State of Esshar

[caesaropapist]

CIVIL WAR IN THERIA?

Pursuant to recent events about an "agreement" with Osrona, a series of explosions and clashes were heard from the throne-room.
A handful of extremist Ryujinites have made their opposition vocally known, citing the well-known Sluthian edict:

    "We will not break bread with the enemy."

A lone madman could be seen proclaiming himself the Prophet of Garljing, drenched in the blood of the felled Alya Kriemheld. Many parties identify this Prophet as none other than local bandit turned dictatorial warlord, Friar Bastiel. It remains unclear as to if the diplomatic footing of the free city of Theria has changed following this bloodshed. Faithful followers of Garljing are encouraged to take to his banner and pledge their fealty. There has been no official statement as to the other members of the Warlord's Council, pending further violence or negotiations.

Otherwise, business continues on as normal after the latest coup.

[caesaropapist]

BLOODY AUGUST

In a shocking turn of events, the bloodshed on the streets of Theria appears to have stopped...
Bastiel Astaret was seen striking down Lynette and the reanimated Alya in a public setting.

At the end of this civil war, very few Therians remain untouched. Official statements are as follows:

 The Kalvores have been condemned for treason, subject to the Hunt.
 Ashantae and Lynette have been banished from Theria.
 The tradition of honor duels has been reinstated.
 
The Council is dissolved,
with Iliyas Sarai remaining as the interior minister and Delpharion retaining his title as the Pontiff.

The Therian Free Post has been shut down
by order of the Prophet for spreading false and libelous information.

The title of Dragonlord stands as a reward
for Draconic Warriors of renown, but no longer holds political dominion.

Kasadya is instated as Legate of the Golden Flames, 
which retain their role as warriors and guards of Theria.

The evangelizing of foreign faiths
has been banned.

The Prophet-King rests upon the throne, claiming sole dominion.
Furthermore, the Prophet-King has ordered the creation of the Temple Guard,
a unit of elite retainers.

[Glulisine]

Ilburg, city of thieves

Year:
1731

"...ya' know? I've had enough.

For over a hundred years, our people have been oppressed, kicked around, and treated like animals. Treated like dogs, if we obey. Treated like worms if we act like people, and bite the oppressive hand that seldom feeds.

An' I'm god damn sick of it.

I don't give a damn if it's true that the others have caved and choose to play nice with that monument of dishonor and decadence. I don't give a damn if they stay neutral, fight, or choose to end up under the heel of the Queen. 

But, anyone who chooses to work with Osrona, that wretched empire, is our enemy."

- Sightings of bandits have become common place, as patrols have been increased in the desert, and woodlands.
- Plans to excavate the ruins have been put in motion, both for expansion, and attempts to find relics left behind by Njorun.
- Plans to construct a blood pit are in motion, and will ideally be finished before the next Festival Of Natasha.
- Denizens of Myllenoris and Theria are to be treated on a case by case basis.
- Any member of the Order found within the wild is to be attacked. Citizens of Osrona are free to be targeted for banditry.

[Volatile]

Theria

1731 AC

• As the Bloodshed of Theria comes to an end and civil unrest has seemingly been quelled, a new regime takes hold.
  
• For the Shar clan and the Legion of the Golden Flame? A new leader has forced her way into the position. Exiling her cousin and former leader, Kasadya Shar has taken the mantle of Legatus-General, Shar Matriarch and Dragonlord.
  
• With this change in leadership, comes a change in goals. While the Golden Flame is still the police force of Theria, their duties have expanded. They are now the military force as well. They are expected to raise their arms in the name of Theria should war come to the land of Warriors.
  
• Recruitment of the Legion has intensified due to the expansion upon duty. Recruiting Medics and crafters of all sorts to help heal, arm and empower the soldiers of the Golden Flame.
  
• Citizens of Theria are expected to register with the new Therian administration to get approved citizenship cards. Any Magi coming into Theria without a citizenship card will be taxed 100 coins on entry.
  
  (If you wish to join the Golden Flame and set up a scene, DM me, Vi#6600)
  

[Simple]

Conquest of Theria

1731 AC



With tensions boiling in recent years on the Osrona-Theria border, the Queen Mother delivers an address and ultimatum.

Good people of Osrona- I come to you today with a heavy heart, a decision which has weighed upon my mind for the last half year now.

For years have we dealt with unwarranted Therian aggression and expansionism, their people mercilessly injuring and robbing ours. I went to Theria in the name of honor and justice, demanding that they stop their posturing immediately.

While the Crown is merciful and just, it also has a firm hand. We will not sit idle any longer, allowing them to hurt our people and sacrifice innocents to their draconic overlords.

The proud blood of the Astyan people runs through our veins. Dragonslayers of old, renowned for their strength and wisdom. If their deity intends to step in our path?

Garljing will be slain by our hands.

Their idols will be torn down. Their people will submit to the rule of the Essharan Empire, forming the new city state of Theria.

Each and every one of you will be needed. Medics, crafters, soldiers- we all have a party to play in this conflict. I will be leading this assault from the advancing vanguard, tearing through their walls myself. I will stand with you as your Queen, and we will see this through together.

With this all said-

The Empire of Esshar hereby declares war upon the rebel state of Theria.

With the declaration of war, the Order of the First Light has officially been given orders to rally their forces and march towards the frozen mountains of Theria. Furthermore, any innocents or civilians who wish to flee the coming carnage are invited to Osrona to swear fealty and bend the knee to the Crown.

An alliance with Myllenoris has been established, the citizens of their Kingdom allowed to enter Osrona as they please. An 'Inquisition of Ilburg' has been declared by Stellus Inante cos Salis, more details to come in the near future, a combined effort with the Kingdom of Myllenoris.

(OOC details will be worked upon and posted when decided.)

[Doohl]

HOLY WAR: Myllenoris vs. Ilburg

1731 AC

Today, High Lady Asta Hargrave stood before the lords and denizens of the Kingdom of Myllenoris. Teraphim and humans alike gathered at the Tower to hear the words of their theocrat.

We stand at an unprecedented moment, in our Kingdom's history. We have spent many decades comfortable in our isolated woods. Our homes. We have cultivated our strength, raised powerful warriors, craftsmen, scholars. Through isolation, we have prospered. But all this changed when High Lord Randor Dinendir lost his life in his pursuit of peace.


I have served Myllenoris in his abrupt absence. I have secured our sovereignty as an independent people. I have ensured the sanctity of our grounds, and the ways of Aschea's Faith. But my work-- our work, is far from finished. For you see, the time of recluse and isolation is over.

The Spirits have whispered, and I have listened. They are my guiding wind. My northern star. Aschea's will paves the way toward prosperity and balance.

But there are agents that would threaten this balance that we work to preserve.


The first announcement: I have agreed to the marriage proposal of Lord Regulus ven Grimmore, the head of the great house of Osrona. This decision did not come to me easily, but through it, a friendship will be secured between Osrona and our people. This secures our independence, and aid for the fights yet to come.

The second announcement: Ilburg, the refuge of bandits, slavers, rogue mercenaries in the sands. I have meditated long and hard on them. The spirits have spoken, and I, their listener and speaker, heed their words.

The remnants of Elaide's influence stir in this place. As I am High Lady Asta Hargrave, Head of Aschea's Faith, I exercise the power bestowed upon me by Aschea herself.


Myllenoris, and Aschea's Faith, declare Holy War upon Ilburg and the dreaded occultists and witches that dwell within. We will purge them, remove every stain of witchcraft from this realm, because it is as Aschea did. Thus is her will, and us, her followers.

Thus, Myllenoris declares Holy War on Ilburg for (allegedly) harboring witches and occultists.

High Lady Asta Hargrave announces her engagement to Lord Regulus ven Grimmore, sealing a lasting alliance between the two Kingdoms. Her speech places emphasis on the freedom and sovereignty of the Kingdom. Perhaps something for the Queen Mother herself to hear: they are no vassal state.

[Nep]

In a turn of events few foresaw, Prophet-King Bastiel willingly relinquished the city so much blood was shed in repeated civil incursions over.

Exiled Warlord Alya, the Sleuthian General, and Lynette, the Nightmare, return to form as Warlords.

The city, against all odds, is headed by the young Dragonlord Rinn, and rallies.

- Osrona comes marching:

Theria and Osrona's differences appear irreconcilable, and the new regime's attempts at diplomacy arrive either too late or are completely ignored.

Dragonlord Rinn insists that Theria will defend it's holdings with all the intensity the city is worth. Speaking simply;

"We will not kneel."

- Theria Rallies:

The Temple Guard has rallied to their new Dragonlord's cause, and mercenary companies are in the works, forming and recruiting as equipment is ramping up in production! The artificers are in high supply around the city.

- The Enemy of My Enemy:

With the news of Osrona and Myllenoris' alliance, a guarantee far less fanciful is forged between Theria and Ilburg, promising support in each other's desperate struggles for freedom and independence against aggressors!

- Rumbles From Above:

It was suggested even still under the rule of Bastiel that Dragons, known of their direct threat by Osrona's declaration, could possibly come to defend Theria in it's time of need. But is that really the case, or a false hope...?

[KaneRage]

The First Inquisition: 

Kicking down the Sandcastle

A Transcript of the Stellus Salis Speech:

"Myllenoris and Osrona's alliance will hold firm, As to this, the Faith has pledged its Keepers, Medics, and resources in the coming battle against Illburg. And going even further."


He'd pause for a moment allowing for the shouts of the excitable crowd to linger for a moment.


"There have been reports that traces of the Elysium coven yet still remain, and are hiding within the sandcastle they call home. As such As the Stellus of the Celestial Church, I and the High Keeper Pericles will be conducting an Inquisition of Illburg. All traces of witchcraft, Occult, or demonic activity will be found and destroyed. Along with anyone who dares practice such magic."


Anyone who knew the young Stellus would know his voice very rarely was so serious, His smile however still remained despite the linger and palpable tension.


"I will also say this to all who are here, The stars are shining upon Esshar even brighter than before. A final message to all of the Greater of Esshar, The scourge of Occultism and Witchcraft will be purged from our lands, And all who practice such magic must submit themselves before the Celestial Church and let their souls be cleansed. Otherwise...."


He'd point his hands towards the sky, The sun shone bright but they knew where he was pointing.


"Let the Roars of the Great Leonaus purge your soul clean, As we will send you to meet the stars."

Actions Being Made

By mass, a preemptive force of Keepers, Medics, Scouts, and researchers of the Celestial Clergy can be seen setting up camps around the outskirts of Myllenoris Preparing for marching orders from both the Stellus Salis and High Keeper Vitalis.  Carrying the banner of the Church within their march. The symbol of the Church for all to see, a pair of golden wings in front of a starry night sky. Until the Inquisition begins they are offering aid and added protection to the people of Myllenoris the medics healing their sick and wounded with holy powers. A show of good faith for their allies.

As the seasons change a New Lion will be Crowned and The Dawn of the First Inquisition is soon to begin. Their goals are made clear. To aid Myllenoris in their Holy War to destroy any and all traces of Occultic and Witchcraft in Illburg. And to settle the unrest they’ve caused between them and Osrona with their attacks upon the Faithful.

Additional News

• -Its quite clear that the Inquisition of Illburg will be the first of many more to come, With the death of Nina Garcia, the Stellus has begun to gather the forces of Light and Nature in order to repel the hidden threat.
  

• - Rumors already are beginning to spread that a Second Inquisition of the Celestials, although these rumors have yet to be proven true.
  

• -Recruitment of aspiring Holy magi And Cosmic Magi by the church has been accelerated, Anyone outside of the Church who wish to learn such magics will be asked for donations in exchange.
  

• Stellus Salis has begun work on a new version of the Codex Cosmos that is said to soon be released. Updated with the events of the past and present.
  

• -An expedition Into the Vale has been planned, although it is uncertain exactly what purpose the Church plans to do there.
  

[ilio]

Osrona, the Shimmering City

1732

- Alexander Leonaus Petrakis has ascended to the Throne, succeeding his mother, Serea Petrakis.
- War efforts against Theria have been postponed but not outright stopped yet.
- Tea has been exiled and Kofe has been freed from Osrona. Their indentured servitude ended.
- More importantly, in response to Nina Gracia's death, a beloved Priestess of the Celestial Church who died at the hands of an occultist. 
The first royal decree under a new Monarch has been made, blessed by the triumvirate.

Occultism is now a banned source of magic throughout all of Esshar, from now until the end of time.

All occultists and witches are to be brought into the Crown's custody to be judged, whether it be out in the wild or within it's very walls. The Crown's stance is clear. There is two punishments for these vile people.

Exorcism: Reserved for rare cases. Young occultists who have only recently learned the magic. They will be put on a path of redemption, exorcised of their magic and will work for the Faith until of sound mind and heart.
Judgement: Reserved for vile occultists and those of Elaide Coven's. Murderers and demons. They can not be saved and will be put to death, to be cleansed anew and judged by the stars and angels above.

[Glulisine]

Ilburg

1732AC

"At this point, I don't know what ta' believe, and I'm well past the point of carin'. What I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, is that this Holy War is a farce.

Some tell me the dagger-ears are usin' Ilburg as a means ta' weaken the The Order, so that they can wage war an' take over. Assumin' direct control, after their military is weakened. 

Some tell me, Osrona is usin' Myllenoris as a buffer ta' keep us busy, while they deal with Theria.

Some say, they're both aware of what tha' other is plottin', and don't rightfully care.

I say?

Fuck em'.

If ya' willin' ta' die, for the ego of the Capital, then die knowin' ya' life was wasted. If ya' willin' ta' die, an' blindly follow ya' Queen or High Lady, then die a fuckin' sheep. Least when I fall, my ancestors will smile upon me. Can an of ya'...

Say the same?

Any willin' ta' open their eyes, are welcome to escape tha' political plottin' and schemin', ta' live free, in a place where ya' life is worth more than another body on tha' battlefield. Any who choose ta' live under tha' guidance of those who are willin' ta' sacrifice ya' ta' push their shitty agenda? Well, just means ya' don't value ya' lie all that much ta' begin with, so why...

Should we?

Allies and enemies:

We ally with Theria, and any who value their freedoms.

Myllenoris and Osrona, and any who choose to support them, are deemed the enemies of freedom.

Njorun's Honor:
If I live, I will kill you, if I die, you are forgiven.
Penelope's law:
"If ya' see one of their soldiers, then where ya' standin' is a battleground. Win or lose, in that moment, fight a fight worth fightin'."

"They wanted war, they wanted chaos, they don't know how ta' exist without a villain, a cliche, a scary story to threaten their kids with at night. They wanted savages? They'll get their savages.

For however complicated they wish to make their schemes, it matters not. This is a simple matter. Their agenda, or our freedom, and I'd rather die than be a slave."