JuliusAakerlund

"May that infernal being rot in the nether and hells from which they came." Erik Colborn and brother to the late Queen said after reading the missive.

Cassian's father rolls in his bed

After receiving the news, Erik lamented on a sunlit porch in Malkovya. "It seems my journey continues down here while yours is now somewhere higher, old friend." His gaze was cast to the sky, somewhere far away and ethereal.

Given names: Davyd Edzar Colborn Age: 12 Citizenship: Haense Relevant skills (if applicable): Fighting, Bardmancy(ish) Letter of Recommendation: Svetlana vas Ruthern ((OOC: Discord)): juliusaakerlund

House Colborn In Support of The People of Haense Published from the County of Malkovya AND ISSUED ON THE 13TH OF WZUVAR AND BYVCA, 525 E.S. With the comet Lesanov soon upon us, there is no hope left to defend the proud city of Valdev from certain destruction. But as history has shown, House Colborn knows no home greater than an erected city except for the citizens within it. Although the walls may crumble and land dissipate, we will build another, as we have done before; as we have always done. In regards to the citizens, who we see as our extended family, House Colborn will dispense food to any and all in need so they may never go hungry. There will be tough times ahead, but now more than ever, our unity and support for each other will help us weather the upcoming storm. When the realm requires it, we have always prepared for circumstances ahead of time, even if danger should not come our way. As such, Ser Caspian toiled the fields of Malkovya and borne plentiful harvests from it due to his piety and faith. It is from his efforts the bread we will dispense shall be given to the hungry. We will likewise slaughter a herd of cattle and a coop’s worth of poultry raised by our Count Mikhail and Lord Erik so the people may maintain their strength and integrity. With the help of Joakim and Frida, bundles of firewood and warm blankets will be put together to keep all warm. We will both prepare a chest that will be stocked with rations and hand out food, supplies, firewood, and necessities in person. But to those who cannot be housed at the camp or are in need of warmth due to conditions beyond their own control, we invite them to Malkovya to take up temporary residence, for the people are the lifeblood of the nation, and without them, we are nothing. If you are such a man or woman, you may easily reach us, and we shall answer your call. May the Houses of Haense find strength in our united effort. The Right Honourable, Mikhail Ulric Aleksey Colborn, Count of Malkovya, Viscount of Venzia, Baron of Bethlenen, Lord of Vitraval, Lord of Vorenburg, Protector of Scyflings, Royal Treasurer of Hanseti-Ruska, Owner of The Scyfling World

"Gudi, he has done us proud and so quick at that." Erik Colborn stated while holding onto the Aulic Appointment Papers.

ALERT: ENCRYPTED TRANSMISSION RECEIVED DECRYPTING… . . . CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET MINISTRY OF DEFENSE DEFENSE DIRECTIVE OF HELLDIVER OPERATIONS ORIGINATING STATION: SUPER EARTH MEMORANDUM FOR: HELLDIVERS SUBJECT: MAJOR OPERATION VICTORY - DEFENSE OF TROOST Total Killed Automatons: 587,321 Avg. Automaton Lifespan (Minutes): 9.3 Avg. Collateral Damage: 67% (Not Enough) Avg. Patriotism Rating: 98.6% Projected Current Automaton Population: NONE APPLICABLE BEGINNING VICTORY POST Helldivers, Attention! In our Federation, there arise moments that define the indomitable spirit of our forces, the unyielding resolve that courses through the veins of every Helldiver. Today, we stand on the precipice of history, having turned the tide against insurmountable odds. The defense of Troost wasn't just a mission nor a major operation; it was a testament to our unity, strategy, and unbreakable will to protect humanity's bastions of freedom AND DEMOCRACY. The Threat at Our Doorstep As dusk fell on Troost, the air was thick with tension, anticipation, and the unmistakable scent of impending warfare. The enemy, cunning and relentless, launched their assault with a ferocity unseen recently, not much unlike at Malevelon Creek. Our scanners lit up, a foreboding signal of the epic struggle that was to unfold. The Call to Arms The call was made, and Helldivers answered with the resolute step of warriors bound by a cause greater than themselves. From the icy reaches of Vandalon IV to the scorching sands of Ustotu, our forces converged on Troost, a united front against the encroaching darkness. The Battle The battle for Troost was a maelstrom of fury and valor. Our Hellpods hit the ground with ferocity, and every Helldiver became a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. With precision airstrikes, relentless firepower, and the strategic genius of our commanders, we pushed back against wave after wave of enemy forces. The creek, a silent witness to our struggle, flowed red, a stark reminder of the price of freedom. Stratagems rained from the skies, mechs stomped through the mud, and the air crackled with the energy of our resolve. The enemy, underestimating the strength of a united Helldiver force, found themselves outmaneuvered, outgunned, and overwhelmed. The Turning Point As dawn broke, a pivotal moment in the battle emerged. With ammunition running low and the enemy rallying for a final onslaught, the tide seemed poised to turn against us. It was then, in our darkest hour, that the true spirit of the Helldivers shone brightest. Through sheer grit and determination, rallying cries filled the air, and a final push was mounted. The lands of Troost, once a quiet stream, roared to life as if lending us its strength. Helldivers, side by side, forged a wall of defiance that no enemy could penetrate. The final wave crashed against us, and like the steadfast rock against the raging tide, we stood unbroken. Victory! Sweet Liberty! DEMOCRACY! As the dust settled and silence once again claimed Troost, the victory was ours. The enemy was vanquished, their plans foiled by the unrelenting spirit of the Helldivers. We stood together, not just as victors, but as guardians of peace, champions of liberty. A Salute to the Brave This victory post is but a humble tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and unity of every Helldiver who stood their ground at Troost. Your valor has secured not just a victory, but a legacy that will inspire generations to come. The defense of Troost will be remembered as a beacon of hope, a symbol of what we can achieve when we stand together. TO FILL OUR FURY FOR THE RECLAMATION OF MALEVOLON CREEK. Forward, to the Stars As we celebrate this monumental victory, let us not rest on our laurels. The universe is vast, and threats linger in the shadowy recesses, waiting for a chance to strike. But let them come. For as long as we stand together, as long as the spirit of the Helldivers burns bright, we shall meet them with the same resolve, the same unity, and the same indomitable spirit. To the Helldivers of Troost, and to those across the stars, ready to answer the call of duty, we salute you! FOR LIBERTY! FOR DEMOCRACY! FOR SUPER EARTH! DIFFICULTY SELECTED AT OPERATION START - TRIVIAL - I END OF TRANSMISSION

Robert I tends to his orchard in the Seven Skies, wiping sweat from his brow. With a reach of his hand he picks the finest golden grapes, which he offers to Otto, smiling warmly to his blooded kin. "You can still watch them from the reflecting waters of Gamesh, but try and relax - you have earned it."

KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Issued by Erik Edvard Colborn on this 14th of Jula ag Piov of 522 Hearken, all of Aevos, for Queen Amaya has fallen. Her passing ought not be marked with sorrow and denial, for she was greatly favoured by the Light in death, as much as she was in life. For, in life, she wore her crown as Queen of Haense. She stood astride her lord husband on the battlefields of the Covenant War, from the historic triumphs at Breakwater and Hippo’s Gorge, to the bitter defeats of Westmark. She wielded her glaive as the General of the Rosen Banner, who marshalled even the courtiers of the Esrova Palace to bear steel in battle against the Veletzians and Orcs. She was lauded as the Queen of the People, for she was ever a present warmth on the streets of Valdev, and her grace was exclusive to none. In death, she was the White Flame. Though her body grew weak and blighted, she was favoured with death in battle against the Infernals she had once shown mercy to. She was blessed as the Blossom-Blooded, for when she bled upon the soil, fresh tulips bloomed to mark her favour in the Seven Skies. She was the Summer Rain, for, when the bells of Valdev marked her passing, those who loved her so wept until autumn had come - and those that loved her so were beyond counting. Let all the realms of man come pay their respects. To Amaya. Queen of Haense. The White Flame. OOC DETAILS Lord, Erik Edvard Colborn, Grand Elder, Holder of Lysnir the Shadowbane

The Queen’s Peril Published from the County of Malkovya AND ISSUED ON THE 7TH OF JULA AG PIOV, 522 E.S. Not even two years have passed since the shadow struck at the heart of Malkovya, piercing my flesh and bringing forth vile torment to my coil, were it not for my sister Queen Amaya, Marian Weiss, and a passing Elfess alchemist then I would have joined our ancestors. It was first, when I recovered that I was told of my wife’s passing. Hers, at least, was in peace, without the influences of devilry or shadow. But while our attention pointed towards the county, and I was recovering, my sister Queen Amaya was assassinated in cold blood by the agents of Iblees, and her Martyrdom will not be forgotten. It has lit a fire in all of Scyfling kind; no son of Slesvik fears the shadow or its many forms, nor do we shy away from confrontation. Before we could grieve the passing of our fallen, we sallied out in search of answers. I and the patriarch investigated what we were able, and with the help of our fellow statesmen, we found our answer. But it came at a great cost, for as we scouted far into the north, we were ambushed by daemons and barely managed to escape with our lives. I write this proclamation thus as our Patriarch is still recovering from injury. The guise of Iblees comes in many forms, in his division of man and his corruption of men, but in the case of Amaya’s death, he had possessed the flesh of our dead kinsmen Aaren Colborn and through him partaken in devilry most vile. The man we knew as Aaren has long since been dead, that we had known for years, but whatever possesses his mortal flesh today, is no kin of ours, we declare it thus, with conviction and retribution. I say to you, daemon who has taken the form of our kin, we will search for you, we will find you, and we will slay you where you stand. Every Colborn knows how to pay their dues, and we will have you pay yours. As for the forces of the Deceiver who attempted to burn Malkovya’s church and attacked our people, not once but twice, we will deal with you, of that have no doubt. We thus invite the Holy Canonist Church to our land. May they bring light in the darkness and strike the shadow back to whence it came from. We call upon @Xarkly Villorik, Cardinal Westerwald to house and station the Holy Order of The White Comet in our land, and we shall battle at your side and support you in any way possible on the battlefield, financial or otherwise. Lord, Erik Edvard Colborn, Grand Elder, Holder of Lysnir the Shadowbane The Right Honourable, Mikhail Ulric Aleksey Colborn, Count of Malkovya, Viscount of Venzia, Baron of Bethlenen, Lord of Vorenburg, Protector of Scyflings, Deputy-Treasurer of Hanseti-Ruska, Owner of The Scyfling World

"Oh, Vati is being coronated? But I don't have any clothes for such an occassion..." Erwin looked around his shared room with his brother @Liokv "WE FORGOT TO BUY CLOTHES REINREIN! ! ! WE FORGOT TO BUY CLOTHES! ! ! ! !" It seemed during renovating their room the small budget was only used on furniture...

CAUSE FOR CAUTION for AEVOSIAN IMPERIALISM by ERIK of MALKOVYA PRINTED BY THE COMMON MAN SOCIETY OF ANTI-IMPERIALISM An artistic depiction of an Imperialist imagining the world without Oren. With Aevos returned to peace following the conclusion of the Coalition War, the sovereigns of the new world order now gather to best steer our shared destiny forward, one free of unnecessary bloodshed and wanton chaos - as stipulated already by the Winburgh Proclamation, Section VII, the Future of Man, wherein the Grand Covenant of the Exalted Horen's descendants have been convening to discuss such a new pivotal chapter in the Tapestry of Man. So far consisting of the realms of Petra, Haense, Aaun, Hyspia, Balian, and perhaps the emergent Principality of Reinmar. We find ourselves now in a post-war world where the dreams of Imperial ambition is once again settling into the minds of man. If not by the monarch(s) and their crowns, then by the scholars’ quill or the sword of warriors. We are staunchly reminded thus that humanity will always aspire to unite further, for better or for worse, our ambition as deep as the ocean. But it is for this very reason that I stand in opposition to Tiber of Neu Paradisius. I lament that we have seen these attempts by men greater than us, not once but twice, yet each attempt has failed harsher than the last. I shall in good conscience outline why the three forwarded conceptual unifications are faulty, and entirely a dream, which if realized will bring naught but harm and wasted time. While I recognize Tiber’s hope to settle any flaws through cooperation and find common success, I find it unlikely to be solved even by the greatest minds of man. Shall my words fall on deaf ears then may at least my criticism help make any faults more clear than before. Glaring Faults of Unified or Imperial Humanity With any unification attempt the yoke of each nation(s) independence must be infringed upon, stoking unpopular sentiment among the people, as well as spitting on the sacrifices of many wars, causing widespread dissatisfaction from the onset. Any open-gate policies or shared citizenry registers would cause widespread bureaucracy liabilities that neither stand to profit from the changes but instead make governing more difficult. In the same sense, criminals would also cause further political turmoil, for states will stand by their people, even if to the demerit of another state, as has been shown many times historically. Any unified capital and governor or monarch of such a place will only stand to benefit the first ruling family or representative of such a place, each nation making vast sacrifices, to bolster such a place at their own expense, while they would do better without it. As proven time and time again all it takes is for a singular state or representative of a larger group to act out, to break the system, or otherwise be disenfranchised for the whole thing to come crumbling. May this be the “unified” leader deciding that their family is in fact a dynasty now and no new leader shall be elected, or for example a state asking to revoke membership due to grievances or dissatisfaction. The effort and sacrifices required to form such a union between states will always require more time and work than the benefits that would result from less work, begging the question: Why even bother? The unification in all but name relegates each royal family to a vassal of a greater entity that may or may not have its best interests in mind. Many conflicting loyalties will exist as a result, and the only solution would be for each state to give up statehood for shared identity, something that will only benefit the unified leader and not any state royals. For any Empire to be successful it is tantamount for it to control its various territories and vassals. If you promise that such control shall not be imposed and states will retain their independence, then unification and Imperial Ambition cannot be successful, such is the reality of an Empire, for a lack of control is the death of any such entity. For cultural, ethnic, political, and other reasons, the goals of each nation and the direction its people dictate are diametrically opposed to each other. This will only further rifts, causing political pains that cannot be recovered from under a unified mantle. With a grand leader of the union of states or the Empire at its head, one could only rule such an entity impartially if aware of each state's wants and needs, meaning communication must be near perfect, the history of each nation must be known at length, and cultural differences must be bridged expertly. I for one believe no man of our current day to access such ability, nor capable of performing such miracles. In the end, each ruler will lean more towards some states than others, causing harm to them, when they have sacrificed so much for unification. Succession will be argued endlessly and states will leave if a leader is elected or chosen that is entirely unacceptable by their standards, no man or woman, capable of being accepted by each realm and their people as leader will be followed by such a man or woman, as such spelling the timed doom of such a concept. I advise thus to all who read this to find in their hearts the logic and reason which I know them to hold. To learn from the faults of our past, and remember history, without the charm of legends and myths of greater men, but rather the realities and results of the events that transpired. From this article, may your logic not falter in the face of the Imperialist Ambition of Old.

If your wishes are thus to thrust onto us the devices of an Empire, then you must abandon the name of Oren. When the day comes that humanity is united may it not reignite the claimants of old, instead, may it stand a new legacy. I will speak not at length on this subject as any scholar should understand my meaning. Should this be the Empire of Oren or Pax Orenia, then it will fall as soon as it attracts the flies once guided to such a name. Those of you who hold onto the name Oren as if your life depends on it, know this, you will be the reason for the tapestry of man's continued divide. Lamented Erik Edvard Colborn as he felt as though he was seeing a reoccuring headache appear once again.

IGN: Julius55 RP NAME: Galifraec PERSONA ID: #10277

IF YOU'RE READING THIS THEN YOU WEREN'T CONFIDENT ENOUGH ABOUT YOUR NATION UPVOTE TO REGAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE IN YOUR NATION (❤️ You're all loved and appreciated ❤️) Also, please tell me your favourite moment in your nation, and this post is lowkey a positivity post 😀 Optional second question: Tell me what you love the most about your nation.

A Jolly old Colborn in the Seven Skies, one Adrian, simply laughed heartily. "Good, all things are as it should be. It seems Cassian II lives up to the name."

IF THE IMAGE DOESN'T LOAD LINK TO IMAGE

I can't believe its finally real. I must say, massive credit to Greenh for making my dream a reality - Christmas came early.

A KING’S LAMENT A rose to the fated, a rose to romance. To the good Queen Mother of Balian, The Kingdom of Balian has done you a great disservice unlike any other. For three decades I have devoted myself in service of my future duties as a husband, surrendering my soul and essence to mastering such a craft. Now, I find myself surrounded by nought but the hope for a wife most worthy--hardworking and steadfast. I thirst only for companionship, one equal and steeped in heartfelt consideration. I’m surrounded by my peers and my equals, friends and family, who all support each other with care and dedication. I see and respect your profound broad-mindedness and ability to stand up for your truth. Thus with a heavy heart, I write that I shall, as a lamenting King searching for his Queen-to-be offer a chance for the two of us to be. Your home may lay elsewhere as you’ve said, from Adrian I to Davyd I, in pursuit of true union--not emancipation. Where respect and the sanctity of GOD shall stand forever, without being tarnished. I shall preserve your right to your children, and be a father to them, unlike the one who attempts relations with a foreign monarch--souring relations with untoward advances. All I ask is to preserve my right to be the King to your heart, befitting my role as your stalwart partner. I pray that day will come, and I lament that we’ve yet to come together a KING to HIS QUEEN. My heart aches for you as yours do for the people. I reach you thus by letter as you’ve so graciously offered, I can only hope you offer me a chance--a path to your heart. A PATH TO BE YOUR KING! Signed by your ardent admirer, His Royal Highness, Davyd I of Muldav

One Erik Colborn read the writ and couldn't stop himself from speaking aloud from atop the mountains, just above the Weiss lands - where he herded goats. "WHAT IN THE ACTUAL ****! THE WEISS ARE OUR ALLIES! I SWEAR IF ANY WEISS BLOOD IS SPILT OVER THIS I WILL SACK HIS HOME WITH A THOUSAND GOATS!!! OR ELSE MY NAME IS NOT ERIK COLBORN."

St. Carr pulls along Cassian I to peer down from the seven skies. While jutting a finger in the direction of the ceremonies he speaks softly while patting his descendant's back. Their eyes are kept on the new Count. "To think you'd be the first one who'd have a second peer named after you. It seems he has much to live up to." While Cassian I remains silent and leaves without much disturbance, St. Carr stays still--gaze kept upon the earth below. "Cassian II, let's see what tale he'll write."

Erik Colborn couldn't stop himself from letting out a loud whistle as he read the missive in passing. "By Carr's coins! What a striking donation, he must have inherited the bloodline thicker than I."

So far I have participated in all the maps, though I took a rather lengthy break for large chunks of Elysium. I think we more or less agree in most regards at least almost 96% if not more. It seems more so that perhaps because we've not been able to talk at length about the depths of the subject we've made some assumptions - through no fault of our own. When it comes to bad faith actors I would say that there's been many groups who have clearly used these kinds of strategies in the past, causing great damage. While some of these names can refer to current day groups or not, I mostly refer to specific compositions, during certain points in time (specific maps). This could be anything from the Dunamites, de Salt Pans, Dreadlanders, Flays etc. Whenever there has ever been a easy way for people with bad intentions to create large damage readily, without much commitment - they've done so. I suppose I would point more specifically to the many assassination attempts upon NLs that are often a group effort, yet done on throwaway characters. These characters have not built anything in RP to facilitate the movement or their actions. Yet if you cut off one head of that hydra they return three more, each with the same title, played by the same player and with the same goal. This in my view is a level of harrassment many have experienced over the years that the server simply neglects. It's extremely difficult for staff to make a judgement call as these groups will then just alt if banned, or have already done the deed - prior to staff intervention. This is a tug of war that sort of began since the end of the Duke's War and has only gotten worse over the years. I think this is also what has caused the effect you've noticed, where people are not as willing to trust each other anymore. Though these are my observations from anywhere to having experienced it myself as a NL or seeing it done to entire communities. I think it's fair to say that you and I both remember the days when raids were a every day experience. This too had to be given a cooldown due to bad faith actors using it to simply bully or mob groups out of existence, none of which were good RP or really added to the server. I of course in the same breath commend good villainy RP and any time it takes place, such as the Ferrymen, who while infamous, have a penchant for RP themselves. When people are willing to work together and when mechanics are balanced properly the server is at its best. As I stated previous and as we both seem to agree. I think there are plenty of ways for Nomadic groups to participate in combat as it stands. In my case I just have a specific worry when it comes to warclaims. Though not a article used in the past this is also another mean made due to the evolving culture, much of which was toxic for a time. But, we could spend many paragraphs discussing that in specific. I think the conclusion I decide to draw from our back and forth is that we both love nomadic groups. We likewise seem to agree on the majority of points. It seems likely instead the few differences we have is due our different experiences. As always, I wish you none but the best, Sincerely, Julius

While true that Nomadic Groups in real life certainly had less to lose than a hunkered down civilization, there were still stakes. What I try to point at more firmly is that in real life there's actual consequence to your actions. If you go to war and fail you've lost many precious individuals, someone's son, someone's daughter - perhaps your father. To the bad faith actor none of these elements matter, their characters are a service to a goal - not to roleplay. If they die they simply return with a new name and the same position, to fight another day - towards their goal. While to those of good faith the loss of their character is a large one, months of work and roleplay lost in a conflict - one without worth. To make a conflict worthy of someone losing such time investment, player, nation or otherwise there must be equal stakes. While I wish I could believe that a mechanic like this, if introduced, would not be abused by the bad faith actors. I fear it will and unless you make a overcomplicated system chances are slim it would ever see the light of day. I have myself lead a nomadic group (albeit peaceful). My words speak not towards nomadic groups having no place on the server, but rather as a war group. I strongly believe in the beauty and roleplay potential that nomadic groups can and have brought to the server. Do I think there are ways for Nomadic groups to participate in war in the current system? I certainly think so. Though most of those groups will have a piece of "land" or a location they call "home" that can be conquered. I think to me the question becomes more how would you prevent nomadic groups being able to warclaim nations from being abused? While promoting conflict and breaking SoL Roleplay is certainly a part of the greater experience of LoTC. I think it's also fair to say that there is a lot of stake in those situations. In my belief I wager to say that there are very few instances where a nation facing a horde of enemies that have no tangible assets, or any sort of consequence for losing, would be willing to bite this bullet, and why should they? We're all volunteers at the end of the day. It's important to remember that the stakes here are based around respecting the time and investment of the playerbase. While I wish I could be as hopeful as you on the subject I suppose I am more of a realist. While we have our disagreements I have nothing but respect for you, as I have had for many years. I hope you have a good week @Ibn Khaldun and at the end of the day, I am just a retired LoTCer. These are just my thoughts, no more, no less. Side note: I support raids and pre-planned battles or agreed upon warclaims. My critique is entirely based on and against the idea of nomadic groups (without land of their own) being able to Warclaim anyone wantonly.