Kholibrii

"Is she to be cut down on sight or brought before the church for penance?" Philippa of Alstion mumbled to herself as she held the two missives side by side.

Every time someone makes one of these posts, the average IQ of the server drops by 5 points. I can recognize where people's distaste for the Empire of Man comes from. It's a challenge to the status quo of the past few years, and the conflict-driven roleplay is probably still a shock to people who haven't lived through prior empires. It is destructive, chaotic, destabilizing, and brutal. JUST LIKE MEDIEVAL SOCIETY. It's okay to not like the roleplay and storylines being produced by this empire; not everyone has to enjoy the same things. But it's a different thing to insinuate that the RP this empire is producing is inherently bad for the server, just because you don't like it. This is one of those moments where you have to put your big boy pants on and accept that roleplay doesn't always go your way, and you may not get to tell the story you want to tell exactly how you want it told. If people want change, then maybe it's time to lock in and tell a good story rather than complaining on the forums every other week?

Philippa of Alstion sat upon a padded window seat within one of the high towers of Castle Glasgon, her feet tucked beneath her as she peered down into the courtyard below. There, a gathering of knights and bright-eyed recruits spurred their mounts toward one another, lances splintering as cheers boomed from the gathering onlookers. "You must confess." She mused, her voice echoing through the private chamber without once turning from the spectacle below. "Their skill is most impressive." At such, she inclined her head toward Pontia of Man @ncarr, who reclined within a plush chair nearby, her silver needle weaving in and out of rich velvet, gaze set upon her careful embroidery. "Though I wonder, does courage guide them to battle, or might some seek something greater?"

In the dead of night, deep within the archives of the Court of Glasgon, a lone Alstion wandered the long and ordered rows of scrolls, a single candle borne aloft in her hand, its trembling light dancing across the darkened vault. Philippa of Alstion finally came to a section marked Ashford de Rouen. There she lingered, unbinding scroll after scroll, her eyes passing over accounts of Roger’s coming to the lands of Alba, of his marriage to Rosceline within the Alban Cathedral, and of the many grave missives born of Saint Lucien’s War. Finally, her hand found a scroll tucked far back from the rest. Drawing it free and loosening the cord wound tight about it, she discovered not words, but a painting, one of Elizabeth and Rosceline rendered together amid the gardens of Morvelyn Castle. @amyselia@brujera

The upper floors of Castle Glasgon rang with the bustle of Ladies in Wait, governesses, and Grooms of the Stool, all intent upon the care of the Alstionite Princes and the young Duke of Furnestock. Yet only the faintest echoes of that industry reached the quiet, almost oppressive, chambers of Philippa of Alstion. There, the lady sat alone, poring over a missive marked with her house’s seal. No attendants lingered at the side of the aging daughter, no soft footfalls nor murmured counsel, naught but the sharp cry of a squawking parrot to keep her company.

At the end of the day, this was someone maliciously trying to ruin this raid. There are a million ways people can use loopholes in mechanics to try to ruin someone else's experience. If the tech team spent all their time fixing every little loophole, nothing else would ever get done. A better solution would be a transparent discussion between moderation & the playerbase on how issues like this will be handled and a set of rules/basis for future rulings. In what situation does something like this make a raid void VS just not allowing captures? Someone will always try to ruin the fun. It is better to have a transparent method of handling these problems rather than wasting time trying to solve them after the fact.

Philippa of Furnestock peered over her brother’s crib with a beaming grin. Gently, she reached down to brush her hand across the babe’s soft head. "One day, you shall rule over the greatest realm mankind has ever known." @kuerbis

Whether or not you like it, PvP is a part of the server that has always been here and is never going away. As someone who isn't a PvPer, I find 1.9 PvP to be a lot more enjoyable than 1.8. I can recognize that 1.9 takes longer for non-PvPers(like myself) to get used to and understand, but I believe it created more interesting combat scenarios than 1.8 has this map. Expecting players to take a few hours to practice 1.9 PvP to get the gist is not that big of a burden. As someone who isn't a big PvPer, being able to see your improvement(and reap the rewards it) as you practice with 1.9 encourages more people to learn to PvP on the server. 1.8 PvP doesn't really encourage people outside of PvP groups to practice because whether or not you get some practice before a war makes very little difference in your overall performance. Encouraging people to practice PvP more could promote some form of PvP Stratification on LOTC rather than just having PvPers and PvP-Noobs with very little in between(what we have RN).

As someone who isn't a PvPer, but frequently interacts with the PvP plugin(if you can even call it that) on LOTC, I would honestly prefer a system akin to Nexus. Having professions and skills that affect the efficiency of a player's grinding and the quality of the items they produce would have an extremely positive impact on LOTC. The server would actually be able to have a thriving economy and shops where players are able to specialize in specific skills that align with the character. It makes no sense that a 13 year old noble child and a blacksmith with 30 years experience are producing the exact same quality items. I know a lot of people bemoan at the mention of having these RPG-esque elements on LOTC due to how much time they may consume. HOWEVER, players are already putting so much time into grinding resources, wouldn't it be better to have a fully fledged system with rewards for that time put in and some sort of progression rather than just mindless grinding? If it takes you 1-2 hours to grind the resources for a full PvP kit, wouldn't it be better if it was a unique and well designed system instead of what we currently have? If staff isn't willing to go the route of creating a well designed system for grinding resources then they need to go back to basic iron kits that are easily accessible and basically just vanilla MC. Anything in-between is never going to work and honestly an insult to the playerbase.

I'm going to have to agree with @Velkuzat that banning all homophobic RP is an odd move. While there are people who have experienced RP homophobia based on someone's OOC beliefs, I feel like it would be a much better policy to police OOC motivated homophobic RP rather than outright ban all instances of the RP. As a Gay man, I believe there is a lot of enjoyment to be had and though provoking experiences earned from homophobic role-play. Stories exploring the guilt, shame, disgust, alienation, etc felt by queer people as they processed their identity has been a staple of queer media for decades and can help deconstruct the emotions queer people have felt in their own lives. While I can see why this decision was made, I feel that the admins should reconsider and focus on removing OOCly homophobic people from LOTC rather than removing a tool for queer people to process complex emotions.

Name: Luciana Marie Halcourt Affiliation: Duchy of Alba Relevant Titles or Aliases: Baroness of Artois

I think the second part of this strikes the core of the problem. People are too attached to their projects on LOTC. I get it; we are putting hundreds if not thousands of hours into our nations, families, etc., and it is painful to watch them disappear. But a project coming to an end is not a failure; it's a chance to tell a new story. Players view conflict that harms their projects as a personal OOC attack, but that isn't always true, and that mindset degrades not only your enjoyment on the server but everyone around you as well. Being upset or angry when your project is attacked is a normal human response. It's idiotic for someone to say, "Just don't get mad". What isn't normal is letting that anger take over and influence how you treat people OOCly and bleed into your roleplay. Your emotions may be valid, but acting on them isn't. As a server, we need to work on pushing back against the OOC toxicity and OOC-RP bleed by calling people out when they do it. Some advice for everyone involved in this conflict: next time you get angry or upset, step away from the keyboard and clear your mind so those emotions don't degrade your roleplay.

Luciana Marie knelt before the altar in the Abbey of St. Catherine, offering a short prayer for the deceased Baron of Placentia and his family. "LORD, may you guide the House of Varchoe through these troubled times. Grant them the strength to endure this loss and rise up to execute your will." Before departing the Abbey, she would move to light a candle for the future of House Varcohe.

Luciana Marie leaned against the hearth of the Bleeding Heart Tavern as she read over the missive, pausing as she reached the accusations of assassination. "I know no Olivier de Rouen." She huffed, looking back at the missive, then toward the others gathered in the tavern. "Do any of you know an Olivier de Rouen?"

An elderly d'Arkent would rejoice from some far flung corner of the seven skies. "Balance is returning to the world!"

-scheming eunuch @brujera -loathsome heir @ErosTea -court jester @annanicole__ -noble knight @Mattiii

"May Saint Raguel's words ring true throughout all of Canondom." Luciana Halcourt noted upon the delivery of the missive. "I pray the Kings and Princes find the path of repentance, lest the fiery justice of Raguel rain down once more." At the mention of such, Luciana quickly traced the Lorraine upon herself.

The Lady Mayor knelt before the alter in the Abbey Saint Catherine, gold cross in one hand and prayer book in the other. “GOD give us guidance so we may live in your pious glory.” As the sun fell upon the Duchy of Alba, Luciana rose from prayers, leaving behind a set of gold coins for the friars of the abbey to collect. “Words of blasphemy shalt never have a place in the lands of Alba. May GOD guide the King of Balian toward the pious path of peace and away from the webs of greed spun by the wicked men of de Savoie!”

The Seven Virtues by Fiorenza of Placentia c. 2018 “It is often asked why sin and virtue even exist? The answer is simple. Without sin and virtue man is nothing but a being with no ambitions to sin, no ambition to make good or even be salvaged. The existence of these virtues and sins allow Humans to experience life to the fullest, a man can feel how it is like to guilt to lust, realize his sins and feel the need to redeem himself afterwards. Branaford of Cavan Since the dawn of time, man hath found himself afflicted with the agony of inescapable sin. Only through salvation may he experience the exuberance of virtue. Man must first acknowledge his sins, should he ever wish to repent and find his virtues. With respect to such, a masquerade of sins and virtues shall be held within the Castle Morvelyn so the Lords and Ladies might unearth their sins and repent. ITINERARY I. THE MASQUERADE As the sun sets upon the Castle Morvelyn, the masked attendees shall be ushered into the Great Hall to begin the night of revelry. II. THE GAMES OF MISCHIEF Attendees will find the night filled with many competitions and games where they might display their wit and mischief. III. THE COMPETITION OF DRESS Attendees are invited to participate in a costume competition. The Lord or Lady whose dress best embodies their chosen sin and virtue shall be declared the winner, earning a reward of 100 minas. IV. THE PENANCE As night turns to day and the evening of revelry comes to a close, attendees are invited to the Abbey of Saint Catherine to seek penance for their unmasked sins. ATTIRE In accordance to the theme of Sins and Virtues, attendees shall don themselves in colors matching their most grievous sin and pious virtue. Attendees would do well to abide by the theme, lest they wish for their sins and virtues to be mistaken. The mask serves as a requirement for any masquerade, concealing the wearer's face from their fellow attendees. All attendees are to don masks for the entirety of the event so their sins may be known only to GOD. Should any guest be spotted without a mask, they may be asked to leave the premises. FORMAL INVITATIONS His Holiness, Ro’eh Tzon, High Pontiff of the Church of Canon, and the Vassals of the Pontificate His Royal Majesty, Joren I, King of Hanseti-Ruska, and the Citizenry of Haense His Royal Majesty, John II, King of Balian, and the Citizenry of Balian His Royal Majesty, Therin I, King of the Petra, and the Citizenry of Petra His Royal Majesty, Tar-Anorhil Antonius, King of the Adunians, and the Citizenry of Numendil Their Royal Highnesses, Xiomara and Julian, Sovereigns of Hyspia, and the Citizenry of Hyspia His Royal Highness, Erwin I, Prince in Reinmar, and the Citizenry of Reinmar His Grace, Mateusz Sarkozic, Exilic Duke of the Adrians, and the Citizenry of Adria The Right Honorable, George Charles, Earl of Dover, and his Noble Household The Right Honorable, Lorelei Mairi, Countess of Enswerp, and her Noble Household The Right Honorable, Joseph Frederick, Count of Österland, and his Noble Household His Highness, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron of Corwinsburg, and his Noble Household The Right Honorable, Vincenzo Varoche, Baron of Placentia, and his Noble Household His Lordship, Charles Philip, of the House of Halcourt, and his Noble Household All men and women of the Cannonist Faith who wish no ill will to those in attendance “O God, whilst the ways of the world are corrupted, Thou alone art the Lord. Therefore, in all things wordly there is imperfection, and in Thee alone perfection. This being my Creed, the evil ways of the world shall I rebuke on this day, nor shall any temptation to unkindness, lust or greed o’erwhelm me, for the heavenly crown of humility is Thine to grant.” SIGNED, THE HONORABLE, Luciana Marie Halcourt, Lady Mayor of Elizabeth

The Municipal Government by Fiorenza of Placentia c. 2018 Founded in the Year of Our Lord 2002, the city of Elizabeth was established as the capital of the Duchy of Alba, with Their Royal Highness’s estate, the Castle Morvelyn, overlooking the fair city. In recent times the city has grown from its humble beginnings into a town bustling with new life and prosperity. At the behest of the Dukes of Alba, the Mayoral office has been expanded so this beacon of hope for the lowlands shall never falter. THE LORD MAYOR The Lord Mayor of Elizabeth is responsible for overseeing all municipal functions and ensuring the city remains stable and prosperous. He is additionally responsible for reporting all relevant information to the House of Lords and Ducal Coronet in a timely manner. Should the Lord Mayor fall derelict in his duties, the House of Lords may have him removed by a majority vote. Every six Years an election for Mayor shall be held in Saint Godwin’s Square, overseen by the Office of the Chancellery. Any citizen of age and well of mind and body is eligible to run. The candidate who wins the majority of the votes shall be declared the winner. THE DEPUTY MAYOR The position of Deputy Mayor is appointed and dismissed at the will of the Mayor. The Deputy Mayor assists the Lord Mayor with overseeing all municipal functions of the city of Elizabeth, assuming leadership of tasks as needed. In the absence, death, or removal of the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor shall assume the position of Lord Mayor in interim. THE WARDS The Office of the Mayor shall offer a number of wardships, open to the progeny of any respectable family of the Canonist faith, with priority granted to the progeny of the Noble Houses of Alba. Each ward will work alongside the Lord Mayor to complete an assigned set of tasks relating to local governance, cultural history, stewardship, or revelry based on the goals of the ward and their family. Upon reaching the age of maturity, the Lord Mayor shall assist the former ward in finding an official position within Elizabeth. Anyone interested in a position within the Office of the Mayor or a venture within the city of Elizabeth should contact the Lady Mayor, Luciana Halcourt[OOC:Kholibrii] to schedule a meeting.

In the last fortnight, the mayoral office has received a flurry of reports in regards to an influx of rats within Elizabeth. We assure the public that such reports are being taken seriously and that this office is investigating the source of these vile creatures. Until such a source can be determined, the mayoral office shall take other avenues to combat the infestation. The Rat-Catchers Given the state of the infestation, the Lady Mayor sees it fit to establish a team of rat-catchers, tasked with quelling the rodent population. Any willing member of the citizenry may work as a rat-catcher and report their efforts to the Lady Mayor directly. Rat-catchers will receive compensation of 3 minas per rat delivered to the Lady Mayor. SIGNED, THE HONORABLE, Luciana Marie Halcourt, Lady Mayor of Elizabeth

Penned By Lady Luciana Halcourt Upon the 14th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 2015, the citizenry of Elizabeth gathered within Godwin’s Square to witness the Mayoral Debate between Lady Vittoria Varoche and Lady Luciana Halcourt. The debates were a spectacle for those in attendance, providing insight into how each Lady would run the fair city. As such, it is seen fit that a transcript of the debate be distributed throughout the city. Transcript of the Elizabethan Mayoral Debate of 2015 George Aldersberg: “We look ready!” - “Pray, let us take positions on either side of the dais.” George Aldersberg: “To mine right, our first candidate for the Mayoral position; the Lady Luciana Marie Halcourt.” George Aldersberg: “And to mine left, our second candidate for the Mayoral position; Matron of St. Calliope's Institute of Medicine, the Lady Vittoria Varoche.” George Aldersberg: “Please introduce thyself.” Luciana Halcourt: “Before I begin, I would like to thank the Lady Vittoria Varoche for treating my father-in-law. He was recently injured in a hunt.” Luciana Halcourt: “My name is Luciana Marie Halcourt. I moved to Elizabeth during my youth and have recently married Lord Charles Halcourt. When I arrived in Elizabeth, I found it to be a beautiful city, but any city can be improved upon. From my understanding, the recordkeeping within the Mayoral office has been subpar. My first act as Mayor would be to streamline the office's paperwork to better inform the diet and Their Highnesses of the operations within the city. I also wish to increase the number of events within the city, including festivals, jousts, and balls, and anything your heart desires.” - “Thank you for your time, and I implore you to vote Luciana Halcourt for mayor!” Friedrich of Schwyz: “Nein mention of Almight GOTT, boo.” Vittoria Varoche: “I am Vittoria Isadora Camillia Isetta Lucrezia Rosina Marfisa Dionisia Varoche. I arrived in Elizabeth years ago to fulfill a desperate need--one for healing of the common people. By the blessings of GOD and through the desires of the Crown, I have become both Court Physician and the Matron of the Saint Calliope Institute. My primary objective as mayor is to root out the complacency within this city as a woman of action,” - “Rather than words.” George Aldersberg: “We will take a question from the audience that the candidates shall have to answer.” He scanned the audience for a raised hand. Joseph Preussens raised a hand. George Aldersberg: “Count Osterland.” Joseph Preussens: “It appears you both find fault with our present mayorship--that of her Ladyship, Lady Antonia de Lewes. Pray, what particular steps shall you take to remedy the sloth and complacency that has befallen Elizabeth?” George Aldersberg: “Lady Luciana, pray.” Luciana Halcourt: “Thank you for the question Lord Osterland.” She said with a nod. “I believe the first step to address the shortcomings of the office is for whoever holds the office to make themselves accessible to the people and peers.” - “Lady Antonia de Lewes is, in truth, a rare sight within Elizabeth. We also must ensure the tavern is properly staffed. At times when a tavern night was announced, naught came to fruition.” Joseph Preussens: “And in regard to municipal events?” Luciana Halcourt: “With a breath of spring soon approaching, GOD is paving the way for us to enjoy the outdoors and host events such as the recent hunt or a spring market in this square. And I mustn't forget to mention the growth of the Militia and the possibility of competitions of strength.” George Aldersberg: “Lady Vittoria.” - “Same question.” Vittoria Varoche: “While the former Lady Mayor did, at times, contribute to the city,” - “One of the greatest failings of leadership is an overreliance on the individual in that position. Notably, one of the greatest issues with how Antonia carried out the office is that she did not employ her connections throughout the city. While I plan to host a series of medical events, I cannot pretend to know the ins and outs of mercantilism or tests or strength--nor am I the most suited to host a picnic. As Lady Mayor, my intent is to employ and oversee members of the existing peerage in hosting events.” Vittoria Varoche: “Alongside handling a series of them on my own.” Vittoria Varoche: “Doing so on your own is a fool's game, and I have little patience for foolishness.” Edward Alstion: “I've a question.” George Aldersberg: “Your Highness.” Edward Alstion: “Pray, should one or the other of their Ladyships assume the office of Lady Mayor what might say you to the other party? You both are with thy merits and might provide a good future for Alba that I wish not be thrown away. Would you seek to collaborate together and how would such a collaboration be accomplished between you and that of other citizens of Elizabeth.” George Aldersberg: “Lady Vittoria.” Vittoria Varoche: “I am covered in her father's blood, I saved his life moments before I came to the city square. I care about Elizabeth and Alba, and have little patience for nonsensical, small-time politics. I respect House Halcort and Lady Luciana.” George Aldersberg: “Lady Luciana, same question.” Luciana Haclourt: “Thank you, Your Highness.” - “I believe Lady Vittoria has great talent and would invite her to hold a position within the Mayor's office, should I be elected. It is not my place to stifle one's potential, such would bring more harm than good to the city of Elizabeth.” - “Furthermore, I would be willing to take any other interested citizens under my wing and prepare them for leadership positions within the city.” George Aldersberg: “Very well, final comments from the Lady Vittoria.” Vittoria Varoche: “Thank you, Chancellor. I encourage you to vote along the lines of established and known competency. Consider whose hands you might put your life into, and the life of your City. I appreciate all of you attending, and your questions. GOD bless.” Luciana Halcourt: “Thank you Lord Chancellor, and thank you to all of those in attendance.” - “I implore all of you to vote for a Lady who cares for the city of Elizabeth and is committed to its improvement. It is now up to you to decide who that Lady is.” - “Thank you!” George Aldersberg: “I thank thee all for thy presence at this Mayoral debate. Vote in accordance with thy conscience, and have a good night!” *This transcript has been abridged to exclude conversations not pertaining to the debate from members of the audience.

Luciana Halcourt works tirelessly on her campaign and future plans for Elizabeth!

Limiting the magic to only Humans introduces an issue that I don't see directly addressed in the lore(unless I am missing something). That being the issue of Hybrids/Half--Breeds. In the current era of LOTC, half-breed characters are overall unpopular, but their popularity fluctuates enough to justify a redline to define whether or not a human half-breed would be able to practice Canon Adherence. Similarly, if half-breeds are unable to practice Canon Adherence, would Adunians be able to practice Canon Adherence? While they are technically classified as humans, according to racial lore, Adunians do maintain parts of Malin's curse, such as an increased lifespan and decreased fertility. I don't claim to be an expert on the racial lore of the server, but do think the racial limitation of the magic should be better defined to avoid issues in the future.

The babble and splashes of the stream grew stronger, she was close. The southern heat was nearly unbearable and the sound of rushing water left Naeri’s mouth dry. The river can’t be much further she told herself. Vines tugging at her legs, limbs catching in her hair, Naeri pushed her way through the underbrush toward the sound of rushing water. With one last heave, she emerged into a clearing, the stream only a few yards ahead. Coming to an abrupt stop at the water’s edge, Naeri fell to her knees and began to lift handfuls of water toward her lips. After satiating her thirst, the woman moved to wash away the grime of the forest. She began by splashing the cold water over her face and neck, washing away the sweat and dirt, then moving to her arms, then legs, until the only signs of her battle with the underbrush were the small scrapes at her ankles from briars. Just as she began to relax, the sounds of the forest began to mold together until the only sound surrounding her was a harmonic lullaby. Her eyes scanned the clearing searching for the source of the earthly melody. Like a lighthouse in the fog, a patch of bramble across the stream glistened in the sunlight. As her eyes locked upon the bush and the lullaby grew stronger, pulling her, calling her home. The elfess slid into the stream, weaving through the river rocks, guided by her gleaming lighthouse. With each stride the beautiful melody grew stronger. As she reached the other side of the river, the sounds of the water were fully washed out by the all consuming melody. Clawing her way out of the stream, Naeri found herself face to face with a terrifyingly large blackberry bush. With a gentle smile, she lowered herself to the ground, curling into a ball like a child. Looking toward the bush, the defenseless woman began to gently hum along to the lullaby, gently rocking herself into a deep sleep. As soon as her hums stopped, the limbs of the bush contoured. In a split second the limbs of the bush lunged toward the elfess, wrapping around her body, thorns plunging into flesh. In one single heave, the bush pulled her into its mass. The only thing left behind were a few streaks of blood. And just like that, the Naeri the world knew was gone.