Werew0lf

Issued and averred by the office of the IMPERIAL CROWN ✠ HEED, LEAL SONS OF HOREN; Ulfar, You sent forth a delegate in hopes of writing up surrender terms. As per our discussion, you admitted to numerous faults – you agreed, of your own volition, that you should have sought recompense in relation to the murders of my Grand Knight. You also agreed that calling for my abdication was from the ill-advisement of your council, something you mournfully regret. I offered you peace: to give me your lands, to keep your capital, to be reduced simply to the Kingdom of Urguan for there is nothing ‘grand’ about you, and then, finally, to vassalise with little to no imperial involvement. Your diplomat stated that this was not agreeable, and that all they would be willing to concede to is: a military alliance, to let me keep the lands I claimed, to apologise for your error, and to rebuke the urukim. When I told your dwarf to leave my office, he seemed in shock – how could I not accept such a generous surrender? You must be foolish. I am often called the Mad Emperor, but I would never send my men and women to charge into the frontline in something that is near-suicidal. You decided to send your dwarves and your orcs to their deaths, knowing they would not succeed. You did not even slow our advance, we cut their throats as we ventured past onto our next location. From this point on, surrender is forfeit. You should go with the plans you were discussing in your Iron Assembly. Blow up your mountain and kill yourselves. I will just claim the land on top. AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Hadrian I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Emperor of Man, Holy Imperator, King of Seventis, Salvus, Renatus & Oren, Duke of Middelan, Helena, Lorraine, Sunholdt and Reutov, Baron of Pestilles, Protector of Grense, Protector of the Heartlanders, Patriarch of House Horen & the Tiberian Dynasty, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith. BVRGVNDIA IMPERIVM HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Zôrzagar Argelion Anorion Harren Arthalion, High King of Idunia, Prince of Númendil, Chief of the Númenedain and the Tribe of Harren, Defender of the Númenaranyë, Sovereign of Númenost and Alduun, Knight of the Realm, Slayer of the Gilded Queen, Master of the Sharadûn, Protector of the Adunians Warclaim Type: Annexation Tile Goal: alpine_southeast_2 Aggressor: The Empire of Man & Allies Defenders: The Grand Kingdom of Urguan & Allies Warpath: All other nation-vassals, provinces and allies will comment on their war-paths below.

Music ✦ • ───────────────────────────── • ✠ • ───────────────────────────── • ✦ ✦ • ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── • ✦ ʜᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ’ꜱ ᴍɪɴᴅ ᴅɪᴅ ɴᴏᴛ ꜱᴇᴇᴍ ᴛᴏ ꜰᴜɴᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴍᴏꜱᴛ ᴍᴇɴ – this had become apparent in the more recent years as Emperor, but there was something odd about him, even to the imperial family. Whereas his father stood as a warlord, and Hadrian’s brothers often mirrored the strength of the last Emperor, it was not the same for Hadrian. The man did not hold the same martial strength, nor the brutal cunning of a warlord – in truth, despite most dispositions, he did not enjoy painting his own hand in blood. Yet, he often saw death as an artistic poise; in his mind, the strongest warlord was one who did not need to lift the blade himself. As his family grew up to become warriors and fighters, Hadrian drifted into an administrative role; he came to enjoy poetry, art, and also, the offices of the imperial state. There was something about the legislature of the Empire that enraptured him, and he spent his days lounging within his bedside reading and drafting proposals for his father. Blood was shed in the years of Tiberias’s reign, and soon enough, he came to enjoy watching it spill out from those who became useless adherents to humanity’s rise. There came a time when Hadrian would be forced to marry–this in itself was a dire event to the depository of humanity for two simple reasons: the imperial lineage would continue, but at the same time, who would have the courage to marry the future ‘mad’ Emperor? Elizabeth of Balamena would be the unfortunate soul claimed as a victim to this man, and she bore him five children. Rumours spread intermittently that Hadrian was a heartless tyrant, and that he would not come to love his own family. Despite some lingering truth to these scandals, as his marriage was loveless, Hadrian cherished his children and loved them verily, but he could not display it the same as most men, for he was unlike any man. Each of his children inherited something from him – an heirloom. Marcus had yet to inherit his, for he would bear the mace. Titus would go on to inherit Cloudbreaker. To Pontia, he would give only a ring once worn by his mother. To Livia, he offered the same feathered-quill he would use often in his youth. And to Martinus, he would give him a small signet ring of a bull, the only of its kind, the design so vast and complicated that it was unique beyond doubt unless one had studied it. Never before would it be seen, yet only in the hand of Martinus. At the time, Martinus was only but a child, and so wore the signet ring as a necklace. ᴍᴀʀᴄᴜꜱ, the eldest of his children, came to burden the great inheritance of the world. Hadrian knew that his first-born would have to follow the steps of his own father, and walk the martial path to ensure the Emperor would always be a strong ruler. Marcus spent most of his youth learning the administrative roles and duties of the Imperator from Hadrian, and then another bulk training the sword from the best knights in the realm. Hadrian only held guilt for having to pass on such a burdensome role onto his son, for he himself did not wish to inherit the Empire in the first place, but understood its importance. ᴛɪᴛᴜꜱ, the second son, was given much more freedom. Hadrian envied his children for their freedom, barring that of Marcus. The young Crown Prince longed for his son, Titus, to take on a similar interest as himself – arts, poetry, theatre and administration. Unfortunately, ***us lacked the equipoise in admin-and-sword, and seemed much more suited to the blade. Hadrian spent most of his years tending to his second son; it was spoken frequently within the courts that Titus was his most favoured son, albeit, it was hardly shown in his cruel actions. Hadrian did see Titus as his most favored, and attempted to prevent him from walking down the knight’s path in the years to follow. ᴘᴏɴᴛɪᴀ, his daughter, was sheltered by the gown of her mother. Hadrian saw Pontia to be a perfect vision of his wife, and knew she did not require much guidance to grow up to be kind and loved. It was then that the twins came into discussion, that of ʟɪᴠɪᴀ and ᴍᴀʀᴛɪɴᴜꜱ. ʟɪᴠɪᴀ seemed to mirror Hadrian almost perfectly, and some would go far as to say she was even more flawless. She was lithe-of-frame, soft handed, but sharp-tongued and brilliant minded. The Crown Prince saw her the same as a genius, she held a dangerous curvature in the early imperial courts even at her young age, and there was something ruthless about her. Martinus, however? Livia overshadowed him. Hadrian spent his time with Livia the most, and held little interaction with the other twin. Yes, it was so–whereas Titus may have been his favorite son, Livia would be his favored child. Yet Hadrian feared himself, and as sickness overtook him, and the stress of the Imperator undercut his body, madness started to seep through – he did not wish for his daughter to be like him, he wanted to encapsulate her kindness. In the near future, her banishment would come to surprise many. They did not know, however, that in his mind, Hadrian still saw Livia as his most loved child. Where was ᴍᴀʀᴛɪɴᴜꜱ during this time? He spent most of his years with his brothers and younger sister, alongside that of Livia and their mother – but each time, Hadrian would pick up Livia into a warm embrace and carry her off, hoping to spend time with her. She held Hadrian’s favor, and with the waning passage of time, Martinus found himself isolated; his attention turned to his brothers, yet Martinus was too young to understand, nor old enough to remember what it meant to be lonely. ʜᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ ᴘʀᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜰᴀᴠᴏᴜʀɪᴛᴇꜱ ᴇxɪꜱᴛᴇᴅ. ✦ • ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── • ✦ ✦ • ───────────────────────────── • ✠ • ───────────────────────────── • ✦ ᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴀʀʀɪᴀɢᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴜᴛ ᴀᴄʀᴏꜱꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʀᴏᴏᴋᴇᴅ ʙʀɪᴅɢᴇ, the Crown Prince Hadrian sat within the confines of a plush pillow, holding a bejewelled anthology of poems gifted to him by his late mother. The stallions woughed in frustration as they tugged the cart forth. A splintering crevice of water gushed through the worn-stumps of the bridge, as the fast-flowing river gushed deep below. The banner of the House of Horen swayed within the air, and a retinue of imperial dragon knights rode on each corner to ensure the protection of the Emperor-to-be. Within the carriage sat two of his children, Livia, and that of Martinus. Livia peered around innocently in her youth, as her head lay upon the lap of the crown prince. “Hm” Hadrian flipped the page of his book; he did not prevent his daughter’s rest upon his lap, but showed little affection otherwise. Martinus peaked out from the carriage, peering down cautiously at the river. The fishes blubbered and leapt outwards. As much the same as his twin-sister, he could not understand the purpose of the trip; after all, he was only two, and could barely see past the rim of the carriage. The young princess leapt up from her father’s lap and waddled out to the corner of the carriage, viewing past the shoulder of Martinus. Martinus turned his head mindlessly, and the two started to giggle away. The wheels of the carriage struck one of the divots within the bridge, causing all those within to jolt. Hadrian included, and his features twisted with venom, clearly frustrated despite it being the fault of nobody. A knight trot forth, and offered hasteful words. “It would be best for us to move with haste, Your Imperial Highness. This bridge was an unwise path,” he spoke through the visor. “If the bridge collapses, the coachman will be executed,” Hadrian concluded simply, and held on firmly to the side of the wood. As the carriage jolted alive, Livia fell backwards, and her head nearly slipped upon the wooden-surface. Hadrian’s hand swept downright, and he yanked both of his children up onto his lap, ensuring they did not fall – even a small injury could lead to an early death for such young children. Martinus simply saw the bumpy trip of the carriage to be another game in his mind, if he could even rationalise thought. He simply laughed, and knew little else. Hadrian ’s eyes drifted between the pair, but his annoyance overcame any sort of joy he held for the moment. Soon enough, the carriage reeled to the end of the bridge, however, even the Crown Prince could tell something was off. The bridge shook violently, it quaked for far too long. Horses neighed furiously, and the imperial dragon knights continued forth towards the carriage. “Your Imperial Highness, the bridge is likely to collapse. Climb onto our horse,” Sir Sirius’s gauntlet held outwards. “. . .” Hadrian swung the side-door of the carriage open, and accepted the gauntleted hand, clambering onto the grand-knight’s steed. As the horse bellowed furiously, the bridge started to shudder; all could tell it would collapse. “Your Imperial Highness, it is about to break!” The imperial dragon knight roared–the other retinue surged forth, rushing to the end, and the heavy carriage continued to pull. The Crown Prince leant forth, and immediately grasped somebody from the carriage … – for between his two children, be it Livia, or Martinus, he chose to rescue Livia first. With a small yank, the princess was pulled forth, and settled hastily between the knight and Hadrian on horse-back. Her innocent eyes drifted towards the carriage, and her eyes started to break into a waterfall of tears. Martinus waddled forth, in an attempt to go towards his father and sister. He could not understand the perplexity of the situation. “Your Highness, we have to go,” The imperial dragon knight snapped the reins of the horse, and it surged forth. Martinus watched as the horse rushed away from the carriage, and decided to simply sit back down upon the wooden carriage, slapping the surface of the floor. The young prince cried; not out of fear of the bridge, but for being left alone without his father and his sister. Hadrian’s eyes broadened violently as he watched the dragon-knight force the horse onwards. There was an audible protest, “My son is still in the carri–” BOOM–the supports of the bridge tore violently, and as the horse drifted across the dirt-bank at the end, the wooden stabs of the bridge started to collapse. Plank after plank, from north to south, it broke; with it, the carriage fell, and the river gulfed it akin to a gaping maw. Martinus was claimed by the same rivers, drifting away to the unknown. Hadrian violently yanked his daughter closer, and collapsed his arms around her in a warm embrace. The Crown Prince stood in silence; if his eyes were ever teeming with life, they started to fade. There was something about this that was uncanny. ᴡᴀꜱ ʜᴇ ʙᴇɪɴɢ ᴘᴜɴɪꜱʜᴇᴅ ʙʏ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴏʀᴅ ɢᴏᴅ? This pivotal moment marked the early offset of his madness. ✦ • ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── • ✦ ᴀɴ ᴇᴠᴇɴᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴜʀꜱᴇ ᴏꜰ ʜᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ’ꜱ ʟɪꜰᴇ; it was spoken that the Crown Prince grew mad, and sent his knights to search each end of the river-bank, but they could find nothing. The carriage was located far out into the shores of Balian’s riverside, close to reaching the open ocean. Martinus was not located; there were no clothes, nor the signet ring that his son had claimed. Martinus was never spoken about again. Hadrian did not forget, he could not – he had chosen his beloved daughter over his other son, and this tore him to greater madness. He started to rationalise the causes of this great upset. He convinced himself that the choice he made in picking Livia was right, for she was his favored child, and that he could – in truth – bear another son akin to Martinus, but not another daughter the same as Livia. He knew his train of thought was wrong, it was cruel, but there was no other way that the mad Emperor could live with this.Even as he toiled upon his throne, bored by the whispers of his court, Hadrian recalled the moment vividly. Even as his blade spurned through the throats of elves, Hadrian remembered his son drifting away into the endless abyss. Even as he climbed the battlements of the Urguani fortress, Hadrian’s eyes bloodied with the river of his son’s demise. ✦ • ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── • ✦ ✦ • ───────────────────────────── • ✠ • ───────────────────────────── • ✦ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴀʀ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴀ ꜰɪɴᴀʟ, ᴏᴠᴇʀᴡʜᴇʟᴍɪɴɢ ᴀᴄᴛ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪꜰᴇ ᴏꜰ ʜᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ ɪ. By this maddened march he could truly claim the might of his Empire, and through the blood of many could the sins and lamentations of his life be washed away, so that he could enter his personal hell to come with a semblance of completeness. Amidst that march, amidst that frenzy of strategy and conquest, that pain which had gripped him could at times dampen, replaced by the glory of each act. Living proof of greatness it was that the world bent to its knees even for himself, just as it had for those that came before. He did not escape grief, but it was a moment of triumph where that was upended. Onward Hadrian marched, victorious within those dwarven lands, whence a flash of an unthinkable face among the endless hordes of those Men about caught the corner of his eye. His head swiveled. A mere peasant on the road - not even a soldier of his host. Soon he vanished into the crowd. … ʜᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ ꜱᴄʀᴇᴀᴍᴇᴅ ᴡᴏʀᴅꜱ ᴏᴜᴛ, ᴜɴᴄᴀʀɪɴɢ ᴡʜᴇᴛʜᴇʀ ᴡʜɪᴄʜ ʜᴀᴅ ᴄʀᴏꜱꜱᴇᴅ ʜɪꜱ ᴇʏᴇꜱ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴄᴏɪɴᴄɪᴅᴇɴᴄᴇ, ᴅᴇʟᴜꜱɪᴏɴ, ᴏʀ ᴀɴ ᴜɴᴛʜɪɴᴋᴀʙʟᴇ ʀᴇᴀʟɪᴛʏ. “My son! My son is alive! Find him, or blood will spill!” Knights enwreathed in black soon abandoned their posts, and dragons stalked that endless crowd that is called Man. Martinus was not found, and even the trusted of Hadrian began to further doubt his sanity. But, for Hadrian that search could not cease, so convinced of the thing he had held before his eyes. Thus a prerogative was added to the fleeting race in its quest to subjugate the world. That lost son of Horen must be found at all costs. This was the one mistake Hadrian must see right. ᴏᴏᴄ:

u rlly know how to get me excited. dms, let’s have some fun.

People got their hopes up. I hope you have a good Ramadan.

The Emperor stood before his wife, raising two pairs of gloves; one white pair, and one black pair. "Which one should I wear?" He questioned. @brujera

“. . .” The Emperor read the parchment, and slid it to the side of the table. He withdrew another letter, and continued to idle on his work.

Issued and averred by the office of the IMPERIAL CROWN ✠ HEED, LEAL SONS OF HOREN; It is not for me to deign that your fortress did not hold sturdy – Ulfar, you have worked meticulously, and planned well. If it weren’t for the poor state of your nation, you may have prevailed in this war of attrition against your fortress. Yet, still, as time pervaded, your siege weapons started to break, and the holes of your horrendous machinations started to crack. Tumbling rocks collapsed from your palisades, the old, worn figures of dwarven warriors fell upon their own sharp spikes, and our imperial forces marched through, ladders hurling against your anti-defences. Know it well, Ulfar, that as your forces flee, we continue to chase. This fort is now ours, including the structure you have left for us valiantly. We shall continue to push forth and give chase until we reach your capital. You may surrender and join the Empire as one of my vassals, or we shan’t relent. See you on the field. Until then. We march. AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Hadrian I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Emperor of Man, Holy Imperator, King of Seventis, Salvus, Renatus & Oren, Duke of Middelan, Helena, Lorraine, Sunholdt and Reutov, Baron of Pestilles, Protector of Grense, Protector of the Heartlanders, Patriarch of House Horen & the Tiberian Dynasty, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith. BVRGVNDIA IMPERIVM HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Zôrzagar Argelion Anorion Harren Arthalion, High King of Idunia, Prince of Númendil, Chief of the Númenedain and the Tribe of Harren, Defender of the Númenaranyë, Sovereign of Númenost and Alduun, Knight of the Realm, Slayer of the Gilded Queen, Master of the Sharadûn, Protector of the Adunians Warclaim Type: Annexation Tile Goal: gold_leaf_2 Aggressor: The Empire of Man & Allies Defenders: The Grand Kingdom of Urguan & Allies Warpath: All other nation-vassals, provinces and allies will comment on their war-paths below.

@Based1Salmon Issued and averred by the office of the IMPERIAL CROWN ✠ TO THE BELETHIAN FEDERATION; The words of your surrender have spurned deep into the chambers of my imperial courtiers, it has spread akin to crashing waves – when I received the letter, it seemed almost foolish. I did not think that Peter would offer his surrender; I have decided to waste my time in returning a response. It lies below. As the master of Man, I must acknowledge that all men should rise and fall within the confines of the Empire, including yourselves. Although you have lowered yourself to the same prospects of the urukim, I still offer you this simple term. If you shall agree, respond swiftly, or no further option will be left outside of an eternal hunt for each house and name listed within your charter. You should know that I have already compiled said list of houses within your renege institution, so do not take this threat as a falsity. Comply to the following: ☩ The Belethian Federation will be dissolved and will never rise again. A publication will state their full surrender to the Empire of Man and acknowledge their crimes against humanity. This publication must be written by the backstabber known formally as Peter Rovare. This publication must be made for all to see. ☩ All houses of the Belethian Federation will submit a public apology to humanity for their crimes. They must acknowledge the dissolution of any title or nobility and return to the Empire as common-men. Any houses attempting to defect to the High Kingdom of Idunia to escape consequence, after warning caution to them, will be executed. The Patriarch or Matriarch of said houses must submit this apology. ☩ Peter ‘the Backstabber’ Rovare will submit himself to the Imperial Crownlands for execution. He is not to be killed until apprehended and publicly made an example of by the Imperial Order of the Red Dragon. Any who attempt to safeguard Peter Rovare will be executed alongside him. ☩ You will be provided no land, so do not barter this. You will be provided no title, so do not barter this either. I will not make any promises on the old lands you held. You will simply submit. Your safety is not ensured. If any of the Belethians decide to use any titles after this accord, their whole family will be executed. All above conditions must be adhered to before. If this is not complete, the above terms of ‘manhunt’ will apply until the end of this continent and the next. If the conditions above are met, you will not be hunted down and will be granted the right to live and breathe the air in this continent. You have six months to submit to this publication – as agreed upon with my heir, there will be no ‘waiting it out’. Respond swiftly, or face the inevitable. The cycle repeats; you were offered kindness and strength by my father, Peter, and you abused this. You grew the strength of your vassal and fled immediately to the orcs. When you realised that you could not face us, and that the Horde would inevitably lose, you decided to betray them also. Your life is not worth living. However, should you decide to end your own life, I will make your tribe suffer the consequences that you could not be courageous enough to face. After the execution of Peter 'the Backstabber' Rovare, I will consider allowing the rest of you to live. You either gain a higher chance of survival, or you simply do nothing, and I return to slaughtering your people as intended. AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Hadrian I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Emperor of Man, Holy Imperator, King of Seventis, Salvus, Renatus & Oren, Duke of Middelan, Helena, Lorraine, Sunholdt and Reutov, Baron of Pestilles, Protector of Grense, Protector of the Heartlanders, Patriarch of House Horen & the Tiberian Dynasty, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith. BVRGVNDIA IMPERIVM

Understood. Communications received. Standby for deployment.

The Emperor stared at his beloved knights as the head of a certain elf priest was brought into his chambers. "Good job!"

**** Tav.

Wait... I was there? No way, I didn't... realise. I am sorry, fooldude. Please forgive me for being there. I should've done my ST verdict whilst sitting in cloud temple instead.

You are a little bit of a crashout, man. I am not being defensive, you raised a point and I responded. Why are you getting so defensive young individual? I wrote the druid lore, the treelord lore is still the same. I have to reference the lore being used, which in this situation is treelord. I am unsure how this is a minute point. The people who raided have little connection to me barring Lenny. I will let you know now that I would kill Lenny in a heartbeat because he trolls all my games. (only joking). As per your own words, there were no ST online. I chose to be the ST who was online. You've stated you do not think I had anything against Taters, so I do not see how me making a verdict would be an issue. DragonofTaters is a known player on this server and is connected to many ST. I cannot not do anything. When the issue was brought to me, I told everyone from the raiding party to stop DMing me because I did not want to be influenced by bias. I specifically even told them if they kept badgering me, I would rule against them for trying to make me change my opinion. I consulted the lore and then consulted moderation and came to the verdict I did. That is all. If you do not want people to respond to your points, do not mention me in your point good fellow roleplayer! I am going to respond if you put my username down and elude to it differently!

I will only address this part of the issue as it concerns me. I was not present for the original roleplay. I was in a voice-chat playing Hunt Showdown and then logged on. I am usually not one to make decisions on lore (though I can), but when there were no other ST online who were: not apart of the roleplay, did not know the druid lore, nor had the balls to make a decision they believed to be something that required manager-level, I opted to liaise with moderation. I read the druid lore. I spoke to DragonofTaters in DMs -- we came to the conclusion that the tree-lord lore is bad. We decided to reference the only emote-counts we had which was the same as the necromancy sapping, which was [4] emotes. I told DragonofTaters I have little care for the roleplay, but I feel as though she was having the tree die from malflame to avoid the unattunement because it was a one-emote gap. She stated she understands this perspective and agrees, and understands how it can look like she is trying to avoid consequences. I told her that if the lore stated clearly that the tree would burn to malflame in [3] emotes, I would have backed this verdict and told RaiderBlue and others to shove off. This was not the verdict. I understand you are upset, but being accusatory is not the way to go. I have no reason or cause to purposely screw over DragonofTaters, we do not know each other barring the fact she comes to my events. You should take a little chill pill, okay? Good communications.

"Everyone saw him commit suicide; I would have enjoyed boasting about being Bernard's murderer, though," Hadrian drawled.

In the courtroom, both the Emperor and the Bishop confer in their words; a statement is made, though it remains private to only both Hadrian and the priest. Unfortunately, none would hear of the threat made, unless spoken to by the Bishop himself. A letter is sent to only knights of the Imperial Order of the Red Dragon. Fortunately, it would never find the public eye. A letter is also sent to the High King of Idunia to inform him of this decision: @Coronate@M1919 @Lenny @woke @KBR @Luto @helldiving @ferdaboy Issued and averred by the office of the THE CROWN ✠ TO MY LEAL KNIGHTS; As was our prior conversation with those of Idunia, it was decided that Father Valentin must become the Pontiff. Let it be known, then, that during the course of the election, should any priest vote against Father Valentin, you shall standby for immediate orders with the sway of my gauntlet. Argelion, I am letting you know beforehand because the same slugs that did nothing are attempting to gain power once again the moment I have rooted out the problem. I am only allowing a ‘conclave’ to ensure Valentin’s legitimacy, for both the sake of my son, and for the sake of the Empire. So long as the faith remains assured, I will be happy to leave the Church to their own machinations. I rebuke Sigismund, but I cannot rebuke my people. AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Hadrian I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Emperor of Man, Holy Imperator, King of Seventis, Salvus, Renatus & Oren, Duke of Middelan, Helena, Lorraine, Sunholdt and Reutov, Baron of Pestilles, Protector of Grense, Protector of the Heartlanders, Patriarch of House Horen & the Tiberian Dynasty, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith. BVRGVNDIA IMPERIVM

Hadrian read the missive silently, and then commented. “Should I just kill all the priests instead?” The Emperor deeply pondered this, and then raised a hand. “I have little care for what these random pop-up priests have to say. I have selected the Pontiff, and they will live with it.”

To my citizens of the Empire, Madness; it is a complex junction of instability that sometimes hearths within the minds of men. Often spoken as an illness, yet sometimes, it comes verily with age. Am I to say that I am beyond such illness? I cannot be, for I am a Man much the same as anybody else. Yet madness can act in a more brilliant fashion, the finite tool of a mad-man can be wondrous, but at the same time, very dangerous. To some, it could bring the downfall and death of those they love, yet to others, it could be liberating. However, I came to realise something: two mad-men cannot be in the same room as each other. I, for sure, am mad. Bernard? He, too, is mad. Do men kill themselves when they fear their wrongdoings? Let us ask the corpse of Bernard as his blade impaled through his own stomach, and his guts flung out in a bloody, visceral display. For some reason, I could do nothing but sit there in mild dissatisfaction – why could I not have been the one to kill him? Through all this, we learn something: surely, this time, I have sinned. So I have opted to take penance for the death of our most holy Pontiff, but who shall give me this penance when the Pontiff is dead? I have to speak my prayers, and own up to this incredulous murder. Bernard--for all his faults--was a priest that I have killed even if not by my own hand. That question will be answered. After a long discussion with my friends of Idunia, we have come to a conclusion: a new Pontiff will be selected (already has been), and the Church will undergo a complete reset and restoration. Iudas shall continue to serve as the Idunian Cardinal until such a time that Argelion or his heir decide he is no longer worthy, that is not for me to decide or argue. However, for my Crownlands, you shall all hear it: from this point on, there is no other Cardinal or Bishop that shall still currently hold his rank in the Church. Fear not, our new Pontiff shall be revealed, and he will speak to all the vassals in establishing what needs to be done. To those who fear persecution, you may stand proudly. The death of tyranny is not over, for I am still alive, but there is at least one less tyrant in the world. The Church will be rooted out from within. There will be no conclave to elect a new Pontiff, because the half-man held a council of similar morons and this would continue to persist. My excommunication? It is lifted. Who lifted it? Me. I will not stand to be called GODLESS by a man who was cowardly enough to slay himself. I fought for the rights of my people, and will be punished for killing a beast-in-vestments? I did not slay a priest, but another craven serpent that trudged through the mud. From whichever place you see this, Bernard, be it the void, or granted mercy in the Seven Skies, know that you died because you fell to the den of serpents surrounding you. Do you know that upon your death, the same men that rebuked me are now begging to take the head-of-faith role? They are singing my name as a saviour–the same ones who wrote their support for you. You died for those godless men who betrayed you without further notice. All men will be welcomed to attend the Imperial Palace in the throne room to discuss the new position of the faith, and to also reveal our new Pontiff who shall guide us. Be there. Flame guide you, Hadrian. Date & Time: Thursday 12th February 2026 3PM - 4PM EST (Any time in or between).

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"... so I can lead my people again? Thank you," Hadrian nodded.

The Emperor pushes one of the chess-pieces, staring at Argelion. "You suck at this game, Hunt of Showdown. You take it so well," he commented. "Oh, am I excommunicated? Okay." @Lenny