[Forum Game] Ambition: A Sci-fi Feudal Game of Palace Intrigue

[Keinwyn]

Grand Earls of Lazen​

Sector Influence: Northern Core: 20, Northern Frontier: 20, Southern Core: 10

The founder of House of Lazen, Uriel Lazander was a person of import in Artemis - a system on what is now the border of the Northern Core and Frontier Sectors - during the Iron Rising. Family legend states he acted as a protector to the people of the system, using his resources for the benefit of all. The truth of his rise to de facto Lordship is unknown, or even if he truly existed; many of the early earls in family cannon are likely semi legendary and almost certainly did not use the title "Earl". By the time of Iskander, House Lazen held a number of systems but the decision of Earl Gabriele III to stand against the conqueror proved decidedly sub-optimal, and the family only avoided complete disaster as Izrafiele betrayed her elder sister to Iskander and in turn was allowed to keep Artemis as Earl Izrafiele II.

The next one and a half millennia passed in de facto vassalage to more powerful Lords, however under Earl Uriel XLI the family declared decisively for Empress Oksanne and was rewarded handsomely. The succeeding two centuries saw the house of Lazen prosper with vast estates added in the fertile systems around their ancestral home. It became something of a tradition for members of the house to serve a stint in the new Imperial Navy - Grand Earl Izrafiele XIII disowned her son for his refusal to serve. Whilst the vast majority of the family's wealth comes from their estates, their deep connections to the Imperial Navy have inevitably led to them sticking their fingers into other pies.

Grand Earl Nuriel VII (137) m. (1) Grand Countess Yasmin (Deceased) (2) Grand Countess Rie (Deceased)

Viscount Izrail (91) m. Viscountess Ayana (Deceased)

Lord Izrafiel (Deceased)
Lady Campion (Deceased)
Lady Kiera (32)​

Lord Celandine (87) m. Lady Tamar Ortiz (81)

Lord Tansy (45)
Lady Primrose (43) m. Lord Theodore Blackwood (42)

Lady Seraphiele (17)
Lord Sariel (17)
​

The current Grand Earl, Nuriel VII, has a long and distinguished service record in the Imperial Navy however his activities are now limited to gardening. He has a passion for old Terran flora (something reflected in some of the names of his offspring), and spends his time obtaining and nurturing specimens for his collection. He is no longer capable of managing the day to day affairs of the family - those burdens he has passed on to his two sons.

Viscount Izrail​

Viscount Izrail is a man who inherited all of his father's stoic resolve, filial piety, and sense of duty, but none of his cultured hinterland of interests and hobbies. Izrail has offten felt stalked by death; his mother died shortly after his birth, he married late to a much younger woman who died shortly after her third pregnancy, their eldest child died fighting the alien menace and their second in suspicious circumstances. His relationship with his brother is complicated but agreeable. He served as Grand Admiral of the Eastern Frontier Battle fleet (1577-1593) before being forced out due to political manoeuvrings and again as Grand Admiral of the Northern Core Battle Fleet (1597-1609). Izrail lives for the Navy and is proud of his only remaining child and her budding service record.

Lord Celandine is quite possibly as different from his brother as it is possible to be. Mercurial and manipulative, he flourishes on the intrigue of the Imperial Court. His many lovers have earned him a strained relationship with his wife and the deep disapproval of his brother. He pays lip-service to the faith, but really couldn't give a damn. In his youth he performed a perfunctory tour of duty in the Navy to avoid family ire, and very briefly served as Grand Admiral of the Eastern Core Fleet for several months in order to prevent a rival obtaining the post but otherwise he has kept well away from military service. Izrail has often observed that his brother does not exhibit any real signs of ambition in his court machinations, instead treating them as a game.

Lady Kiera in 1609, fresh out of the Imperial Naval Academy​

As the sole surviving child of Viscount Izrail, Lady Kiera is expected to one day head the family. This is however a new development as she grew up with two elder siblings. Ambitious and energetic, Kiera wants to leave a legacy behind - this is not to say she would be satisfied with offices, power, wealth, or titles; she feels Kurowski has as much of a legacy as Iskander. Intrigue tires her, but she wouldn't at all be above using it. Presently serving as a Captain of INS Seraph, a carrier ship in the Northern Frontier Battle Fleet.

Tansy & Primrose. The less said about this pair of siblings, the better. Both have performed the briefest possible tour of duty. Primrose is vapid and materialistic, she loves gossip, but lacks any real talent for the machinations of politicas as her father does. Tansy occasionally has shown flashes of talent but chooses to spend his time in the company of some decidedly shady individuals. The only time he can ever be induced to enter high society is when he feels the urge to seduce and corrupt some poor lad of noble birth.

Spoiler: Seraphiele and Sariel

Seraphiele and Sariel

The twins Sariel and Seraphiele presently attend a college affiliated with the Imperial Naval Academy. Seraphiele's ambition is to enter the Imperial Navy Fighter Corps as a pilot; something she can't rely solely on family connections for. Fickle and impulsive, Seraphiele rarely knows what she wants, but when she does she will take it. She may one day head the family, but thankfully that day seems far off. The raffish Sariel has decided he wants to join the Imperial Army; something he has yet to disclose to any in his family other than his sister.

 

[Plutonium95]

Members of House Reza

Azar Reza (19)
Grand Khanum of Reza​

Grand Khanum Azar Reza is new to her role as the head of House Reza, having entered her majority only a little over a year ago. The surprising passing of both of her parents when she was only six years old left her in charge of the family and their business holdings, though her uncle actually managed their affairs. It was with this in mind that he provided her with a tutor and a strict schedule of study that climbed to sixty hours a week by the time that she was seventeen. The disciplines were diverse: ranging from history, geography, law and technology, to languages, engineering and diplomacy. It was frequently commented that she had taken after her mother's intelligence rather than that of her father who was an amiable yet dim man, all things considered. Her uncle brought her to the Imperial Sector only on rare occasions and most of her life has been spent on the House's home world of Old Alvania, the heart of their business and political power. Since she has taken control of her birthright Azar has taken an ambitious hand in managing the family's holdings, constantly seeking new opportunities. While she still has much to learn when it comes to the finer points of the job, her rigorous education and natural determination promise that great things are on her horizon.

Abdul Reza (53)
Lord of Reza, Khawaja, and Heir Apparent​

The younger brother of Azar's mother, Abdul was raised with the knowledge that he would spend his life working in her service, a fact that he accepted largely without complaint. He was tutored alongside his elder sister and while he lacked her quick wit or natural aptitude, he made up for this with copious amounts of hard work. As a young adult he managed a few of the House's upcoming projects within the Eastern Core a task that he carried out competently. It was around this time that he took a wife, the daughter of a lesser noble from the Western Frontier who would pass away shortly after giving birth to their third child in a loss that would wound Abdul deeply. When Azar's mother and father died, Abdul was the one who stepped in, keeping the course of the House steady, as it achieved neither any significant losses or gains during his time at its head. A devoted family man, he has done everything possible to treat Azar like his own daughter, bringing her close to her cousins. Now that she has taken control of the House he stands ready to provide her with whatever she might need.

Mahmud Reza (26)
Lord of Reza​

The eldest son of Khawaja Abdul, Mahmud in many ways embodies what has made House Reza great since the time of Hassan. He is charming, intelligent, and infinitely ambitious. Unfortunately, at least from his point of view, his father has lacked all of these traits, which is why Mahmud is not heir to the House at the moment. He excelled in his studies and was accepted into university on Terra where he made a number of valuable connections both in the Imperial Court and businesses which were headquartered there. Once he left Terra he was granted control of the House's interests in the Eastern Core, much as his father had been. Were he a less honorable man and had they not been so close as children, he would simply hire an assassin to deal with Azar so that he might have House Reza to himself. Instead, he intends to move the House beyond being simply asteroid miners and develop their Core holdings, showing that he should be the one in charge.

Fatimeh Reza (21)
Lady of Reza​

The only daughter of Abdul, Fatimeh is considered a great beauty, even more so than Azar, a fact which she relishes in. Like all of the children of House Reza, she was tutored as a child, and while she could not keep up with Azar or Mahmud, she managed. In truth the problem was that she cared little for matters of business or the finer points of radioactives mining. Like much of the older nobility she looks down on such things in favor of attending the Imperial Court and going to galas, true noble activities in her mind. Since she has finished her education most of her time has been spent in the Imperial Sector where she was gained reputation as a gregarious socialite. She is generally rather supportive of Mahmud's efforts to change the House's direction from mining to luxury goods, even if she would prefer that they leave the matters of business to the lower classes.

Hamid Reza (17)
Lord of Reza
​

Abdul's younger son, Hamid is a serious young man, though well-mannered and kind. He has always been the closest of the children to Azar, being only a little over a year younger than her. As a second son of House Reza he would have been destined to work for her, much as his father had for her mother. Indeed, he was raised from a young age with just such a goal in mind, essentially being attached to her at the hip throughout their childhood. It was only when she reached her majority that he told her he wanted to join the Imperial Fleet., to lead the empire's forces against the aliens on the Northern Frontier. Caring deeply for Hamid, Azar granted her blessing for him to attend The Academy, provided that he promise to stay safe. Since his arrival at the Academy, Hamid has made a good showing of himself, his natural penchant for mathematics and his no-nonsense attitude making him a favorite among his instructors.

 

[Rolman99]

A note for those potentially contemplating signing up:

Depending on demonstrated interest over the course of today, I may start the game earlier than the original deadline of tonight. You can still sign up after the date, but you will not play until the next turn. So if you want in, get going.

 

[ramius3443]

(Sigil subject to change)
Grand Baron Amhyr Martellian of the Pontar Reach​

House: Martellian
Sector: 30 Eastern Frontier, 10 Eastern Core, 2 Northern Core, 2 Western Core, 2 Southern Core, 2 Southern Frontier, 2 Western Frontier



Family History:

House Martellian has neither an old nor distinguished history: the founder of the house, Asturr, was but a simple miner, one among many in the Eastern Frontier around 450 years ago (1169 IE). Family legend tells that one day Asturr gambled all his life savings on a single round of cards (which he won), bought a small ship with the proceeds, and then set off into the void of space. No one saw him for 2 years, and most of his mates assumed he was dead, until Asturr returned with a hold full of top grade radioactive ore. With this mother load, Asturr started what became a commercial empire along the borders of the Eastern Frontier and the Eastern Core. An area of space known as the Pontar Reach.

The family enterprise became massive and all encompassing: mining, refining, limited manufacturing of finished goods (ranging from engine parts to fabulous consumer goods), all came under the control of the family. One thing alluded the Martellian's though, and that was noble status. 260 years after Asturr won his bet, the opportunity presented itself during the grand rebellion against Empress Oksanne. The Elector who held domain over most of the Martellian's holdings was one of those who refused to disarm. Rather then wait for Imperial soldiers to devastate their enterprises, the Martellian's simply bought off the local militia commanders and had the unlucky Elector shot before the Imperial Guard arrived. In recognition of their service to the Empire, and defacto control of the area, House Martellian was granted official title, and domain over a large chunk of the border regions straddling the Eastern Frontier and Eastern Core.


Present Day:

Since that day, House Martellian continues to run much like a buisness. Significant mining conglomerates, and their related refining and manufactoring offshoots (still limited in the case of the later due to the sparse and underdeveloped nature of their holdings) , continue to make unseemly amounts of money for the family, but the bulk of House profits now come from dominance of the Eastern shipping lanes. Vessels bearing their sigil dominate the merchant fleets in the Eastern frontier (both in number and willingness to travel dangerous routes), and the bulk of all goods leaving the mines of the Eastern frontier now leave through one of the two systems controlled by the house. Given the booming cultural scene in the Eastern Core, being one of the few outlets to the great, unexplored frontier has brought tourism revenues as well.

Illicit smuggling is also heavily suspected, but no one has ever followed up on this; it is rumored that every customs official from the frontier to Terra have been bought off, and those that don't have a habit of dying in freak engine malfunctions. Pirates seem to steer clear of vessels bearing the Martellian sigil, whilst ruthlessly plundering most others. No one knows if this is a coincidence, or if they are either payed off, employed as privateers, or merely afraid of the consequences of crossing House Martellian.

For all their money though, House Martellian remains limited in their political influence. While their holdings may look big on a map, most of those worlds are uninhabited, and those that are are usually small colonies of no more than 10,000. Although their power in the shipping industry technically gives them reach across most of the Empire, most Houses barely know of them, and fewer still give a damn. Those that do know of them tend to regard them as upstart merchants, thieves, or glorified mobsters. Many leaders of House Martellian have been nicknamed "Robber" Barons, not an inaccurate monicker.

Being descended from humble commoners living on the fringes of Imperial space, House Martellian lacks all the sophistication and pedigree of other houses, and their spendthrift instincts and relatively spartan living arrangements hardly improve their reputation. They maintain the dialect and mannerisms of commoners for the most part, and make little personal distinction between high and low borns in their own holdings (in that, House Martellian is quite meritocratic).

Being more relatable, and of the same mind, House Martellian is quite influential with merchant guilds, corporations, and conglomerates across the empire. Whereas the house struggles to maintain influence in the Imperial Court, there is not a market in the whole Empire where the name Martellian doesn't command attention.


House Martellian:

The patriarch of House Martellian seeks to change this image. Amhyr Martellian is cut from a (slightly) more noble cloth than most of his house. He is much more concerned about the standing of his family then past heads, and possess a more cold outlook. He does however share the same pragmatic cynicism that has become ingrained in the House over the centuries.

A shrewd buisnessman and a competant administrator, Amhyr is not a fighting man. He has always been more comfortable with books, tomes, tablets, and records than with physical activity, and thus knows never to handle anything of a more violent nature himself. Those tasks are best left to his brother Stanhowyr, more a pirate than a merchant, who serves as Amhyr's enforcer.

As part of the effort to establish Martellian as a true great house, Amhyr spoke out passionately on behalf of Arctur III during his election, firmly aligning his family's (legitimate) interests with that of the ruling family. it didn't change much, but it was hoped it grabbed the attention of the Vestraymes. Where he goes from here remains to be seen.


Family members: Plenty of them, though the only interesting ones to note are,

Amhyr Martellian, 45, Grand Baron

Susa Martellian, 14, eldest daughter
Alamyr Martellian, 10, eldest son, heir to House Martellian
Alric Martellian, 8, second son
​

Stanhowyr Martellian, 40, brother to Amhyr

Dallas Martellian, 20, son of Stanhowyr.​

 

[alexander23]

House D´Horti

Grand Duchess Marianna Elizabeth D´Horti
Grand Knight of Tobal
Sword of Andal
​

Sector influence: Sector Western Core (15) Western Frontier (35)

House History:​

The D´horti family is as old as humanity itself, maintaining one unbreakable link to the roots of the family in the forgotten times of old terra nation states. Always a cunning and power hungry family they were on the first voyages and expansion of the golden times, building a great merchant empire across the stars. So deluded was the family of its own grandeur that vast fortune was invested by one of the old patriarch into the research of immortality being of of the main funding parties. The iron rising however changed all. with the destruction wreck upon the systems of man.

Old patriarch Roberto D´Horti, seeing as all was being lost decided unilaterally to use what his many laboratories had discovered upon his seeds, fundamentally changing the D´Horti line forever. From them on D´Horties would age much more slowly than other humans counterparts, even looking like young 20´s well into their fifties. In order to avoid losing this trait (as the knowledge was lost) the D´Horti practiced extensive control of inbreeding between the family to obtain a pure main line.

As the time of the iron rising passed and the era of warlords began, the family rebuild, and under the great general Alero D´Horti carved their own independent state in the southern regions of man.

The unification of mankind under the first emperor was opposed by the D´Horti, being defeated by the young man, yet allowed to continue as it was found by the conqueror that it was a reasonable family submitting when they saw defeat was probable.

The family would continue to rise power and fortunes in the eastern and southern sectors until the disarmament edict, which they bitterly opposed. Defeat was complete on the rebellion losing once more all. This time exiled from the core the D´Horti fled to the far away mineral worlds of the west.

Matriarch Mikal D´Horti seeing that by arms the family lost all twice decided to change politics, as newcomers in the west diplomacy and cunning was employed to engineer the once more rise of the old family. Faster than anyone would think old mining families were destroyed be it by pirates, bandits or misfortunes as they usually happen in the western frontiers, with their destruction more and more power came to the D´Horti.

Once a great segment of the western frontiers was controlled, the family under the previous leader Mirtho D´Horti moved to consolidate assets in the industrial zones, buying up and seizing ship building industries mainly of bankrupt nobles who couldn't not continue due to raiding in their supplies and ships in the western frontiers.

Now the D´Horti has once more been granted the title of Elector, and rebuild their fortunes from Tobal System, on of the few non pirate infested system of the Western Frontier. However this time was done by the dagger and the corsair, not the force of arms!​

 

[Mitxel]

I'm at work I'll try to fill this out before the start, but as a place holder
House Name: Juneau
Sectors: Southern Core 35, Eastern Core 10, Eastern Frontier 5

 

[Rolman99]

The Nine Hundred and Sixty-Four​

Nine hundred and sixty-four men and women of great prominence sit in a room much, much older than them. They sit in the light of a sun filtering through a stained glass window. This same sun illuminated the world for hundreds of thousands of their ancestors since the very rise of their species. This room is reminiscent of an Old Terran cathedral in its high ceilings and sheer extravagence-- the walls are covered in mantri and prayers from the scriptures in gold leaf, alongside divinely-inspired images of Christos, Mometh, the Vouda, and all the other prophets. A great throne made of polished lapis sits elevated above the seats of the nine hundred and sixty-four several hundred feet down this great hall. The faint glimmer of the crown jewels comes from its seat.

Nine hundred and sixty-four heads turn as the great mahogany doors at the entrance of the hall open. Nine hundred and sixty-four voices fall silent. Nine hundred and sixty-four pairs of too-expensive shoes shuffle to stand. The object of their attention is an unassuming youth decked in the ancient coronation robes of dozens of Emperors before him. It’s too big on him. Trailing behind him is the Empress Dowager, the Princess Imperial, a handful of Guardsmen, and a veritable column of cousins, uncles, and other obscure relations. The priests on the balcony, unable to be seen by those below, begin to chant in the Hagia Gloissa prayers to the unknowable God for prosperity, peace, and a long life for the sovereign.

Nine hundred and sixty-four men and women of great prominence watch as the young man and his family approach the great, monolithic blue seat. His figure lifts the glimmer above his head.

A hidden microphone, and hidden speakers. The voice of a man toeing the line of boyhood. “Lords and ladies of the Symvou, do you all see it fit for I, Arctur of the House Vestraymes, to be your Emperor until the day I die?”

Nine hundred and sixty-four ceremonial sabers are unsheathed and raised towards the sky, above their owners’ heads. A traditional salute and in the context of this event a declaration of approval, even if it wasn’t truly there. Customary.

“Thank you. By the grace of the elector lords of the Symvou of the Empire, I, Arctur, the third of my name, of the House Vestraymes, take up the mantle of Emperor until the day I die.” The figure lowers the glimmering onto his head, takes up his golden scepter, and sits.

The priests reach the peak in a crescendo of their chanting and nine hundred and sixty-four voices call out “Long live the Emperor! God save the Emperor!”

Not all of them say it sincerely.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The game is on, get IC’ing. The Emperor and his advisers (mom) will be searching for a cabinet. Do what you need to try to get yourself a spot. House stats and the budget will be up within an hour or two.

Orders will be due a week from now, on September 5, at 10:00 P.M. Eastern Time. However, depending on the shit you guys pull, there could be mini(s).

A note on stats: Some of you may notice that your influence is much lower than what you put down. This is because the sector's influence went over 100, and so I adjusted it to proportionality with a cap of 100. Sorry.

 

[MadMartigan]

Grand Count Razak Arslan

A coronation is no small matter, and to an Arslan etiquette is a weapon. More than the banquet itself, doubtless one of many, more important than the exotic instruments and captivating dancers, there were the invitations. Each handwritten. Each personalized. All 962 of them, by the Grand Count himself. A small thing, but paying attention to such small details helps to put people at ease and make them feel comfortable.

To each of the Electors was delivered the invitation shortly after the coronation, not a small feat to engineer in of itself, given the competition for space by everyone's servants.

It read:
"At his age, and with such a vigorous spirit, the Emperor could reign longer than his two predecessors combined, inshallah. A joyous event this is; House Vestraymes deserves a moment to lighten their hearts after such a senseless tragedy took the late Emperor from us all. This is a time for music, dancers, and laughter. I invite you all to join at L′Orangerie Gardens to toast to the new Emperor and celebrate his father's beloved memory."

 

[alynkio]

Grand Duchess Apollonia sends out the following handwritten notes on her finest stationery.

Spoiler: To Your Imperial Majesty Helen, Empress Dowager

Greetings, my old friend. Even after all these years using a formal address to write to you feels odd. Distraught as I was at the news of your husband’s death, I know my sorrow is but a fraction of what you yourself must have felt. Though my own marriage was arranged, I did indeed grow to love my dear departed husband Admiral Olaf very much, and between women, find myself missing his caresses and embraces very much even after the passage of several years. I am comforted to know that in your case, this tragedy has a small silver lining in that your handsome son Arctur of whom you have every right to be exquisitely proud has now ascended the throne. I was proud to cast my vote for him and know he will make an excellent emperor, especially considering that I know that you will be advising him. I thought the gown you wore at the coronation tastefully reflected both your mourning for your husband and your hopes for your son. I thought you looked dazzling, and there were definitely some admirals staring at you! You simply must tell me who you used as a designer for this one so she can make something for me as well!

I am told you finished Al-Akhtani’s latest novel. I read it myself, and found myself delighted by all of Fatima’s scheming; truly a compelling heroine! I have long been of the opinion that the ladies of the capital should have a proper book circle -- don’t worry, we’ll only invite the smart ones, the others we can passive-aggressively shame should they dare show up. At the very least, we should have a tete-a-tete sometime soon where we can drink lots of wine, joke about how fat Grand Princess Dolcessisma looked at the coronation, commiserate about how dreadful Lady Mostafavian is, and talk about the loss of your husband if you want. I'm sure you'd like someone less stuffy than your confessor to speak to! My daughters Sophia and Dionysia are away from the Academy for the coronation, and I know you’ve not seen either since they were very young. My Dionysia and your lovely Cassaundra are close in age and I believe they would make good friends.

I do hope you and your son will consider renewing my appointment as Imperial Magister as well. I believe I served your husband very well and have had time to learn all the various legal precedents. It would be a shame to leave you alone in this viper’s nest of a capital and return to boring old Hiran III.

Your Devoted Friend,

Grand Duchess Apollonia Dikaios

Also, this one.

Spoiler: To the Grand Count Razak Arslan

I, Grand Duchess Dikaios, would be greatly honored to attend your feast. Your family’s hospitality is legendary. I humbly beg the honor of a seat next to an interesting conversation partner such as yourself or someone you deem appropriate.

Grand Duchess Apollonia Dikaios

Edit: spelling!

 

[Keinwyn]

A letter from the aged Grand Earl Lazen.

​

Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Dowager.

Your Majesty, I must convey my apologies. In my advanced years, my body protests at the lightest of burdens so I beg you do not consider me rude for lack of attendance at all but the most essential of ceremonies. Eyes as old as mine do not expect to see another sun rise, so it is a glorious thing when I awake to find one high in the sky. It heartens me, though, when the sun I awake to looks much like the old; my time travelling from system to system during long years of naval service leave me with great knowledge of the galaxy, but weary of unknown stars.

Would that I could offer myself to share that knowledge. In my place may I presume to commend unto you my two sons, both seasoned men in their own right. Both have the experience of many decades of loyal service to the Imperial Throne under House Vestraymes upon which to draw. Viscount Izrail, I am sure would prefer to be in the field with a Naval command, but should you wish his aide, a more diligent servant you will not find; he has dedicated much of his life to the Imperial Navy and I am sure none have a more thorough grasp of military matters than he. Alternatively my younger son, Lord Celandine, has a gift for administration and he too has served in the Imperial Navy. Along with our family's intimate knowledge of the Northern Frontier where we are so blighted by the unholy alien menace either man would serve your son well in managing the affairs of his armed forces.

Once again, my deepest condolences for His Imperial Majesty, your late husband, and my hope and congratulations for His Imperial Majesty, your son.

Yours in faith,
The Grand Earl Lazen,
Nuriel Adler

 

[BlackCrown]

Spoiler: To His Imperial Majesty the Emperor Arctur the Third

To your Imperial Majesty,

I extend to you my congratulations for your ascension to the throne, and wish you the best in the years to come. However, I must extend to you words of caution, for the political machinations of an Empire such as ours are always shifting. I beg of you to pick your cabinet not from men of prestige, but from men of competence, for nepotism and hubris has always been the plague of our Empire's past. It is to this extent that I would wish to nominate her highness Poppy Argemone to the position of chief minister. It is undeniable that the Argemones of the past have possessed near unmatchable charisma and loyalty to the Empire. This charisma could be well put to use navigating the political pitfalls that seek to entrap those of power, and her loyalty and general lack of corruption makes her highness already a better alternative then many of us conniving houses.

I would also like to recommend my younger brother, the respectable Prince Alwick, to the position of Master of Spies. My brother has spent much of his life studying the administrations of old and their short comings, and has oft saved me from the machinations of my own courtiers. I believe that his knowledge could serve itself useful both in and out of the area of espionage, as even his broad knowledge of other subjects could even assist his fellow cabinet with their own duties, as well as provide your Imperial Majesty with any needed consultation. Even should you choose not to appoint my brother, let it be known that my house's knowledge is always available to you, and we are willing to answer any question you may have.

Your Loyal Vassal,
The Grand Prince Arwyn Royland.

Spoiler: To The Grand Count Razak Arslan

It is with great pleasure that I, Grand Prince Arwyn, accept your offer to join you in celebration of our His Imperial Majestys coronation. Your houses hospitality has been told by many, and I am greatly pleased at the opportunity to sample it myself. If you have requests or needs for the feast, do let me know, as I would be more than willing to assist you in this endeavor. I would also like to request the honor to sit next to you during the feast, so as to better facilitate the exchange of ideas and conversation.

Yours,
Grand Prince Arwyn Royland

 

[BlackCrown]

A letter from the Grand Prince Arwyn, it is also addressed from the Royal Academy of Reins

To His Highness Vladimir VI Potemkin

It has come to my attention that your young son, Lord Ivan Potemkin has shown a distaste for the arts of war. While this may be very disappointing for such a martially accomplished man such as yourself, I wish to assure you that the matters of profit can prove just as important for the strength of a campaign and that there is no shame in pursuing such a path. It has also came to my attention that as your son is in need of disciplinary action, you are thinking of sending him to the Imperial Academy to train him in the arts of war. I wish to provide a second option, and invite you and your son to visit my house's humble academy for our upcoming open house. We have an extensive branches in nearly any discipline from Macroeconomics to Xenobiology, granting your child many choices to decide his education. If you so choose to send the young Lord to our academy, he will live in one of our many on campus boarding homes, helping develop a feeling of comradely with his fellow students, while also allowing the Academy to watch over him. If you are interested in visiting us before the open house begins, I wish to invite both your highness and the young Lord to my brother Elrick's lecture, "War and Trade, the Economic Explosion," where you shall be given a first class view from our honored guest's viewing booth.

Yours,

Grand Prince Arwyn Royland

 

[Rolman99]

The Budget and House and Sector Stats are up.

 

[ramius3443]

"Another dull and meaningless ceremony", the Elector thought to himself at the conclusion of the coronation. Such a waste of money it all was: the net worth of every elector's clothes alone would be enough income to strip mine an entire sector, and yet it is blown on imagery that no one will care about come tomorrow. Combined with the nonsense chants from the religious idiots in the choir (not the Phosadhah though, Amhyr respected him), and the fact this maddening ceremony was merely confirming what had already transpired (the election), was enough to make Amhyr sick to his stomach. Well, it could be worse: unlike the other assorted electors, at least he got the Emperor he voted for, so the oath was not bittersweet.

Amhyr despised Terra, and in most circumstances would be delighted to leave the decadent rock as fast as possible, but alas. Political responsibilities dictated he wait a few days, for the Imperial Court was now active for once. Besides, there were job openings available.

Spoiler: Missive to His Imperial Majesty Emperor Arctur the Third

Your majesty,
May I, as a faithful servant of the Empire and supporter of your election, once again congratulate you on your ascension to the highest office. I have full confidence that your reign shall be long and prosperous.

I am sure you are receiving many communiques from every elector and their uncle now requesting positions and favors from you, and I am sure his Imperial Majesty tires quickly from these petitions. That is why I apologize in advance for submitting yet another petition along these lines for you to consider. My House is neither the oldest nor most illustrious out there, but I trust you will find we have been faithful servants both to the Empire and the Imperial House all throughout. As you select your cabinet, I would encourage you to keep my name in mind for consideration when you review candidates for Chief Treasurer. If you desire a sycophantic adviser, one who will tell you what you want to hear, who will put on elaborate pageants and galas on your behalf, fudge all the numbers to engineer an economic miracle, make you beloved by the others at court, or a man who will happily steer Imperial funds towards cronies and other political favorites, I encourage you to look elsewhere.

If on the other hand you seek an economic adviser who will always tell you the truth, who will run a lean and efficient Imperial administration, who has countless contacts in the corporate realm, who will competently and professionally steward the economy, who will do his uptmost to pay off our debts as quickly as the realm can bear, who will never seek to personally enrich himself or his family via the office, and will punish any who choose to embezzle no matter who they are (even if they are of the Imperial House) with extreme ruthlessness, than I would be honored to serve your Imperial majesty.

Whether you accept my servitude or not, may I also offer some advice: even if you should look me over, take care not to appoint a sycophant or a "friend" to the office (or any office for that matter). Do select someone with a proven record of financial competence, such as the Electors of House Holt, House Zweitelbaz-Lohengran, or House Arsland. Do NOT select an adviser who will blow the treasury on pointless frivolities, as the Electors of House Argemone or Feric would. Do not trust any of your advisers absolutely; most do not really have the interests of the Empire at heart, and would betray you in a heartbeat should they sense weakness. Listen to their advice, for that is what wise rulers do, but never allow them to run amok or without oversight.

You are now the Emperor, and thus you are the Empire. You are the bulwark of Humanity, and your actions shall determine the fate of countless billions. Your responsibilities are vast, as are your powers. Guard them wisely.

Highest Regards,
Grand Baron Amhyr Martellian, Elector of the Pontar Reach

Against his personal desires, Amhyr decided there were worse things in this world than attending parties with drinks and dancers galore. He was even a little flattered by the personal attention to detail the Grand Prince put into the invitation.

Spoiler: Reply to Grand Prince Arwyn

I will happily attend your post-coronation party, and I can't think of a better way to remember the old Emperor and celebrate the new one than with a gala.
Regards,
Grand Baron Amhyr Martellian, Elector of the Pontar Reach

 

[Plutonium95]

A letter arrives to the Imperial Palace, stamped with the wax seal of House Reza and bearing the Empress's name. It is written clearly, in a strong and steady hand.

Spoiler: To Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Dowager Helen

Your Imperial Majesty,

First allow me to say that it broke the hearts of every soul in House Reza to hear of your husbands passing, and that you have our unending condolences. However, it likewise pleased us beyond words to see His Imperial Majesty ascend the throne in his place, for there could be no better replacement. Like his father before him, he will enjoy the full support of our House. It is for this reason that I write to you today, as so many have no doubt already done. We share a common goal, the House of Reza and yourself, in that we hope for nothing but the greatest successes for His Imperial Majesty. But His Imperial Majesty is still young, and there are those who would seek to gain power for themselves at the expense of the crown, and so I offer you my services as Chief Minister one who recognizes the value of His Imperial Majesty having a long and healthy reign.

Of course, I do not expect you to think that I do this purely out of the goodness of my heart, Your Imperial Majesty is too wise and knows the minds of men to well to believe that. Rather, I do this because a stable reign is an invaluable thing, and something that our House relies on in order to continue making our shipments from the frontier without incident. Were that stability threatened either by rebellion, insurrection, or even simply corruption in the halls of the Imperial Cabinet, it would be to the detriment of all of House Reza. Moreover it is my personal desire to serve well, that I might show the rest of my House the value of my work beyond managing our holdings in the Core. With all of this said, I hope that Your Imperial Majesty will also believe me when I state that I honestly do hold a place in my heart for the Emperor.

Now, it must be addressed that I am young and a Chief Minister is usually of a more distinguished age, but youth is the hope of our future. It is with youth's energy that I mean to serve His Imperial Majesty to root any corruption from his halls and to see his will be done. I have studied law and business at the Universtiy on Terra and I have managed House Reza's holdings in the Core for several years. These are not the pleas of some lord, fat and lazy who feels he is owed a position simply because of his name, but rather those of the lord who knows he would serve your son well. I hope to have your consideration.

May Christos show you the best path.

Your Loyal Servant,
Lord Mahmud of Reza

---------
​

Spoiler: To the Grand Count Razak Arslan

Her Highness, Grand Khanum Azar of Reza, along with other members of her house, would be delighted to attend the celebrations at L′Orangerie Gardens, and thank you for the inviaiton.

Sincerely,
Lysander Garrison, Kâtib of House Reza

 

[MadMartigan]

((messages are private to their recipients))

Spoiler: To The Grand Count Razak Arslan

It is with great pleasure that I, Grand Prince Arwyn, accept your offer to join you in celebration of our His Imperial Majestys coronation. Your houses hospitality has been told by many, and I am greatly pleased at the opportunity to sample it myself. If you have requests or needs for the feast, do let me know, as I would be more than willing to assist you in this endeavor. I would also like to request the honor to sit next to you during the feast, so as to better facilitate the exchange of ideas and conversation.

Yours,
Grand Prince Arwyn Royland

"It would be the honor of House Arslan to receive the lords of the Southern Core's most esteemed Academy of technology. I shall look forward to sitting at your left so that I might beg your time to peruse a treasured object of my House, a mechanical amusement we believe to have been crafted by your House long ago."

Grand Duchess Apollonia sends out the following handwritten notes on her finest stationery.

Spoiler: To the Grand Count Razak Arslan

I, Grand Duchess Dikaios, would be greatly honored to attend your feast. Your family’s hospitality is legendary. I humbly beg the honor of a seat next to an interesting conversation partner such as yourself or someone you deem appropriate.
Grand Duchess Apollonia Dikaios

"Our House is honored to receive the Grand Ducal House of Hira III, descendants of the Great Iskander. Should this humble one ever endeavor upon the Makkal, he should be as blessed as to spend his days meditating underneath a Hiran Tree. It would be our pleasure to sit across from your grace, so that you might speak and we might listen."

Spoiler: To the Grand Count Razak Arslan

Her Highness, Grand Khanum Azar of Reza, along with other members of her house, would be delighted to attend the celebrations at L′Orangerie Gardens, and thank you for the inviaiton.
Sincerely,
Lysander Garrison, Kâtib of House Reza

"If the Grand Khanum of the Eastern Frontier, master of all that fuels the ships of the Empire, would do our humble religious House of allowing this one to sit at their right side, it would be a boon as if God had dropped a peach onto our laps. House Arslan awaits their arrival."

((While events that GM Rolman does could of course alter this, I'm going to say that I'll be ICing at this party from 12:00pm noon EST today on Wednesday until 12:00pm noon EST tomorrow on Thursday as to not hold back people from leaving the capital and doing other things. Also these are big fancy gardens somewhere around the capital here on Terra.))

 

[Keinwyn]

In his customarily curt manner, Izrail replies to Arslan's invitation.

​

The Grand Count Razak Arslan

House Lazen would be pleased to attend.

Viscount Izrail of the Great House of Lazen.


And sends near identical notes to Evram Ahlmacht and Vladimir Potemkin.

​

The Grand Baron Potemkin/The Grand Marquis Ahlmacht

I invite my Lord Ahlmacht/Potemkin to a lunch. A similar invitation has been extended to Lord Potemkin/Ahlmacht.

Viscount Izrail of the Great House of Lazen.

 

[MadMartigan]

In the L'Orangerie gardens just outside the capital city, a princely tent is arrayed, the stones upon which Emperors have walked carpeted with rugs older than the host, and pillows arranged around a communal feast, mountains of whole lamb with rice and roasted wild fruits and vegetables sharing space with smaller hotpots, forcing nobles to rub elbows and pass plates to one another; to feel the touch of the hand of one that might be their ancient enemy.

The players strum the lyre as the songstresses sing in a dead tongue, somewhat similar in some aspects to the Hagia Gloissa but still unintelligible in its eerie but joyous melody.

"Scholars believe that this song is a memorial to a lost love, a celebration of life and how the briefness of our existence is what gives it meaning and beauty."

As the tempo increases the dancers begin their strange, whirling dance.

 

[Plutonium95]

​

Grand Khanum Azar's entrance to the L'Orangerie gardens was as subtle as her outfit was ostentatious. Gold, pearls, silks, lace and fine embroidery all made an appearance without seeming overly gaudy. Still, she simply made her way into the tent without any servants to speak of and bowed to her host before taking a seat on the pillows to his left. She smoothed out her skirts after she sat and began listening quietly to the music that had started playing. "It is quite a lovely song." She stated to no one in particular, before turning to Razak specifically, "As is the whole gathering to speak truthfully. Thank you for your hospitality."

 

[alynkio]

“Is this really necessary, Grom?” Grom did not deign to answer and commenced working his scanner. “Grom?”

“My job is to protect the khöörkon emegtei, not answer your stupid questions, baga akh!” A more pompous noble would have objected to such a tone from a commoner, but Grom served his sister well, Nikias was about as unpretentious as nobles came, and he could hardly object that Grom took his job seriously. Finally satisfied that Nikias was not intending to murder his own sister, Grom led Nikias to her chamber. “Your brother, Saikhan Khatan.”

“Little Nicky! Taking a break from your rocks and guns to visit your lonely sister?” She never changed, he reflected, smiling nonetheless. “Thank you, Grom. Send Saida to the servants of house Arslan to offer her assistance in preparations for the feast they’re holding. If they refuse her, tell her to find out who she needs to seduce. The Arslans are noble and have a reputation for hospitality, which would have been tough to come by if they routinely poisoned their guests, but one can never be too careful. If they do, however, I’d love to know about it.”

“Yes, Saikhan Khatan.” Grom bowed deeply and left, locking the door behind him.

“We need to get you a fancier doublet, little Nicky. Can’t have you sauntering around the capital dressed like that! Now, tell me, have you heard from young Elias? How’s the academy? Sold anyone any refined osmium lately?”

“We need more surveyors. We found a deposit of naturally occurring boron nitride nanotubes on Madrigal IV. Very valuable, but getting a team there will be difficult and the planet is almost uninhabitably frigid. I suspect Gadian Khmukh is selling a portion of the platinum, buckypaper, and petrol from Golcanda II on the black market. There’s a mysterious disease outbreak on Salaam III and bandits raided the medical supplies there. Medical Officer Conway can’t figure out whether it’s a virus or something environmental. I found a buyer for the Sigma II Diamastite; got a pretty good price too. Large Industrial concern on Fuji II, probably manufacturing nanotubes. We encountered a bird-like indigenous species on Nazca IV that we might be able to exploit as labor. Alexander led his first preemptive strike against a pirate fleet the other day, and acquitted himself very well. The World Rapists too, no less, not minor leaguers like the Bloody Desperados.”

“My goodness! So dangerous… oh… you must forgive a mother.”

“Relax, Appy. He’s more than old enough and he did very well. Probably killed their second in command when he destroyed her ship the ‘Diseased Beav...’”

“That’s enough, Nicky. If need be, could we come to terms with any of the bigger groups?”

“The Gold Snatchers, easily -- they really are just after money. The World Rapists, never, they’re… ugh... sadistic little fucks the lot of them. Don’t get me started. The Vampire’s Kisses, maybe, but I'm not convinced that someone else isn't already paying them to target us. I don't care what father did, I prefer cannons over gold when it comes to pirates anyway. While we're on the subject, we need more prospectors too. Maybe one of your film-maker friends can tell a story about a poor boy from a Western laborer family who heads out west and becomes fabulously wealthy? We need more dumb plebs out there seeking their fortune. We need more ships and troops. We need more everything.”

“Very nice, Nicky. Can’t defend our family’s interests if I don’t know what they are. Good of you to be so specific. I think Ivan Pavlovski could indeed make the film you have in mind, though. The Arslans are hosting a party. I’ll arrange for something nice for you to wear. I know you’re still getting over the death of your Marie, but it’s not too late for you to re-marry. It’d be good for you to have a civilizing influence. See if you can chat up someone single, or better yet screw them and learn what you can about her family’s intrigues. I’ll buy you an Omega Class battleship from the imperial navy if you can seduce Myrana Talven.” Nikias chuckled. “Don't laugh! A woman has needs! The Roylands will be there, good if you need geologists, medical staff, or engineers. The Myuscs might show up too, and they’re probably interested in mineral contracts. Might sell us some ships too. If the Ferics or the D'Hori show, you might be able to find out whether they're behind the Vampire's Kisses. I'm sure you'll find lots to talk to them about; bringing order to the West is everyone's concern. Now tell me, how is little Elias.”

“Just got back from the academy. Takes after his aunt, I think. Won’t shut up about military history and strategy. Not quite as good behind the wheel as Alex even with his naval academy training. Still, I imagine he’ll make captain reasonably quickly. I’m no good with all these fancy people, Appy.”

“You’re better than you give yourself credit for being, you’re handsome enough, as well-born as any of them, and you’re miles better at this than father ever was because you can keep your temper in check and know when to shut your mouth when someone's bored, most of the time at least. Just don’t talk anyone to death about hydraulics and mining infrastructure and you’ll be fine. Now go put on the doublet and meet me at the feast."