Minuvas

Seeking Qualified Mercenary Retinues For Mercenary Captains of Renown The Magical City-State of Hohkmat shall be entering into negotiation with Mercenary retinues to serve as a standing company within Hohkmat. The Wizards of the city are in constant need of martial organizations to serve as escort, guard forces, and expeditionary support. We will only take in retinues that do not fear danger or risk - and have an abundance of loyalty to their contractors. Specific details of all contracts will be negotiated. We are open to welcoming multiple companies within the city, however only one shall receive official endorsement. Applicants should seek out the Chamber of Fire, within the city of Hohkmat. (Discord: Minuvas or simonitorp , find us IRP in the city, or at our discord https://discord.gg/rteb7Nt6eA )

The Grand Magister did read such a missive from the Kongzem, in which it now chose to summon his citizens before their court. Curling his hands about the spear in his lap, he did contemplate how to handle the matter. The enigmatic King of Sorcerers, overlooking the horizon.

The Grand Magister looked on , seeing the winds of magic ebb once more within Kalgrimmors district...a chill ran up his spine "Kalgrimmor has returned to his seat of power..."

"Cutting edge medical science! " Remarks Razad.

The Eternity Diktat The dangers and the wonders of the Void are unending - and so we must grasp higher, to be better. As Bound Hohkmat seeks to pursue, to its fullest, magic and the wonders of the universe for the betterment of all descendant kind. To that end, the Grand-Magister discharges the following from the palatial Ziggurat of Hohkmat. I bind the Chamber of Earth and its Magi to serve as the rightful overlord of the following scrives, fully empowered to ensure it is fully realized. They shall serve to determine whether the articles of these Scrives have been met. Scrive I. Magi or a group of Magi who creat a Magnus Opus, discover or create a artifact of significant magical prowess, whom discover or enhance a current form of magic (read ooc: Approved lorepiece), or make a significant research breakthrough in the field of magic, alchemy, astrology or area deemed of magical significance shall be granted the following. a. A Financial sum of up to 1,000 Minas. b. A bust, with plaque, honoring the discovery for permanent placement in the city. c. Granted the title of ‘Sage’ - with honorary membership in the Chamber of Stars as advisors to the Chamber of Lord-Magisters. Scrive Ia. Magi who wish to nominate themselves, or others, for this nomination shall write to the Chamber of Earth and their offices. This scrive takes effect as of the publication of this document. The Chamber of Earth shall determine all financial awards, placement of busts, and debate the merit of all applications. I bind the Academy of the Sorcerous Path and its Magi to serve as the rightful overlord of the following scrives, fully empowered to ensure they are realized. They shall serve to determine whether the articles of these Scrives have been met. Scrive II. The Academy of the Sorcerous Path shall pursue the collection of the texts and research to make it the uncontested source of magical academia. Towards this effort, the Academy may serve as the sole determinant of what books shall serve as public and private use within Hohkmat. Further, the Academy shall make considerable effort to acquire, or produce, magical literature related to all magical topics in which its Vizier deems of significance. Those who donate books are authorized a stipend from the state treasury as deemed fit by the Vizier of the Academy. SO BOUND GRAND-MAGISTER, Razad the 'Fatebinder', Hierophant of the Mysteries, Master of the Ziggurat of Hohkmat

The Grand Magister of Hohkmat looks forward, eagerly, as the magical ziggurat of Hohkmat begins to take shape upon the lands granted to the Sorcerers...

The Elves must arm themselves. So long as they are impotent they shall suffer under the weight of the world of men and their ambitions. Malin has long commanded us to become bronze! May his will be done! The Saneyir remarks to the temple cultists on a desire to end Elven pacifism.

Minuvas, having stumbled upon such a missive "Now THIS is the kind of policy a good...orderly nation gets behind. Carefully regulated land for Ox and other rancher activities is the sort of world class legalism we could do some more with. Ah...simpler times" Minuvas murmurs to am elf near him at the temple grounds.

"Your letter is received. We have forwarded it to Nicholas Melphestaus, head of the household and current holder of all titles for the Melphestaus family. Minuvas has long since disappeared from public life, and rarely if ever interacts with the family. -Chadwick HEMMINGTON Family Butler"

OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY of the XXIX IMPERIAL ARCHCHANCELLOR PRINCEPS MINUVAS MELPHESTAUS From the Remnant Imperial Archives TABLE OF CONTENTS I Foreword II Young Citizen - Helena III Early Political Life - From Scribe to Council of State IV Late Political Life -Imperial Princedom V Notable Events: Imperial Princedom I FOREWORD With notable exception during the 8th Empire the power and management of the Imperial realm of Oren had shifted decisively from the nobility to the great bureaucracy of the State. The pinnacle leaders of this institution were the Imperial Archchancellors, cunning figures who managed to climb the Imperial ladder of power to receive appointment by the Imperial Crown. Among one of the more beloved, and controversial, of these Archchancellors was the Empire's first and only Elven Archancellor - Minuvas Melphestaus. The Empire has had many titans of state, the great Simon Basrid comes to mind among historians, yet Minuvas and his legacy should count him among one of the giants of its history. Every human Government today that traces its lineage from the Empire follows the conservative organization of the execution of the state as directed by Archchancellor Melphestaus in similar fashion: lean, effective and a combination of career government employees and pressed peers. The purging from human governments of title holders occupying positions of significance for the sake of their own self-importance is a direct result of the Archchancellor's radical change in the management of the Imperial State. Further, it is all but unthinkable today to imagine the wide scale racism against Elves in human realms that existed in the time of Minuvas’ childhood. A direct result of his efforts to end long standing legal and cultural racism against elves. As Imperial scribe to the Melphestaus House and his Chancellery, I had the distinct opportunity to shadow the Archchancellor throughout his entire political career - until he dismissed me from his personal service upon assumption of his title of the Princeps of Ebonwood. Having not received contact from Minuvas in nearly a century, as keeper of these archives, I see it my responsibility to continue to protect and promote his legacy from the turbulence of the collapse of the 8th Empire. What follows is my account of the last Titan of the 8th Empire - the 29th Archchancellor of the Holy Orenian Empire, His Imperial Excellence, Imperial Princeps of Ebonwood Minuvas Melphestaus. I YOUNG CITIZEN House Melphestaus Family Crest Born in the city of Helena to Elven Imperial Patriots Maelgar and Ilira Melphestaus with brothers Thucydides and Hieran, Minuvas could trace his family’s involvement with the Empire as early as the Johannian era under the reign of Emperor Philip the First. His Father, Maelgar, was a brilliant Elf who was rumored to have worked on the Thanium Bomb in Johannesburg. The family were devout Canonists, and it is no surprise that House Melphestaus would produce no less than Two Holy Knights and a Priest of the Canonist Church as well as the construction of the shrine of St. Pius of Sutica during Minuvas’ stewardship of the house. Maelgar worked quietly as a legal clerk and private scribe for generations of Imperials, maintaining a middling patrician lifestyle. Yet, it was rarely a life of peace and quiet for House Melphestaus. The High Elves of Hael’unor had pursued the family relentlessly, trying to capture High Elves outside of their borders to be tried for impurity - House Melphestaus, who had adopted many human customs and traditions, were a frequent target of raids. Simultaneously, Elves lacked equal rights in the Empire - good enough to fight in their armies, but still the subject of wide scale discrimination in business and politics. This duality would haunt the Melphestaus family well into Minuvas’ adulthood, where he often struggled against petty and jealous men and zealous high elves alike - at the highest levels of government. What allowed him to arise above such struggles was rugged determination. An Early letter, written in a pigeon dialect of Elven colloquially called ‘Imperial Elven’ Minuvas would write to his mother of a parade hosted by Emperor Peter III among the streets of Helena (Translation provided in brackets) “Halter [Mother], Itae [I] have seen the Daecus’Lyte [Emperor] ride, we are destined to rule the continent - Itae will be apart of it. -M” When the demons began to savage the continent under Ibleese, there was another figure known to have inspired the young elf. Dame Viktoriya DeNurem, whom had held the demons at bay as they fled to the continent of Almaris. He was proud to have [redacted by Imperial Censors] Destitute from the Ibleesian destruction, Minuvas mother was killed in the evasion - sending his father into a depression. He not only ejected his 18 year old Elven son into the unforgiving Empire, Minuvas was left to lead House Melphestaus with the aide of his brother and nothing else. III EARLY POLITICAL LIFE When Minuvas was released into the Empire proper in Providence, his ambitions were limitless. He put in desperate hours trying to find work, until he was eventually hired as the Comital Scribe to Dobrov as a member of the Countess Dobrov’s court. The Countess paid him handsomely for collecting written works as well as writing his own. During his time as a Committal scribe he would produce no less than 15 written political works, writing on a variety of subjects that had gained audiences globally. His works became renowned amongst Imperial circles, and it was from here that he earned a degree from the Imperial University. His book, ‘The Imperial Primer on Citizenship’, although one of his least dense topics gained such popularity that he was asked to serve as a tutor for numerous Novellen children and other Orenian noble houses. This propelled him into social circles that gave him chance encounters with two important figures in his political career. First, was his run in with Henry Penton. A miserly statist and later Archchancellor in his own time - Henry first met Minuvas during business negotiations to publish the Elf’sworks. Henry refused to publish Minuvas’ books, as the Elf’s writing was Monarchist centric - and it would become known much later in Henry’s career his absolute disdain for the peerage. This sparked a small rivalry between them that bordered on respect and acrimony. Yet far more important, was the patronage of the Princess Imperial, Princess Josephine (Augusta) Novellen. This would be the most consequential relationship Minuvas would have in the first century of his life. A beloved daughter of the Imperial Household, the professional and scholarly princess had taken an instant liking of the work of the Elf - and more importantly, looked beyond his racial upbringing. In an act that would set the course for the remainder of his political career, she immediately brought him into the Ministry of Civil Affairs and put him to work. In her spare time, she provided him with a world class education fit for the Imperial Household - herself the author of the Imperial Epochs. Civil Affairs - In Books there is Freedom Arriving in a Ministry bloated with Imperial Nobles who had sent their incompetent sons and daughters to linger within the ministry, Minuvas was surrounded by many people of noble birth with little ambition. Having gained the trust of the Princess through his recruiting efforts, Minuvas was placed in charge of the immigration ministry. This initial impression of Imperial Government would remain within through his entire career - despising largesse and bloat at every new level of Government he was promoted to. Within a year, the Elf was managing over 300 arrivals to the Empire on an annual basis - this effort immediately gained the attention of the powerful Imperial Council of State and for the first time in many years the Ministry of Civil Affairs began to receive significant national funds. In lightning speed, Minuvas was then named the Vice Director of the Ministry. Providing detailed census, election and immigration data to the Council of State on a frequent basis. The Princess Imperial was free to deal with business in the Imperial Household and the Council of State exclusively, allowing Minuvas to significantly expand the ministry's operations. Under his leadership, Minuvas reinvigorated the Petrine Laurel, oversaw the production of one of the most successful newspapers of Almaris - The Providence Post, engagement in large scale immigration efforts that brought hundreds of individuals to the Empire, and managed elections across the entire breadth of the Empire. This experience allowed him to come to know the many citizens to which he would one day lead. Under the continued tutelage of Princess Josephine Augusta, Minuvas learned the inner workings of Imperial government and how to navigate its many layers. The Elf seemed unstoppable and his rise began to become meteoric. The Emperor, John II, had asked Minuvas to serve in the House of Commons. At this time it was unusual that such a senior member of the Government would also serve within the House of Commons, and this would only be one of the first of many unusual assignments for the Elf. His most consequential action while in the house was to call the Solicitor-General of the Ministry of Justice to a trial of Impeachment. Even the War Department had hired Minuvas on where he served as a Secretary to the Minister of War. It was no surprise then, when Princess Josephine had been named as Vice-Chancellor, that Minuvas was named as Director of her Ministry to succeed her. The death knell Minuvas made to the lethargy of nobility that was left in the ministry was immediate, the final purge within the ministry of an Empire that had a bloating of Imperial nobles. Many cousins, nephews and nieces found themselves without Government titles overnight - and now as a signet wearing member of the Council of State, these nobles relented. Civil Affairs had become the best functioning and most well disciplined organization save the War Department. The Vice-Chancellery The alchemical accident of Archchancellor DeNurem had placed Princess Josephine suddenly as the leader of the Imperial Government and perhaps truly, the real face of the Empire. Emperor Philip II was already known as a weak leader, and many looked to the Princess Imperial as a true successor to the crown - though her brother had the legal claim to the throne. The Princess Imperial choose none other than Minuvas - the very first Elf to ever serve as her second, as Vice-Chancellor of the Empire. Ever speech, every address, every act of the Archchancellor found Minuvas carefully choreographing and aligning the Imperial State in her support - to which outsiders would never know it was the discipline of Minuvas whipping the state into shape. He would not let such a position be passed up. As Vice-Chancellor, Minuvas used his new position to found the Imperial city of Ephesius and from whose population would eventually join the Princedom of Ebonwood. This became a refuge for Elves living in Human lands fleeing both Elven and Human oppression and it became a home to many hundreds of Elves in its time. The discipline he brought to the Directorate would follow him as Vice-Chancellor, providing direct and immediate guidance to the Government in which he often led from the shadows. Every member of the Council of State suddenly found themselves in his office, justifying every expenditure and employee of their Ministries- with efficiency as his goal. He quickly assessed a terribly dark secret of the Empire. It had grown weak, and its patriotism faltering. He had not known it then, but this apathetic behavior was from a scheme brewing in the shadows that would shake humanity in the coming decades. Early into the Crestfall Chancellery, the collapse of Ando-Alur plagued the shores of Orenia and Minuvas directed the ISA to conduct a survey of the problem. General Erik Ruthern of the Imperial State Army was known to have butted heads with Minuvas numerous times in this period. As an active Vice-Chancellor involved in Government, Minuvas was no stranger to taking to horseback and accompanying military expeditions, prioritizing resources, and speaking directly with Imperial military officers. This was met with initial hostility, as the ISA had grown accustomed to decades of Imperial Nobility serving in such positions who preferred a more uninvolved stance - and were surprised by the direct leadership of the Vice-Chancellor. Concurrently, his brother Thucydides was named as the first elven President of the Imperial Diet and his other brother Hieran named as a Captain in the ISA. Melphestaus’ sat in important positions across the entire Empire, and using this newfound authority - they enacted legislation of equality, eliminated discrimination in many corners. As Vice-Chancellor Minuvas favored a lean but effective bureaucratic estate. One in which he felt the rule of Law governed the land, and that the Nobility had a burden and obligation to work for the state - not the other way around. This conservatively lean and detailed bureaucracy was not beloved by all, however. His efforts earned further accolades, being appointed to the Society of St. Adrian. Early into the assignment as Vice-Chancellor he was tasked personally by the Emperor to reform the entire law code of the Empire, this time would serve as the most progressive and performative years of Minuvas life. The Novellens would have other plans for the Empire. IV LATE POLITICAL LIFE Novellens - From Great to Gaunt No crisis seemed more dire than the return of the grandson of Emperor Philip II, who had returned from his exodus and aligned himself with the hostile Kingdom of Savoy. Countering this threat became the primary focus of the Council of State - a task in which Princess Augusta ‘Lion of Orenia’ admirably led the chancellery, but from which Emperor Philip II showed weakness and trepidation. After a conflict on the Orenia border, in which Minuvas’ niece was threatened to have her ears cut off by an Ireheart Dwarf, war was pressed upon the Dwarven Kingdom of Urguan. The two events did not coincide well. As his niece was a Princess of a Dark Elf Princedom within Urguan and the emerging threat of a challenger to Philip II’s throne had become realized, and creeping voidal poisoning ravaging the farmland estates of Oren- Vice-Chancellor Minuvas found himself beset by conflict all about him. Foreign governments longed to see a weakened Empire. Haense had worked tirelessly to subvert the Empire, and during this time had managed to subsume cultural control of the Church of Canon. Asserting its influence,Haense had kept the Church of Canon from siding with the Fidei Defensor, Orenia, in the conflict with the Dwarves - which would later allow Haense to join the conflict under veiled pretenses. To this day, Minuvas credits the skilled political maneuvering of the Haense Crown who took advantage of the distracted Emperor Philip II and Archchancellor Augusta - who had become focused on the threat from his grandson to the throne. Opportunity and tragedy struck in quick succession. The Crown dispatched Minuvas on a Military expedition to the Urguan front and while observing the defensive positions of the Dwarfs - Minuvas had received a missive from the capital that the grandson of Emperor Philip II, now stylizing himself as Emperor Philip III, had decapitated the government and seized the capital of Orenia. Returning by carriage quickly, Minuvas found the entire city to be ablaze - the government completely in disarray. The Government bureaucracy had become the enemy of the state itself, with the young boy Emperor rallying his forces to crumble these forces - Minuvas arrived to see many members of the Government being harried, killed, and hung. The ‘Nobility’ had reclaimed their birthright. There was no government, no law. The boy Emperor ruled nothing, and soon banditry and lawlessness began to overtake this rebellion. Taking charge of the situation, Minuvas saved countless citizens and re-established the Government of Orenia. When the dust had settled, the young Emperor claimed himself without a challenger - and Princess Josephine, Minuvas’ supporter and patron of nearly 70 years, was killed in the struggle. “Nothing has devastated me more in my life” Came from Minuvas mouth when he delivered the news. The confrontation between the new Emperor and Minuvas was tense. The two exchanged words, and Minuvas had assessed that the boy and his wife had great authority and leadership skills - he had no particular distaste for Emperor Philip III and without a doubt he was better for the Empire than Philip II - but this same aura attracted to this Emperor a circus of addicts to power who were like a plague, for whom schemes within schemes were layered. The Prince of Savoy, The Count Da'zor, The Baron De’Rosius and the Treasurer Henry Penton were among the traitors who had willingly allowed the Empire to see such affairs - their plots disheartened Minuvas but reinforced his resolve that the state could not be trusted to Peers alone - for whom always covetously looked at the seat of the Emperor with jealousy. The loyal General Ruthern and Minuvas briefly contemplated resistance but had seen that the Empire desperately needed trusted and responsible leadership. After their discussion,the boy Emperor decreed Minuvas as his Archchancellor shortly afterwards. The first Elf ever to hold the position in the history of the Empire. This was a personally difficult time for Minuvas, who promised the Emperor he would stabilize the realm from the rebellion and prepare them for the continued war with the Dwarves should he wish for it. Many lesser men coveted the Elf's position. Yet Minuvas had something many of these conspirators did not. Trust and loyalty, to which the boy Emperor and his Empress had recognized. Despite this, the now 100 year old Elf found himself leading an Empire highly resistant to the established norms which had made it successful. Numerous, incompetent, conspirators were given positions of responsibility. Among some of the more faulty appointments by the Emperor, despite extreme protest and against his wishes, the Prince of Savoy was named Minuvas' Vice-Chancellor. The Prince was dangerous, due to his vast amount of energy and his crippling incompetence. Tasked with the unification of Savoy as a vassal state to Orenia, the Prince had managed to entirely alienate the nation which had helped the new Emperor take the throne and was his own peered inheritance. Nearly overnight the Empire lost a pool of Soldiers that would have helped them fight the war with Urguan. The Emperor and Minuvas grew distant, though they did not dislike each other - Minuvas was accustomed to a Novellen household that listened to its Archchancellor and the new Emperor had surrounded himself with those who did as they were told. The peers had come to recognize Minuvas as a threat to their schemes, and in turn undermined the position of the Council of State. The Government was hollowed, the newly constructed Council of State building was hollowed out - and Minuvas was forced to brief the Empress on matters of the State within the palace, the new de facto center of Imperial governorship. While the Emperor busied himself in indulging the schemes of his benefactors, Minuvas successfully did as he promised. Despite all of this internal squabbles, the Elf could not be out maneuvered.He reorganized the Council of State, which had begun to be neutered under the Crown, but he returned law to the Empire. Historians credit the Archchancellor with delaying the downfall of the Empire by many decades - a task with which the D’Azor Chancellery would accelerate. Minuvas focused his efforts on beating the Urguan threat, whose King seemed open to capitulation after a staggering field defeat by the Imperial State Army - a field battle the Archchancellor himself fought in. Ruthern had not lost his edge. A military victory and a re-invigorated government should have paved away for a new, united, Humanity. However, the Novellens and their Savoyard Prince made a fatal mistake. Crisis of Faith While leading negotiations with the dwarves, Minuvas received news that the Emperor had attempted to kill the Cannonist pontiff. It has been a matter of official Imperial record up until this point that Minuvas himself advised and ordered this effort, yet after a century since its occurrence - the archives deem fit to declassify this event. Archchancellor Melphestaus was left out of these discussions at the time of its occurrence. Learning of it second hand, Minuvas scolded the Emperor in private -and while not even I was privy to their conversation, a deal was struck between the Emperor and Minuvas. His final words being, "The Crown of the Empire cannot be impugned" Minuvas declared to the Emperor. "I have served your grandfather and his father before him, and so you have my loyalty now - as I hope you will return to me”. IV Notable Events: Imperial Princedom Crest of Ebonwood It is from here that the archives completed its collection of personal witness of the Archchancellor - having been dismissed upon his peerage of the Princeps of Ebonwood. It is a matter of public record of the events that follow, of which we have gathered from first or second hand accounts. Whatever deal was struck between the Emperor and the Archchancellor saw Minuvas appointed as a landed Imperial Prince, without inheritance to the throne. His crowning was attended by thousands from across humanity and elvendom - equal parts awe and curiosity at this oddity. He dismissed the staff of his Chancellery, resigned from the position of Archchancellor and took up administration of the largest Imperial territory outside of the capital and given a permanent position on the Council of State to advise the Emperor. The now Princeps had realized that if the Council of State had become neutered, he would become the Empire's most senior peer. He had once again outmaneuvered his rivals, having no equal save the Emperor and Empress. He managed an impressive demesne - furthering his own ambitions, while also raising significant financial wealth and military levies for the Imperial State during its war with the Dwarves. His only friends left within the Imperial Government, were General Erik Ruthern and the disempowered Rev Vuilliere the Solicitor General. Of notable occurrence was a rebellion by the Princeps landed vassal, the county of Pinemaw. The Pinemaw rebellion was savagely put down and the titles rescinded, placing the House of Melphestaus in a distant succession to the Kingdom of Rozania as the primary title holders of the county of Pinemaw. The Brothers War Ebonwood was beloved by many - Elves and humanity alike. Yet the tragedy of the Princeps ends with the Empire he had devoted his life to. During the Brothers War, Minuvas had begun to negotiate with each of the self-declared rulers of the Empire to determine the true claimant of the Imperial throne. His extensive service to the Novellen crown, and preservation of the archives - arguably made him the definitive expert to determine rightful succession. On his way to resolve the issue, a sallying party from Elvendom - seeking to ensure the collapse of the Empire and to whom had a personal conflict with Minuvas, nearly butchered Minuvas in daylight. This near death is considered the tragic end of the Imperial life of Minuvas, of whom was never heard from in an official capacity ever again and who has made no efforts to reconnect with the Empire. If he has made a determination of Imperial succession, he has never revealed it. Minuvas brother, Hieran, would also be appointed as General of the ISA and Lord -Marshal of the BSK of Haense. Minuvas recalled his brother from service in the ISA during the Brothers War, potentially saving his life. A skilled General in his own right, Hieran lives comfortably in retirement amongst the Melphestaus estate. Minuvas younger brother Thucydides would marry a Sarkozy in secret, later discovered by the Emperor Philip III and Minuvas. Minuvas secured a pardon from the Emperor for his brother. It is rumored they sired a half Elven child, though the archives cannot confirm this - and do not know whether the child is alive. Thucydides has not been heard from since. Minuvas legacy lives on today, in almost every crevice of humanity’s government. The children of many great houses, and their grandchildren, were tutored by Minuvas - giving them formative thoughts on the organization of peered households and crowns upon their heads. His organization of government reverberates across humanity, silently enacting fierce policies of Melphistism in the execution of its duties unaware of who created these systems in the first place. Large scale prosecution of Elves and Adunians was eliminated under his leadership. Of thanks or congratulations, the Elf had received it many times over - always privately. That humanity has not once publicly acknowledged the work of its most dutiful Elven servant is further testament to the work ethos of the late Archchancellor, who credited all success to the crown and the Imperial citizens - and whose failures he had declared his own unto the end. Further inspiring to produce this work. May this work put to rest his legacy, inspire future generations of Elves who live in human realms, and count him among one of the greatest Imperials in our time. Even at the highest pinnacles of power Minuvas had detractors, those who disparaged the Elf for any number of unfounded reasons. We do not believe this will sway their hearts, for the Imperial spirit was never with them to begin with. FROM THE OFFICE OF THE REMNANT IMPERIAL ARCHIVES Authored by, Archival Scribe of the Melphestaus Household & Melphestaus Chancellery, CHADWICK HEMMINGTON

Minuvas looked to his brother Hieran @Buffsanta "Can you believe our Nephew is a Sarkozy? Oh yes, total scandal...a Half-Elf Sarkozy none the less. Amazing weve kept it secret this whole time....the things Ive done for Thucydides...."

Minuvas recalled Emperor Peter III, a great man by any races standards, parading in the streets of Helena - admiring the Imperial household and all It had done for the realm of men. How low men have fallen, squabbling among their petty Kingdoms as children protecting their marbles. Minuvas would have to find the missive entertaining. As the last living Arch Chancellor of the now dead Empire, he had been there at the birth of many young Novellens, teaching and tutoring some, and watching many more of his pupils sit upon thrones Kingly and Imperial. He has been a friend to the Novellens, save the line of Frederick whom had taken a more violent opinion of Elves in his Kingdom. Though he did not know either of the Brothers during their War - he had made his peace with the men of Balian, returning to them many symbols of authority of the line of Novellens - including numerous jewels worn by the late Empress Anne. The vast Imperial Archives that remained in the Elf's personal possession would be referenced - yet it was unlikely that this line of Novellens, if they were even Novellens at all he thought, could dissolve such a great line. That they wished to disown themselves of it, of course, was without contest - such behavior was unbecoming of the dignity of the Novellen name in the first place.

LIMITED RELEASE Initial Report: The Archlich Gashadokuro Provided to: General Theonus of the Petra Viziers of the Sorcerous City of Hohkmat LIMITED RELEASE (ooc: If you werent named above, you werent given this report) General. Viziers of Hohkmat & General of the Petra, since the arrival of the Sorcerers of Hohkmat to Aevos - we have been following a disturbing trend of incidents of Necromancy perpetuated by the Archlich Gashadokuro. Isolated incidents of Necromancy are, normally, limited in scale and scope to local regional incidents and usually warrant limited intervention to contain and study these threats. However Gashadokuro is an Archlich of significant threat whose actions are monitored by our order with special interest. Our research indicates it was Gashadokuro that resurrected the great wyrm which disturbed the Mori and displaced descendant kind from Almaris. Were this alone not enough to cause discern, the markings of his work were also present in the Draco Lich which ravaged The Kingdom of Balian. To learn that Gashadokuro not only continues to survive, but has found his way to Aevos, warrants heightened concern. Recent Activity. Initial reports of Gashadokuro were in the ashen region near Nor’Asath - provided to us by locals of the same city. Agents of the Lich were reported to have assaulted travelers in the region, marking victims and causing general havoc. With cooperation of the Knights of the Petra, and a Paladin of Xan, the Sorcerers of Hohkmat led an expedition into the territory of Nor’Asath - we were, however, unable to find the Archlich or its lair. This would have been the last we have heard of the Lich’s activity, as our agents had failed to turn up anything of significance for many years…until recently. We had received reports of ‘Darkspawn’ (A broad term often incorrectly used by commoners to describe anything they are afraid of) , but the first eyewitness account was seen in the streets of Petra when a Necromantic creation assaulted citizens of the Petra, and dispatched only through the effort of Sorcerous magic and the steel of Petra Knights. The Cadaverous remains were retrieved by my Sorcerers and remain under experimentation and study so that we may find evidence or some weakness that leads us to find Gashadokuro. This activity was shortly followed by posters proclaiming the ‘Order of Dead Men’ - servants who have taken to a deific worship of the Archlich. Analysis. First, we should take some - if limited - solace in the fact that because the Archlich has not shown themselves, acting through agents through Aevos, we can make a safe assumption that at this time it is in a weakened state, unable to strike on its own - or afraid that it might be dispatched if it does so. However, we should indeed assume that Gashadokuro is actively plotting and growing in power by the day. That he has managed to recruit living agents is of significant concern. It is very possible his agents have infiltrated circles of power - and operations related to the Archlich should be reserved among only your most trusted agents. Attempting to find its lair, would be of priority in discovering its phylactery for destruction. We believe only the Sorcerers of Hohkmat, or the Agents of Xan, are capable of containing the Archlich - though we assess total destruction of the creature is nearly impossible. We believe Gashadokuro’s agents are particularly active among the realms of men - given heightened reports of activity, particularly in the area of Haense, Petra, and the Adunians. There is a suspicion, though unconfirmed, that Haense may be passively tolerating the presence of the Archlich’s agents within its realm - and it is possible that a very senior official has been recruited to the Archliches' cause, whether this support is willing or unwilling is unknown. This remains highly circumspect, however we have evidence of Dark magic occurring under the nose of Haense with limited action on their part to constrain it. Therefore we recommend to operate under the assumption that the Haensemen have been compromised and you should share limited information of operations related to the Archlich with them. There is unfortunately no way to identify a supporter of the Archlich who is themselves not a Necromancer, that we know of. Agents of the Archlich thus far have proven susceptible to normal means of inflicting death, though are far hardier. Studies of cadavers have shown that their agents' bones are fortified, much harder than any descendant should have - and we recommend magic, such as blue fire, and weapons that inflict bluntforce damage as stabbing and slicing weapons will find it much harder to penetrate the thickened bone. Eyewitness accounts indicate that full decapitation was not enough to defeat some of the creations, only through the complete destruction of the brain did the creation cease to resist. Thus far the cadavers are rotted and decayed, but are carrying no unusual sickness that our magic can identify - however, all such bodies of these creatures should be handled with extreme care. They should be turned over to the Sorcerers of Hohkmat, or if this is unable, burned as soon as possible. Lastly, we should note strange coinage has been found on the agents that have thus far been destroyed. Gold coins that contain flexio. Our scholars are studying these coins to determine if there is any other connection that might aid us in finding the Archlich. Prepared report by: The Chamber of Stars Sorcerers of Hohkmat LIMITED RELEASE

City-States of Hohkmat City of Magic and Sorcerery A bard cries out the news, to all who will hear… ‘Wizards, Warlocks, Magi, Sorcerers, Golems, Constructs, all those of magical talent and those aspiring to be so….. We are pleased to announce that the construction of the great magical city of Hohkmat is nearing its completion! Every stone - every rock has been wrought with great care, and worked with mana to infuse the great city with the wonders of the void, bringing forth a city like no other - a nexus of all things magic and wondrous thereof. ‘But’ - you sayeth to the bard in disbelief! ‘What wonders could await me…surely you exaggerate!’. But look now, into my tome of stories - and be amazed, see with your own eyes these wonders and come to believe…. [!] The Bard would open his tome, as small images danced before you - illusionary images of things to come. The Sorcerous Seat of Power of the Sorcerers of Hohkmat - a place unlike any other Laboratories, Libraries, Research Facilities, Astrology Center, and experimentation areas - public and private of unrivaled scope and material. A mage may explore the void with unimaginable resources at their disposal - whether you desire to create new concoctions, advance your skills in conjuration, or delve deep into the mysteries of the void - you shall be hindered no longer by too little. Amazing voidal regents are cultivated about the city, that shall satisfy any enchanter's wish list. Golems, Animii, Artificery, Yisar ....hear the thrum of unimaginable and beautiful creations beat through the city. Magical companions, see the great Yisar - their wyvern like features as they stride about the city. Obelisks, Relays, Ritual sites, Ley Lines, Conjuration Circles… A sorcerer is unleashed to pursue their full potential in Hohkmat. As mana pulsates through the city, opening new pursuits - perhaps even new magic the likes of which descendant kind has never seen. As Magi project themselves across relays, linger no longer awaiting to discuss with your magical colleague in Haense….Balian…Lurin…or elsewhere, as numerous relays expedite communications between us. A bazaar of the exotic and the wonderful…. Away with stalls of stone, wood, leather and iron. The mundane is not welcome here! The stalls of Hohkmat will provide enchanted goods, regents, potions and other exotic and strange goods. Unimaginable magical quality of life…. Sooth yourself amongst void fire heated saunas, enjoy obelisk empowered hot baths in your home, ley line provided city lightning, and enchanted brooms as they work tirelessly to clean streets of residue and filth. A mage may focus their entire work on study and magical pursuits, no longer burdened by tasks of minutae. A Premier Academy of study…The Academy of the Sorcerous path provides ample facilities for aspiring mages to study, and veteran magi to identify prospective talent to carry on their legacy. Within these halls, many will become 'Magi'. Other wonders and Mysteries …. Oh! But Magi are such an arrogant, fickle and unpredictable lot - perhaps even you might rise within the schemes and the ploys to claim dominion over the Mages, as a Lord-Magister - ruling from the great Ziggurat of Hohkmat.- [!] The bard folded his tome up with a loud thud, looking to onlookers with a sly grin. And so you have seen but a glimpse - a tiny taste of the Sorcerous city! And now, ask of you the bard, might I come to Hohkmat? Might I join this nation of sorcerers!? All Mages, far and wide regardless of race or creed, may reside in Hohkmat fully as Citizens! For even a Housemage may begin their ascent up the ladder of power here. Golems and Atronachs as well may find status as citizens within its walls. Last of course, Sanfi - contracted employees of a Mage too may call the great city home. Yet for all others - you may look but you may never call Hohkmat your home. We look forward to the talented and gifted - and we ask the uninspired, the clumsy and the weak to aspire to other pursuits. JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/T58qw4gcx2

"House Novellen?" Remarked the Elf Minuvas upon discovering someone stylizing themselves as a Novellen "There is one Novellen whom I know as the Lion of Orenia, the late Princess-Imperial Augusta....let us hope this child who takes up such a moniker might command such respect..."

The once Archchancellor of the Empire, Minuvas, found small cultural victories in seeing that Imperial notarization and borders had long outlived the human Emperors.

The Sorcerer-King of Hohkmat looked to an unfortunate Earth Magi and a team of Petran Engineers "We need an observatory. Make sure its bigger and better than whatever the Elves have" Razad would peruse the the celestial musings with intrigue that night.

A statement is provided to all adherents to THE WAY, issued by the Speaker of Malin in regards to the death of Kosher Daesmon as it reaches the Temple. sirame ito kae'leh, nae oroment, llir'Malinor, I speak to you all for the first time since I last addressed the Elven people when a pretender attempted to seize the throne of Malin'or and claim themselves High Prince of Malin'or, Fist of Malin, and Speaker of Malin. That I break my public silence, should lend weight to the death of this Elf that must be addressed. I had taken in Kosher and his brother like my own sons when they were but mewling little Mali. I put a roof over their head, gave them dignity and respect. For a time he courted my daughter, and though this was a barefaced play for power - I had come to admire the young mali as I watched him grow. For this I always viewed him as my wayward child. I was there at his wedding, I supported him as he grew in age, and I attempted to guide him as a lost sheep best I could. Yet there was a darkness in his heart I could never overcome, he saw himself as a coming conquering, who knew only trickery and deceit deep in his very soul. I knew of his time running about thieving and bandying with Rustlers. I knew of his dance with Vampirism - and turned a blind eye - assuming this was but a phase in a young elf's life. He asked me once to kneel before him, a curious request that he knew I could not fulfill - for I know but one King. I believe that I could turn this child to hear and know our Father Malin given time. Had I known then, as I do now, I would have done Malin'or a service and dispatched Kosher into nothingness when he was a pup with small fangs and small ambitions. I could never know how he would grow to be one of the worst killer of Elves to ever roam Almaris. When Malin had spoken to me of the coming age of blood and Elven genocide, I was unable to see what was right in front of me - I felt in my heart that surely, the King did not speak to me of the one called Daesmon. It was the Fenn alone, and their slaughter of Elven babes and innocents that I assumed this vision was about. I ignored that which was in front of me, and it was the Kingdom that paid the price. My failure has always been Kosher Daesmon, and I have worn it heavily for a century, not only spiritually but physically from the scars of the Bandit Prince and his rustlers when they assaulted me and purged hundreds of elves from the East to the West coast for defying the ideals of a Fennec dominion. History has all but condemned him as a bandit who served his puppet masters from their icy caverns in Fenn, the Crown of Elvenesse shall look forever at the reign of the line of Daesmon as a mistaken rise of an ambitious Elf. One that was not blessed by Malin, and nay legitimate in the eyes of the King. Yet there is no relief, no escape to know that my mistake has been put to the dirt. It shall take a century to wipe away this regret, and centuries more to be free of the guilt. However, I cannot prevent the tears that escape my eyes even now, for I could never find it in my heart to hate Kosher, my wayward child of Malin. Even now I feel as if an unreconciled child of mine had never returned home, who lived in scorn and anger - and who I will never have the hope of forgiveness. Child of Malin, Malin'onn, he is and always shall be. I shall forbid any adherents of THE WAY to mourn or attempt to numenify Kosher Desmond. The building of a numenic cult in his honor is to be put down with violent prejudice. He shall never be allowed to ascend into blessed Malin'or with our Father, for he has forgotten his face. His mourning is mine alone to carry, and its weight shall continue to rest on my shoulders. May our Father forgive me. We know but one King, and his name is Malin. Issued by the Saneyir of Malin.

My recommendation would be to remove the ST signature requirement. There doesn't seem to be anything in this lore that is so special that would require involving the staff and the materials/ritual is not dissimilar from Yissar creation which requires no ST oversight. Can a Non-Voidal mage wear this hat? My recommendation is YES while following redlines for enchantments. Some things to consider (Though I think the lore stands well on its own) Can the hat itself can be abjured or otherwise affected by magic? Does their behavior change within a Hollow, or the area of an Obelisk? I also recommend you allow voidal Mages to continue to connect and be able to cast while ensconced, however the cost is the inability to project magic in a certain arc (Perhaps the person must choose: Full ensconcement, preventing any magic from projecting - or a Half-Ensconcement which allows magic to be projected outwards towards the other half? Or consider lowering this to a 3x emote cast ability. A 4x Cast emote makes this one of the higher requirements emote abilities and I think that meets a valid 'cost' or 'penalty' for this use without also incurring a no magic cost ability. I really like this lore (Nice photo by the way - Plus for Turban inclusion). Min

The Speaker of Malin came upon the missive during his travels amongst the realms of the King. His oath would prevent him from saying anything on behalf of the Maheral, to whom he had grown to have great respect for - yet he harbored his own private thoughts. "Malin'onn, I am afraid you must weather this challenge - as all of Malin's sons must, on your own. Our Father has not revealed to me the prophecy of your future, but I believe this will not shake the stone of the foundation you have built..." As rain dripped lightly upon the pilgrims tarp he had made for himself along the woodline, falling to gentle sleep with a page left open within one of the books of The Way of Malin.

Razad was excited for the great new wave of magical scholarship to be unleashed on Aevos.

Minuvas, remembering his days as the Archchancellor of Oren, is yet again not surprised by the total lack of dignity and grace of the Northern Imperials - and is happy to be long gone from the realm of men, and amongst the Elves.

Minuvas read this missive with displeasure, perhaps it was time to visit his old friends in Nor'Asath...

Far away within the halls of the Sorcerers of Hohkmat, do the magi celebrate their welcome amongst another hold....

The City-States of Hohkmat Vizial Appointments A Sorcerer takes what they are owed; the sun sets on some, it rises on others. Through the authority vested in me as Grand Magister by the great sorcerers of the nation, I acknowledge the following Sorcerer has shown considerable skill and talent, earning the patronage to the Chamber of Stars. I. Elf-Sorcerer, Rhae'lin Ashwood, now Vizier of the Chamber of Earth I charge Vizier Ashwood to serve as the principal magical advisor on behalf of Hohkmat to the Knights Petrine, that without reserve they may fulfill all oaths and promises upon the court of the sovereign of the Commonwealth without reserve. This authority shall not supercede diplomatic and trade affairs, which remains the perogative of Vizier Irongut and the Chamber of Wind. I further charge Vizier Ashwood to serve as the Master of the Circle of House Mages to take charge of the Housemages of Hohkmat upon completion of their tutelage at the academy and through them, and other magi, ensuring the maintenance of the city of Hohkmat through the employment of Servus Golems, atronachs, and all other magical means they deem fit. Hohkmat aspires to use its magical prowess to ensure a standard of living well beyond the majority of the world. They shall supervise architectural projects, maintain the vaults and storage of the city, and keep administrative records. Our Fates are bound. Grand-Magister Razad the Fatebinder, Sorcerer-King of Hohkmat, Hierophant of the Mysteries (OOC: Interested in our little Mageocracy, come on down! ) https://discord.gg/rteb7Nt6eA