seannie

*nods

Maxim Attenlund, Captain of the Nauzica Brigade, smiles the sun's smile as he reminisces of the Orenian. With his smile still present, he recalls nearly being cut down, only to be saved from death by a certain elf - and once again as a Blackvale soldier slays the horse from beneath him, sending him spiraling into a melee of enemies, saved once more by his fellow Haeseni. He jabs Bult Wick's shoulder, his fellow cavalryman during the battle, whilst on return march to allied territories, "First Sedan, then on to Providence, da? Only good things to come now." @Nathan_Barnett36

THE BOOK OF NAUZICA TABLE OF CONTENTS: I. Preamble II. Rise and Fall of the Nauzica III. Duties and Payment IV. Enlistment P R E A M B L E Introduction The Nauzica Brigade, once regarded as the penultimate authority on the security of Emperors past, has since seen a lengthy period of hibernation. The Brigade has been ever changing with complications of time, along with the exigencies of their patrons; this military corps is more charged in history than one would imagine from its present appearance, presently bearing remarkable similarities from its inception as an auxiliary force of the Horosid armies of Aeldin - a mercenary force as it once were in that faraway continent, all those years ago. The Brigade’s mission ultimately remains that which it was in the days of the Horen Empire. The protection of the Prince of Alstion and his immediate family, and the relentless pursuance of its primary and secondary objectives. However, operational standards of this level come with hefty budgeting needs, and coin is a fickle matter, hence, at the recommendation of Maxim the Nauzican, the Brigade has offered itself as sellswords in this modern iteration. Only time will tell what will be made of the Nauzica Brigade. C H A P T E R 1 The Rise and Fall of the Nauzica “True gold does not fear the test of fires.” Thomas Wettlock upon his mount to the Nauzican John Montney, before the great flames of Seahelm. T H E R I S E The Nauzica Brigade were formed in Agathor, Aeldin, in 1487 at the dispensation of Governor Benda Chivay in the Prefecture of Nauzica. Comprised of two-hundred archers, one-hundred men-at-arms, and two dozen demi-lancers, the Nauzica Brigade positioned themselves as a company-for-hire under the watchful eye of the young Prince of Alstion Charles Henry Horen, later known as the ‘Old-Pretender Polycarp’. After challenging the Emperor of Aeldin’s throne the Nauzica were roundly defeated at the Battle of Ronda in 1499. Its present-day sigil, fourteen skulls on a black field, remembers those fallen comrades in that uprising. The Brigade dwindled over the next thirty years to be a minor retinue in service of the Old-Pretender Polycarp, but was given a new lease on life after his son, John Frederick, reclaimed the throne of the Holy Orenian Empire in 1526. Under the command of Vulpes Roke, the Brigade asserted its place as the bodyguard of the Emperor. After Roke’s death, the Nauzica shuffled through a number of chiefs, but soon lost its relevance and was shelved at the tail-end of Emperor John’s reign. Despite attempts to reform the Empire at the Diet of Saltstone, the Empire fractured when in 1557 the island of Avar threw off their allegiance to John II. Its expansive standing army confronted the Empire’s levy system in a series of poor skirmishes. It was clear that the military needed change, and the Nauzica Brigade was once again revitalised and executed with great success at the Battle of Dogger Bay, where the promising Michael Sunfield, later captain, spearheaded an assault on enemy lines. A number of rebels were captured and executed, and a direct attack on Felsen averted. The Brigade earned distinction after again breaking through lines at Seahelm in 1559, where trapped Rurkid commanders put up a little resistance. The siege won, a frenzied looting broke out amongst the levy-army whilst the Nauzica were put under orders to set the city alight, which carried out ruthlessly. The 1559 sacking was a watershed moment for the Brigade, who were under intense scrutiny by the peers of the realm, and their victory was memorialised in tapestries at the palace in Johannesburg some years later. D E C L I N E The Brigades fortunes wavered and waned through the reign of John III, who coordinated its integration into the order of Alstion, and later in 1579 the Imperial Legion. This centralised form of command brought a series of quick victories to the Empire. On the eve of John’s death, the Empire made up the vast majority of the continent of Axios. But these reforms may have proven fatal. John III died by an assassin’s hand at the height of his power, and John IV after him died in similar fashion not one year after his father. The succeeding reign of Philip I saw the Empire engulfed in civil war, and its collapse was not helped by the turning of the Nauzica’s 7th Captain, Philip Louis, to the rebel banners. Nevertheless, those loyal to the Brigade fought to the death, and were eventually decimated late in 1595 by Philip’s hand at the explosion of Johannesburg. With the Empire gone and the imperial line in disarray, any loyalist remnants dissipated into the mountains and swamps. The Nauzican never reached the peak that they had enjoyed at Seahelm midway through the 16th century. The formation of the Sixth Empire was the nadir of Oren’s fortunes. Successive failings in leadership culminated in the abdication of Peter II, the loss in the War of the Beards, and the death of the child-Emperor John VI at the hands of Arpad of Vilacz in the 1638 coup d’etat of Adelburg. Alongside ending Johannian rule, the coup was the death-knell of an already crippled and exhausted Nauzica, with its number wiped out entirely. Despite having a notable reformation in 1700 under the reign of Augustus I, Emperor of Man, the Nauzica, its military and cultural legacy, has remained dormant. Two years after Augustus’ abdication, the then Emperor Antonius disbanded the small guard in favour of the infamous Dragon Knights. “Rosencrantz, where are my legions?!” King Arn of Aesterwald ranting after his defeat at Milvian Bridge B A T T L E S The Nauzica has had countless engagements throughout the years. The vast majority of these are in the record of the internal archives of the Brigade, the most notable of which are listed here. 1487 — The Sack of Caer Mant The inaugural major battle of the Nauzica Brigade, the Sack of Caer Mant was where the Hexer School of the Griffin’s uprising was quelled on behalf of Governor Benda Chivay. The stronghold of Caer Mant was devastated through siegeworks, with the Nauzican Brigade assuming the vanguard and thrashing the host of seditious Marked Men in a bloody assault. The legendary duel between Prince Charles and Hexer Hieronymous of Lex is recorded in the song The Half-Hand Hexer, recounting Charles’ feat in maiming the Hexer against considerable odds. 1499 — The Battle of Ronda At the hamlet of Ronda, the Nauzican Brigade suffered an emasculating defeat at the hands of Emperor Audemar. Commanded by ver de Linde, the Brigade attempted to ford the Rond river at the stroke of dusk in an attempt of ambushing Audemar’s own camp and capturing the Aeldinic emperor. Their feint was uncovered by forward sentries, who promptly stirred the armies from their slumber and apprehended the Nauzican skirmishers in pitched conflict. The battle ended in gristly defeat as an entire contingent of the brigade were massacred. 1559 — The Sack of Seahelm The Nauzica Brigade played an instrumental role in the swift victory at Seahelm. Captain Drevin de Sarkozy was charged with leading the imperial vanguard into the city. Nauzicans served with distinction as they decimated the enemy force in a fierce blitz, leaving only stragglers in their wake. F O R M E R C A P T A I N S The captains of Nauzica are listed below, those esteemed men entrusted with the leadership of the prestigious brigade. 1st Captain of the Nauzica Brigade: Charles Henry Horen, Prince of Alstion 2nd Captain of the Nauzica Brigade: Ser Vulpes Roke 3rd Captain of the Nauzica Brigade: Ser John Godfrey Horen, King of Vandoria 4th Captain of the Nauzica Brigade: Ser Drevin de Sarkozy 5th Captain of the Nauzica Brigade: Ser Michael Hightower 6th Captain of the Nauzica Brigade: Ser Alexander Horen 7th Captain of the Nauzica Brigade: Ser Edwyn Harwyn 8th Captain of the Nauzica Brigade: Philip Louis Horen-Marna, Duke of Marna 9th Captain of the Nauzica Brigade: Owein aep Cynan 10th Captain of the Nauzica Brigade: Ser Phillip Marshall 11th Captain of the Nauzica Brigade: Ser Stefan Morovic 12th Captain of the Nauzica Brigade: Maxim Attenlund N O T A B L E P A T R O N S The Nauzica Brigade has always been in service to a greater purpose, from its rise in Vailor following the Horen Restoration, to the modern restoration in Almaris. The overwhelming majority of these iterations have been under the personal command of the Holy Orenian Emperor. Charles Henry ‘the Old-Pretender Polycarp’ of the House of Horen-Alstion Holy Orenian Emperor John Frederick ‘the Relentless’ of the House of Horen-Alstion Holy Orenian Emperor John Owyn ‘the Lion’ of the House of Horen-Alstion Holy Orenian Emperor Philip Frederick ‘the Defiant’ of the House of Horen-Alstion Holy Orenian Empire Peter Sigismuind ‘the Troubadour’ of the House of Horen-Alstion Emperor of Man Augustus of the House Horen-Pertinax Holy Orenian Emperor Alexander Leopold of the House de Joannes The arms of the Nauzica Patrons, Johannian-Present “A handful of men, inured to war, proceed to certain victory, while on the contrary, numerous armies of raw and undisciplined troops are but multitudes of men dragged to the slaughter.” Ser Vulpes Roke, whilst educating a young Albert de Falstaff in the halls of Anpalais. C H A P T E R 2 Duties and Payment “If only… I had paid them more...” Vibius de Sola while being killed by his mutineering soldiers The Brigade is primarily a bodyguard to and personal retinue of the Prince of Alstion and his immediate family. Those enlisted should expect the privilege of guarding and serving the House Alstion, as well as fighting its campaigns and sharing in its victories. Even so, the Nauzica has returned to its roots as a limited mercenary task force. If approved by the Prince, the Captain of the Brigade may exchange money or goods for its services in combat. This helps fund the soldiers' lodgings, arms, and awards. The Brigade will correspondingly house, feed, and arm all soldiers regardless of rank or social status, as well as maintain appropriate conditions according to blood and pedigree. Additionally, those who have served eight years are entitled to a supplementary parcel of land within the realm of the House Alstion. Brigadiers are offered a share of a contract’s reward upon completion, the amount at the discretion of the Captain and circumstances provided. Monetary payments are paid by the House Alstion typically through specially received merits and medals awarded by the Captain. Most decorations see monetary reward, and the base form of payment for soldiers. Brigadiers are encouraged to perform and strive for these medals, rewarding positive actions and loyalty to the Alstion’s at large. M E D A L S Star of Saint Lothar, for those who performed a miraculous action in battle to save the unit from dire circumstances, the highest of Nauzican awards. 200minas. Embroidered Cross of Saint Felder, a golden cross embroidered with various gems for those who performed extreme acts of heroism in accomplishment of a military goal or objective. 100minas. Ruby Bracer, an engraved ruby medallion awarded to soldiers for drawing first blood in an engagement. 50minas. Tears of Saint Daniel, a silver bracelet engraved with a depiction of enemy fortifications, awarded to the first soldier to charge. 30minas. Saint Andrik’s Sword, a metal brooch in the shape of a blade awarded for each individual kill acquired by a Nauzican during battle. 20minas. “Do as you are told.” Emperor John I to Ser Baldwin the Black after ruling for the death of Sergius de Bar C H A P T E R 3 Enlistment What once defined the Nauzica as a gentlemen’s corp, occupied by the fine aristocracy of the past, is now instead reduced to small retinue under the Prince of Alstion. Resultantly, the Brigade has gone through considerable structural changes, from the consolidation of ranks to drastic alterations of its core identity. Nevertheless, certain expectations of discipline and decorum are still expected to be maintained, as the Nauzica are primarily responsible for the protection of the Alstion family. In order to be inducted into the Nauzica Brigade, one must be handpicked directly by the Captain of the Brigade. Inductees are chosen from across Almaris and generally must have some experience in warfare on record, be of above-average skill, having prowess with a blade and numerous other weapons. Upon enlisting, the Nauzica must swear the oath as quoted. “I swear to be true to our Patron, and not to maintain silence about any evil that I may know which is being contemplated against them. I swear that I will obey my commander and aid my fellow brothers. I swear to cast off any traitor be it friend or foe in honour of our Patron and Captain. I swear this before God and men. I bid farewell to my former life and grace my newest with my shield and blade; stalwart and ever vigilant for humanity. This oath I give of my own free and independent will. There follows points of contact for further enquiry: Captain of the Nauzica Brigade - Maxim the Nauzican @seannie Commander of the Nauzica Brigade - Patronus Leopold Johannes Alstion, Count of Yves @cruzazul

(thanks to @Emery for shoutout

"Die a hero or join Oren." Maxim says with sadness upon hearing of the Empire bending over backwards to accommodate the Ferrybois that had been slaughtering them on routine earlier in the years.

A firebrand continues advocating for religious war upon the Godless within Providence, now utilizing Ileana's murder in Providence as further just cause. "Fear of God must be re-instilled within the hearts of the Orenian or else more danger will befall the Church!"

guns

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE HIGH PONTIFF AND DEFENDER OF THE FAITH A CALL TO ACTION 17th of Amber Cold, 1855 “And Vargentgotz calls forth three deceivers in the guise of messengers, with wings of cold fire. They are called Justice, Glory, and Reward. Before the priests, the first exalts wrath. Before the kings, the second exalts pride. And before the merchants, the last exalts avarice. So the world is the possession of cruel men.” Auspice 1:9-13 THE EYE OF PROVIDENCE AWAITS It has been reaffirmed in the Pontifical Declaration of Officium Ad Deum that the rule of Emperor Philip and Empress Anastasia are no longer valid, as per the Law regarding Excommunicated Princes of the Codex Iurius Canonici Danielus Pontifex. As per Chapter 3, Canonist Princes, “Additionally, Canonists are obliged to make all virtuous efforts to reconvert him, or failing that, to overthrow him.” We all know of this Law - yet the servants of the Orenian Empire remain fooled, either by their own violation or by deception - they make no actions of their own, blindly following their leaders into oblivion. To His Holiness, I write; issue a formal Interdiction upon the entirety of the Orenian Empire. Their determination to continue serving the invalid should be met by our own resolve. Instill within them the fear of God once more, grant them clemency only when the rule of Philip and Anastasia is no more. Furthermore, it is recommended that the Orenian Government is to be excommunicated for their intricate involvement in continuing the false reign of this illicit prince. Show them that the authority of the Church is not to be contested by petty ambitions. Those who signed their foolish objections in Anastasia’s letter must be shown the righteous wrath of a scorned Church; John Casimir of Renzfeld George Maximilian of Renzfeld Amelia Margaret Anne Caroline of Oren George Novellen-Aldersberg Minuvas Melphestaus Joseph Ledicort d’Azor Victor Simon Vasile Thomas Andrew Helvets Erik var Ruthern Erik Othaman Amadie Marlene Pruvia Archibald Galbraith Theodosia Illeana O'Rourke Quinn Darkwood Fyodor Carrion-Tuvyic Anastasios Alexios Basrid Rev Vuiller Helena Eleanor Sarkozy-Pompourelia Evangeline Halcourt Otis de Rosius Arthur Komnenos Leopold Draskovic Wilhelm Lucius d’Arkent Henrik Komnenos Only through true repentance should they be allowed back into our flock. To His Majesty, the Defender of the Faith: rally Canondom to your banners. A League of Canonists must assemble to bring back order to the lands administered by the Church. There are a great number of Canonists awaiting your decisive action, King of Haense - now is not the time to remain isolationist in the far north of Almaris; you have a part to fulfill, as do we all in this great scheme. You must be first to take action, or else be left in the dirt as the world moves on without you. They have bared their teeth, it is only expected that we loyal faithful return the favor. Inaction will only allow a wound to fester with puss, Canondom must be saved. Philip and Anastasia must be deposed by our forces directly, if the Orenian people continue to stand by idly. I hope my insolence shall be forgiven, but trying times call for desperate measures. FORM THE LEAGUE OF CANONISTS DEPOSE THE EMPEROR RESTORE THE FAITH “Their enemy is Vargengotz the Destroyer, who rules from his capital, which was the holiest city. And in his army are Vargengotz’s slaves, the tyrants and the treacherous, and his false servants, Justice, Glory, and Reward. And Godfrey’s host meets them in battle upon the mountain. Thus Godfrey raises the scepter of rebuke; And lo! the command of GOD is justice, and the unjust are punished: Vargengotz and his servants are destroyed.” Auspice 2:33-38 Your Servant, Maxim the Nauzican

"The High Pontiff must call upon a League of Canonists to depose the anathema now - it has become abundantly apparent that Providence will not commit to their faith and do their part as per our most sacred Canon Law. Decisive action must be taken!" Maxim declares to his fellow compatriots within the conquered Crownlands of Oren, his zealotry bolstered by the High Pontiff's continued opposition to the Emperor.

"This is a big wig money laundering scheme." Maxim comments on the Morduan NFT auction.

Maxim shudders as he telepathically endures the Du Loc brain blast throughout Almaris - their insane, albeit righteous, screeching heard all the way in the north, in Karosgrad.

no one cares about your special items

MEMORANDUM FOR KNIGHT-MEYSTER, REINHARDT @Capt_Chief26 KOENG, SIGISMUND III FROM: SQUIRE, MAXIM ATTENLUND SUBJECT: AFTER ACTION REPORT - TRIAL OF SZITIBOR DATE: 406 E.S, 12-17 of MSITZA & DARGUN LOCATION: FAR-EAST HAENSE, ATTENLUND, STAALMARSH As established in the Knight Meeting of the 7th of Gronna & Droba, 406 E.S, the Trial of Szitibor was appointed to Squire Maxim Attenlund by His Majesty, King Sigismund. The ensuing months were reserved for Squire Maxim’s preparations, scheduled to depart on the 12th of Msitza & Dargun. The Trial of Szitibor, otherwise known as the Trial of Cunning in its Common translation, establishes the rules of a hunt, wherein the appointee is to head forth into the wilds, brave its environment, and slay a beast of notability, afforded no equipment or weapons in this quest - utilizing only their own mental capability and the wilderness itself. As instructed by His Majesty, Maxim’s specific quarry was with the Thorqal, an aquatic and scaly creature native to the far east of Haense, the Staalmarsh. Hence, at the behest of His Majesty, the departure on the 12th continued without fault, with Maxim leaving Karosgrad early in the day. The journey eastward took him through Astfield, Ayr, Knoxville, and finally the frontier of Attenlund, with Jerovitz serving as a final stop. Upon scaling the range of Mt. Sigismund and cresting its peak, the Staalmarshes laid wide open on the horizon, where the Thorqal lurked. Despite the autumn weather, neither the beast, nor Maxim were to be deterred by such cold, and so the Squire continued forth, delving into the rigid temperature of the marshes. Utilizing his knowledge and skills developed as a second generation settler of the Attenlund, it took but a day’s time for Maxim to uncover traces of the Thorqal, having heard the death throes of its prey, and eventually triangulating those auditory sources to its den. Preliminary examination found that the beast’s abode was a semi-submerged cave, which connected to a lake where the creature no doubt preyed on the local ecosystem. As rain began to pour, Maxim took to camouflaging himself in the greenery of the marshes, and making an inspection of the beast’s abode, finding it without its occupier. Nevertheless, the den formed the first part in Maxim’s quick thinking plan, for if he could lure the creature a desired point, a most opportune ambush could be enacted as it returns. Already in the distance could he catch glimpses of the beast, amidst sunken ruins in the center of the lake, giving him the time and distance to begin. Without any time wasted, the ambush was set; logs were rolled above the entrance of the cave, among a variety of other debris, which would see the Thorqal crushed under such weight. The next step was to lure the Thorqal to this trap, which was a simple enough effort, for the beast was lured over simply by the throwing of stones, which disturbed the waters enough that the curious beast was attracted to these distractions. It was at this point that the deception was sprung fully. Just as the Thorqal began passing below, Maxim had burst forth from his vantage point, pushing the logs over and sending them down upon the beast, which trashed about in the water violently as it was forced deeper underwater. However, to Maxim’s frustration, this did not incapacitate or kill the beast but at least disorientated it enough for the Squire to follow through as it came to surface Equipped with an improvised club, Maxim had leapt from his outcrop and down onto the Thorqal, shattering the club into a thousand pieces as it slammed against the beast’s skull, further concussing it. Though, now out of his element and shocked back to his senses by the autumn-cold water, Maxim fled immediately to the nearby shore after his strike, unwilling to part with his life so quickly admit the marsh. The wounded but enraged Thorqal chased after, setting the stage for the final bout, wherein Maxim, taking advantage of the muddy terrain and sluggish movement of his quarry, had deftly avoided the beast’s attack, found its back and plunged a shard of splintered wood into its eye. The beast was finished off completely when the wooden shard was slammed further into its skull by Maxim’s fist hammering it down. With a sloppy severance of the Thorqal’s head, Maxim returned to civilization and announced his Trial concluded. Krusae Zwy Kongzem Many thanks @Xarkly for the roleplay

Are single life elimination warclaims unfeasible nowadays? Seems like adding new problems to an already problematic issue wasn't the best course of action. Don't understand how adding warzone-based mechanics to warclaims can mitigate lag and crashes in the first place.

While out grocery shopping, Maxim comes across the tabloid at the checkout. He gives it glance, and after having seen its cover page, he scoffs, continuing on with his day. "Ain't buying no darn magazines like that, no thanks, full of nonsense in there." He says in muttering, causing the teller to raise a brow.

"Oh no, oh Godan - not good." Maxim the Haeseni Squire ponders aloud, running about to make sense of the Princess' disappearance. "The boss is going to have our heads for this."

"The opinion of schismatics are invalid by default. They make baseless complaints of His Holiness, but conveniently forgo the wrongdoings of their own excommunicated rulers - makes them just as bad, methinks." Maxim the Ayrian Peasant whispered to Kaustantin from behind, having returned home for Tuvmas.

i await the inevitable crash of the warclaim server and the subsequent 1 year postponement on any further warclaims

"How could the Fidei Defensor do this..." Maxim the Magnanimous Haeseni Peasant mutters upon reading the tabloid, in which he regards the protection of Canonists in a war which Oren started, and now find themselves unfortunately on the retreat as a result of their poor calculations. "Thought it was those Horen-Novellen folks who always worshipped the lizard people anyway, they've got dragons on their flags and everything!"