Difference between revisions of "Ashrak Imperialist"

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|width=35%; align="center"| [[/About Us/]] || width=35%; align="center"| '''Journal Volume''': Spring of 18 YD || width=35%; align="center"| [[/Archives/]]
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|width=35%; align="center"| [[/About Us/]] || width=35%; align="center"| '''Journal Volume''': Summer of 19 YD || width=35%; align="center"| [[/Archives/]]
 
|+ '''Our Motto''': "''Subscriptions Are Mandatory!''"
 
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! width="30%" align: right; style="background: black; color: white"| ''Meditations'' Corner
 
! width="30%" align: right; style="background: black; color: white"| ''Meditations'' Corner
 
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| '''"The Ghost of Empire to Come - A Throne Above!"'''
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| '''"High Toprak at War - Finally!"'''
 
Empire,
 
Empire,
  
−
A new era looms before us to which we must seize and command. During the reign of our new Grandmaster we must construct the bulwark of our Empire. There are many things for us to build and many new ideas for us to promulgate. Seasons past I have discussed issues of identity and politics within the Empire. Now I would like to describe to you the vision we can achieve.
+
The ambitious realm of [[Summerdale]] declared war on the [[Libero Empire]] two seasons ago in the Winter of 18 YD. Their cause was simply to conquer the small realm and revive the glory of long lost [[Springdale (Realm)|Springdale]]. Many denounced Queen Charlotte Grancourt as a mad woman, greedy for land and power. Last season, in the Spring of 18 YD, Grandmaster Garad Jhaelen Irsei decided it was necessary for the Morek Empire to intervene with Queen Charlotte’s goals. In short time the region of [[Mt. Black Nastrond]] changed its allegiance from the Libero to the Morek Empire, and this season, the Summer of 19 YD, the region of [[Stratford]] followed suit. Both regions seek the protection and assimilation of the Morek Empire. These are the facts.
  
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Realms are comprised of many important elements, of which the Throne is the most important. The Throne is the centre of all machinations. The Throne dominates, dictates, and deliberates to all aspects of the realm. It is the difference between civilization and roguery. High Toprak is comprised of four Thrones. Previously I have argued the shift of power from the Temple to the Throne, always in attempt to steer us toward my vision of the future.  
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The war in [[Dwilight/High Toprak|High Toprak]] between Summerdale, the Libero Empire and the Morek Empire is a conflict of imperialism. One realm seeks to become an Empire, one attempts to defend an Empire, and the other stands to prove itself as an Empire. I am very pleased that the armies of Morek are marching to war. This will acquire more glory and experience for our soldiers and prepare them for a time when we too will boldly make the same decision as Queen Charlotte.
  
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Some of you may not be familiar with this concept and will ask, what does he mean by the Throne? The Throne is the power of the realm. It wields the army, the gold, the minds of the nobility, and determines the strength and success of the realm. A weak throne leads to decay and collapse, a healthy throne creates growth and victory. Nobles loyal to the Throne will put all efforts into contributing to its glory. Glory is the Throne’s greatest pursuit, for a Throne without glory is humiliating and impotent. Our Grandmaster sits on the Throne, but the Throne outlives the man. It also outweighs him. Should the man disobey the Throne he will be cast off and tossed to the dirt below. To oblige the Throne’s quest for glory is the paramount responsibility of a ruler.
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It would be contradictory of this polemic to condemn Queen Charlotte for her decision; mainly because the Ashrak Imperialist is an imperialistic polemic that promotes and encourages the value of expansionism and conquest every season. How could I condemn Summerdale for wanting to take over their neighbour when I laud my own Empire for doing the same? Conquest is the purest cause for war there ever was. Comparing this war to the Second Occidental War we find a great deal more sense and rationality. Where that had complicated treaty infringements and border rights, this simply has the intention of one monarch to remove the other and take their lands. Rather beautiful actually. So, in line with the values of this polemic, I will celebrate Queen Charlotte and say to her and her nobility that they are not in the wrong and that they should bolster their strength and offensiveness as much as they can. Rally up and take to the battlefield young Nifelian! The true Toprakian Empire awaits you.
  
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In our Empire the Throne sits in Muspelheim. Other thrones live in Mimer, or Springdale, or Nifelheim, but these are not Imperial Thrones. Why? Because they lack the same amount of glory attributed to our Throne. More than this, they are lesser Thrones who must come to kneel before the Imperial Throne of Muspelheim as the centre of High Toprak. The Morek Empire is the supreme power of the region and my vision for the future is for our realm to once again spread its wings and command!
 
  
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May our Throne reign High Toprak forever.
 
  
  
 +
|valign="top"| <u>'''''"Memorial to Winter Ironsides"'''''</u>
  
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|valign="top"| <u>'''''"One Year Later"'''''</u>
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[[Ironsides Family/Winter|Winter]] [[Ironsides Family|Ironsides]], Count of [[Lyton]], Hero of [[Hammarsett]] and viking of the Berserker army, died battling the forces of [[Coria]] in the region of [[Lothruin]], [[Atamara]] on the 1st of May 1012 (Atamara dating methods). More than all of this, he was the youngest son of the editor of this journal.
  
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One year ago I set out to print this journal with the hopes of affecting the hearts and minds of my peers in the Morek Empire. In a way, I believe I have. If I didn’t think so I would close up shop and move on to something else.
+
It is a difficult thing for the Demon of Dwilight to lose his son and so he dedicates this little corner of his polemic to the memory of that brave and true knight.
  
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So, in what ways has the Ashrak Imperialist changed the world (at least High Toprak)?  Well, first, since the journal has been espoused the Empire has seen a change in leadership. True, you could say that such an event was going to happen anyway. However, during the election period I noticed a use of language originating in this journal. My articles have been filled with words like “imperialist,” and “theocrats” and other such monikers that never before have been used in parlance. I have given the Empire terms to designate the attitudes of certain nobles to which they previously had none. That counts for something.
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<center>'''Winter Ironsides'''</center>
  
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Second, I have been elected as the Coffermaster of the Empire. I see this as a huge step forward for the Morek Empire in the fact that I, an imperialist and a “heathen” (according to the theocrats), can hold a position of governance in a theocracy. My mission with this title is to improve the Empire’s food share by linking it to allies and the greater trading networks of Dwilight. If I can accomplish this goal then the Empire has improved a smidge by my presence. And that is enough to prove faith is second to skill.
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<center>''Age:'' 30</center>
  
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So this solitary Imperialist is proof that anyone with a voice can make a difference if they try to. Use of force is a hard power. It is physical and sudden. Use of influence is a soft power. It is ethereal and subtle. I have gained nothing by printing this polemic. Or have I? There are lessons to be learned by the Ashrak Imperialist and I hope other minds akin to mine take the initiative to do the same. Your realms will improve just by virtue of you being there. The Morek Empire certainly has.
+
<center>''Honour:'' 66</center>
 +
 
 +
<center>''Prestige:'' 28</center>
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 +
If there was any noble on Dwilight half as worthy as my son the continent would be a glorious place. Damn you all! Damn you all to hell!
  
 
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! width="30%" align: right; style="background: purple; color: white"| The Fundamentals of Mysticism
 
! width="30%" align: right; style="background: purple; color: white"| The Fundamentals of Mysticism
 
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|-
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| '''"Interview With the New Grandmaster!"'''
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| '''"The Muspel Yarn Festival in the Spring of 18 YD!"'''
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It is this journal's pride and pleasure to have the privilege to interview our new Grandmaster, Lord Garad Jhaelen Irsei.
 
−
 
 
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<u>''Ashrak Imperialist:''</u> What is your opinion on Dwilight in its current state, on High Toprak?
 
−
 
 
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<u>''Grandmaster:''</u> As everybody knows Dwilight is split in four main areas each of them with its perks and characteristics.  In the past years we saw a boost in the civilization process everywhere and now our island is more similar to Atamara or East Continent, which is good basically, but I would not like it if the pioneering spirit faded as I'm sure mankind has something significant to do here. The fact that the three Bloodstars orbit above our heads is a sign of this and many things are yet to be discovered. Back to politics, I'd like to see more interaction and trades between distant realms but we've to be aware that travels are awful here, the Inner Sea has fixed safe routes unfortunately so as Morekians we have to focus on our quadrant, the Hight Toprak. For years this area was stable and rich but the recent wars between the two Queens of Sumemrdale and Libero open up new scenarios and Morek should be the protagonist of this change.
 
−
 
 
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Despite the civilization boost however, we witness a worrying trend: there are less and less High Toprakian Nobles. We're more efficient in maintaining regions and our Empire has never been so huge but what we lack is in our Noble base. So I'd push that the Nobles of High Toprak share the same objectives: that  this area become the strongest in Dwilight so we can extend our action world wide. The first step is to gather enough Nobles to fund a new realm in Flowrestown, then we can organize things so that we can travel and interact in each corner. We have the means to do this (the war against Caerwyn is a proof of that) we just have to believe in this objective and do not be lazy or else we will become obsessed with our petty local interests in the realm.
 
−
 
 
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<u>''Ashrak Imperialist:''</u>What is your opinion on the current state of the Morek Empire?
 
−
 
 
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<u>''Grandmaster:''</u> I'm extremely happy that there are young active Nobles. I consider myself a "bridge" in some way. Morek had a first generation of pioneers who did many great things. I belong to a second generation who was involved in the expansion under the guidance of our elders. I saw many wars, even a civil war and my youth was a continuous action with a sense of future, of growth. Now our duty is to inspire new objectives and to be wise enough to leave the command to the next generation in some years. To do so, our Nobles need more things to do than routine monster hunts.
 
−
 
 
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<u>''Ashrak Imperialist:''</u> What are your hopes and visions for the future of the Empire?
 
−
 
 
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<u>''Grandmaster:''</u> Well, see previous answers I'd say. What I want is a stronger Morek but not only in a military sense. I want the strongest culture and the expansion of this culture in each corner of Dwilight.
 
−
 
 
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<u>''Ashrak Imperialist:''</u> What do you consider concerns or roadblocks for the future of the Empire?
 
  
−
<u>''Grandmaster:''</u> The only roadblock I can see is ourselves, to be lazy and to depend on other initiatives. This is the reason that I always say we don't have to look at what is happening in other areas hoping that outer events give us something to do. We have to craft our destiny with our own hands, we've to be proud to Easteners.
+
Last season our Empire was entertained by a wonderful festival hosted by Marquis Martok Hallisun of [[Muspel]]. He challenged “the finest song writers, play-writes and exaggerators”…”to delight and bewilder the senses of Moreks nobility.” The competition offered prize money to the best stories, whether real or fabricated, chosen by the refined ear of Lord Martok himself. Third Place won 100 gold, second 250 gold and first place won 500 gold.
  
−
<u>''Ashrak Imperialist:''</u> Do you have any advice for the youth of Morek who dream of someday occupying your shoes when you retire?
+
Here are the tales:
  
−
<u>''Grandmaster:''</u> Yes, talk, act, throw initiatives, speak your mind, be proud to be a Morekian Noble: we're not rich peasants, we're Nobles, we've to seek important objectives. Be aware that I, the current Grandmaster, value ambition above else and I'm not "glued" to the throne.
+
* [[Ashrak Imperialist/Muspel Yarn Festival/Three|Third Place]]: "The Tale of Jessie Duron" by Lord Kyp Duron
 +
* [[Ashrak Imperialist/Muspel Yarn Festival/Two|Second Place]]: "The Story of Lady Ash" by Lady Abbigal Pike
 +
* [[Ashrak Imperialist/Muspel Yarn Festival/One|First Place]]: "Before the Sun Sets" by Lord Bowie Ironsides
  
−
Thank you Grandmaster Garad, may your reign renew the glory of the Empire.
+
Thank you Lord Martok! We look forward to your next festival.
  
  
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|valign="top"| [[Image:Da_vinci_wise.JPG‎|frame|center|<span title="Fundamentals of Mysticism; Lesson Six: Mysticism is a faith about exploring the nature of the cosmos as much as it is about improving your Soul’s station in that cosmos. Considering the mysterious and unreachable nature of many of its concepts we all too often find things too difficult to understand, or our desire to advance lacking. This is why the Mystery Cult has devised the Master-Apprentice relationship. Just as higher Souls assist us in promotion in the Hierarchy, either through the Soul Trade or other arrangements, so to must higher Mystics assist the juniors in comprehending all of the knowledge. There are so many dense topics to discuss and understand and a great deal of deeper truths that must be explained and applied. Therefore, we encourage a community aspect to the faith where a new initiate is taught by a well seasoned Soul. Also, within the Temple, we allow for debate and discussion on any subject without restriction so that all Souls benefit from the learning. This is drastically different than a religion that enforces ranks and positions of power. Only those with political clout earn the highest positions in those faiths. In the Mystery Cult, we are all peers. Those seeking to join the Mystery Cult must first find someone who is already a member. Then they must begin a discussion with the Master to prove their sincerity and quality of Soul. When the Master approves and invites the uninitiated to the Temple, the new Soul is ready to take the Oath and choose a new name. From then on they will build a relationship with their Master, and others, and pursue the goal of ascension." {{#ifeq:{{{dotted|no}}}|no||style="border-bottom:1px dotted"}} class="help">X</span><noinclude>]]
+
|valign="top"| [[Image:Da_vinci_wise.JPG‎|frame|center|<span title="Fundamentals of Mysticism; Lesson Seven: This question was conveniently raised during a time when I was mourning the heroic death of my own son. What happens to Souls when the vessel dies? There are many answers to this question, some outright contradictions, but the important thing to know is that the Soul itself can never be destroyed. If the body dies, the Soul has the opportunity to reenter Life in another body or to remain metaphysical. It gets more complicated when you ask this question to non-living things, like our perennial example of the rock. Rocks cannot die, but what if one was crushed to pieces? Does its Soul remain intact? Separated? The answer is that the Soul remains in the core of what the rock once was while the rest of its pieces become new vessels for other Souls. It is simultaneously the “destruction” of one vessel and the progeny of others. The Soul of the original rock always has the option, what we call volition, to resign from Life and return to Oblivion. If it remains active then it naturally pursues ascension in the Hierarchy of Gods." {{#ifeq:{{{dotted|no}}}|no||style="border-bottom:1px dotted"}} class="help">X</span><noinclude>]]
 
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<center>''The Demon of Dwilight Has Spoken!''</center>
 
<center>''The Demon of Dwilight Has Spoken!''</center>

Revision as of 18:58, 12 May 2012


Ashrak Imperialist Banner.JPG
About Us Journal Volume: Summer of 19 YD Archives
Our Motto: "Subscriptions Are Mandatory!"
Editorial Meditations Corner
"High Toprak at War - Finally!"

Empire,

The ambitious realm of Summerdale declared war on the Libero Empire two seasons ago in the Winter of 18 YD. Their cause was simply to conquer the small realm and revive the glory of long lost Springdale. Many denounced Queen Charlotte Grancourt as a mad woman, greedy for land and power. Last season, in the Spring of 18 YD, Grandmaster Garad Jhaelen Irsei decided it was necessary for the Morek Empire to intervene with Queen Charlotte’s goals. In short time the region of Mt. Black Nastrond changed its allegiance from the Libero to the Morek Empire, and this season, the Summer of 19 YD, the region of Stratford followed suit. Both regions seek the protection and assimilation of the Morek Empire. These are the facts.

The war in High Toprak between Summerdale, the Libero Empire and the Morek Empire is a conflict of imperialism. One realm seeks to become an Empire, one attempts to defend an Empire, and the other stands to prove itself as an Empire. I am very pleased that the armies of Morek are marching to war. This will acquire more glory and experience for our soldiers and prepare them for a time when we too will boldly make the same decision as Queen Charlotte.

It would be contradictory of this polemic to condemn Queen Charlotte for her decision; mainly because the Ashrak Imperialist is an imperialistic polemic that promotes and encourages the value of expansionism and conquest every season. How could I condemn Summerdale for wanting to take over their neighbour when I laud my own Empire for doing the same? Conquest is the purest cause for war there ever was. Comparing this war to the Second Occidental War we find a great deal more sense and rationality. Where that had complicated treaty infringements and border rights, this simply has the intention of one monarch to remove the other and take their lands. Rather beautiful actually. So, in line with the values of this polemic, I will celebrate Queen Charlotte and say to her and her nobility that they are not in the wrong and that they should bolster their strength and offensiveness as much as they can. Rally up and take to the battlefield young Nifelian! The true Toprakian Empire awaits you.



"Memorial to Winter Ironsides"

Winter Ironsides, Count of Lyton, Hero of Hammarsett and viking of the Berserker army, died battling the forces of Coria in the region of Lothruin, Atamara on the 1st of May 1012 (Atamara dating methods). More than all of this, he was the youngest son of the editor of this journal.

It is a difficult thing for the Demon of Dwilight to lose his son and so he dedicates this little corner of his polemic to the memory of that brave and true knight.

Winter Ironsides
Age: 30
Honour: 66
Prestige: 28

If there was any noble on Dwilight half as worthy as my son the continent would be a glorious place. Damn you all! Damn you all to hell!


The Morek Empire The Fundamentals of Mysticism
"The Muspel Yarn Festival in the Spring of 18 YD!"

Last season our Empire was entertained by a wonderful festival hosted by Marquis Martok Hallisun of Muspel. He challenged “the finest song writers, play-writes and exaggerators”…”to delight and bewilder the senses of Moreks nobility.” The competition offered prize money to the best stories, whether real or fabricated, chosen by the refined ear of Lord Martok himself. Third Place won 100 gold, second 250 gold and first place won 500 gold.

Here are the tales:

  • Third Place: "The Tale of Jessie Duron" by Lord Kyp Duron
  • Second Place: "The Story of Lady Ash" by Lady Abbigal Pike
  • First Place: "Before the Sun Sets" by Lord Bowie Ironsides

Thank you Lord Martok! We look forward to your next festival.


X
The Demon of Dwilight Has Spoken!
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