Aloria Story Progression The 11th Pillar Is Dismantled

[MonMarty]

The Regalian Empire had barely just absorbed the news of the Mirnoye war declaration, before forces in the Mark armies started moving again. The first to act was Count Bigge, the inspector Admiral of the Kaisermark fleet. Part of the Kaisermark fleet was sent north, making patrols just outside the observable coastal range of the south Skagger landmasses, but making no real attempts to get involved with what was happening. More surprisingly, the Kaisermark also delegated numerous ships to institute a draconic customs near the Regalian Harbor to filter every incoming ship for contraband. This move was surprising to say the least, and did result in some positive netting: A lot of illegal gunpowder and smuggled wares which were destined for the sewers no doubt, were confiscated. However, due to the limited number of ships, maneuvering space and the sheer quantity of merchandise sailing into port, the entire merchant docks went into complete freeze. No transport could occur anymore beyond a sluggish pace and merchant ships were anchored in the port for far longer than they ought to, waiting to be searched by the Kaisermark fleet. Before long, stacks upon stacks of complaints piled both with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Commerce, for Viscountess Wodenstaff and Count Buhr respectively. Merchant sent long letters demanding financial compensation for tardy deliveries, stacking harbor costs for waiting vessels and slow loading times.

Further up north, the dumbfounding moves of the military leaders had not quite been exhausted yet. Count Jannik Sinclair issued an order for the entire army, positioned in the north of Nordskag by the previous lieutenant-Commander, to pack up their tents and move all the way west to attack the Isldar. Local officers were completely astonished that the Lieutenant-Commander would command the troops to retreat in the face of an impending invasion, that the Lieutenant-Commander would just abandon Nordskag when it was about to face an attacking enemy. There was talk of mutiny in the camp already among the officer corps, as soldiers started loading into transport barges to sail east. Curiously, it was just in that moment that the Emperor arrived to the scene and inquired to be informed about the ongoings of the army.

Once informed, the Emperor displayed a rare case of a violent temper, unsheathing a sword and marching to the command tent. When in range of the Lieutenant-General, the Emperor punched him square in the jawline, which must have been a comical sight on account of the Emperor being six inches shorter than the Lieutenant-General. He then commanded the Imperial Guard to bring him to his knees. Once positioned, obviously having no real defence against an Imperial command and the Imperial Guard, the Emperor proceeded to strip every military commendation and medal from the Lieutenant-General's armor one by one while repeating the words "You don't deserve this", after which he cast them down in the mud and trampled on them. He then proceeded to use his sword to raggedly cut off the Lieutenant-General's cape, smearing it in the mud and then tossing it in his face. The Emperor then remained pensive for a while.

Finally breaking the silence, and with all eyes of the officer corps on the disgraced commander, the Emperor spoke once more: "I'm stripping you of your military honors. However in bloody void you managed to pass through military command, I don't understand. How dare you, how fockin' dare you pull the troops away when they are needed to defend /my/ subject, just to chase off your personal vendetta with the ice Elves after they made you look like a little girl." He waved his hands for the Imperial Guard to pull him up before he closed with "I'm sending you back to Regalia to be court martialed by the Lieutenant-Generals. You are hereby dishonorably discharged from the Regalian Navy, the Obermark Army and the Viridian Knights for your cowardice and treason to the Empire and barred from military command." With a final whip of a hand, the Lieutenant-General was dragged off to a transport barge. The Emperor looked the other officers in the eyes, commencing plans for a defensive position while he sent ahead the order for the troops to stop transporting east and to call back the transport ships. There was some confusion among the soldiers, causing some crowding before the commander's tent before the Emperor finally emerged flanked by the other officers. He spoke to the soldiers:

"I know the lot of you signed up for the Norrvakt's leadership, and were after that placed in the hands of this incompetent moron, and then sent away. Most of you probably wonder why the commander chose to abandon Nordskag, to who I'm sure many of you still owe family ties with. After all a lot of you are Northmen and what not." The Emperor panned out to look over the soldiers while he rested his hands on his pommel before he spoke again, this time with a barking authoritative tone: "/I/ will not abandon the North, /We/ will not abandon the North. The ground here may be shitstained by oxes, but it is our shitstained land, and they are /our/ oxes. My forefather brought your people into the fold, and your forefathers died so this land could be free. The Empire will not abandon those who put faith in the great way, /I/ will not abandon those who put faith in /me/! We'll face these fockin' stone huggers our way, with cannon and arrow and steel, and we'll send them back into their stormy bathtub like there's no tomorrow, I swear to you!" The Emperor finally raised his hand to a mixed response from the crowd, some roared in cheers, others remained sceptical, though the military fervor of the Emperor was generally received as a welcome change from the more passive scholarly cultural Emperors of the past. Emperor Cedromar immediately commanded fortifications to be made. In fact, the Emperor even removed his cuirass, grabbed a shovel and started digging trenches along with the soldiers, all the while making the Imperial Guards haul materials around. Needless to say, the commander's tent would remain empty that day, and the beer hall was filled with laughter and Anglian songs.

The news at home of the entire situation received mixed responses. The more conservative elements seemed to be pleased with the military overtones of the Emperor, while the Ithanians spoke disgrace over how fraternized the Emperor was with soldiers and Northerners that were deemed far beneath him. The overruling subject of gossip however was the impending trial of Count Jannik Sinclair. The Kaisermark Grand Duke Dietrich Drache and Ostmark Lieutenant-General Grand Revain Ulric Typhonus, as well as the Landesgericht Inspector Grand Revain William Coen were called to perform the military court martial. Equally much spoken about was the massive ruckus the merchants were making about the customs. Inspector Admiral Nathaniel Bigge had essentially strangled the criminal circuit's supply of illegal goods. The prices of even small amounts of gunpowder in the sewers skyrocketed to unaffordable heights, but at what cost? Income started slowing down as merchants chose not to wait long periods of time at the harbor and instead dump their wares for cheaper in offshore markets in the Archipelago, not even to speak of the amount of formal complaints at the relevant ministries. Perhaps in response to what the Lieutenant-General of the Obermark had done, everyone forgot that it was the Inspector Admiral who provoked the war to begin with. Nobody seemed to even reap a word about Count Valdemar. A further message was sent a long that a replacement for the Lieutenant-General ought to be found, but that for the time being the Emperor would personally assume command of the Obermark.

Finally, the Emperor decreed something that was entirely unexpected. He simply wrote a small letter to the law offices of the bureaucracy saying "The 11th creed is null and void." underneath it was scribbled in barely readable font: "Let them fight for their Human rights." And with a simple few words like that, the Emperor immediately demoted 800,000 Elves in the capital to second class citizens, and millions more in the subject nations. The impact wasn't as severe in the Elven community as one would expect. Many Elves considered it an inevitable change, especially since most of the discrimination against the Elves had never truly ceased, even when the 11th creed was active. In the Sanchella of Union however, confusion reigned. Confusion, because an Emperor before had revised or rewritten Creeds, but never fully absconded from them entirely. The legality was present, but the reverends were having a hard time interpreting what this actually meant for the ex-Emperor and his decrees, and looked to the Supreme Reverend for guidance in some form of open letter to the people explaining his stance on the matter.

The Undercrown, in an unprecedented quick move, which was later seen by others as a minor correction, announced that all Elves and Dwarves currently serving in the Curias or Regalian Guard would receive citizenship status if they had not already, and could remain within those positions, but that all future applicants would be rejected or severely scrutinized. It was unclear to those near the Undercrown whether he resented the revocation of the 11th Creed. He made no other public statements, neither in support nor in rejection of it, and simply remained stoic and seemingly oblivious to attempts to get him to comment on the matter.

How the political scene would respond to this change was yet unseen however. It was a well known fact that many politicians still harbored a secret hatred for the 11th creed. Others might have preferred if the Undercrown resumed authority again. Perhaps they were hoping that the new Emperor, being the younger brother of the last, would be malleable and easily influenceable. Instead they received an Emperor that was anything but those traits, and more curiously so, he seemed to be getting /a lot/ of zeal and support from the common soldiers.

 

[AntonVoron]

Médard practically burst into a fit uncharacteristical joy upon hearing the news of the 11th Creed. The High Reverend almost leapt for a pen and ink, as he began to make zealous editing to his sermons. "Spirit be praised.. The Elves have squandered their chance. And a chance it was!" The priest would utter, as he struck furious marks through his work. "Praise Cedromar! Praise the Emperor!"

 

[Motherland]

The disgruntled mother wrote for her Governess. Immediately sealing a note that read. .

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Spoiler: Letter for Children

Dear Gunhild,

Have the children removed from Jannik's household and revoke my decision to send them to Viridian. I will make a more clear decision when I am home. Any small frogs Frej picks up for me are to be kept in the pond. In my absence send them to live with Victoria Valeur at her Estate. Stay with them at all times and no matter what do not let them listen to any political news. Spirit help us all.

Fjola.
​

The envelope it was sealed in would be dark red with a black seal baring her initials.

​

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Already disgruntled with the fact that she would be slaughtering her own people she sat within the dim tent. Dipping her pin into some ink and writing down her own thoughts on the war. Muttering quietly to herself as she looked to her Unionist necklace perched around her candle stick. "You've shamed me, Jannik. My children will not be champions of your house. Spirit save your soul, you wreckless bastard."
She smothered the flame before slamming her hands onto the table. She would lack more sleep than usual in these coming days.

@Chaosive @Owiver @IGutTheMidasTuch @Satisarah

 

[AtticCat]

Juliette lingered outside a booth of gossiping folks on the news, her brows knitted in a confused expression at the snippets of the conversation she could make out between the arguing. When it reached to Jannik's disgrace, she promptly gasped loudly and then hurried off before she was shooed. Once reaching the bottom of the stairwell, she paused to comment in a low voice to herself; "I always did say that man would get himself in trouble - guess I was right."

Noelle sat in the tavern of the sewers, her feet rested up on the table and the chatter of gossip about. A mutter of creeds and the Heinrich falling met her - the woman sitting up with a sudden, unreadable expression. She looked at her brother who sat across from her, him simply giving her a bored, raised brow as usual - a silent question to the shift in her expression. After an annoyed sigh, she nodded towards the man who spend the gossip, sitting with a tittering, hardly dressed woman. "Didn't you hear, Kea? Nobles are starting to show they're cowards." Keanu kept up the uninterested expression as his sister flicked her pale fingers as life mentally knocking something over with her nails. "The noble court is going to be very interesting to hear about now, just you wait." With that, she gave her only brother a cheeky grin as she stood and sauntered from the tavern to return to the surface. @Owiver

 

[Wumpatron]

News of the events transpiring in the north would reach the Norrvakt estate. The steward, Nicolas Delacroix, would dismiss his usual meeting staff of advisors and bureaucrats to be alone in the halls. In the silence he would begin to laugh to himself. "Well, well, Count Sinclair. I did tell you the world was watching. And watch the world did as you fell from power. Fret not, there is still much for you indeed, isn't that correct Nicolas?" The steward would turn to face the jar on the mantle, which gave no response.

 

[dboy_101]

Matthias Heinrich
Matthias simply watched as his uncle was disgraced in front of him, a look of hatred grew in his eye. When it was done and Jannik was dragged off, he simply looked away. Not only had he lost his uncle, but he had also lost his brother.
He looked to the Emperor, nodding as he spoke, Cedromar's words inspired him and he was sure as hell ready to fight.
He hauled materials for most of that day, helping build the fortifications that would inevitably be one of their greatest assets.

Spoiler: Tags

@TutiDias @MonMarty @Ragnio

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[Magivore]

Ignace Hugo Leveau offered an ear to one of the many Ombratore that begged for his attention. You don't hear much when you're stuck in a fecal crater and living almost literally under a rock, after all. He expected to excitedly hear of another one who 'almost had ties' to a noble for the fourth time, but alas, that was not what he heard. Instead, the Zehler was informed of the fall in both the 11th creed of Unionism and of a once decorated general in the face of possible invasion. Better yet, he heard of how the many alchemists that once clouded him now have suddenly run short on ammunition. "And what of the Elves," Ignace started. "What do they say?"

"They almost don't seem to have noticed, sire."

"Perhaps now might be the time to encourage that they open their eyes," said the red-eyed revolutionary with fingers pressing to his lips with a palm to support his chin in deep thought. "What a terrible move it was to lose their ties to such a magical people when faced with a massive threat."

One creed down, ten to go. Looks like he better get started.

 

[Ovoran]

Marcus mulled over the words as he read them over carefully, biting his lower lip he would slam his fist to his desk. The Paladin quickly arose from his seat and moved off, prepared to make meetings with several people. Those among the house he helped protect, his fellow Paladins and namely the elders of the Order, about Jannik Sinclair's actions and how it is going to put a bad reputation on the newly reformed Viridian Knights. If war was coming, the people needed to know that the Viridians were not cowards, and the petty actions of one man were not the beliefs of the entire order.

 

[Film_Noir]

Miles away, salt water lapped at the side of a majestic ship as she turned in a large, graceful arc. Her trajectory brought her to rendezvous with a smaller vessel carrying the latest news from the Archipelago.

"...and the merchants, they're in a riled-up state," relayed a messenger, after he'd boarded the larger, majestic ship, his eyes narrowing to the distant horizon where a speck on the water slowly made its way to its left, distracting him. "Mm," Christopher grunted in an attempt to feign indifference, the sting of the Emperor's essay still biting him. Christopher's eyes lifted and moved, following the messenger's gaze to the distant speck on the water.

Silence, for a moment, passed between them, as the speck picked up pace in its apparent attempt to disappear to their right. Then, the silence was broken by an eager bark from the Grand Revain. "Mudskins to starboard! Set the course! On her focking tail, lads!"

As Christopher strode off excitedly towards the helm, the messenger was left looking out at the beleaguered Songaskian ship. A small, anxious lump made its way down his throat, followed by a sigh. His trip back to Regalia seemed like it would be delayed an hour or two.

 

[Epsilyon]

"Oh, bloody Estel- It's things like this that really makes me want to lynch the Emperor in his own court."

She spat towards the actions that occurred during her leave. It was enough to see the Regalian generals stir up a war over a dumbfounding move by one and a single privateering ship, but this was entirely unreasonable. An eastern Altalar didn't go kindly, storming away from the notices.

 

[Eyrok]

"OH FOR FRAK'Z ZAKE!"
Ztril angrily kicked at the crate on the dockside before hissing and twinging in pain. The contents, specialist plants grown where they wouldn't survive in Regalia, had rotted away due to the delays in the harbour. This was the third crate full of stinking plant-matter he'd recieved, leaving the Allar bereft of ingredients for some time to come. He steadied himself on his staff, his right leg still gammy from the gentle ministrations of the Confessors.
"I don't care if they found all that gunpowder - the moment thiz ztartz happening to food zuppliez Wodenztaff'z gonna have her handz a void of a lot more full..."

 

[Mortisian]

With more and more bad news springing into his office Eiriks age began to show through a tad bit. A few strands of grey hair began to become prevalent upon his features and his skin wrinkled on either side of his eyes. He however remained in his physical prime as he worked tirelessly to right the wrongs that which had sprung up in the wake of ex Lt. General Sinclair and the actions he had committed upon the Mirnoye people. Another courier came to the door after having to send out the last of the Mourners Letters. He saluted the Inspector Admiral and began stating, "Inspector Admiral sir, his holiness the Emperor has formally and properly deposed the Lt. General Sinclair from his position and has assumed command of the Obermark Theatres army. The Lieutenant General was stripped of all that which he had save his clothes, This time, and has been since sent back to Regalia to stand trial for his actions within the Theatre. Sir, what are your orders?"
Eirik looked over the courier for a good moment before nodding with an exhale and saying, "I had a bad feeling that the Lt. General would fuck himself over with me gone. May he seek redemption elsewhere and out of my hair." He began stroking his beard in thought before rising, "Very well, I will be sending a letter to the Santigo fellow and moving myself and a few battleships to the Mirnoye side of Nordskag to help shore up defenses against any future invasion by the Storm Breaker vessels. Also, see to it that every Gunpowder supply, cache, and ammunition is covered, wrapped, any form of protected from that lightning by dirty leather. We do not want them to catch the shock of the gunpowder so quickly nor do we want the flames to lick the powder directly or at all. Gives our lads time to retaliate after all."
The sailor courier nodded and began setting out to inform the necessary parties of these necessities. Will this be a good move on the Inspector Admirals part...? Only time will tell...

 

[Arganam]

Johnathan would mutter something along the lines of "Really Sinclair? Maybe you would not have been so stupid if I was there..." Before deciding that he better prepare to travel to the north, and assist the Regalian army in any way possible.

 

[Moribundity]

Upon hearing the news, Katrina did little more than scowl. Yes, she still served the emperor and was loyal to him, but she had starting to be loyal in a disgruntled manner. She'd stop intervening and performing random acts of kindness now. Her cold, spiteful demeanour returning once again. Of course, she believed nelfin were far superior, but decided to keep herself silenced regarding that matter. All she could to was soldier on and pray that her sales didn't drop further...