This world has felt a rather large loss. This world is called Gaia. It is a world with one continent surrounded by endless ocean. The continent is named after the Terran Empire - which has reigned over it since, perhaps, the dawn of civilizations. It matters not. Terra - and Gaia with it - may yet suffer from the tragic loss.
What great tragedy has struck, you ask? Was it the Daemons, who dare to inhabit Gaia and taint it with the scents of the Underworld? Was it, perhaps, a great plague that has begun sweeping through Terra, slowly destroying Gaia's life?
No. It was none of these; at least these threats, the Empire has faced before and could, mayhap, recover from. Empress Artemis II Regina, the last living member of House Regine, has died of an unknown illness. She had no proclaimed no Emperor-Consort, and she had no children. There is no one to sit on the Terran throne for the first time in history.
It is because of this that various members of the nobility and the military, along with members of races who had lived peacefully under Terra's reign, have become suddenly full of a deathly tension. Every House wants their House to be the one sitting upon the Throne of Gaia. Every House wants theirs to be in command of all of Terra, and all of Gaia through Terra's mighty power. And even still, every non-human race has begun to consider if they wish to remain ruled by the Terrans now that the fair-but-firm House Regine is extinct.
Of all the nobility, the most likely to succeed any chance at claiming the Throne of Gaia is Lord Jonathan XIV Carnifex, of the House Carnifex. With such a clear and obvious likely successor, one might wonder why there is a crisis within the Empire's very unity, to begin with. It is a simple answer: House Carnifex is, perhaps, the most repugnant of the noble Houses - and it was only kept at bay through House Regine's control over the Gaian Throne, for the Lords of the House feared reprimand too much to speak openly of their ideals.
Now, without House Regine? Should the House Carnifex lay hold over the Gaian Throne, all under Terra would be at the tender mercies of Jonathan XIV - who has been accused of allowing rampant slaving guilds, as well as the purging and murder of races not 'human' enough, among other heinous crimes.
As for what stake you have in this, well, I imagine that you, yourself, are a noble who leads a House. Or, perhaps, you are a village leader, tired of the old Houses proclaiming their right to rule? Or - or even more interesting, maybe you are a non-human who has never questioned living under the reign of the Empire until House Regine became extinct, and the risk of living under House Carnifex became very apparent?
Time will tell who shall seize the Gaian Throne - for your sake, whoever you are, I hope it isn't the Lord of Carnifex.
The Lord Carnifex's Personal Carriage
En Route to the Grand Palace of the Regine Estate
Terra-Primira/Imperial City/Thronecity of the Terran Empire
“My Lord, we are about to arrive within the Grand Palace of the Regine Estate's front gardens,” Jonathan heard his servant inform him from the front of his carriage, led by horses and guarded by Inquisitors as well as his personal Court Guards. The servant's voice continued, “Shall you require anything before we arrive, My Lord?”
Jonathan felt his lips curve into a gentle smile as he said, “No, but thank you for informing me of our imminent arrival.”
Politeness was important, as Father taught him quickly. He would never allow Jonathan to be impolite - without good reason, at any rate. Still, the “Regine Estate” was poorly named, in Jonathan's opinion. But, then, the House Regine always did assume they'd never go extinct. It was truly unfortunate that Empress Regine had to go and disappoint them in death as she did.
Ah, well, soon enough it would be the Grand Palace of the Carnifex Estate. Jonathan grinned to himself, containing his laughter at the thought. Yes, he could see himself upon the Gaian Throne: Emperor of Terra. What an amazing thought.
Do not think that you can escape your obligations, Lord Carnifex, a harsh voice whispered into Jonathan's mind, and he suppressed a grimace. He glanced down at his shoulder, a snake slithering down and hiding inside a compartment within his carriage, its voice carrying in his mind even still, or He will be most... displeased.
Jonathan suppressed another grimace, even as a servant opened his carriage's door.
Ah, it seemed they had arrived. Perfect timing. With a moment to collect himself, he put up his charm and polite grin: after all, he was the Lord Carnifex... for now. If need be, he would be the Master of the Inquisitorial Order - he was certain he could find a way to... expose anyone who challenged him for some form of crime or heresy or another.
But for now, the charming facade of the Lord Carnifex would do; after all, his fellows in the Court only had rumors and accusations about his character. They had no valid evidence - or, if they did, they'd never gotten him thrown out of the Court before. And with no one on the Throne, they definitely couldn't now.
Yes, the Throne would be his, he decided. He didn't want to think of what would happen if the Throne fell to someone else - or, Gods Above forbid, the Empire itself fractured. That would not do, no...
Pleasant thoughts, now, Jonathan. It's time to earn your Throne, Jonathan thought to himself.