the army supplies to local village authorities for distribution among the general populace."

The court let out a short cheer. Less food for campaigning, was less food they could use.

In any event, there was no further recantation from Lpqy regarding the recent, impromptu declaration of independence.

(OOC: I'll let you make the war thread, if you feel so inclined.)

by **Ivlendir** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 3:14 pm

Imperial Court, Ivlendir

"More messages, your majesty," said Oldenkirk, holding a handful of scrolls and leading in a man. The Emperor peered at the Haringarder. "What's he here for?"

"Another message, your majesty." The man opened his mouth to speak, but with a motion Oldenkirk silenced him. They had other matters to get through.

It took a long while to get through them all. When they had finished, the Emperor shook his head. "Cannot my subjects piss without asking me if they have my permission to?" Waylond Redhand laughed. "Their fear of you overcomes their senses."

Ealdred smiled grimly. "In my father's days there were bold men who ruled this empire. I knew they were bold because when he died, they tried to kill me. Jordan and I affixed their heads to pikes. Perhaps I was hasty in doing so. If I'd known that trembling women would take their place, I might have spared a few. There are few men left that have the courage of their fathers. And those that do I have to watch like a hawk." He shook his head. "Tell the Lord Etotsi that the running of the realm is my business, and those who would divide my realm must meet me on the field of battle. Tell him further that his loyal lord Prince Olav is a steadfast and mighty man, whom I trust and who will protect Etotsi as long he lives."

"Tell the Duke of Haringard that he can get his seed and food from the Church, and that we'll take none of his." He watched the Haringarder messenger leave his presence. "Duke Trasaric is given leave to build his fortifications, he made need them yet. And to Grand Duke Naii, we'll be happy to receive his grandson." He touched his sword's pommel. "Is that it for messages?"

"Those are the ones that need responding to," said Oldenkirk. "But there is the matter of the South and the Patriarch's audience." The Emperor looked blankly.

"There are two rebellions. One against Luminists and one for them. Duke Tyrus has risen against Prince Castamir," said Marshal Heyshiel.

"A matter for King Riordan," said Ealdred, dismissively. Heyshiel shook his head. "This may split his realm. If he declares for Castamir, he faces a Luminist rising. Declare for Tyrus, and the pagans rise. Kingdom of the Eastern Reaches is so divided between the two, there's little sense in it. Too full of pride for anyone to humble themselves."

"Let me march south, father. Call the banners and sort them all out!" said Gabriel. "If King Riordan cannot control his kingdom, remind him who gave him his crown. Redraw their borders and bind them all to someone else, a more receptive servant."

The Emperor stared at Gabriel. "I have half a mind to do so. It will not hurt to prepare for war, as it seems someone will need it. Gabriel, call your soldiers. Oldenkirk, call in Conall and the Lion's men. And tell Brogan of the Marches to move his men to the mouth of the Anatir. We'll have the others here when Valiant arrives, so he may see but a fraction of my force in arms." The Emperor looked at his court. "In my father's day, vassals would send nobles from everywhere to be at the imperial court and children to be fostered. All to curry favor with their Emperor. What do we have now? This Pandesian girl and few scattered advisors who are here only because their office demands it of them. The pigeons make my subjects fat and lazy. They can message and petition me without ever having to look me in the eyes. Say what you will about the Patriarch, but at least he has guts. What's next?"

The court settled in for a long day.

Elsewhere in the Palace

Lady Venetia Tamley had decline to go to court today. She had other business. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted it. The Pandesian priestess. Zorz... something. Venetia couldn't quite remember. "Priestess!" she called out, "might you tell me of your gods? I know so little about the Pandesian Pantheon."

by **El-Eal** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 6:30 pm

As the princess sat Leviticous could hardly stifle his laughter, she was to be the new queen? He never knew she had such a temper and would angerly stamer as she did. He figured she was insecure of her power and that she was in a tricky situation at the moment. As of late she had aressted several clerics supplying food to only luminoust which may have gone against anti-famine laws but was it not the churches grain. Even so the house which she represented would see soon enough if he got his way just how powerful the church could be. How dare she critize the works of the church that pagan heathen! He would be the one with the last laugh he wwas sure of that. He was the patriarchs new envoy in the region the new voice of the luminous faith here and he would not stand for this.

Slowly he picked up the bible which she had cast away and kissed its cover lightly. He then placed it on the chest of gold which still sat in its current position. He then paced slowly towards the model of the new bisilica and then to the side of the princess. His eyes ever gleeming with power and his movements saturated with arrogance. As he neared the princess he bowed mockingly but it was visable he ment to hide the fact. Placing a hand on the rear of the chair which she sat he smiled kindly as he placed his mouth close to her ear as so only she could hear his whispering tone.

"My lady forgive me I had no idea you where so sensitve towards your people. Please do not think badly of me I wish only to help the lost sheep of the lords flock. I believe that the people here do admire you but kindly think of them while you sit here with a tiara on your head. I have heard rumours of a heathen leauge... Wouldnt it be unfourtante if the emporer saw this as a threat against himself? Do not think I care not for your traditions, your culture is something to be admired yet your policy is weak. I can easily increase the gift of 2000 golden leopards to ten thousand to serve your people. I humbly apologize for my words if I have caused some sort of distress to your mind."

His smug look changed to one of sorrow and repentance as he looked into her eyes. She was a attractive woman but simply a fool in his own mind as he was not doubt in hers. He stifled another chuckle not changing his expression.

"Also I hear that the line of succesion is in conflict here I think if you did convert it would become more clear and standings with the emporer would improve. Meanwhile I will ensure that the educational facilites and places owned by the church are running smoothly. I would also like to discuss with the arch bishop here as he is granted new power. Also the church will continue to dispense the grain to the peasentry regardless of faith. I also ask if the church can do anything to help you take care of the people?"

later that day Leviticous would send a message by pidgeon to the emporer

To the emporer whose divine insight leads our people,

We stewards of the patriarch ask that you allow the Luminous church to send Patriarchal troops to help settle the situation in the south. These troops will not invade nor pillage the south rather stand as body guards of high ranking priests and bishops. The troops are Eunuch so they need not fear for their women. It saddens us to even have to take such measures but the house is full of anger against the church. Though they may deny this publicly they fear that the church is up to no good, let me remind you this is your church as well something that should bind us together no tear at the fabrics of unity. Not only has the church stood by you on your throne but the rumours of a heathen league grow with each passing day.

All we ask is the permission to advance troops through your regions as we would not without your permission. So to guard the wheat being distributed by the church with your blessing as to increase your popularity. We fear if a pagan uprising may occur that the churches buildings will be in danger. These troops though if an uprising does occur will also be under your command as well as the patriarchs. I hoped it would not come to this but the princess of the dying king I feel is incompatent.

From your humble steward,
Leviticous.

by **Pandesia** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 3:12 am

The Most August Princedom of Pandesia
The Southern Court of Pandesia, the Holy City of Pandora, the Realm of Pandesilla
Under the Benevolent lordship of his Serene Highness Prince Castamir IV Tarquilya-Alcedina

"Then do so priest." Had been Berúthiel's last words to the arrogant priest. She prayed quickly, and for once to the luminist god as well as Enkur and Qastarte, that his silly religion would actually do it and spend a fortune on the wellbeing of her people. While war with Lpqy Magna did not worry the princess who knew very well that trade with the region was limited and as a result the armies of the rebellious vassals hardly had the opportunity to procure swords, much less armour, for their troops. With ample food from Sverq and the infinite superiority of the princely armies and the navy victory would be certain.

After the priest had taken his leave, discreetly escorted by the spies of the chancellor, Berúthiel wondered for a moment if she should convert. If the church would increase its payment five fold and recognise her as the true succesor to the throne then having some water poured on her head seemed a cheap price. But in her heart the thought repulsed Berúthiel. She feared the church more then anything else in the world for its intolerance and ignorance. Pandesia was a tolerant state where scholars and philosophers from all over the empire, and even from beyond its realms, could walk in the streets of fair marble cities fearing nothing. Should all that knowledge and beauty fall too the fires of the inquisition? Never.

Spending her day thinking about the rising threat from the activism of the church the princess had meetings with rhovanian tribal chiefs, the admirality, her brother and the most prominent commanders of the pandesian military. The strategy was simple. The rhovanians would raid the territory of Lpqy Magna burning down crops while five thousand men of the army would fortify the western cities and castles to prevent the lpqyan army from advancing. In the mean time the fleet would sink fishing ships to ensure that starvation would be certain even if the rhovanian raids did not prove to be succesful.

Having intercepted the letter from the priest, who had after all been under surveilance, Berúthiel summoned the archbishop of Pandora while the letter continued to Ivlendir with a new seal but the same pidgeon. Discovering, or even suspecting, that the letter had been intercepted would be difficult and proving anything impossible. As archbishop Castamaitë entered the princess's study she greeted him with smile. Had all men of the church been like him not a single sould in Oltiryngard, or the world for that matter, would have professed to any other faith then the luminist one. "Greetings uncle. I am glad that you could come on such a short notice." The princess said gesturing for the ilegitimate son of Castamir IV to take a seat.

"Always a pleasure your highness." The archbishop said blessing his brother's daughter, something she tolerated in silence. "You wish to discuss this priest Leviticous I trust?" The archbishop continued knowing that h had not been summoned for his theological knowledge. Berúthiel for a moment looked at the much older but quite naive kinsman before her. She of course couldn't tell him that she had intercepted a letter send by an imperial pigeon but she needed his advice. "Yes, Leviticous." Berúthiel said. "A man of great arrogance and little knowledge I suspect." She added revealling that she was at least Leviticous's equal in regards to arrogance. The archbishop nodded diplomatically. "Many men of God sadly is. They do not understand that the creed of the lord is one of love and compassion even for ones enemies." The man said saddened by his own words. "Irrelevant your eminence." Berúthiel said uncomfortable with her uncle's strong emotions towards the church he had choosen to serve rather then, as had been his right, claim the throne of Pandesia. "Anyway I fear that this man will poison the emperor's heart with a venom of hatred for the south. I wish for you to contact the archbishop of Ivlendir and defend my regency." For a moment the kind and pious appearence on the archbishops face was replaced with a stern expression. He did not like to be taken hostage for the policies of the princess. But he also knew that if the church was to grow strong in the south it needed a powerful patron and none was as powerful as Berúthiel. The fanatic priest had to be stopped. "If you insist your highness." He said. "I will write the archbishop and ask him to advocate for your highness." The archbishop, knowing that the princess had nothing further to discuss with him, stood up and bowed politely not even bothering to extend his hand with his ring for her to kiss it. Their personal relationship aside it was perfectly possible that she would have ordered his hand cut of.

Your eminence, my noble brother archbishop of Ivlendir, Primate of the Leopard's Paw, Second solely to the Patriarch,

Greetings brother. As I have only recently returned from a missionairy mission to the Southern Cities where our luminist faith appears to have finally taken hold among adûnaics and barbarians alike I have not previously had the chance to make myself aquainted with your eminence. Allow me therefore to introduce myself, my name is Daeron Castamaitë, archbishop of Pandora and candidate for the position of Primate of Heismed.

As your eminence are of course aware being the leader of our faith in Hesimed is the most troublesome post one can imagine as even the heathens of Raven's Perch are known for greater tolerance towards the church. I however do my best to keep those few faithful that I have cared for, spiritually or otherwise, in an attempt to ensure that the will of our lord God is best served in the south.

In that mission the House of Tarquilya-Alcedina is, contrary to what may be believed by his holliness the patriarch and his envoys, a crucial ally. The rhovanian tribes are only keept from sacking churches and chapels and raping and slaying luminists by the expressed will of his serene highness prince Castamir IV and his regent. When this famine hit and the pagan majority accused our brothers and sisters of angering the heathen gods it was only the swords of House Tarquilya-Alcedina that prevented mass slaughter of the faithful in the cities of the principality. The church may condemn freedom of religion but in the south the only reason the church even exist is due to freedom of religion as we are not liked nor loved by the common folk.

But I shall not bother your eminence, my noble brother in the faith, with the troubles of my realm the archdiocese of Pandora and the Ecclesiastic Province of Heismed. Certainly they are neither forgotten nor ignored in the northernlands where the faith prospers.

No the reason I write your eminence is because your eminence are known as a man of reason as well as faith for I am in grave need of both to solve an urgent and important matter that may concern the future of the faith in all of Oltiryngard. You see while I sincerely believe the House of Tarquilya-Alcedina wishes to de-escalate the conflict between the church and the principality, why else would they have pardonned even those priests who used violence against the soldiers of the prince and why else would they tolerate the church's distribution of crops, something that not even the pagan churches are allowed to do? But the attempts by the House of Tarquilya-Alcedina to de-escalate seem to be countered by the actions of the priest known as Leviticous who seem bent on throwing the empire into a religious war like none before. This prelate of low rank and, I can only imagine, similar knowledge and education, has no wish to reach an agreement and has no knowledge of the situation in the Heismed region. I have served the faithful of Pandesia for longer then this arrogant youth has been alive yet he had not once asked for my counsel on matters concerning the south.

Certainly his holliness the patriarch can not believe that this is the man who shall represent the church in the south? By what merit could he possibly hope to understand the complexity of pandesian society so very different then that of the Holy City of El-Eal. I therefore appeal to your eminence whose wisedom on clerical matters is known throughout the empire and who as primate of the most important province of the empire is second only to the patriarch in rank and influence. I appeal to your eminence to not allow Leviticous to spread words of hate in the imperial court. This man cannot be allowed to ruin everything that the church has accomplished since prince Miraz I allowed us to preach to his people. I implore thee my brother archbishop to be a voice of reason in the imperial court and too not let the emperor be persuaded into a foolish course of action in regards to the issue of religion in Pandesia.

May Our Lord and Saviour be with thee
Archbishop Daeron Castamaitë

Sending his letter the archbishop walked from the palace over to the modest spartanous house of the archbishop on his way blessing the few faithful in the city holy to God Enkur. While he received some mean glances from pagans who toucheda variety of religious symbols as he moved past them the archbishop was generally greeted with polite bows from the majority of the pagan populace as well. He was a well liked man who in his tenure as archbishop had managed to bolster the numbers of the luminist faith while still retaining the respect from his peers from other religious communities. There where few men who like him epitomized the creed for religious freedom. The son of a pagan prince had been a godfearing luminist archbishop and a trusted advisor of a pagan princess.

In his small house the archbishop quickly changed from his golden archbishop robes to the modest attire of a simple monk. He was a pious man who believed that the servants of god should live no better then the most unfortunate of his children something that had earned him the admiration and support from the monasteries of the realm whereas most of the bishops and high ranking priests where very sceptic of such pooverty. Kneeling down to pray the archbishop looked forward to meet Leviticous to discuss the future of the church in Heismed. No matter how horrible the man would be it was still a pleasent change that for once the patriarch actually cared about the south for other things then marble for church buildings, silk for clerical robes, vax for candles and gems for jewelry. Perhaps a new era of cooperation between the patriarchate and its most southern diocese could be usher in?

The Empire
The Imperial Court of Ivlendir
Emperor Ealdred II the Wrathful

Zôrzmiril looked around her noticing the emperor's sister and spymaster, the powerful lady Venetia Tamley of whom more horrible rumors existed
then the young priestess of Illera cared to remembered or dared to believe. While the priestess was not known to fear anyone or anything of the mortal realm she knew that she would have to thread careful around the woman. "I should be delighted to do so mylady." Zôrzmiril said bowing deeply as per southern fashion. "Although I cannot imagine that it would be of much interest too a woman of your ladyships prominence and greatness." The priestess submissively added. "There are two preeminent Tōnsûi Daiûm deities, God Enkur, Master of the Sky, Commander of Death and Lord of War and his sister and bride Godess Qastarte, the Mother Earth, Giver of Life and Lady of Love. From the union of those two came into being all things including deities such as my own Illera the Healer." For a moment the priestess wondered if it was true that the lady Venetia had an incestous relationship with her brother. If so perhaps the emperor was more southern then one would have imagined. "But for me to name all the deities of the mythology would take more time then I am sure your ladyship have to offer. Perhaps, if I could humbly inquire what exactly your ladyship wish to know, I could be more of service?"

Crethir
In the borderland between Chulainan, Crethir and the Leopard's Paw
Realm of Duke Trasaric Tar Carnehil, Vassal of Riordan of Chulainan

Lord Abrazân was not delighted to see the force, far to large to be a common patrol even in times of war, which originated from the northern neighboor with whom ties had never been to warm and which where unlikely to have improved after the very different response the duchy and the principality had given to the patriarch's decree. Furthermore considering that the duke of Crethir had been very close at securing the wedding of his own daughter to the kings son it was certainly possible that the crethiran force was tasked with slaying his own. But he could of course ride away. The majority of the force was footsoldiers. but Abrazân lord of Tiristaeth and son of prince Castamir IV was not a man who was in the habit of running away and thus he waited for the opposing force to approach.

"Greetings sir Vorenus." Abrazân politely replied the captain. Prospective enemies or not lord Abrazân always respected a soldier more so then any other man. "I am baron Abrazân of Tiristaeth, son of prince Castamir IV and I am on my way to the kings court. While I do not wish to refuse the kind hospitality of your duke we are in the westernmost part of his duchy and the road to Crethir is almost as long as the one to Chulainan. Rather would I present myself and my men at your noble lord's court upon my return from the king's court as I would not wish to keep his majesty waiting." The lord said as politely as possible. Certainly the duke would not attempt to intercept his mission to the royal court? But perhaps the duke desired the kingship of the Eastern Wastes for himself? If so he would likely have the full support of the church and it was not impossible that he could overrun Chulainan if the patriarch send men from the eastern parts of the peninsula.

OOC

Sorry for the inconvenience everyone but I have exams tomorrow so I can't post much before after then. I will reply to your posts Lpqy (to start a war in a different thread) and Sverq (to say thank you for the food supplies) by then or earlier if I can.

by **Stalrich** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 4:04 am

Stalrich – Guard Barracks

“Milord, urgest message from the Brothers!”

“What? Give me that!” shouted Jörg. What more could go wrong? Jörg thought to himself as he read the pigeon letter.

Johannes Ich, a messenger for the Lord of Stalrich, watched with curiosity as the heir to the throne read the letter he delivered. From the looks of his response, something big was about to happen.

“Johannes!”

“Yes milord?”

“Gather the messengers, there is no time to waste! I need word to go out within the hour. The forces of Stalrich much gather! Send out this letter to all the knights of the realm:

In the name of the Lord of Stalrich, I Jörg von Herrmann, Captain of the Guard hereby order all available knights to the city of Stalrich. All troops must be present in Stalrich within 5 days time. You are to gather as many of your retainers and vassals as you can in that time period. We march at dawn on the 6th day. May the Almighty speed your travels.

Jörg von Herrmann, Captain of the Guard

“Take this letter to the pigeon post Johannes. Send it out in all directions. And then, give it to your most trusted messengers as well. Have them go and check on as many of the villages as they can in the next 3 days. Father will need every possible unit, and we can’t have any vassals ignoring the summons.”

“Yes milord, of course. We will be on our way within the hour.”

“Thank you Johannes. I don’t think I need to tell you how important this is. Our whole way of life is at stake, we can afford nothing less than our best effort. Dismissed.”

At that, the messenger turned, and ran. He began shouting for other messengers, and soon, the barracks were abuzz.

Jörg sat in his father’s favorite chair, wondering about what exactly was going on. Whatever it was, it wasn’t good. An Inquisition. A Heathen League. The Famine. Things were getting too busy. He needed to find out more information, at least about what he was about to march in to. It was time to send out the Ghosts, they would be able to get answers. Jörg grabbed another sheet of parchment, and this time wrote:

My hidden brothers. It is time, your services are needed again. Head to the training grounds, and muster. Strike out through the place you are Master, and head to the NE. We need information, get it, and destroy any evidence. May the Almighty shield you from the enemies’ eyes.

Your brother, Jörg

He raced to the pigeon post, knowing that this needed to be kept as quiet as possible. The less that knew that the Ghosts were in action, the better the results.

OOC: I am going to add to this and flesh it out some more, but ran out of time before work, and I wanted to get the basic idea down instead of waiting 12 hours to do it.

by **El-Eal** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 5:01 am

As Leviticous was dismissed he knew somthing was amiss, but deciding to continue as planned he sent the letter anyways. Though what disturbed him was that several minutes later a Patriarchal guard clad in full plate armor appeared in his door way. The Large armored brute walked with the air of a noblemen but with the auro of a mass murder. For it was true that Patriarchal guards where the best trained troops in all of Oltirygard as only two hundred of them where in service to defend the Patriarch with their lives. They could wear heavy armor but still jump back enough to evade attacks, they could run fast with a halberd but drop it for a sword. Regardless of their proffessional fighting skills the men where ferciely Luminous and would be martyred befroe denouncing the faith. So when a Patriarchal guard whispered into his ear that the pidgeon had been intercepted he sithed with anger. That damned pagan woman! He thought to himelf . Yet calming himself he turned to the guard and nodded.

The guard made the sign of the cross and left the room. He made his way to the courtyard and after meeting several other Patriarchal guards they each toook their leave. Several went to the arch bishop who was at the time writing the letter for the emporer. Then when the bird was sent the other guards quickly knowing the route of the imperial pidgeons shot at it with long bows. When the arrows finaly pierced the body of the small pidgeons it fell limp onto the ground, blood dripping onto the message. The Patriarchal guards undid the message and with a quick glance over stowed it in his armor. They then rode back by horse and returned to leviticous. They met in the courtyard to avoid wondering ears as the patriarchal guard handed the bloodied partchment to Leviticous who read it several time over before folding gently into his pocket.

"Alright let us meet the arch-bishop." He said pressing his head to his temple whilst walking to the residance of the arch-bishop. When they finaly did meet the arch-bishop was dressed in monk robes which leviticous was surprised to hear that the rumors where true. No wonder the patriarch said that he was an example of the church, but the patriarchs words hardly mattered to him he had larger goals. The fact he had already disobeyed the patriarch was another thought he kept out of his mind. As LEviticous approached the arch bishop he bowed in reverance.

"Your holiness."Leviticous said softly but before he could say anything in return his mood turned deciteful. "Let me get this to you fast your holiness. The Patriarch has asked me to ask for cooperation with the south and that you have become a symbol of our faith and should be a role model. He told me to give ten thousand gold pieces to the princess but I have reserved eight of that to use on the patriarch guards. The Patriarch said to be kind and loving as he would be if he where present himself. Well let me tell you somthing the patriarch cares far to much about generosity and loving the poor then to see the big picture. He wants me to show church love to even the very poor and lowest of the pagans by giving out the wheat and trying to make cooperation with all religions possible. I do not agree with his love for all policy and therefore his orders are null here. I will make sure I accomplish my big picture goal and I will not stand for you to abuse me!" He said this as he cast the bloodied message to the ground. "Do not turn your back, I may not listen to the patriarch but I am still holding his offical seal!"

It was true the Patriarch had sent him but Leviticous cared not for religion. The Patriarch had ordered him to be loving and give out the money and wheat to the poor regardless of faith and show respect to the house. The Patriarch spoke well of them their care for everyone he said to leviticous was a model all luminous should follow. Tolerance and equality, God loves everyone whether he be luminous or pagan. Yet Leviticous saw only oppurtunity for power and destruction. The Patriarchs words though compassionate would not provide enough momentum for the church in the south.

Oltiryngard: Stories of the Empire (Closed, IC, PT)

Patriarch's gift

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