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Scotty-Fresh — Episode 58: The Darkness of Vortipor
#albion #arthurian #choice #cyoa #gaul #ireland #narrative #war #cyoh #alternatehistory #alternateuniverse #britain #choices #alternatehistorymap
Published: 2023-07-08 22:31:02 +0000 UTC; Views: 7363; Favourites: 22; Downloads: 3
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Description
443 AD
Country: Albion
Capital: Deva
Emperor: Vortipor
Pendragon Tokens: 24
Imperial Treasury: 90
Imperial Coffers: 640 (+20 for each Imperial Year)
Imperial Vassals: Scandia, Saxonia, Rasenna, Parisum, Isca Brigantium, Aelius, Castrum Eidynn, Aberdonia, Ialona, Seteia, Camulodunum
Population: 5.6 Million People
The House of Julius currently holds the Imperial Mandate
The House of Julius currently holds the titles of Emperor of Albion, High-King of the Britons, Lord of All-Albion, Protector of Manavia, Dominator of Pictonia, Lord of the Haemodes, Dux of the Orcades, Protector of the Rasna, Fylkir of Scandia, Emperor of Terra Occidentalis, Sovereign of Hy Brasil, Vanquisher of the Red Hands, First Lord of Hyperborea, Honoured of Brigantia, Appeaser of the Equites of Pictus, Holder of the Eight Great Ports, Imperator of the Sirian Isles
It has been raining for the past several days. A heavy, bitter downpour, with darkened skies, and icy, almost sleet, lancing through even the hardiest of men.
Some whisper; ‘It’s an Ill Omen’, or how it’s a ‘Poor start to a new King’.
The rain doesn’t seem to be letting up, as you ride into the city; into the strangely quiet, almost eerie, streets of Deva - the rain, the thunder, the biting cold, driving away all but the most desperate.
This is your city, Vortipor; the capital of Albion - an Empire, no - a Bastion - in a sea of perpetual chaos.
Mind you; much of the chaos was caused by your father, the still warm corpse that was once Marcus Sirius.
The First Restored Emperor of Albion - a title that you now hold alone. Not that such a title gives you any respect, seeing as no-one has come to greet you, as your white stallion trots through the rain, towards the Palace. No-one expected you to become Emperor, and you know, deep in your heart, that very few even wanted you to take the throne. Some call it desperation on your father’s part, and in the same breath mutter at how you’re unfit for the role.
That you’re just a stop-gap, for when your son can take the throne. Little more than a glorified regent, pretending to be an Emperor. Even your brother looked through you, to your son - wanting to take the brat from you, and declare him his own.
It was never about you, Vortipor - I’m sure you’re realising that now, as the rain soaks through that cloak of yours, as you wrap it tighter around you. You feel cold; a shiver runs through your spine.
Or is it the cold that has you shivering?
Perhaps it’s anger - it would suit you, after all; your wife knows how viscous your anger can be, as does your mistress - and your daughter. Now that thought stills your shivering, doesn’t it, when you think of her.
But no; it isn’t anger; you’re still shaking. So perhaps fear?
Ah, it could be fear. You see them, don’t you? Looking at you, from the windows, the dark alleys between buildings. The masks, the leering white masks of the Hyenas. Your father made a deal; and that tore Gallia to pieces.
Now they’re watching you.
They hate you; what a pathetic excuse of an Emperor you are. Riding alone, unprotected, through Deva’s empty streets. No-one even cares to come for you, as you go to claim the throne.
Would anyone even come to aid you, if a dagger was sunk between your ribs? If your horse bucked, and threw you to the ground, so the last thing you saw was the white masks, as they similarly tore you to shreds?
Maybe your fear goes deeper - maybe it’s not the Hyenas you should worry about.
There are rats, fat, vile rodents, that hide in the senate building. Oh yes, they call themselves men - but you can see through that! Men, ha! They are just beasts of disease and depraved lusts - and they laugh at you, Vortipor.
Oh, trust me, they do laugh at you. I mean, you can’t blame them, what with being little more than a rather plain looking face, keeping the throne nice and neat for your son. I bet they’d gladly throw you onto the streets when he comes of age; when you’ve outlived your purpose.
They’re your enemies, Vortipor. Every last one of those rodents, and the pigs and swine that support them.
But you can think about that later; the storm is getting worse, and the palace is almost in view.
You have work to do, my friend - and I’m sure you won’t disappoint me.
I hope you don’t, at least. I would hate for your first meeting with my Apprentice to be where he’s detaching your head from that scrawny neck of yours.
But I wouldn’t trouble yourself about that, friend. Just do what needs to be done.
Make your choices, and do what must be done.
The Dark Emperor: That is what some hushed voices call him; looking at his cruel smile, the tired bags beneath his eyes; the anger, hate, violence that stirs in them. He’s bitter, that much is clear - seen as the cast off, the second choice to his golden, dead, brother. But that matters not; the Throne is his - Albion is his. He is the Emperor, and he was chosen by his father to lead Albion forward. He will do what he pleases - what he must - to raise his land to newer heights, no matter what the cost may ultimately be. His word is Law; so from the following, three must be chosen.
A Return to Form: Deva is… fine. Just fine; but it is not a city worthy of an Emperor. And now, after the fighting, neither is ancient Vectis. But Isca Castra, and its sprawling ruins, that surround the opulent Palace of Mithras, is perfect. A perfect, new capital for Albion reborn. Of course, Isca Castra has baggage - heavy, heavy baggage; so perhaps adopting the local name for the city, Cair Uisc, will settle those that like to linger on what once happened there… (Cair Uisc, in southern Siluria, will become the Capital of Albion. Gain 4 Pendragon Tokens as well. This will anger the nobility around Deva, however)
If Albion had One Neck…: There are eyes everywhere - they lurk in the shadows, wear the skins of the Senators, mingle and laugh amongst the common people of the Empire. They conspire in the dark, viscous little beasts that plot the downfall of the Empire. No-one can see it, no-one; except for Vortipor. He will root out the traitors; root them out, and grind them to dust. Let the Treason Trials begin… (The Treason Trials will see vast purges across the Empire of those who ‘oppose’ Vortipor. This will generally cause great unrest and fear throughout the Empire’s heartlands)
The Most Beautiful Creature: Oh, oh no. Ait Cyn, such a poor girl. A poor, savage child; her father is most cruel to her, forcing her to bend to his will, to kill and seduce for him. As his only daughter, Cyn has long lived in the shadow of her brother, the chosen heir; even more so, as she’s a bastard product of a distant Caledonian noblewoman - forced to be left in Vortipor’s cruel hands. And thus, she must kill those her father wants dead, lest he have… other designs for her. She’ll be let loose - and in her wake, wrath will follow swiftly. (Ait Cyn, the only daughter of Emperor Vortipor, will be used to assassinate several senators, important nobles, and petty lesser kings in the Empire’s hinterlands, at the behest of her lecherous father. However, this will cause instability in the Empire, and the use of one of their own in such a way will cause uproar in the Highlands of Caledonia and Pictonia)
A Letter to Recentibus: His father made use of the services of the Cult of Pictus - that dark backdrop to the ever influential Hyena Equites, and growing religious force - only once; a painfully simple request, that ended up toppling one of the Continent’s most powerful Empires in a single swift blow. And now, Vortipor wants that same honour. He’ll force their hand; threats of violence, of sacking their temples, of turning the Legion on the Equites. He’ll get the service of Recentibus’ blade - and he’ll turn it right against the ever growing Danes… (Vortipor will contact the latest Pictus Recentibus, with the task of toppling the current king of the Dani, Halfdan, and bending the Danes to Albion’s will. However, this will greatly anger the Cult of Pictus)
The Spirit of Pan: Let the songs ring out, let the festivals flow, let the world know of the greatness, the freedom, the life of Albion! Wine will flow in the streets, the common street women will be brought in as entertainment, and the great cities of Albion will know the finest of feasts; free flowing with coin, and the graces of Emperor Vortipor. Such opulence, debauchery, elegant extravagance, will cement him as the Emperor of the People - an Emperor of the common man; right? (Costs 80 units of the Imperial Treasury, and will anger the nobles and druids of the Empire, but may just damper the anger towards Vortipor by a decent amount amongst the commoners, if nothing else)
Force them to Bow: Scandia. Rasenna. Saxonia. Three great, but inconsequential, vassals of Albion. Each sworn to the Emperor. Saxonia’s the oldest, Scandia has been cultivated over the years, and Rasenna only joined Albion’s tutelage in the last years of Emperor Marcus Sirius. But they still remain somewhat independent. Somewhat able to function with minimal oversight from the Imperial Household. That just can’t stand now, can it? They must know their place; not as vassals of Albion, but as provinces. Show them where they belong. (There will be an attempt to annex Scandia, Saxonia, and Rasenna into Albion proper. Expect revolt, if not outright rebellion against the Imperial crown)
Hibernia’s Situation: The emerald isle that lies to the West has long been a thorn in Albion’s side, as despite many of his ancestors trying, not one has been able to subdue the warring Gaelic Tribes - not since the pacification and destruction of the Ulothi during the days of Hen Coel. But now, as the fights between the tribes are growing, and more and more imperial coinage is being drained into the streets of Eblana, the situation there is looking - well, not good, at the very least. Vortipor cares not for the Hibernians, and their savage ways - he would rather fight more ‘glorious’ forms of war on the fields of Gallia, after all. So, he must weigh up his choices - and from the following, pick three.
An Abandoned Emerald: Like many things, staying in Hibernia is draining the treasury, and outside a few successful port towns, Albion has little to show for centuries of on-and-off warfare over the Emerald Isle. The island itself is of little consequence to Vortipor, more focused on targets that would net him greater glory - and targets that would be better suited for the legions who languish in the damp Hibernian air. Let us bring our legions back, and set their blades on a different target. (Vortipor will withdraw his legions from Hibernia, effectively abandoning those provinces to their fate. You will gain 90 Imperial Units, 20 Imperial Coffer Units, and have an extra Legion - meaning you can take 5 options in the next category, or use it to advance a different war in this category. However, expect revolts, rebellion, and a general collapse of order in Hibernia - as well as opportunistic ravens taking advantage of the situation)
Splitting the Carcass: Divide and Conquer, that’s a tactic that Vortipor is fond of, even if he often lacks the tact to pull it off. At the moment, the problem is that the Hibernian provinces are still mostly, well, Hibernian, with Albion’s influence really only held in the major ports - so, for those regions where Deva’s influence is felt the least, perhaps the offer of freedom, under Albion’s banner, could sweeten the deal. In short, dividing the Hibernian provinces into petty vassals, as they once were, would certainly make life easier - or so Vortipor hopes. (The Hibernian region of Albion will be divided into several vassal regions, while major locales such as Eblana remain under direct Imperial control. This will lessen rebellion by quite a bit, but it may prompt some of the newly freed Gaels to throw their lot in with some of the other Hibernian powers - or try and break free of Albion entirely)
Forcing the Jewish Hand: For years, the Ui Slanga have lived peacefully, happily plodding along, building their towns, practising their strange Jewish faith, and generally being a strange region of an already strange, savage isle. But they are small, weak, and halt our land roads from Eblana to the likes of Nova Troia; Finally, we should make them bow, and bring them under the banner of Albion - by force, naturally. (Ui Slanga will be forced into becoming a vassal of Albion. Do not underestimate their anger - these people have promised to never be slaves again)
Let Loose the Hyenas: The Pictines, the Hyena Equites, they both grow restless - or so Vortipor believes. Then again, he can’t help but prod them, worried that they would turn on him - the stories of the Great Pictine Revolt, and the almost uncanny militarisation of the Equites in the aftermath; not to mention the spread of their vaults; worries him. So, what best to distract them, then to send them to Hibernia - to support, or relieve the Legions, it doesn’t matter. The Hyena Equites will do their best - and let loose their beasts upon the enemies of Albion. (Several Cohorts of the Hyena Equites will be sent to Hibernia. If you also choose ‘Abandon the Emerald’, the Equites will take over from the Legions, and settle most of the revolts, outside the most violent in the North of Hibernia. If you picked ‘Splitting the Carcass’, the Equites will form a Pictine Vassal between Eblana and Ui Slanga; loyal to Albion, but a bastion of the Cult of Pictus. If you also picked ‘Forcing the Jewish Hand’, the Hyena Equites will extend their defence of the Hibernian Provinces to the new Jewish vassal - with perhaps unexpected consequences…)
Pluck the Raven’s Wings: The Desi Gclais have, since we first arrived in Hibernia, our biggest threat - with their brutal faith, warring ways, and desire to drive us from their island, they are a dangerous foe, even more so than the golden kings of Tara - indeed, the Desi have spread their violent faith to the scholarly Ui Maine, letting the black wings of the vile Morrigan loom over the broken Emerald of Hibernia. Well, no more - we shall vanquish them, and for the glory of the Emperor, finally bring the South to heel! (You will attempt to invade the Desi Gclais. If you select ‘Abandon the Emerald’, then your Legions will invade the Desi, allowing you to still take 4 options in the next category. If you didn’t, this will count as one of your conquests, meaning you can only take 3. However, the outcome of such a war is very uncertain - and the South is the most rural, and unmapped, region of all of Hibernia. Be careful. This cannot be taken if you take ‘High King’s Hill’.)
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High King’s Hill: Not as old a threat as the Ravens in the South, the golden ones of Tara, camped in the heartland of Hibernia, dead centre, are just as dangerous - if not more. They’re more fanatical, at least, bound by a religion worshipping the Gaelic God Lugh; and they don’t tolerate any deviance from that belief. Recently, they have grown, snatching stretches of borderlands from the Desi, and the Maine; barely anything in the grand scheme of things, but enough to be worrying - and what’s worse is the spread of their faith. Already, it’s sunk its fangs into the weak minds of the Uloth, who seek to use it as a means to shake off our control - but if we were to burn Tara to the ground… yes, that might just silence these golden kings… (You will attempt to bring war upon Tara, and the Faith of Lugh. If you select ‘Abandon the Emerald, then your Legions will invade Tara, allowing you to still take 4 options in the next category. If you didn’t, this will count as one of your conquests, meaning you can only take 3. Again, be careful. Tara has ring forts, trained soldiers, and the binds of faith to hold them together. This option cannot be taken if you take ‘Pluck the Raven’s Wings’)
Conquests Beyond Conquests: During the turbulent days of his father, the Empire has expanded; not only across the unsettled wastes of Hyperborea, but old lands - rebel Vectis, and the once proud Rasna - were brought back under the singular banner of the House Julius, while the petty isles, and frozen Scandian frontiers were advanced. But these; these may be good - but they’re just that, just good. They’re not the grand, expansive conquests that would place one’s name amongst the stars, amongst history itself, no. And Vortipor, he won’t settle for just being good. No matter what, he will bring the World to heel, and be the Emperor of Europa! First, one must deal with the stepping stones along the way, even as his commanders plead for him to reconsider. So, which four will you pick to begin the slaughter?
Rasenna’s Wayward Cousins: They fled decades ago, when we were torn asunder by treachery; when Albion fell for the first time - and now they’ve grown, a tumour that existed on the back of the Gallic Empire, settling and spreading throughout Armorica - building their towns, trading with the Rasenna that now belong to us. And thus, much like their insular cousins, these wayward Rasna will soon fall under our Imperial banner; a fine stepping stone, for our great conquest of the continent! (You will attempt to invade New Rasennalthithur, which will spark great anger and discontent in Rasenna - and possibly alert the Gallic Kingdom to your intent)
The Foolish Belgics: Once the most feared tribes in all of the Fallen Empire of Rome, the Belgics have been reduced to nothing but snivelling cowards, clinging to their homeland with whatever they can muster. They’ve already failed to stop the pitiful Franks from encroaching upon their land, and we are much greater than some backwards, axe-throwing barbarians! We shall make the Belgics kneel, and finally take complete control of the petty channel that protects the Continent from us! (You will attempt to invade the Belgic Confederacy. Despite Vortipor’s belief, they have not lost their warring ways, so be warned. Also, an invasion will likely prompt more Frankish raids, or even an attempt by the Gallic Kingdom to stop you)
Force the Dani to Kneel: What more is to be said? These pathetic Danes, and their blood-soaked religion, have caused enough problems for us - long denying our right to seize the Amber Road! We shall breach their petty peninsula, sack their island citadel, and burn their temples to Odin down - and we will finally hold sway over the most savage of people. (You will attempt to invade the Dani. If you took ‘A Letter to Recentibus’ earlier, then the Dani will most likely explode into warring factions, and possible cause you no end of grief. Of course, even if that didn’t happen, the Dani are still dangerous)
The Paltry Norse-Lords: They’ve begun to unify. Vortipor does not like that. No, not at all. Those Norse Fylkirs are planning something - and that something potentially threatens all of Scandia! We shall burn them, and wrest the fjords from out of their grasp - and make them pay for whatever they were planning! (You will attempt to invade a handful of the petty Norse tribes that exist along the coast north of Scandia. An invasion might be successful, but holding them is another question entirely)
Tears of Constantine: It was under his father that the masked assassin killed the Great Constantine of the Gallic Empire - and now look at it; the rump of a corpse, bleeding out as it’s torn apart, ripped to shreds by invasive tribes and greedy local lords. A pathetic end to an Empire that fools once considered our greatest rival! We shall put an end to them, and take our place as the greatest Empire on the Continent! (You will attempt to invade the Constantine Kingdom of Gallia. This is probably a bad idea, but you have to admire Vortipor’s confidence about the matter)
A Village in Hispania: During the distant civil war, when our ancestors cowardly fled North to the dens of Eburaki, there were Britons, and Rasna, that fled beyond Armorica - and took refuge on the coasts of Northern Hispania; offered protection by the Herculean Dynasty during their own turbulent years. But now, they are Britons and Rasna who are not living under our protection! They are cowards and traitors, who get to live peacefully, and not under the glory of Albion - so we should show them why abandoning their homeland was a poor choice; even if it means warring upon Hispania to do so. (There are several towns and villages, dotted across Northern Coastal Hispania, that were founded by Britons years ago. You will attempt to reclaim them - meaning you will attempt to invade the Empire of Hispania Ultima)
Convince the Geats: Beyond Scandia, the Geats - pathetic offshoots of the already pathetic Svear - have begun to united; small tribes merging into sizable tribal polities, that upset and upheave the otherwise stagnant status quo that was southern Suecia. Two of the Western Geatish tribes lie close to us - Tveta, and Visgotar; just two more stepping stones, before we can declare dominion of the North! Let us show these Geats why we are the true lords of Scandza! (You will attempt to invade and turn Tveta and Visgotar into Vassals. This could go well, or it could go poorly - either way, the Svear and Dani will notice)
Ripe for the Taking: During the tragic collapse of the Gallic Empire, the proud city of Burdigala seized the opportunity to break free of the dying corpse, and step on its own path; one of trade, and open ports, and surviving in an ever destructive world. They are, however, a weak, tiny speck, a small part of a once great, magnificent whole - and so, we should take advantage of that; and make the city ours - by force, or coercion, either one suits Vortipor just fine. (You will attempt to force Burdigala into becoming a Vassal of Albion; not a hard task in itself, but it will likely alarm those around the city, if not also anger the Kingdom of Gallia too)
Golden Days: Mostly due to the work of his father, the wealth of the Imperial Coffers is overflowing with coin - a vast ocean of gold, compared to the pittance that resides in the Empire’s own treasury. Such wealth has been rarely accumulated by the House of Julius, and now it all lies in Vortipor’s hands - just waiting to be spent; to be lavished even more across the Empire. Because of course; what good is coin, if you just let it languish, unspent? Take whatever you want, spend as you please. You can always get the coin back, later on anyway, you know.
The White City: Londinium was once a promising market town, legion encampment, and such - but now, after years of development in first Eburaki, and now Deva, the once blooming city has fallen into squalor and disrepute. We can change this, of course - and by doing so, we can make a perfect, Imperial City, on the banks of the mighty Thamis River. Imagine it now - gleaming white marble temples, sprawling arenas, beautiful gardens filled with beasts and birds from all over the Empire; a city that we deserve. (You will finally start to build up Londinium, turning it from a small market city, into a soon-to-be sprawl worthy of the finest Pre-Collapse Roman Cities. Costs 300 from the Imperial Coffer - you are building a city from scratch, after all)
From Deva to Aberdonia: Honestly, there aren’t any major - or proper - roads, once you get to a certain point above Eburaki. Last major road ends around about Aelius, and then its narrow streets and dirt tracks north to Castrum Eidynn - and a rough sea road to the far Aberdonia. So we should change that! A single, great highway, from far Aberdonia, all the way down to Deva - and thus, connecting all the major roads, too! Soon, we’ll have swift, easy transport all across our great Empire. (A single great road will stretch from Aberdonia, to Deva, allowing for fast movement from the heartlands to distant Caledonia & Pictonia - and also allowing the reserve, too. Costs 70 from the Imperial Coffer)
A Thousand Trees: He means towers, by the way. A thousand of the things, dotted along coasts, on the highest hilltops, near mountains - wherever one may think to dot a great watchtower - and the are supposed to be great; better than any watchtower build before them - enough to defend the Empire, to keep an eye on enemies; and for Vortipor’s most loyal to keep a track on any who might seek to take arms against him. But of course, it’s all to protect Albion, you know. (Begins the construction of 1000 watchtowers, all throughout Albion - giving Albion the unprecedented ability to be alerted to almost any sort of attack… as long as those watchtowers are manned, after all. And if they all get finished before Vortipor happens to die… And it will cost about 200 from the Imperial Coffer)
Protector of Albion: It’s a rather auspicious title, isn’t it? Protector of Albion. That’s what Vortipor wants adding to his ever growing list. But, such a title requires more than just some new coins minted, or some markers at the corner of the Empire… No, it requires ceremony! A crown! Robes from distant Carthage, dyed purple and green, and a sword, smith'd by the finest craftsmen, and oh - horses, dozens of horses, and a Triumph, too! It will be spectacular! Vortipor will truly be the Emperor that Albion… deserves? Perhaps. (Adds ‘Protector of Albion’ to the list of Titles. Crafts the Crown of Albion, Sword of Albion, and builds the Arch of Vortipor in whatever happens to be your capital city. Costs about 150 from the Imperial Coffer)
The Tomb of Vortipor: Vortipor is scared of death. Well, not scared - no one would dare declare him scared of anything - but he certainly isn’t looking forward to his eventual end. That’s why he’s already drawing up plans - plans for a tomb, or rather, mausoleum. An Imperial affair, that’ll make sure that he’s protected, and cherished, in the next life. But there’s more to his plans than that - he’s drawn up ideas for smaller tombs - ones for his ancestors; and he wants his ancestors, the illustrious Emperors and High-Kings that preceded him, to be buried alongside him, no matter where they’re currently buried, mind you. That itself is a headache, but if Vortipor decrees it… (The Tomb of Vortipor, and the more expansive Imperial Mausoleums, will be built in the Cymric region of Eryri, in the shadow of the great mountain that the locals call Yr Wyddfa. This will become an almost sacred burial place for future rulers of Albion, as the bones and ashes of past Emperors, all the way to Gaius, shall be moved here. Costs 200 Imperial Units, but will reduce the chance of future rulers building their own separate tombs, unless they choose too)
Distant Colonia: Unlike some regions, Hyperborea actually shows promise. There’s no-one else seemingly living there, the land is densely forested, while also having lakes, and hills, and strange hot springs too; there’s land for grazing, and already about half of what has been mapped has already been declared for the Emperor - with villages and thrall-holdings popping up constantly; but there could always be more done, right? What good is half an island, when you can have all of it - even if it takes a bit of your own coin to grease some palms. Let us make Hyperborea a gem, like we were promised. (By spending 250 from the Imperial coffers, Vortipor will convince more people - and their thrall slaves - to settle and colonise Hyperborea; and perhaps even build the first true city on those most distant, northern shores)
The Distant Isles: For decades, our hold on the Western Isles, the distant and mysterious Terra Occidentalis, has been all but secured; no other has dared set foot on those far shores - but now, after years of fishing in the waters off the coast, the Ao Si of Hy Brasil have began to settle across the Occidentalis - first it was just stopover docks for their fishing vessels, but now it’s hunting parties, villages, and other such things - and back at home, there are those complaining at the strain further expansion would put on our treasury should we stick with the islands - so now, one must decide if these far islands are really still worth it. Pick just one.
Hell or Hy Brasil: The Ao Si seem rather interested in the Occidentalis - and they won’t leave without a fight; so be it - a fight is what they shall get, for the Western Isles are Albion’s rightful holdings! We found them, after all - and we do have a better claim of these virgin shores. No matter what, the Western Isles shall be ours, now and forever. (You will go to war with Hy Brasil over the Western Isles. Do not expect a victory, for you shall be lucky if you limp away with only a few wounds)
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The Pact of Charris: A senator - one of the few that Vortipor actually tolerates - called Charris has long had an interest in the strange, almost savage folk of Hy Brasil; and he would like to strike an accord with the chiefs that dominate those islands. Namely, he’s willing to suggest a division of the Western Isles - the most Northern ones staying in the Ao Si’s hands, while the Southern Isles - more fertile, with less hostile wildlife, perfect for new colonia - stay ours. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s one that the Ao Si are willing to at least hear out, if nothing else. (The Western Isles will end up being divided between Albion and Hy Brasil; war will be avoided, but one cannot underestimate the greed of the Si)
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The Fall of Terra Occidentalis: The Western Isles have been nothing but a drain - where are the great cities, the promised fields of golden grain, and the mines plumbing the Earth’s depths for the Empire? What we have is little more than fishing villages, sparse villas, and a handful of towns that need Albion itself to survive. Vortipor has better matters to spend his time on - and the people left on those distant islands would be better put to use back at home, wouldn’t they? (The Western Isles will be abandoned, as Albion withdraws completely from them. The Ao Si will continue to spread, but the coin will more than make up for it. Gain +60 Imperial Units)
Vortigern’s Path: The young princeling, the blank-faced, apathetic Vortigern, is his father’s pride and joy; barely two years old when his grandfather died, and then left to enjoy the highs-and-lows of Vortipor’s rule. Now the years tick on by, and now, thirteen years later, in the year that the Christians of the East call ‘456’, the throne is his - years of rich eating, stress, and paranoia took a toll on Vortipor; ending his time abruptly. But; before the Emperor died, he made sure to mould his son - to turn that blank-faced, tired youth into a man of substance - or so he hoped. Although, what type of prince he tried to shape him has not left him without scars. There are three of the following that you can choose - but be warned; The ones that Vortipor failed to teach will no doubt also affect the character of the Young Emperor…
A Prince of Faith: The blessings of Brigantia, the intricate rituals, the prayers and salutations - all of these were drilled into the Prince since before he could walk; even now, he is as devout as they come, when it comes to the Faith of Brigantia. (Vortigern will be DEVOUT; placing extreme emphasis on religious omens, druidic advice, and barely tolerant of other religions. If this is not chosen, Vortigern will be IRREVERENT; he holds little patience for the religious trappings of the Empire, and often mocks the likes of the druids as old fools - damaging the Imperial image of being Brigantia’s chosen)
A Prince of Wit: Knowledge was always at the front of what was pushed towards the Prince; the finest scholars were brought to him, and he had the books, the scrolls, from both the Great Library of Eburaki, and the Great Library of Vectis, at his fingertips. Any and all forms of knowledge were devoured, and still he hungers for more. (Vortigern will be KNOWLEDGEABLE; He will be intelligent when it comes to matters of philosophy, history, and general theory, but this comes with an arrogance, and an expectation that he is always right. If this is not chosen, Vortigern will be DULL; such academic matters bore the young prince, preferring more practical matters, although he will always be easily swayed by anyone claiming to be an expert)
A Prince of Cunning: In the Imperial Halls of Albion, where assassins, plotting senators, and the ever untrustworthy Imperial Guards lurk, one has to use every fibre of their mind to see through the spider web being weaved around them - and to weave their own, to trap those that seek to do them harm; no matter who they are. (Vortigern will be SCHEMING; He plans his moves well in advance, playing everyone to his tune, mere pieces on the chessboard that is Albion, crafting a web of intrigue and deception that only he can see through. If this is not chosen, Vortigern will be INEPT; try as he might, even his best laid plans often implode at the slightest touch, his manipulations are childish at their best, and even the most brazen of plots go unnoticed by him - even if their right in his face)
A Prince of Kindness: Perhaps it was regret that turned Vortipor’s hand, or perhaps pragmatism, seeing how his own rule turned out. Either way, he has taught his son how to be kind, reasonable; to rule with a velvet glove, as a benevolent Emperor - perhaps one that even the lowest citizen can look to in admiration. Time will tell if these lessons will stick, though. (Vortigern will be SAINTLY; A kind soul, who aids the poor, donates to the people, and always looks for the best in anyone - no matter how dangerous they perhaps might be. If this is not chosen, Vortigern will be TYRANNICAL; Like father, like son - he will rule through power and violence, and woe betide anyone who seeks to usurp the wealth and control of the House of Julius)
A Prince of War: Although war has always been a familiar friend to Vortipor, he knows that more lurks on the horizon - the continent itself trembles beneath distant hoofbeats, and the violence of the great tribes of the forests have already begun to bathe the land in blood. If he is to stand against the roaring tide, Vortigern will need to know War, as if it was an old friend. He needs to be trained. (Vortigern will be MILITANT; He will be a soldier, through and through - he lives and breathes as the Legion does, and above all, the Sword has the most value to him over everything. If this is not chosen, Vortigern will be CRAVEN; He lacks a spine concerning most matters, and holds little love for war and battle - he is no leader, and the Legions will surely suffer)
A Prince of Honour: Above all else, One has to be honourable; respectable - capable of properly carrying on the banner of House Julius, of driving it forward, of keeping it as the beacon that Albion needs in the darkest of times. Albion needs a symbol, a unifying figure that embodies everything Albion is; It needs an Emperor that it can look at, and be proud of - an Emperor who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of his grandfather, and even the likes of the Gaius, centuries before. (Vortigern will be RIGHTEOUS; He will be the model Emperor - graceful, serene, noble in all aspects, more of an ideal, than an actual person. If this is not chosen, Vortigern will be DEPLORABLE; lying, cheating, excessive, indulgent - everything his father was, and more. Vortigern will sample everything his father laid out, and then some - nothing is too much for someone with so much power)
---
Do you hear it?
Hidden beneath the rolling thunder?
The wings, slicing through the darkness, haunted illuminated eyes seeing through the pitching rain.
Lightning cracks across the sky, splitting the heavens; a flash, and the world is seen once more.
The Owl swoops, talons piercing the squealing hide of a rat; plump, diseased vermin, thrashing as blood bubbles in its mouth, struggling to breath through torn lungs.
It is drawing closer, and closer.
You still have yet to complete your Duty.
You still have a part to play.
Do not delay; the Once & Future Emperor shall soon arrive.
But only through Death, and Destruction shall they emerge.
The Great Design will be shown to you Soon.
The Owl will be watching, judging, what you do.
Do Not Disappoint US.
---
And so, after a long delay, we have a brand new episode - and a long one at that. Everything is now ticking towards the point of the Once and Future Emperor, but this is really the sort of turning point; no going back now, no avoiding what's to come.
Anyway, I do hope you enjoy this one; I put a lot of work into it, and I'm already starting to draw up plans for the next few episodes - things will start moving along swiftly, hopefully.
So, well, thank you for voting, and for sticking with this, despite my lack of punctuality with these things; but hey, there's more to come, so don't worry. Anyway, thank you all, and remember - any questions, just ask them, and I'll try to answer them the best I can! Until next time - SF.
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