De Medici Family/Last Will and Testament

The Last Will and Testament of Emperor Alessio de Medici

I, Alessio de Medici, Suzerain Emperor of Luria, Patriarch of the Medici Dynasty, King of Sky Hall, Dux of Luria Ferrata, Aedile of Luria Ferrata, Legatus of Luria Ferrata, and Earl of Orz, being of sound state and mind, declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. I revoke all statements of my legacy preceding this.

SECTION I:

It is only right to nominate successors for my posts, though never should my wishes me law. I believe the next Emperor of Luria should be Suzerain King Bennet Selemnir. He is a diplomatic choice and is needed in the hours we find ourselves in. He has proven a close friend and a true ally. Not exclusively of me myself, but of the entire Empire. For the post of Dux and King of Sky Hall, I nominate my daughter’s husband, Praetor Ansil.

I name no heir to the Medici Dynasty and leave such an affair to be sorted out amongst my close kin, as well as more distant family. My wife, who at the time of this reading will be Empress Dowager Andrea de Medici, will act as their guide and mentor, making the final selection for the heir. This is a matter to be left exclusively to the family, away from the rest of the Empire until a selection has been made.

The Imperial Palace, built up from the Palazzo de Medici, will remain the sole property of my family. I had the Dux’s palace converted into a museum for the duration of my reign from my family estate, and with my death, it is to be restored to its prior role. If my successor as Dux of Luria Ferrata does not decide what to do with the artefacts within a week of succession, they are to be moved to my estate and preserved in our museum.

SECTION II:

In this part of the will, I directly address a number of individuals across the continent. My words will be public for all to see, given the nature of this letter.

My friend, Imperatrix Perdita Esotericus: I write you first of all for my admiration for you and your people outshine anything I have seen in my life. I have nothing but admiration and pride for you and your people, and the sacrifices you have made in the name of fixing injustices. I ask you only to continue your efforts in what is right, and to remind both you and your people that Sol is the noblest realm of all. The Republic of Sol should by all means be known as the Noble Republic of Sol, in honour of your efforts in the war. Nonetheless, may it come to a swift end favouring you. You have proved to be far more true a Lurian than many born in the heart of the capital. Never forget that.

Lord Regent Swordfell, Noiram Kah: You stepped up to stand for Swordfell in one of the most unfortunate times in history. For the short time that I have known you, you have proved only to be a magnificent servant of the realm. I need not ask a single thing of you, for I already know that you will always act in the best interests of Swordfell and of the wider Lurian Empire.

My friend, Pawl Paxwax: Perhaps you are surprised I would address you as a friend, but I would say I consider you such. It is alongside you that I met with the mighty Zuma. Such an experience is truly unique, it brings people together. I suggest only that you do not let fear hold you back. By all means, be fearful of many things, but do not let fear alone hold you. We have discussed numerous times my thoughts on your people and your realm, and I hope you find strong moral convictions. There is a lesson to be learned from Sol.

Queen-Mother Luarin: Despite Staedtler’s fade from public life, you will always remain a Queen-Mother to me. I know that whoever may come and go in Sun Hall will be treated as your very blood. I recall my stay there, even, and it was the most wonderful time - I do imagine how things would be if I stayed, sometimes, but I ask you only to continue to serve the realm as you currently have.

Raven King Helm: Do you know the difference between an error and a mistake? Anyone can make an error, but that error does not become a mistake until you refuse to correct it. This may prove relevant to the situation you are in.

SECTION III:

My final words are written below:

I propose that we build for eternity.