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* In a small shack in the woodlands of Haense, a tired idealist of 25 years returns to the desk he hasn’t seen in a half-decade, and begins to write with a weathered quill unused for an equal amount of time. These would be his words, scattered in pamphlets across Atlas, as a sort of announcement in the form of a letter... To his majesty, the Bulwark of the Norlandic people and my most Noble Liege, King Godden Ruric, In the roughly five years since I joined your retinue, I have seen, lived, and grown more than I personally thought possible. The challenges of organization, problem solving, and leadership; we have dealt with them all. Without a doubt the most important value I have learned in my time here is the significance of a meritocracy; men Must be able to rise above their station, based upon honor and skill. This separation from the decrepit ways of old is the only reason I have been able to be what I have become; a free thinker, free speaker, and a free man. It seems fit now that I must thank you, and all the people of Norland, for accepting me for so long as one of your own, free people. It is in the spirit of freedom, However, that I must now express my modus operandi; I must formally announce my departure, not only from you, but from the people of Norland. With Ruriksgrad conquered, there seems to me to be no need for my services as mayor, thus I shall leave your most gracious company. No doubt exists in my mind that one day the people of Norland will find a home once more, a new city… but I will be of no use to you until such a time comes. As I have stated before, it is no surprise that I possess not the character of a true Norlander, nor the manner or skills. Thus it is certainly true that I can do more for the Norlandic people, and those of Atlas at large, using my skills elsewhere than at your side; You need workers and settlers now, not idealists. So it seems fit to depart, though I know not where to go in the time being… Perhaps I shall assist another kingdom, or an independent group, or simply travel the lands and find contracted work where I can. If there be a need for me, many years hence, I shall certainly hope to return to aid the Norlandic people, your people… Hoping that they haven't expelled me from their hearts and cursed my name for leaving them as I now do. When you Needo Rodrigo once again, anticipate my return with open arms and open minds. But until that day, I wish you all farewell, and hope that we do indeed meet again, be it in this life, or in one beyond this. Sincerely, Rodrigo Claudice Northbroek Former Mayor of Ruriksgrad, and a free man...

* Rodrigo is saddened. It would seem that many would ridicule his hard work, not on the basis of the arguments it presents, but rather the person who presents the arguments, himself. " I wonder, If a neutral man wrote the same criticisms, would he too be ignored? I don't want to see lives lost in the the fanatic fantasies of one power-hungry kingdom. I'm the only Norlander who has nae given up hope in the common sense of the people of Atlas; I fear that some great evil has made the eyes of the world go blind to the injustice and hypocrisy we now face. Perhaps, like many men who put too much trust in the reasoning of others, I will be ignored, and when much of these things come to pass- Maybe Then they will see that perhaps they should an argument on its merits, not its speaker..."

My friends, allies, strangers, and enemies… What I saw today was the Cowardice of Atlas. No, not from who was present this Global Assebly meeting, but rather who was not…. WHY, oh why, must great kingdoms who see themselves in the right, try to dominate the land… For heavens sake, At the same time that the assembly was beginning a combined force of Renatians and Orcs was sacking Ruriksgrad… WAS SACKING MY CITY AND HER PEOPLE… And then a number of both Orcs and Renatians ATTACKED DUNSHIRE! They slaughtered neutral factions in a neutral city. It seems that No one is safe from their wrath… not even halflings it seems…. The threat we now face is a group of people who believe they are in the RIGHT, will do WHATEVER it takes to get THEIR WAY, and now are not even willing to listen to CRITICISM… This is not a Threat to merely my people,but ALL peoples of this land, be they Renatian enemies now or later… And mark my words, they WILL be enemies with you other nations eventually… Even with their own allies… Though I was not living hundreds of years ago, I have read the stories of wood elves CRUCIFIED by the dozens for doing nothing but not following the Canonist faith. AND it wasn’t just elves. Anyone who wandered the great road was put to the sword simply for not following the teachings of the church… Nobody was safe… I have read of a near constant wars with the Dwarves, and the Orcs as well. Oren, in every iteration, when it has subjugated every human faction, will turn its eyes to the rest of the peoples of the land. And trust me friends, A reformation of the empire IS the goal of Renatus. I WILL CONCEDE, The Kingdom of Norland is Nae perfect; there are a number of practices I disagree with, and there are a number of issues that must be improved, but at least we can ADMIT IT. Renatus won’t listen to such criticism, and thus is Arrogant, bloodthirsty, and power hungry! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What simply boggles my mind is that These empire-builders have found allies in SO MANY FACTIONS…. HOW? Can these groups not see that, should the U.S.A fall, they will be betrayed and overtaken by Renatus? Unlike my countrymen, who are disheartened from even trying to negotiate with the other factions of Atlas, I remain hopeful. So now I will address each member of the N.A.A. by name and explain how they might help fix this situation… TO THE DOMINION OF THE ELVES- I remember in 1654 when I was given a tour your most magnificent capital city. The people were friendly, the experience was lovely, and I most certainly would come back again. It’s rather unfortunate that your towns and Capital will soon be destroyed by those whom you have placed your trust in; Renatus-Marna, to be specific. Have you forgotten your history? Have you forgotten how your people have always been persecuted, and the first target of Oren? Why do you ally with such a mighty foe as Renatus? Can you not see how dangerous it is to ally yourself with such a strong conqueror? They don’t need you, and helping them will not save you in the future from being ransacked. It is foolhardy to ally yourself with the stronger faction in such a conflict, as when they inevitably turn, there will be No one to help you, and they will justify conquering you by saying they never needed your help in the first place. While you may dislike Norland, and they may raid you now, Should you extend an olive branch… We will supply you with all that we can and will defend your lands with the same dedication with which we shall soon defend ours. (( fr guys i understand your nation is that of an rp one, and Norlands pvp-centric ways are vile to you, but pls, for your sake, make the right choice. Renatus may bribe you in the short-term with victories and loot, but you’ll pay later on with the loss of your livelihoods.)) I implore you all to seek freedom, rather than assisting in the creation of a monster you won’t be able to control… TO THE IREHEART CLAN- while I do not claim to be an expert on the dwarves and their various schisms, I know this- You are better than this! How can a dwarven clan who is so set on Honor and battle ally itself with group so dishonorable as Renatus? They bribe you with petty trinkets, so that you might follow them to your doom. This doesn’t have to be your war! If you truly are the brave and honorable clan you claim to be, then you’d see that there is no conflict to be had with these human kingdoms. Why must dwarven lives be sacrificed for the glory of a human empire? (( Idk why you guys are in this, but it doesn’t make sense to assist a nation that could become a major threat to you in the future. Or perhaps you’re counting on them to assist your clan in the future, but I’m willing to bet they’ll find a way to weasel out of any promises relating to that, i can tell you that much)) TO THE KINGDOM OF KAZ’ULRAH- I had the chance to meet at the assembly today, his majesty the High King Frostbeard. I would have wished to speak these words to his majesty himself, but unfortunately these words must suffice. The dwarves of Atlas have no need of any alliances to strengthen themselves; throughout history it has been clearly evident that, though short in stature, the dwarven kingdoms make up for this in raw strength, determination, and ingenuity. It truly perplexes me that any dwarf, let alone the high king, would bring his people so low as to assist a human kingdom for no just reward. There is no fair trade in your agreement Master Dwarf; Renatus will no doubt ****** up the lands of these free kingdoms and leave you in the dust. I don’t ask you to join our side, I implore you to leave this alliance, as for your efforts there will be no gain but great loss… (( Its a RAW DEAL… don’t stand for it, plain and simple)) TO THE DUCHY OF ARPAD IVANOVICH- No, I didn’t write that incorrectly. You are a pawn. Simple. There is a reason that Markev, and the people of Haense wouldn’t give in to your claim; You are a puppet. While the line Barbanov has made mistakes in the past, My grandfather was drawn into their ranks of the Gold Corp, and later Golden Crow, Because they exemplified the wish of the Northern people to be treated as people, and not cattle of some far-off crown. The city of Markev has sprung to life once more, and the people of Haense, who have resisted an oppressive empire for countless years, have rallied behind their King Karl II. I will not fault them for this; though Karl is young in years, his majesty Has quite the head on his shoulders, as the people have clearly seen. You may have claim to Haensetic lands by conquest, but you FAILED to claim the hearts and minds of the people. IF you were a TRUE king, you wouldn’t go rushing to a larger kingdom to do your dirty work; you’d do it yourself. I don’t know you well, but you must be either an oblivious pawn for Renatus, or a treacherous snake to the people you claim to be lord over. (( I have no words, except TO THE WAR NATION OF KRUGMAR- You all are incredible in the skill of war, and I ask you why you humble yourselves to those who would turn on you when they see fit. To be honest, your people have been given a negative connotation much like the people of Norland have- But Norland doesn’t kill halflings! Rather, they rush to their aid, as I had instructed them to do so today. Unfortunately they proved too late to save the unarmed little ones, but at least they have the decency to leave the harmless alone. That being said, should your soldiers tire of terrorising the various peoples of Atlas, perhaps a friendship may be found with the men of the rock and swamp. TO THE PRINCIPALITY OF CURON- I am sorry to your nation; you have been dragged into this war by an alliance with Renatus, and yet, it is you that suffer more. When was the last time Sennisten witnessed the destruction the people of my country have levied on you? You assist The Crown in their grab for power, and receive nothing but destruction in return- there is no fairness in that. Already the fingers of the soon-to-be empire claw at your sovereignty; soon you will be all but a pawn. Indeed, I am sorry that you have faced such trials at the hands of my brethren, but it will all end if you simply end your alliance with Renatus. Norland doesn’t want to control you; We want our freedom, and yours as well, should you join us. (( I can’t control our raiding parties, but I can extend an olive branch. The choice is yours whether or not you take it…)) TO THE KINGDOM OF SANTEGIA- I have always admired your kingdom. Indeed, whilst a travelling mercenary in my younger years I picked up many a mannerism and style akin to your lands and their people. It became such an issue that my father almost didn’t recognize me when I reunited with him half a decade ago. While Norland may not seem like an ideal ally, we have no reason to fight you; We want not your lands, we want to be our own free people. Indeed we raid and bandit ( not myself personally), but we treat allies with respect and courtesy. Perhaps later on in this bloody conflict you may find it in your hearts to join with Us, those who have no ulterior motives, and perhaps begin an era of political and economic prosperity… (( you guys have a dope build tbh, and i love your ship. 10/10 in design, and though i wasn’t around to see you guys form your kingdom, you seem like some decent guys, if only you would listen to the reasonable arguments i’m laying down.)) TO THE CROWN OF RENATUS-MARNA- If you wish to rebuild an empire, state it plainly for the world to hear! See how many of these nations you have bullied into submission will stay with you then. I have walked your streets, I have met your people. I pity them, for you lie to their faces. You claim this war was our doing, and yet you send a snobby diplomat to demand that Norland abandon its faith, or YOU WILL DECLARE A CASUS BELLI. Regardless of the events before ( the child kidnapping by that nun and her subsequent punishment, which i don't necessarily agree with…) It was YOU who started this war, it is solely YOU who will benefit should you win, And it is YOU who will betray your current allies, as you betrayed the assembly today. I see through your conniving methods, and I hope others will as well. At least my liege is willing to listen to reasonable criticism and raid only those actively against him in war! Its ironic that you claim to be holy and just, when you are, in fact, wholly just a piece of shite! May whatever GOD it be above us, pardon your people for the vile acts committed on your orders… If ever any one of you nations wish to invite me to diplomatic talks, whether through letter or in person, I would agree, on the grounds that we pick a neutral location. Although, it might be possible for a meeting with myself to be done in your respective capital… After all, what have I to fear? I’ll only become a martyr for Norland- I’m just one man, trying to save not just my people, but all of the peoples of Atlas, from the near-inevitable slaughter that this war will bring Sincerely, Mayor Rodrigo Claudice

* Rodrigo would smile at the writ. After all, he will soon be the first delegate from Norland to the Global Assembly. He chuckles "Ah, it appears that a kingdom that thinks itself the purveyor of justice and integrity abandons that civility and integrity when it does not get its way... reminds of when I was a toddler, and my mother would not bake for me the sweet oats that I oh dearly wanted... good times, good times..." * he races home, almost skipping with jubilation, and unfolds a parchment with a list of more-than-reasonable arguments against the slanderous remarks and vile actions of the Kingdom. With a gleeful flourish of his favorite quill, he adds this new development to the current list... which is surprisingly difficult, as he's running out of room. He remarks to himself "I simply cannot wait to finally give Norland a voice and show All who the real "fair country" is..."

* Rodrigo would smile as he eyes the document " It would seem that there are more noble hearts in the realm of Atlas willing to join our cause; Most Excellent...."

https://gyazo.com/301df9cdb00415b007e69983d3646e03 My fellow Norlanders, whether that be by nationality or residence… Throughout the span of my campaign, I have kept my aims and goals as clear as I could; Stability, both in economic gains and finances of the state. Stability in our military, in our expanding population, in our aims to enact a complete overhaul of our infrastructure… Indeed, now that the election has concluded, the responsibility now fall upon my shoulders to reach these goals, to keep my promises, and to see these aims through to their natural conclusion. Rest Assured, these goals Will Be Reached… But as his majesty, Godden Ruric has most eloquently stated, “The focus of the kingdom must now be directed to the main task at hand.” We are indeed on the battlefield of a great war, testing whether our Nation, or any Nation so conceived in the hearty belief of Freedom, may well endure… This election was heated, and as the results of the election hath shown, the people are split. Some, I have no doubt, are already set against me on the grounds of my words, actions, or character. However, while I may not be wholly supported by the people at large, through my actions now, I should hope to win the hearts and minds of you all… Let me prove myself to you brothers and sisters! Norland has given me a unique and most gracious opportunity, and it shall not be squandered. If we cannot rally under the banner of the freest Kingdom in Atlas, then soon there shall be no such kingdom. I also fear that one so free will never appear again, replaced instead with another Tyrannical Empire, where restrictions are placed on all for the benefit of few; This is No Such Way to Live! And thus it shall be that before my main goals are enacted, the security of Norland must be secured, and in this spirit I will now speak on what exactly must be done… MEN OF RURIKSGRAD… THE CONSTRUCTION WILL NOT REST! 1. The city as it now stands will be equipped with defenses of my own creation… and with the approval of his majesty 2. The marshal Caspian will, with my assistance, conduct on a regular basis , military trainings and rapid mobilization tactics with the citizens at large. All men in the city are required to take part in these, as it shall be necessary for the defense of our families and homes. All are welcome to participate, but only the men are required PEOPLE OF NORLAND… THE PRINTERS WILL NOT REST! The printers of posters and pamphlets throughout Norland will be expanded to the public, for them to try their hand at the skill. The topics will be recruitment into the military, motivation of the populace, motivation of our allies and USA in its entirety… Should such a citizen wish to present their works, they should contact me as soon as possible, so that my printers my spread it (with the proper acknowledgement of their work) As an Official Print of Norland. ((Propaganda Contest)) DENIZENS OF ATLAS… THE DIPLOMATS WILL NOT REST! Every month, more and more nations, groups, and peoples, both large and small, rally to the banner of Freedom! You little villages, subjugated by the tyrannical oppressors under the guise of protection; Resist! You republics, assimilated now into the ever-expanding stormfront of The N.A.A., your freedom for all replaced with duchies and overlords; Resist! You kingdoms and principalities, allied to a snake, who will strike when the time best suits them, and their might will overwhelm yours; Resist! It is this Noble Endeavor of Resistance that has driven Nations, so various and diverse in scope, to rally under a single banner; Not out of fear and oppression, but of a love to preserve the Freedom of all peoples to choose for themselves what form of governance will best provide them with a fulfilling and secure future… “And So It Shall Be!” May all these things here be enacted by myself, Rodrigo Claudice, Mayor of Ruriksgrad, and with the approval of His majesty Godden Ruric.

* Rodrigo would smile, his heart filled with a most Patriotic fervor, and his mind set about, brainstorming the steps which must now be taken to see Ruriksgrad emerge victorious Not Only from the wars it now faces, but from the underlying problems that have been overlooked for so long. He is fervently confident that with the support of the men and women who have placed him in such a prestigious position, all the issues that are within the scope of his newly granted powers will be addressed and overcome... "And so It begins... "

*Rodrigo laughs " Ah appears to be a misprint! Oh well, Everyone makes mistakes... It's part of being a human. No man is a god, not even a noble...." * he'd jest to his print-makers in his political action committee ( 100% paid for by himself) , giving them a pat on the back and offering them some ale and a pipe...

* a number of posters and signs would be spread amongst the city of Ruriksgrad, each declaring support for the New emerging political party THE TRIUMVIRATE https://gyazo.com/29f9698f1a59cd2ee9e632a9d0060889 *this would be the formal announcement by Rodrigo and Hans “Finding that our disagreements are few, and the need for change great, we are announcing that we will run as mayor-and-steward where I will run some of the operations, and he will run the others…. ( Our votes will not be stacked into one candidate, as whoever wins election will be the mayor and the other the steward...) We have decided this in close discussion with the lord marshal, Caspian Lombardi. Should we succeed, the military levies of Ruriksgrad proper will be under his control, and the defense of the city under his authority, as he has vastly more experience than Hans and Myself. Together, the people have a voice! I urge you all, Vote for change, for prosperity, for the Triumvirate!” ~ Rodrigo * a number of flyers would be plastered along all the residences and businesses of Norland... https://gyazo.com/167eaf3a737aefbe3e5ef3fece5e8c32 https://gyazo.com/6cc90dd23241f1a6ff7fd78babf3b198 https://gyazo.com/f1a208206aa89cb31d5039426e44fd14 https://gyazo.com/900dc78cad6cfcb2e252b522bc82751b https://gyazo.com/829f603c55b504bdbde1c95b674eb4ce https://gyazo.com/4a283688e8b2880b6ef9b73def6bc83b https://gyazo.com/2fe5d076914a7a9376450a02f72e092c https://gyazo.com/aa8af7b8218dc632db91b90aeba256ea?token=67dbe1d98218d8090ed85374c47e19f0

* Rodrigo Would Place his card , his Name signed plainly... NAME: RODRIGO RESIDENCE: main street of Ruriksgrad a HOUSE: divided, cannot stand VOTE: RODRIGO

* a number of parchments would be posted around the capital… with various designs, organized plans, and letters, from the Mayoral Candidate, Rodrigo… https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DNewyn5rfWbwouQOAQ7hFJWzweico65z/view?usp=sharing Friends, fellows, and family… it is No news to anyone that I am no Native Norlander… But since I found my way to this land, the people, you people, have accepted me as one of your own. You have my eternal gratitude, not just for the cordiality, but also the opportunity to prove myself to all of you! It is in this spirit that I wish to, most Humbly, ask for your vote, as the next Mayor of Norland! BUT… how am I to prove myself? Certainly on the field of battle there is no lack of Leadership in Norland… The King Godden, The Marshal Lombardi, and the Commander Adawulf have that covered, certainly. Indeed, from a standpoint of dealing with problems, there are two ways to do so; Being Adventurous, or Being Cautious. Our military is indeed lead adventurously, which I believe is what brings us much success on the battlefield; However, I also believe a cautious, well-planned method should be taken to rectify the problems affected Ruriksgrad. I think I have devised a method to expand our land, not just to competition of business, but also competition of tourism and residence with the other kingdoms of Atlas! BEHOLD… RODRIGO’S PLAN! *a sheet of oddly-marked parchment would show a setup of the island behind Ruriksgrad… https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_uqOTxojM_QzKefa9aqCe-DKEUdnj1zm/view?usp=sharing YOU SEE, MY FELLOW CITIZENS… While a cautious method of planning should always be taken, once the time for action is necessary… THEN ACTION MUST BE SWIFT! The Island behind the keep has been left to its own devices as of right now, and this is, no offense, Foolhardy! The natural defences can certainly be used to our advantage, especially now in time of war… Not to mention the expansion of some of the area to farmland will promote more stockpiled, and traded, goods! So, If elected, I will personally oversee the creation of an adequate defensive wall on the necessary side of the islands, a fort on the rear of the island (of my own personal design) , and defensive machicolations on the cliffside. There will be a public, and private warehouse, for personal security of valuable items of the citizens, and for foreigners visiting (the service will be free for citizens and the crown, whilst tourists will pay a small fee, and businesses will receive a discount..) The merchant sector will be expanded, and incentives to ALL businesses, both foreign and domestic, will be offered. The process to set up shop will be easy…IF taxes must be levied on the selling of the goods, they will NEVER exceed 20 mina a year… & there will be NO TARIFFS. OUR ECONOMY WILL THRIVE, AND WITH IT, OUR KINGDOM! There will be an addition of public farmland, though some will be set aside for the crown… AND we will construct new residences, allowing an opportunity for our population to grow. THESE HOUSES WILL BE CHEAP TO PURCHASE, with NO TAXES, as long as the buyers are active members of the community! There will also be a RIGOROUS PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT CAMPAIGN... WHICH I WILL OVERSEE PERSONALLY, TO GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT THESE DEVELOPMENTS… The observatory/ college, will be constructed should there be the appropriate funds available… This will be an opportunity to attract clerics, mages, scholars, and the top minds of the age to Ruriksgrad, so we might advance forward not only the city, BUT OURSELVES AS A PEOPLE! And lastly, there will be organized a suggestion section (forums) as a place that those in the community can come to to suggest possible legislation for the city, thus GIVING YOU A VOICE! AND NOW, I ASK THAT YOU USE YOUR VOICE, AND YOUR VOTE, TO CHOOSE ME, RODRIGO! WE NEEDO RODRIGO! *the original parchment of the election would be fastened to these papers... https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/171922-second-mayoral-election-of-ruriksgrad/

* Rodrigo sits on a bench in the center of Norland, smoking his pipe, reciting the words of the poem over and over in his mind, contemplating his allegory of Renatus as Billy, and the other halflings as the nations allied to them... "why didn't they stop him? that ragged-tooth Billy; Why didn't they stop him, It Seems Just So Silly..."