LithiumSedai

Decree of Induction into the Issued and Confirmed by His Royal Majesty, the King of Aaun on the 7th of Sigismund's End, 1927 JAMES By the Grace of God King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, and Protector of the Realm, know all men by these presents we send greetings. WHEREAS it has come to Our Royal knowledge, by the steadfast reports of Our leal subjects and wise counsellors that the Most Noble Heinrich Lothar hath demonstrated unswerving devotion, unwavering courage, and liberality of service to Our Crown and the Realm; WHEREAS It is our Sovereign Will and Royal Pleasure to bestow Our favour and recognition upon the Most Noble Heinrich Lothar, and for therewith We extend to him the highest of honours, and We elevate him to the ranks of the Immortal Order of Emperor Henry the Lion; BE IT KNOWN to all Our subjects, far and near, that We, James, by the Grace of God King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Protector of the Realm, do hereby proclaim the induction of the Most Noble Heinrich Lothar into the Immortal Order of Emperor Henry the Lion. Let this stand as a testament to his virtues, that as Heinrich Lothar takes his place amongst the Knights-Immortal, he is entrusted with the defence of the Realm and Our noble ideals. His voice shall be heard in all parts and his counsel sought. We summon him to Us that he may join his fellow Knights-Immortal whereat such a time he shall be brought into the circle by means of a dressing and a grant of arms; a bust made of his likeness to be displayed at Our seat. Let the heralds proclaim it through Our shires, that all may bear witness to the decree of his knighthood. ✿ Given under Our Royal Hand and Seal, this 7th of Sigismund’s End, 1927

"What wonderful cartography," remarked the King of Aaun, ordering a print so he could hang it above his collection of weaponry, memorabilia, and Holography Common plushies.

TO OUR RESTORED REALM, For the very first time I address you as your King, and even in this darkest hour of sorrow and mourning my thoughts and those of the Royal Family reside with the peoples of our Union. To all those good and faithful subjects, be they of noble stock or of common blood, to all who partake in the ties of our unbreakable Union, we send our most affectionate and heartfelt greetings. Throughout his life, His Majesty the King - my father - was a guiding beacon of our national story. A man of destiny, whose promise to drive these Heartlands to a better state than he found it was one well kept. His commitment to restoring the dignity of Man in these Heartlands of ours, through forging our Union under the ancient banner of Horen, Owyn, and Godwin, had always been fostered by the loyalty, generosity, and unshakable resolve of our citizens of every rank and stature. To you all: from Minitz to Florentine; from the snow-capped Arentanian mountains to the deep heart of Velen, I renew that same commitment of service for as long as God shall grant me life. As my own life now changes, so too must the lives of my family, to whom I hold profound care and kindness. My spouse, Edith, becomes Queen. Despite these Heartlands not being the land of her birth, Queen Edith has shown a magnitude of devotion and tenderness to this nation which exceeds those expected of any loyal citizen. My heir, Henry, who has shown such strength and resilience for his youth, and who feels a passionate and unending drive to serve the nation, will be created Lord of Alba. It has been my wholehearted duty and honour to serve as the Lord of Alba - a responsibility I was not raised to expect but one I have learnt to nurture over the course of twenty-six years. I know that as my son and heir, Henry will maintain his solemn promise to the nation. The restoration of our government and institutions, set back by the greatest upheaval many of our generation have known, shall be no easy task. As King Charles did with preeminent devotion, I too solemnly pledge myself to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation. Though our Realm and the world at large are beset by hostile forces in an ever-expanding conflict, I have always believed in the resilience of our Union, and I place my faith in God and His Prophet Horen, our Father, to deliver us victory and, at last, peace. In this stern and solemn time, I convey my admiration to our Royal Forces under arms, who continue to do battle with the unrepentant alongside our gallant, faithful allies of the Canonist League at the invisible border which separates the loyal territories from the occupied Lower Petra. I say to them that their hallowed ancestors - Nauzicans, Knights-Immortal, defenders of the Faith - can rightly be proud of them, for there can be no greater undertaking than the ardent and zealous protection of both their lands and livelihoods and the precepts of our Holy Mother Church. History will not be kind to our enemy in turn, for it never has been to those who stray from civility in selfish, primitive pursuit of power through force. Our adversaries have failed to learn this lesson: the strength of God does not serve the wicked. Our enemies have forgotten the bitter collapse of the Aurelian regime they so revere, though its agents had infamously perpetrated the vicious burning of the Duchy of Adria they lay claim to: such is the inevitable fate of every government built upon a foundation of oppression, lies and fear. A graver sin still is their stubborn adherence to heresy and apostasy - it is the folly of every unrepentant, as it had happened with the Anathema, to declare love for the Church and its teachings yet disobey the High Pontiff and disregard his interdict, to insist that the faithful of the world united against their cause are in the wrong and that solely they have the right. I salute those valiant hearts who stand in opposition to this iniquity, and commend their cause to God, for again, the fate of every schismatic thus far has been none other than defeat. Though the future will be hard, our feet are firmly planted on the path of Victory, and through God’s guidance we shall persevere and achieve lasting peace and perpetual justice, reinforced by the bonds of brotherhood forged by the faithful in this war. Piety will be restored and celebrated across our Union, and our Estates shall prosper with the Crown at the helm. To all and each one of you I declare: Given at Florentine, on the 12th of Owyn’s Flame, 1923 His Royal Majesty, JAMES LEOPOLD, King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of Corazon and Balemena, Count of Enswerp and Florentine, Protector of the Realm

Though in his youth his temper often clashed with his father's, resulting in his self-imposed exile in the South, James did always admire Charles's tenacity and longevity, and even throughout his tenure as the Crown Prince he almost expected to be outlived by him. When the day of the King's demise finally came, James was not ready - overcome with grief, he fell silent and withdrew to mourn in privacy, his duties as the new King delayed if only for a fleeting moment.

"God rest King Alexander, a true Canonist monarch." With this simple statement Prince James signed off his note of condolence, lighting a candle in the Florentine abbey for the man's immortal soul.

"Above all, I wanted a brother - not an admiral, nor, God forbid, a rival," muttered Prince James, steeling his resolve for the upcoming funeral service before withdrawing to mourn his brother on his own terms. Despite their differences, the older man earnestly loved all his siblings, including Emil.

ballin

Prince James personally lit the eternal candle afforded to the Duke-Emeritus by his rank as a Knight-Immortal, mourning the passing of a man who had been one of the few living to deserve such a title, and one who was now worthy of enlisting in the company of its fallen holders in perpetuity. "God rest you, Sir Leon - and thank you for everything you've done for us."

Be it known to all that I, Calliope Renata of the House of Alstreim, in the soundness of mind and with a heavy heart in anticipation of my passing, do by this last will and testament bequeath all my possessions in Almaris, including my collection of letters and manuscripts, and my assets of the value of eight thousand Almarian mina, to my dearest nephew, Ottomar. However, let it be understood that this bequest is subject to certain conditions which must be fulfilled aforehand. After my impending passing, my nephew shall, in person, oversee my funeral adhering to the Alstreim custom in full, and my purified remains shall be clad in my Salvian uniform plate and placed to rest beside my elder brother, Heinrich. Furthermore, my heart shall be preserved separately and brought to Fausten, where it shall be interred within the Residence of the Blood. Finally, my poetic works and manuscripts shall not be published until five years after my passing, and thereafter, the publication rights shall be entrusted to the proprietorship of Alstreim Ventures. I also bequeath my sole remaining Salvian possession, my share in the Royal Foundation, which is valued at two hundred and three-and-thirty Salvian florins in coin and banknotes, to the Salvian Syndicate. From this sum, a debt of fifteen florins owed to the Royal Salvian Regiment for the permanent requisition of my uniform plate shall firstly be subtracted and repaid. The remaining funds shall be directed to the Apostolic Church of Salvus, with the solemn request that they be directed for the purposes of maintenance and charity to the Convent of Our Lady of the Citadel and the Basilica of the Intercession of Saint Ottomar. Lastly, I appoint my aforementioned dear nephew, Ottomar, to be the executor of my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 9th day of Sun’s Smile, in the year 1913, at Corwinsburg.

Prince James welcomed the restoration of Guise to her motherland with a strategic shipment of Alstion flags to be distributed to Cathalon's denizens, for his and his father's parade.

What was your journey from Famous Snow Elf to Human Queen (Soon™) like? Who is the most memorable character you can think of, played by someone else? What are your honest thoughts on James's mustache?

"It is truly good to see our cousins restored to their rightful domain," said Prince James to the herald who delivered the publication to him, asking for a response to be quoted. "In three things we agree: adoration of Saint Alexander, our shared progenitor; exaltation of Emperor Alexander's martyrdom at the hands of usurpers; respect of Emperor Henry, Prince of Alstion and friend to Sedan."

If you could be the NL of any LotC nation, past or present, which would it be and why? How would you envision your rule? What is your favorite Bulgarian song?

"They know men of Aaun were present in the Cardinal's retinue among the dozens of Inquisitors and Paladins, but they don't know which of their men killed a priest," hummed Prince James. "And the Cardinal plotted to assassinate the Sedanite, but they also captured him, held him for hours, and released him when Haense asked them to." He glanced to his set of black plate, in need of a fourth polishing after the last three times thinly-veiled excuses were used to justify an invasion. An attempted schism was rather novel, though. "...What priest will crown them Emperors of Wig Oren if they slaughter them all, then?" The game plan confused him.

King Corwin of Sutica leads the Black Band of Alstreim and the Cerulean Watch at the Battle of the Whispering Woods, 1778 ((Swiss Charge at Marignano, Albert Robida)) [!] A published poem from one Calliope Renata is delivered to the Royal Salvian Academy of Saint Ottomar via the Salvian Fleet, and to the domains of various Electors of the Waldenic Diet. Whisperwood (Free Man’s Land) From rain-soaked trenches you emerge once more Your redcoats stained with mud and tailed helms caved; A battered band of wretched men betrayed To waste their lives in fruitless, unjust war. Swords held low, you advance to cannons' roar; Around you lay your fallen who had braved With life and limb the gainless breach he bade: His Grace, the Emperor of wigged decor. And soon you shamble, bloodied, past the trees Whose ancient branches whisper with disdain: "May grievous, everlasting curse then seize The oathbreakers who sought usurpers' reign. Orenian slaves! Flee, chased by death's cold breeze, For Sutica shall free man's land remain!"

"I would not spare a single florin for all the greatest outlander minds; I could not afford a single Salvian intellectual with all the florins in the Citadel," Sir Daris Verethi cited the works of Blessed Laura to his crewmates upon reading the transcript of Fr. Leopold's lecture.

"Well," murmured Prince James as he observed his children and their likeness to him, cracking a nervous smile to deal with a multitude of tender feelings swarming his mind, "I think I did a great job." He tapped his foot, lit a smuggled Salvian cigar as he had promised he would (despite abandoning the vice), and resolved to join Edith in her rest afterwards.

The duel between RSS Avern and RSS Victory of Ceru during an Ottomas naval exercise, 1854 ((Toulon Blockade, Geoff Hunt)) [!] Eight copies of an overseas invitation are delivered to the Lord Vandalore from the Salvian Syndicate. @Ramon ((Please do not metagame and RP the contents of this letter unless they are shared by the recipients.)) IN THE NAME OF HIS APOSTOLIC MAJESTY OTTOMAR SAINT AND MARTYR BY THE GRACE OF GOD, PERPETUAL KING IN ATHERAN SALVUS, PRINCE OF LAGOS, PROTECTOR OF FAUSTEN AND THE CITADEL, MASTER OF THE SALVIAN MARITIME, VANQUISHER OF SCYFLINGS AND UIALBENITES etc. Bearing in mind the cordial relations established between the Salvian Syndicate of Fausten and the outlander Waldenic Diet through the Reinmar Accords, and the kinship of the Incorruptible Crown with the Blood residing in the Outlands, At the behest of His Excellency the Syndic-and-Regent, Master Virvyn Verethi, the Salvian Syndicate of Fausten hereby extends to the Waldenic Diet and its closest associates an invitation to attend THE SAINT’S YEAR CELEBRATION OF SAINT OTTOMAR’S DAY - OTTOMAS - ON THE 7TH DAY OF THE ASTRONOMICAL (SAINT’S) YEAR, AT FAUSTEN - TOBIAS’S BOUNTY, 1906 - Possession of this invitation along with the identity papers required by the Lex Salvia and the Reinmar Accords shall be deemed valid grounds for entry. All invitees are hereby reminded to arrange their own provisions for the trip to Fausten. Contraband and foreign currency, including Almarian Mina, are liable to confiscation upon arrival. SCHEDULE PILGRIMAGE TO THE BIRTHPLACE OF SAINT OTTOMAR Ottomas Eve, 6th Day of the Astronomical (Saint’s) Year - 2nd of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1906 Following their arrival, security check and recuperation, envoys of the Waldenic Diet will be granted an exclusive opportunity to visit and tour the Residence of the Blood in Altstadt, the birthplace of His Apostolic Majesty, which will generously be made available for the occasion by the Royal Foundation and the House of Alstreim. TOUR AND BANQUET AT THE ROYAL SALVIAN ACADEMY OF SAINT OTTOMAR Ottomas Eve, 6th Day of the Astronomical (Saint’s) Year - 11th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1906 Envoys of the Waldenic Diet shall be offered a tour of Fausten’s Royal Academy and its academic facilities, including the Fausten Orrery. Following the tour, a banquet hosted by the honorary President of the Academy, Syndic-and-Regent Virvyn Verethi, will take place in the Academy’s reception hall among the finest minds of the Syndicate. MIDNIGHT VIGIL IN THE CATHEDRAL OF BLESSED LAURA OF THE CITADEL Ottomas Eve, 6th Day of the Astronomical (Saint’s) Year - 24th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1906 Envoys of the Waldenic Diet will be directed to attend the evening service at the Cathedral of Blessed Laura in Neustadt, the second largest church in the Syndicate. In preparation of the following day’s procession, entry to the Basilica of Saint Ottomar will be restricted. SERVICE IN THE BASILICA OF THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT OTTOMAR Ottomas, 7th Day of the Astronomical (Saint’s) Year - 1st of Tobias’s Bounty, 1906 Following the ceremonial unsealing of the doors, the traditional Ottomas liturgy will be held in the Basilica of Saint Ottomar by the Pontiff of the Salvian Church. Envoys of the Waldenic Diet shall be invited to venerate His Apostolic Majesty’s relics before they are readied for the procession. MILITARY PARADE AND CEREMONIAL PROCESSION OF THE ROYAL SALVIAN REGIMENT - HIS APOSTOLIC MAJESTY’S ARRIVAL AT THE SYNDICATE ASSEMBLY Ottomas, 7th Day of the Astronomical (Saint’s) Year - 1st of Tobias’s Bounty, 1906 A procession of the most decorated units of the Royal Salvian Regiment, headed by His Apostolic Majesty and his Immortal Guard, will depart the Basilica and escort the Incorruptible King’s relics to the Syndicate Assembly. At Corwin’s Gate, ten thousand stone axes captured from pacified Scyfling pagans will be presented to the King. CEREMONIAL CONFIRMATION OF THE SYNDIC-AND-REGENT - SYNDIC’S OATH AND SPEECH Ottomas, 7th Day of the Astronomical (Saint’s) Year - 1st of Tobias’s Bounty, 1906 The Syndicate Assembly of Salvian Guilds, with the Syndic-and-Regent at its helm, shall be sworn in and renew their oaths of fealty to His Apostolic Majesty at the steps of the Assembly Hall. Envoys of the Waldenic Diet shall be granted honorary seats among the guild masters for the duration of His Excellency’s annual speech. Relics of the Incorruptible King shall then be returned to the Basilica. OBSERVATION OF THE ROYAL SALVIAN NAVY’S EXERCISE AT THE SALVIAN CITADEL Ottomas, 7th Day of the Astronomical (Saint’s) Year - 6th of Tobias’s Bounty, 1906 Envoys of the Waldenic Diet shall be granted the opportunity to observe the traditional Ottomas naval exercise, conducted by the Royal Salvian Navy and the Whalers’ Guild, from atop the ramparts of the Salvian Citadel. Following the customary cannon salvo, the exercise will commence, during which a squadron of Whaler paddle steamers will attempt to simulate the capture of the RSS Corvinus Rex, the Royal Navy’s flagship. MECHANICAL JOUSTING TOURNAMENT AND FEAST AT LILITH’S LANDING Ottomas, 7th Day of the Astronomical (Saint’s) Year - 9th of Tobias’s Bounty, 1906 A jousting tournament upon mechanical Dwarven mounts will take place at Lilith’s Landing. Envoys of the Waldenic Diet shall be given the opportunity to partake. Following the joust, a lavish feast shall be hosted by the guilds of Neustadt. GOD SAVE OUR ETERNAL AND INCORRUPTIBLE KING!

"By God, I keep to my word - and he'll part with both his daughter and his weapon next Saint's Eve," resolutely declared Prince James to his friend and Lord Vanhart's nephew, the Vandalore, weighing his rapier in his hand in preparation. He knew better than to underestimate a Waldenian, but remained ever confident in his skill with the blade. @Ramon

I didn't :*) (I completed a sizeable skin commission in exchange for it is the story)

A Reinmaren colony of Waldenian Walruses in Haense, 1901 ((Walrus, Friedrich Wilhelm Kuhnert)) [!] A published poem from one Calliope Renata is delivered to the Royal Salvian Academy of Saint Ottomar via the Salvian Fleet, and to the domains of various Electors of the Waldenic Diet. The Walrus The early sun broke through the mist at daybreak And washed the shore in bright sunlight. The Walrus lay still –a monolith unmoved; And reveled in his morning meal. Drops of seawater dripped from his royal tusks And he stood as the mist receded. His flippers and vast folds of wrinkled skin Shielded him from the northern breeze. A Waldenian maiden from the town of Ayr Strolled to the shore to visit him. She brought offerings and hummed prayers to the Saints And sought wisdom from the Walrus. She asked: “You are fierce in combat when attacked; Otherwise, peaceful and calm in all things. Has the heart of a Walrus such compassion To forgive an uncaring world?” The Walrus then raised his snout and said nothing. It was known that he could not speak. All the wisdom of a Waldenian Walrus Resonated in his answer.

We're rebranding as Curon

For one, I think OOC is a lot more entrenched than it used to be back in the day. Though there had been notorious cliques around the time I joined and even before my time, now it feels as if entire communities reside in their own bubbles, largely thanks to the rise of Discord. Not everything about its advent has been a bad thing, however: it's been a valuable tool for keeping newcomers engaged in communities and fostering cooperation on matters such as lore posts. I think there's also a sense of lost wonder: many of the unique magics and player creatures dating from the time I joined have since been removed, and general fantasy RP, especially the human-friendly parts of it, has become less common as a result. As a trade-off, the quality of builds, skins, and player lore has improved greatly, and it's much more common for even startup groups to gain access to quality resources of that sort. - It's far from a boring question; in fact, I've had to give it a lot of thought before responding and even now I feel my response would be inadequate. It's a pervasive issue that I admit is hard to remedy. I'd start with a staff effort (aided by non-staff volunteers) to make the shared, cooperative story of LotC more cohesive through promoting knowledge of shared history and joint player efforts. I think the various communities that make up LotC would be far more inclined to cooperate if 1) their stories were promoted; and 2) they felt their RP made a positive difference among other groups, and other groups' RP impacted their story in turn.