War spreads in the continent once more as the Kingdom of Ubren invades another sovereign nation. They claim that they hold moral high ground, yet one supposed aggressive arrest of a suspect is responded to with an army of 150,000 men marching to occupy and take territory once more. Thousands of Attolian men have been run down by the saber in a gross over reaction to an event that could clearly have been dealt with diplomatically and peacefully. Yet, it is clear that Ubren does not care for peace and like in the summit they reject any reasonable resolution and only seek to take through bloodshed and war. It is for this reason that the Empire of Attolia asks the nations of Europe who claim to uphold and secure peace in the continent, that they take action and form a punitive coalition against the Kingdom of Ubren. How can a Viponist trust their neighbor when their neighbor clearly enviously eyes and plots to steal from everyone in the village? Thus, I further ask the Papacy to take action once more and restore people's trust in the faith.
Furthermore, the Empire of Attolia also calls upon the Continental Alliance to answer the call and fulfill its obligations in this defensive alliance.
Dark Spirits were coming after the Attolians and led by a spirit that had been wronged by Salvdal. What was the proper solution to the situation? Should he punish Salvdal in an attempt to placate the spirit? Caelis doubted that it would really atone for much unless Salvdal willingly punished himself and held himself accountable. Caelis had to take decisive action. He called Salvdal and order him, a shaman, and the former Lady Shaphira (being sent to make sure that Salvdal does not try to flee from his responsibilities and/or further betray the Attolians) to set off and find the remains of the gazelle to properly bury it and give it the respect that it is due. They needed to buy time to stand up against something that was simply... malevolent. If the shaman lost its guide, then it would buy the Attolians time.
Caelis then left his tent to address the Attolians. "We have stayed our welcome from these lands, and as always like any good guest, we must make our leave. I and the shamans will stay behind to give our final regards to the local spirits. We will see you to the north!"
With that, the Attolians began to migrate once more to the north. However, they only had a day's lead. Caelis had to buy time at the very least as he joined the remaining shamans and joined them in a small communion with the local spirits. He asked them for one final favor. To stir and hide any trace of the Attolians so that they could not be followed. Thus, come night, the communion would end and they would head north as well. By day tomorrow, they will know if the spirits answered their prayers.
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Summary:
1. Salvdal, a shaman, and Lady Saphira are sent to find the remains of the gazelle and give it a proper burial with the respects that it deserves.
2. The majority of the Attolians begin to migrate north.
3. Caelis and the remaining shamans ask the local spirits to hide their presence and make it impossible for the Attolians to be followed.
The Empire consists of the Imperial family as the head sovereigns of the state. While the Emperor is nominally the head of state, he does not technically manage all affairs of the Empire, rather he focuses on the foreign and international affairs of the Empire, namely military, diplomacy, and trade. It is the Empress, the typically Elven spouse of the Emperor who is in charge of the domestic affairs such as education, civil engineering, industry, and magical research as the native Attolians are typically much more magically attuned than the humans.
This stratification is found to be pervasive throughout the culture of the Empire as males are typically off to serve the Empire while the women drive the internal economy and keep the home front running. Both genders do their part to contribute to the Empire with each playing a crucial role in society.
The Empire's government was initially a form of military junta, but as the Empire was properly formed and stabilized, the Empire took a more centralized and formal form of government via an absolute monarchy. Particularly loyal and meritorious citizens in the Empire were/are granted land and form the foundation of a landed gentry, which take the role of a lesser nobility and bureaucracy. However, one thing is clear, the Empire favors the talented and successful and allows room for social mobility through numerous ways.
History:
The history of Attolia is long, but largely unrecorded until a human army landed on the island of Attolia to "civilize" the island and claim it for the Empire that they had served. The natives were a magically attuned, sea-faring people, but were rather... undeveloped and primitive in many ways as they lived in small tribes and enclaves that often found themselves in conflict with each other, but the natives of the land were such skilled magical users that battles that seemed easy led to substantial losses. It was the General of the army, Imperator Marius Wolff, who would later use the tribal rivalries to help conquer the island with relative ease as the Army allied with certain key tribes to subdue the rest of the island. This major campaign proved to be successful and the General's men hailed him as "Imperator", which was a great honor. However, rather than claiming the island for the former, ancient Empire, a great tragedy had taken place in the mainland and the Empire shattered from within. The former lands of the Empire were carved up by bandits, barbarians, and would be pretenders.
The Imperator did his best to evacuate and save as many civilians from the mainland, but ultimately the human army had to settle and effectively mixed with the native population. Rather than one population or culture dominating each other, the two found mutual appreciation and admiration for each other's abilities as the Imperator married a native woman, setting a milestone in racial relations between the humans and the natives.
Many generations have passed and others have tried to invade the main island, but all have failed as the Empire came to quickly realize the importance of a strong navy. Thus, current political doctrine has changed to focus on naval projection and trade as a means to keep the state healthy and growing while having the means of protecting itself.
Economy: The soil of Attolia are among the richest in the world and productive. However, what is more notable is the use of magic to provide industrial power to create finished goods. Needless to say, the Attolians export much more than import as the island is largely self-sufficient. Really, the only thing that the Attolians do import much of is magic crystals and lumber as they try to avoid using their own natural supplies.
Army: The Attolian Legion finds itself as a remnant of the human armies that had landed in Attolia long ago. It focuses largely on the use of well trained and well disciplined heavy infantry with small contingents of various supporting units.
Navy: The Attolian Navy has risen substantially through the years with most of the military development focused on the navy to keep the shores safe from potential invaders. Thus, the navy is possibly the most powerful in the world and is used to secure the islands of Attolia and to make sure that the trade routes are secured. Most of the military budget is spent to maintain this grand fleet.
The Attolian Navy features several "Floating Fortress", which are huge ships used to display the Empire's wealth and power.
Traits:
Splendid Isolation - Unless something traumatic happens or there's a major emergency, the Empire of Attolia will avoid permanent alliances with major powers as a way to stay away from continental affairs and politics. Thus, it will take a largely neutral stance on most matters that doesn't involve them or their interests.
The Iron Walls of Attolia - Rather than referring to actual walls, the Iron Walls of Attolia refers to the giant iron platted navy of the Empire which protects its shores and the means with which it projects it power and influence.
Always Faithful - The Attolian Army is rather small. This is due to most soldiers of Attolia being sailors or marines, who man the huge fleet.
Foreign Relations: Generally amiable or neutral. As long as the trade continues to grow and flow and the island remains safe, then there isn't much that the Attolians worry about.
The recent lull in this war is hopefully a sign that peace can be achieved in the near future without too much bloodshed. Yet, it is our duties to fight and die for our people, King, and God. A responsibility that we both dutifully bare and generals and leaders of our brave soldiers and warriors. It is for this reason, that I wish to extend this olive branch to you. While we have a temporary ceasefire, will you allow the fallen soldiers of the Sescosi to be returned to the Sescosi and in exchange we will do our part and return the remains of your brave warriors? These men have completed their duties and have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is now up to us who remain alive to fulfill our duty and bring our fallen soldiers back home to their families.
Signed, General Rehn, Commander of the Attolian Forces in Sescos
Name: Jean-François du Calae "Jean" Alias/Nickname: The Blue Baron Group Name: The Golden Hind Culture: France Flag/Symbol:
Personal Ship: The Sea Lily Reputation: Jean is a respected former Captain of the French Navy, turned Privateer who is known to offer mercy to those who do not cause trouble, but is swift and decisive against those who he considers his enemies. He had retired from service after a successful campaign and a desire to make his own mark in the New World for himself. Wealth: Moderate Background Type: Ex-Privateer Background: Jean was a former Captain of the French Navy and of minor nobility in the Kingdom of France. While he originally joined the French Navy to bolster the prestige of his family name, he took up privateering and received a letter of marque from the King of France to wage economic war against the enemies of the French Crown and people. It proved to be a very profitable and beneficial venture as Jean hired professional sailors and marines to capture numerous merchant and treasure ships in the name of the King of France. With this success and a name established for himself, Jean left the service of the French Navy to work for himself in the New World.
Organization Name: The Golden Hind Reputation: The Golden Hind is the name of the private military contracting company that Jean established before he left France. Thus far, they have been known to be respectful, committed, and professional to their employers, friends, and allies Initial Contact Behavior: Cautious Typical Alignment: Lawful Neutral Backstory: The Golden Hind was established as a legal way for Jean to continue using his skills as a naval officer. Using his personal wealth, Jean purchased the Sea Lily, and hired a crew of former sailors and marines of the French Navy and allies of France. Their first few jobs were simple escort missions near the Barbary Coasts where they fended off pirates attacking the merchant ship convoys that crew was escorting. This is where the crew gained much needed experience and reputation. Fleet: The Sea Lily - Frigate
Lord Wolff arrived at the Colony. It was... a different place to say the least. The air was fresh and clean unlike the urbanized regions back in the homeland. Also notable was the sheer room and space. There was room to randomly wander the roads, which gave the impression that things were lax and unorganized to the Lord. Regardless, there was an overwhelming sense of liberty and a new start in these strange lands. It was with all this in mind that Lord Wolff forced himself to focus once more. He was here to accomplish much, and the first step was clear to him. Meet with the Viceroy and see what had to be done. Thus, Lord Wolff set off to find the Viceroy in the Colonial Manor.
Name: Regent Lothar of House Wolff Nicknames/Aliases: The Wolf of the Vale Appearance: Lothar has a commanding presence that just draws attention from everyone. Not particularly due to this looks. Rather he has relatively normal features such as short black hair, dark brown eyes and stands are a somewhat tall 5'9". What does set him apart is his radiating confidence and determination. In fact, many people seem to have trouble at maintaining eye contact with him due to his sharp, focused gaze and the burning ambition that lies in his eyes. Age: 29 Sex: Male
Goals: House Wolff is a cadet branch of the former royal family. It is the family started by the only child of Cobb, the Princess Alesia, who's dynasty went on to be eventually granted the county of Rouen in the Duchy of Tra, a recently acquired region of the Kingdom. The reason was clear, placing a cadet branch of the royal family would help keep the duke under close watch and discourage any rebellious ideas. However, with the usurpers on the throne who were clearly more powerful and a strong claim... there was little that House Wolff could do.
Thus, House Wolff, and Lothar in particular, have been working on consolidating their power and allies so that one day House Wolff may potentially sit on the throne as true descendants of House Tremmley... or at the very least bring the false pretender, House Pennikis, down. After all, they are at least related by blood to Prince Cobb and House Tremmley. But even worse, Lothar and his ancestors have been subject to unfair treatment by the Royal Family, often giving missions that would draw a lot of hatred to them such as forcefully collecting taxes early in a year from a random village on the orders of the Royal Family.
Belief/Motto: From God the King, From King the Law Drive: Birthright
Power info
Allegiance Owed:
Count Norman Wolff, Lothar's elderly/sickly father.
Duchess Hamy, de-jure liege. Although historically, House Wolff only answered to House Tremmley. Recent events and the rise of House Pennikis has brought House Wolff closer to the Duchy rather than the new Royal Family.
Allegiance Received: Mayor Abrams - Elected Burgher of the City of Calae. The city of Calais sits near the northern border of the Kingdom, the Duchy of Tra. and the Duchy of Cses. Thus, it serves as a significant trading city where many merchants find themselves visiting since it sits near the border of three major realms.
Mayor Flemming - Elected Burgher of the city of Bergen. Bergen is one of the closest cities to Bind's Edge and is the center of most of the County's production and industry.
Baron du Valois - Baron of Fort Valor, the County of Rouen's attempt at settling the forest and keeping peace in the rural regions of the County
Head Scholar Rune - President of the Vale Society, a scholarly/monastic order dedicated to studying the mystery of the forest and the region's history. The Society is based near Fort Valor as the Baron and the Head Scholar often collaborate in their expeditions to Bind's Edge. In fact, many Knights who are interested in the region do join the Society and receive formal education. These Knights are referred to as Vale Knights.
Debts Owed:
Head Scholar Rune - Rune had personally educated and tutored Lothar when he was a young lad, which led to Lothar learning a bit of the magic that the Society had learned from studying the forests.
Debts Received: - Lothar and House Wolff has saved countless rural settlements from harm as they made occasional visits to the frontier. And in the event that Lothar was not nearby during a tragedy, he often personally financed the reconstruction of the settlement along with protective palisades.
Past Commendable Deeds: Lothar and House Wolff are ardent supporters of settling and learning more of Bind's Edge. Each successive Count has had times where he sallied out to the woods with his Knights and Men at Arms to help rural settlements defend themselves from bandits, monsters, and beasts. In addition, Lothar and his father began to make the position of Burgher a democratically elected position to better reflect and serve the needs of the locals. Needless to say, House Wolff as a whole has undertaken many reforms focused on making the lives of people, especially those who live in more dangerous/rural areas, safer and better.
Past Condemnable Deeds: Rather than bowing the knee to the new Royal Family, House Wolff has maintained its distance and has yet to attend any feasts or festivals of the Royal Family. A clear sign of unruliness and opposition to the Royal Family. In response, the Royal Family often seeks to "punish" House Wolff by demanding greater levies in the event of conflicts. In fact, House Wolff is often told to raise a small elite force of Knights and horsemen to put down various "revolts" around the Kingdom. Lothar himself had to lead 50 Knights into a village that was "rebelling" when in actuality they were complaining about the sudden raise in taxes and were pleading for more time and leniency. Their orders were clear, to capture and bring back the "ringleaders" of the "revolt" to be hanged. Thus, House Wolff is often doing the dirty work of the Royal Family, which Lothar has no power to resist or deny.
Secrets: At a recent/past tournament, Lothar privately received the blessings of the Duchess Hamy herself in the form of one of her personal scarves, which Lothar casually tied to his lance during the joust. The event caused quite a bit of rumor as no one knew who owned that scarf. How scandalous! But most attendees now know that Lothar, while currently unmarried, is certainly out on the market, searching for suitors and someone appears to have a clear lead.
Titles: Regent and Heir of the County of Rouen
Marriage Ties: House Tremmly
Summary of House Wolff's Holdings:
County of Rouen - Sitting on the north eastern part of the Duchy of Tres next to the holdings of the Royal Family and the Duchy of Cses. House Wolff's family manor/palace sits in the middle of the eastern and western edges of the County.
Mayor Abrams - Elected Burgher of the City of Calae. The city of Calais sits near the northern border of the Kingdom, the Duchy of Tra. and the Duchy of Cses. Thus, it serves as a significant trading city where many merchants find themselves visiting since it sits near the border of three major realms.
Mayor Flemming - Elected Burgher of the city of Bergen. Bergen is one of the closest cities to Bind's Edge and is the center of most of the County's production and industry.
Baron du Valois - Baron of Fort Valor, the County of Rouen's attempt at settling the forest and keeping peace in the rural regions of the County
Head Scholar Rune - President of the Vale Society, a scholarly/monastic order dedicated to studying the mystery of the forest and the region's history. The Society is based near Fort Valor as the Baron and the Head Scholar often collaborate in their expeditions to Bind's Edge. In fact, many Knights who are interested in the region do join the Society and receive formal education. These Knights are referred to as Vale Knights.
With the perfidious actions of the Shuren Dynasty, the Empire of Attolia calls upon its allies to honor the alliance and join the Empire of Attolia in this return of hostilities with the Shuren Dynasty. In particular, the Empire of Attolia calls upon the Kingdom of Jinje, and the Echyan forces available in the New World. Such cowardly actions will not be forgiven, the Empire of Attolia will seek justice and proper restitution for the treachery of the Shuren without any mercy.
