In the years following the Fort Perry Incident, things rapidly began to change in the Empire. With the discovery of magic and several new sentient species, social unrest and turbulance became a major problem. For the first few years, economic downturn followed in the coup attempt (thankfully limited to the “decapatory strike” in the Capital) and the shock of near nuclear attack. However, following careful investments and negotiations with allies new and old, the economy began to return to being in the black by Year 4 of Juvon’s stay as “de facto ambassador” to Columbia. With this, the unrest died down for a while as it was hard to stay angry when your cupboard and fridge are stocked and the daily 9-5 grind pays adequately. With this, Foley began his attempt to create “New Patriots” as he termed the newfound immigrants.
With this plan, the High King began a several year campaign to change his subjects thoughts and view on the likes of Draconids and Orcs. While he was harsh on the immigrants with restrictions on who could enter and how many could with a strict yearly cap of around 100 immigrants from Dyste, he did attempt to make them better viewed. After a much viewed confessional from Juvon, who vowed to use his “gift from God” for the good of the Empire and Civilization, he began a press and publicity tour, starting with Juvon’s enlistment and training in the Army. From there, his highlights in putting down rebellions, helping the poor and needy, and generally coming off as a role model for the youth helped improve his image in the minds of many. With this, Foley had also been attempting to “nudge” Abigale and Juvon in the right direction regarding their marriage.
Much schemeing and manipulation was needed. Careful crafting of narratives, carefully curated and staged photos, having Juvon show up in the right place at the right convenient time. Foley couldn’t look at himself in the mirror each morning as he did his morning rituals and not feel a sense of disgust. But, he would figure later, it was necessary to keep the Empire held together. The needs of the many outweighed the needs of the individual, after all.
Imperial Palace, Omaha, Columbian Mainland
As he finished one morning he saw a new print come from the propaganda and information center. Looking at it, he saw it was a propganda poster. The image showed a stylized version of Juvon and a “standard” Columbian soldier, stoic and fierce looking, holding up a large billowing flag together with the colorful words in bold declaring “UNITED WE STAND!” above and “UNITED WE WIN!” below. He smiled before he turned upon hearing Juvon enter the private sitting room. The monarch couldn’t help himself as he showed the print from the PIC and said “I think they got your bad side, son.” Upon getting a reaction from the young mage and son-in-law, he set the poster on a nearby table and looked the Draconid up and down. He sighed as his face became crestfallen.
“Guess you’re sick of the ‘tour’, eh? Can’t blame ya. But it’s needed, as I’m sure your tired of hearing me say over and over again, though it’s true. Without it, I hate to imagine how the reaction to your kind would be at this point.”
Finishing, he sat in a plush armchair and saw a sculptur Juvon’s father, Hylam, had made. The human smiled as he examined it and an idea popped into his mind. Striding over and carefully picking up the stone object, he asked the mage a question he was certain he’d be happy to hear uttered.
“With the marriage solidified and the public relations of your kind now firmly in the up and up, for now, I don’t suppose after seven years here you’d be happy to visit your old home, would ya? Consider it a few weeks long honeymoon for you and my girl.”
He then added quietly “As well as a chance for me to finally get some relations started with Tyroth and his kingdom. I just hope it goes over well..."