Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Sept 29, 2018 13:05:49 GMT -8
The Empress laughs along, but for different reasons. “That’s funny because I wasn't proposing a trade agreement.”
“Given the context, your hesitation is understandable. To be expected, even. However, it would make a lot of sense for you to join Isra. I don’t know what you endured under Vessia, but Isra’s rule is not so heavy-handed. States govern themselves as they please. The expectation is such that in return for contributing to the whole, all states benefit. All of Isra’s states have joined voluntarily and have turned out better off for it.”
“The terms of the agreement are, of course, negotiable,” she adds. “To be discussed at a later date, perhaps, in a more appropriate setting.”
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King Konrad I von Audria
Committed
Roleplay posts: 61
Age: 38
Physical Description: Tall, strong, and stern, the Hochmeister embodies all that a knight should be physically capable of. He has a clean-cut, stern face, with wide dark blue eyes, a sharp jaw, and short dark hair. He's taller than most individuals throughout Vessex, and rivals the Asgeirian Varan in terms of strength and posture. He's certainly an intimidating man.
Registered: Aug 6, 2015 13:14:16 GMT -8
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Post by King Konrad I von Audria on Sept 29, 2018 13:21:37 GMT -8
Konrad continued eating, and even after Naoki was finished talking he took another bite. He took his time chewing the food, and then sipped down some of his drink. It was almost as if he didn’t even acknowledge what the Empress had said. Or perhaps he was just hard at hearing…
No. He was just thinking, and cooling down. The King could have a temper, but he could control it, and to flare it in the midst of this conversation would not be proper. But then, neither was the execution. He just wanted to collect his thoughts and deliver the best reply he could give.
Finally, the King turned to the Empress and simply said, “no.” Another few moments passed by as the King glared at the lady, perhaps an effort to imply he wanted to drop the conversation. He continued darkly: “I wouldn’t agree to anything above a trade agreement or a military alliance, Empress. Even if my country was being overrun, the enemy was at my gates, or my head was on the chopping block. I kneel before no one, whether physically or metaphorically; not even to the Heavens.”
As if to change subjects he would ask - in a lighter tone of course - “how are you liking your food, Empress?”
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Sept 29, 2018 14:29:39 GMT -8
The Empress continues eating, and when asked, responds that the food is quite good, thank you.
It seems like that really got to him. That’s the thing about those religious orders, she supposes. They turn out men of conviction. Threatening him at this point wouldn’t be productive—not unless she would goad him into doing something regrettable. Fortunately, his opinion of her doesn’t much matter.
“Very well then,” she says after a pause. “I am willing to negotiate a standard trade agreement. Unless you have anything in mind beyond independent merchants buying and selling regular goods, I think we can leave the haggling to our appropriate subordinates.”
At this point The Empress gives Iulia a significant look, implying that she, as a member of the Diplomatic Corps; should see that done.
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King Konrad I von Audria
Committed
Roleplay posts: 61
Age: 38
Physical Description: Tall, strong, and stern, the Hochmeister embodies all that a knight should be physically capable of. He has a clean-cut, stern face, with wide dark blue eyes, a sharp jaw, and short dark hair. He's taller than most individuals throughout Vessex, and rivals the Asgeirian Varan in terms of strength and posture. He's certainly an intimidating man.
Registered: Aug 6, 2015 13:14:16 GMT -8
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Post by King Konrad I von Audria on Sept 29, 2018 14:47:26 GMT -8
"That would be best," he replied, suggesting a comfortable tax on Isran merchants coming into Audria, and requesting that Naoki impose a similar or smaller tax on those Audrian merchants coming into Isra. With this out of the way the banquet continued until everyone was finished talking and eating. ___Sometime later...___The same young servant girls who had prepared the table and meal for the guests returned to clean up the hall. The visitors were given ample time to finish their meals and complete their own talks, private or otherwise, and then permitted to leave. Both King Konrad and Queen Audrey bid them all farewell, hoping to see them again, and thanked them for coming.
"I am pleased," Konrad said softly in Audrey's direction.
"Mhm," the Queen replied, "I think it turned out well enough... given the events." She cast a glare towards Konrad, suggesting her disapproval of the execution which took place, but only managed to get a shrug out of her husband.
Once Naoki and Iulia prepared to leave the King and Queen made a point to stop them. The King began to speak, but was stopped by Audrey who spoke on his behalf. "Before you go... we have one final special request for you." She looked at Iulia, "you, specifically."
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Iulia Iotapa
Committed
Roleplay posts: 75
Age: 31
Physical Description: Iulia is a shorter woman of a trim and very fit build. She has medium-length brown hair, practically styled out of the way in a tight braid. Appearance-wise, Iulia is on the plain side of average.
=========================
Clothes and Equipment: Iulia is never seen without a hat or other head covering of some sort. These tend towards practical and are extremely modest in style. Her usual headgear wardrobe rotates between a maroon beret with a small star insignia, or a black Breton cap. Iulia’s Isran Guard uniform consists of a standard tunic, jacket, crossbelt, and boots, but has a long skirt in place of the regular trousers. When not in uniform, Iulia tends towards long, dark-colored, and well fitted dresses.
As jewelry and other pieces of finery tend to get in the way of the more physical aspects of her work, Iulia tends to go without accessories of any sort when working. Her hands, well worn and scarred from boxing, are covered by gloves whenever appropriate. She possess a weighty and intricate pocket watch, a gift from her father.
=========================
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : as needed
Registered: Jun 28, 2018 8:07:17 GMT -8
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Post by Iulia Iotapa on Sept 30, 2018 10:46:13 GMT -8
Iulia nods.
“Yes, about the finalizations of the trade agreement, no doubt. I’ve already sent word via one of our casters to the Foreign Service main offices. We’ll have the official agreement published through our bureau and notarized. The document you signed with the Empress will be sufficient for now. If you would like an official signed copy, we can get one sent to you.”
Iulia looks to the Empress and moves to accompany her out of the hall and to their carriage.
“Thank you again for your hospitality. I wish you the best in setting up your regime. Is there anything else you need?”
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Prince Wilhelm I
New
Roleplay posts: 5
Registered: Sept 29, 2018 13:34:29 GMT -8
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Post by Prince Wilhelm I on Sept 30, 2018 11:06:55 GMT -8
“Not quite,” Konrad replied. “I want you to meet…” Konrad extended a hand towards one of the Knight-Brothers who had been standing sentry during the feast, “my son.”
The figure stepped forth and removed his helmet, revealing scruffy brown hair, a scrappy beard, and brown eyes. Despite his apparent title as Prince of Audria, he did not look the sort. “My lady. Empress,” the man replied, courtly bowing before both of the women. “I am Wilhelm von Audria-”
“Prince Wilhelm, son,” Queen Audrey chimed in, smiling as she corrected him.
“Right,” he replied, and then turned his attention to Iulia. “I understand you are the Foreign Service Officer of the Isran Empire? I would like to have a word with you, if you do not mind.” Wilhelm motioned towards a nearby door that branched off from the main hall, implying he wished to speak in a separate, more private area.
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Sept 30, 2018 11:28:53 GMT -8
The Empress watches the goings-on with a slightly bemused expression. She has several thoughts but articulates none of them, allowing Iulia to respond as she may choose.
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Iulia Iotapa
Committed
Roleplay posts: 75
Age: 31
Physical Description: Iulia is a shorter woman of a trim and very fit build. She has medium-length brown hair, practically styled out of the way in a tight braid. Appearance-wise, Iulia is on the plain side of average.
=========================
Clothes and Equipment: Iulia is never seen without a hat or other head covering of some sort. These tend towards practical and are extremely modest in style. Her usual headgear wardrobe rotates between a maroon beret with a small star insignia, or a black Breton cap. Iulia’s Isran Guard uniform consists of a standard tunic, jacket, crossbelt, and boots, but has a long skirt in place of the regular trousers. When not in uniform, Iulia tends towards long, dark-colored, and well fitted dresses.
As jewelry and other pieces of finery tend to get in the way of the more physical aspects of her work, Iulia tends to go without accessories of any sort when working. Her hands, well worn and scarred from boxing, are covered by gloves whenever appropriate. She possess a weighty and intricate pocket watch, a gift from her father.
=========================
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : as needed
Registered: Jun 28, 2018 8:07:17 GMT -8
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Post by Iulia Iotapa on Sept 30, 2018 11:48:15 GMT -8
With a slight downward tilt of her head, Iulia greets Wilhelm. She takes her leave from the Empress and walks slowly over to the archway with the Audrian noble, careful to note the placement of guards around them.
“I am indeed one of the many Foreign Service Officers of the Isran Empire. With a country the size of Isra, and with a bureaucracy to match it, there are dozens of officials both above and below me working in service of the state. My official title is ‘Ambassador to Foreign Peoples, Races, and States’. I report directly to the Empress, as well as to Josef Zemp, the head of my department.”
A pause. Iulia brushes the side of her glasses, pushing them up her nose slightly. Why had the prince asked to speak with her away from the Empress?
“What exactly can I help you with?”
She phrases this carefully, not wanting to come off as rude or blunt, but clearly wanting to get to business.
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Prince Wilhelm I
New
Roleplay posts: 5
Registered: Sept 29, 2018 13:34:29 GMT -8
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Post by Prince Wilhelm I on Sept 30, 2018 12:06:24 GMT -8
Wilhelm pulled the door to once he and Iulia entered the room, careful not to close it entirely lest Iulia feel uncomfortable. There were a few barrels, crates, shelves, and other storage containers stacked neatly around the spacious area. Within and spread throughout were buckets, sponges, brooms, and other supplies which might be used to clean. The Isran must have deduced it was a sort of storage area for the servant girls.
"Away from prying eyes and ears," the Prince commented. "It must have come as a surprise, no? To find out that, after all these years, the former Hochmeister of the Brotherhood had a son? I've always wondered how my mother managed to hide me, but then, she didn't get out much." Wilhelm shrugged, sighed, and found a seat upon one of the crates. "I've been living a lie my entire life, Iulia. I was raised in the orphanages, chapels, and schools founded by my father's order - whichever one my parents felt was most suitable at the time. When I came of age my father felt it necessary to serve with his men: the Knights of the Black Cross."
Wilhelm paused for a moment and looked towards the ground, as if the heavy weight of guilt sat on his shoulders. "I can't even remember how many men I killed." After a few moments he snapped out of it and looked back towards Iulia. "But that life is behind me. I don't have to hide anymore. My father is King of Audria, and my mother his Queen. It is time for me to take my rightful place as Prince of Audria.
"I've been in the fields of battle, but never in the courts of nations." Wilhelm seemed to imply he lacked... 'noble experience'. "I'd like to travel to Isra. Or anywhere. With you... if it's alright, that is." The Prince waited for the lady's response, but finished with "but with tonight's revelation, the son of a rebellious king would attract many-a-ne'er-do-well... so you must tell no one of my birthright."
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Iulia Iotapa
Committed
Roleplay posts: 75
Age: 31
Physical Description: Iulia is a shorter woman of a trim and very fit build. She has medium-length brown hair, practically styled out of the way in a tight braid. Appearance-wise, Iulia is on the plain side of average.
=========================
Clothes and Equipment: Iulia is never seen without a hat or other head covering of some sort. These tend towards practical and are extremely modest in style. Her usual headgear wardrobe rotates between a maroon beret with a small star insignia, or a black Breton cap. Iulia’s Isran Guard uniform consists of a standard tunic, jacket, crossbelt, and boots, but has a long skirt in place of the regular trousers. When not in uniform, Iulia tends towards long, dark-colored, and well fitted dresses.
As jewelry and other pieces of finery tend to get in the way of the more physical aspects of her work, Iulia tends to go without accessories of any sort when working. Her hands, well worn and scarred from boxing, are covered by gloves whenever appropriate. She possess a weighty and intricate pocket watch, a gift from her father.
=========================
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : as needed
Registered: Jun 28, 2018 8:07:17 GMT -8
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Post by Iulia Iotapa on Oct 1, 2018 9:38:59 GMT -8
Her thoughts raced. The heir of a king who had just sloughed off political and religious bonds to an old archaic order wanted to come to Isra to learn more of the world. How far this arrangement would go to furthering Isra’s influence in this region could not be overstated. If the prince lacks political motivation and understanding, it would be easy to impress Isran values onto him. Even if Konrad wouldn’t turn Audria over to Isra, his son might be willing to move for closer arrangements between the two states.
Iulia wishes that she could she the Empress for just two seconds, Naoki had such a way with subtle glances and nods. The correct course of action was taking Wilhelm on as a scholar. At least, Iulia hoped that was the case.
“My office would be glad to take you on, and I’m sure the Empress would agree. We will have to confirm all this when we arrive in Isra, but the Foreign Office is used to taking on students for similar courses. I’ve done a bit of teaching of our Junior Officers before. There will be a lot of work expected of you. Your political education in Isra will give you countless ideas and tools you can bring back to Audria when it is your time to rule. ”
The nobleman and the diplomat stood there among the brooms and crates. Was there a form or some official document for this? Iulia mentally curses the long list of protocols and forms that the Foreign Service pressed into every last thing. This was a situation that required action, not submitting a report to some doddering undersecretary to be considered ‘when appropriate’. Who knew how long this prince could survive in Audria after his father’s rebellion? And refusing might tarnish the already odd relations between the two states.
Iulia drew a clean parchment and quill from her satchel. A few strokes criss-cross the paper until she had a brief memorandum outlining the plan to take on Wilhelm as a scholar under the counsel of the Foreign Service. Her own tidy signature is appended to the very bottom of the page.
“Yes, Wilhelm. The Foreign Service will take you on as a scholar. I’m afraid we can’t go around calling you ‘Prince’, and your surname will draw some suspicion. Is there any other name you could go by?”
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Prince Wilhelm I
New
Roleplay posts: 5
Registered: Sept 29, 2018 13:34:29 GMT -8
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Post by Prince Wilhelm I on Oct 3, 2018 12:28:30 GMT -8
Wilhelm ran his fingers lightly across the parchment to read what the lady had written. "At least let me see the city before I agree to being its scholar," he stated. "And yes," he agreed to her final question, "I was getting to that. You may call me Warren for the time being; that is the Brothers called me. Wilhelm smiled, winked, and then said "Sir Warren."
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Iulia Iotapa
Committed
Roleplay posts: 75
Age: 31
Physical Description: Iulia is a shorter woman of a trim and very fit build. She has medium-length brown hair, practically styled out of the way in a tight braid. Appearance-wise, Iulia is on the plain side of average.
=========================
Clothes and Equipment: Iulia is never seen without a hat or other head covering of some sort. These tend towards practical and are extremely modest in style. Her usual headgear wardrobe rotates between a maroon beret with a small star insignia, or a black Breton cap. Iulia’s Isran Guard uniform consists of a standard tunic, jacket, crossbelt, and boots, but has a long skirt in place of the regular trousers. When not in uniform, Iulia tends towards long, dark-colored, and well fitted dresses.
As jewelry and other pieces of finery tend to get in the way of the more physical aspects of her work, Iulia tends to go without accessories of any sort when working. Her hands, well worn and scarred from boxing, are covered by gloves whenever appropriate. She possess a weighty and intricate pocket watch, a gift from her father.
=========================
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : as needed
Registered: Jun 28, 2018 8:07:17 GMT -8
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Post by Iulia Iotapa on Oct 5, 2018 4:22:45 GMT -8
"Well then, Warren, welcome aboard. I'm afraid you'll have to earn that 'Sir' back in Isra," she laughs.
"If you would, just sign there at the bottom of the page and we can get back to the Empress. We have a bit of a journey ahead of us before we'll see the Free City."
Iulia moves towards the door, opening it and waiting for Wilh- for Warren to follow.
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Prince Wilhelm I
New
Roleplay posts: 5
Registered: Sept 29, 2018 13:34:29 GMT -8
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Post by Prince Wilhelm I on Oct 6, 2018 14:11:42 GMT -8
Warren laughs with Iulia, and so does one of the baskets. The Prince rolls up the page and follows the foreign officer outside back to Naoki. The trio can now return to Isra, provided that is their next destination.
<exit>
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Iulia Iotapa
Committed
Roleplay posts: 75
Age: 31
Physical Description: Iulia is a shorter woman of a trim and very fit build. She has medium-length brown hair, practically styled out of the way in a tight braid. Appearance-wise, Iulia is on the plain side of average.
=========================
Clothes and Equipment: Iulia is never seen without a hat or other head covering of some sort. These tend towards practical and are extremely modest in style. Her usual headgear wardrobe rotates between a maroon beret with a small star insignia, or a black Breton cap. Iulia’s Isran Guard uniform consists of a standard tunic, jacket, crossbelt, and boots, but has a long skirt in place of the regular trousers. When not in uniform, Iulia tends towards long, dark-colored, and well fitted dresses.
As jewelry and other pieces of finery tend to get in the way of the more physical aspects of her work, Iulia tends to go without accessories of any sort when working. Her hands, well worn and scarred from boxing, are covered by gloves whenever appropriate. She possess a weighty and intricate pocket watch, a gift from her father.
=========================
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : as needed
Registered: Jun 28, 2018 8:07:17 GMT -8
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Post by Iulia Iotapa on Oct 12, 2018 10:08:11 GMT -8
Warren leads the way back to the Empress as Iulia smooths the parchment out. She gives a short bow to Naoki before handing the paper over to be read.
"Prince Wilhelm, now the humble Warren, requested that he be sponsored by yours truly so that he may take part in our Foreign Service training program. He wishes to understand more about governance and foreign policy from the Isran perspective. Get a bit more experience and grasp of the customs of politics before he takes to the throne of Audria someday."
Iulia stands at attention, briefly smiling at her Empress.
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Oct 15, 2018 11:12:46 GMT -8
The Empress accepts the paper and takes a moment to read it as Iulia speaks. Her eyes flick up from the paper to fix on Iulia, then Wilhelm, and finally Konrad before glancing back down to the paper. She pretends to read for a moment longer before making her decision.
“That sounds like an excellent idea,” she says, handing the paper back to Iulia.
The Empress then addresses Wilhelm, “Take this as your first lesson: politics aren’t usually done in broom closets.”
She is none too pleased with the manner in which this development has been thrust upon her, but it suits her needs, so she will accept it for now. After offering best wishes and goodbyes to the others assembled, The Empress leads the way back to the carriages.
[Exit]
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The Order
Established
Roleplay posts: 30
Registered: Sept 29, 2016 14:08:40 GMT -8
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Post by The Order on Nov 9, 2018 13:14:32 GMT -8
Memento MoriThe rebellion of King Konrad from the Vessian Empire had not gone unnoticed, to put it quite simply. There were forces at work set in motion for quite some time, contingency plans activated and old documents pulled forth. Men in shady rooms smoked cigars, social events were quietly held with those of… incorrect allegiances not invited. Yet, it had to be given Konrad had picked an opportune moment for his seccession. In the Empire things were not too well; a plague had ravage Romulsburg and a noble coup attempt in Augustgrad was barely stifled. Armed forces of the new Kingdom would wait and muster, yet apparently no invasion was forthcoming. Fortnights passed and all was quiet. Yet if Konrad thought he avoided retribution, he was sorely mistaken, for with his wife and son absent along with other factors he was not so strong himself…. Dulce et Decorum est Pro Patria MoriNone would be able to discern a single main cause of what historians would later dub “The Audrian Civil War.” Though thousands would die and hatred lasting centuries would be fostered, the root of so much bloodshed would be ever elusive. The events on Kreiter Street would be one point of note. The Vessian Crossbowmen, Engineers, and other auxiliaries employed by the Order for so long did not suddenly disappear with the disbanding of the Order. Many of these men suddenly found themselves without jobs, and unable to go to their families back in the Empire. Resentful, poor, desperate, but armed, these men were not to be trifled with. Konrad’s considerable legacy reputation and respect owed was forgotten by none, but this would only last so long. In but a week after secession, not a single one of these soldiers spoke favourably of the King, even among those taken into his new “professional” armed forces. They roamed the streets in bands, often spilling into taverns and taking as they felt freely, stewing in hatred amongst themselves. In truth, if one of them was asked when they really started to see Konrad in their current ways they would have an issue remembering and only a few particularly bright ones would remember a figure in a neat hat and clothing telling them just how vile Konrad was, all his crimes, what a traitor he was. For other men, they had their own issues. It wasn’t just soldiers who had common folk in the Empire. More than half of the people in Audria were ethnically originating from some part of Vessia, typically Augustgrad. Even if this was to be ignored, sudden economic changes were not. People were promised prosperity with new merchants but none was forthcoming. Though shipping to and from the Empire was an arduous process the Mountains defending Audria were also difficult to navigate. In addition, it meant that hundreds of affluent traders now had nobody to sell their wares to en-masse, and at the same time many goods could not be purchased. Contracts were broken, and other such official matters. But what many forget is that when the rich suffer, it is guaranteed that those beneath them are off even worse. Whole warehouses of food were let to rot, clothes were devoured by moths with freezing children just outside the stores. Over the single night of seccession more than a thousand men suddenly found themselves unemployed. These men found much in common with the Vessian Troopers, and in pubs they let errant lips seal the future. One man said somebody ought to knock Konrad down a peg, another said he’d do it if he could, a third man - perhaps with a tall hat and quite fancy clothes - said that he should. Audria was founded as a Theocracy, a Knightly Order grounded in Angelism being in effect the regime. Though things changed, the people were always religious and God-fearing, particularly of the Malleus Maleficarum - Inquisitors, Witch Hunters, Reichskommissars - who could dole out punishment whenever, wherever, whoever, and whatever a man was. Nothing would hide a man from their cruel wrath, and even if it did then in the after-life it would not. The disbanding of the Order and Audria’s secularization suddenly meant that Churches went unfunded, government would not assist in defending Church caravans from delivering foodstuffs to those in need of them. Bandits across the world saw open season upon them. Not too different was the predicament of the Knights of the Order. Hundreds, thousands of men who had so much faith, so much zeal indoctrinated in them were suddenly told that all they lived for was naught. They had to put their swords away, or be enemies of this new state. Those Chapter houses outside Audria refused this dissolution outright, continuing their work. But, at the same time, this was not effective. As a result of Konrad’s Order the entirety of the Erstonian Order was annihilated without reinforcements, support, or adequate means of evacuation. Who else was to blame for this tragic loss of life but Konrad? Erstonia was not the only place where opportunists struck, all over the overworld Chapter Houses were attacked with not even nuns and choir boys avoiding slaughter. Many sites fought back valiantly even surviving the onslaught, but an equal amounts burned with the only souls left to tell the tale swearing it was at the hands of those bearing the crest of the von Audria line. In anger, many of these Knights, peerless warriors with repute all across their fatherland and motherland would return home to openly declare opposition to Konrad. Indeed, one might have already discerned the Malleus Maleficarum at work but their role could not be overstated by future historians. Much was talked about Audria’s future at Konrad’s infamous banquet. It took a day of rumour spreading by Imperial Intelligence to insure that Konrad had indeed agreed to some sort of vassal state arrangement with Isra. Not wanting to be ruled by a foreign tyrant, this embittered even the most ardent supporter of the Audrian declaration of independence. Public figures who spoke in favour of the new King died in one way or another. In some cases a Witch Hunter walking straight through the streets of a village to perform a Mayor’s Last Rites before putting a crossbow bolt in their head would find no resistance; indeed a fearful populace would silently watch the event as even bodyguards stopped aside for the men for whom it was said villages burned to end a single tainted soul. Carrot and Stick was the simplest manner to describe their actions for draconian discipline and fear made sure common folk did not turn towards the new King, while promise of a brighter future made them turn away from him. Interestingly enough, though the rebellion represented the reactionary thought of the land there was a considerable liberal element in it too. Autonomy and fact a mere Duke ruled Audria before meant that people had considerable freedoms they feared they would no longer enjoy under direct rule of a King, but this was doubled as this element interacted with others of the rebellion against Konrad. Many feared under the rumoured upcoming vassalry to Isra they would be trading one tyranny for another. It was said taxes would be raised for the preposterous “professional army” of Konrad, something that never went down well. In the past merchants had considerable leverage over the Empire because they had the card of rebellion to play, the threat of going to other nations to trade. But now with only one nation looking favourably upon Audria, the country had far less leverage with its trading partners and indeed the prices they paid and sold at would only worsen in the current state of affairs. Though people held their frustrations bottled in under pressure for much time, they were quite suddenly released all in one powerful moment. Die Gross Hund was a quite lively inn, noted for the fact every worker spoke the common language rather than Vessische to guests, and it was there that more or less every single foreign merchant and worker lived. On either side of it were the houses of Sir Albrecht von Vicht and Lord Amadeus Blutcher; both ardent supporters of the new regime. It was also located perfectly between Ritterheim and the more poor parts of Salem, a place where people of all walks of life in Audria could meet. Be they horrified Clergyman, disenfranchised trooper, jobless commoner, disgraced Knight, honour-bound noble or a merchant at the brink of bankruptcy it was somewhere that they all got a taste of each other’s frustration and thus had it amplified. Luckily, they had a place to vent it…. It was somewhere near late evening, the first torch was thrown. A window of the hotel shattered, and smoke billowed out. Dozens more followed suit, whole casks of inky black oil poured over the three buildings and set alight. A minute or so passed until people within began to scream. They ran outside, but they would prefer to stay inside if they knew what awaited. The lucky ones had crossbow bolts by the more calm troopers thud into their brains, all turning dark quickly and with little pain. Others weren’t so fortunate. Some of the more brutal soldiers marched forth and began to do standard procedure of torture and interrogation with a few personal additions to the usual ensemble of hooks, blades, pears of anguish, and other vile items. Angry woodsmen grabbed ahold of the people escaping fire and hacked them into bits with axes. Victims were hung on meathooks (many still alive) while others had their eyes gouged out before being dragged back into the fire. Yet for all this brutality, it seemed people were happy. Soldiers sung old songs, an old man played an accordion, children giggled and pointed while imitating the actions of gruesome violence. This sentiment spread like wildfire across the whole land: people who weren’t human pulled by the scruff of their neck and let slowly hang from nooses of barbed wire, while of the humans those who could not speak Vessiche were hogtied and thrown into sewers to drown in foetid filth. Guards were called forth to stop the rioting but the fact was they were ordinary people too, the majority simply simply joining in. Of those that didn’t most ran, before disappearing mysteriously it is said. Within an hour, not a single foreigner was left alive. The rioting grew stronger, but outside of the two nobles not a hair was apparently harmed of the government and its citizens to public knowledge. An armoury was broken into, and the soldiers gave out arms and armour. Warehouse locks were smashed and food was handed out, their guards not obstructing the actions in anyway. But for now at least, peace reigned in technicality. Priests and other speakers stood on upraised platforms, they called for the abdication of Konrad and a restoration of sanity to the Kingdom. Men flew Imperial flags, they assembled with banners and oaths of loyalty to the Empire in great processions. The anthem of the Empire was sung, along with Church hymns. From every direction folk marched upon Ritterheim, though many were armed (and this came as a natural part of who they were, soldier or Knight) they were a tiny fraction, less than a twelfth. As street after street was passed, there was a Knight on horseback was at their head, the quite famous Felhurt von Rott. A man with a distinguished record as Hoch Schwertenfuhrer he was kind, pious and honourable, kind, and seen as a level headed figure. From windows flower petals were thrown, while what pathetic resistance of some riot oriented guards was mustered would be quickly pushed back, events that if one were a suspicious man would be considered too smooth, to easily going…. At last, with thousands of people at his back, Felhurt approached the gates of Ritterheim. He gave a wave to the guards on duty from his horse, radiating confidence and general “rightness”. Even though he was helmeted, folk would be easily able to tell he was smiling in an uplifting manner. “Greetings kinsmen!” He shouted, no effort put into letting his voice go across such a vast area, every part of procession of thousands hearing him and even King Konrad within would be able to hear his words. “We are gathered here today on the Ninth of Nebelung, the day of fate, in which so much important was done — and we the people have a simple declaration. We call upon self-proclaimed King Konrad to abdicate, and quit this childish play at monarch. He shall have a fair trial, and shall be promised his life as well as a comfortable retirement for his services to the Fatherland. We have no desire to see this escalate to bloodshed, we simply wish to see order, and thus by the extension the Order restored, pardon my joke!” People laughed, even the guards of Ritterheim could not suppress a chuckle at the man’s charisma despite their allegiances being firmly with Konrad. “We simply want a restoration of Justice, and to cleave apart this rebellious madness with the Sword of Truth. But as of this day, regardless of what he himself states, the history of this vile falsehood, the so called Kingdom of Audria is annulled, expunged from all proper records. Not a penny of taxes shall go to the impostor upon his self made throne, not a single true son of Vessia the Fatherland and Audria the Motherland shall owe him homage. All who agree to this treachery are declared Excommunicate Traitoris, and are subject to a similar fair trial. Glory to the Emperor, Glory to the Imperium, Glory to the Order, Glory to Mankind!” The chant was taken up, and as one a song began. A thousand hearts all rise beat in time, And salute God’s grace so great; divine! Church bells chime, they chime they chime! What fools face us in war-time?
Dear Motherland my heart is thine, Dear Fatherland you’re all that’s mine! Whence, the foe’s shall come, attack, To ends of earth we’ll drive them back!
But, it seemed the Guards would have none of it. Men were pressing further to the organized line of them, trying to push past the shield wall to get into Ritterheim and dethrone the King themselves. The guards pushed back with their shields, and in turn the mob pushed back upon them. It was not long until a man was hit quite hard upon the head with the boss of a shield, falling further onto his head. This did solicit quite some anger, and folk began to show it. Men clobbered the shields, kicked them, and pushed. The guards naturally responded with their own escalation, and quite soon a feedback loop of incrementing violence was created. It was not too long before one of the guards had so many men upon him he struck out with his club, breaking a neck in the process. Likewise, several rioters latched onto a guard and pulled him out of formation, dragging him out and then proceeding to beat him, harder, harder, harder, until knives were drawn, several short pangs of pain were felt and then the man was trampled over left to die forgotten. A hotly debated point would soon be who fired first. Many say it was the rioters, an over-enthusiastic member of the Vessian auxiliaries or a huntsman unable to sell his catches. Others say it was a Captain of the Guard drawing a hand crossbow and letting it loose into the face of a man before him. Regardless, future generations would be able to recall from elders that whoever did it, the man apparently had a neat officer’s cap upon his head, though his features were quite unmemorable for some strange reason. After that moment a threshold was reached and violence truly began. The Knights in the mob went forth with their blades drawn and went through the guards like mincemeat, heads and limbs flying left and right. At the same time, some fool on the walls thought it was a good idea to let loose ballistae upon a mass of thousands of civilians. At the front men tried to push back, whereas the armed men at the back tried to push forward. The bloodshed was inescapable despite Clergy calling for an immediate stop along with the charismatic Fellhurt, and then a heavy bolt hit him in the chest. Barely breathing he was carried off to safety, and another threshold was reached. A brawl turned into a massacre, hundreds dying in minutes. Though holy fire of the mind propelled men beyond human limitations they simply could not try to assault the city, and eventually they were pushed back. As it was clear they had to retreat, many men stood and fought, foretelling what was to happen moments later. As folk ran back the men on the walls fired with crossbows wave after wave of bolts into the backs of the people with blood flowing like a river down the streets. As Konrad might watch the events from his Castle, he would just for a moment see a man on the roof of one of the buildings look straight at him, tip a tall hat in mocking and then disappear. With his bird’s eye view, he would be able to see the country slowly starting to burn….
Come, traitor-filth, play with me!
As news spread, folk were horrified. People took their belongings, their families, all that they could and left the city. Come next morning almost half the city of Salem left, much of the remaining people looters or soldiers for either side of the conflict. The hear of Audria’s heart was in Konrad’s hands, but all across the land towns suddenly flew the Vessian flag without a single official Vessian State Legionnaire ever stepping foot in it. Even in Salem brother killed brother, Knights of honour running down civilians flying the Kingdom’s flag, Guards setting alight those that flew a Black Cross. The Audrian civil war had begun.
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