Kingdom of Asphodel

[Simple]

In recent years the castle known as Asphodel has grown in size, a village constructed around its immediate vicinity. Rejects from all over Esshar flock to the citadel, a bastion and safehaven for those otherwise ostracized by society as a whole. Most notably, however, it is the seat of power of those blessed by Cain.

A new group has come to power, Queen Araceli Falkenrath at the helm of the newly established kingdom. Humble in size, yet it continues to grow and amasses followers by the day, known throughout the lands of Esshar for its rather dangerous denizens.

A society for Cain's chosen, his champions and most loyal followers.

It has been my most ardent desire to see a foothold for my people established upon the shores of Esshar. I have traveled the lands of this foreign territory for the last decade now, masquerading as both a therapist and songstress. I have come to know its people in intimate fashion, and while I've not met all that I would have liked, I can say for certain that they have yet to be truly enlightened.

The primordials, spirits, and divine which you all worship so loyally care not for your existence, nor do they give you gifts befitting your service. It is sad, truly, to see such loyal followers become old, to grow sick and die, or fall in battle.

Cain has freed us from the shackles of humanity, granting us both life everlasting, as well as a degree of power unimaginable. A blessing which can be given to you, should you prove worthy of it. In the coming years we will expand, build a city the likes of which shall span a good chunk of land.

My true name is Araceli Falkenrath, and I have lived for centuries now. I am the former wife of Count Falkenrath, but after his death I set sail for these unknown lands, in hopes of one day establishing a kingdom and family to call my own. Amassing followers through the years, we have allies within most every hierarchy of Esshar, within all of the major cities.

Henceforth Asphodel shall be known as a kingdom in its own right, our sovereignty established by way of the prior Viscounts. Their contributions will not be forgotten, and all of Cain's children have a home behind my walls. The rejected, downtrodden, and ostracized of Esshar also have a home here.

We are not anarchists, nor are we unreasonable. Order shall be established, laws written and adhered to in the coming years. A 'Crimson Guard' will be established as our military branch, but the details have yet to be ironed out. The ravel will be commenced, to serve as both a tournament, as well as my coronation.

I look forward to seeing you there.

-Queen Araceli Falkenrath

❖ At current the Kingdom of Asphodel remains neutral with all other factions, though it expects this to change in the coming years. Until then, however, correspondence has been sent to all of the governments to establish contact, be it for diplomacy or otherwise.

❖ Queen Araceli Falkenrath's authority remains absolute, though other vampires are to be held as nobility, their title being that of Viscount, to serve directly beneath the Queen. The turning and siring of a vampire is something that will require authorization from the Queen. The laws and regulations of the Kingdom of Asphodel will be released at a later time.

❖ Cloaked and hooded figures can be spotted regularly coming to and from the castle, their identities remaining unknown. However, construction has begun around the castle itself, to expand the territory of the kingdom as a whole.

❖ The Apropriyan Ravel will continue as planned in the coming years, though it will double as a coronation for the newly chosen Queen. More details will be released on it later, as well as a time.

❖ All of those who wish to join the kingdom are urged to come to the castle, so long as they do not intend to cause trouble.

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Furthermore, we are looking to potentially approve a few new vampires to start out at 150 RPL. They will naturally need to be loyal to the kingdom, and will be Viscounts, assisting in its construction and establishment.

Applications for this can be found here. 

If you wish to join the kingdom on a regular PC you can contact me via Discord or simply approach the castle ICly.

[Simple]

We received quite a lot of good applications, but approvals have been sent to those chosen by the journal team. Apologies to those who were not selected, but there might be opportunities in the future.

[Simple]

CROWN LAW OF ASPHODEL

Much of the law within the Kingdom of Asphodel is based upon common sense in entirety. The legal code herein covers only the most vital topics, though it is all subject to change by order of the Queen. Most legal disputes are to be settled within the Crimson Court itself, judged upon by the reigning monarch of the kingdom.

Government & Succession

Henceforth the Kingdom of Asphodel shall be ruled by way of monarchy, with a singular reigning monarch as both head of state, as well as judge in all matters. Directly beneath the monarch itself are its viscounts, which are to be considered nobility by all means, any vampire capable of holding this title, though it is revocable at any time.

Succession is determined by the current monarch. They have the power to name a successor, typically one among the viscounts, who will then have the title of ‘heir apparent.’ The current viscounts will be given an opportunity to air dissent and debate, though the choice will ultimately be up to the discretion of the monarch. After the death of the monarch, the heir apparent will succeed and rise to take the throne.

Residency

Citizenship can be granted formally by the reigning monarch, to any foreigner who displays skill and swears fealty to the crown. Loyalty, honesty, and subservience is paramount above all else.

Furthermore, enemies and outlaws of other states are permitted to seek asylum within the Kingdom of Asphodel, but must commit to serving the crown in return for its protection.

Feeding & Toll

Citizens of Asphodel are not required to provide tribute in the form of blood, though they are permitted to do so should they feel inclined. Those who wish for the blessings of Cain will be expected to provide a yearly blood tax to their chosen vampire, however.

Those who enter Asphodel territory and are not seeking citizenship are subject to a yearly toll, which can be taken in either the form of a dose of blood, or 1,000 coins. Leadership of neutral factions are naturally exempt from this so long as they are conducting diplomacy. Enemies of the state are to be hunted, captured, and fed upon. Allied nations are also exempt from this in addition.

The blood toll must go to the reigning monarch first, but if they do not require blood, it will be taken by the next available viscount. The coin toll, however, can be taken to any viscount.

Marked

The vampires within Asphodel are permitted to stake a claim upon blood sources, those being their ‘marked.’ It will be considered a grievous offense for a vampire to knowingly take blood from the marked property of another, and would result in the trespassing vampire to be defanged immediately, pending judgement by the monarch.

Siring

Vampires of Asphodel are free to sire ghouls as they please, but are restricted from turning them into vampires without first acquiring authorization from the monarch. Turning a ghoul into a vampire in secret without permission is grounds for immediate execution, for both the vampire and the newly sired.

After receiving authorization, however, a Rite of Ascension shall be held for the new vampire within the Crimson Court, wherein they shall be put to death and be reborn as a child of Cain, a viscount in their own right.

The Crimson Court

The Crimson Court, or the throne room, shall remain open and free to the citizenry of Asphodel. Audiences may petition the monarch at any time, needing only to approach them whilst they are settled at their throne.

Citizens are also free to observe the court’s proceedings, though foreign visitors are not allowed to loiter without paying the toll. Transparency is vital, and the opinions of the viscounts are welcome in most situations. The only case wherein the court might be closed to public view is when civil disputes among the viscounts are discussed.

Imprisonment & Property

Only the monarch and viscounts may authorize imprisonment, and it is entirely subjective depending on the circumstances. Naturally, laws are considered under common sense. If you attack or attempt to maim someone unexpectedly do not be shocked when your imprisonment is ordered.

Furthermore, the monarch of Asphodel retains the right to revoke citizenship at any time, and seize property should the person in question be an open traitor or enemy of the state.

The Wyld Hunt

It is the responsibility of the monarch to hold a Wyld Hunt once every decade, an ancient tradition within Apropriya. While typically directed only towards enemies, it is an occasion wherein all of the vampires of the kingdom come together to both hunt and relish in general debauchery against those who would fight the kingdom.

It is typically preceded by a tournament, as well as a lavish ball. It is also a time to handle disputes naturally, with duels being both common and rampant among Cain’s chosen, though death is rare in these occasions.

This is something which can be passed off to a viscount to organize, naturally, but it will be expected as tradition demands.