Milkman

Vassals to an empty throne

@Conrad Your claim is accepted. The person who had the blue game dissapeared and was never heard from again.

Vassals to an empty throne

Vulpea - The king’s keep

Clunk, clunk, clunk. King Aidar Fir of Vulpinia noticed the ticking of his walking cane as it hit the pure white marble floor of the grand hall he had found himself into. For a moment the elderly Vulpin wondered how he had come here. The last thing he remembered was sitting on his throne in Vulpea, the capital city of the Vulpin kingdom listening to the quarrels of the various clans. Yet now he found himself in a hall of such grandeur that his own keep could easily fit beneath the high ceiling. As the Vulpin king looked around he recognized the place. King Aidar had been here before. His hand touched the imposing doors which gave entrance to the grand hall. He could feel the expertly crafted images of great battles beneath his hand. It felt so real and yet the king knew that this experience could not be in the mortal realm.

The old king made his way to the far side, passing the neatly set tables. The rows of silverware accompanied the porcelain plates and crystal glasses as if the grand hall was prepared to host a feast. And yet the place was deserted, cold and empty except for the Vulpin with his cane. King Aidar recognized the place. I was decorated in a way that reminded him of an event 30 years ago. The coronation of King Amon-Mar IV. King of Arkron, supreme lord of the realm.

The old Vulpin found himself at the foot of the stairs. Twenty five steps up in the air sat the golden throne of the king of Arkron. Always towering above his guests so that the supreme lord of the realm would always look down on whomever stood in front of him. Slowly the aging king raised his head and to gaze at the throne. Beams of light coming from the many windows illuminated the royal seat and its reflections nearly blinded King Aidar but it was impossible to miss. No one was sitting at the throne. As the old king lifted his feet to take the first step he could feel a hand on his shoulder and heard a voice in the distance.

“My liege. Snap out of it. A message from Arkron has arrived!”

King Aidar of Vulpinia blinked his eyes. No longer was he surrounded by the pristine white marble of the Arkronian palace but he found himself once more sitting on his own wooden throne with his legs under a blanket. In front of him stood the young sovereign of clan Palebrush. Moments ago she had been complaining about the Ephans hunting and settling into her clan’s mountain territory and now she was staring in frustration at her king as Cael Drumain, the king's prime servant tried to wake him up from what most would describe as a moment of total lethargy. He had sat on his throne, awake yet not aware. As if his body was in his throne room and his spirit somewhere else.

King Aidar knew what had happened. The shamans would call it a spirit walk. A sort of out of body experience beyond time and space. Where the one spirit would let the spirit walker experience something that was, is, would be or could be. A sort of vision from maybe the past, present, future, a possible future or something totally different. Never was it truly clear about what the king was seeing, nor what it meant. Everything was up for interpretation and yet a spirit walk occasionally influenced his decision making.

It took the old Vulpin a moment to regain his composure and quickly waved the young sovereign off. Today was no longer a day to be concerned with such trivial matters. Spirit walks cannot be controlled, they just happen. And when they happen, it was always for a reason.
Before opening the message, king Aidar commanded his hall to be silent. “Get a keg of ale. Tonight we honor the passing of king Amon-Ra IV, supreme ruler of the realm. May his spirit be guided on his journey back to the one”

Cael Drumain took the liberty to open the message that the Arkronians had sent. With just a glance he knew that the old dog on the throne was right. The prime servant could only guess what the king had seen. The old man never really shared the stories but it was clearly enough to know that the current ruler in Arkronia had left the mortal realm. The interesting part of the letter was the fact that the ceremony would take place in just 5 weeks. That’s incredibly short for Arkronian standards. The government in Arkronia seemed to be in a hurry to get the crown prince on the throne. “My liege. I shall summon the clan sovereigns and make the necessary arrangements for our travel to the inauguration of crown prince Rakon-Da.”

The old king just stared in the distance as he over thought his latest experience. Could it be more than just a sign of a change in monarchy? Why was the throne empty? Should he not have seen the Arkronian crown prince sitting on the throne? The truth about spirit walks was that they often raised more questions than provided answers. But the old Vulpin monarch was sure of one thing. Mycoria was standing at the crossroads of destiny once more.

However the old king did not get much time to think. Raelin Loinsigh Palebrush, sovereign of clan Palebrush wasn’t ready yet to leave the subject of the Ephan’s. It was here people who suffered the incursions and it was her responsibility as leader of the clan to safeguard her clansmen. “My liege, we are not done yet! Something must be done about Ephan’s roaming into Vulpin territory. They hunt our game, gather our food and leave less for us Vulpin. My people in the border region went hungry this winter because of the Ephans. I cannot tolerate that and have instructed my hunters and warriors to kill any Ephan we spot in our territory. I request to accompany you on your journey to the Arkronian capital so that I can tell those stupid sentinals to stay the fuck away from my lands!”

King Aidar just smiled. He had known Raelin since her birth. Her father was a close friend and supporter of the king during his days as Sovereign of clan Palebrush. It came to Aidar as no surprise that she rose to lead her clan and not one of her 7 brothers. Raelin still was as stubborn, dedicated and straight to the point as back in the day that she was just a kid. She always knew what she wanted and worked extremely hard to get it. Far harder than any of her brothers ever did.

The border situation between Vulpinia and the Dominion was complicated. Ever since the humans settled in the northern region they had pushed westward. Eventually coming across the Vulpin in the mountains. Many Vulpin claimed that they had always lived on every mountain but the truth was that the region always had been sparsely populated. What complicated the matter was the fact that both the Vulpin and the Ephans heavily relied on hunting in the region. Every animal that one side shot meant that the other had less to eat during winter.

Switching sides during the last rebellion did little to improve the situation. The Arkronians promised to force the Ephans out of the mountains but only took temporary measures to ensure that the Ephans would stay away. Over time the Arkronians simply lost interest in the region and the situation returned to what it was. However the fact that the Vulpin switched sides during the third rebellion worsened the relation between the kingdom of Vulpinia and the Dominion of Epha. A good chunk of the Ephan army was led into the ambush by the Vulpin and many beast knights lost their life. That was something that is not easily forgotten and even harder to forgive.

The old Vulpin king knew that Raelin lacked the diplomatic tact to come to terms with the Ephans. Her stubbornness and furious passion for her people would prevent her from reaching a compromise. Yet, it was something she had to learn as many considered Raelin one of the primary candidates to become the next Vulpin monarch. “Raelin, you are aware that telling the Sentinals to stay the fuck out wouldn’t do much good. If you want to talk with the Ephans, you need to do it with clarity about what you wish to achieve and what is within the realm of possibilities. Luckily you have about 5 weeks to think about that.”

“My liege, there is one more subject we need to discuss.” Intervered Cael, the prime servant. He knew that if a coronation ceremony would take place in Arkronia, all vassals would be invited and some would travel by land and thus through the territory of the Vulpin. One of the delegations that would travel by land are the Ephans.

“All Vassals will be invited and all are expected to send a delegation. That means that the Ephans will travel to the Arkronian capital as well. They will travel by land and need to pass through our territory.” Spoke the prime servant.

“We can always deny them access and force them to travel to Cor and take a ship” Said the sovereign of Clan Palebrush. It was a little joke as she knew that not granting access for such an occasion would not do well with the Arkronians.

The king sighed. He knew from all the nations in the world the Vulpin disliked the Ephan’s the most. It wasn’t out of the question that some Vulpin would display their disdain for the Ephans in a manner that would complicate things even more. A situation king Aidar would like to avoid. “Cael, arrange an escort for the Ephans and send them a message that we will grant their delegation passage through our territory. Make sure to select some trustworthy men for the escort.”

Cael nodded as he walked down to a table containing scrolls, ink and feathers for writing.

A message to the high sentinel of the dominion of Epha

To our most beloved neighbor,

Word has reached us that King Amon-Mar has passed away. The coronation of his son is in 5 weeks. We are well aware that all states have received an invitation to this important event. As such, the delegation of the Dominion of Epha will be granted passage through the kingdom of Vulpinia. Vulpin warriors will escort your delegation through our lands.

Yours sincerely,

Aidar Fir Shadowfax
King of the nine Vulpin clans

Ember Grove - Supernatural RP

Finn

Location: Campsite
Time: morning
Interacting with: Liam Donovan@helo
Mentions: Boris @Kkushmar

Finn was quite surprised to see the youngster return with someone who looked like he had some time to go before passing his 40’s. In his mind, the young wolf always envisioned Alpha wolves as these old dudes like his father but never like someone like the man who was now standing in front of him. Finn could not help to wonder what kind of Alpha he would be. Where all packs ran the way his father did or was this dude’s pack something different?

“Don’t worry about it, I’m a chill guy. I wouldn’t hurt your scouts unnecessary.” Said Finn with a smile. It was a little joke to antagonize Kevin a bit more. Somehow the youngster reminded Finn of how he used to be some years ago. Always eager to prove himself, especially in front of a superior. Just angering him a bit more was always funny.

“I think I’ve met your Russian friend, Boris in the woods last night. He still got my shirt and I probably should do some laundry today. The clothes I’m wearing are soaked and muddy and don’t have much spare with me. But anyway, I’m not really here to talk about laundry and stuff. I’m looking for someone. Drove all the way down here from New York City to find my brother. Yes, he’s a werewolf too, just like the rest of my family.”

Finn reached for his pocket to grab his cellphone and pulled up a picture of his brother. “I’m asking around in local packs if anyone has seen or heard from him. His name is Mike. He moved to Ember Grove roughly a year ago but I’ve lost contact with him over a month ago. I figured maybe he had joined some pack here so that’s why I’m asking around. ”

Vassals to an empty throne

<Snipped quote by Milkman>

Ah. Well, plan on reopening anytime soon? :D

@Conrad

I had someone drop out. He hasn't posted a sheet yet. So you're lucky :)
All colored placed without names on it are still free.

Vassals to an empty throne

@Milkman Hey, I made the changes on the Nationsheet. I also gave each of the factions an opinion on the third rebellion, the Cani voted for rebellion but were vetoed, I don't know if that would affect the Arkronians' thoughts on the monarchs, but figured I'd mention it. Also I want to clarify a little bit here since I gave some vague numbers in the factions set. In my head the Skekarii are decently numerous for the ammount of land they have since they've rarely had to worry about food shortages thanks to their blessed aquacullture. I listed some numbers for the major clans and said roughly what the larger subordinate clans would be like, but in total I think the Skekarii number just over 5 million. I'm guessing based off world dimensions that they're about half the size of modern day France, so I kinda went about it by using medieval population counts as a guess and adjusted it from there. Most of the population is on the coast or the mountains. I'm not sure if I should make the number higher or lower for them to be considered populous, but not overly so, in Mycoria.

@Blandina

It's vague enough so accepted :)

Vassals to an empty throne

Is it still open for applications?

@Conrad

No. Its currently closed for applications.

Vassals to an empty throne

@Blandina you can make the changes. Give me a headsup when finished.

Vassals to an empty throne

@Blandina The king and administration of Arkron stands above their vassals in the hierarchy. However this does not mean that they would just show disrespect to their vassals. Proper etiquette is important in Arkronian society and those who follow the etiquette will be met with the proper respect. Many Arkronians do consider themselves as a superior race by default and will often have a slight air of arrogance in in their dealings with the other races.

The Arkronians consider it proper etiquette that their vassals send their highest representatives to the coronation ceremony because the king of Arkon is considered the very top of the hierarchical pyramid. When the Skekani would crown a new monarch the Arkronians consider it as an event that happens one or two steps down in the pyramid. Depending on the relations, they might send their minister of foreign affairs if the relationship isn’t very good and do not wish to improve it. They might send the king himself if the Arkronians want to show their full commitment to further deepening relationship.

The Arkronians are well aware of internal dealings of their vassals. They employ a vast network of informers throughout the continent to keep them updated about the state of affairs in the other nations.

Just let me know what you want to edit and I’ll have a look at it.

Discord (only for OOC talk): discord.gg/Qk5aTGe

@Lunamaria Hawke At the moment I’m not accepting additional players.

Vassals to an empty throne

@Milkman For narrative reasons for my Ic post, about how large is the continent? I ask because Skekaria is the farthest vassal and I'm trying to think about how long it would take them to go across the continent by land, I'm not sure if I want them to sail or take a carriage yet.

@Blandina

Hmm, I haven't really given that much thought. Innitially I would say something like east-west ~3000 km and north south ~2000 km. My google fu skills gave me the wisdom that on walking would result in a travel distance of 25km a day, on horseback/carriage 50km a day and sailing 50-70km a day. That would not really work with the 5 week time between the message and the distance to travel. So I either should rethink dimensions or change the time between the invitation and the inauguration. The idea is that all leaders have enough time to travel to the Arkronian capital by their preferred method.

Vassals to an empty throne

Arkronia – Royal Palace

Akronia, the shining city of white. Unparalleled in its architecture and unrivaled In her beauty, glitters in the early morning sun of the first day of spring. Usually the city is bursting with commerce and business on a morning like this but today the streets are taken over by cleaning crews and decorators. In a few days the capital of the kingdom of Arkron will host the inauguration of the new king and the Arkronians will host the largest festivities since decades. Not just in honor of the new king, but also to mask a crisis that is slowly taking over the streets in Arkronia and other cities of the great kingdom. A crisis so great that it has become the most important subject of today’s government meeting.

Drokon-Al, the aging steward of Arkron looked around the table where the ministers had taken their seats. In his 80 springs the old Arkronian had never faced a potential crisis of this magnitude. Even his old poker face could not hide the concern on his face. The world was changing and the leadership of the kingdom and the realm had become his burden for now. The steward took a moment as all ministers waited in silence before he arose from his seat, raised his left hand and spoke the proper greeting “Alan Arkronis”

“Alan Arkronis” responded the ministers.

With the formal greeting out of the way the old Arkronian opened the fist topic of the meeting, the mysterious disease known as the Grey Death. “Ministers of the kingdom, servants of the crown and gods, with great concern I must confirm what we have been suspecting for some time now. The disease that we thought was gone for many centuries has returned to plague our glorious nation and the Arkronian people.” Drokon-Al looked around the large table but all ministers sat in silence. This wasn’t news for them either but what came next would be. “With great sadness I must inform the government that crown prince Rakon-Da, only heir to the throne has contracted the disease as well.”

In shock the different ministers looked at each other. If the crown prince had contracted the disease, his reign might be very short or he might not even make it to his own inauguration. This was bad, if the royal bloodline would end, it might take years for the priests to interpret the signs of the gods in order to select the next royal bloodline. With no king on the throne the Arkronian state would look severely weakened in the eyes of her vassals. Barbaric nations such as the Dominion of Epha or the Yuravian Confederation might see an empty throne as an opportunity to break free from their servitude and pursue their own chaotic agenda’s.

Arid-Ro, the middle aged minister of public health and water management took the word. “We have our best healers treating the crown prince but his condition is deteriorating. He won’t be in peak physical condition during his inauguration ceremony and they strongly advise to let the crown prince only participate in all the formal procedures required for him to ascend the throne. His strength is not what it used to be and his excellency tires out quickly.”

The other ministers sat in utter silence as they listened to this terrible news. They knew from the chronicles they all had studied at the various Arkronian universities that once the Grey Death struck, it would not stop at one or two victims. The minster of public health and water management continued his monologue “There have been over 300 reported cases in the capital alone and 103 Arkronians have passed away. Our studies show that the Grey Death only affects Arkronian people. Human and other races have not shown up at healers offices with the symptoms. So far roughly 33% of the patients are deceased, the majority remain sick and see their condition gradually decline over time. Some even fall into a state of endless sleep. Only 4 patients in the capital are considered cured. None of the healers remedies have proven effective and it seems that only a few have the favor of the gods. ”

Horish-Namar, minister of foreign relations stood up from his seat in order to address the gathered ministers. He realized that they were just at the start of the disease and not the end. The Grey Death would spread further and would most likely affect the kingdom on an unprecedented scale. “Ministers, servants of the crown and subjects of the gods. We must realize that the Grey Death is not just an healthcare crisis nor an leadership crisis. The Grey Death will cause a rapid decline in population and will weaken our nation significantly. We must be prepared for a changing would because there will be nations that are going to try to challenge our dominance.”

The old steward knew that Horish-Namar was right. In the old chronicles from the homeland beyond the sea, stories where written about how disease struck and decimated the population of the motherland many centuries ago. A repetition of that story seemed to become a distinct possibility for the Kingdom of Arkron. The times are changing and the Kingdom of Arkron needed to review their foreign policy quickly and realign it with the changing reality. “Your words speak of wisdom. We must work on the assumption that the Grey Death will significantly weaken the kingdom. The crown might not be capable of maintaining the current system. If we want to continue to do our divine duty to keep the order on this continent we must closely examine our relations with our vassals and be prepared to redefine them. Even if that means that we will be handing out concessions over time.”

“Ludicrous!” Shouted Ekram-Rhas, the minister of the Army. “If we had done during the 3rth rebellion what my late father and predecessor on my ministerial post had suggested we would not have had this conversation. Now our nation is under treat because a previous administration failed to act. Instead of handing out concessions we should demonstrate our strength by vanquishing those who will rise against us in the future before they have the chance to challenge us.”

Ekram-Rhas of house Rhaskozikan was known for his more radical point of view. House Rhaskozikan always was a strong advocate of permanently removing the more chaotic elements of this world. In the current case that would be exiling the population of various rebel nations to the afterlife. However his aggressive militaristic suggestions where quickly brushed off the table. Nobody was willing to start a war with such little justification.

The minister of Foreign relations once more took the word. “In the coming few days the delegations of all the nations of Mycoria will arrive. We should take this opportunity to strengthen our relations with various allies. I would like to make the following changes to the table arrangement for the grand opening banquet. Place the Vulpin delegation on the same table as the delegation of the Dominion of Epha and the delegation of the Saa’kaleed Abiat. You can’t take the Vulpin for their word but we should remind them of who their neighbors are. Fear is a great stimulus that shapes behavior. Place the delegation of the Aegire Oliarchy on the same table as the crown prince and steward. We should concentrate our effort on strengthening the position of the neutral houses. We should also let the Kingdom of Cor, the Rheatian republic and the kingdom of Skekaria know that whatever brings the future, Akron stand at their side in their desire for peace and prosperity”

With the last details worked out for the inauguration the government meeting came to a close as many crews worked relentlessly in the city to make it shine as a true white pearl and prepare all the guest accommodations near the Royal place that would be the homes for the delegations from all across Mycoria. Nobody knows what the future has in store but the Arkronians did whatever was within their power to hide the fact that a great crisis loomed above their heads.