Setsuko_

It's a story, there is no formal telling...

No one knows about this? And we get you are salty about being told no, stop being a jerk about it xD

Elias stepped through the gatehouse of the Rhein's fortress, holding his hand over a gash on his left forearm. Ames was the first to reach him, covering the ground with surprising speed for someone as old as he and sporting a cane. Without a word Ames started looking him over, finding some minor bruising on his arm and side from the scuffle at Sutica's meeting. Alexander and Ezekiel burst into the clearing next, Alexander sprinting with the same surprising speed as his brother. "What happened?!" Alexander held Elias' arm up, tearing off part of his tabbard with a quick grunt before wrapping the injury. Elias looked at the boy for a moment, giving him a quick smile. "Apparently people don't take kindly to their beloved leader having their power taken from them." Ezekiel stood beside Elias, frowning slightly. "Is that what happened? The Duke of Eastcliffe was disposed?" Elias shrugged. "The man threatened to burn it down and then left before an official decision was called, and his bodyguard stayed behind to hold us all off." Then the coughing came. Elias began coughing violently, bringing a stained cloth to his mouth. After a few moments of unrelenting coughs, he dropped to a knee. Alexander and Ames dropped down with him, while Ezekiel stood over him while resting his real hand on his back. Ames put a hand on the man's chest as he was bent over, still coughing and hacking. Alexander held Elias' arm still, watching him cough. "Ames, what's happening?" Alexander looked up to his brother, who was watching the coughing man intently. Alexander's gaze shot to Elias' mouth, where blood was starting to run from the corner of his mouth down his chin. Elias' face began to turn reddish purple as he kept coughing. "Ames!" Ames' head shot up, giving his brother a look of annoyance. "His lungs are filling up." He looked over to Ezekiel and then back to Alexander. "Pick him up and bring him inside." The Two men tried to raise Elias to his feet, but he promptly collapsed, his eyes shut and his face purple. Ames swore as he reached into his vest. He produced a long needle with a wide opening on one end, like a bowl. He nodded to Alexander, who rolled the unconscious man over. Ames winced as he dropped shakily to his knees, his years of good mobility behind him. He ripped open Elias' shirt, poising the needle above his chest. Ezekiel dropped down across from Alexander, who knelt at Elias's right side. "Will this kill him?" Ames looked to Ezekiel for a moment. "I have no idea, but if I don't try he's dead already." Without another word, Ames' gaze shot back to Elias' chest, where he quickly drove the needle in... Blood popped out of the top of the needle, more quickly flowing out. Ames watched carefully, laying a hand on the man's chest again. The blood then stopped, and he felt the chest rise slightly. Ames watched for a moment more before nodding and withdrawing the needle, quickly producing a patch and holding it on. He nodded to Alexander. Keep pressure on this." Alexander quickly rushed forward, placing a hand firmly on the bandage. "Ames, please. What is happening to our Uncle." Ames groaned as he stood, leaning heavily on his cane. He gave a sigh. "Truthfully? I don't quite know." Ames' gaze grew cold, as it had every time he thought back to his days in Helena. "All I know is, Elias is a dead man walking." Ezekiel stood, sliding his hands into his vest pockets. "What does that mean?" "It means his death is inevitable. There is nothing I can do to stop it, and even if there was..." Ames stopped short, frowning. Ezekiel's brow rose slightly. "What?" Paused for a moment more, looking down at the unconscious man. "He asked me not to." Ames' frown dissipated, his face turning neutral. "He wants us to work full steam towards getting this place finished. No excuses now." Alexander's own gaze rested on Elias' face, the emotion behind it unreadable. His tone however was cold and dry. "We're on a clock."

Elias read the letter slowly as he sat in his office. Ames stood beside him, reading over his shoulder. The man began to cough, Ames patting his back as he tried to catch his breath in between coughs. Thoughts, Ames? Ames looked at the letter a moment more before using his cane to straighten his stance, retrieving a cloth from his pocket for Elias to wipe his mouth with. We should listen to both decides before making a decision. Elias gave a chuckle as he wiped his mouth, wincing as the blood stained the cloth. Ever the judge huh? This will be an interesting meeting for sure.

Elias stepped into the clearing, taking a deep breathe. The Somme, the fortress for the Barony’s guards, lay around him. Finished at last, the men of the Barony had moved in temporarily. Now to find Alexander. Frowning for a moment, Elias thought back to last week. Alexander had been in a hurry, right after the Pontiff called a Crusade. This wasn’t like Alexander, usually the boy was focused. This was different, it was as if he had a hundred thoughts and couldn’t make sense of them. Alexander burst into the clearing, dawning a new set of armor with a tabard Elias did not recognize. In his arms was a rolled up banner. Elias quickly walked after the boy, placing a hand on his shoulder. They both stopped in their tracks, Elias turning the boy around to face him. “What’s going on.” Elias, usually calm and cheerful, had a serious demeanor. Alexander smiled for a second, quickly replacing it with a neutral expression. “The Cannonist Church is gonna get people killed.” He looked down at the banner before back to Elias. “I can’t let that happen, Uncle, I can’t.” Elias removed his hand, his brows furrowing in worry. “So what’s your secretive plan?” “A way out, and a way to honor my oath.” Alexander straightened his posture. “The Cannonists are no longer the sole heirs to GOD.” He unraveled the banner, revealing a crest he had sewn. “I promised to protect the flock, and I will do so. I watched that order walk away from people who needed them one too many times. I watched that Pontiff make choices without thinking one too many times. Now, I am taking away their control of the Grace of GOD.” Elias nodded slowly, taking a step back to admire the crest. The boy was committed, but Elias had his reservations. Even if Alexander was absolutely serious about this, it would not be something easy. Alexander walked to the front wall of the fortress, hanging the crest up high. “I declare the formation of the Poor Knights of the Lorraine, and by extension the Free Assembly of GOD.” Alexander’s voice echoed around the clearing. Elias looked behind him, catching Ezekiel watching from the edge of the clearing, his own expression mirroring Elias’. Ames walked up as Alexander walked out the front gates, Ezekiel following in tow. “Thoughts?” Elias looked to the man for a moment, crossing his arms. “The boy’s heart is in the right place.” “But his actions?” Ames looked ahead, watching the two set to work on the first of the new homes. “We’ll see.” Elias began to cough, bringing a white cloth to his mouth. Ames turned slightly to him, raising a brow as Elias’ coughs became more violent before stopping. When he withdrew the cloth, it was stained red. He quickly pocketed it, turning to see Ames looking at him. His gaze was carefully measured and showed no thoughts. Elias looked to him for a moment as he cleared his throat. “Don’t tell them yet.” Elias looked back out to the two young men. “They need to focus.” "Does this place mean that much to you?" Ames' tone had a hint of respect to it's level demeanor. All Elias could do was nod as he held back another coughing fit. Ames looked at him for another moment, Elias seeing him turn away out of the corner of his eye. The two older men stood in the clearing, watching the next generation work. The Poor Knights of the Lorraine The Order of the Poor Knights of the Lorraine, established this 4th of the Grand Harvest, SA 10. The purpose of this Order is the Protection and Guidance of the Flock of the Almighty GOD, regardless of affiliation or legal standing. The principles of the Order's faith is not rooted in the guidance of the Pontiff, but rather in the belief that each man and woman under the Kingdom of GOD may only answer to HIS judgement, and no man is above mortal sin or knowledge. The Order of the Poor Knights of the Lorraine believe that no mortal is above another in the eyes of GOD, but that those who are strong and can fight should only do so to protect GOD's people, no matter the banner they live under. The Order also holds the belief that no man, woman or even child is sheltered from GOD's Grace, and as such everyone may commune with the Almighty. Only the GOD and the sinner know the true nature of their sin, so it lies with the sinner to seek forgiveness for sin. Only through prayer and devotion to the words and will of GOD can earn you redemption. This Order, although militaristic, shall be first and foremost Pastors of the Word of GOD. The Order of the Poor Knights of the Lorraine forms the Free Assembly of GOD, free from any mortal man's rule. This Assembly requires no inauguration nor oath to join, only faith in the Almighty GOD. The Order shall profess the Word of GOD to this Assembly, as well as serve and protect those anointed by HIS Holy Light. This Order does not recognize the call to Crusade, nor any rulings made by the Pontiff or his people. However any man, woman or child of his flock falls under the protection of the Poor Knights of the Lorraine, as they too are GOD's flock.

Elias' brow raised as he watched his nephew Alexander come bursting from his tent. As the man made a b-line for the armory Elias stood and called to him. Alexander looked over, his eyes holding an emotion Elias couldn't quite pin down. "The Song has been sung, Uncle." Elias stood for a moment, confused. Then blood ran cold as the meaning dawned on him. Alexander, although having left the church's Holy Knights, still believed in GOD and protecting the flock. Alexander started walking again for the armory, adjusting his shirt. "What will you do?" Elias called out "Serve, one way or another." Alexander disappeared without another word before returning with a bundled package. The tunic that lay on the outside was an unfamiliar pattern of black and green...

Elias stood, wiping a thin film of sweat from his brow. Setting down his mallet, he looked around the clearing. His two nephews, Alexander and Ezekiel, worked tirelessly. Alexander currently sat on top of a roof, setting tiles. Ezekiel stood on the cliff, carving more rock out. Elias frowned slightly, reminded of a task yet to be completed. He unbuckled the belt he wore that sported pouches he used to store nails and tools, akin to the ones his other family members wore. As he turned he heard a rather rash curse from the former Holy Knight on the roof, springing forth a chuckle from Elias' own mouth. "Careful, you'll offend God." Elias' tone was light and jovial, with just a hint of teasing. He knew how Alexander really felt about God and his faith. His falling out of the Church was hard on him, but this was the man who dove into a burning city to retrieve a banner, all because someone looked sad. He still believed, and he still served God with everything he had. "I'm sorry Uncle." He looked up long enough to put his thumb in his mouth for a second, setting the mallet he had struck it with down beside him. He signed the Lorraine before returning to his work, his face a mixture of focus and frustration. Elias smiled as he turned back to his tent, his present course. As he opened the entrance fold to his tent a quick scan of the tent found what he was looking for. A small desk sat next to a poorly made cot, a trunk housing what little attire Elias owned. He crossed the tent with a sigh, lowing himself into his seat. He winced slightly, bringing his hand up to inspect it. A blister had formed on the side of his left hand, recently broken. He opened a drawer, producing a small bottle of liquor and a wrap. He looked the bottle over before opening, dribbling a few drops onto his cut. It stung, but Elias didn't flinch much. He'd gotten used to dressing his own wounds. He was far from a professional construction worker, so with every injury and every mistake came knowledge, and this was to be no exception. As he wrapped his hand his mind focused, collecting all this thoughts into a feasible order. He replaced the bottle back in the drawer, flexing his hand. He was numbly aware of yelling outside the tent, probably Ames yelling to his kid brother about some missing work. A man with a family of his own, his home had been the first built. As such, he was the first to dive into his work as the new Chief Justice, currently acting as both Police and Judge. This of course meant he could, in good nature, harass his brother. In all reality the two of them worked quite well together, each making up for the other's shortcomings and emboldening either. Alexander had raised the Church with his own hands, and Ames his home. They respected each other, which meant some light bullying at times. Elias shook his head, getting back on track. He pulled out a piece of paper and his quill, dipping it in his inkwell before taking a deep breath. Elias' job was simple, forge the path. The people of this land would do the rest. The pressure was on for Elias to make sure the path he put the Barony on was the right one... He let out a deeper sigh, bringing the quill down, sealing the fate of the Barony. The Constitution of the Barony of the Rhein I, Elias Viathas-Rhein, first of my name and station, being of sound body mind and soul do hereby put forth the words in which the Barony of the Rhein shall follow in it's laws and in it's daily life. I do this with the hope that the people of the Rhein shall take full advantage of the liberties and rights that this document affords them. This document is the lawful foundation of any legality within the Rhein, any law, ruling or regulation found in violation of this document is to be deemed unlawful and void. On the Subject of Rights, Any citizen of the Rhein, in good legal standing and with full legal citizenship, holds the following rights. 1.1 The right of life, and to defend the life of one's self and one's family. 1.2 The right to worship under whichever religion they so choose without reprimand, so long as this worship does not violate the rights of any persons. 1.3 The right to keep and bear arms, to hold weaponry within one's possession for use in the defense of one's self, one's family and one's home. 1.4 The right to speak freely, to express one's self as they see fit. This freedom of speech extends to the written word, so that any citizen may speak and think as they so choose. 1.5 The right of fair treatment, so as no citizen shall fear discrimination based on their sex, religion, race, orientation or creed. 1.6 The right of matrimony, so any citizen above the age of sixteen may take the hand of a persons in marriage. This must be consented by both spouses without coercion and shall be recorded with legal documentation. 1.7 The right to protection of persons and property, so that no search, seizure or destruction of a citizen, their possessions or their property will occur without reasonable doubt, approved by a court of law within the Rhein. 1.8 The right of innocence, so no citizen is punished for a crime unless their innocence is proven false by a court of law within the Rhein. 1.9 The right to a trial, so if their right of innocence is brought into question a fair and just trial shall determine the exact status of one's innocence. 1.10 The right to fair punishment, so no citizen must fear excessive punishment from the Rhein nor cruel and unusual reprimand. On the Subject of Citizenship, 2.1 Any persons of stable mind who sign proper documentation as approved by a court of law in the Rhein shall be considered a citizen and receive all the rights associated as such. 2.2 Any persons born within the borders of the Barony of the Rhein, as well as any born on foreign soil dedicated to the Barony of the Rhein, shall inherit full citizenship upon birth, with a legally appointed representative able to sign for such a newborn's citizenship. Representatives may be the parents of a newborn citizen, a legal guardian appointed by the courts, or the courts themselves in the case the first two cannot be met. 2.3 Any citizens who hold full legal citizenship within the Rhein may also hold citizenship elsewhere, as well as hold any property in foreign territory. On the Subject of the Senate of the Rhein, 3.1 The Senate of the Rhein is to consist of five individuals, elected by popular vote within the Barony of the Rhein in a legal and unbiased election. 3.2 Each senator shall serve a five year term, with only 3 terms available to serve per senator, given they are elected duly and justly each time. 3.3 The Senate of the Rhein may pass or veto laws as they see fit, so long as it does not violate the Constitution of the Barony of the Rhein. 3.4 The Senate of the Rhein may not make a ruling for themselves. Should any topic relating to the Senate of the Rhein arise, such shall be voted on by the citizens of the Barony of the Rhein. 3.5 The Senate of the Rhein may not interfere with a court of law within the Rhein, nor shall they impede on justice carried out as decided by a court of law within the Rhein. 3.6 No Senator of the Rhein is afforded extra protection from the law or regulations, nor shall their position offer them any leniency in due legal proceedings. 3.7 No Senator of the Barony of the Rhein may hold political or military standing in a foreign country. On the Subject of the Baron of the Rhein, 4.1 The title of Baron of the Rhein is to be a hereditary title, passed down to the first born of the previous Baron upon death, or otherwise bestowed as the Baron sees fit. Each Baron shall inherit the last name 'Rhein' along with the title, making them the patriarch of House Rhein. 4.2 The Baron of the Rhein shall not hold supreme authority over the Barony, unless there is a time when the Senate of the Rhein is no longer able to function or a State of Emergency is called and voted upon by the citizens of the Rhein. 4.3 The Baron of the Rhein may attend and even organize Senate meetings, however they may not vote in Senate votes. 4.4 The Baron acts as the Barony's representative in the Sutican Lower Council, communicating the Senate's rulings and the Barony's will to Sutica. 4.5 The Baron of the Rhein inherits the position of Minister of Finance, to see the taxation of the Rhein's citizens and funding of the Rhein's interests. 4.6 The Baron of the Rhein may form a personal guard force, aside from the guard force of the Barony of the Rhein. 4.7 The Baron of the Rhein may make changes to the constitution, so long as a vote is held and the majority of the citizenship of the Barony of the Rhein approves. On the Subject of Courts of Law, 5.1 A court of law in the Rhein is defined as an established court system approved by the courts and given legal authority over proceedings pertaining to the laws and constitution of the Rhein 5.2 The courts of the Rhein may utilize a centralized policing force to investigate, pursue and detain individuals who's right of innocence is being contested legally. 5.3 The courts of the Rhein may not overrule the Senate of the Rhein. 5.4 The courts of the Rhein must follow legal standings and procedures, and must pass unbiased and unadulterated judgement upon legal cases. 5.5 The courts of the Rhein inherit guardianship of newborn citizens who do not have a next of kin who can sign for them. They hold this guardianship until they are legally adopted or reach age 16 5.6 The courts of the Rhein shall not try any individual under the age of sixteen as an adult, but shall instead afford them slight leniency and offer chances for reform. This first version of the Constitution of the Barony of the Rhein is hereby placed into effect and active in legal standing, bearing the signatures below. Elias Viathas-Rhein First Baron of the Barony of the Rhein Ames du Casse First Chief Justice of the Rhein Court

SURNAME: du Casse FIRST NAME: Alexander ADDRESS OF RESIDENCE: Rupert's Row 1, C1 DATE OF BIRTH: 1771 Are you registered and eligible to vote in the Holy Orenian Empire? Yes Do you have any other title, peerage or military service that may conflict with becoming a Member of the House of Commons, as per the Edict of Reform (1763)? Yes If yes, do you understand that you will be required to resign or abdicate from this position should you be elected to the House of Commons, and if this does not occur your seat shall be considered to be vacant?: Yes ((MC NAME)): Setsuko_ (figured I'd throw my name in :P)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/11otUrx5rb3DwFigkFowX2s05qq227Obp1GZg3s-3b7g/edit?usp=sharing It has been an absolute blast to play Ames, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Alas, all good things must come to an end. While I had hoped to see Ames do some truly great things, I will settle for a normal life with some meaning over a mediocre one with none at all. If I was better at this site I’d ping everyone I’ve played with and thank you all for the time spent with me growing this character. I honestly couldn’t have had such a good time without all of you. From my first steps in Helena, to joining and rising through the ranks of the Ministry of Justice, to the daily interactions with Helena’s people. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every RP encounter, even the ‘negative ones’. I figured since I am leaving and I have grown rather attached to this character and the story I had made with him, It would be fitting to give him a final send off. Wrapping up his story with something I had wanted for him from the beginning seemed a very fair outcome. There isn’t any characters in-game that takes the roles you will read in the google doc, but there are some Irl mirrors (I won’t get sappy and detaily here). With the Virus no longer keeping me a shivering huddle in my room, it’s time for me to once again join the world (this time with someone by my side :3). I have no idea if I will return, or if I am leaving for good, but this is the end of the story for Ames du Casse. ”I be searching for something very simple yet almost unobtainable at times, mate...” ”I’m looking for a life worth living.” -Ames