Minuvas

House Melphestaus Current Family Scion: Minuvas Melphestaus (roleplay group) “SERVUS SUMUS” ~ “I SHALL ALWAYS SERVE” "I AM A MELPHESTAUS. I WAS THERE AT THE COMING OF THE EXALTED GODFREY, AND I WELCOME THE AGE OF MEN. WHEN MY KIN BETRAYED THEIR OATH, I WAS THERE IN DEFENSE OF EMPEROR PHILIP AND JOHANNESBERG. I AM A MELPHESTAUS. I WAS THERE ON THE WALLS OF HELENA AGAINST IBLEESE. AND I AM HERE, TODAY. I AM A MELPHESTAUS. I HAVE SUFFERED; BUT I HAVE NEVER BETRAYED. MY LOYALTY IS TESTED, BUT NEVER BROKEN. I AM A MELPHESTAUS MY LOYALTY IS TO EMPEROR, TO EMPIRE, TO SCION GOD SAVE THE EMPEROR" --FAMILY OATH-- FAMILY SUMMARY The ancient family scion, Diamatus Melphestaus was a rarity amongst Elven kind. He had, having lived in an age where the sons of Malin had grown under the dominion of an emerging and growing age of man. "The age of man is upon us, as is the slow decline of the Mali. This does not usher an age of mourning, but an age of peace - to age gracefully in the centuries of human ascendancy and to make it one of triumph" - Diamatus to his Children. Diamatus was there to witness the coming of Exalted Godfrey, and be impressed by the span of this man's capabilities and reach. Diamatus took the an unusual practice as a High Elf, and welcomed other Mali who were not Thill into his blood line- establishing new blood lines, and in many ways making up for the lack of natural birth children. Thus his family was larger than most Elves, as it included numerous adopted children. He considered them all of 'his blood' , though notated some as 'De Melphestaus' to indicate they were not in the most literal sense procreated by him. He then developed a system of 'Scions' which would serve to lead each of the blood lines of the family, and give them independence to pursue their own passions. This was the start of an unusual relationship the family had with the Elven Princedoms through the ages. His child, Maelgar would further continue this tradition. In the time of the Dominion of Malin, the Melphestaus family served under the Princes of Malin as vassals to the Empire of Oren. The family scion, Maelgar Melphestaus and his wife Illana Melphestaus prided themselves on being able to intricately maintain their Elven culture yet immerse themselves with the Human Imperials of whom they were vassals. When oaths were sworn to the Empire of Oren, the Melphestaus family was there to kneel with their leadership and give fealty to Imperials. Although the Melphestaus were Elves by birth, they recognized the nativity of the Imperials and the need for Mali wisdom to guide them. The Sons of Horen would inherit the world, Maelgar believed as his father did, and it was the duty of Mali kind to guide them, teach them, and help them usher in a new age. This idea that Elves were not, in fact, superior to Humans was perhaps the final nail, in addition to the conversion of Canonism, in their relationship to further Elven Princedoms. It was at this time that the Melphestaus line found itself no longer welcome amongst circles of Elven Purists. Detached from ideas of racial purity, and seeing in the humans a society of merit - the Melphestaus family grew fond of the humans they had lived with for many decades. So close was their loyalty to human society and their obligation of service, the family moved to Johannesburg in 1580, under the reign of Emperor Philip I and worked as academics and lawyers, offering guidance and wisdom when requested to those who wanted it. In the year 1593, the betrayal of Elven society against Oren as Courland began its invasion did not shake their loyalty. As Imperial loyalists, the Melphestaus family helped in some small part in developing the ‘thanium bomb’ on behalf of Emperor Philip I in the late 16th century. Fleeing the city, they would escape to continue living - never severing their loyalty to the inherited and acknowledged Emperor of the human realm. In times of racial hate against elves, the family Melphestaus served. The family has always distrusted Elven Princedoms for this reason, believing they will inevitably betray all political allegiances to humans - because of racial arrogance. Yet the Humans were not always kind to the Melphestaus family, despite their desire to serve. They took the hate, cut their ears to appear human, and served. Decried for faith, they adopted Canonism, and served. In times good and bad, they always served. After nearly two hundred years, Maelgar and Illana had their first child, Minuvas, in 1776 in Helena. They promised each other their children would learn languages, art, and culture - but they would never imply that he was Elven, only that he was an Imperial. Because the Elves were cursed with few children, adoption is a popular method for growing the family. They would never take their children to the Silver State, to be polluted by ideas of purity before their children could learn of their own free will. A mali child being born is a gift, but one that could be free from the prejudices inflicted on them would come to love their Empire even more. They took up human practices and commissioned for themselves a human house coat of arms, kept privately, to impart on their children. Family Scions & Paths Scions So that each member may be kept productive and best maximize their talents, it was Maelgar who introduced a system of Scions that was unique from Imperial household titles. Each branch would have its own Scion, determining how best pursue the talents of its immediate kin, expand the family, and make decisions within it's family tree without consulting the Family Scion. The Family Scion was head of family, who would now serve in a more advisory position to ensure that no branch was deviating too far from the family goals and to keep them focused on larger family ambitions. The Family Scion was not always choose from among the other Scions. Though every member technically has 1 vote, the weight of each vote was often measured by the merit of the individual voting. Paths. Paths are an assigned 'goal' from the Scions on how the Mali may best pursue their life interests. They are encouraged to be voluntary, so that they match the interests of the Mali. A family member is expected to have chosen a path by the age of 30 years old. Specific paths are encouraged, but not required, by bloodline. The paths are numerous, though they tend to fall into the following categories. Specific bloodlines are encouraged to follow certain paths, except wood elves who are encouraged to pursue many paths. Family members may also pursue multiple paths and this list is not exhaustive. **High Elf **Dark Elf **Half-Elf The Path of the Arcane: Study of magic in all its forms, this path is a life-long investment. The Path of Academia: Science, mathematics, scholarship in all its forms. Family members are encourage to write, read, and learn about the world around them. The Path of Politics: Government excellence, leadership and elections. The Path of the Blade: The crafting of weapons, and the use of weapons - whether that is the assassins knife, or the Soldiers sword. The Path of Business/Finance: The sale of goods, owning of business, running of franchises and handling of money. The Path of the Faith: All family members are encouraged to join the Church, if they devote themselves as Priests, knights, or nuns - it is a great honor for the family. The Path of Science and Technology: Half-Elves lack the full gifts of magic within the family, and often take up trades in technology and gadgetry. High Elf Bloodline "Melphestaus" Dark Elf Bloodline "Livarai De Melphestaus". Wood Elf Bloodline "Daemyar De Melphestaus". Half-Elf Bloodline "D'Argyll De Melphestaus" Overall Family Traits Common to all members The Melphestaus family has served the Empire for centuries, quiet, obedient, with their ambitions kept close to the family heart. They are Imperials first, but have embraced the gifts of their Elven heritage in pursuing the improvement of their family and Empire. They prefer to embrace human-like clothing, naming conventions, and stylization - though each family member falls on various ranges of this scale. With some fully embracing their Elven features, some shunning them completely, and others trying to balance the identities. Acceptable Races into the Family: All Mali (To include Dark, Snow, High and Wood Elves) Half-Elves (of any of the above) Family Values Loyalty The Melphestaus family has never broken its oath of fealty to the Empire since the time of the Dominion of Malin, and they shall quarrel amongst each other before they turn from the Empire. There is no greater achievement for a Melphestaus than to serve the Imperial Government. They judge other Elves harshly for betraying the Empire over 300 years ago, and look suspiciously at Mali'Thill of Haelun'Or. Merit The family follows the concept of merit in all things. The family scion is set first by human inheritance laws, but the family decides internally who among them is most deserving to lead them based on accomplishment. Thus the family ‘heir’ is voted upon by the living descendants of the current Family Scion. To Serve and Guide Serve and Mentor Humans. As Mali or those of Mali mixed blood, the Melphestaus family is likely to outlive its human counterparts and friends. It is therefore the Houses Duty to preserve, through academia and archiving, the history of humankind - and to advise its leaders in the coming age. They will take on a leadership role, if required, but they ultimately will return authority to the Humans when appropriate. A Melphestaus is most comfortable as an advisor to a powerful human family or individual. Humans can never be adopted into the family, as this decries this very value. However, they will employ human mercenaries, guards, or employees as a part of any estate and often welcome them into their inner circle of friendship. Faith The family is devout Canonists, taking to heart the teaching of the Holy Scrolls. As such they will not allow inter-marriage with humans into the family. They will, however, adopt Adunians and Half-Elves into the family as they believe they do not share in the sin of their parents. They will not allow their children adopted or natural to participate mix-race marriage in accordance with the teachings of the Church of Canon. Though mixing between Elves has no limitation. The family has adopted the studies of Blessed Pius of Sutica, the High Elven Canonist priest as fundamental to their understanding of Elves and Canonism. Mild-Mannered A Melphestaus rarely raises his voice in anger, and dresses appropriately for the occasion. Well made Elven robes or Imperial Attire is the preferred dress. They believe that one should never strike when in a position of weakness, and family members rarely choose to show their hand publicly about their true beliefs on any given topic unless they believe it will have influence. Family Strengths Educated Children of the Melphestaus family are offered a wonderful education by the family, and they take it upon themselves to ensure each of them is fluent in multiple human dialects and has a strong grasp of Imperial history, culture, peerages and Knighthoods. Magically Gifted The family pursues arcane studies, privately, and shares them with the family. It is only in extreme circumstances that a Melphestaus would display their magical ability to others, feeling it is the secret ‘line of defense’ they have against their enemies. Human Bonds The family is comfortable around humans, feeling relaxed when making friends and engaging in small conversation. They are unburdened by the Elven social constructs or judgments of humans. They do, however, look at humans as if they were a young hero of the story - naive, in need of guidance and training, but will one day rise to greatness. Family Weaknesses Distant The Melphestaus family can be judgmental, especially of its own family. Bonds of affection are built slowly and over decades. Impure Mali of the Melphestaus family are generally considered impure by the Elves of Haelun’Or. Other Elven pure communities are also highly judgmental of the family, decrying their existence as Imperials.Therefore, the family has strictly forbidden their family from returning to Haelun'Or lands for fear of death, execution, or other judgment by their kin. The adoption of Canonism is required and service to humans only further entrenches their distance from the Silver State. Faux Humans Although they are Elves and of Elven descent, they have a nagging desire to appear more human and Imperial. A Melphestaus will struggle their entire life about whether they should be trying to fit in with human society, adopting their clothing, dress, and language or whether they should fully embrace being a Mali. Temptations of Power The family desires recognition, and must resist the temptation to use their long life and gifted intelligence to place themselves above humans. They do not think it is wrong to be in charge, to be enobled, or to lead humans - but they must always be wary from subverting true authority from the sons of Horen. Family Events and Other Lore Posts: The Scepter of the Blessed Emperor, Fealty to Emperor Philip II The Ravenmour Estate Family Tree Language/Culture: The Family is an "Imperial Elf" type culture, with our language dialect found here. Family Discord: https://discord.gg/GxbPrrxkKN Please hop on in if you would like to join this roleplay group and create a lasting Imperial Elf RP group.

*Written about Providence and the Municipalities of New Esbec, Redenford, and Dobrov would be the following letter* My Fellow Citizens, There are no doubt many things that occupy your time these days, with so many colorful events and leisurely pursuits of the Imperial Citizen. I therefore ask but a pardon of your time to consider the plight of the people of Luciensburg, who have not been as fortunate as the Imperial these past years. Many of you may have heard about the suffering of the people of Luciensburg in distant conversation or passing, our Canonist friends who fought with us in our war against the Nordlings to secure a peace we now enjoy. Distant from our borders, you would be forgiven if you had not visited their fine city these past few seasons and believed them to be content to working their land, raising their plow to farm, and raising strong canonist families. I certainly had presumed as such, as we had not heard from their people in some time. Lo, how wrong we were to assume what had occupied their efforts. Having recently heard of some sort of plight in their land, I was dispatched with the mercy and the compassion of the Imperial Government to see if there was something the Ministry of Civil Affairs could do to lessen the suffering of potential refugees. What I write to you about now is shocking to senses, and no doubt musters the sensibilities of all Imperial Citizens to action. The city of Luciensburg is besieged by giant rat men, who now openly roam the streets. Smoke, and stink fill the streets from the distance and there is no safety to approach it at all. Once Canonist Churches are profaned by these creatures. Civilians are cowered in the city, trapped for the slaughter. Forced to contain the threat of these Rat men the people of Luciensburg have been pushed to impossible difficulties. Having to choose to destroy their beloved city to preserve the safety of us all. What people have survived are a devout and hearty group, having erected a hasty fort for their survival and to prevent the rat threat from encroaching further. Make no mistake, without these stalwart defenders at the fringe of humanity - helping to defend their Imperial brothers from a similar fate - the creatures would turn their greedy, souless, desires towards New Esbec or perhaps elsewhere in Almaris. Yet the sight is hardly what I would describe as uplifting. There is a sense of depravity, as the foregone conclusion is that they must smolder their city to the ground in order to save Almaris and what remains of their people. What a noble sacrifice - yet not one without tremendous suffering. It is unfortunate that many souls were sent and will be sent to the Seven Skies to defeat these creatures. The Dwarves of Urguan were unsuccessful in defeating these beasts in the caverns, which must speak to the creatures competence - for who is more skilled under the mountains than a Dwarf? I appeal to my fellow Citizen the following three matters; First, I appeal to my fellow Imperial Citizen, to open your charity to the people of Luciensburg - as we have always defended the Canonist flock. They are in dire need of supplies, food, tents, and other materiel. If you have a place in your hearth and home to offer them, please do so - for a hastily built fortress is no place for families to shelter as they watch their city destroyed. If you are able to act as a private citizen to lessen the suffering of your fellow man, now is the time to do so. Second, I ask that you trust the Imperial Government to do as it always has done - the righteous thing. Have no doubt that the right thing shall be done, as always, by the forever august and Holy Orenian Empire - whether seen or unseen. The Ministry of Civil affairs remains committed to the easing of the refugee, the asylum seeker, the foreign homeless and the immigrant who desire ever for 'Providence' - which provide if even just a small comfort to the suffering lot of Almaris. Lastly, I ask that you pray. Now is a time, as always, to turn to GOD to inspire us to see justice, and to aid in the betterment of our fellows. That GOD might hear our prayers and provide solemnity to our weeping souls. When your mourning is abated, raise you sword, or your quill, or your plow to continue to advance Almaris towards the 'Providence' of a more GODly tomorrow - doing your part to advance his will here among us. Citizens may write to me directly at the Ministry of Civil Affairs if you wish to provide coordinated support to the people of Luciensburg. I thank you for your time. Servus,

Sips his afternoon tea, catching up on the most recent writings coming from the land of his Kin, quietly remarking alone to himself in his office. "Ah...he's completely confused on the means and the methods, but he got the end state correct. We really do need to find a way to help our Government decide more things without interference from the plebiscites." A knock on his door causes him to spit up his tea as a Ministerial Clerk opens the door "Time to prepare for another round of elections Deputy Director..." "Ah yes. Of course...elections, lets make sure to file the paperwork once more for the Princess" He sighs

"Im late, but I should send the good Tarathiel a gift to commemorate the occasion."

[!] The Elf Pens a letter to the woman. "Madame, A great deal of your skills are in high demand within the Holy Empire of Oren. I would encourage you to reach out to the Augustine Palace, which will make a great good use of your talents in benefit to the Imperial State and the overall promotion of the arts. If you would be interested, I shall forward your information to the Palace Offices." Servus, Minuvas Melphestaus

I recall no such organization that serves under Oren or at the direction of his Imperial Majesty and his armies. I think perhaps his grace may be mistaking them for the Hounds or the Metinian Company. I would hope his grace corrects the incorrect information labelling them as 'Oren Soldiers' , which they are most certainly not. I am sorry to hear of the misfortunes of our good friends in the Duchy and pray for a swift end to this conflict.

Master Theodric, I thank you for writing and taking the time to respond. Thus, I shall respect your words with my own. Though I asked for humility, I find that even in defeat you are roused to make demands. First, it is never dishonorable to seek the truth - Imperial society has a long written intellectual tradition and archiving of history that serves as a guide to improve the future. Without knowing what has occured, we can certainly never seek to prevent it from occuring again in the future. While Norlandic institutions lack the transparency, trust, and efficiency of Imperial ones - I caution you in projecting the failures of Norlandic institutions as how Imperial Government works. Your perception of what effective government could be has been colored by the crumbling of your own, I imagine. I further certainly understand how there are those who do not wish the truth to come to light, but I would propose that those individuals will also have lost this war. Second, your answer here was rather long winded. We simply wish for the oppression of the Canonist believer to cease, so that may worship openly and without fear of retaliation socially and legally. If the Citizens of Norland wish to be compelled as to why they should convert, they should be given the free opportunity to do so by preachers who are allowed to walk the streets and hear the confession of their sins and may compete with the ideas of fatherism. That Fatherism is a failed and false faith is a moot point; I am only making the argument that the Kingdom of Nordland violates the dignity of the Canonist worshipper by forcing them to worship underground and in secret. Third , we are in agreement than. Let the Duchy of Elysium make this decision without the threat of violence from their liege. If you are confident they shall choose to stay with a Kingdom, whom you have lamented it's inability to protect these people and who thrusted them into an unnecessary conflict, then they should do so as their people see fit. Fourth, I would lament this. Though it is my recommendation none the less. A bad day of negotiations is still better than a good day in war. Peace is certainly important, but there must also be restitution from Norland for the unjust suffering it has caused in its war of aggression against the Imperial. The Price of Elysium dead alone is a crime that the Duke of Elysium should make Norland answer for domestically. It should not be a 'white peace', though we should also not humiliate the Norlander to the extreme. Imperial Strength should be respected , as should Imperial mercy. I am to understand you have ambitions of your own within Norland, let us pray you also bring with you a penchant of Diplomacy. While you seem to believe the Imperial is a threat to your state, you must be reminded that the Empire has done naught but focused internally for nearly 5 decades. Roused only to war by your nation. We had hoped than many grandchildren in the Empire would never have to raise a blade against the Hinterland territory, but this dream of peace was shattered over rather flimsy reasons. The Kingdom of Norland has been a terrible friend to its allies, and has fallen even less graceful in defeat. Perhaps it can stand with dignity in peace. Servus, Minuvas Melphestaus

[!] The Elf would take the time to begin discussing with fellow Citizens and patriots the future of relations between the two nations, as peacemakers and diplomats become the new front. Good Citizens of the Empire and the people of Norland, Let me first say that we must be humble and assume that no victory is guaranteed. There is still a period of blood and anguish that is before us this coming year. Yet the long Tenth Norlandic war which we have now waged for multiple years may soon be behind us. Thanks to the service of his Imperial Majesties well trained and discipline Imperial State Army in conjunction with our canonist brothers , we may now turn to negotiations and the makers of peace - so that we may never have an eleventh Nordling War. What would I say to the King of Norland, and the Imperial negotiators, should we sit at the table of victory to prevent future conflict? While certainly some of these topics will be difficult for a Norlandic citizen to swallow, I presume it is a palatable resolution rather to be foolish with war against the Empire once more. I presume any such agreement is far better than the complete dissolution of the Nordland crown and its people. The Imperial may be a veracious fighter, but he is a gentleman and fair arbiter always to those who wish to make peace on fair terms. First, we must acknowledge the sins of this conflict. We must allow a joint investigation into the events of Elysium and the Providence City Fires so that we may put this matter to bed once and for all. We are a Canonist nation, and we must hold ourselves accountable for this conflict so that we may hold our heads high as Imperials - restoring our great moral authority as a beacon to Almaris. This investigation should include a broad coalition of individuals of both nations and be given special attention by the crown; and any crimes committed , or not committed, should be aired in its entirety. The Solicitor-General of Oren should be assigned to oversee the conduct of this special investigation, and his powers to summon even the citizens of Norland to testify. Second, as the defenders of the Canonist faith, we must ask the Kingdom of Norland to end the oppression of canonist worshippers within the Hinterlands of humanity. We should ask that practicers of the Canonist faith should be allowed to form communities, build Churches, and allow the proselytization of their faith within the borders of Norland. We do not need them to abandon their misguided faith, but we should also expect that they treat the Canonist faith with dignity. Canonism deserves a special place in humanity, it should be denied no longer in its furthest reaches. Followers of Canonism shall be given the full protection of the Empire until such time as they are assured of their equitable treatment, as the Empire serves as the defenders of Canonism at home and abroad, the Empire shall allow Canonist citizens of Norland to appeal to the Imperial Law system until such time as this provision is repealed. Imperial jurisidction over Canonist citizens shall be repealed upon confirmation by the Church of Canon it has been satisfied of fair treatment of Canonist practices within Norland. Third, the dignified people of Elysium have suffered greatest for the aggression of the Kingdom of Norland. We should allow the people of Elysium to decide their fate of sovereignty without threat of violence from the Kingdom of Norland, of which a guarantee of sovereignty should be agreed by both Norland and the Empire to honor this decision. The Duchy is not culturally or ideologically aligned with the people of Norland, their spirit of service, duty, and the maximization of a persons talents is far more Imperial in nature - though they should be free to determine their own fate, as an independent Duchy with their own laws and culture, without the threat or obligations of liege loyalty to influence their decision. A portion of taxes collected by Norland for the next few years should be used to give to the Duchy as recompense for their inflicted hardship. For this wholly unnecessary war. Lastly, an Imperial Embassy should be established in Norland and a similar facility built in Providence and Imperial Officials should be once again allowed to freely travel to Norland as should Norland officials be allowed safe travel - as all foreign nations are guaranteed - within Oren. This shall be cemented with a Non-Aggression pact from Norland to agree not to participate in conflict against the Imperial State for the next 10 years. However, the Empire should retain the right to enforce - by force if necessary - provisions of this agreement if Norland fails to uphold it. Though the war is not over, we see that the people of Norland have lost the spirit to fight - they are demoralized, and begin to fight amongst themselves as to who their rightful sovereign is. They crave dignity, and the respect of being a powerful nation. It is possible to defeat them as opponents in war and work towards cooperation in peace. Though our nations are never likely to see eye to eye on a host of issues, we can develop methods to avoid war again in the future and limit our disagreements to just that - disagreements. Let us begin the negotiations, and extend the Imperial gentleman's hand to our defeated opponent and make the great imperial promise of the Emperor's peace- no greater friend, no greater enemy, than the Holy Orenian Empire. Signed, Minuvas Melphestaus Imperial Elf

[!] The High Elf reads the information at his Ministry desk, not missing a beat as he stamps some documents and signs some other. "Assassinating heads of state? Gruesome, certainly uncouth behavior.....but..." He taps his chin, letting his stamp hang in the air a moment before slamming it down again on a parchment "Effective, I suppose" "I shall reach out to my friends in Sutica, should they wish to find refugee behind tall Imperial walls, and a large and imposing Imperial Army - safety is so hard to find abroad now a days" Goes back to filing the next set of documents, humming away from his hard earned office with a window view.

[!] The High Elf reads the missive, sips his tea from his tiny corner office space, another stack of documents slapped against his table as he pens the day's work away. "Oh look, they're fighting amongst themselves now" he says as reaches half-way through, running out of time to skim it any further as he takes his Ministries Stamp and begins placing the seal on a host of thousands of mundane and ordinary documents. He lets out a long exasperated breath, "Ah... efficiency, this is clearly the pinnacle of society" stamping a few hundred more documents.

[!] The High Elf would grab the paper and actually realize it's the first paper in Almaris that wasn't total trash bin material. He read the articles, had reasonable differences, and set it down at his ministerial desk, holding it up and showing the classroom. "Look!" He would exclaim to the growing number of Orenian students he was now tutoring. "They even had the dignity to use High Imperial, what a friendly gesture of our Northern brothers. Today we shall learn some New Marian out of respect. Every good Imperial should master all the human languages to atleast a casual conversational level...get your books out."

[!] Minuvas would visit the Basilica to pray for some hours, focusing his mind and steadying his hands. "The wailing of thousands of souls cry out in agony at the loss of his most Holy Father. " He utters from his pew. "I am a man of reason and logic, yet I know in my heart this act could have been conducted by only one people, who in all of Almaris would see the Holy Father treated so poorly. They are the wolf in the forest, the ones who promised not to feed on the shepherd. Their lust was too great, their envy of his Holy Church and his Holy Empire. This is the work of one who respects no peace, this is the work of a Nordlander" Makes the sign of the Lorraine and arises from his pew. His stoic look returns to his face as he buries himself in his work once more.

[!] Receives the encyclical, and beams with a great smile that the Holy Father addresses him by name. He makes the sign of the Lorraine.

Dear voice, How does one proclaim a temporal war against the seat of the Pontiff, and it's bulwark - the Holy Orenian Empire. There is no war on Orenia that is not also a condemnation of the Church - in some way. The two are inseperable in so many ways. We would do better to have our spiritual leaders in the field with our Soldiers, guiding them to make just actions and keeping them in spiritual communion with Canonist teaching. Instead you demoralize them from afar and grant pardons for our Canonist brothers to watch an Army from the Red Faith march against Mother Church's shield. You wail anonymously and ask the Canonist Soldiers of the Empire to be gracious that the King of Haense and Nordland agreed only to allow the murder of the Temple Guard, to destroy the locks of the Temple doors, and allow the sacrifice of a few worshippers and in return - they shall let the Priests live. They have cowed you, voice in the wilderness - and you have become but a whimper in the dark. We need a voice, more thunderous than any, to rise as a bastion of faith to all Canonist. For what reason do our bishops carry a crosius? They are to be our Shepherds, yet you willingly allow the wolf to feast on the flock to satiate it's hunger before it feasts on you. Away! Voice! Return to the wilderness. You wail and you gnash teeth, and your sermons are celebrated in the great Temples of the Red Faith.

[!] The High Elf Would hand deliver the open letter to the office of the Holy Father in Providence "Holy Father, Can you hear us? The plea's of the faithful, have been calling unto you - without answer. The Holy Empire has been attacked, and we need our Shepherd. Your silence right now is deafening - as we wait with bated breath as to when you will lead your flock and encourage the faithful in this time of need where our faith has been threatened by another nation. Do you have something to say? Anything of this affair? Our Soldiers - your faithful - are fighting, and dying, with the last words of mother Church on their lips. This is not a manner meant for our local clergy, who appear to be squabbling between each other over secular debates without the rightful hand, your hand, to guide them - the Church is in a matter of extremus. The Canonist faith needs your words, now more than ever, to unite the faith. The Emperor has raised his shield in defense of the Church, but he also needs his voice - which comes from you. While you are writing about affairs of church administration, necessary in times of peace, you have perhaps not noticed from your stained glass windows the formation of an Army that brings the Red Faith and that is being welcomed into Holy Oren by another canonist nation? You were silent when, the King of Haense negotiated on your behalf during the Spineless Convention that would allow the wolf to burn the barn, and kill the sheep, so long as the Shepherd was spared. That so long as Nordland only kills the guard at the gate of the temple, smashes the glass of the Cathedral, but spares the preacher - the faith has been defended. Do you allow the King of Haense to speak for the faith, now? Slowly, but surely, we will invite schism the more we let our brothers & sisters believe that Oren and Mother Church are not of the same vine. Holy Father, The Nordlanders are fond of using fire to describe their faith. Have you ever known fire to be discriminate in where it burns? They are same nation that invaded the Kingdom of Haense in the Ninth Nordling war - and now we see apathy for the Red Faith has spread like fire in Haense. Has the Holy See abdicated speaking for the faith to Haense? I pray not. The Emperor of Oren is forever Augustine and Holy, there is no government more devoted to the defense of its institutions and the promotion of the word of GOD. I do not wish to insult you Holy Father, I am but a sheep, who is calling to his shepherd. What guidance do you have for your flock in these times of trouble, what words do you have for the Soldier defending the faith from the invader?" Servus, Minuvas Melphestaus

*A letter is returned by bird* "Your Grace, I thank you for taking the time to respond to the writing in question, for I am low station and but an observer to conflict; had more people taken to writing, than wrangling of swords, we may have avoided this conflict all together. For there is common ground at the table of friendship, even in disagreement. And I do disagree. I disagree that, as Oren is the accused party, that it bears the burden of proof to show that military action taken against a military target is justified. Though I would agree a joint team of investigators to determine a modicum of truth, a member of Nordland, Oren and a third party to publish a more thorough chronicle of events. So far the accounts from both sides lend to a military justification, armed and armored by their liege and target of military importance. The military reports from Oren are thorough and detailed, and even if their actions amounted to impropriety - it is clear the Orenian Soldier on the ground felt that his life was threatened and violence need to end that threat. As I do not have access to interviews from your own citizens, only the wailing of wives and mother's and a declaration passed through the borders (Almost nearly as fast as you declared sovereignty), that lacked your signature. You can imagine the difficulty in getting a true account. I do not condone collateral damage. I also do not believe you are entitled to advanced notice of an attack against your Duchy and your person; such strategy is military unwise and you must admit that Orenia gained initiative against you in an unprepared battle. Your nation is at war your grace, declared by your King - and you are apart of this conflict. You cannot expect any nation to wait until you are best prepared to meet it, on your terms. For this, you should admire a textbook spoiling attack by the Imperial Army: even if you despise the outcome. We must make all efforts to shelter and protect our good citizens, had a pitched battle or siege occur - we must come to some agreement that the suffering would have been far worse. While you suffered some embarrassment, you also gained a great deal of respect among Orenia - we value leaders who put their subjects before their own vainglory, and in this you showed a great deal of Imperial character and spirit - reminding us that there is commonality amongst our peoples From what correspondence I have read of you as a person, you are a wise leader who cares for his people. Thus your military surrender is equally and tactfully sound. I know, and you know, it is also in The Kingdom of Nordlands supreme interest to prevent the embarrassment this early attack played on its reputation. It has everything to gain by rallying it's Soldiers by calling this a 'massacre'. It certainly was a military defeat. If it was more than that, I am open to conducting a join investigation with neutral parties and to clamor for justice against unnecessary action taken. When this conflict is over, and if we are both still alive to speak of, I would be happy to come to your court and engage in thorough discourse with your courtiers and yourself If you so please. Last I tried, your Kingdom has long banished members of the Imperial State from entering. I wish you good health , and pray you do not drum the bells of war further - we would all be best served to convince your King that whatever perceived slight he has received is not worth the death of so many. I would ask our leaders to end it, but alas they did not want raise arms against your kin - it was forced upon them. In hearth and health. Signed, Minuvas Melphestaus Imperial Scholar

There should be articles of war drafted signed by the great nations, but you are wrong to proclaim neutrality and proclaim a 'Massacre or Elysium' - fabricated tales. Imagine the good the Iron Accord could would wield if it were renamed and invited all the great nations to it, and all were held responsible to it's agreed articles. We should call it the Battle of Elysium until a through investigation can uncover the truths after the war. Until then, the losers are always likened to drum up their defeat as inhumane and the winners always likely to declare their victory glorified. A more studious proposal would be also for the fair chronicles of the war effort by scholars of multiple nations, of which I'd be happy to conduct with you if interested. Please do write if interested. Minuvas

We must thank the King for his efforts, even if they fall short. As he has yet to bring any Nordlanders to court for their support of the Trolls against his Kingdom, there is no attempt to hold them to account for the starvation of his people, we must remain suspect of the authority he wields over these other two nations. A good many citizens of Haense, many I call comrade, are maimed and wounded due to that conflict without restitution from their King. Let us hope he defends Holy Orenia better than his own subjects. I presume the Kingdom of Nordland has equally seen the flaccid wielding of their own treaty against them, having breached it numerous times without penalty. However, thank you.

No signature. No seal. We are to suppose, I guess, that the author of the Nordland newspaper must have written this gossip column. Many tales of this bloodshed end with 'The [child] or [mother] fled into their room" they emphasize the fear but not the fact that Orenia spared the women and children, only by the horror they felt of foreign armies on their soil. As war tends to do. Let us look at this document for the strangeness that it is. First, it bears no legal authority. It lacks the signature of the Duke or any signature at all, it's a vaguely worded and anonymous document from the 'Duchy'. It doesn't even have a seal. We can dismiss the document outright at this point as it has the official bearing of toilet parchment at this point; but let us examine its contents for but a moment. Second, this is another attempt to label a piece of territory as 'civilian' , 'a farming duchy' and 'absolved' from conflict. There is no peered Noble in all of Almaris who promises to serve their liege and make no effort to raise their arms. The Sovereign Duchy of Elysium was at war and at arms against the Empire, it just happened to be unprepared. To be blunt; Horse Manure. Individuals can be innocent, not entire territories - shall Nordland like to submit any other territories deemed too important to them they'd prefer the Imperial Army not to attack? When an Army attacks your territory, it should not simply turn around because it met a light garrison or because the Keep claims it only 'partially' supports it's liege - we can assume a simple surrender and laying down of one arms would have equally resolved it with no bloodshed but can assume the defenders offered resistance. The attempts to contort this small strike, which duly captured an enemy vassal lord and caused the capitulation of an entire Duchy, as a massacre are nothing short of propaganda. There are a sore lack of funeral rites for such a massacre, a typical measure of combat losses post conflict. There is a great deal of Nordland mother's weeping for their scared sons, which proves the only thing massacred on that day was Nordland morale.

[!] The missive was sent to Academies, Colleges, Universities, Churches, and Embassies across Almaris. Should one choose to read it, it would say; "Peace-makers, We have failed our great leaders across the continent. We have allowed the current state of international affairs to degrade to an unacceptable and pitiful status. Yet we have an opportunity to seize the high ground once more and restore diplomacy to what it should be. Our nations have become unpredictable, using war as the first means of recourse to resolve offenses - real and imagined, whether slight or large rather than a last resort. You ask me how I can make such claims? You need only see the actions of the Kingdom of Norland as an example. There is a way forward to restore normalcy in our time, but it starts with accountability. The need to Condemn the Kingdom of Norland Though it is a signature member to the Iron Accord, it knowingly aids and abets the Rimetrolls of the North in their conflict against one of Norland's principal allies, the Kingdom of Haense. This war has resulted in the mass starvation and riots of the lower class within Haense. This is not the partnership one expects from an 'ally'. Though it is a signature member to the Iron Accord, it has threatened the head of State of Haelun'or and the nation of the Silver State with violence should it not pay an unreasonable blood price. A method of negotiation that was never agreed to between both participants, and to which Nordland stated would occur 'despite' its treaty obligations. The Kingdom of Norland expelled all agents of Orenia, to include its diplomats, then later used the absence of diplomats to support a justification of war against her only a few years after. While it gave the Silver State public notification through official documentation of its intent to declare violence against its ally unless demands were met, it made no similar attempt with the Holy Empire of Oren. The Kingdom of Norland has seized, without international consultation or warning that is expected amongst respectful nations, vast swaths of territory in an expansion of its borders. We in the international community would like to assume this seizure of territory was benign, though we must also question to what strategic advantage did they look to afford themselves - perhaps in aiding the Trolls in their conflict against Haense, or as a new overland route in which to wage their wars? We are left without answer. The Kingdom of Norland does not wish to follow the norms, respect its allies by treaty, or engage in the normal measures of diplomacy. How can any nation be sure of how to avoid a Norlandic casus belli when it engages in such rogue behavior? Joining this conflict on their behalf further only justifies a future state of affairs that is erratic, unpredictable, and composed of nations that seek only their self interest - abiding by laws and treaties only so long as it benefits them. They engage in this behavior against allies, who do not ask them to respect even a decent level of political modicum, why should we expect they treat those they view as enemies and 'Heretics' better? The need for Extradition Laws We must encourage our national leaders to develop laws of extradition, so that we may be clear with our allies and competitors when they can expect cooperation on returning criminals to their own States for prosecution. This would avoid a great deal of future conflict. This also means nations must discontinue the practice of sending agents across each others borders to seize wanted criminals. The need to message hostility We must encourage our national leaders to message their hostility in advance to foreign nations, and to allow an opportunity to resolve these issues. While the Grand Kingdom of Urguan's grudge is largely fabricated, it is at least an opportunity for them to message their intentions and for the Empire and other States to attempt to alleviate or negotiate these grievances prior to a declaration of war. These proclamations made in the advance of conflict should become international norm, and we commend the Grand Kingdom for this practice (Even if the restitutions are unreasonable). The sudden declaration by Norland has left little opportunity for true diplomacy as nationalism hardens under threat of violence. The need for diplomatic exchange There are Noble courts across the continent, yet the practice of exchanging wards and courtiers has diminished. This has resulted in great culture disparities and distrust amongst the continent. Nations have chosen to exclude the Empire of Oren from social events, likely at the pressure of Anti-Orenian sentiment of their allies, but there is no reason that the Noble and dignified courtiers of our Governments should not mingle. Exclusion should be a particularly damning event that is done with a purpose, especially when messaging hostility. That nations would expect the citizens of the largest nation on the continent, the Empire, to attend an event where their Emperor has been snubbed an invitation shows a sincere lack of understanding of Imperial Culture. We must also arrest diplomacy from our Heads of State. Diplomacy should be returned to diplomats, and they should be given the free passage and authority to conduct their business to resolve conflict. Personal diplomacy between Kings, an Emperor, and other heads of State should be reserved as the last measure - lest the regular order of the day of international affairs absorb our leaders. The need to denounce unreasonable claims & restitutions Is there any doubt that the claim made by the Grand Kingdom that they own all of the mountains in Almaris, with no supporting evidence or documentation of this claim as dubious? Further, that they would show so little respect for Orenia that they would call their leader a King and demand the Emperor ask his subjects to perform what would amount to Heresy? Can any consider the mechanisms to resolve their grudge as reasonable? The answer to each of these questions is clear. There was no arbitration, it was just arbitrary. The international community of scholars and diplomats, though we wield no blades, should not let such statements rest without challenge and condemnation. Appropriate diplomatic exchange could have prevented the cultural missteps that led to this grudge, that we now know the Grand King cannot back off from without losing considerable face and respect amongst his people. The End of Anti-Orenian Nationalism The Empire of Oren has served as a popular domestic scapegoat for many nations to justify their ales and woes, yet this practice should come to a long respected end. The bogeyman is not the Empire, it is the cultural distrust sewn by circular communities that make no attempt to learn Imperial Culture, and no willingness to be invited to the table of friendship. The Empire demands no spiritual conversion, no fealty, or subjugation of its allies. The Empire has not looked beyond its borders for many decades, and naturally as the strongest entity on the continent it is looked at with distrust for its power, this fear can only be resolved by reducing the unknown. If you seek an enemy in Oren, you shall always find it. The Scholarly community should have healthy debate on this subject, though we cannot exchange blades - we can exchange words. What we choose to tolerate, or not, during this conflict can help shape the outcome of peace and future conflict. In Service, Minuvas Melphestaus Imperial Scholar

[!] A High-Elf dressed in charcoal and brown leathers, with an obsidian short walking stuck tucked between his elbow reacts to this news, speaking to those around him who might listen "Good citizens, let us be careful that we do not give into our individual, uncoordinated instincts - let us not be a muscle that reflexively twitches on the command of others, long since has the Empire learned to contain such primal instincts. Be neither like a surprised animal, one that bites every hand that approaches, unsure of who the enemy is. Justice is indeed merited, but we must remember our collective will is in the Imperial State, which is by extension a Holy agent of the Canonist Church - and acting collectively we may wisely ask - Why now? Why against those of the cloth within the Holy Empire itself? Is this the act of a few heretics, or a growing movement that must be put to the heel. Trust in the state, trust in it to bring light the deep truths of these events, and that the State shall ultimately - as it always will - safeguard the faith and its devout adherents. Examine thoroughly the nature of our assailants. I say our, because an attack against the father is most certainly an attack on all believers of the canonist faith, examine thoroughly this so that retribution strikes strong and direct so that it may press in double measure against the throat of the enemy of the State, however delayed, instead of providing a quick and satisfying , though ultimately fruitless, retaliation. We know lastly, the expedience in which our good State and its fine Ministry of Justice is renown for expeditious and accurate inquiries of justice and thank them for the efforts into this recent tragedy"

The High Elf takes the document, reads it, takes a nip from human made tea, and tucks the document into his satchel emblazoned with the seal of the Holy Orenian Empire.

OOC ((MC Name: )) Minuvas ((Discord: )) Minuvas#3978 ((time zone: )) GMT +1 (Europe) IN-CHARACTER What is your name? Minuvas Melphestaus Why seek membership to the Mages Guild? I not only wish to learn the arts of the arcane, but I wish to expand the role and the wisdom of those who follow it - as advisors, as teachers, as leaders and guides. To learn, and yes to teach, but also to guide. That those with the arcane should sit beside the man or woman on the many thrones of the world, to advise them on the mystical, the unknown - the void and the beyond. Right now this has been relegated to those who pray to the divines, or who are men of letters and laws - hardly preparing them for troubles that manifest as a result of magic. To end fears, and bring enlightenment. What arts, if any, do you currently practice? None. What position do you desire to attain upon acceptance? Practicus When should you be contacted for an interview? Anytime after 1900 GMT +1 (1300 EST)

Thanks for the welcome. Thanks to those who reached out on Discord as well.

Hello Everyone, Long time roleplayer here, been playing across multiple online and pen and paper platforms for the past 20? or so years, NWN 1/2, ARK, ATLAS, ESO - haven't really found a stable, long lasting community. Been doing the Dungeon Master thing for the last decade for small groups, and I even host a roleplay server on another gaming platform. I typically play villain archetypes and will likely do so here as well, though I'm far more of the lawful evil lean and prefer the long game - building a close cohort of allies, and lasting rivalries with my enemies. I am an American but I currently live in Europe, so my timezone is in GMT +1. Hope I'm not joining the Minecraft RP train too late and look forward to the outcome of my application and getting involved in game. Thanks, Min