itdontmatta 7181 Popular Post Share Posted April 19, 2023 (A depiction of a crumbling Vienne, inhabited by Charles I and Aaunic noblemen, 1914) TREATISE ON THE KINGDOM OF HAENSE On Impending Demise Lorenz Gavaudin of Adria 20th of Horen’s Calling 1921 IC | 125 SA I have witnessed the fall of the once-great Holy Orenian Empire and now cast my gaze upon the Kingdom of Haense. I cannot help but notice striking similarities between these two nations, leading me to believe that Haense may be doomed to meet a similar fate as the Empire. In this thesis, I will outline the reasons for the Holy Orenian Empire's fall and explore the parallels that threaten Haense's future stability. In my observations, one of the most prominent factors contributing to the decline of the Holy Orenian Empire was the dwindling activity of the Imperial State Army. It once protected and enforced the Empire's power, but as its activity waned, the nation's security weakened. Desperate for support, the Empire tried to induct mercenaries into its lands several times, much like Haense does now. However, these mercenary groups often turned their backs and betrayed the monarch they swore to serve. Similarly, the Kingdom of Haense's Brotherhood of Saint Karl appears to be suffering from a decline in activity, which renders it incapable of providing any sufficient security and strength for the nation. Due to Haense's reliance on capricious mercenaries and the deterioration of its own military might, the state finds itself in a vulnerable position. (A generic painting of an abandoned fort within Haense) Another aspect that troubles me is the excessive number of royal family members in both the Holy Orenian Empire and Haense. The elevated status and power of these individuals eventually leads to internal strife and competition, ultimately weakening the stability of the ruling class and the nation as a whole. It is my belief that the abundance of royal family members often results in a clash of interests and a struggle for influence, which proves detrimental to the Crown's unity and governance. Furthermore, I have noticed that both nations have a majority of nobles who have already achieved the highest attainable position within the social hierarchy. This lack of motivation and room for growth results in stagnation and complacency, further eroding the nation's ability to adapt and respond to challenges. I fear that this stagnation, which contributed to the Holy Orenian Empire's fall, now threatens the Kingdom of Haense. My concerns also extend to the isolationist foreign policies adopted by both the Holy Orenian Empire and Haense. This approach has led to missed opportunities for Haense, such as the potential annexation of the Heartlands. Instead, Haense focuses on ensuring that weak rulers control these territories, which may prove to be a short-sighted strategy in the long run. By maintaining an isolationist stance, Haense is limiting its growth and influence, allowing its neighbors to gain power and potentially threaten its existence. Another disconcerting similarity is the lack of confidence in the leadership of both nations. The populations of the Holy Orenian Empire and Haense have questioned the decisions and direction of their respective rulers. This lack of trust can lead to unrest, disobedience, and even rebellion, as the people begin to lose faith in the ability of their leaders to govern effectively. I also perceive a pattern of indecisiveness and inconsistency in the policies and actions of both nations. This wavering propagates to confusion, inefficiency, and a lack of strategic direction, all of which contribute to the decline of a nation. The Holy Orenian Empire's inability to maintain a consistent and coherent policy contributed to its downfall, and Haense seems to be struggling with similar issues. Lastly, I have observed that both the Holy Orenian Empire and the Kingdom of Haense have experienced a pacifist population that is less inclined to defend their nation and its interests. While pacifism may be admirable in certain contexts, it is a certain liability when the Crown faces external threats or internal challenges. A passive population may be less willing to support the military, engage in political activity, or contribute to the nation's defense, leaving it vulnerable to collapse. The Holy Orenian Empire's fall serves as a cautionary tale for the Kingdom of Haense, which faces strikingly similar challenges. The decline of their military, the high number of royal family members, stagnation within the noble class, isolationist foreign policies, lack of confidence in leadership, indecisiveness, and a pacifist population are all factors that contributed to the Empire's collapse and now threaten the future of Haense. As Lorenz Gavaudin, I can only hope that the Kingdom of Haense will recognize these parallels and take swift, decisive action to address these issues, lest it succumb to the same fate as the Holy Orenian Empire. Lorenz Gavaudin 30 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milenkhov 4425 Share Posted April 19, 2023 John remarked from the confines of his workshop. Just after he and Archie had conversed about the published treatise from their companion Lorenz."A thought-provoking and insightful analysis. The parallels between the two nations are concerning, and it is clear that Haense must take steps to address these issues if it hopes to avoid a similar fate. I hope that the leaders of Haense take Gavaudin's warnings to heart and work towards creating a more stable and secure future for their people."@Orlanth @itdontmatta 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nectorist 7321 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Adolphus Gloriana looks on in glee as another scholar takes on the daunting task of state analysis and historical comparison. He shows it to his pupil, the Count of Susa. @JoanOfArc 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laeonathan 3771 Share Posted April 19, 2023 "A tragedy it would be, to see such a great realm fall... but in the end, all realms fall, sometimes are restored. But Haense seemed strong and untouchable - yet it losts many battles recently." one ancient Knight wondered, who defended Haense 210 years ago... 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orlanth 3478 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Archie Mareno looks over the document with great interest. "Yes, quite thought provoking indeed." he answers his good friend John. 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vermy 1346 Share Posted April 19, 2023 "Erm, yes, indeed." The Prince mumbled to himself as he seemed to mostly agree with such a detailed analysis. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ImmortalShadowZ 433 Share Posted April 19, 2023 "All it takes is a man, with mutton chops and a farmer's tool, to take down an Empire nowadays." The former Acrean man would say after reading the missive. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
virgosgroove 38 Share Posted April 20, 2023 Margaret read the treatise at her desk underground beneath the rubble of a church outside Barrowton. In the dim candelight of her cell, she thinned her lips and ran her fingers over the grain in the table wood. "It is true, it is all true... the gates of Haense seldom rise, the crows seek carrion in a square that otherwise should be lively. The might of Haense feels pale, feels fleeting... almost feels gone." Setting the treatise down amongst the various other sheets of parchment she collected, she ruminated on the arguments and analysis made. Spoiler (Being on LotC for 7+ years, it is both sad and epic to watch the passage of human history pass and see the Empire of Oren return then to fall... and now see Haense potentially fade from relevancy too. Grieving rn!) 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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