The time of duels is over.

Dornar has been slain in deadly duel against High Lord Basil.

For a while after Dornar's death, the High Lord was accepting any other potential challengers, weeding out those that could be deemed as disobedient, as those that could potentially avenge the ex-High Lord that has fallen in battle to protect Osrona. The fire roars across Esshar and blood turns rivers red, even now after war, and it seems that the new High Lord takes a different approach.

Quote:

"My claim has been contested."

"But none have defeated me."

"Yet, I was quick to find what an absolute wreck of a kingdom Ilburg has become. Is this what you people praised? A single gang running rampant to take upon all riches while the rest of you are left starved, without purpose?"

"No more. The lack of purpose ends today."

"We will construct the Wonders of beauty unmatched, tapping upon the wisdom of the ancestors and stars alike. We will restore the glory of Njorun upon Esshar, as our ancestors had once claimed it in the past. The Rhoynur culture will be a prominent one, as it was always meant to be, and those standing in our way will be put down quickly."

"The Rhoynish scattered across Esshar are encouraged to either join Ilburg or Alabastre, lest they find themselves left aside in the wake of their kin. Do not make the same mistake twice - as some have done in the past, joining our enemy rather than their family."

"Because there won't be a third chance."

1741 AC

"A man is only as great as his ambition." - Garljing, Sagas of Thorgil

• The most notable change in the northern kingdom was the deaths of Dragonlord Rinn and Dragonlord Magne, with Sythaeryn Vartuul, victorous in single combat and his claim, ascending to the rank of Dragonlord thereafter. His dragon, Emriss, delivered the killing blow and fed upon the fresh corpse of the former Dragonlord. Rinn was slain by the notorious criminal Mihalis, rumored descendant of the Warlord Sajid, the murderer of the woman's husband. Shortly following these events, Magne's family (Lynette, her wife, and her daughter) tragically committed suicide in their home, discovered by the Therian Yevon. These duels were overseen by the wisened, eldest of the Fireblooded, Dun Task, who proclaimed the ascension legitimate, and there was no contest from the other present Dragonlord, Khione, throughout the proceedings.
  

• The newly anointed Dragonlord immediately restated his plans to those present, his sword still red with blood: The Therian mountains will be the perfect staging ground for campaigns into the east, where the riches of Barsburg and the lost Essharan lands await them, a glorious expedition that'll give their young the opportunity to make a name for themselves- looking out rather than in. There are many key sights between their current point and the edge of the world, from Theria to the shadow lands. This plan was fully backed by the Coalition prior to the duel, with Asta and Finley promising ample funding and men to Sythaeryn from the spoils of the Osronan war, and is now grounded further.
  
  
• Dragonlord Khione embarks on an expedition into the tundra in search of the rumored wyrm, to pay tribute to the ice dragon. She recently obtained her position following a battle against the drakanite Zion who was also vying for the spot. (OOC: Tonight at 7PM EST, contact them at ThatOtherGirl#0018 if attending interests you!)
  
  
• With the aid of Myllenoris's newly appointed diplomat, the Teraphim Agate, the Dragonlords call for a leader summit while stating that half of the signature bearers on the old agreement are now dead. Given how busy everyone is, when this will happen is unsure, but the country's stability surely depends on it.
  
  
• A public notice is put out that Theria will be cracking down on the flood of Sylavanum, a toxic drug that hooks a person for life with the false promise of bliss. Past leadership seemed to turn a blind eye to this and now so many young are snorting the golden powder, losing years of their life for a temporary high... (OOC: If you sell it in your store, the goods will be confisicated - Shady dealings on the street are suggested instead!)
  

• The Therian factory continues its work, on a protoype pilotable golem suit similar to those in Magnolia and Barsburg, with its own Essharan twist. There's also the rumor of the unofficial promise of rare materials from the expeditions to come.
  

Quote:

"Maltziel? Forgives him..?"

 

"I don't stand here for Maltziel's will. Alexander, Del -- they moved with faith that Maltzlel would back his claim. That The Petrakis were blessed, that he could not fail."

 

"'Do not waver August, Osrona has not fallen, and it will not fall.' "

 

"What a fool he was. If he was the chosen savior? No amount of forgiveness will correct his failures. He will not ever grow into the Crown which was handed to him. So no, on behalf of the thousands who died -- I do not forgive Alexander. The blood is on his hands, Osrona fell for his pride. How will I handle this?"

 

"I'll have him pay for what he's done, despite any forgiveness. He has lost, he is in a corner. He bides his time until he faces the true judgement of Helheim. He is a failure, and it cost us everything. There is no forgiveness for him."

-August Lux Astor

1743 AC





"I hope the truth of your fortunes with outweighs an eternity shackled in Helheim."

The witch Eureka Edwards, also known as Noriko, has been slain in battle against Lorespeaker Kofe.

Quote:"Many people doubted me during the last summit. My position on witchcraft may not be the traditional one, and will remain as such.

I will not lie. Noriko came to me seeking refuge from the world, intending on granting favors and helping me in my projects should I be to protect him and his beloved. He spoke of creating an object able to detect witches with his help. I offered him a stay in Ilburg's jail for the Coalition to judge that offer, believing the world would be wise enough to accept such an opportunity.

Unfortunately, Noriko's heart could not trust me, or the rest of the world.

He died a sick man, leaving behind a wounded lover.

Those who believed I would hesitate when it came to taking action are welcome to present proper apologies for not believing in me.
Yes. I'm talking about you, Finley."

• The revival of Ilburg is heard of far and wide!
  
• With the death of Noriko, the Lorespeaker asks the world to reconsider Blyze's status as a criminal, for the source of their crime is now gone.
  
• Following the bounty put on Mihalis Lovain, a push for the occultist to be cleared of his crimes is made. The reason for amnesty being cited as "Occult Madness".
  
• Rumors of Kofe working on a method to lessen the effects of the aforementioned madness circulate around the world.
  
• Talk of an incredibly successful ritual in Alabastre is given by the few residents of Ilburg who participated, praising Queen Mars' ingenuity.
  

Quote:

"AT ATTENTION, YOU LOUTS! DON'T BACK DOWN AGAINST ROYALIST SCUM!"

"Fuckin' bastards didn't do enough leadin' th'city to ruin in the first place, now they have to try and cause more destruction?! KILL THEIR OWN COUNTRY MEN?!"

"Stop them here, lads! Keep New Os free! Fer the people! Not fer some EGOTISTICAL MANICAL GOD KING!"

"DEATH TO TYRANTS! POWER TO THE PEOPLE!"

"THIS CITY IS OURS. IT BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE. ONLY THEY CAN DECIDE WHO RULES IT!"

-Yersin

MYLLENORIS
-1744-

With a return from the Valedepths, rumor spreads that the Vale itself has begun to heal once again. The plant and animal life within, for those fortunate enough to see it, is blooming into an ecosystem set right, blessed once more by the spirits who call the mysterious grove their home.

And yet, the High Lord is said to already be preparing the Valeborne for another delve...

Couriers are often seen running to and from Myllenoris, some traveling to the north, others to the east, and curiously, a handful toward Nysea itself. It is no hidden secret that some communication, albeit strained, has begun between the forest kingdom and the refugees who fled to the west.

In regards to the capture and execution of the witch Eureka Edwards, the High Lord had this much to say:

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Myllenoris recognizes Kofe for doing his part in culling the plague that is rotting Esshar within the shadows and hidden spaces the light not dare touch.

With more and more reports of roaming demons within the countryside, all are advised to travel and proceed with caution and in groups, or at the very least pairs.

Barsburg is at our borders, and the Coven continues to grow in power.

Now more than ever we must find it within ourselves to fend off against the greater threats and storms that would force our home into disarray and chaos.

(Finn Ghede)

Quote:

Messaris' farmlands would be fertile. An abundance of crops would easily be grown for all that tried. The animals that were raised would be healthy once again, even those who seemed to be on the verge of death. 

-

Throughout the innermost parts of the city the landscape would burst out with life. It was like the siege of Osrona had never happened in the first place and in fact, it might even be better now...

-

And yet there were the needy in Sudsbury. The long forgotten part of Osrona. Neglected, forgotten, but not by Asena. Bushes with berries would grow for them to pick, the dirty water would become purified. The help they needed had been given. 

-

For that was the blessing Asena would bestow for those who go through her trials. 

-

And maybe, just maybe, Osrona could go back to normal once again.

Quote:“Greetings and salutations citizens of Theria. Times have changed. Theria was possessed by an illness, and the cure was nothing less than annihilation of the element that orchestrated its sickness. The costs of this were high, and the death of my beloved daughter, the dragonlord Rinn still weighs as a heavy shadow upon the city. But with the end of the Kriemhilds, the death of the nightmarish Lynette and her terror, so Theria moves forward to and leaves its ills behind.”

Quote:“The Barsburg front goes well, Dragonlord Sythaeryn’s promise of spearheaded conflict has not been empty posturing. The front changes by the day, the no man’s zone of ash, glass, and molten blood is thick and deep, but they will gain no ground in the north as long as we Therians stand stall. We will never be slaves.”

Quote:“With the focus of the dragonlords Sythaeryn, Khione, and Zion upon the warfront, there has come a need for warlords to handle the domestic affairs of the city proper in such times. Three have been gathered to bare the mantles of history, disciples of strength in body and character alike who I am certain bare the spark necessary to represent Theria with due violence and candor.”

The second Clown Prince, Marzius Volgin, he who has inherited my mantle of yesteryear and the chaos it manifests.

The second Thunderlord, Thalis Avitus, he who has broken the shackles of the monarchy upon his Sudsburian upbringing, and seeks the storm.

And lastly and with pride, the second Black Knight, Valero Task, a boy that has grown into a man, and a master of energy magic as potent as my own prime.”

Quote:"With that comes change in industry and spirit alike. With Apep's distant vacation, the factory's inoperation is sin. I put it and Theria's Research and Development efforts in the hands of Bea Zhichuan and Hades Task, I know they are capable of making it a source of progress and higher thought. In that same vein, Revan Task is being groomed to fulfill my duties as the patriarch of the Fireblooded, his spirit is bold, burning with passion, and above all sincere, he will make a fine priest in my place for Theria's spiritual needs."

MYLLENORIS
-1747-

After three years of quiet peace and operation, Myllenoris begins to shuffle and shift with news coming from its central tower once again as tensions across Esshar boil over. The High Lord makes a speech before his people with the intention to allow transcripts to make their way across the land to those interested in its contents.

Quote:

I am disappointed.

What many do not know is that Asta Hargrave's motivations were fueled by a desire to save humanity from itself.

My predecessor could not find it within her heart to trust man, for in her experience, hearts of flesh and blood were too vulnerable to greed, to prejudice, to vengeance, to hate.

I am disappointed that I vouched for mankind and that I insisted to trust them.

But disappointment does not mean condemnation.

Myllenoris' stance has been public and clear ever since the War of Crowns came to its end;

Alexander Petrakis' life was bought by the blood spilled in the streets.

His sins were washed away in a balancing that I hope to never see again.

It is for this reason that the Valeborne have never sought to harm Nysea, and I have made it plain to both the King and his people that so long they do not intend to place Alexander back upon the throne in the east, then I do not see a problem with his reign continuing in the west.

To this end, the Valeborne have orders to leave Osrona at last.

We have a greater enemy to turn our attention to, and if we must defend mankind's right to wage war on itself, then that is what we will do.

I call out now to any who would take up arms against the abominations in the woods.

I invite all who would hunt the scattered members of the Coven to join me in my kingdom.

We will not rest until Nebula Lockwood's 'remnants' have been reduced to puddles,

or frozen statues.

(High Lord Finn Ghede)

Talk of an official Demon Hunting focused wing of the Valeborne is in the works.
(OOC: More information to come soon)

In some news that had gone unannounced, Rolim Seira, Tieru Avlee, and Agate were all promoted to Mistseers to join the High Lord's Council, and Amalia Ghede, the Lady Consort of Myllenoris, underwent the Rite of the Chrysalis.