The Empty Throne IC

by **Kreise** » Fri Jun 07, 2019 2:54 am

The man in the doorway projected respectably, from the top of his receding hairline, to the tip of his highly polished oxfords. His three piece charcoal suit was the epitome of conservative business wear. His watch, an analog quartz tick the seconds away, as he waited to be addressed.

"Good day Herr Doktor Schmiederhäuser" came the greeting from a rather unimpressive old man sitting behind the desk. "I hope you have good news for me?"

"It depends, Herr Statthalter" was Schmiederhäuser's typically cautious answer. "I was today in court, and convinced the judge to dismiss the lawsuit as frivolous as DNA evidence is meaningless without documentation of legitimate descent."

"Not a surprise" opined the Statthalter "it is the law, but therefore also good news."

"In itself yes, but the throne is still empty, and the republican protests grow" responded the lawyer.

The Statthalter grumbled, before turning around and peering out the window. The square beneath was filled with protesters. Protesters demanding the abolishlation of the monarchy, and accusing the Statthalter of clinging to power. They were a minority, but a vocal one, and a growing one. "We must find the heir soon."

by **Kuronami** » Wed Jun 12, 2019 9:44 am

Foreign Agent, Benio Hanamura, a young lady who'd been the Foreign Minister for Kuronami had been assgined the task to help this wayward nation without it's ruler. Considering something similar happened in Kuronami not long ago, the first of its nation's history, it would seems that this particular nation based solely on a biological heir being found or present was not as prepared for a succession crises. There were also push backs from pro-republican sects hoping to scrap the monarchy and well with all that, Kuronami wasn't sure if the nation would want its help or ask for it, but they were here to help if needed, ensure a smooth transition of government. Kuronami an empire less about growing territory and more in shaping and molding nations and their futures. Hopefully it would lead to a good ally for the future.

Arriving to Kreise from Kuronami after her trip she introduced herself. "Benio Hanamura, Her Majesty's Agent of State."

by **United Auroran Empire** » Thu Jun 13, 2019 12:40 pm

The Limo rolled to a stop infront of the palace gates. Adorning its front were the flags of the nation, slowly moving with the wind. Behind the Limo were five identical limos. A tall slim man steps out from the back of the fifth limo and confidently looks at the gates , and further beyond them a glorious castle. One of which would slowly but surely become in his ownership. He was dressed in a fitting turtleneck and dress pants. Adorning his turtleneck was am emblem of his flag and the nation of Kreise. A long mustache attaches itself to his face, followed by bushy eyebrows.

His name was Dominik Saudek, and he was the true heir to the throne of Kreise. Or, that is what he would attempt to accomplish.
A guard approaches Dominik and asks, " Who are you, and why are here?"
"Why," Dominik spoke, "I am the Grand Duke."

by **Camelone** » Thu Jun 13, 2019 11:00 pm

High Kingdom of Camelone, Kingdom of Arthminster
Earldom of Dunroch, House Ui-Leopold
It was a quiet night and the small chapel attached to the household manor of House Ui-Leopold was lit only by a small collection of candles, it was there that the youngest of House Ui-Leopold was deep in prayer before the the tabernacle kneeling on the cold hard stone floor. Maoilios Ui-Leopold was a young man of only 23 years of age but he was an accomplished poet, hymnist, painter, and writer already with several of his works becoming internationally well known. An artistic prodigy Maoilios was a cultured and refined man though also incredibly reserved and shy, not to mention he was a scrawny man focusing more on refining his skills than muscles and athleticism. He was also known for his deep piety to the Apostolic Catholic faith and his romantic traditionalism, and a strong sense of noblesse oblige. He had already been praying for almost a full two hours before he heard the clicking of boots behind him signaling that someone was entering the chapel, and if he had to guess it would be his father.

While the two did not have a bad relationship they also did not have the best of relationships either due to a difference in worldviews. Maoilios father was indeed proud of him for his literary accomplishments and other artistic undertakings, and incredibly thankful for his sons piety and devotion, but he was also of the warrior aristocracy mindset who wanted his son to go a viking or at the very least find a fief of his own. It was this desire which had been the cause of their conflict because Maoilios was content to just be an artist without any landed territory, and he wasn't any dead weight. Regardless of that he knew that some sort of conversation pertaining to a fief was about to happen so he crossed himself and sat in a pew waiting for his father to sit down.

His father was a strong man, even in his advanced age he looked strong both of body and in mind. Maoilios heard of the stories of his conduct during the Age of Revolution, how he was an officer in service of the Royalists and held the line against numerous Red advances despite overwhelming odds against he and his retinue. His love of justice and prudent mind was also of respectable nature as well but he really could let up on his desire to increase the House's holdings. Taking his seat next to his son he decided to speak first.

"So I have heard there is an opening for Grand Duke in the land our forefathers hailed from." He led with, a much different situation than Maoilios had expected, he thought that a marriage alliance or a viking expedition was going to be talked about.

"Is that so?" Maoilios asked intrigued by the prospects.

"Aye." His father said solemnly "Our kin from the old house has all perished and now their fief is under threat of instability, perhaps even falling to that horrid plague of pure republicanism. They are gaining support son and only the Grand Duke can reverse it."

"And you think I should go and claim the throne? Why not Gordan or Conchar or even Finnean? They are all of the proper line and much more qualified than I." Maoilios countered softly absorbing the information.

"They are good lads as you know but they are not like you. Kreise does not need a warrior nor an administrator but they need a rallying point. You are of solid moral character, you have a strong faith in the Lord and His Will, and you can most definitely serve as the axis for the reestablishment of the office of Grand Duke. You have the backbone and the will to stand against oppression and to fight. Please just humor your father with this won't you? For kin?" He asked sincerely still facing the tabernacle.

Looking up at the cross above the tabernacle Maoilios was silent for a good while before he responded "I shall do as you command father." All he got in response was a strong hand on his shoulder that squeezed it lightly before his father got up and left. After his father left he knelt again in prayer and crossed himself asking for strength and wisdom for the many coming trials that he knew would occur.

High Kingdom of Camelone, Christhold Commonwealth
Tarvian, House O'Torcall
The birds were chirping happily as a man was fencing several assailants in the middle of a beautiful decorated courtyard and despite being outnumbered four to one the man was easily taking on all four with quick footwork and lightening quick reflexes with his blade. All the men were kept back with calculated and precious strikes until one was hit in the chest and dropped his blade signalling his defeat. It would only take little over a minute more before all four men dropped their blades in defeat, the lone swordsmen bowed and dismissed them as he went to get some water. Iona O'Torcall was the eldest son of the current patriarch of House O'Torcall, a notable house in Christhold politics but not one of the great houses in the mechanism of the republic.

Entering the mansion proper he washed his face and looked at the papers that had been laid on his desk, an interesting piece of paper was at the very top speaking of a vacancy of the Grand Duke's throne in Kreise. That country sounded very familiar but he could not place why until he read a little further on the report and realized that his father had assembled the report to tell him that Iona's grandmother was in fact a family member of the Kreise Grand Ducal family. They had a proper claim on the throne even if it was not the strongest of claims it was something to go on. Grabbing his things he knew he had to get ready, in his 36 years of life this was the best opportunity that he could think of to rise from the rank of Patrician to true nobility.

Sitting down at his desk he began to work on his plans to travel to Kreise, there was a throne to claim after all!

Kreise: Maoilios
Maoilios was nervous, most definitely nervous, he was clutching his prayer beads tightly in his hands to the point they were turning white from the painfully tight grip. This was not his element, he was not a people pleasure nor a social butterfly he was an artist who preferred the canvas and the pen in quiet meditation. He had brought a small retinue with him, just two guards and a chaplain, and he had not packed much in regards to clothing except for the bare minimum because well he was a minimalist. Praying for peace and tranquility Maoilios straightened up when he heard that they had arrived, it was a simple convoy just a single limo with his guards on motorcycles following the limo. As they stopped Maoilios rose from his seat and exited the limo.

He had seen the protests when they had approached and now he knew things were much worse than he had originally thought and he could only pray that God brings peace to this land. The protesters did not really seem to care all that much for the small convoy thankfully and now he stood outside where the true work would begin in his cloak emblazoned with the crest of House Ui-Leopold, a white leopard on a red background simple and to the point. His hat was wide brimmed and the feathers swayed in the wind ever so slightly and his boots clicked on the ground softly, for all intents and purposes he looked like a modest noble from another point of time but so was the land of Camelone to the rest of the world valuing tradition with technology but tradition dominated aesthetics.

Looking at the guards he announced his presence "Lord Maoilios of House Ui-Leopold is here good sir. I come to make my case for the throne." With that said he stood waiting for a response.

Kreise: Iona
Iona was excited and has dressed his best, taking the look of a Victorian gentleman that he so loved to emulate with spit shined shoes, a stylish black trousers and black jacket with a crimson vest with a gold trim to it and a black bowler hat. He was the spitting image of what one would think of as a gentleman with his toned physique and charming, peaceful smile that just broadcasted confidence. Even at his age he was a charming looking man, as his wife liked to say, and he made sure that people knew he was in town. His convoy was large with several limos and a large contingent of gallowglass guards for his personal protection when traveling around till he gets an official guard assigned to him. Through the protests he felt some sympathy for the protesters but in his mind he knew that things would be sorted out soon enough and stability would be restored.

Arriving at the palace as well he leaned back in his seat as the herald he had hired got out of the lead car and announced his arrival. "Here arrives Sir Iona of House O'Torcall to make his claim for the Kreise throne known to all." He knew another Camelonean was here already, a young and notable artist but he knew he had an advantage of him and that was unlike the devout Apostolic Catholic Iona was a member of the Christian Fellowship the official Protestant Church of the Christhold Commonwealth. An Apostolic Catholic was still a Catholic to many Protestants so he hoped his Protestantism would be an advantage.

by **Kreise** » Fri Jun 14, 2019 3:14 am

The Throne Room was always used for the reception of newly accredited diplomats on their arrival. The Throne, an simple piece of gothic furniture made out of stone a wood, it's self was empty, a situation that was not new, but had taken on new meaning. Before it symbolized the authority of the absent monarch, now it stood to underscore the difficult political situation. The Statthalter sat on a smaller, but newer chair that was placed in front of the dais. A bit nervous, von Goldenfeld fell back on protocol. He had done this ceremony before, but mostly with low level diplomats, not an Agent of State. "I welcome you to our land, I am Statthalter von Goldenfeld" he said standing up. "Let this be that start of a wonderful and mutually prosperous friendship between our two nations."

The Guard looked incredulous. "The Grand Duke of Kreise doesn't exist" was the response, from guard, who looked around, first sizing up the Pretender and then his limousines. Limouesines were not that common in Kreise, even in front of castles. This fact and the serious look on the new arrival's convinced the guard, that he was dealing with no practical joker. "One moment" said the guard before radioing it in. After a minutes conversation he returned the Dominik. "Excuse me sir, but there are several people introducing themselves with that title, these days, but only one has an appointment, you wouldn't mind giving me your name?" After receiving the name, Dominik Saudek was let through the gates, along with his entourage.

As the limousines pulled up front, they drew the attention of all working in the castle. A group of curious people stepped out to greet them. Among them was Albert von Kuhberg, the government Notary with whom the Pretender had his appointment.

by **Kreise** » Fri Jun 14, 2019 3:59 am

Camelone wrote:High Kingdom of Camelone, Kingdom of Arthminster
Earldom of Dunroch, House Ui-Leopold
It was a quiet night and the small chapel attached to the household manor of House Ui-Leopold was lit only by a small collection of candles, it was there that the youngest of House Ui-Leopold was deep in prayer before the the tabernacle kneeling on the cold hard stone floor. Maoilios Ui-Leopold was a young man of only 23 years of age but he was an accomplished poet, hymnist, painter, and writer already with several of his works becoming internationally well known. An artistic prodigy Maoilios was a cultured and refined man though also incredibly reserved and shy, not to mention he was a scrawny man focusing more on refining his skills than muscles and athleticism. He was also known for his deep piety to the Apostolic Catholic faith and his romantic traditionalism, and a strong sense of noblesse oblige. He had already been praying for almost a full two hours before he heard the clicking of boots behind him signaling that someone was entering the chapel, and if he had to guess it would be his father.

While the two did not have a bad relationship they also did not have the best of relationships either due to a difference in worldviews. Maoilios father was indeed proud of him for his literary accomplishments and other artistic undertakings, and incredibly thankful for his sons piety and devotion, but he was also of the warrior aristocracy mindset who wanted his son to go a viking or at the very least find a fief of his own. It was this desire which had been the cause of their conflict because Maoilios was content to just be an artist without any landed territory, and he wasn't any dead weight. Regardless of that he knew that some sort of conversation pertaining to a fief was about to happen so he crossed himself and sat in a pew waiting for his father to sit down.

His father was a strong man, even in his advanced age he looked strong both of body and in mind. Maoilios heard of the stories of his conduct during the Age of Revolution, how he was an officer in service of the Royalists and held the line against numerous Red advances despite overwhelming odds against he and his retinue. His love of justice and prudent mind was also of respectable nature as well but he really could let up on his desire to increase the House's holdings. Taking his seat next to his son he decided to speak first.

"So I have heard there is an opening for Grand Duke in the land our forefathers hailed from." He led with, a much different situation than Maoilios had expected, he thought that a marriage alliance or a viking expedition was going to be talked about.

"Is that so?" Maoilios asked intrigued by the prospects.

"Aye." His father said solemnly "Our kin from the old house has all perished and now their fief is under threat of instability, perhaps even falling to that horrid plague of pure republicanism. They are gaining support son and only the Grand Duke can reverse it."

"And you think I should go and claim the throne? Why not Gordan or Conchar or even Finnean? They are all of the proper line and much more qualified than I." Maoilios countered softly absorbing the information.

"They are good lads as you know but they are not like you. Kreise does not need a warrior nor an administrator but they need a rallying point. You are of solid moral character, you have a strong faith in the Lord and His Will, and you can most definitely serve as the axis for the reestablishment of the office of Grand Duke. You have the backbone and the will to stand against oppression and to fight. Please just humor your father with this won't you? For kin?" He asked sincerely still facing the tabernacle.

Looking up at the cross above the tabernacle Maoilios was silent for a good while before he responded "I shall do as you command father." All he got in response was a strong hand on his shoulder that squeezed it lightly before his father got up and left. After his father left he knelt again in prayer and crossed himself asking for strength and wisdom for the many coming trials that he knew would occur.

High Kingdom of Camelone, Christhold Commonwealth
Tarvian, House O'Torcall
The birds were chirping happily as a man was fencing several assailants in the middle of a beautiful decorated courtyard and despite being outnumbered four to one the man was easily taking on all four with quick footwork and lightening quick reflexes with his blade. All the men were kept back with calculated and precious strikes until one was hit in the chest and dropped his blade signalling his defeat. It would only take little over a minute more before all four men dropped their blades in defeat, the lone swordsmen bowed and dismissed them as he went to get some water. Iona O'Torcall was the eldest son of the current patriarch of House O'Torcall, a notable house in Christhold politics but not one of the great houses in the mechanism of the republic.

Entering the mansion proper he washed his face and looked at the papers that had been laid on his desk, an interesting piece of paper was at the very top speaking of a vacancy of the Grand Duke's throne in Kreise. That country sounded very familiar but he could not place why until he read a little further on the report and realized that his father had assembled the report to tell him that Iona's grandmother was in fact a family member of the Kreise Grand Ducal family. They had a proper claim on the throne even if it was not the strongest of claims it was something to go on. Grabbing his things he knew he had to get ready, in his 36 years of life this was the best opportunity that he could think of to rise from the rank of Patrician to true nobility.

Sitting down at his desk he began to work on his plans to travel to Kreise, there was a throne to claim after all!

Kreise: Maoilios
Maoilios was nervous, most definitely nervous, he was clutching his prayer beads tightly in his hands to the point they were turning white from the painfully tight grip. This was not his element, he was not a people pleasure nor a social butterfly he was an artist who preferred the canvas and the pen in quiet meditation. He had brought a small retinue with him, just two guards and a chaplain, and he had not packed much in regards to clothing except for the bare minimum because well he was a minimalist. Praying for peace and tranquility Maoilios straightened up when he heard that they had arrived, it was a simple convoy just a single limo with his guards on motorcycles following the limo. As they stopped Maoilios rose from his seat and exited the limo.

He had seen the protests when they had approached and now he knew things were much worse than he had originally thought and he could only pray that God brings peace to this land. The protesters did not really seem to care all that much for the small convoy thankfully and now he stood outside where the true work would begin in his cloak emblazoned with the crest of House Ui-Leopold, a white leopard on a red background simple and to the point. His hat was wide brimmed and the feathers swayed in the wind ever so slightly and his boots clicked on the ground softly, for all intents and purposes he looked like a modest noble from another point of time but so was the land of Camelone to the rest of the world valuing tradition with technology but tradition dominated aesthetics.

Looking at the guards he announced his presence "Lord Maoilios of House Ui-Leopold is here good sir. I come to make my case for the throne." With that said he stood waiting for a response.

Kreise: Iona
Iona was excited and has dressed his best, taking the look of a Victorian gentleman that he so loved to emulate with spit shined shoes, a stylish black trousers and black jacket with a crimson vest with a gold trim to it and a black bowler hat. He was the spitting image of what one would think of as a gentleman with his toned physique and charming, peaceful smile that just broadcasted confidence. Even at his age he was a charming looking man, as his wife liked to say, and he made sure that people knew he was in town. His convoy was large with several limos and a large contingent of gallowglass guards for his personal protection when traveling around till he gets an official guard assigned to him. Through the protests he felt some sympathy for the protesters but in his mind he knew that things would be sorted out soon enough and stability would be restored.

Arriving at the palace as well he leaned back in his seat as the herald he had hired got out of the lead car and announced his arrival. "Here arrives Sir Iona of House O'Torcall to make his claim for the Kreise throne known to all." He knew another Camelonean was here already, a young and notable artist but he knew he had an advantage of him and that was unlike the devout Apostolic Catholic Iona was a member of the Christian Fellowship the official Protestant Church of the Christhold Commonwealth. An Apostolic Catholic was still a Catholic to many Protestants so he hoped his Protestantism would be an advantage.

The task with dealing with all the various pretenders was not shared by one government department, for there was a multitude of ways that a claimant could press his case, and some to the determent of the bureaucracy pursued as many as they could. Some sought directly to appeal to the Statthalter, but this often the least successful, as he refused to see anyone that wasn't screened first. A few have attempted through the probate courts, which however modest success that could be had, has so far resulted in attorney fees and no heir. The genealogists at the Heraldry Office, which normally dealt with matters of noble inheritance were overburdened. But some decided to skip the red tape and either use their connections or if that fails to go to the press and make their case to the public.

While not directly going to the press, the two unusual convoys had certainly draw their attention. A few bored reporters covering the protests, abandoned their posts to see what these eccentric parades meant. Lord Maoilios had already entered the Heraldry Office, and announced himself, while the hired herald announced Sir Iona. As a result the knight received all the attention, as the media swarmed his car.

by **Kuronami** » Fri Jun 14, 2019 12:24 pm

Kreise wrote:The Throne Room was always used for the reception of newly accredited diplomats on their arrival. The Throne, an simple piece of gothic furniture made out of stone a wood, it's self was empty, a situation that was not new, but had taken on new meaning. Before it symbolized the authority of the absent monarch, now it stood to underscore the difficult political situation. The Statthalter sat on a smaller, but newer chair that was placed in front of the dais. A bit nervous, von Goldenfeld fell back on protocol. He had done this ceremony before, but mostly with low level diplomats, not an Agent of State. "I welcome you to our land, I am Statthalter von Goldenfeld" he said standing up. "Let this be that start of a wonderful and mutually prosperous friendship between our two nations."

"Here here, Sir." Always trouble with the Germanic names she had so she usually stuck to other forms of address. "I'm here to of course broker new relations with our nations but also Her Majesty has given me directive to see if The Empire can be of any assistance of seeing the peaceful transition of power, however that may be. Of course we expect you desire the continuation of the Monarch and would not oppose. It is our opinion after all that the Monarchy is traditionally a more stable form and less violate form of Government."

Before she could continue it seemed others arrived she gave a polite nod when Mr. Goldenfeld had to excuse himself to greet the new arrivals. Clearly Kuronami wasn't the only one with a vested interest in this, but what the others intended would be for her to find out. It was going to be interesting but this was an odd event. It wasn't rebuilding a broken nation from a state of war, it was working to deal with a succession issue.

by **Camelone** » Fri Jun 14, 2019 2:01 pm

Kreise wrote:The task with dealing with all the various pretenders was not shared by one government department, for there was a multitude of ways that a claimant could press his case, and some to the determent of the bureaucracy pursued as many as they could. Some sought directly to appeal to the Statthalter, but this often the least successful, as he refused to see anyone that wasn't screened first. A few have attempted through the probate courts, which however modest success that could be had, has so far resulted in attorney fees and no heir. The genealogists at the Heraldry Office, which normally dealt with matters of noble inheritance were overburdened. But some decided to skip the red tape and either use their connections or if that fails to go to the press and make their case to the public.

While not directly going to the press, the two unusual convoys had certainly draw their attention. A few bored reporters covering the protests, abandoned their posts to see what these eccentric parades meant. Lord Maoilios had already entered the Heraldry Office, and announced himself, while the hired herald announced Sir Iona. As a result the knight received all the attention, as the media swarmed his car.

Kreise: Maoilios
In the Heraldry Office Maoilios presented the official documents from both House Ui-Leopold's chroniclers and the chroniclers of House Ui-Krieger who had been the primary liege at the time of Leopold's arrival and subsequent granting of a fief and then the chroniclers of House O'Devlin for the establishment of the Third High Kingdom. These three sets of documents would line up with a member of the Grand Ducal family who had left Kreise for some reason and took up residency in Camelone serving House Ui-Krieger and the Legalists before shifting their allegiance to House O'Devlin and the Romantics after House Ui-Krieger bent the knee. All these documents were meant to show the legitimate descent of Maoilios from the founder of his dynasty Leopold and connect Leopold to the Grand Ducal family.

"I hope everything is in order sir. I am fully prepared to undergo any DNA test to prove my validity but these documents should be valid and of good reputation being from both my own house, the current High King's house, and the High King of the Third High Kingdom's house. I believe there should be documents that you have that will back the claims of this genealogy, most notably that Leopold existed and left for Camelone." Maoilios said in his most confident voice. He knows that everything is legit and official but there was still definitely some nerves because of well the entire scenario.

Kreise: Iona
Iona exited his limo to speak with the media that had begun to gather around. "Good day, good day to you all. I am Sir Iona O'Torcall, eldest of the current head of my families Patrician House in the Christhold Commonwealth, vassal republic of Camelone. It has been recently revealed to me that my beloved grandmother who sadly has given up the ghost was a member of the Grand Ducal house of this fine nation and as a blood relative I say my claim to the throne is possible and legal. So that is why I am here to resume the proper order of things, a Grand Duchy can not operate without a Grand Duke of course. I do hope my claim shall be taken seriously so this political crisis may be put to rest. The current situation can not last much longer and it would be a horrible shame for Kreise to throw away it's historical significant institution because of power hungry agitators capitalizing on the tragedy. The government must do its due diligence to prevent a simple conman to seize the throne, I beg for more patience, things will be settled soon my friends, God willing. God preserve Kreise and her people." Iona concluded his small speech with a charming smile, his speech holding a prevalent but not overwhelming Gaelic accent.

by **Kreise** » Tue Jun 18, 2019 7:38 am

The King of Arms, Oscar Hornstoß examined the documents carefully. They were very old and looked authentic. "They are very beautiful" were the words that slipped out of the heralds mouth. Some of the documents were illuminated, but even those that weren't showed that the scribes that made them were highly skilled. Unfortunately, they were hard to read and written in old languages. "This will take a while to study, and to process Sir, I will get back to you when we are finished, you just need to fill out these forms and pay the fees." The Camelonen was handed a thin stack of paper.

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