Aquarius

Arvel prayed he could make it. He had missed too much of his little one's big days, and really hoped to not miss this one. It had been far too long since he had seen the bride to be, and he wanted to make it the best day he could for her.

"Rest well, Xio. You have earned that much." A tired Ker proclaimed, laying down the missive in his hands. "The world was not the kindest to you, but you truly were a light upon it. Please do find your peace." Arvel stowed the missive away, "You worked so hard, from the day you took the throne, all those years ago.. I will do my best to watch over what you have built."

Arvel now quietly mourned under his helm.. for one of his little ones had passed on this day. He had watched her grow from a young knight, to the day he was honored to watch her and Dante at the alter, to eventually see her family grow. A light had been taken once more from this tired ker, and while he had a duty to watch over others in her stead once more, he did quietly mourn.

A tired Ker quietly wept, for his Goddaughter, for another light had been extinguished in his life. One lost far too soon. He prayed each moment he could for her peace and rest. Arvel wasn't prepared for this sudden loss, and it was another blow to his hope for a better world.

Arvel couldn't be more proud of his little sister. "Wonderful! You'll do great sis!"

Arvel was quite proud of the work of the Flower Princess and Princess-Royal, what wonderful work indeed! He might have to go around to spot the various flowers on the list!

Arvel read the missive... and felt both satisfaction and hollowness. He hoped he argued well enough in trial against them, but still, that had left him exhausted. Either way, he would say he won that trial this day.

The day a Godfather wakes up to multiple Grand Godchildren is one he certainly wouldn't forget. Arvel found himself a bit amazed, he had to find time to speak with the bunch soon, and see the little ones so he can help where he is needed.

THE SOVEREIGN STATE OF HYSPIA El Regimiento de Hyspia Issued on the 7th of Maria’s Peace of the year of 128 D.R. The Armed Forces of Hyspia Following many years of disrepair, the Orden de Francisco have found themselves strengthened once more as many members flock to their ranks. With this new restoration in place, it is only right that this military is reformed in order to prevent a decline which almost brought Hyspia to ruin. Her standing army must be prepared to defend against the various threats of the world, but just the same, they must be ready to uplift and inspire the Hyspian people, and fight for their futures. Reformation of Ranks Following decades of no use of most of the ranks within the order, and a notable lack of promotions to fill these ranks, the Capitán is now the highest rank of the order. One thing to clarify is that each rank will not be losing the responsibilities of their previous status. The Capitán is still expected to man the gate when needed or be prepared to patrol, just as any other rank is. With this being stated, the ranks have been reformed as follows: Capitán Now marking the highest rank of the order, the Capitán is charged with ensuring the proper maintenance of the order, with all military decisions ultimately falling into their hands. This does not excuse them from the duties of the other ranks, but rather, places them as the final authority regarding military matters. The Capitán is additionally charged in maintaining a position among the Hyspian High Council, and should be included amongst discussions of diplomatic matters when war is involved. Sargento The Sargento is selected by the Capitán to lead in their stead, entrusted with the responsibility of making sure the rest of the order are well trained. They are the established successor should something happen to the Capitán, though this must be approved by the ruling Monarch. Cabo A Cabo serves as an officer rank in the middle, performing general command duties, such as leading patrols and groups into battle. They are the first rank that is entrusted with the ability to swear in those who wish to join the order. They are also entrusted with overviewing the training of the other Soldado. Gaucho The Gaucho are those of the order who are expected to expand both their martial capabilities and patrolling ranges beyond just the common Soldado. They are expected to have at least one style of combat they excel in, and to be ready to patrol not just Hyspia’s capital province, but her other territories as well. This is also the rank to which access to the prison is granted. Soldado The Soldado is a new and fresh member to join the order. They are expected to learn from other Soldado as well as those above them in their efforts to protect Hyspia. They are expected to learn how to man the gates, and are expected to at least patrol the city and the outskirts of Hyspia’s capital province. They are to follow the directives of those above them, and are expected to wear uniform when on duty. The Order of The Aurum Smiths. In order to ensure that Hyspia’s guards are never left unequipped, an order of blacksmiths is to be established to keep the forges ready, and to provide for the soldiers of the royal army. The Order will be organized under their own command structure, but are not excluded from the rest of the military hierarchy: The Master of the Aurum Smiths This rank is the equivalent to the rank of the Cabo, though they are to command those of their order rather than the broader order, still following the command of the Capitán and the Sargento. Outside of their position of command, they are to share in the other duties of the other smiths, and are to make sure training and standards are upheld similar to their equivalent in the rest of the order. Soldado Smiths These specialized Soldado’s are prepared to arm the ranks of the Order, and are expected to be prepared to make equipment at the best quality possible. Outside of this, they are still expected to maintain the duties of the typical Soldado, and may also achieve rank amongst the traditional command structure. Expectation on Equipment While this has been a hotly contested debate amongst the ranks of the order for some time now, the ultimate conclusion is that armor must be kept in the Hyspian style. This style is allowed to be done in light or leather armors, half-plate, or full plate, but is expected to show the proper Hyspian style. While other weaponry is not uniform, all members of the order are expected to have their own prepared weapons. One exemption from this is that all members of the order are expected to maintain an aurum dagger to perform darkspawn tests at the gate. Oath of The Orden de Francisco I, _________, do hereby swear my undying loyalty and service to my liege and sovereign. In the presence of these witnesses, I vow to uphold the chivalric code, to be ever faithful and true, to defend the realm and protect the weak. I pledge to honor the principles of bravery, justice, and mercy, and to serve with integrity and valor. I swear to defend the Hyspian throne and people with my life, to fight for Her causes, and to carry out Her commands without question or hesitation. I shall stand as a shield against Her enemies, and wield my sword in Her name. By the grace of DIOS and the honor of my oath, I shall uphold these vows. Let this oath be binding, and may Seven Skies strike me should I fail in my duty. This I swear, with my heart, my soul, and my blade. Long live the Sovereign. An Overviews of Expectations Some of the expected duties of the Orden de Francisco: Retain your duty to the Sovereign and the people of Hyspia. Be prepared to man the gates, which are to always remain closed when not attended, and be prepared to issue out Darkspawn tests. Seek only the righteous course of action; perform no ill-will, even if it is the easier path. Protect and serve the Peoples of Hyspia. Be prepared to patrol the lands of Hyspia, in order to both aid the people when needed and to handle threats when they arise. Gate Expectations When manning the gates, there are 5 expected steps to go through when allowing for entry, unless specifically being informed that certain guests are allowed in past the questioning. If any of the 5 steps are refused, either turn the visitor around, or ask a higher ranking officer for clarification on how to handle things. The 5 expected steps are: Ask the name of who is entering. Ask the place of origin. Ask their reason for visiting Hyspia. Have the visitor go through a darkspawn test. This consists of a cut to the forearm with an Aurum dagger, to which salt is then pressed to the wound. Upon spotting any unusual reactions, the visitor in question is to be locked in the gate house, and reinforcements are to be called if they are needed. Ask to check the individual for their weapons (Use the /invsearch command), and unless they have provided a good reason or are well known by the people of Hyspia, they are to turn in these weapons. (They only have to turn in weapons IRP.) Patrol Expectations The lands of Hyspia have grown to be quite expansive, and each member of the Order is expected to patrol these lands. In this regard, the regular Soldado is expected to patrol La Dorada and the rest of the capital province. Those of higher rank are expected to patrol all of the territory of Hyspia. Activity Log In order to receive payment, a member of the Order must fill out the activity log each Saint’s week at least once to show they are still performing active duty. (This process includes your discord username, persona name, your rank, the activity, and how long you did this.) DIOS LOS BENDIGA, HER SERENE HIGHNESS, Xiomara I, Sovereign of Hyspia, Duchess of Pacazu, Viscountess of Banderas, Baroness of Arenisca, Del’mar, Monterro, Campagnon and Sevilla, Lady of La Dorada, Lady of Niseep, Gereon's Hold, and Ciudad de Plata, Protector of the Hyspian People, Protector of the Farfolk, etcetera. HIS EXCELLENCY, Arvel Tou, Capitan del Regimiento de Hyspia.

Safety Helmets on, and Carry on! -Arvel Tou (He will be proud of you as long as you stay safe and do what you can.)

It was just another day in Hyspia.. except the streets were missing one of their key protectors. Sat alone at the edge of his bed, the news hit rather hard to Arvel. For that was the way of things, following a great trial, there was joy, and then the very next day, tragedy struck once again. Unlike many tragedy before this one, he found himself unable to go out to lift up the others hurt from the death of Lady Esmeray. A Ker quietly wept in his home, for one of the key lights of his early life, one which truly kept him on course when he needed it, was gone. And he wished to mourn her himself before he was ready to help others do the same.

I feel I should certainly comment on this, as I actually have done some interactions with the caves fairly recently. I had explored the caves a couple times, and only recently, did I along with a group find a hidden door in the cave. It was here I made a bit of an exploration team, made it an official heist, and got to explore things a bit further into the cave. While we were a bit disappointed there was no loot to be had, it was still a rather fun experience, and I would certainly look forward to expansions to how the caves work. Getting more official stuff connected to the caves could be great, and I hope to see it in the future.

Arvel couldn't help but smile, for it was such an honor to be invited to such a day. He couldn't help but laugh a bit, however, as he noticed his last name hadn't actually made it to the invitation. Alas, perhaps it wasn't used as much with the kids as he thought. Regardless, it would be a truly wonderful day, one he hoped would lead to a long and prosperous marriage.

When you are running a nation for so long, do you tend to get more sway on the server for events and story and such? I've noticed some groups tend to get more events than others, and I wondered what tends to lead to such choices and situations?

Oh poor Xio, may good tidings come her way.