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| Author | Imperial Reformation |
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Her Majesty had had a fitful sleep, tossing and turning throughout the dark hours of the night, worrying over the events of the coming day. By morning She was the first to enter the open courtyard, ensuring that every detail was set into place before the Warlords assembled. By the time She decided that everything was suitable for an official meeting of the Court, the first of the Warlords arrived.
In short time, the Court Herald, Arctic, alerted the Empress that Bilir and Kh’Everst, the last two Warlords, were finally in attendance; together the seven Warlords looked to Her now while sitting at a crescent shaped table in the courtyard. Off to Her side sat the Chronicler Skunder, penning the first few words of the present meeting with a steady hand, and giving testimony of all that was to be said. A scroll was laid on the table before each of the Warlords. They looked to each other expectantly. Some were excited for what it might portend, others went pale from fear and nervousness. But in all there was a silence that permeated the courtyard. A silence so deep that only One was worthy to break it.
The Empress gracefully stood wearing a shimmering gown of silver and the crown of the royal family on Her head. Light bounced off of Her sparkling robes, sending thousands of dazzling rays throughout the courtyard and upon those seated before Her. “Warlords! The Empire hereby opens this meeting of the Imperial Court. Knowing it has been some time since this Court has last convened,” She said with a knowing smile, “It is hoped that there has been a great deal of deliberation on your part. The Empire is looking for answers as to the faults and solutions of the attacks on this Empire from the raiding bands of the Mastermind. Since then, there remains a lingering doubt in the minds of our citizens about whether we can maintain peace, order, and security to those within this realm. Some of our own citizens have resorted to looting and other criminal activity as a means of finding their own stability. This can not be tolerated, and is the duty of this Court to stamp it out by showing this Empire’s stability. So-” pausing momentarily, She sat Herself comfortably into the high chair, “show me what you have come up with.” | As dignitary for the Council Feurlis jumped to his feet, “Your Majesty, this Council has taken great lengths to ensure a safe and productive future for the Empire. You will find that the items which the Warlords bring to clarity benefit the Empire by aiding in its defense as well as giving our Lords greater skill in combat. Personally, I would like to bring up two concerning points.”
“First, as you have mentioned, our Lords have grown insecure and troubled. As such they have grown complacent, spending their time securing their own borders, and filling their own coffers. In my opinion, Your Majesty, the Lords spend more time accumulating gold rather than taking up arms to defend this Empire. They ought to be quick of wit and well trained rather than sitting on their backsides collecting dust. I seek to pass a law that all Lords must take up arms from time to time, to ensure that their training does not go to waste.”
“Secondly, Your Majesty, I believe this Empire and court needs greater intelligence of the dealings of the people. With the procuring of individuals to act as our personal agents, we can maintain a watchful eye on the Empire’s more shady individuals as well as gain a perspective from the people we have not had as of yet.”
Feurlis bowed deeply then took his seat purposeful nonchalance. Next to him, Kalirosh rose, shooting an angry glare in Feurlis’s direction; apparently time had not healed their bitter feud. | Clearing his throat, the Knight Warlord began, “My Empress, the last two raids on the Empire have damaged us greatly, but they have also revealed much about our people as well. The triumph of our citizens’ spirit is evident, they are a proud people willing to defend and protect what we have built. In addition, these attacks have shown any weaknesses the Empire may have, and this Council has put together what we feel is a worthy means of restoring order and security to the Empire once more. Empress, I have but one thing to add before the rest of this Council wishes to share the summary of our collected research, it is to address the security as you have already mentioned about foul play. With the measures we have taken, it is now possible to more easily view and discern the transactions between our citizens.”
“To be honest though, these transactions could move along more smoothly if our Internal Affairs Warlord weren’t as interested in signing contracts and posting addendums for every action I take as much as getting some of these jobs completed,” he cast Feurlis an angry glance.
The Empress interjected, “Ah but that is his role here, Warlord Kalirosh.”
The Empress grew silent, appearing to be waiting for something more. Kalirosh continued, made uncomfortable by her unyielding eye. “As you wish, Your Majesty. When completed, the Empire will be able to keep track of records, trades, taxes, and the like, quicker and with fewer complications. This amendment will allow our officials to overcome the battle with countless piles of paperwork, and instead deal directly with the problems at hand.” | Even as Kalirosh moved to return to his chair, the Barbarian Warlord Thutkra rose with such haste that his own chair flew out behind him. “Right. So to begin, my interest has been training troops and their commanders.” He continued as Kalirosh finally found his seat, “But not knowing when the next attack would be we were forced to condense the amount of training exercises and combats we could have in a single day. But from this we learned a great thing! Right, so, we have adjusted our normal routines to include greater numbers in our training exercises. Lords may now partake in six-fold duels to determine who among them is the greatest! Right. Warlord Kh’everst over there is doing a huge work on designing the blueprints of an appropriate arena. Right. Uhh where was I?..”
The Barbarian remained standing brimming with his recent acknowledgements, then slowly remembering another item of business, began speaking once more.
“Right! We have started training our troops harder and with greater knowledge than we have in the past. Right. Lords will now have better tools for training their troops. As Military advisor I have spent my time commanding all of the factions, creating what I think is the greatest structure for them. Right. So as of a result, our citizens will have the most advanced troops seen to date as well as more balanced armies to command. These changes will better fit each faction’s skills and talents as best possible.” Thutkra laid a heavy hand on the Wizard Bilir’s shoulder, nearly causing the much smaller man to tumble out of his seat. “Thanks to little Bilir here, the final touches to this are nearly completed.” | Sensing his turn to speak, the stooped Wizard Bilir rose embarrassed, knocking over a bottle of ink he had been using to scribble his notes.
“Ah, er, uh,” he stammered while righting the overturned vial. “What he means is, the Academy of Magical Sciences has been diligently working to aide Warlord Thutkra in developing a certain upgrade for one of the types of creatures he is training which is native to his homeland. We have found out that above the clouds where Rocs nest, there are myriads of negatively charged Jumpets.” More than one of the Warlords raised a confused eyebrow at the mention of the Jumpets; oblivious, Bilir didn’t stop in his speech, “which by coming together produce perfect conditions for casting a Lightning spell, the one’s that each of our disciples can cast. This gave us an idea to turn these creatures into a form of caster in themselves!” The Wizard nervously looked around to find out whether everyone was following. Apparently, no one was. He squeezed and rumpled on his yellow epaulet nervously, his voice trembled as he tried to expound. “Jumpets, uh, well you know, they are invisible tiny particles, though really their size is not of importance, only the charge… We call them Jumpets in the Academy because of the way they jump between our charge condensers.” Looking at the faces of the Warlords now he could see that none had the slightest clue what he was talking about. Showing dignity and compassion, Lady Quetlisse at least held formality giving him a quick merciful smile. The Empress too feigned understanding, instructing the Wizard to continue.
He shrugged his bowed shoulders, just looking forward to finishing his expository. “Anyway, let me continue my report... Through our research in the Blooming Glade laboratories of Magical Sciences we have made a few long overdue adjustments to some miscalculations in our assessment from a few of the schools of magic, particularly those being Holy and Darkness magic. These have been amended and henceforth will not confuse our student wizards further.” The Wizard nodded his head appreciatively. | “In addition, we are reaping the fruits of our labor on extensive mini-artifact manufacturing. Wizards will rejoice at the practically endless supply of mini-artifact parts to fit almost any of their intended creature ammunition!”
At this point Bilir seemed to have mixed up the order of his parchments, frowning deeply and bowing his large forehead while quickly shuffling the papers.
“Ah yes!” At last he raised his head and continued, “Finally, the Magical Sciences department has been working tirelessly to equip Lords and their armies with the latest and most powerful artifacts. Using the mithril artifacts given to the Empire from Hermit and those from across the sea, and melting them down to get the pure substance, we have been able to make another great breakthrough which should better affect our Lords’ combat. We are calling these items ‘Heavy Mithril Artifacts’. The Empire should be most pleased by these latest advancements. Your Majesty will find a more complete report about our discoveries on this outstanding material’s properties attached to my reformation projects.”
“Bilir in his usual vein!” The Empress said to herself with a kind giggle.
The old Wizard seemed to ponder something as he stood within the court and at last something seemed to register. “Your Majesty, as you know, this mithril material can not be found in our lands, but if we are able to procure more of this material I’m quite sure the Academy would be more than capable of creating additional artifacts for the Empire.”
The Empress nodded Her approval, informing him that it would be given its due attention. The Wizard Warlord smiled happily, then having concluded his oratory plopped unceremoniously into his chair. | The sweet voice of Lady Quetlisse sounded in the courtyard now, her beautiful hair tied off in lockets behind her head and reaching down in a single long braid pass the blue silk gown with dazzling embroidery at the hems. Her words came out as music, though with the strength of one certain of their role. “I have but one item to bring to light, Empress, and it is more of an acknowledgement of our changing Empire than anything else.”
“It has come to our attention that our Lords have come to expect more from their battles and in their training with one another. In their ongoing duels a sense of camaraderie has been fused with one another. I believe this allows them to view combat as more than just taking what one needs from a battle, and instead allows them to view it within an even ground of their skills. Some have come to view combat as a means to show equality, at least in their…experiences.”
From her throne, the Empress nodded her understanding and Quetlisse bowed before returning to her seat. | The Dark Elven Warlord, Kh’Everst, stood with his typical poise and grace, unconsciously straightening his fine robe from any wrinkles that may have formed. “Dominix, it is apparent that-”
The Empress cleared Her throat to speak, stopping the Dark Elf. “Warlord Kh’Everst, I have instructed you not to use that title when referring to this court, nor should it be used in general when speaking to any Imperial member.”
The Dark Elf bowed, “As you wish, Your Majesty.” She motioned for him to continue.
Undaunted, he began again, “As members of this court, we expect our Lords and Ladies to fight increasingly larger and more dangerous battles in the Empire’s name. To do this they may require a larger number of weapons and artifacts to do so. I have taken the initiative in creating plans to build new artifact chambers in each of the Lords’ personal castles.”
The Empress asked, “And who is responsible for purchasing these additional buildings, the Lords or the Empire?”
Kh’Everst said with a bow, “Each Lord or Lady has the option to build this structure, at their own cost, Empress.”
“Well done, Kh’Everst”, the Empress complimented.
“In addition, we have made necessary requirements to meet another great need of the Lords. As a result of Kalirosh’s far-sighted planning, Bilir’s continual magical tinkering and Arabat’s acceptance on the financial end, we are now able to manufacture essential artifacts geared to our more moderately ranged Lords. These new factories are being strategically placed throughout the Empire.”
“Great cooperative work”, Her Majesty praised again.
“Finally, aside from the new arena mentioned by the Barbarian Warlord, whose plan is nearly ready, I have projected several more arena types to bring to your attention. Practice makes perfect, and there will be a lot to practice for the Lords with the upcoming reformation.” | The Demon Arabat Flamesoul the Fourth, Councilman Warlord of Finance rose, towering above the Warlords next to him. He coughed, blowing a jet of smoky steam from his nostrils, then began speaking slowly in his deep guttural voice, “Most High One, it is my pleasure to announce that we have partitioned certain estates and properties for our Lords to purchase from the Empire.”
The Empress raised an eyebrow showing her interest.
The Demon let a toothy smile show, “These estates act as training grounds which can be rented out at a nominal fee and allow the Lords who rent them to enhance certain skills while training there. They also act as trophy halls for our Lords which are more - let us refer to them by my most favorite sin – prideful.”
“From economical point of view, I believe it will serve them as a foundation for greater development of economic relations in future, and a wider model of Imperial estates economy as a whole.”
“What price do you assume proper for such kind of lots?” The Empress inquired.
“I consider it right to let the Lords and Ladies decide the price themselves by competing for the deeds of grant on these estates at the Auction.”
With a smile still upon his lips, the Demon Warlord bowed his head slightly, then took his place slowly and with dignity. | Having heard from the seven Warlords, the Empress seemed pleased and at last gave Her judgment. “You have done much to build and secure this Empire. You have acted wisely and diligently with the time allotted to you, and I thank you for your contributions.
Furthermore, the Empire has no objections with what was presented here this day, and I shall sign the orders for their initiation as soon as we convene.”
She let her words carry in the courtyard for some time before continuing again, “However, it must be said that neither has this Court been idle during this time. There is a greater matter that I wish to discuss with this court – it concerns you, as Warlords, and must be brought before you now.”
“It is the belief of this Court that the current model of warfare is obsolete – outdated even. The way the Empire has looked at combat and tactics has always been to segregate the factions; Barbarians to Barbarians, Knights to Knights, and so on. This has placed a barrier between our people – one of racial intolerance - one which has been conquered in our latest trials as our Lords came together for a single purpose.”
She continued, “The citizens of the Empire are ready to break down these barriers; to go to war alongside one another whether they are Elf or Dark Elf, Necromancer or Wizard. They are ready to join together not as factions; but as friends, family, neighbors, and countrymen.”
With one final breath, the Empress announced with purposeful pause, “This Empire proposes to you the revelation of Military Clans.” | The Warlords sat in silence, awed and without a clear idea as to what was being told to them. Finally Feurlis asked, “Your Majesty, forgive my ignorance, but it is my belief that the factions were led by this council of Warlords based on our specific histories with our own peoples.”
“That is true enough,” She answered.
Feurlis seemed afraid to ask the next question but alas it escaped his lips, “Then what will happen to this council, and the leadership of the armies of the Empire?”
She held another short pause before replying, “In the former system you Warlords led the armies into battle, declaring the tactics of war. This power will now be handed over to new Warlords, those who have gained the trust of their followers, those who have overtaken and surpassed some of you in arts of war, those who will be proclaimed Military Clan leaders; whereas you will retain your rights as Councilmen, serving this Court and the Empire.”
The Warlords seemed split, torn within as well as between themselves. Kalirosh was first to acknowledge the wisdom in this action, nodding his head in approval. Arabat however scoffed aloud, visibly showing his displeasure with the recent announcement. Others shared his view, unruliness clearly read in their eyes, yet none were willing to speak against the Empress. The Warlords seemed to have silently agreed to discuss the matter outside of Her Majesty’s presence.
Seeing that none of the Councilors would say anything further, the Empress declared, “If there is nothing else, then I suggest you submit your reports to me immediately. I shall summon those of you whom I find it necessary to speak in person. You are dismissed.”
As the Councilmen left the courtyard, the Empress called the Herald Arctic to Her. “Go throughout the Empire declaring what news has been shared this day, let all who dwell here know my bidding, tell them what changes are in store.”
The Herald bowed humbly, moving away from Her as he did. Reaching the bottom step he turned, racing to make his Empress’s Will known.
- Skunder the Chronicler | Imperial Reformation news block finalized.
TL;DR version to be posted upon arrival of the actual update. | | To be posted in a new topic. |
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