Daybreak:Volume 1 Chapter 7 - Revision history

Aorii at 18:14, 4 September 2022

2022-09-04T18:14:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:14, 4 September 2022
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	It was a world of difference compared to how Pascal was treated. Sure, he also stood in the center of attention, but few ever bothered to talk to him.		It was a world of difference compared to how Pascal was treated. Sure, he also stood in the center of attention, but few ever bothered to talk to him.

	"Good morning, Gerard. Exciting plans ~~this weekend~~?"		"Good morning, Gerard. Exciting plans today?"

	Perhaps the greatest surprise to Kaede was how genial Perceval was. His greetings lacked Ariadne's energy, but his smile was always gentle and delightful. Not once did he show another the distaste he revealed to Kaede.		Perhaps the greatest surprise to Kaede was how genial Perceval was. His greetings lacked Ariadne's energy, but his smile was always gentle and delightful. Not once did he show another the distaste he revealed to Kaede.

Aorii at 16:44, 28 March 2022

2022-03-28T16:44:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:44, 28 March 2022
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	"Ummm, pardon me, but how are we getting there?"		"Ummm, pardon me, but how are we getting there?"

	"We're teleporting once we leave the ''Lockdown'' ward." Ariadne answered. "I'm not a Wayfarer. ~~Even with Perceval's help, my~~ jump range is limited to just twenty kilopaces. Thankfully that's enough to bring us to the nearest town."		"We're teleporting once we leave the ''Lockdown'' ward." Ariadne answered. "I'm not a Wayfarer. My jump range is limited to just twenty kilopaces. Thankfully that's enough to bring us to the nearest town."

	Kaede shivered. The prospect of being broken down into tiny pieces and reassembled at the target did not appeal to her one bit... At least, that was how teleportation was usually portrayed as.		Kaede shivered. The prospect of being broken down into tiny pieces and reassembled at the target did not appeal to her one bit... At least, that was how teleportation was usually portrayed as.
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	Kaede took up her offer. Despite her anxieties, she struggled to keep her eyes wide open. Reality was about to be bent, and she had no intention of missing it.		Kaede took up her offer. Despite her anxieties, she struggled to keep her eyes wide open. Reality was about to be bent, and she had no intention of missing it.

	However, both ~~aristocrats~~ did close their eyes as ~~they chanted in unison through phrases~~ in the ancient ~~Draconic~~ language:		However, both of the others did close their eyes as Ariadne finished preparing the spell. She then activated it by reciting the keywords in the ancient draconic language:

	"Merge Targeting... Beacon Lock... Environment Set. ''Chain, Astral Teleport!''"		"Merge Targeting... Beacon Lock... Environment Set. ''Chain, Astral Teleport!''"

Aorii at 03:58, 2 January 2022

2022-01-02T03:58:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:58, 2 January 2022
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	Kaede wasn't certain, yet she couldn't help but feel rather put off after hearing it.		Kaede wasn't certain, yet she couldn't help but feel rather put off after hearing it.

	~~''I guess that other than my physical gender, my interests haven't changed that much?''~~

Aorii at 03:56, 2 January 2022

2022-01-02T03:56:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:56, 2 January 2022
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	"The Papal Legate assures me that if Geoffroi folds before the infidel invasion and pulls back his border armies, His Holiness will have a more-than-long-enough list of transgressions to have him excommunicated."		"The Papal Legate assures me that if Geoffroi folds before the infidel invasion and pulls back his border armies, His Holiness will have a more-than-long-enough list of transgressions to have him excommunicated."

	The Imperator sneered. He knew that Pope Vigilius ~~has~~ long harbored a hatred for Emperor Geoffroi of Rhin-Lotharingie for his revocation of Papal Investiture within the Empire. Neither ~~has~~ the Holy See forgotten Geoffroi's swift eagerness to take advantage of the civil war by stripping the Imperium of its western territories, instead of intervening against the Caliphate's invasion.		The Imperator sneered. He knew that Pope Vigilius had long harbored a hatred for Emperor Geoffroi of Rhin-Lotharingie for his revocation of Papal Investiture within the Empire. Neither had the Holy See forgotten Geoffroi's swift eagerness to take advantage of the civil war by stripping the Imperium of its western territories, instead of intervening against the Caliphate's invasion.

	In a game of thrones, machinations involving the church had never been about piety. Here, Imperator Augustus Skantarios proved it yet again as he discussed his plot to maneuver the infidels against fellow rulers of the same faith.		In a game of thrones, machinations involving the church had never been about piety. Here, Imperator Augustus Skantarios proved it yet again as he discussed his plot to maneuver the infidels against fellow rulers of the same faith.

Aorii at 18:38, 1 June 2021

2021-06-01T18:38:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:38, 1 June 2021
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	Her reasons were mostly split between ''I don't want to become a shut-in'' and ''she's as true as nobility gets''. Although if Kaede examined her decision tree, ''she's absolutely gorgeous'' also ranked in the top five list.		Her reasons were mostly split between ''I don't want to become a shut-in'' and ''she's as true as nobility gets''. Although if Kaede examined her decision tree, ''she's absolutely gorgeous'' also ranked in the top five list.

	It was hard not to feel attraction towards a gracious lady so stunningly beautiful.		It was hard not to feel attraction towards a gracious lady so stunningly beautiful. Doubly so as Ariadne was also the first person to help her in this world.

	After the usual pleasantries, Ariadne happily dropped what Kaede considered a bombshell question:		After the usual pleasantries, Ariadne happily dropped what Kaede considered a bombshell question:
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	Kaede wasn't certain, yet she couldn't help but feel rather put off after hearing it.		Kaede wasn't certain, yet she couldn't help but feel rather put off after hearing it.

	''I guess that other than my physical gender, ~~not even~~ my interests ~~have~~ changed much?''		''I guess that other than my physical gender, my interests haven't changed that much?''


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	''I'm sick of starting on people's bad side because of Pascal,'' she complained to herself.		''I'm sick of starting on people's bad side because of Pascal,'' she complained to herself.

			Still, there wasn't much she could do about it. Her master was an ego-centric jerk and people naturally associated her with him. It wasn't all that different from children being judged due to their parents' sins.

	Kaede then realized that she was still in telepathy range from Pascal. The complaints she could file later. But there was a curiosity she wanted to know right now.		Kaede then realized that she was still in telepathy range from Pascal. The complaints she could file later. But there was a curiosity she wanted to know right now.
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	"Perceval is on the administration track as well as a practicing intern healer. His dream is to one day become a royal surgeon, who advises the Emperor on matters of health for the entire empire. Three years ago, he was studying abroad in Weichsel's Königsfeld Academy when I had 'the fight' with your arrogant prick of a master. Perceval tried to interfere on my side, only to get brushed off and called 'Bore-ceful' in return. It's a really childish thing, but it struck a personal complex that really hurt him."		"Perceval is on the administration track as well as a practicing intern healer. His dream is to one day become a royal surgeon, who advises the Emperor on matters of health for the entire empire. Three years ago, he was studying abroad in Weichsel's Königsfeld Academy when I had 'the fight' with your arrogant prick of a master. Perceval tried to interfere on my side, only to get brushed off and called 'Bore-ceful' in return. It's a really childish thing, but it struck a personal complex that really hurt him."

	''Bore-ceful? Really, Pascal? ~~What were you,~~ seven?''		''Bore-ceful? Really, Pascal? Is your mental age seven or something?''

	"That idiot," Kaede voiced. ''This probably explains why she flaunts their relationship so much. What is she, the perfect girlfriend? Talk about missing out on Pascal's part.''		"That idiot," Kaede voiced. ''This probably explains why she flaunts their relationship so much. What is she, the perfect girlfriend? Talk about missing out on Pascal's part.''
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	"Good, and the Pope?"		"Good, and the Pope?"

	"His Holiness, Pope Vigilius has long harbored a hatred for Emperor Geoffroi of Rhin-Lotharingie for his revocation of Papal Investiture within the Empire. Neither has the Holy See forgotten Geoffroi's swift eagerness to take advantage of the civil war by stripping us of ~~our~~ western territories instead of intervening against the Caliphate's invasion. The Papal Legate assures me that if Geoffroi folds before the infidel invasion and pulls back his border armies, His Holiness will have a more-than-long-enough list of transgressions to have him excommunicated."		"The Papal Legate assures me that if Geoffroi folds before the infidel invasion and pulls back his border armies, His Holiness will have a more-than-long-enough list of transgressions to have him excommunicated."

			The Imperator sneered. He knew that Pope Vigilius has long harbored a hatred for Emperor Geoffroi of Rhin-Lotharingie for his revocation of Papal Investiture within the Empire. Neither has the Holy See forgotten Geoffroi's swift eagerness to take advantage of the civil war by stripping the Imperium of its western territories, instead of intervening against the Caliphate's invasion.

	In a game of thrones, machinations involving the church had never been about piety. Here, Imperator Augustus Skantarios proved it yet again as he discussed his plot to maneuver the infidels against fellow rulers of the same faith.		In a game of thrones, machinations involving the church had never been about piety. Here, Imperator Augustus Skantarios proved it yet again as he discussed his plot to maneuver the infidels against fellow rulers of the same faith.
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	"Yes, Imperator." The General bowed his head in servitude. "As you already know, the Jarls of Västergötland, desperate after the epidemic that scythed through their herds and blinded by their eagerness for our gold, launched their invasion before the Caliph was ready. Weichsel's Field Marshal handed them a series of disastrous defeats before winter could embrace the North Sea. By now, it is fair to assume that our efforts in Västergötland have been wasted, and the Greater Jarldom of Skagen stands unwilling to commit without their pagan allies."		"Yes, Imperator." The General bowed his head in servitude. "As you already know, the Jarls of Västergötland, desperate after the epidemic that scythed through their herds and blinded by their eagerness for our gold, launched their invasion before the Caliph was ready. Weichsel's Field Marshal handed them a series of disastrous defeats before winter could embrace the North Sea. By now, it is fair to assume that our efforts in Västergötland have been wasted, and the Greater Jarldom of Skagen stands unwilling to commit without their pagan allies."

	The Emperor cared nothing for the barbaric Northmen who still worshipped pagan gods. He wouldn't bat an eye if their entire civilization ceased from starvation. However, their presence was necessary to occupy the Imperium's northern foes ~~-- once again of the same faith~~.		The Emperor cared nothing for the barbaric Northmen who still worshipped pagan gods. He wouldn't bat an eye if their entire civilization ceased from starvation. However, their presence was necessary to occupy the Imperium's northern foes.

	"A great shame. We can only pray that tensions at their northern border will at least pull Weichsel's armies away. What of our own forces?"		"A great shame. We can only pray that tensions at their northern border will at least pull Weichsel's armies away. What of our own forces?"
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	The Emperor nodded thoughtfully. With geopolitics always being a game of balance, great powers with capable rulers did not wage war unless they could guarantee the noninterference of their neighbors. However, even ''wiser'' rulers did not reveal their fangs until their foes were battered and ripe for the taking.		The Emperor nodded thoughtfully. With geopolitics always being a game of balance, great powers with capable rulers did not wage war unless they could guarantee the noninterference of their neighbors. However, even ''wiser'' rulers did not reveal their fangs until their foes were battered and ripe for the taking.

	"You have done well, Stilius." The Emperor gave his praise. "Once the Caliphate and Rhin-Lotharingie maul each other to exhaustion, we shall have the perfect opportunity to seek permission for a new Crusade. Then, I shall become the first Imperator Augustus in five centuries to reclaim lands lost by the Holy Imperium. The patricians will be pleased by the wealth new conquests shall bring, while ''your'' name will rise above even that of Marius, immortalized as the most celebrated general in Imperial history."		"You have done well, Stilius." The Emperor gave his praise. "Once the Caliphate and Rhin-Lotharingie maul each other to exhaustion, we shall have the perfect opportunity to seek permission for a new Crusade. Then, I shall become the first Imperator Augustus in five centuries to reclaim lands lost by the Holy Imperium. The patricians will be pleased by the wealth new conquests shall bring, while ''your'' name will rise above even that of Consul Marius, immortalized as the most celebrated general in Imperial history."

	"You are most generous, Imperator." Stilius bowed, suppressing the urge to warn his liege of counting chickens before they hatch.		"You are most generous, Imperator." Stilius bowed, suppressing the urge to warn his liege of counting chickens before they hatch.
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	...And he was no fool.		...And he was no fool.


	~~[[Image:HyperionMap1.png\|thumb\|The Inner Sea and its two continents: Hyperion (North) and Eurypha (South)\|right]]~~

Aorii at 17:15, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T17:15:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:15, 10 April 2021
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	"What is our status, Stilius?" Imperator Augustus Skantarios asked as he strolled down the shadowy halls. Only his most trusted servant followed him, the foreigner who thrice saved his life from overwhelming odds, rising from a mere mercenary to Magister Militum of the entire Holy Imperium.		"What is our status, Stilius?" Imperator Augustus Skantarios asked as he strolled down the shadowy halls. Only his most trusted servant followed him, the foreigner who thrice saved his life from overwhelming odds, rising from a mere mercenary to Magister Militum of the entire Holy Imperium.

	~~[[Image:HyperionMap1.png\|thumb\|The Inner Sea and its two continents: Hyperion (North) and Eurypha (South)\|right]]~~

	"Our spies in Cataliya confirm that the Caliphate is mobilizing. Troops are pouring across the Grand Strait Bridge by the thousands every day as they march towards the Rhin-Lotharingie border. The Caliphate now stands committed, regardless of whether they believed our emissaries' claims. It is only a matter of time before they declare Holy War against the Empire of Rhin-Lotharingie."		"Our spies in Cataliya confirm that the Caliphate is mobilizing. Troops are pouring across the Grand Strait Bridge by the thousands every day as they march towards the Rhin-Lotharingie border. The Caliphate now stands committed, regardless of whether they believed our emissaries' claims. It is only a matter of time before they declare Holy War against the Empire of Rhin-Lotharingie."
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	...And he was no fool.		...And he was no fool.


			[[Image:HyperionMap1.png\|thumb\|The Inner Sea and its two continents: Hyperion (North) and Eurypha (South)\|right]]

Aorii at 17:12, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T17:12:54Z

Aorii at 17:02, 14 November 2020

2020-11-14T17:02:19Z

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Aorii: REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

2020-11-14T16:46:15Z

REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

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Aorii: P-D edit

2016-02-13T20:05:56Z

P-D edit

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← Older revision		Revision as of 17:12, 10 April 2021
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	===Chapter 7 - The Perfect Contrast===		===Chapter 7 - The Perfect Contrast===

	After just one week, life in the new world was already starting to fit into a schedule. As usual on ~~Saturday~~, Kaede went to the roof to meditate through archery. And just like every ~~Saturday~~ morning, Ariadne was taking a self-rewarding joyride on her pegasus.		After just one week, life in the new world was already starting to fit into a schedule. As usual on Sunday, Kaede went to the roof to meditate through archery. And just like every Sunday morning, Ariadne was taking a self-rewarding joyride on her pegasus.

	~~Spotting~~ the latter, ~~Kaede~~ hesitated for a moment. But she decided to wave down the angelic rider nonetheless.		As Kaede spotted the latter, she hesitated for a moment. But she decided to wave down the angelic rider nonetheless.

	Her reasons were mostly split between ''I don't want to become a shut-in'' and ''she's as true as nobility gets''. Although if Kaede examined her decision tree, ''she's absolutely gorgeous'' also ranked in the top five list.		Her reasons were mostly split between ''I don't want to become a shut-in'' and ''she's as true as nobility gets''. Although if Kaede examined her decision tree, ''she's absolutely gorgeous'' also ranked in the top five list.
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	''...Or, maybe not.'' Her urge died instantly as she replied with a deadpan "Yes Sir."		''...Or, maybe not.'' Her urge died instantly as she replied with a deadpan "Yes Sir."

	Pascal's world and history might fascinate her. However, the intricacies of magical theory was about interesting to her as quantum physics.		Pascal's world and history might fascinate her. However, the intricacies of magical theory was about as interesting to her as quantum physics.


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	Given Ariadne's breathtaking charm, Perceval didn't turn out nearly as outstanding as Kaede imagined. He was still handsome in an above average way, with short brown hair above pretty aquamarine eyes, a wide nose, and a strong jaw. His height was above average and around the same as Pascal's. Meanwhile his lean musculature emphasized his strong legs, yet his steps were soft, almost silent.		Given Ariadne's breathtaking charm, Perceval didn't turn out nearly as outstanding as Kaede imagined. He was still handsome in an above average way, with short brown hair above pretty aquamarine eyes, a wide nose, and a strong jaw. His height was also above average and around the same as Pascal's. Meanwhile his lean musculature emphasized his strong legs, yet his steps were soft, almost silent.

	Perceval also did not wear a uniform, since he was not part of the academy's military school. Instead he wore a tight-fitting doublet of midnight blue, its exterior decorated by criss-crossing patterns. A small, pink cross was sewn onto his right breast, which Kaede learned was the Hyperion symbol for healers. But apart from that, his wardrobe was fairly unassuming compared to most nobles.		Perceval also did not wear a uniform, since he was not part of the academy's military school. Instead he wore a tight-fitting doublet of midnight blue, its exterior decorated by criss-crossing patterns. A small, pink cross was sewn onto his right breast, which Kaede learned was the Hyperion symbol for healers. But apart from that, his wardrobe was fairly unassuming compared to most nobles.
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	"Merge Targeting... Beacon Lock... Environment Set. ''Chain, Astral Teleport!''"		"Merge Targeting... Beacon Lock... Environment Set. ''Chain, Astral Teleport!''"

	Kaede braced herself, but it proved impossible to prepare for. It felt as if her entire body was suddenly enveloped by ice, then sublimated in gas and scattered in the air. Her consciousness was pulled through a tiny hole in the fabric of space that materialized before her eyes, while her surroundings dissolved into it like scenery flushed down a drain. Then, as quick as it came, everything popped back out and returned to normal. Except her body still felt like it was reconnecting itself while her vision swapped -- they now stood in a stone-paved square just outside a small town.		Kaede braced herself, but it proved impossible to prepare for. It felt as if her entire body was suddenly enveloped by ice, then sublimated in gas and scattered in the air. Her consciousness was pulled through a tiny hole in the fabric of space that materialized before her eyes, while her surroundings dissolved into it like scenery flushed down a drain.

			Then, as quick as it came, everything popped back out and returned to normal. Except her body still felt like it was reconnecting itself while her vision swapped -- they now stood in a stone-paved square just outside a small town.

	If this was only twenty kilopaces, then Kaede was glad she was unconscious when Pascal summoned her across world boundaries.		If this was only twenty kilopaces, then Kaede was glad she was unconscious when Pascal summoned her across world boundaries.
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	Besides, the owner, Claire, an elderly lady in her late fifties, was very enthusiastic. With both a keen eye and a creative sense of fashion, she quickly put together several designs based on Kaede's tastes. This included both spiffy uniform-like dresses that were easier to move around in and combination outfits that wore leggings below a shorter skirt -- although Claire admitted worriedly that it was very unorthodox and barely met social decorum. The designs were mostly black or white or some mix thereof as Kaede preferred, with sewn borders and silk ribbons in floral-pink to bring out the color of her eyes.		Besides, the owner, Claire, an elderly lady in her late fifties, was very enthusiastic. With both a keen eye and a creative sense of fashion, she quickly put together several designs based on Kaede's tastes. This included both spiffy uniform-like dresses that were easier to move around in and combination outfits that wore leggings below a shorter skirt -- although Claire admitted worriedly that it was very unorthodox and barely met social decorum. The designs were mostly black or white or some mix thereof as Kaede preferred, with sewn borders and silk ribbons in floral-pink to bring out the color of her eyes.

	Unfortunately for all her talents, Claire wasn't a mage. Therefore her designs had to be sent elsewhere for manufacture and enchantment in the highest quality nobles expected. Nevertheless, Ariadne had remarked that the store was a popular shop for the academy's students and earned good money for their ~~ideas~~.		Unfortunately for all her talents, Claire wasn't a mage. Therefore her designs had to be sent elsewhere for manufacture and enchantment in the highest quality nobles expected. Nevertheless, Ariadne had remarked that the store was a popular shop for the academy's students and earned good money for their designs.

	By one o'clock, Ariadne returned by herself to pick up and send Kaede back. Apparently the meeting was taking far longer than anticipated.		By one o'clock, Ariadne returned by herself to pick up and send Kaede back. Apparently the meeting was taking far longer than anticipated.
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	Ariadne left behind her ever-present smile for a faint scowl as she continued:		Ariadne left behind her ever-present smile for a faint scowl as she continued:

	"Perceval is on the administration track as well as a practicing intern healer. His dream is to one day become a royal surgeon, who advises the Emperor on matters of health for the entire empire. Three years ago, he was studying abroad in Weichsel's ~~Konigsfeld~~ Academy when I had ''the fight'' with your arrogant prick of a master. Perceval tried to interfere on my side, only to get brushed off and called 'Bore-ceful' in return. It's a really childish thing, but it struck a personal complex that really hurt him."		"Perceval is on the administration track as well as a practicing intern healer. His dream is to one day become a royal surgeon, who advises the Emperor on matters of health for the entire empire. Three years ago, he was studying abroad in Weichsel's Königsfeld Academy when I had 'the fight' with your arrogant prick of a master. Perceval tried to interfere on my side, only to get brushed off and called 'Bore-ceful' in return. It's a really childish thing, but it struck a personal complex that really hurt him."

	''Bore-ceful? Really, Pascal? What were you, seven?''		''Bore-ceful? Really, Pascal? What were you, seven?''
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	Once, the people looked to the populist leaders, consuls who proved themselves in the field of battle and claimed they would bring that same competence to the civil administration. But after dozens of Emperors, even the great autocrats and the philosopher kings of old have vanished.		Once, the people looked to the populist leaders, consuls who proved themselves in the field of battle and claimed they would bring that same competence to the civil administration. But after dozens of Emperors, even the great autocrats and the philosopher kings of old have vanished.

	Historians of the Imperium proudly speak of the 'Five ~~Good~~ Emperors' who achieved great deeds. Nevertheless the tradition of adopting sons for the throne laid a disastrous precedence to the line of Imperial Succession. When Theodosius III, the previous ''Imperator Augustus'', died sixteen years ago from a sudden cerebral hemorrhage, he left behind both a biological and an adoptive son. The ensuing civil war tore the Holy Imperium apart and scorched its lands for six long years. Known as the 'War of Imperial Succession', it quickly engulfed the entire continent, as the Imperium's neighbors and enemies took advantage of the chaos to slice off and annex border states.		Historians of the Imperium proudly speak of the 'Five Righteous Emperors' who achieved great deeds. Nevertheless the tradition of adopting sons for the throne laid a disastrous precedence to the line of Imperial Succession. When Theodosius III, the previous ''Imperator Augustus'', died sixteen years ago from a sudden cerebral hemorrhage, he left behind both a biological and an adoptive son.

			The ensuing civil war tore the Holy Imperium apart and scorched its lands for six long years. Known as the 'War of Imperial Succession', it quickly engulfed the entire continent, as the Imperium's neighbors and enemies took advantage of the chaos to slice off and annex border states.

	With the help of the patricians' bottomless funding and the Legions once loyal to his late birth father, the adopted Skantarios Aurelius brought an end to the bloodshed by seizing the laurels. Yet even in his moment of triumph, he looked towards the northern horizon with bloodied eyes, never forgetting the treachery of nations that should have been his allies against the infidels of the south.		With the help of the patricians' bottomless funding and the Legions once loyal to his late birth father, the adopted Skantarios Aurelius brought an end to the bloodshed by seizing the laurels. Yet even in his moment of triumph, he looked towards the northern horizon with bloodied eyes, never forgetting the treachery of nations that should have been his allies against the infidels of the south.
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	[[Image:HyperionMap1.png\|thumb\|The Inner Sea and its two continents: Hyperion (North) and Eurypha (South)\|right]]		[[Image:HyperionMap1.png\|thumb\|The Inner Sea and its two continents: Hyperion (North) and Eurypha (South)\|right]]

	"Our spies in Cataliya confirm that the Caliphate is mobilizing. Troops are pouring across the Grand Strait Bridge by the thousands every day as they march towards the Rhin-Lotharingie border. ~~Regardless~~ of whether they believed our emissaries' ~~promises, the Caliphate now stands committed~~. It is only a matter of time before they declare Holy War against the Empire of Rhin-Lotharingie."		"Our spies in Cataliya confirm that the Caliphate is mobilizing. Troops are pouring across the Grand Strait Bridge by the thousands every day as they march towards the Rhin-Lotharingie border. The Caliphate now stands committed, regardless of whether they believed our emissaries' claims. It is only a matter of time before they declare Holy War against the Empire of Rhin-Lotharingie."

	"Good, and the Pope?"		"Good, and the Pope?"
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	"When we want your sermons, Stilius, we will ask for it. Continue, or must we repeat ourselves?"		"When we want your sermons, Stilius, we will ask for it. Continue, or must we repeat ourselves?"

	"Yes, Imperator." The General bowed his head in servitude. "As you already know, the Jarls of Västergötland, desperate after the epidemic that scythed through their herds and blinded by their eagerness for our gold, launched their invasion before the Caliph was ready. Weichsel's Field Marshal ~~Moltewitz~~ handed them a series of disastrous defeats before winter could embrace the North Sea. By now, it is fair to assume that our efforts in Västergötland have been wasted, and the Greater Jarldom of Skagen stands unwilling to commit without their pagan allies."		"Yes, Imperator." The General bowed his head in servitude. "As you already know, the Jarls of Västergötland, desperate after the epidemic that scythed through their herds and blinded by their eagerness for our gold, launched their invasion before the Caliph was ready. Weichsel's Field Marshal handed them a series of disastrous defeats before winter could embrace the North Sea. By now, it is fair to assume that our efforts in Västergötland have been wasted, and the Greater Jarldom of Skagen stands unwilling to commit without their pagan allies."

	The Emperor cared nothing for the barbaric Northmen who still worshipped pagan gods. He wouldn't bat an eye if their entire civilization ceased from starvation. However, their presence was necessary to occupy the Imperium's northern foes -- once again of the same faith.		The Emperor cared nothing for the barbaric Northmen who still worshipped pagan gods. He wouldn't bat an eye if their entire civilization ceased from starvation. However, their presence was necessary to occupy the Imperium's northern foes -- once again of the same faith.
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	"You are most generous, Imperator." Stilius bowed, suppressing the urge to warn his liege of counting chickens before they hatch.		"You are most generous, Imperator." Stilius bowed, suppressing the urge to warn his liege of counting chickens before they hatch.

	"The Grand Republic has adopted a policy of non-interference for centuries and should hopefully stay out of the conflict this time. The Shahdom of Chorasmia is once again engaged in a border war against our treaty partners in the east, the Dawn Imperium. Our only known threat at the moment remains the Kingdom of Weichsel." The Emperor turned towards his general with raised fingers: "I want that alliance fractured if not broken, Stilius. Be ~~discrete~~, but otherwise do whatever it takes."		"The Grand Republic has adopted a policy of non-interference for centuries and should hopefully stay out of the conflict this time. The Shahdom of Chorasmia is once again engaged in a border war against our treaty partners in the east, the Dawn Imperium. Our only known threat at the moment remains the Kingdom of Weichsel." The Emperor turned towards his general with raised fingers: "I want that alliance fractured if not broken, Stilius. Be discreet, but otherwise do whatever it takes."

	"Yes, Imperator. I have already dispatched three of our best Mantis Blade squads north. It should not be long before one of my plans bear fruit."		"Yes, Imperator. I have already dispatched three of our best Mantis Blade squads north. It should not be long before one of my plans bear fruit."