WORLD AT WAR, KNIGHTHOOD SQUABBLE CONTINUES [I-PAN]

[IEC 229]

 

17^th of Harren’s Folley, 1689

I-PAN ISSUE SEVEN

Brought to you by the Imperial Election Commission

 

       The Imperial-Parliamentary Affairs Network, otherwise abbreviated to I-PAN, has been established as a journalistic outlet to inform the Empire’s constituents of the public affairs occurring from within the Imperial Parliament, and other important political topics within the realm. I-PAN shall be a nonpartisan, neutral news outlet which covers a variety of political affairs and happenings in the Empire. I-PAN was established under the supervision of the Imperial Election Commission in 1687, as a method to combat a disturbingly low amount of journalistic news outlets in the Empire. I-PAN shall be very strict in our core principle of prohibiting biased articles. An Imperial outlet, funded by the constituents, do not deserve slanted news or unfair coverage of individuals. We are wed to facts, and facts alone.

       If you are an aspiring journalist tempted by the allure of this newly established outlet, feel free to contact Fabius Bracchus, Election Commissioner ((Liam#7649)) to become a Parliamentary journalist. Trusted and worthy journalists shall be given press credentials to Parliamentary sessions, in order to cover current affairs. In addition, we encourage journalists to also establish private news outlets, to expand the journalistic integrity and ability to publicize information. They, too, may receive press credentials, and are not subject to the same standards as public journalists are. However, as far as I-PAN is concerned, we shall provide the utmost neutral coverage.

 

And now, without further ado, the news.

PAGANS LAUNCH UNIFIED WAR AGAINST THE EMPIRE

[!] A map, displaying the current geopolitical affiliations of states involved. Purple represents Empire affiliated groups, whilst red represents the rebel coalition. Lighter colors signify associates of each combatant; 1689

 

       As of two Legacies ago, the Earldom of Nordengrad and the Ettindom of Arberrang, both formerly members of the Empire of Man, formed a unified coalition to combat the Imperial forces. Reports state that, during a training exercise between Markevian and Arberrang military forces, Nordengradic units charged the Haensetic soldiers, aided by the Arberrang militia. Since the attack and the pair’s unified alliance, both the Kingdom of Kaz’Ulrah and the Warnation of Krugmar have joined forces with the pagans in an effort to invade the Empire. Immediately, the remainder of the Empire agreed to offer their armed forces to the war effort, in addition to the independent state of Gladewynn. The opposition includes Arberrang, allied with Nordengrad, Kaz’Ulrah, and Krugmar. Shortly after, Krugmar and Nordengrad also signed their own treaty into effect, solidifying relationships.

       To enlighten us further, I-PAN reporter Daisy Applefoot interviewed the Grand Marshal of the Empire, Brand von Denhardt, to learn more about the current war effort.

 

[!] Brand von Denhardt, the Grand Marshal of the Empire of Man; 1689

 

       Applefoot:

                          I’ll begin by asking you the context of this new war; What is happening, and why has it started?

       Denhardt:

                          The war started when Haense was doing military operations within Arberrang. As you may know Arberrang is a Haense vassal. Out of nowhere Nordengrad forces initiated hostile actions on The Brotherhood of St. Karl. The Imperial Crown took this action as an act of rebellion and has declared war on Nordengrad and its allies.

       Applefoot:

                          What is at stake with this war? Is it much grander than previous wars the Empire has been involved in?

       Denhardt:

                          It is the first large scale conflict the Empire of Man has seen so far. But I have absolute faith that we will destroy the pagan threat. No one has a better fighting force than that of the Empire.

       Applefoot:

                          What is your personal advice to any civilians living close to the action? Do you think many people will be harmed by the fighting?

       Denhardt:

                          I suggest to the civilian population to move to a walled city like the Imperial Capital, Cyrilsburg, and Markev. All the places I listed have a military force to protect them and walls to shelter them from any potential hostile raiding parties.

       Applefoot:

                          And finally, what does this mean for the future of the Empire and all it holds dear?

       Denhardt:

                          After the Empire wins this war, we can see more unity since any of pagan faith will be forced out during the war. We can also see conquest if any foreign allies of the pagans decide to join this war.

 

       Currently, both Nordengrad and Arberrang have almost positively jeopardized any chances they had to obtain elected Parliamentary seats. Plans to expand Prefects to the entirety of the Empire are commonly discussed, but with the recent rebellion in play, it is unlikely that these two pagan territories will obtain voting rights, even if they’re reintegrated into the Empire. The political ramifications of this war for the pagan rebellion is negative, while it serves as a moderately unifying factor for the Empire.

 

Parliament is scheduled to convene in two Saint’s Days, where Prefect Rhys var Ruthern is expected to present the Southern Defense Act of 1689, which could possibly be impacted by Arberrang’s grip on said southern border. It is expected that we’ll see an influx of legislation regarding national security following the recently heightened tensions.

 

BELLS TOLL FOR CROWN PRINCE AUGUSTUS HOREN

[!] Crowned Prince Augustus Horen weds Helen Elizabeth Horen in the Cathedral of Holy Martyrs, as depicted by Father Humpfrey; 1689

 

       On the 13^th of the Sun’s Smile, Crown Prince Augustus Horen and Helen Elizabeth Horen wed in the Cathedral of Holy Martyrs in Carolustadt, with a wide reception. The wedding was officiated by High Pontiff Siegmund I, with Emperor Augustus Horen in attendance.

       The political ramifications of being wed during wartime heavily impacted the ceremony. Attendees noted the heavily militarized atmosphere in the church, with nearly half the audience dressed in Legion armor, similar to the Emperor’s and the Crowned Prince’s.

 

[!] Augustus Horen and Helen Elizabeth Horen speak to attendees outside the cathedral; 1689

 

       Following the reception, the pair took a few minutes out of their day to converse with the guests. When being asked about the militarized nature of the ceremony, the pair seemed apathetic about the atmosphere. “It is odd that we have a wedding while at war,” began Prince Augustus. “But it is proof that, even in war, there is time for family.” Another guest noted, “It’s okay to get married during wartime. That just means you get to wear uniforms.” In terms of Parliamentary affairs, where the Crowned Prince is typically present, the marriage isn’t expected to have any impact. However, the marriage was a politically unifying moment for the concerned constituents of the Empire, who felt solace in the uplifting ceremony.

 

CLAUDIUS BRACCHUS TO PROPOSE AMENDMENT TO KNIGHTHOOD MERITOCRACY ACT

[!] Members of Parliament debating the Seventian Rights Act, which was voted down two Saint’s days ago; 1689

 

       During the recent Parliamentary session, where the long-debated Knighthood Meritocracy Act was meant to vote on it’s final hearing, the vote was filibustered by the lone Lord Spiritual, Prince-Bishop of Aescelus, Claudius Bracchus. The clergyman reviewed the recently proposed Knighthood Meritocracy Act, proposed by the Baron of Leeuwenhof Alfred Rubens, and rejected the legislation on the basis that it was unable to provide Knights the necessary freedoms to select their own squires. He argues that the Office of the Grand Knight is given too much reign over individuals, and that the central government shouldn’t have as much sway in these localized decisions. Proponents of the bill, however, continue to insist that more oversight in regards to Knighthood is essential to the well-being of the Empire, in order to cut down on unmerited titles.

       In response, Bracchus has proposed an amendment to the bill, P.B. 003-1. The amendment will be the first item on the itinerary next session, which, if passed, would grant those with the status of Count or higher the ability to assign squires to knights within their jurisdictions. After debating the amendment, the final vote on the Knighthood Meritocracy Act will be voted upon.

WORLD NEWS

• The Federation of Sutica and the Warnation of Krugmar have signed a non-aggression pact, which doubles as a free trade deal. The recent pact suggests that Sutica may soon declare fealty to the rebel opposition.
• Dunshire has recently enacted their own legislature, which functions similarly to the Empire’s current parliamentary system.

[Imperium 3495]

Rhys reads the paper from his study, still locked away by the sky gods. “Hmph, seems this old soldier has one last war in him,” he remarks 

[Vindicant 642]

16 minutes ago, IDELA said:

Reports state that, during a training exercise between Markevian and Arberrang military forces, Nordengradic units charged the Haensetic soldiers, aided by the Arberrang militia.

“The absolute fakest **** I’ve seen. They raided us twice, demanding for us to bend the knee. The Empire resorts to honest lying now? And you dare to wonder why there is a rebellion.” Karyssmov scoffs.

[Legoboy7984 3155]

9 minutes ago, Vindicant said:

“The absolute fakest **** I’ve seen. They raided us twice, demanding for us to bend the knee. The Empire resorts to honest lying now? And you dare to wonder why there is a rebellion.” Karyssmov scoffs.

 

Ser Henrik Ludovar would let out a sigh.

“Arberrang planned on betraying Haense, and we offered them surrender yet they refused which resulted into this madness and than Nordengrad showed up in with their paganistic and rebellious ways. Madness has had its day”

[_pr0fit 3084]

“And not one mention of the haensetic rebellion!?!” Grigori says reading the paper “Perhaps this reporter should come to nordengrad so that he can hear the TRUTH!”

[Inferno_Ougi 1454]

"The sons of freedom will know their calling." Hanasun lit a cigarrete, doing it despite doctors orders. 

[MajesticOwyn 334]

7 minutes ago, Legoboy7984 said:

 

Ser Henrik Ludovar would let out a sigh.

“Arberrang planned on betraying Haense, and we offered them surrender yet they refused which resulted into this madness and than Nordengrad showed up in with their paganistic and rebellious ways. Madness has had its day”

Ruari bore a scowl of contempt as he heard the man speak.

“Do you have proof? I’ve lived within the walls of Arberrang for many years now, and not once have I heard the slightest whisper of rebellion against Haense. No doubt you will deflect my question, or refuse to deliver some concrete form of evidence. Nei, I was one of the four present when the soldiers from Haense scaled our wall, declared we had the intent to rebel, and deemed we surrender or be put to the blade. Is this aggressive and unprovoked attack how Haense would treat its vassals? Is this how the Empire would deem it acceptable? For how well spoken you Imperials are, and how your customs and laws are so refined, you seem to lack the basic ability to conduct diplomacy.

At the very least, this is still a blatant lie. Two elders, a servant, and myself were present on the rampart. We had no warriors present, nothing to indicate there was a ‘training exercise’ being held between ourselves and Markev. They came to attack us.

Nei, our side of the story was not gathered. We were condemned from the beginning. We were attacked, unprovoked. Why would one wish to serve as a vassal to such dishonorable peoples, who now attempt to handwave it away as a ‘military exercise’.”

[NotEvilAtAll 10906]

Daisy Applefoot salutes the Republic “Long Live t’eh Empire! Long Live Dunshire!” From there, the halflings goes on to write another book while smoking her pipe.

[Gallic 1066]

42 minutes ago, IDELA said:

during a training exercise between Markevian and Arberrang military forces,

“Oh yeah. Training exercise. Ahuh.” Gwion, Arberrang’s chief old man, sarcastically grumbles.

[_Bueno_ 492]

“The **** is an Ettindom.” -Claudius would ask his clerk upon reading.

[Venym Nyx 87]

21 minutes ago, MajesticOwyn said:

Ruari bore a scowl of contempt as he heard the man speak.

“Do you have proof? I’ve lived within the walls of Arberrang for many years now, and not once have I heard the slightest whisper of rebellion against Haense. No doubt you will deflect my question, or refuse to deliver some concrete form of evidence. Nei, I was one of the four present when the soldiers from Haense scaled our wall, declared we had the intent to rebel, and deemed we surrender or be put to the blade. Is this aggressive and unprovoked attack how Haense would treat its vassals? Is this how the Empire would deem it acceptable? For how well spoken you Imperials are, and how your customs and laws are so refined, you seem to lack the basic ability to conduct diplomacy.

At the very least, this is still a blatant lie. Two elders, a servant, and myself were present on the rampart. We had no warriors present, nothing to indicate there was a ‘training exercise’ being held between ourselves and Markev. They came to attack us.

Nei, our side of the story was not gathered. We were condemned from the beginning. We were attacked, unprovoked. Why would one wish to serve as a vassal to such dishonorable peoples, who now attempt to handwave it away as a ‘military exercise’.”

Saoirse would stand proudly next to her Father, Ruari, remaining quiet as she listened to everyone speak. It was clear the girl harbored an utter hatred for the situation and resented the people who side with those who attacked her home, unprovoked.
”No one came to us, offered words of wisdom, any chance ta’ ‘redeem’ ourselves. No’ that i’ would necessarily ma’er. Jus’ as a Cannonis’ wouldn’ change their ways an’ le’ their beliefs waver, why shoul’ we? Wha’ gives anyone tha’ righ’ ta’ tell us wha’ we can and cannae worship and believe in.

 

I ‘appened ta’ jus’ wake up af’er everyt’in’ ‘appened, an’ ‘ad ta’ tend ta’ me Fadir,” She suddenly gestured towards Ruari. ”An’ try ta’ make sure ‘e di’n’t feikin’ bleed ta’ death. ‘E explained tha’ ‘ole ma’er ta’ me an’ me Aun’. An’ me Fadir is nei a lyin’ man. Bu’ i’s nei like our words ma’er, righ’? ‘Cause we’re some’ow pagan scum, aye?” She turned her head away and spat at the ground, glaring.

[PosidonX7 269]

Ingvildr snorted at the news of the Empire calling it a “training exercise”, ”How about I shove my spear up the Emperor’s ass?” she replied snarkily, “Can I call that a training exercise?”

[Viltaren 236]

1 hour ago, Vindicant said:

“The absolute fakest **** I’ve seen. They raided us twice, demanding for us to bend the knee. The Empire resorts to honest lying now? And you dare to wonder why there is a rebellion.” Karyssmov scoffs.

“Karyssmov, somehow this has managed to make me dislike you less. Godspeed. Or Ibleese speed. Whichever is more fitting for you.” Says Vilta, just really confused as to how she got to wherever this conversation is occuring. 

[Auriel_ 652]

1 hour ago, Vindicant said:

“The absolute fakest **** I’ve seen. They raided us twice, demanding for us to bend the knee. The Empire resorts to honest lying now? And you dare to wonder why there is a rebellion.” Karyssmov scoffs.

 

“Do not act as if the conduct between you and the Demon’s is an unfunded accusation. You’re as scum as they get.”

He clatters in disparage, clicking his gauntlet against his chestplate.

 “I bet I won’t even see you on t’battlefield, craven scum. It is the only baptization you will ever see until your dying days, demon.”

 

3 minutes ago, Viltaren said:

“Karyssmov, somehow this has managed to make me dislike you less. Godspeed. Or Ibleese speed. Whichever is more fitting for you.” Says Vilta, just really confused as to how she got to wherever this conversation is occuring. 

 

“And you, one might have thought that being extorted by Reivers would have been enough to stop you and your kith and kin from making pacts with things greater or evil than oneself, aligning to orcs? What foolishness must you be driven to, war? War that- you could be dragged into?”

Brushing his duster, sighing and drew off his hood as he began to leave the area at which this were occurring.

[Nectorist 12869]

Ser Hans de Ruyter sets his prototype bicycle against the side of his manor, strolls past his orange tulips, and sits at his favorite bench. The weather, cold and snowy as it had been for weeks, seemed milder today. He tapped his wooden clogs together, drumming his feet absent-mindedly as he procured the Imperial Newspaper from the satchel at his side. He flipped through it, stroking his fine Lodenlander beard in disappointment upon not finding articles about safely using copious amounts of drugs, interior decorating in the color orange, or new bicycle-riding trails. 

 

Just as he was about to throw the paper into the nearest snowbank, the bold, front-and-center headline of the newspaper caught his attention. He carefully read through it, looking for mention of his name and how he had successfully led a slaughter of Arberrangian pagans, and saved his party from an attack by a larger Norlandic force. However, as he finished the article, no mention of the glorious raid in the name of God was mention, but rather their acts were considered to be a part of a “training exercise."

 

"What?!” he shrieks in impeccable Common. ”A training exercise? My glorious crusade of a handful of pagans gets reported as a training exercise?!? Arberrang just decided to rebel after they lost a training exercise, is that what they want us to believe? Those disgusting rebellious pagans were cut down without quarter, as they should be!"

 

With a huff of frustration Ser Hans de Ruyter goes to retrieve his prototype bike, taking with him a few tulips and some spare clogs. He then ventures north, searching for a bike trail that will let him blow off some steam.