An Illatian Swan Song

[Publius 4098]

On the 13th of Owyn’s Light 1682, the sun shone upon the Bracchi brothers as they left the city of Carolustadt. Septimius beamed with a broad smile over the tumultuous day’s conclusion, whilst his brother Claudius was ever dour…

Ducal elections in Adria, 1682

Spoiler

 

 

Snow still fell during the dawn and dusk of the early spring days in Adria. Tension between the paranoid electors was palpable, and between the smallfolk and the electors, even moreso.

 

Lord Septimius weaved his way through the amassing Belvitzi citizens and Ilatian farmers, each whispering their solidarity with the esteemed Baron. Bracchus blue could be seen bore by folks all over town, contrasting the lonely red Adrian flags that arose for the occasion.

 

Little preceded what became a struggle that summarized the political crisis that was to play out; Dario Valic, son of the late Vladan Valic, intercepted Konyves Ivanovich as he moved against the stubborn Septimius, who himself insisted upon detailing the powers of the Duma before holding one. Violence quickly spiraled out of control, and despite even the presence of Imperial agents, the courtyard was soon filled with supporters of Septimius.

 

Adrian bannermen surround a Bracchus levyman.

 

Masses found themselves butchered in waves, crashing against Vilacz. It seemed the entirety of Belvitz was butchered and dumped into the Baltas. No matter how outnumbered Josip’s forces were, the direction of Konyves ensured the day was won. Even the Magistrate of Adria fell fighting alongside the masses, Sofia Valerii cut down charging with the horde of smallfolk.

 

Further misfortune befell the cause, as from the keep stepped the Carolustadt company that had arrived to spectate. No matter how just his stand was, he beheld the Crown Prince Augustus and an accompanying minister; they had raised their swords in defence of the other electors, and so to have fought said electors could be cast as treason upon Septimius.

 

Bound and beaten, the man would be beholden to the Imperial Courts.

 

An artistic depiction of Carolustadt court.

Spoiler

 

 

Hours passed as the Adrian electors raged on, sending witness after witness in an attempt to have Septimius hung for his acts against them. Representing the Baron, only a few survivors remained - but amongst those that vouched for him was good Dario Valic, who cited a credible conspiracy against the Baron of Aesculus.

 

More critical was the Prince Alexander Frederick’s defence of Septimius based off of what he had witnessed. Soon, it became unclear whether treason had been committed - but in violation of his oaths as a Knight, Septimius was blackmarked, and tasked to head south to collect the heads of two Vaeyl captains.

 

Though dishonoured and his titles stripped for the time being, Septimius almost wept with relief before the court as his verdict was announced. His brother though stood horrified though, as he was given a 2000 minae fine, and was beaten badly for an accusation of bribery.

 

Bannermen near the gates of Carolustadt.

 

“Good Claudius, whence I return from the South, that damn fool will be smashed, beaten - I’ll use his hamstring for my bow, ha!”

 

“What a waste of breath it was to defend you today.” He would say to the chuckling Septimius, quickly souring the mood.

 

“But I am your brother, why would you-”

 

“You are a fool Septimius, and if anyone just heard you say that, you would be hung off the walls of Carolustadt so that anyone that enters might see what a joke you are. Do not damn yourself when you are not even out of the gates.”

 

Offering a wary smile, Septimius would try to pat his brother’s shoulder in a friendly Ilatian gesture, but Claudius swatted away the hand and struck the man quickly in his fury, almost losing balance as he clutched his cane.

 

“Do not touch me you moron, do not even look at me. You risked everything - for what? Who cares if you were attacked if it means treason to get your revenge? Our house words are ‘Strength through Service’ - did you drink that from your memory?”

 

Never had Septimius received such a verbal scathing from his brother, standing dumbfounded as they looked to one another in silence.

 

“This is what I get I suppose, backing up a drunkard. Were you drunk walking into the Sarkozic keep as well, you chimp? Or are you actually mentally deficient?”

 

Flush with embarrassment and now true regret, Septimius silently departed from his brother as he was berated from behind. Somber silence loomed over the man, his stresses far greater as he took into account the lives that had been lost, and the estrangement of his brother.

 

Before him now was a long and arduous ride to the Yatl Wastes. It would be a while before he mustered up the courage to write home as he reflected on his folly...

 

Spoiler

Great RP friendos, shouts out to everyone that participated!

 

[Inferno_Ougi 1454]

Hanasun sat idly on his horse, farther south down the road from the Caroulstadt gates. Adler was inexplicably gone. Dead, maybe. But Septimius took the reigns of the revolutionary outcasts, and gave the rest of the men the hope to stay.  Septimius rode past him, rode to the Yatl Wastes, and Hanasun followed suit while he focused on the southern horizon. With pure conviction he continued to follow Septimius, the man he believed to lead him and his compatriots head on into battle once more. But as the city of Arbor and then Markev rushed past him, he gave a breathless prayer and cursed God, the Aspects, the Spirits, the Brathmordakin, and Adler. 

[MunaZaldrizoti 8037]

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.