Orius Rahtis was dead. His death had been inglorious, most unbecoming of an Emperor, especially that of all Pandyssium. The Imperial Magistratium had attempted to keep his death by riding off a cliff while hawking quiet, but the stable boys and falconers soon spread the tale to the cooks, and it soon reached the ears of every man, woman, and child of Pandyssium. Orius Rahtis laid in his final rest at the Shimmering Palace, in the capital, clad in radiant golden plate armor, with his sword clasped in his arms, guarded by 5 of the Emperor's Blades. But the talk in taverns soon turns to the Imperial Throne. It lies empty, as Orius had no true heir, only Cassyndra, a not legitimized child and 2 small children. The Empire of Augrilac, across the sea to the West, has always craved to rule Pandyssium. And now, when they hear of no Emperor upon the Throne, they will board their ships and bring death and destruction to all, while the Houses squabble for power.
Caer Aard, Imperial Hearthlands
The heads of every House in Pandyssium had arrived. Letters had been sent out, and all of them came, to Caer Aard. It was a small place outdoors, with a circle of 100 large stone chairs, tables for each chair and 500 smaller chairs behind. Also, a large pavilion was hoisted above the place, to protect against the elements. As all the nobles sat down, and were all accounted for, the Imperial Magistratium strode in, led by the Lord High Steward, Duke Belrond Garcius Tellegara.
The Duke stood and began his address,
"Greetings, lords and ladies of Pandyssium. I shall waste no words here. Emperor Orius is dead. There is no clear heir, and that, is why you have been called to the first Caer Aard Gathering in 300 years. The sons and daughters of the late Emperor are also in attendance, " said Belrond, motioning to Cassyndra and two small children. "After this, the floor will open for debate, where any who wish may argue for a candidate, while others may respond, disagreeing. At the end of this debate session, a recess will be taken, where you may discuss candidates further with allies or get refreshments. Then, you shall all write your chosen candidate for Emperor and Empress on a provided slip of paper, after which I and the rest of the Magistratium will count the votes at loud, in plain view of all, announcing who is to be our new ruler. With no further words, I open this Caer Aard for debate!" said Belrond, slamming his gavel on his stone table, before sitting down.
The Caer Aard Gathering had begun.