erictafoya

In the offices of the Embassy, a certain Prince would be hard at work on blueprints for a building in Savoy. Despite the recent requests for him to resign, despite the controversies that haunt him, and despite him being an innocent man, Andrik was still hard at work. If he could not calm these rumors down, he might as well be productive. ...Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock... Someone's at the door. It was Andrik's courier. "Come in", said the prince. "Vyr Royal Highness" said the courier with a bow of his head. "Your treaty, Vyr Highness, it's been signed and approved. The ceremony is soon" The Duke of Akovia managed to smile at this news. Even though there was many delays and even controversies leading up to this treaty, his first project was finally completed. No longer was he just an ambassador with no resume, but one with at least one noticeable mark on his record. Well, at least a positive one now. "Inform His Royal Majesty I'll be late. I've much work to do" he said simply before dismissing his courier. In truth, Andrik was not too busy. In fact, it was much unlike him to miss out on a diplomatic ceremony. However... he knew that he would only look bad if he were to make himself present with her. Despite being innocent, despite knowing the truth, and despite still having admirations for the very lady that was the center of the drama, Andrik simply closed his door and went back to work.

From the shadows of the seven skies, a stunning but old man looks down with a dreaded face. "Good Godan... it's back" he said with a sigh. "Thank Godan I'm not alive anymore!" said Igor In the winter keep of Otistadt, Robert would have a worried expression on his face as he read the section about his son. He simply sighed, not knowing where the body truly went. However, the old Baron would deny any claims made to his son and heir, for it was better if Anya stayed dead. Andrik, in his new cot at home, would contemplate drinking from an ironic bottle of Savoyard Merlot. "Nie matter what I try... or what I do... they always seem to come after me. Maybe I am truly cursed? Maybe I should just give up. Maybe yam being silly, but one thing is for certain... Yam innocent"

In the winter keep of Otistadt, the old Baron sits upon his familial seat and contemplates the events of that dreadful day... It was hard for Robert, especially knowing that his close friend as watching down from the seven skies. "Yam szam Ami... I wanted to protect her. I wanted to do well. But she's forced my hand, and now it's too late... I failed vy" he said seemingly to himself

In the silent halls of Kazstadt, Robert was stressed out of his mind. The recent family dramas and his declining health had caused the old Baron to have more gray hairs by the day. He felt much disgust over his daughter-in-law and the state that his heir was in. Usually, Robert would use the old-fashioned disciplinary actions to straighten his kids out. It was the only way the Baron knew... But this was different. Johann normally always avoided punishment, as he was the clear favorite out of all six siblings. Robert didn't know how to deal with him, but he knew he had to do it quickly. "What to do... what to do..." he pondered

Robert, looked to his son with pride as he held the baby Aleksey in his arms. "He has the look of a Ludovar, and shall be strong like one..."

Upon reading the missive, The Baron of Otistadt smiled widely as he heard news of his old comrade retiring from his Ducal titles. He knew that Ailred would lead well in the Field of Battle. Now Robert was the father of a duchess, and the grandfather of the heir to a Duchy. "Godan help Rhys... and Godan help Marie. They will do wonders as a team, I know it"

The young and ambitious diplomat, Andrik Nikolas, smiles at the light of diplomacy!

Andrik looked from the steps of his residential home, watching his children play in the Royal Garden's as his wife, Nikoleta (@zuziee), tried to keep them under control. The Duke of Akovia chuckled lightly before receiving the missive, stating an official declaration of war with the newly formed Tripartite Accord and the Holy Orenian Empire. Andrik's smile turned, the sound of children playing turned into horrifying screams on the field of battle, and he suddenly felt worried. He'd seen this coming with the recent politics of the world, but no one had prepared him for war. The young diplomat went inside without a word, and for the first time since the birth of his first child, Andrik actually prayed... In the frozen holding of Kazstadt, an old and overweight veteran looked upon his many medals and accolades. Despite never really wearing them, Robert still felt the need to shine them every week. All though his body was far past its prime, and even physical capability for that matter, the Sergeant was always a disciplined man at heart. When word of the war came to him, the Baron of Otistadt smiled widely. He'd been preparing for this moment his entire life. The inner hatred for the wig wearers had bred him into the man he was today, and finally destiny has run its course. He would fight in this war, even if it killed him. "Shut the gates and shine my armor" he told his Butler. "We're finally going to war..."

[!] In the Winter Keep of Kazstadt, the aging and fat Baron of Otistadt looks at the letter his son-in-law wrote with pride. He follows up with a letter of his own that is published for all to see. "To His Imperial Sinner, Philip III "The Great Failure" and his Knife-Eared Archchancellor, Minuvas, Your insulting claims that the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, and His Royal Majesty, Sigismund III, Fidei Defensor, would 'cast away' the rightful Holy Mother Church only proves your sheer incompetence, desperation, and cowardice. You claim to be a holy realm, and yet you cast away His Holiness who had the generosity to crown your failure of a ruler as 'Emperor'. You then go back on your actions, like the yellow cowards you are, and beg for forgiveness. Now you have the audacity to call us 'opportunist' when it was YOU that took the opportunity to name a betrayer of his oath and family belief as the Vicar of Godan. Where was this sudden piety when your Canonist 'Brothers' were at arms with the Silver State of Haulun'or? Last I recall you did the opposite of condemnation and even made relations with them! Your sad excuses and blatant disregard of your own hypocrisy only shows your true colors. You're all snakes in purple clothing, more reptilian than the Azdrazi, and now you have exposed yourself to the rest of Humanity as a sad excuse of a nation, let alone an Empire. Repent as the sinners you are and repent properly for all are equal in the eyes of Godan." Sincerely, His Lordship, Robert Ludovar, Baron of Otistadt, Lord of Kazstadt

From his residential area in the Nikirala Prikaz, Andrik would be smiling as he read the letter from His Holiness, the one true Pontiff, Everard VI. "Finally, I can return to San Luciano to complete our Embassy!" remarked the Prince to his pregnant wife, Nikoleta @zuziee

From the Barony of Otistadt, one Robert Ludovar, sits in his rocking chair, creaking loudly and often as the wood could barely support his own weight. The Baron had a disgusted look on his face as he read the missive, scoffing "Of course the ******* Savoyards overthrew His Holiness. Never trust a Savoyard, I say!" he said to his son, Johann. "See why I don't like the fuckers? Do vy see Johann?? I should have kept that bastard Olivier's wig...."

A LETTER TO THE ROYAL DUMA From the Barony of Otistadt 4 0 2 E. S. “To His Excellecy, Rhys var Ruthern, Lord Speaker of Hanseti-Ruska, @Nolan_ It did not yet dawn on me until reviewing the regular Royal Duma Transcripts (of which House Ludovar does appreciate) that The Honorable, Isaak Amador, Viscount of Aurveldt and Aulic Jovenaar @Pureimp10 of the realm, broke both law and precedent by attending the last session of Duma. My heir, and Lord Isaak’s legal colleague, Jovenaar Johann Ludovar, pointed this out to me during our evening conversations. He had been disappointed that he was not able to attend the Royal Duma, but as any dutiful Jovenaar would he understood the law and abided by it. As the former Chief Royal Detective and a former member of the Justiciar’s Office, I can not in good faith simply let this blatant disregard of our sacred law code go unquestioned. How are we to trust an Aulic Jovenaar who either does not know what is written in the law, or worse, does not care to follow it himself? It is clearly stated under the Haural Caezk in Chapter II: Jura I Zem, Section 213: The Aulic Court, subsection 213.035 that: ‘213.035: The following shall be ineligible to be appointed as a Jovenaar: 213.0351: Those who sit on the Royal Duma; 213.0352: Those who sit on the Aulic Council;’ This both implies and states that those who are appointed as Aulic Jovenaar are not able to hold a seat in the Royal Duma and are also unable to sit on the Aulic Council. This is to prevent any political bias and to ensure that the Jovenaar are as impartial as they can be. During the 402 ES XXXIV Session of the Royal Duma, it is clearly read in the transcripts that Lord Isaak was not only present during the proceedings, but an active participant of the debate and voting. I hereby call upon the Royal Inquisitor of the Royal Duma, whoever that may be in the upcoming elective term as I understand this current term has come to an end, to execute their legal authority to summon Lord Isaak Amador and to answer for his blatant disregard of precedent set before him as an Aulic Jovenaar and of the law written Haural Caezk. If they shall deny this request, I will use my right as a Noble Peer to petition to the Duma for a majority vote on a summons, to where they would have no choice but to summon Lord Isaak Amador." Signed, His Lordship, Robert Aleksandr Ludovar, Baron of Otistadt, Lord of Kazstadt

@Raijen StarsRobert Ludovar looked to his son, a smile forming on his features as he heard what he says "My my my... How very observant of vy Johann." he said with an upbeat tone in his voice "Fetch the Butler's, son. I need a lot of ink..."

Robert Ludovar, the new HAUCHPAPEJ of Marie's child, rejoices in his keep as both his daughter and newly born granddaughter are both in good health and spirits. He plans to spoil his new granddaughter until the end of his days.

From the cold frozen keep of Otistadt, a fat and aging Baron was sitting at his desk when a butler wearing all black arrived at his chamber's. Robert grimaced, as he knew this only meant news of death. As he broke the Barclay seal, he sighed heavily, looking to his wife who was sleeping soundly. He looked up at the sky and asked "I know vyr looking after her and our children, Luisa... My Godani bless vy" In the heavenly lights of the seven skies, an old figure in clean armor greets Luisa. Next to him is his beloved granddaughter, Marie. The old figure sped up to Luisa with a wide smile. In his final years he was weakened and slow, but in the afterlife, it was as if he was in his prime. Ser Ivan embraced Luisa and simply said to her "Welcome home, dear..."

The Royal Prince absolutely screaming with joy in his Royal Chambers as he had a child at the same time with his twin. After their iconic high-five, Andrik simply said "Nice"

Andrik "Allstar" Barbanov, the new star player of the season, celebrates with his sweaty and steamy team in the locker rooms. "Dobry job boys!" he said flamboyantly

The Baron of Otistadt, Lord of Kazstadt, and Patriarch of House Ludovar, Robert Alekandr Ludovar, sheds a singular, but manly, tear as he reads the missive "They're all grown now..." the Baron said to his loyal and elderly butler.

In the Nikirala Prikaz, a young and ambitious Prince, just reaching his prime, works on his next diplomatic mission to Savoy, planning more casual meetings with the government officials and nobility of savoy. As his wife, Nikoleta, rests from mothering their firstborn daughter, Andrik hears a light knock on his door. It was his loyal man-servant and farfolk butler, Francis Frankford, who offered him a letter. Upon opening the royal seal, Andrik smiled as he read over the missive. "And thus cements the start of my ambitious journey." before swiftly returning to work.

Bump bump... bump bump... bump bump... In his section of the residential palace, Andrik awaited impatiently. He'd been woken up in the midst of his slumber by his wife, Nikoleta @zuziee, who was due at any moment. Both his dreams and yet fears came true, as his wife screamed for the midwife. She was in intense labor, and a new Prince or Princess would be born. Bump bump... bump bump... bump bump... Andrik paced back and forth as the Dowager-Duchess Caroline, the maids, and the midwives attended to his wife, who was screaming in pain. With every passing hour, minute, and second, Andrik's heart only continued to pound through the sound of his increasing breaths. It would be any minute now... Bump bump... bump bump... bump bump... "But what if something is wrong with them? What if Godan has cursed Niki and I for our closely related marriage? What if the child is mad, deformed, or both? Or what if they share the fate of their cousin, who lived a mere seven minutes of life?" These were not just the words of a Prince, waiting for his firstborn child to escape the loins of his wife. These were the questions of a father and the concerns of a husband. He knew of the curse that his wife had inherited from The Oracle himself. While losing a child in itself is terrible for a father, one can only imagine how it could feel for a mother, especially if they could see their infant child join the arms of Godan. The screaming only continued, and Andrik's breathing followed suit... Bump bump... bump bump... bump bump... "... But what if they're not cursed? What if they grow up to be a great soldier, politician, diplomat, or statesmen? What if they one day grow so successful that they earn their own fief, just like his father-in-law Ser Franz Leopold Morovar-Barbanov, who earned his title of Ghaestenwald through the legislature? Or what if they grow up just normal and live a normal life and have a normal body with a normal mind? Maybe I should have faith instead of fears... Maybe I should love my child, no matter how they look, how they act, or how they end up. Maybe I should be what Heinrik wasn't..." Bump... bump... bump... bump... bump... bump... After hours of intense labor, there was not one, but two erupting from the Prince's chambers. "It's a girl! A beautiful baby Prinzenas!" @Alexi_yelled out Caroline. As Nikoleta tiredly held their firstborn, the Royal Duke had tears streaming down his face. God has blessed them with a beautiful daughter, and Princess. "She shall be named Annalisa Joszefa Tara Andreievna" Without a word, Andrik simply nodded. He would remember the name forever, despite it's complexity. He'd remember every thought in his head, every doubt, every hope, every fear, and every moment. He'd remember the sounds of the screams, the gossiping of the maids, and the look of his healthy newborn daughter in the arms of his beautiful wife. In that moment, Andrik only had one thought... "I'll be what my papej, King Heinrik II, failed to be to me... I'll be a good father."

In the halls of his section of the residential Palace, Andrik Nikolas smiles widely at the newly formed pact between the greatest nation in the North and the greatest nation in the South. Despite not being heavily involved with the treaty, the Deputy-Ambassador to Savoy sure had his ambitions set high. Meanwhile... A Baron in his cold and quiet keep looks at the missive with disdain, not because he disagrees with it, but because he knew of it's importance in the current inter-political climate. Robert Ludovar takes a long breath in, and exhaled. It'd been decades since that wig-snatching incident had occurred, though he still held little respect for the Prince of Savoy because of the words and actions exchanged between the two. Still, the Baron put on his coat, pinned his five medals of service, and fixed his old but clean beret. If or when the time came, the veteran sergeant would be ready to call a Savoyard a comrade, even if it bothered him.

From the halls of the Palace, throughout the Royal Gardens, and from every street in Karosgrad, a Prince in his prime could be seen celebrating the birth of his nephews, and now HEIR, to his brother's throne. Finally, there could be no question, Andrik was no longer going to succeed. He would protect these twins for the rest of his life if he could help it.

Discord Username: erictafoya#8407 The Brethren States National Symbol: Culture: Government: The Brethren Council under the elected Pirate King Government Type: Pirate State Religion: Godless/ No official religion Language: No official language - The Brethren have certain phrases that all pirates use, as to distinguish each other as pirates under the Brethren and for easier commanding Head of State: Pirate King Erik “Steelwing”, Captain of Drakensbane Keeper of the Code: Captain Francis Karlson “The Drowned”, Captain of Oceanside History: Buccaneer, reaver, raider, sky demons, godless men. All names for a poor bastard who calls himself “Sky Pirate”. However, a Pirate’s life is anything but poor, as he joins a crew of the toughest, bravest, and dumbest men in any realm or ship. These men are led by a Captain, who is either elected by the crew or mutinies the previous one. No one knows when the Pirate’s life first started, but all Brethren know of the first Pirate King, Frederick “Ironfist”. It’s written in the code that the “Ironfist” united all nine Brethren fleets into one court after slaying a Sky Kraken, now known as a Draken. He took the scales of the Draken as his armor, its wings as his sails, and its teeth as his crown… or so the children are told. However way the “Ironfist” united the stubborn Pirate Lords remains a mystery to most in the modern era and is surrounded by myth. The undisputed truth is that he had both the largest fleet and the most clever mind. Every Pirate Lord was told that if they did not follow him, the pirate's life would end with the growing civilizations, and the dumb sucker’s believed him. With this new united fleet of his, no port on any coast was safe. The Brethren had thrived so much that their beloved way of life seemed to be trivial. That was until poor Freddy “Ironfist” took a rowboat west and never returned. No one knows why Ironfist did this, nor did they expect it, but the formerly “united” Pirate Lords all fought each other for control of the Brethren for centuries, a period that was known as The Wars of Succession. Ironfist was a fool. No Pirate can truly be united, only bribed or be forced into submission. Despite being a chaotic age, The Wards of Succession bred the most legendary Pirates that young buccaneers look up to this day. Shiela “The Iron Maiden”, conquered Skull Island, the first island of the Brethren State. Igor “The Eyeless” wrestled a bear to convince a captain to join his fleet, losing his eyes but gaining a ship, men, and legend in the process. Finally, the most legendary of them all, Henry “Ship Thief”. When the first Granships were mass-produced, a poor and desperate man worked in one of the factories that created what he called “The Ship of the Skys”. The Pirate’s life was dying, but the legends of the Pirate’s were not so foreign to Henry. In the dead of night, Henry used his wit and cunning to convince the factory workers to steal the Granship they were creating with their own hands. Why should these rich nations and governments have control over the thing they made themselves? The Ship Thief took the factory guards as his ship mates, the workers as his crew, and their employers as his slaves. The Factory became his base of operations, and eventually an entire fleet of Granships were created, thus creating what was known as “The Age of Sky Pirates”. However, this great age would not last as Henry’s successors would eventually submit to the so-called “Peaceful Decades”. The greatest gunners turned into soldiers, the sailing masters into sailors, quartermasters became bank tellers, and captains became politicians. It was a great age for the rest of society, and a dark one for the sky pirates. However, one Captain refused to give up the Pirate’s life, being the blood of the “Ironfist” himself. Captain Erik “Steelwing” of the Airship Drakensbane set his eyes on the very heart of the Pirate’s life: The Southern Archipelagos. Taking his fleet of nine ships, “Steelwing” conquered all four of the islands, including Skull Island, and named the others after the three Legendary Pirates. He made his eight captains as his Pirate Lords, and all wilfully named Erik as the Pirate King of the Brethren States. All thought the Age of Piracy had died, but they were wrong. The Sky Pirates did not die, we were merely waiting... Unique Military Units: The Sky Galleons: First Rate Dreadnaughts that serve as the frontal force of each raiding party, usually commanded by a Pirate Lord. These Airships are capable of raiding any of the major ports of the continent with the right Captain on deck. The Sky Galleons serve as the primary way of Pirate Life, and therefore a Pirate’s main source of income. It is said that Erik “Steelwing” designed the first Sky Galleon and slew a Draken on its first flight, earning it the nickname “Drakensbane”.These beasts are capable of taking on two Drakens at once, solidifying its prowess. Sky Ports: Large, slow, and wide, just like the average merchant, Sky Ports act as airship carriers to Sky Galleons, and are usually followed by a protective fleet of smaller frigates. Despite being one of the largest targets in the sky, one would not be wise to attack a Pirate Sky Port, as it can house up to two thousand Sky Pirates. Sky Pirate (Infantry): Fearless, selfish, and dumb, it’s no wonder why Pirate raids are so successful. Godless men fear no god, and therefore have no morals. Poor men have no gold, and therefore grow desperate and selfish. Uneducated men are simply dumb, and therefore can’t tell the difference between danger and peace. Despite being considered as a respected class amongst the Brethren, Sky Pirate’s can often by unruly and undisciplined, only submitting to the strength of their Captains and Pirate Lord. National Idea: The Pirate’s Life: The Brethren wish for a return of the Age of Piracy, using their united fleets to raid important ports along the coasts, ultimately allowing their power and population to increase from whatever they steal. Point of Interest: Skull Island: The Capital of the Brethren States and the seat of the Pirate King, more than half of the population of the Brethren States live on Skull Island. At the death of every Pirate King, all of the Pirate Lords either congregate peacefully to elect a new Pirate King amongst themselves, or they fight for succession. Nation Traits: Military: Naval Focus Economy: Trade Hub Society: Infiltrators Resource Deficiency: Grain Army Doctrine: Grand Batteries Naval Doctrine: Convoy Raiding Economic Focus: Heavy Industry Map Location:

From his keep of Kazstadt, Robert looks at the missive with great pride as his heir as once again shown his capabilities to one day rule after he passes on from the world. There was no doubt, however, that he was the most fair in all the realm.

[!] A Noble Courier bearing the colors of House Ludovar would make his way towards the office of His Excellency, Rhys var Ruthern. The letter was penned directly from the Lord Handler's future Father-In-Law, Bossir Robert Aleksandr Ludovar. "To my future son-in-law and the Lord Speaker, Rhys var Ruthern, After six-years serving as Lord Handler, with five of those years serving with the late and great Duke Ruslan Baruch, and one with yourself, I have decided to retire my position as Lord Handler of the realm. With council from the House elder's, my trusted brother, and my ambitious heir, I have decided to cast my favor to the newly elected Grand Maer of Karsograd, Dracomir Emilen Rorikov. It is my hope and sincere belied that Grand Maer Rorikov will serve this position well if he is to be elected." Signed, His Lordship, Robert Aleksandr Ludovar, Baron of Otistadt, Lord of Kazstadt