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BattleMaster => Locals => Atamara => Topic started by: Dante Silverfire on February 19, 2013, 06:50:55 AM
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Greetings Noble forum viewers. Today is a momentous occasion. In what will be the beginning of what will likely be the most significant political action and transformation on Atamara in the past year or so, my character Merlin Silverfire has today proclaimed himself King of Coria. As King of Coria, Merlin will be leading a whole set of changes in Coria's foreign and domestic policy which will shake up Atamara's political landscape.
I call upon any and all players who would like to join a realm which will be at the forefront of politics and change on Atamara to send a character to Coria. I can assure you that Coria will soon be fighting in important wars, it already is, but more conflict is soon to come. Coria will also be the founder of a new empire on Atamara, which will be led and headed up by my character Merlin Silverfire. There will be many new opportunities for position gains, as we'll be gaining new regions, and already have a ratio of barely 2 nobles per region. Elections will continue to be held for all lordship positions so it will be easy to gain a position if you prove to be contributing to the realm.
Coria will, if I have anything to do about it be a force to prevent stagnation of Atamara, and as the very center of the continent, be a force for change and power plays for years to come.
Included below are the RP's and letters sent at the beginning of the foundation of the Kingdom of Coria:
Roleplay from Merlin Silverfire (28 minutes ago)
Message sent to everyone in your realm (32 recipients)
His Grace, Duke Merlin Silverfire of Frekpotis marched down the central avenue of Barad Gardor, the capital of Coria. He was surrounded by the 72 most elite troops in the entire realm, his well-trained special forces, who would die to the man before allowing harm to their Duke. Behind the Duke’s bodyguard strode 100 of the city’s militia along with the captains of the city’s militia and palace guards. Behind the capital’s militia strode 500 personal retainers of the Duke each carrying a large bundle. This group was lit only by the flickering fire of hundreds of torches in the pre-dawn twilight.
When Merlin reached the forum of the Corian Ruler’s palace, he stopped and surveyed the palace. He turned briefly to his men, and the captain of the city’s militia and the captain of the palace guards were brought forward to flank the Duke. Striding forward, Merlin moved to the base of the podium in front of the palace and drew his sword. With a single slice, and a sharp crack, he cut down the flagpole of Coria, then moved and picked up the banner of the realm in his hands. Without a word spoken, he took a torch from his closest retainer and set the banner aflame and held the banner aloft.
Merlin turned to the two captains. “Burn them. Burn every banner of Coria within the city. My retainers will accompany you and supply you with the replacements.” The captains turned and looked at each other for a brief moment. What could they do? Merlin was Duke of the city of Barad Gardor, and the highest authority currently in Coria. The only person who could possibly override his order would be Merlin’s vassal the direct Lord of Barad Gardor and he wasn’t in the city. Just as this was undoubtedly passing the minds of the captains, a messenger ran up to the gathering.
“My Lord Silverfire!” the messenger said. “The results of the election are in; you are now officially Ruler of Coria!”
Almost immediately after hearing the news, the two captains voiced their assent and set out with their men to begin. As they turned away, each had three of Merlin’s bodyguard go with them to keep watch. Merlin then announced: “Someone find me a throne,” before he turned his back on the crowd and entered the Palace proper.
Before long, red fires had sprouted up all across the city, and snakes of smoke reached out and shrouded the city in a sort of haze, as the sun breached the horizon. Before the hour was out, hundreds of pigeons had already left the city, carrying the same message to the four corners of Atamara. The details differed, but the central message was the same:
“The Republic of Coria has fallen! The Kingdom of Coria has begun!”
This RP was also sent to all rulers of the continent.
Here is the announcement made to Coria after the change:
Report from Merlin Silverfire (25 minutes ago)
Message sent to everyone in your realm (32 recipients)
My fellow nobles of Coria,
Thank you for your support in electing me today. After much consideration and advice as well as suggestions from multiple lords of our realm, I have chosen not to carry out my plans of rebellion as I stated previously. This would only cause conflict and drive a wedge between our nobility. However, I still believe that Coria’s government under the Republican style has been non-functional for some time. Coria’s Senators as a whole have neglected their duties and responsibilities that they were elected to fulfill. Many Senators don’t speak at all within the Senate, and most never offer ideas or opinions for the betterment of our realm. Therefore, it has been my determination that the Corian Senate has failed, and should not continue in its current form.
It is with that understanding that I announce the following changes to Coria’s political structure:
1. From this moment forward, I am proclaiming an end to Coria as a Republic, and the beginning of Coria has a Constitutional Monarchy. In recognition of the importance of our realm’s nobility and Senators, I will be voluntarily placing certain limitations upon myself and my power as previously stated during the election. These are as follows:
1a. All internal elections would remain in place, excluding the one for Ruler. We will elect our lords, and our government members just as we do now.
1b. I vow to not make ANY appointments to lordship positions to bypass the electoral process. This includes both in my duchy and in new regions if that is relevant. I will elect the nobles and lords of Coria determine those things.
1c. I will allow our internal lords and nobles to continue to make Corian laws and such, I have no interest in the internal politics of Coria.
1d. I will support the establishment of a constitution/charter in order to preserve these promises in law for our new realm, limiting the power of the Monarch permanently.
2. I am also announcing the dissolution of the Corian Senate. To replace it, a Royal Council will be established. This council will be the council where I seek advisement and discussion over matters of state. All nobles interested whether they be knight or lord will be allowed to join, BUT those nobles who do not actively participate will be removed.
3. I am adopting the title of King instead of Consul, in recognition of my increased duties and responsibilities to the realm of Coria and its nobles, as well as my increased authority on matters of foreign policy. Elections for ruler will also end as of today.
4. In order to accommodate the fact that various factions within Coria may be upset about these changes, I make the following promise to all nobles of Coria: “Should Coria present a candidate who would seek to run against me as ruler of our realm, and that candidate presents a concrete plan that could possibly work to the Royal Council, and that candidate receives the public stated support of at least 1/3rd of Coria’s nobles, then I will step down as Ruler of Coria and allow an election to occur.”
4a. However, at that time, the election will take place in a time of anarchy. Should I win that election, I will formally change Coria from the stated form of Republic to Monarchy.
5. Finally, as stated during the election, I assume all formal responsibility and control of Coria’s foreign policy. I will accept advice, comments, and direction from the Royal Council, but I will personally retain final say and decision making power in terms of our foreign diplomacy. This is for the purpose of providing stability and being able to make the difficult decisions necessary for the success of our realm and our planned Empire.
Thank you all, and May Coria forever prosper,
Merlin Silverfire
Consul of Coria
Duke of Frekpotis
Margrave of Barad Falas
Finally, the new King of Coria's first public announcement to the rulers of Atamara:
Letter from Merlin Silverfire (21 minutes ago)
Message sent to the Rulers of Atamara (14 recipients)
Assembled Rulers of Atamara,
As of this moment, I formally announce the end of the Republic of Coria. In its place, and by the election of the nobles of Coria, I assume the position of King of the Kingdom of Coria. In order to provide stability in leadership, solidarity in foreign diplomacy, strength and wisdom in decision making, from now on I have assumed full and final authority to determine Coria’s foreign diplomacy.
My first action as King of Coria is the formal announcement of Coria’s repudiation of any who would seek to call Coria a puppet of any realm. We announce our sovereignty and right to operate as an independent Kingdom with sworn fealty to no noble or realm beyond our borders. In addition, Coria announces that it will stand against any and all action which denies the sovereignty of any realm on Atamara. Those who would make themselves overlords and hegemons of Atamara will not be tolerated. We are all nobility and should respect each other’s right to be sovereign within our own borders.
Secondly, with the reformation of Coria into a Monarchy, we have determined that Coria’s current banner is no longer the proper representation of our realm and nobles. We have had commissioned a new banner, which we are calling the Phoenix Banner. I have included an artistic representation of Coria’s banner with this letter so that Coria’s banner will be recognized in the field. File:Phoenix_Crest_Revised_a.png The standard of the Phoenix represents a force, which cannot be overcome by mere opposition. The Phoenix is undying, reborn when harmed, and returns in strength each time. By taking up the Phoenix standard, Coria asserts both its strength, and its resolve to not yield under foreign pressure to shape and break us.
Finally, makes an open call to all who would see Coria’s ideals as fitting with their own. Coria will take a stand against even the largest odds. We will stand in the name of honor even if every other noble on the continent forsakes honor. Dying in the name of honor and defense of the sovereignty of realms is better than living under hegemony and oppression. I am Coria. Join Coria, Join me, Stand beside me, and together we will never be defeated. For Coria now represents an idea, and an idea cannot be slain or destroyed, an idea overwhelms even the greatest opposition when it is for a just cause.
His Majesty,
Merlin Silverfire
King of Coria
Duke of Frekpotis
Margrave of Barad Falas
So, if you are looking for a new realm to make a character in. If you left Atamara because it was no longer interesting, if you simply want to try something new. Join Coria.
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Somehow it feels like this is like 3 months too late to matter much.
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Somehow it feels like this is like 3 months too late to matter much.
I don't think so. If you aren't aware of what's been going on in Atamara leadership circles, you'll see some of the other plans I have in place shortly. Will be making a new thread to discuss the foundation of the Phoenix Empire with Coria as the founding member.
Also, this has been in planning for 6 weeks, so it takes time to do it right.
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I don't think so. If you aren't aware of what's been going on in Atamara leadership circles, you'll see some of the other plans I have in place shortly. Will be making a new thread to discuss the foundation of the Phoenix Empire with Coria as the founding member.
Also, this has been in planning for 6 weeks, so it takes time to do it right.
So doesn't an empire kinda go against the, everyone is sovereign thing?
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So doesn't an empire kinda go against the, everyone is sovereign thing?
Hush you. No it doesn't. The specific terms of it specifically reinforce this idea. It is going to take me 30 mins to an hour to even get all the stuff for the empire prepared to send out IC. Then will add to forum.
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Hush you. No it doesn't. The specific terms of it specifically reinforce this idea. It is going to take me 30 mins to an hour to even get all the stuff for the empire prepared to send out IC. Then will add to forum.
Well, I will check it out tomorrow then if it will be over half an hour. Sounds like it will be really interesting though.
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Well this is exciting! :o
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And any disgruntled Republicans left in Coria are welcome to join CE. 8)
Hush you. No it doesn't. The specific terms of it specifically reinforce this idea. It is going to take me 30 mins to an hour to even get all the stuff for the empire prepared to send out IC. Then will add to forum.
You do give up some sovereignty, though. Wars will have to be pre-approved by the Imperial Senate. (I'm not disagreeing with it, just saying that you can't sell it as "no loss of sovereignty whatsoever".)
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Coria will, if I have anything to do about it be a force to prevent stagnation of Atamara, and as the very center of the continent, be a force for change and power plays for years to come.
Ahh, what it is like to be a new King... I remember the feeling well. Atamara will quickly crush and cripple your young dreams. :'(
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Ahh, what it is like to be a new King... I remember the feeling well. Atamara will quickly crush and cripple your young dreams. :'(
That's what I told him! :D
Seriously though, I think everything happening is a pretty awesome and necessary shift on Atamara (if nothing else, it'll cause something to happen)... I'm also happy that if I'd bet on all the events thus far, I'd be richer right now. I predicted some of the backlash and such more accurately than I expected.
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Seriously though, I think everything happening is a pretty awesome and necessary shift on Atamara (if nothing else, it'll cause something to happen)...
No doubt. Excited to see all of this happening and where it may go.
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Ahh, what it is like to be a new King... I remember the feeling well. Atamara will quickly crush and cripple your young dreams. :'(
Yeah, I did not enjoy my stint as a King in Atamara.
Props to Silverfire for trying to shake things up though. As Vellos mentioned however, it does seem several months late.
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For those interested, here is some more of the RP from today:
The City of Barad Gardor
The morning after elections in The City of Barad Gardor Many awoke to noise an commotion in the street as protesters marched down towards the palace.
As they reached the palace they were meet by armed palace guards, now fully dressed in their new uniforms bearing Coria's new emblems and colors. It took little time for the protesters to turn into an unruly mob after a local stable was turned aflame by unknown arsonists. The alarm was raised and more armed troops rushed to the palace guards aid and seeing the fire off in the distance they mobilized in an attempt to extinguish the fire. To the guards folly they tried to push there way through the peasants to reach the fire. As they made there way through the crowd, one of the guards was attacked by a protester and the ordeal quickly spireled of of control with the guards now trying to forcefully quell the unruly populous.
Hours passed as the violence soon spread to other parts of the city and many of the government building were set aflame, in the distance the city could be seen with a glow of amber and smoke.
At the gates of the city a militia of farmers 200 men strong could be seen marching into the city waving the banner of the White Rabbit.
And then this
Saeculo remained in the dark, slowly watching the embers of the once great fire burn down to a sullen red. The summer months had once brought fresh breezes into the keep, however, now that winter had set in, there was a chill in the air and Saeculo sat wrapped in fur.
Ordinarily, there would have been little unusual with this scene for Saeculo was often fond of sitting in front of the fire, his favourite hound laying beneath his heels, yet tonight, the dull embers of the fire picked out a silver sheen beneath the furs. The armour of the past General and Consul of Coria.
Having inititally celebrate the re-election of his old friend after so many years out of politics, Saeculo was astounded to hear that Duke Merlin, one of his closest friends was making a wild bid for power.
At first he had been dumbstruck, there had been reports of rioting and that Duke Merlin had destroyed the emblems and colours of Coria within Shanandoah. Then summoning his courage he had ordered the foundation of a new army, addressed the realm and had protested the actions of his old friend.
Relaxing in his chair, he had thought about the days events. What was the old fool thinking. Saeculo had expressly explained to Merlin that he would never support the foundation of a Monarchy within Coria. He loved the realm too much, a realm he had bled for, a realm he had fought for numberous times throughout the years. Then he remembered the occasion in which Merlin had last led a rebellion against the realm. This was not the first time he had attempted to take control of Coria.
With a furrow of the brow he glanced back at the ambers. He would have to stock more firewood in the future he thought.
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waving the banner of the White Rabbit.
:o :o :o :o :o
I'm jealous of all this RP going on in Coria.
Roleplay messages on ATAMARA? Things are getting weird.
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You wouldn't believe how much those damn Falasani's crop up in Coria. Saeculo began to think he was simply being paranoid, the only thing he'd hear was rumours of this or that. But they're damn frequent!
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:o :o :o :o :o
I'm jealous of all this RP going on in Coria.
Roleplay messages on ATAMARA? Things are getting weird.
Wait, y'all don't roleplay? lol.
We don't roleplay all of the time, but I try when I can. Maybe we'll have more now if we can get people interested in it. Props to Silverfire for trying to shake things up though. As Vellos mentioned however, it does seem several months late.
I'm trying, we'll see what happens. Frankly, I need more nobles to make it work. If Coria isn't strong enough noble wise to defend against those who may soon see Coria as a juicy target, due to Merlin's powergrab then it may collapse before it gets rolling.
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As they made there way through the crowd, one of the guards was attacked by a protester and the ordeal quickly spireled of of control with the guards now trying to forcefully quell the unruly populous.
(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRXgMMymZ5n0lU1D0jqSSwZN2ajATcp2YY8x-tVeZi4Jjfkjj9EqA)
Haha, sorry was saving that link for a while now....
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Thank you for the propaganda Sonya.
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Wait, y'all don't roleplay? lol.
We don't roleplay all of the time, but I try when I can. Maybe we'll have more now if we can get people interested in it.
I'm trying, we'll see what happens. Frankly, I need more nobles to make it work. If Coria isn't strong enough noble wise to defend against those who may soon see Coria as a juicy target, due to Merlin's powergrab then it may collapse before it gets rolling.
This is called foreshadowing.
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Letter from Merlin Silverfire (8 minutes ago)
Message sent to the Rulers of Atamara (14 recipients)
Esteemed Rulers of Atamara,
This will be the last letter which I write to you all as ruler of Coria.
When I was elected as ruler of Coria, it was with the intention to help Coria gain greater prominence across Atamara by helping to forge new relationships between all realms. An agreement such as one not seen since it was agreed long ago that council members be considered sacrosanct from infiltrator attacks. My Phoenix empire would be one not to fight wars or develop new alliances, but to help provide a guiding force on Atamara. A diplomatic association that would help enable realms to have limited wars without the all or nothing destruction conflicts we've had recently. To encourage realms to offer proper terms and reasons for their war when they declare it. Instead of forcing unconditional surrenders upon realms, which I consider a dishonorable practice, realms would be encouraged to state what they considered a reasonable peace terms to end the conflict from the very beginning. This would eliminate confusion from both sides, and allow everyone to know what exactly they were fighting for.
However, my plans were misinterpreted, warped, and shaped to fit the needs of those who would see harm come to my realm. My purely honorable intentions were made out to be ones of betrayal and backstabbing of my greatest friends and allies of Coria. I formally state for all to be clear: My empire was not planned as a militant organization and certainly not one with the intention of destroying, harming, or attacking the Cagilan Empire. I have had personal disagreements with the conduct of the Cagilan Empire, as well as everyone else in the League of the Eagle for some time now, and this includes Coria. However, none of these would have led me to become militant against my own allies. Coria has supported in the past, actions which involve the dishonorable treatment of realms and for that I am ashamed. I sought to unite the entire continent under this idea of improved honorable conduct, but now I face such opposition that to continue leading Coria will only lead to harm for my realm.
I cannot in good consciousness continue to rule Coria as to do so will put my realm into a worse position. Therefore, by the end of today, I will step down as ruler of Coria and allow a new ruler to be elected from amongst my realm.
I have made many mistakes over the past few weeks. I have said many things which should not have been said, and trusted many nobles which did not deserve that trust. I idealized Atamara as a better place than it truly is. It was my hope that every ruler of Atamara also felt that we should always strive to be better in all respects. Yet, now I feel so alone after seeing the truth of things. Liberty and sovereignty upon Atamara have died, and they died long ago. All I did was simply request that my realm be treated as a sovereign nation, and here I am forced to resign as ruler lest my realm suffer. A long standing ally of Coria abandoning our alliance without even a public explanation or reason, many rulers co-opting internal Corian politics and conducting their own undermining of my leadership through private correspondence with my internal opponents, copies of my private correspondence with the ruler of Minas Leon shared with CE's ruler after being being taken out of context, or doctored and forged to suit his needs, and now having received word that paid assassins from the Brotherhood apparently on orders from the empire to kill me are now on their way to my capital. All of these things have led to my downfall today. I don't even know if that last is true, but there are already three infiltrators within Coria's capital, and only my trained guards have kept me alive this long.
My final request is do not allow my personal mistakes to reflect upon my realm. It is for their reason and their reason alone I step down this day.
The Last Free Ruler of Atamara,
Merlin Silverfire
Consul Regnant of Coria
Royal of Coria
Duke of Frekpotis
Margrave of Barad Falas
So ends the Kingdom of Coria.
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Oh no...another bundle of lies from Merlin? Poor Jason is really pissed off.
Letter from Jason Elegant (55 minutes ago)
Message sent to the Rulers of Atamara (14 recipients)
Esteemed Rulers,
Whatever King Merlin wrote to us just now was a bunch of lies. Here is what King Merlin just now claimed before all of us:
My purely honorable intentions were made out to be ones of betrayal and backstabbing of my greatest friends and allies of Coria.
And here is what he does behind our back:
If the timing works out, I could just ask King Kerwin to renege on his unconditional surrender, and we could have Coria join a new and united north and south against CE and Tara.
Are these honorable intentions towards allies?
King Merlin, if you continue to spread lies and accuse us that we misinterpreted you, then you are going to open up a whole new front of debate, just like what happened in the League. Your letter addressed to the rulers was a bunch of lies and I have enough proofs, even you know that I can prove it before all the rulers. I thought you are going to be honorable man towards your exit, but, as your letter tells, you are still spreading lies.
I could easily expose you here in rulers channel, but, I am not doing it. Don't try to take undue advantage of my silence in this channel.
Jason Elegant
Prime Minister of Cagilan Empire
Royal of Cagilan Empire
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Elegant, that doesn't even make sense. Kerwin isn't even King of Eston anymore?
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Elegant, that doesn't even make sense. Kerwin isn't even King of Eston anymore?
He's pulling from Merlin's private letters which were sent weeks ago.
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He's pulling from Merlin's private letters which were sent weeks ago.
Oh, like, you know, before the Phoenix Empire?
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Oh, like, you know, before the Phoenix Empire?
Yes, 22 days ago in fact.
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As a player I had mixed feelings about the Empire, on the one hand I thought it novel, I also was excited by the response of other players who genuinely thought it may change things. On the other hand however, part of me though it was merely an expansions of the current 'Alliance, peace, war, hatred' system already in place. To some extent is also seemed an OOC motivation to 'spice' up AT and remove the dominance of the Central Alliance.
IG-wise, I think Merlin has been just as guilty as Saeculo of underhand tactics.
First and foremost was using the opportunity to change the realm to a Monarchy from a Republic. Isolating not only an extremely close friend, but a fairly powerful one at that, was one of Merlins primary mistakes (although we've discussed this OOC in private between ourselves and I sort of see the reasoning). Either way, it came across as a power-play IG and was thus strongly protested against by some of the Corian characters.
The revelation of the Protectorate (Saeculo revealed such "private" letters only once Merlin disclosed existance of the Protectorate. After that, as it was no longer a secret organisation, and neither were its contents as far as Saeculo was concerned).
If Merlin was so determined not to harm the CE, why in private conversation amongst close friends did he openly state so?
Additionally, the choice IC to lie to various rulers (or not tell the entire truth) was perhaps the worst move. If this was presented to the CE as a "we want to strengthen the Empire even more by joining other realms together, and I may have to use deceit to do this" Merlin wouldn't have lost all the trust he has from his allies who suddenly see that he wants to weaken and attack them.
Additionally, Saeculo, and from what I hear, Ravendon both tried to give Merlin a way out before the majority of these revelations. He could have retired as Duke and still retained influence within Coria. Perhaps even gone away, reformed his plans and tried again. Now, I'm doubtful as to whether Coria's allies would accept such a character being in a position of influence.
It certainly spiced the game up (at least in Coria), so on an OOC level I'd like to thank you for that. IC, I doubt Merlin or Saeculo will ever be friends again in the same way they once were. Though I'll be interested were these suicide RP's end up!
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If Merlin was so determined not to harm the CE, why in private conversation amongst close friends did he openly state so?
I can't speak to the rest, but private conversation amongst friends is not an open statement.
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I can't speak to the rest, but private conversation amongst friends is not an open statement.
That is the main thing.
People in real life easily have crazy ideas and thoughts that they only voice with those they trust the most. They aren't really serious about them, but they need someone to talk them over with, and to just bounce ideas around as they come up. They may not actually want any of it, but if something comes up on the spur of the moment they might say it. Close friends won't be offended or want to change their view of you simply by a secondary thought thrown out there for consideration.
It helps to rationalize "how bad" a plan or idea is when they are able to put it to consideration by close friends.
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Additionally, Saeculo, and from what I hear, Ravendon both tried to give Merlin a way out before the majority of these revelations. He could have retired as Duke and still retained influence within Coria. Perhaps even gone away, reformed his plans and tried again. Now, I'm doubtful as to whether Coria's allies would accept such a character being in a position of influence.
He's pretty close to untouchable if he doesn't end up killing himself or voluntarily stepping down. He'll be a Royal, and thus unbannable, and he's a Duke. The options that do exist for getting rid of him are all somewhat painful.
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Postmortem:
Merlin had multiple objectives:
1. Make Coria a Monarchy and crown himself King.
2. Remove League support from Rieleston and destroy Rieleston.
3. Establish a diplomatic framework that encourages limited wars and prevent all-or-nothing realm-ending wars.
4. Decrease the amount of influence CE and Tara has on Coria.
All of these are sensible, if ambitious goals. Each of them should have been long term, multi-year projects. The fact that he pursued all of them at the same time belied an over-confidence that doomed everything from the start.
If he wanted to crown himself King, he first would have to be Consul for at least a year, while rebuilding his damaged relations with Jason and Ottar. More importantly, he needed to project an image of stability and competence (neither of which were on display in the past week). Eventually he could make the argument to Coria's nobility that they keep electing him, so they might as well crown him King.
If he wanted to destroy Rieleston, he first needed to repair his relationship with Jason, and convince Jason that Rieleston was a real and present danger to Coria. The faction that he completely neglected is Talerium, whose leadership also have good relations with Rieleston. More importantly, Talerium would be the ones who would value military access to BoM, and thus have a real incentive to be friends with Rieleston. I'd also like to point out that trying to destroy Rieleston is incompatible with goal #3. It's pretty hypocritical to talk about preserving realm sovereignty while secretly plotting to destroy a realm.
If he wanted to establish a diplomatic framework of any sort, he would need to (again) repair his relationship with Jason and Ottar. It's not strictly necessary, but getting CE and Tara AND Talerium on board with the plan would make things 10 times easier. Diplomatically isolating CE and Tara and Talerium, and then shaming them into accepting the framework, is theoretically possible, but seems like a moon shot to me.
If he wanted to free Coria from Cagilan and Tara influence, the only way to do that, I believe, is to betray the League and switch sides. (And like Perth said, it's a little too late for that.) Of course after that, Coria would be under Darkan and Makarian influence. There is just no way around it. If you are a realm in BattleMaster, you are always under some other realm's influence. A realm that thinks it does not need to answer to anybody tend to turn into a dead realm rather quickly.
Other mistakes:
Talking to every foreign ruler expect those of his own allies: This was interpreted as a snub directed toward his own allies. The other rulers also proved to be untrustworthy, and gleefully took the opening to assume control of the narrative. By the time Merlin was protesting about forgeries, it was already too late. All Jason, Ottar, et al., had to do to get their own nobles on their side was to ask, "Do you really want to put Merlin in charge of handling diplomacy for us?"
Having lost credibility, others began looking at Merlins actions instead of listening to his words. What they saw was:
* Phoenix Empire and Kingdom of Coria founded simultaneously.
* Phoenix design on new Kingdom of Coria banner.
-> Conclusion: Phoenix Empire equals Kingdom of Coria.
It wasn't so much that nobles were deliberately misinterpreting him. It was that nobles no longer trusted a word that Merlin says, and were drawing their own conclusions from his actions.
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I feel like that's pretty spot-on actually. Very similar to my thought processes on the various aspects to the situation. The only thing I question is why you felt Merlin had to repair his relations to succeed (assuming, of course, that the necessary time was taken for the other actions). It seemed like Jason at least was fine with Merlin until everything exploded inside Coria (which then rippled into the League). While I was Consul, I had a feeling things were rough between us and Tara, but until the Elost deal, the CE seemed to like us quite a bit.
I also know why he didn't approach his allies first: He expected them to do everything in their power to resist it. I think CE's initial reaction was fairly unexpected. I thought they'd instantly argue that there was no need for it.
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So... basically he needed CE and Tara's permission if he was ever going to be able to make an attempt to free Coria (and the island) of CE and Tara's domination?
That blows.
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So... basically he needed CE and Tara's permission if he was ever going to be able to make an attempt to free Coria (and the island) of CE and Tara's domination?
That blows.
Note, however, that CE was initially willing to grant it and Tara wouldn't even consider it.
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So... basically he needed CE and Tara's permission if he was ever going to be able to make an attempt to free Coria (and the island) of CE and Tara's domination?
That blows.
Calling yourself another Empire is always a bit tricky, but CE would have not really cared much in general if it wasn't for all the letters floating around about attacking Tara and other CE Allies and getting CE Dukes to secede from the Empire. Even then, a bunch of Nobles felt no desire to take any action until Merlin made the first move. Tara appeared more opposed to the matter then CE.
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Tara appeared more opposed to the matter then CE.
Tara was not opposed to the empire.
Tara (Ottar) is opposed to Merlin.
There is a huge difference. Even if they both meant the same in the end.
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Tara won't care if someone wants to leave from our League, it will be their choice. But if and when someone makes actions against us we will do something.
Merlin was able to get Coria out of League and Tara was ready for it but he did choose something else.
That new Empire could have been success but Coria did burn too many bridges and way too fast. You have to gain something before you can represent it to others, that takes time in Atamara.
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All you have is a list of letters taken way out of context. You don't understand the discussions taking place at the time or how they are meant to be received.
How is this mean to be received :" we could have Coria join a new and united north and south against CE and Tara."
And this one? : "Coria could manuever our ability to cut off our allies from reaching the Barony of Makar, and in addition one of the first acts of such an empire would be to influence CE to stand down in their plans to attack the Barony"
And this one, the biggest one?: "I also plan to try and convince one or more dukes to secede from Tara or CE to join the Empire with their duchies."
Don't make me do it again. This is not the League channel, so I am not going to give more details. These sentences scream betrayal.
*I* as a player am trying to be 100% honest when I say that my character had ZERO intention for CE to be harmed in any way with his actions.
Oh yeah...I know, I know. Look the above extracts from letters. Do they really mean that Merlin had ZERO intention? Someday someone will do the same to you, then maybe you could understand the pain of being back-stabbed and being lied to in face. At least do yourself a favor and retain your honor as a player by not lying on forums.
The only people who received a fully "truthful" version of this tale were his allies, (CE, Tara, Talerium, Strombran).
Yes, after doing all the Secret Ops with other rulers, finally, you remembered that you forgot to give a "truthful" version to the allies. Too bad, we came to know about your Secret Ops.
It is IMPOSSIBLE for you to tell ME what my "intentions" are. You don't know. So, don't call me a liar for saying that when you don't know what they are, and that I'm misrepresenting things.
Okay, so you mean that you never intend to do what you write in letters? The problem was, you were writing secret letters which contained things like taking away duchies, making deals with BoM and saving BoM and you are doing sweet talk in front of us. Then you were implementing things in such a way that it was impossible to misunderstand you and impossible to believe your words. We knew what you were up to. We don't have to sit inside your brain to know your intentions.
Once you lock Merlin into a public statement regarding his policy he will stand by it completely. To go against any public statement would deprive him of any honor. Yet, all of his public statements were simply disregarded. Merlin publicly stated on multiple occasions that he would NEVER under ANY CIRCUMSTANCE come into conflict with CE while he ruled Coria.
Merlin had lost all his honor and credibility as soon as those letters were out. Nobody would believe Merlin's sweet talks, whether in public or in private. A dishonorable man's words have no value, either in public or in private.
Finally, I would like to say, you broke our hearts. When we got the secret intel about Falsani, we alerted you. Then I again expressed concern when I got some more input. What do we get in return : plan to cut off duchies, save our enemies, kill our friend etc... You needed duchy? We could have helped you get several. I never felt so betrayed in my life.
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You are taking this *way* too personally.
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I'm really starting to be afraid of Ce & boys... If they are that serious about this game... we are screwd!
-Jaune
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How is this mean to be received :" we could have Coria join a new and united north and south against CE and Tara."
As I said this was taken out of context. Want to know what I was responding to? He was proposing a solution to a "What IF" scenario whereby Tara declared war on Coria and attacked us from the south. We were considering what the possible responses would be to Coria assimilating a fourth duchy. One possible outcome that was considered, is that Tara wouldn't like Coria becoming stronger so we would need to be prepared for this eventuality.
Is that statement betrayal now?
And this one? : "Coria could manuever our ability to cut off our allies from reaching the Barony of Makar, and in addition one of the first acts of such an empire would be to influence CE to stand down in their plans to attack the Barony"
Also taken way out of context. Did Raoul even give you the letters surrounding these, or only my letters? Merlin was trying to coordinate an agreement with Raoul whereby BoM would lose a duchy to Minas Leon, and use that lost duchy as a major concession by BoM to CE for the end of the war against the Barony. This would provide a legitimate platform for CE to work out harsh terms against BoM, but also benefit Coria at the same time. So yes, I would negotiate for BoM if i felt it would benefit CE, BoM, ML, and Coria from a long drawn out war and give Coria positive grounds.
Is that statement betrayal now?
And this one, the biggest one?: "I also plan to try and convince one or more dukes to secede from Tara or CE to join the Empire with their duchies."
I've already addressed this one in-game and will leave that in-game.
Oh yeah...I know, I know. Look the above extracts from letters. Do they really mean that Merlin had ZERO intention? Someday someone will do the same to you, then maybe you could understand the pain of being back-stabbed and being lied to in face. At least do yourself a favor and retain your honor as a player by not lying on forums.
Yes, Merlin had ZERO intention as I've been trying to make this clear. Read the context for those various letters, and you'll understand. Of course the characters in game have NO IC REASON to let you know what context they were written in. Why should they? It benefits them for Merlin to be taken down a notch. So they'll do what they can to pull off that end. It benefits them to pull letters from over 30 days previously and send them to you. I don't have the time or inclination to respond to 50 different letters to explain every single word taken out of context. Especially when Jason had those letters for weeks before revealing them to the League in an attempt to MAKE Merlin get out of line first. Jason set up Merlin the entire way. If he truly had a concern he should have addressed them with me privately as soon as he received the letters.
Finally, I would like to say, you broke our hearts..... I never felt so betrayed in my life.
I stand by the fact that you got played. I can forward you html saved copies of the entirety of all of Merlin's conversations to prove it, but I shouldn't have to. No one can contest the contexts which I've outlined here. Merlin would never betray the Cagilan Empire. But, his enemies convinced your character that he would.
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How is this mean to be received :" we could have Coria join a new and united north and south against CE and Tara."
This was very old. I believe this was before Merlin had even proposed the Empire to his inner circle. The intent, as I recall, was to save Eston in an attempt to fight Tara, not CE. If the CE portion was there (which it probably was), I'm amazed I missed it. I also believe this idea was shot down quite quickly since Eston was already beyond saving.
And this one, the biggest one?: "I also plan to try and convince one or more dukes to secede from Tara or CE to join the Empire with their duchies."
This, too, has a slightly different motivation, but the same overall appearance. Merlin was trying to have them leave voluntarily, offering the Empire as a safe haven. If the Duke didn't easily want to leave, Merlin said he would let it rest. The Empire was supposed to be open to all and defend even those splitting off of powerful realms from retribution. I don't think any Duke in either Tara or CE could secede even if they wanted to right now. They'd have four realms bearing down on them in an instant.
I will give you that "convince" was definitely the wrong word to use.
So yes, while these two letters do convey betrayal (that I will not contest), they are also absent of the context where they were either shot down or surrounded by much more reasonable thoughts. I would still expect CE and Tara to be against any secession even if their Dukes had wanted to and Merlin was just providing a way for them to make their move.
Silverfire (the player, not the character) is right in saying you cannot tell him what his intentions are. You can hazard a pretty good guess based upon that information, yes. Silverfire can also choose to lie about his intents... but that doesn't instantly validate our guess if we believe he's lying. For all we know, he could have been making these plans to bait out anti-CE supporters. It's unlikely, but the very same letters could do that job as well.
Elegant, please be the better man and just let it rest. Persecute Merlin's character in-game as you want. There's already enough information for people on the forums to decide for themselves what was going on. He's already considering leaving the game. Doesn't that indicate to you that he's suffered enough, especially on an OOC level?
I'm not saying he's innocent in all this, either. There's no reason for either of you to continue posting on this. It's flogging a dead horse. Neither one of you will convince the other to change their mind and everyone who uses the forums probably don't care anymore.
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You are taking this *way* too personally.
+1
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There's no reason for either of you to continue posting on this. It's flogging a dead horse. Neither one of you will convince the other to change their mind and everyone who uses the forums probably don't care anymore.
Okay. I won't make post on matter related to Merlin Incident; only until he posts anything.
You are taking this *way* too personally.
I play like this. It's all personal.
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Then you're doing it wrong.
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I play like this. It's all personal.
That's... yeah that's not okay man. Like, not at all.
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Scary poop. It might become quite a burden at some point... but enjoy while its fun :)
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I play like this. It's all personal.
I hope your characters never get into a romantic relationship with another.
That could get.... awkward.
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Okay. I won't make post on matter related to Merlin Incident; only until he posts anything.
Thank you. That is absolutely fair in my opinion.
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I play like this. It's all personal.
This is a game not real life. Does this mean you dislike Jaune because he is the Darkan ruler and fighting against you?
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You guys are taking the fact that he is taking things too seriously too seriously. -_-
(2meta4u)
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I personally enjoyed Merlin's attempt at a empire. I know I know im late in responding. Well to be honest I think we saw it's denial coming from the moment it was said. Im a bit shocked CE turned this down so fast... Hey I wanted it to work but I certainly had my doubts.
Whats cool is all the activity I saw cause of it. Wow thought most the the league just were drones. I saw a lot of talk woo I did. On another note I say this empire thing would of been interesting. Though I was thinking Hunger games for some reason. I mean Make CE the Capital, Tara District 2, then assign the rest accordingly. I'd prefer Coria to be 4 or 5 though, Darka can be Distrcit 13, Suville district 6.
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It was interesting to Coria teetering on the brink of civil war and in end with Merlin growing parodied. To bad no one wanted to jump on my RP's
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It's all good. Merlin's not dead yet.
In fact, he just got elected Judge of Coria.
:D
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Sadly the election didn't turn out better in Claudius's favor. I think his Rp's did a lot of damage to his image and it seems that the ghost of Falasan scares the Corian players "Lol"
I wonder if they look under their beds for a white rabbit before they go to sleep.
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Sadly the election didn't turn out better in Claudius's favor. I think his Rp's did a lot of damage to his image and it seems that the ghost of Falasan scares the Corian players "Lol"
I wonder if they look under their beds for a white rabbit before they go to sleep.
Ravendon does now, and has been for almost half a year. He usually is prepared to kill it, though.
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The Empire did look like a very cool idea. And who could be opposed to a return of that gorgeous bunny banner? Falasan was ace.
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It's all good. Merlin's not dead yet.
In fact, he just got elected Judge of Coria.
:D
Laszlo voted for Merlin. I bet Ravendon did too.
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I bet Ravendon did too.
I'll take you on that bet. 1% of your estate. :D
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I'll take you on that bet. 1% of your estate. :D
Done. No way Ravendon voted for Asleon anyway 8)
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Oh man, am I being asked to make my vote public?
Laszlo just lost a bet!
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Oh man, am I being asked to make my vote public?
Well, I didn't expect you to actually say who won the bet, so no. But, it seems I win! :D (Edit: It is worth noting, he didn't say who he voted for. He just didn't vote for my char it seems.)
Now, I just need Laszlo to finish RP'ing with me :(
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Truth be told, I really wanted to use the Marquee formatting... This was a perfect opportunity.
I'm actually trying to remember if I put Merlin in second (I really don't think so) or if I voted at all, but I know Merlin wasn't first.
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Well, I didn't expect you to actually say who won the bet, so no. But, it seems I win! :D (Edit: It is worth noting, he didn't say who he voted for. He just didn't vote for my char it seems.)
Now, I just need Laszlo to finish RP'ing with me :(
I'm on a business trip. My play time is minimal until this weekend. I will probably RP my arrival in Barad Falas on Saturday.
Also, I concede the bet.