08-22-2024, 05:33 AM
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2132 AC
In the wake of the Republic's victory against the Western Front's besieging armies, the focus of Gloomlight Grove turned inward, preoccupied by several internal matters.
While the Republic's trial of Aaliyah Khalas was a success, with justice proceeding in a... mostly orderly fashion
(other than the unmasking of Midpoint's envoy as a witch mid-trial),
several setbacks rocked the people of Athelios.
Archon Na'Ria's death while assisting Delphina against the forces of Xarxes Hel Myst was a stunning blow to many,
both those who knew and loved her and those who had counted on her divine magics as a method of redemption.
The cavalcade of misfortune continued with news of a shocking crime by one of Athelios's finest.
The Oracle's own daughter, Umbra Captain Jaizara Ueda, was pronounced guilty of attempted murder,
stripped of rank and disowned, and exiled from her homeland.
But shortly on the heels of this disaster, a team of magi including several of the Republic's finest returned from Atrellya with the Heart of Vdali in tow,
an improbable success in the face of almost certain defeat. With this mission completed and the Atrellyan invasion on the horizon, Gloomlight has been galvanized into a flurry of action, a series of announcements and preparations being made for the future.
THE SUCCESSOR
Most notably, Oracle Loramelian Ueda has proclaimed her intention to step down soon, once matters of war and statecraft allow the time for a transition.
Her named successor is none other than Thomas G. Equisol, son of the Prosperan Archduke Melos dul Vique and brother to his heir Genevieve E. Equisol.
Opinions seem divided on the announcement.
Some people view it with appreciation, given the history of the Equisol name; some with trepidation, given the history of the Equisol name.
Some point to Thomas Equisol's personal reputation for volatility, while others speak approvingly of he and his wife Miriam Equisol's commitment to hardliner views of judgment and redemption.
The Oracle herself is clear, in her brief public statement:
Quote:"I believe Thomas Equisol will do an excellent job of balancing justice with mercy and redemption with punishment.
Youth lends him vigor and decisiveness, and a few years to prepare for the transition will temper them with wisdom.
I am well content to place my people in his hands and enjoy a much-needed retirement."
THE BASTION
- With the retirement of Commander Erebus Bargiel after a long period of honorable service, former Astra Captain Ansel has stepped into his shoes as the new Commander.
- Knight Justia has been promoted to replace him as Astra Captain, while Jaizara Ueda's former position as Umbra Captain remains unfilled for now as the Bastion adjusts.
- With multiple threats on the horizon, the Bastion is busier than ever and, as always, LOOKING FOR RECRUITS. Those interested can look forward to help securing gear, weapons, booster potions, and comfortable lodgings within Gloomlight, as well as training within a renowned military oft on the front lines against the Fel. Interested individuals should contact Commander Ansel or Captain Justia for recruitment.
- Indeed, speaking of 'busier than ever' – the repeated depredations of Midpoint and their allies against Republic personnel, along with the influence of Thomas Equisol's harder take on things, appear to be encouraging a more zealous mindset in the Bastion. Sharper policing of the city's borders and of borderline cases seem to be the new method of the day.
PERSONNEL
- Sterling Montelione continues to serve as the Oracle's Secretary, the first point of contact for all matters and the Oracle's right hand in domestic affairs.
- Falke Bargiel, returning from a long period of illness, has been named the new Pontifice of the Church within Gloomlight. In this role, she serves as the head of worship for the Athelite church, charged with ensuring faith in the Lord Warden remains strong and vital. All religious matters should be directed first to her.
- In political matters, Ardence de la Croix remains the Ambassador to Delphina, while other Ambassadorial positions remain temporarily unfilled. Nations that wish to open diplomatic channels with Gloomlight are encouraged to discuss the question of a named ambassador in the future.
- IHead of Research Ksceniya C. Montelione is Gloomlight's point of contact for all research projects, and anyone interested in collaboration is welcome to reach out to her to discuss.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
As always, a great deal of medical, metaphysical, and spiritual research occurs within Gloomlight's laboratories...
- Anyone with experience dealing with the mysterious "black oil" is invited to contact Alain Ueda or Oracle Loramelian Ueda about a research project.
- Sterling Montelione still seeks mages affiliated with the air to come speak regarding her nascent Realm of Sky.
- ███ ████ ██████, Talguth ███ ████ █████ ██ ██████ ████ ███ ████ ███████ ███ █████ ██ █████████ ██████ ███ ███ Slaughtering Grounds ██████ ███ ███ █████ █████ ██ ███ ██████████ ██ ███ coming months.
- As always, individuals with expertise in combating necromancy are invited to speak with Oracle Loramelian Ueda, as a long-prepared project begins to near fruition.
RELATIONS
Gloomlight has ever desired peace with those who reject the forces of darkness. However, recent events have made it clear that peace is not always an option. The Grove is no longer interested in tolerating aggression against its people or those of its sister states.
Paritas States (Traverse, Prospera, Goldlight, Fortune): Liberty, justice, and righteousness as one.
Kingdom of Londo: We grieve for your suffering, and stand allies as ever.
Kingdom of Delphina: Unlikely partnerships bear fruit in surprising season.
Mavethkar: Natural allies in temperament and interests.
Arcadia: A promising prospect for hope and healing in the world. But will you fall to hypocrisy?
Ten's Citadel: Uncertain winds blow - what do you stand for?
Xuefeng: Baseless insults, hostility, and aspersions do not please.
Serenity: Ignorance will no longer be counted an excuse if you stand against us again.
Dragon's Nest: One giant glorified coven. The Pure Blood of Helheim.
Final Frontier: You have deified man's inhumanity to man. It will not pay.
Midpoint: A mouthpiece of Atrellya, and hence to share its fate.
Fel/Morningstar: New name, the same terms. Repent or die.
Atrellya: To the last of you.
Kingdom of Londo: We grieve for your suffering, and stand allies as ever.
Kingdom of Delphina: Unlikely partnerships bear fruit in surprising season.
Mavethkar: Natural allies in temperament and interests.
Arcadia: A promising prospect for hope and healing in the world. But will you fall to hypocrisy?
Ten's Citadel: Uncertain winds blow - what do you stand for?
Xuefeng: Baseless insults, hostility, and aspersions do not please.
Serenity: Ignorance will no longer be counted an excuse if you stand against us again.
Dragon's Nest: One giant glorified coven. The Pure Blood of Helheim.
Final Frontier: You have deified man's inhumanity to man. It will not pay.
Midpoint: A mouthpiece of Atrellya, and hence to share its fate.
Fel/Morningstar: New name, the same terms. Repent or die.
Atrellya: To the last of you.