As the time of the Mons Regalis' decision draws nigh, we here at the Ashbury Times have reprinted and are providing free of charge copies of a few selected articles in order to help those who know nothing of some of those chosen can make a wise decision.
Discussions with the Choices for Monarch
By Sir Ulthoc, First Knight of Nordenn
A few gatherings ago in Fairdale, the Mons Regalis was found, and called upon. When this happened, the Speaker for the Mons, our beloved former Duke Aramis, told us to ask questions of those chosen to stand before the Mons, that we may know them better, for the decision in our hearts would choose the next Monarch of our great nation. When all gathered in the tavern afterwards, I asked questions of all those so chosen. At the request of Sheriff Davin, I have collected these questions and sent them to the Times to be published.
To each person, the same three questions were asked, in the same order. None of them were made aware of each others’ replies.
1. What, in your opinion, would be the reason you would NOT be suitable to be Monarch?
2. Who, in your opinion, is the weakest choice of the group to be Monarch, and why?
3. What, in your opinion, is the single greatest threat facing the Kingdom?
Below are their answers, in the order the were approached.
Dame Sonia:
1. While I was trained to be an adviser in the court, I have a lack of confidence when it comes to making the final decision on matters.
2. Sir Nevin. His inexperience could lead him to make rash decisions, or wrong decisions.
3. The current internal strife which is threatening the Kingdom.
Duchess Jacelyn Correlia of Evorra:
1. I have a certain ... ruthlessness when things need to be done. I will do what I see as best, regardless of consequence.
2. Dame Sonia. She is inexperienced as a leader, and will take too long to make the important decisions.
3. The Vacarann Pirates.
Duke Broomis Bouchard of Brittington:
1. My age. We I a younger man, I would feel more confident taking the position. However ... I have seen the strife this has placed on our kingdom, and I have no wish to see it happen again within a decade or so.
2. Duke Frost Vardik. While I have nothing against him personally, and think he is a fine Duke ... I am loathe to establish any precedent where a slaver – no matter how reformed – may hold the highest authority in our Kingdom.
3. The traitor.
Sir Nevin Kendrick:
1. My youth and inexperience. While I’d have my heart in the right place, I fear my lack of experience could be used by our enemies.
2. Duke Frost Vardik. His ability to inspire and lead is perfectly suited at the Ducal level, but I feel that they would not be an asset if he were to become locked away in the Royal court, far from the people he connects with so well.
3. The lack of commerce over the past few years, and the mounting debt the Kingdom has acquired in many wars.
Duke Frost Vardik of Ashbury:
1. I feel the Kingdom is not yet ready to accept an ... enhanced Biata ... on the throne. The Kingdom has always been ruled by Humans, and the Biata race is still very knew to this world.
2. Myself, for the reasons previously stated.
3. The traitor.
Kelani Aid Icenia in Reclaiming Camulous
Less than a year after their own island had been reintroduced to Fortannis, the Keilani took on an active role in helping the Children of Camulous (who they often called “cousins”) in retaking their own home.
Last month, Makani and another representative of the Keilani who called herself Alana met with the adventurers of Fairdale. They advised them that they were doing all within their power to assist the Evorran navy in their military assaults, but in addition to this, the Keilani have a special magic that they used to aid the Children.
Makani used this magic to bring not only the Children but Mystic Wood Elves and even some visiting Ansconi to a special hot spring back on the island of Honua. There, Darkan, Aishling, Ryban, Katyreena, Landaria, Kerrigwen, Alor, and Syrah each were granted visions of things that they must do in order for the island to be freed. When the vision was complete, each took a stone from the pool, which then spirit linked to them. They would later discover that this stone was the key to completing their tasks.
When Landiara’s stone had activated he asked Sparticous to help him in his task. Landiara, Sparticous, Andros, Lupiticus, and Darkan were magically rifted to an area were they encountered undead. After dispatching the undead Landiara heard a voice he recognized as his father’s. There was another Mystic Wood Elf alongside Landiara’s father. Landiara realized his father was under the affects of an enslavement and quickly confined him and the other Mystic Wood Elf. It had turned out that they had been ordered to guard a huge vat of enslavement elixir.
Each of the Mystic Wood Elves were successful in their missions, and some were also fortunate enough to rescue their families from bondage. In addition, some frightening information that was of great import to Icenia was discovered – the queen had been betrayed.
Using the information gathered in these missions as well as those coordinated by Duchess Jacelyn Correlia of Evorra and her naval commander James Logan, the Icenians were able to recover Validus, the sword wielded by the late Queen Sidraste. When the Ashban nobles returned with the sword later, Dame Daralassia nervously handed it to Regent Dame Sonia, who thankfully was also not struck down by this sentient blade. Looking upon it thoughtfully, she handed it to Duchess Jacelyn, as she is a descendant of the Deannan line. The Duchess was able not only to hold it, but to wield it.
Validus in hand, Duchess Jacelyn led the adventurers to a large Evorran warship, which had been mounted with an anti-gryphon ballista that had been commissioned by Amaranthus during the Dominion war. So armed, they set sail for Sea Lion Island, sped considerably along their path by more of the Keilani magic. In the initial assault they captured the beach, and the Duchess immediately ordered a permanent circle of power be cast, so that resurrections could be performed if necessary.
The adventurers then fought their way uphill toward a large stone keep. As they fought toward the structure, the ship-mounted ballista took shots at it, however as it was designed to fire into the air and not at a land-based target, several recalibrations were apparently needed before it was able to hit anything and do any damage. The final shot struck the keep’s tower, causing it to collapse.
Once at the keep the adventurers fought down several levels into a deep dungeon. Where, much to their surpise, Camulous himself had been held captive in a strange fey-like imprisonment. Once freed from his physical bonds he was still unresponsive. Many cures were tried, but none were effective until Ryban looked into his eyes and began to talk Camulous out his stupor. Seeing the positive effect he continued several more tries, but his skill alone was not enough to fully break the spell’s hold. Every Mystic Wood Elf, Child of Camulous and Ansconi in the room lent their skill, and finally Camulous was freed.
Using what little strength he had remaining, he and some of his Children including Kerrigwen, now bonded to the land, called upon this bond to smite the remaining vacarrans. Baron Rorii, from atop the keep saw hundreds of them literally fall over dead before his eyes. Simon ran back down to the beach to discover more of the same.
Mons Regalis Found; Questions Remain;
Mons Chooses Aramis as its Face
After two long years, the Mons Regalis has been found and has made its decision, but has not clarified the succession. Five contenders for the throne have been found worthy with the Mons Regalis saving final judgment for the spring, when the will of the people will become known.
The final preparations for summoning the stone were made during the recent Ashbury Ducal tournament, and it seems that if one wishes to compel the stone to appear they must prove themselves worthy. His Grace Duke Frost first needed a token proving that he had champions willing to defend the land under his banner. To this end he called upon the court of the Ash Forest to procure the tail of a tainted unicorn. Through some unknown means the adventurers were transported deep into the Ash Forest. Some time later Baron Rorii returned with the grisly token and the first smile many of those assembled had seen on his face in years. Nothing was said to the adventurers about the significance of what they had just accomplished.
The tourney continued on without interruption, with the heroes of Ashbury and Evorra striving against one another in what many remarked was the cleanest and most sportsmanlike tourney in a decade. As evening approached, Duke Frost and Duchess Jacelyn returned to town and bade those assembled to follow and bear witness.
The assembled nobles and adventurers were led into the woods, finally arriving at a large hill that emanated a magical aura that prevented anyone from approaching. Duke Frost asked Baron Ivan Drake of Blythedale to accompany him as Duchess Jacelyn ascended the hill singing and holding Validus aloft. Upon reaching the summit, Her Grace tied the corrupted unicorn’s tail around Validus and His Grace ordered Baron Ivan to bare his breast. Duchess Jacelyn continued her song and plunged the blade into the Baron of Blythedale’s chest. As his blood touched the unicorn tail it began to glow with a pure white radiance. Duchess Jacelyn then plunged Validus into a large stone and the land itself began to sing as pillars of radiance shot up all around her. The Mons Regalis had appeared.
Duchess Jacelyn paused a moment and looked to Duke Frost who nodded his assent before the Duchess stepped up upon the stone. An even louder song was heard, and the lights grew brighter as Duchess Jacelyn stood atop the Mons Regalis.
His Grace Duke Frost then called out in a loud voice, telling all assembled to take a knee, only to be rifted out mid sentence. Confusion reigned for a few moments before His Grace reappeared, standing atop the Mons alongside Jacelyn!
There was little time for those assembled to absorb the implications of this turn of events before the air rippled again and Sir Nevin Kendrick also appeared, followed closely by Dame Sonia Forthiatis and Duke Broomis Bouchard.
Upon realizing where he was, Duke Broomis hastily stepped down from the stone and declared his Duchy’s strong support for Duchess Jacelyn’s claim. This led to an argument between the Duke and Dame Sonia about what this actually meant, Duke Broomis loudly declared that he would not believe that Icenia was meant to be ruled by council and some present say that an aura of magical energy began to appear around his hands when the final surprise of the evening made itself known.
A sixth figure appeared atop the Mons, and all the nobles present immediately took a knee to the man, a man who perhaps alone of anyone in the Kingdom could command the trust and respect of all the nobles present: Former Duke of Ashbury Aramis Llyrr.
He then stood alone atop the Mons Regalis and spoke of the nobility of all who had been chosen. Each of those who stood upon the stone had the hearts of the people of Icenia, but sentiment is divided even as the Kingdom is divided. The nobles of Icenia have been so consumed with rumors of assassins and civil war that they have neglected their oaths to those they serve, the common folk of our kingdom.
So it will be the common folk who will decide who shall sit the throne, the Mons Regalis would search the hearts of the people, and render a decision at winter’s end. Lord Aramis then said he must speak to those who had been chosen privately and all present left the scene. At this time it is not known what was discussed.
Brittington and Evorra Mobilize!
The Times has received word that the Ducal armies of Brittington and Evorra have been deployed in the escalating war against the Dominion. Ever since the Reidic Legion invaded Icenia last summer the Eastern Duchies have been training and drilling ceaselessly, but seemed reluctant to commit any forces to aid the embattled armies of Falkirk and Ashbury.
The reason for this delay now seems clear, as military forces from Cuulanis, Moorgrave, Imladar and Home have been seen entering Icenia’s borders at an apparent request for aid from the Duchess Jacelyn of Evorra. The foreign regiments and Baroinal armies of Brittington seem to be forming an encirclement around the front lines in the Duchies of Falkirk and Ashbury. The bulk of the Evorran and Brittington Ducal armies have taken ship and launched westward, presumably to land in western Trellhiem and take the Reidic Legion in the rear. None of the nobles or military commanders we spoke to were authorized to speak in regards to the deployment of the Icenian and allied forces.
Nor was our correspondent in Cil’Cilurion able to give us any further information, stating that no military dignitaries from the Kingdoms riding to our aid have come to the Royal Court beyond the ambassadors who have a constant presence at court. It is also reported that the Royal Legions have just started their preparations to march after the arrival of a messenger from Evorra. When the question was put to the Royal Seneschal why it appears that the Royal Court was not involved in the negotiations with the neighboring kingdoms the reply was terse, saying only; “The Duchess of Evorra is a woman of ironclad honor and loyalty to Icenia and enjoys the Regent’s full confidence” before ending the discussion.
Duchess Jacelyn Correlia has provided a letter which is reproduced here:
An Open Letter to the loyal citizens of Icenia
To all noble and brave people of Icenia, I greet you. I write to you now in a time of great darkness for our fair Kingdom. An enemy blacker and more powerful than any we have ever faced presses us from our western border, and we the nobles of Icenia have failed you.
Our failure comes not from a lack of honor, strength or commitment to the Code of Chivalry, but from a weakness of will. When the Dominion were released I read the words of my Brother Duke of Ashbury;
“Far better to face the evil now than at a time when we, or worse yet, our descendants are weak, The foul criminals that have been released have not been paroled, they have been released so that they may be led to their execution.”
These words, coming on the heels of a decision I do not envy him having to make and for which His Grace made the only possible choice that a true knight could make, filled my heart with hope and resolve.
I readied my armies and awaited the call to arms...
Months later our beloved King and Queen launched an investigation into if His Grace of Ashbury had violated the Chivalry as many of his subjects attested. I watched from afar as he suffered the vile imprecations thrown at him with grace and honor, and was rightly exonerated of any wrongdoing. I quote now the words of Dame Sonia Forthiatis, who led the investigation before ascending to the Regency;
“Know that King Gareth ap Moire, Queen Sidraste Deannan and the Kingdom of Icenia support Duke Frost and the duchy of Ashbury to the fullest, and will lend any and all aid necessary in defeating the Dominion. And know in your hearts that the right path is rarely the easy path.”
Buoyed by these words, I readied my armies and awaited the call to arms...
This past year has seen the death of our beloved King and Queen, followed by the midsummer invasion of the Western Duchies by the foul Reidic legion. Through the summer and reap the valiant soldiers of Falkirk and Ashbury held the line against an enemy that vastly outnumbered them, ceding little land to their advance. Winter came...
I readied my armies... and could wait no longer.
Through the winter months I visited our cherished allies, gathering support for what has become the largest joint military operation Tar’Navaria has ever seen. As I place pen to paper the armies of Moorgrave, Cuulanis, Imladar, Trollsgate and Home march in friendship and fellowship to our aid. Together we will push the Rotes Getragen from Icenia, then march into the Plains of Rage to the very gates of Strarkenstien to end the threat of the Dominion now and forever.
People of Icenia, take heart that the Dominion shall soon be no more, on this day the Nobles of Icenia live up to the promises of these last three winters. On this day we avenge all those who have suffered, died or been enslaved by the Rotes Getragen. On this day we show Tar’Navaria that no evil can stand against the might of Icenia and her allies. For this day marks the beginning of the Dominion's end.
Thou Shalt Not Recoil Before Thine Enemy,
Duchess Jacelyn Correlia
Discussions with the Choices for Monarch
By Sir Ulthoc, First Knight of Nordenn
A few gatherings ago in Fairdale, the Mons Regalis was found, and called upon. When this happened, the Speaker for the Mons, our beloved former Duke Aramis, told us to ask questions of those chosen to stand before the Mons, that we may know them better, for the decision in our hearts would choose the next Monarch of our great nation. When all gathered in the tavern afterwards, I asked questions of all those so chosen. At the request of Sheriff Davin, I have collected these questions and sent them to the Times to be published.
To each person, the same three questions were asked, in the same order. None of them were made aware of each others’ replies.
1. What, in your opinion, would be the reason you would NOT be suitable to be Monarch?
2. Who, in your opinion, is the weakest choice of the group to be Monarch, and why?
3. What, in your opinion, is the single greatest threat facing the Kingdom?
Below are their answers, in the order the were approached.
Dame Sonia:
1. While I was trained to be an adviser in the court, I have a lack of confidence when it comes to making the final decision on matters.
2. Sir Nevin. His inexperience could lead him to make rash decisions, or wrong decisions.
3. The current internal strife which is threatening the Kingdom.
Duchess Jacelyn Correlia of Evorra:
1. I have a certain ... ruthlessness when things need to be done. I will do what I see as best, regardless of consequence.
2. Dame Sonia. She is inexperienced as a leader, and will take too long to make the important decisions.
3. The Vacarann Pirates.
Duke Broomis Bouchard of Brittington:
1. My age. We I a younger man, I would feel more confident taking the position. However ... I have seen the strife this has placed on our kingdom, and I have no wish to see it happen again within a decade or so.
2. Duke Frost Vardik. While I have nothing against him personally, and think he is a fine Duke ... I am loathe to establish any precedent where a slaver – no matter how reformed – may hold the highest authority in our Kingdom.
3. The traitor.
Sir Nevin Kendrick:
1. My youth and inexperience. While I’d have my heart in the right place, I fear my lack of experience could be used by our enemies.
2. Duke Frost Vardik. His ability to inspire and lead is perfectly suited at the Ducal level, but I feel that they would not be an asset if he were to become locked away in the Royal court, far from the people he connects with so well.
3. The lack of commerce over the past few years, and the mounting debt the Kingdom has acquired in many wars.
Duke Frost Vardik of Ashbury:
1. I feel the Kingdom is not yet ready to accept an ... enhanced Biata ... on the throne. The Kingdom has always been ruled by Humans, and the Biata race is still very knew to this world.
2. Myself, for the reasons previously stated.
3. The traitor.
Kelani Aid Icenia in Reclaiming Camulous
Less than a year after their own island had been reintroduced to Fortannis, the Keilani took on an active role in helping the Children of Camulous (who they often called “cousins”) in retaking their own home.
Last month, Makani and another representative of the Keilani who called herself Alana met with the adventurers of Fairdale. They advised them that they were doing all within their power to assist the Evorran navy in their military assaults, but in addition to this, the Keilani have a special magic that they used to aid the Children.
Makani used this magic to bring not only the Children but Mystic Wood Elves and even some visiting Ansconi to a special hot spring back on the island of Honua. There, Darkan, Aishling, Ryban, Katyreena, Landaria, Kerrigwen, Alor, and Syrah each were granted visions of things that they must do in order for the island to be freed. When the vision was complete, each took a stone from the pool, which then spirit linked to them. They would later discover that this stone was the key to completing their tasks.
When Landiara’s stone had activated he asked Sparticous to help him in his task. Landiara, Sparticous, Andros, Lupiticus, and Darkan were magically rifted to an area were they encountered undead. After dispatching the undead Landiara heard a voice he recognized as his father’s. There was another Mystic Wood Elf alongside Landiara’s father. Landiara realized his father was under the affects of an enslavement and quickly confined him and the other Mystic Wood Elf. It had turned out that they had been ordered to guard a huge vat of enslavement elixir.
Each of the Mystic Wood Elves were successful in their missions, and some were also fortunate enough to rescue their families from bondage. In addition, some frightening information that was of great import to Icenia was discovered – the queen had been betrayed.
Using the information gathered in these missions as well as those coordinated by Duchess Jacelyn Correlia of Evorra and her naval commander James Logan, the Icenians were able to recover Validus, the sword wielded by the late Queen Sidraste. When the Ashban nobles returned with the sword later, Dame Daralassia nervously handed it to Regent Dame Sonia, who thankfully was also not struck down by this sentient blade. Looking upon it thoughtfully, she handed it to Duchess Jacelyn, as she is a descendant of the Deannan line. The Duchess was able not only to hold it, but to wield it.
Validus in hand, Duchess Jacelyn led the adventurers to a large Evorran warship, which had been mounted with an anti-gryphon ballista that had been commissioned by Amaranthus during the Dominion war. So armed, they set sail for Sea Lion Island, sped considerably along their path by more of the Keilani magic. In the initial assault they captured the beach, and the Duchess immediately ordered a permanent circle of power be cast, so that resurrections could be performed if necessary.
The adventurers then fought their way uphill toward a large stone keep. As they fought toward the structure, the ship-mounted ballista took shots at it, however as it was designed to fire into the air and not at a land-based target, several recalibrations were apparently needed before it was able to hit anything and do any damage. The final shot struck the keep’s tower, causing it to collapse.
Once at the keep the adventurers fought down several levels into a deep dungeon. Where, much to their surpise, Camulous himself had been held captive in a strange fey-like imprisonment. Once freed from his physical bonds he was still unresponsive. Many cures were tried, but none were effective until Ryban looked into his eyes and began to talk Camulous out his stupor. Seeing the positive effect he continued several more tries, but his skill alone was not enough to fully break the spell’s hold. Every Mystic Wood Elf, Child of Camulous and Ansconi in the room lent their skill, and finally Camulous was freed.
Using what little strength he had remaining, he and some of his Children including Kerrigwen, now bonded to the land, called upon this bond to smite the remaining vacarrans. Baron Rorii, from atop the keep saw hundreds of them literally fall over dead before his eyes. Simon ran back down to the beach to discover more of the same.
Mons Regalis Found; Questions Remain;
Mons Chooses Aramis as its Face
After two long years, the Mons Regalis has been found and has made its decision, but has not clarified the succession. Five contenders for the throne have been found worthy with the Mons Regalis saving final judgment for the spring, when the will of the people will become known.
The final preparations for summoning the stone were made during the recent Ashbury Ducal tournament, and it seems that if one wishes to compel the stone to appear they must prove themselves worthy. His Grace Duke Frost first needed a token proving that he had champions willing to defend the land under his banner. To this end he called upon the court of the Ash Forest to procure the tail of a tainted unicorn. Through some unknown means the adventurers were transported deep into the Ash Forest. Some time later Baron Rorii returned with the grisly token and the first smile many of those assembled had seen on his face in years. Nothing was said to the adventurers about the significance of what they had just accomplished.
The tourney continued on without interruption, with the heroes of Ashbury and Evorra striving against one another in what many remarked was the cleanest and most sportsmanlike tourney in a decade. As evening approached, Duke Frost and Duchess Jacelyn returned to town and bade those assembled to follow and bear witness.
The assembled nobles and adventurers were led into the woods, finally arriving at a large hill that emanated a magical aura that prevented anyone from approaching. Duke Frost asked Baron Ivan Drake of Blythedale to accompany him as Duchess Jacelyn ascended the hill singing and holding Validus aloft. Upon reaching the summit, Her Grace tied the corrupted unicorn’s tail around Validus and His Grace ordered Baron Ivan to bare his breast. Duchess Jacelyn continued her song and plunged the blade into the Baron of Blythedale’s chest. As his blood touched the unicorn tail it began to glow with a pure white radiance. Duchess Jacelyn then plunged Validus into a large stone and the land itself began to sing as pillars of radiance shot up all around her. The Mons Regalis had appeared.
Duchess Jacelyn paused a moment and looked to Duke Frost who nodded his assent before the Duchess stepped up upon the stone. An even louder song was heard, and the lights grew brighter as Duchess Jacelyn stood atop the Mons Regalis.
His Grace Duke Frost then called out in a loud voice, telling all assembled to take a knee, only to be rifted out mid sentence. Confusion reigned for a few moments before His Grace reappeared, standing atop the Mons alongside Jacelyn!
There was little time for those assembled to absorb the implications of this turn of events before the air rippled again and Sir Nevin Kendrick also appeared, followed closely by Dame Sonia Forthiatis and Duke Broomis Bouchard.
Upon realizing where he was, Duke Broomis hastily stepped down from the stone and declared his Duchy’s strong support for Duchess Jacelyn’s claim. This led to an argument between the Duke and Dame Sonia about what this actually meant, Duke Broomis loudly declared that he would not believe that Icenia was meant to be ruled by council and some present say that an aura of magical energy began to appear around his hands when the final surprise of the evening made itself known.
A sixth figure appeared atop the Mons, and all the nobles present immediately took a knee to the man, a man who perhaps alone of anyone in the Kingdom could command the trust and respect of all the nobles present: Former Duke of Ashbury Aramis Llyrr.
He then stood alone atop the Mons Regalis and spoke of the nobility of all who had been chosen. Each of those who stood upon the stone had the hearts of the people of Icenia, but sentiment is divided even as the Kingdom is divided. The nobles of Icenia have been so consumed with rumors of assassins and civil war that they have neglected their oaths to those they serve, the common folk of our kingdom.
So it will be the common folk who will decide who shall sit the throne, the Mons Regalis would search the hearts of the people, and render a decision at winter’s end. Lord Aramis then said he must speak to those who had been chosen privately and all present left the scene. At this time it is not known what was discussed.
Brittington and Evorra Mobilize!
The Times has received word that the Ducal armies of Brittington and Evorra have been deployed in the escalating war against the Dominion. Ever since the Reidic Legion invaded Icenia last summer the Eastern Duchies have been training and drilling ceaselessly, but seemed reluctant to commit any forces to aid the embattled armies of Falkirk and Ashbury.
The reason for this delay now seems clear, as military forces from Cuulanis, Moorgrave, Imladar and Home have been seen entering Icenia’s borders at an apparent request for aid from the Duchess Jacelyn of Evorra. The foreign regiments and Baroinal armies of Brittington seem to be forming an encirclement around the front lines in the Duchies of Falkirk and Ashbury. The bulk of the Evorran and Brittington Ducal armies have taken ship and launched westward, presumably to land in western Trellhiem and take the Reidic Legion in the rear. None of the nobles or military commanders we spoke to were authorized to speak in regards to the deployment of the Icenian and allied forces.
Nor was our correspondent in Cil’Cilurion able to give us any further information, stating that no military dignitaries from the Kingdoms riding to our aid have come to the Royal Court beyond the ambassadors who have a constant presence at court. It is also reported that the Royal Legions have just started their preparations to march after the arrival of a messenger from Evorra. When the question was put to the Royal Seneschal why it appears that the Royal Court was not involved in the negotiations with the neighboring kingdoms the reply was terse, saying only; “The Duchess of Evorra is a woman of ironclad honor and loyalty to Icenia and enjoys the Regent’s full confidence” before ending the discussion.
Duchess Jacelyn Correlia has provided a letter which is reproduced here:
An Open Letter to the loyal citizens of Icenia
To all noble and brave people of Icenia, I greet you. I write to you now in a time of great darkness for our fair Kingdom. An enemy blacker and more powerful than any we have ever faced presses us from our western border, and we the nobles of Icenia have failed you.
Our failure comes not from a lack of honor, strength or commitment to the Code of Chivalry, but from a weakness of will. When the Dominion were released I read the words of my Brother Duke of Ashbury;
“Far better to face the evil now than at a time when we, or worse yet, our descendants are weak, The foul criminals that have been released have not been paroled, they have been released so that they may be led to their execution.”
These words, coming on the heels of a decision I do not envy him having to make and for which His Grace made the only possible choice that a true knight could make, filled my heart with hope and resolve.
I readied my armies and awaited the call to arms...
Months later our beloved King and Queen launched an investigation into if His Grace of Ashbury had violated the Chivalry as many of his subjects attested. I watched from afar as he suffered the vile imprecations thrown at him with grace and honor, and was rightly exonerated of any wrongdoing. I quote now the words of Dame Sonia Forthiatis, who led the investigation before ascending to the Regency;
“Know that King Gareth ap Moire, Queen Sidraste Deannan and the Kingdom of Icenia support Duke Frost and the duchy of Ashbury to the fullest, and will lend any and all aid necessary in defeating the Dominion. And know in your hearts that the right path is rarely the easy path.”
Buoyed by these words, I readied my armies and awaited the call to arms...
This past year has seen the death of our beloved King and Queen, followed by the midsummer invasion of the Western Duchies by the foul Reidic legion. Through the summer and reap the valiant soldiers of Falkirk and Ashbury held the line against an enemy that vastly outnumbered them, ceding little land to their advance. Winter came...
I readied my armies... and could wait no longer.
Through the winter months I visited our cherished allies, gathering support for what has become the largest joint military operation Tar’Navaria has ever seen. As I place pen to paper the armies of Moorgrave, Cuulanis, Imladar, Trollsgate and Home march in friendship and fellowship to our aid. Together we will push the Rotes Getragen from Icenia, then march into the Plains of Rage to the very gates of Strarkenstien to end the threat of the Dominion now and forever.
People of Icenia, take heart that the Dominion shall soon be no more, on this day the Nobles of Icenia live up to the promises of these last three winters. On this day we avenge all those who have suffered, died or been enslaved by the Rotes Getragen. On this day we show Tar’Navaria that no evil can stand against the might of Icenia and her allies. For this day marks the beginning of the Dominion's end.
Thou Shalt Not Recoil Before Thine Enemy,
Duchess Jacelyn Correlia