The Crow Chronicles, First Edition

[frankdh 2418]

            

The Crow Chronicles

 

 Swift Changes Afoot

 In this edition:

       Eulogy for King Stefjan Karl, Interview with new mayor of Alban,

a King’s coronation, and “Keeping up with the Romstuns”.

 

 

In the last few months, things have taken a turn for the city of Alban, and the kingdom of Haense. The death of King Stefjan Karl Var Marian Barbanov came abruptly. Physicians declared it was at the hands of Hodgkin’s Disease; a cruel illness that rapidly took hold of him in his entirety, before suffocating him where he lay.

 

King Stephen was a serious, and disciplined man. He always had his wits about him, and despite him being thrust into a position he never thought he’d be in, it was by his own hand that Alban was built. With his hopes and aspirations, the young crow brought prosperity and riches to a place that started as a simple idea, a handful of tents in the middle of the icy winter snow of the North. Within a mere decade, this small lonely camp grew to be what it is today: a flourishing, strong kingdom that towered above the rest.

 

King Stephen dedicated his life to the betterment of Haense, and he was taken all too soon. The entire kingdom mourns for him, and no one shall forget the foundation he built for us. May GOD bless his soul.

 

Here’s what friends and family of Stephen had to say.

 

"Stephen was one of the greatest men I ever had the opportunity of knowing. He lost both his father and his brother at a young age, but that did not hold him back. He aspired to do great things, extraordinary things, out of love for his Kingdom and people. I can only dream of filling his shoes, but I swear to his memory and to my people that I shall try my best to do so. Rest easy, cousin." --Otto II Barbanov.

 

“I was once a soldier, a man with no titles, no rich blood. King Stephen saw the promise in me, the devotion. For a man so good to die, and in such a mysterious way, it's crippled my spirit. Haense will mourn for him for generations to come, someone so blessed by GOD's touch to pass away.” --Ser Cullen Valerin

 

"The death of King Stephen is not a time for the North to grieve. It is a time to rejoice that GOD has given this realm a man who tirelessly worked for the betterment of his people. He is now with his Heavenly Father forever watching and guiding the footsteps of those who live on through his legacy." --High Pontiff Everard IV

 

“It’s still so hard to believe… I will forever miss you, coz, but I hope you are finally at peace, and nie longer in pain.” --Elizaveta Julia Barbanov.

 

“My uncle was always a strong man. It was awful to discover he had left us. But now, as we mourn, I cannot help but do my best to stay strong, to show the people of Haense, and those of Axios, that we will not falter or break in such times of struggle and sadness. I’ll do it for my Uncle Stephen, for I am sure it is what he would’ve wanted me to do.” --Natalia Barbanov

 

“I will miss you forever, Papa. I’m sorry you had to go.” --Jakob Barbanov

 

---

                                                    

 

But not all is bleak in the city of Alban. Despite such a heavy blow, a new mayor has been elected! None other than the very loved Mr. John Burr, a previous soldier and sergeant of the Royal Haensetian Army. We were quick to spot him talking to the townsfolk, a wide grin on his face, and sit him down for an interview in the local tavern.

 

Q: “How does it feel to be appointed mayor, replacing Ser Fordson?”

 

A: “I feel both humbled and excited to serve as Alban’s new mayor.

It’s a tremendous honor to have been chosen for such a position, and

I intend to do everything in my power to help make Alban a better place”.

 

Q: "What inspired you  to take the position?"

 

A: “In all honesty I would say it was a combination of things. A desire

to serve my kingdom, a bit of personal ambition, but most importantly

it was the genuine compassion and concern that King Stephen

showed regularly for his people. It was through his example, that me

and many other citizens came to share a deep love for Alban.”

 

Q:"What are your aspirations and goals, now that you've been given the role?"

 

A: “It is my goal to attempt to create a smooth and more efficient

governing system that would allow for the citizens of Alban to better

manage themselves. In summary, I wish to create and employ

a ‘citizen run government’.”

Q:"Where do you hope to see Alban in the next couple of years?"

 

A: “In the next couple of years I would hope for Alban to be, in the words

of Tuvya Carrion, “The crown jewel of the empire.” I believe that with

hard work, careful planning, and active leadership, we can achieve

new heights not only for Alban, but for all of Haense.”

 

Q:"Do you have any advice for newcomers who hope to make a name for themselves?"

 

A: “It’s funny that you’d ask that actually. I remember several years ago

I found myself asking a friend of mine that very same thing. I would be

honored to share his advice. ‘The key to recognition is going out

and taking initiative.’ It’s simple advice sure, but it gets the job done.”

 

 

---

 

Not only does Alban have a new mayor, but soon, the entirety of Haense will have a new king. The late King Stefjan Karl’s cousin, Otto Georg, is to be crowned King Otto II this coming summer. Preparations have already begun for the coronation: servants planning ahead for the creation of a grand feast, guards and soldiers have gone to work shining their armor and helms.

 

The future king has this to say about the whole event:

 

“Never in my entire life did I foresee myself wearing the same crown,

or sitting on the same throne as my cousin did. But now that I am, I am

both excited and nervous for what lies ahead for both me and our

Kingdom. Aye, starting a reign with a war will be tough, but us North

men are the toughest sons of Horen the world has ever seen. I've no

doubt that the men of the Royal Army will be able to get us through it,

though we all must do our part! Sign up for the Royal Army today!”

 

 

 

---

 

Keeping up with the Romstuns

 

Once the best friends of the Imperials, things are not going too well for the poor members of House Romstun. Ever since the tragic murder of Philip Owyn, at the hands of the Flays, things have gone topsy-turvy. What was once a happy marriage is now a non-existent one. After Emperor Peter II declared war upon the Romstuns for such horrid acts of slaughter, a divorce came soon after. What will happen to the previous Empress-Consort, the purple-haired Zoey Romstun?!

 

One of our journalists snuck into the imperial city, and returned with this report:

 

“I saw her fleeing from the palace, wailing. Spittle, snot, and tears flew from her, like a ravaged dog, as she barrelled down the palace steps. I watched her fumble, only to lose her footing and tumble down the rest of the way into the muddied cobble street. She made an odd howl, reminding me of a walrus, before barrel-rolling away, out of sight.”

 

No news of her since then. Where could she have gone? What will become of her?!

 

But it was after this event did “**** hit the fan”, so to speak. Not only had the empire turned against the Romstuns, but so did the Church! In a declaration written by the High Pontiff, Everard IV, it was stated thus:

 

“Moreover, let all those see and those who have ears ought to hear that the House of Romstun, current and future kin, and all those in league thereof be declared excommunicated from the Most Holy Canonist Church, barred from the sacraments she administers and of the salvation she promises under Her yoke.”

 

Our journalist, soon after this event, reported he could’ve sworn he heard a walrus’ wail as he past by the Romstuns’ land.

 

What will become of the Romstuns? What will become of the mysterious, the robust Ex-Empress Zoey Romstun?! Stay posted to find out more, in the next edition of The Crow Chronicles.

 

[Thatpyrodude 2008]

 a letter is sent to the newspaper

 

"Dear Editor

 

I bring news of the death of Zoey Romstun, me and Ser Felix tracked her, captured her, then beheaded her. We then presented her head to His Imperial Majesty as proof of her death

 

Signed,

Ser Abraham"

[Abeam 511]

Ser Berengar Helvets reads his copy while he eats a late snack, tearing up at least five times.

[Aedrabani 66]

Lord Adrian glanced over the publication, noting the names of each individual mentioned and marking them in a ledger.  I'm not sure whether to have the publicist flogged or awarded a medal, he thought with a sad smile.

 

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.  Oh well, the King's business comes first.

[HurferDurfer1 2978]

Ser Coltaine mourns in his empty manor.

[devvy 1348]

Elizaveta read over the newspaper as she held warm mug of milk in hand while tucked into bed, soon after falling asleep.

[Freischarler 421]

*Magnus Reads the romstun part and laughs*

[Pureimp10 5691]

Otto would wake up from his slumber, smiling as he sees a fresh copy of the Crow Chronicles rolled up at his bedside table. He'd grab his mug of freshly brewed coffee, prepared by the Esenstadt servants just for him, and open up the paper as he begins to read.

"Damn good job, whoever wrote this!"

[devvy 1348]

Moved to The Great Library. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.

 

If you feel this is a mistake, please contact myself or any FM and we'll restore it.