LordZell

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

The Rise of the Snake

James nodded to Lord Marek's words before answering Lord Demotoriaus's question "Though it woes me that you recall your vote so hastily, I can see the fear in your eyes when you speak of the orcs, However as Lord Marek points out our grand army is not what it once was having lost more than half its force. Even further the original crusade was ambushed by the orcs, proving that they are not only as tactical as us but know the landscapes far more than us. As for our internal strife we must not forget about the wicked monsters in the floodplains that Baron Sforza and his men fight continuously. As for the plotting within the kingdom while in all my time and this kingdom’s time people have plotted for far greater things, the timing could be no better either. A new King in the realm would be at his weakest point without a unanimous vote for them, and a rebellion could begin as quickly as well. I merely ask for patience should I become King and time to evaluate the situation of the landscape we can’t merely rush out for war without thinking of supply lines as well as feed the lowly farmer in each of our lands.” He then sat down as quickly as he had rose.

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

The Rise of the Snake

As James sat hearing the pledges of lord around the room meanwhile refusing to eat the food of Lord Aldywn for fear of tampering and the distrust of open pride that came from the Lord. As the Lords and Lady gave their differing support and ideals James listened intently specifically to that Lord Jerran who had seen the war first hand and they had worked together on the King’s council previously. Eventually Lord Marek and the others decided to question the legitimacy of the himself and Lord Aldywn and why they were most deserving of the Kingship.

Though James prefered to listen and see the responses as well as hear his opponent's own thought Lord Aldywn was more than willing to give out his plan wholeheartedly. First declaring that he’d of course avenge our late lord and defeat the orcs of the Blackmouth, and while James did believe the orcs needed to pay he knew the realm wasn’t ready for war and that winter and food shortages would soon be upon them. Those reasons were of course James’ own thoughts when the King demanded a crusade. Furthermore the Duchess Anfel the half-elf brought up the issue of our relations with dwarves and elves. Though she was the most beautiful of anyone he had ever seen, James simply say the elves as a useless species who prefers to remain in the past rather than industrialize of course the dwarves have their faults, without them James would be a poor soul forced to steal, kill or other in order to survive. Lord Aldywn’s response on the matter of course agreed that we’d need the be more open to our neighbors even though James thought he was simply giving hold for support something in the Lord’s eye made it seem honest.

After a few short moments of silence James stood up dressed in his fine clothes of rich material. “While our king did indeed die at the hand of the damned orcs and our own beliefs should of course tell us revenge is the only answer. However, as councilor I was against the action of invasion we were too ill-equipped our own Lord Jerran can testify to that I’m sure. Furthermore, winter is to be upon us soon and I’m sure many lands including my own of the summit will be in dire need of food that there will be barely enough to send supplies to our soldier. As such I’d recommend a time of defense and waiting preparing ourselves rather than outright suicide.”

James gave a slyish smile to Lord Aldwyn before turning to Duchess Anfel. “Duchess, much like your own relation with that of the elfs, I too hold a close relation to that of the dwarves within the mountain peaks of the summit. That isn’t to say we hold some uneasy hostilities with them, but for now it’s a prosperous peace and I see no reason in changing that, thus why I’d be tentatively open to increasing our relations but I of course would see no reason to become hostile against either.” James raised his glass of near empty wine to her giving her a nod before confronting the crowd as a whole.

“ My fellow, lords while I acknowledge my background to be somewhat shady, I can assure you all. I only have interest in this kingdom as a whole. My family has been the oldest to serve Osteria, I myself served on the King’s council often stating the truth even if it was against the king’s own words. While I Aldwyn offers revenge I offer strategy, Lord Aldwyn offers diplomacy, I proclaim patience. For too long we have focused on the external threats and duties of the empire. It is time to focus on our internal strifes and uniting the kingdom behind one ideal and one force. Should I of course be passed over, I will be the first to bend my knee to whomever the new King maybe for I am at your mercy.” James gave a sincere smile to all of them raising his drink before swallowing a gulp and sitting back down ever so humbly.

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

The Rise of the Snake

As Duke Conrad sat in the grand hall with the other nobles of the land he couldn’t help but reminisce of when he was here mere months earlier. Serving the King as one of his advisors, though he had no ill will against Lord Marek, the old man never changed with the times. He and Marek often argued about the course of action the king should take, James often trying to do what was best for the realm and prosperity whereas Merek attempted to remain conservative to the old ways. In the end James lost too many times and was forced to leave, now there are rumors about what James truly did to be removed but James preferred it that way when no one knew the whole truth but himself.

Eventually James came to the present as Lord Merek gave his announcement
"It is a great calling that now rests on your shoulders, Lords--and Lady," he said, looking to Duchess Anfel Allard, the renowned half-elf who had long kept relations with the stoic princes of Celihodon at a high. "King Timault has fallen to Ash, but Osteria will rise anew. And it's new monarch sits in this very room. Who among you are qualified? Who among you would stand and give counsel as to why you wish yourself--or another--upon the throne?"

He stood for a long moment. "Speak now. Speak.. freely. For every moment Osteria goes without a ruler, it's people will suffer.

James waited but a mere moment glancing over the crowd before standing up. Though not the tallest of those in attendance he stood up as if had this divine right over him. “Lord Merek, Baron Sforza and other lords and ladies of the realm. I Duke James Conrad, would like to nominate myself for ruler of this great land of Osteria. I served on King Timault on his council shortly before his death. My family as well were the first Dukes of the kingdom and are now the oldest lords of the land. To the people, I promise a swift vengeance against the orcs before a long reign of stability and prosperity while our old King was loved. I can attest to the fact he cared more on external affairs rather than the well being of our internal strife” James gave a humble bow before the crowd before sitting himself down.

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

That's my bad...

Hansa - An alternate-history of the Northern Crusades

Interesting...

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

@Dogematix You should join the discord so we can chat history.

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

Also not sure if you wanna use a discord or something for OOC chats but here. us21.chatzy.com/52025423963437

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

Name of Lord/Lady: Duke James Conrad, Self-Given title/what his people refer to him as Vizier James Conrad or The Snake of the Mountain

Physical Description: James is a man of average height standing 5'5" he is a very pale man who appears weak to those that see him. While he carries a scar along his face it wasn't from battle yet no one knows where he had received it and is a mystery to this day. James often wears the finest clothing available when in public to show his own and as well as his lands prosperity.

Claimed Fief:3. The Summit: (Unclaimed): A prosperous mountain enclave that is easily defended, the region entitled the Summit is a similarly far away region in the far North. The mines there are an immense source of wealth for the Kingdom, but it requires constant foodstuffs from the highlands, lest it starve out. Similarly, the Hold of Mathak is a viable trading outpost with the Dwarves of Tharag.
STATS: 700,000 Citizens | 1,000 Men-at-Arms, 0 Cavalry, 500 Knights | Produces 0 Grain/10 Gold/12 Iron | No Roads | 0 Fortress | Requires 7 Grain/Season. | 0 Unrest

Basic History: The Conrads are a mysterious family that has ruled the summit every since it's conquest. Some believe them to be masters of intrigue who often create crisis to gather more power. Some believe they were old friends and administrators to the Kings and the most loyal servants thus providing the kingdom with ample gold and iron. Whatever the truth maybe one thing is certain the Conrads always survive

Much like his family James is a mysterious fellow. It is assumed he was the sole heir when his parents died when he was 16 however there are terrible rumors that stated his had 2 siblings who disappeared a short year before his parents accident. Yet his rule was fine for his land and kingdom as a whole. He provided iron and gold to the King in return for a steady supply of food. At age 25 he joined the royal court as an advisor to the King however he was dismissed 2 years later for different reasons based on who is asking and who is answering but the 2 most pronounced are that his disagreed with King Timault on attacking the orcs and was dismissed for arguing with the king. Other say he planted seeds of descent in the King and other advisors ear that lead the King to war and ultimately his death. Yet he returns to the capital after mere months of his dismissal only time will tell what James truly did or didn’t do.a

Background: Administrator (Bonus to Govern Rolls)

1/1/2300: The Black January Crash [Cyberpunk, Semi-Hard Sci-fi NRP]

Interesting

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

Name of Lord/Lady: Duke James Conrad, Self-Given title/what his people refer to him as Vizier James Conrad or The Snake of the Mountain

Physical Description: James is a man of average height standing 5'5" he is a very pale man who appears weak to those that see him. While he carries a scar along his face it wasn't from battle yet no one knows where he had received it and is a mystery to this day. James often wears the finest clothing available when in public to show his own and as well as his lands prosperity.

Claimed Fief:3. The Summit: (Unclaimed): A prosperous mountain enclave that is easily defended, the region entitled the Summit is a similarly far away region in the far North. The mines there are an immense source of wealth for the Kingdom, but it requires constant foodstuffs from the highlands, lest it starve out. Similarly, the Hold of Mathak is a viable trading outpost with the Dwarves of Tharag.
STATS: 700,000 Citizens | 1,000 Men-at-Arms, 0 Cavalry, 500 Knights | Produces 0 Grain/10 Gold/12 Iron | No Roads | 0 Fortress | Requires 7 Grain/Season. | 0 Unrest

Basic History: The Conrads are a mysterious family that has ruled the summit every since it's conquest. Some believe them to be masters of intrigue who often create crisis to gather more power. Some believe they were old friends and administrators to the Kings and the most loyal servants thus providing the kingdom with ample gold and iron. Whatever the truth maybe one thing is certain the Conrads always survive

Much like his family James is a mysterious fellow. It is assumed he was the sole heir when his parents died when he was 16 however there are terrible rumors that stated his had 2 siblings who disappeared a short year before his parents accident. Yet his rule was fine for his land and kingdom as a whole. He provided iron and gold to the King in return for a steady supply of food. At age 25 he joined the royal court as an advisor to the King however he was dismissed 2 years later for different reasons based on who is asking and who is answering but the 2 most pronounced are that his disagreed with King Timault on attacking the orcs and was dismissed for arguing with the king. Other say he planted seeds of descent in the King and other advisors ear that lead the King to war and ultimately his death. Yet he returns to the capital after mere months of his dismissal only time will tell what James truly did or didn’t do.a

Background: Administrator (Bonus to Govern Rolls)