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AN ADDRESS FROM THE EMPEROR

[Following the New Year’s attack, the Empire’s airspace has been locked down tightly. There hasn’t been much information from the Isles Above, even Elysium is mostly empty, save for those who were there during New Year and have been barred re-entry for a time. Once again, travel is beginning to flow, but with it, the Corsairs have managed to intercept a major, public broadcast.]

Citizens of the Empire, hear me and attend. This is Emperor Cladius Varschein II, appointed by the Divine, lord of all Esthere above and below. Citizens, today we stand at a crossroad of history. Our beloved Empire, whole and pure, unsullied by the divisions of man that plagued the lesser societies of our forebears, in perfect harmony with the will of the Divine and blessed with unending prosperity, is once more under threat. The Crimson Corsairs, murderous villains of the highest order, have brought their arms to bear against our beloved land. They have plundered our wealth, murdered our people, and spewed their venomous false ideologies upon our pristine shores.

Beloved citizens, I know in your hearts that you believe as fervently as I in the Divine’s plan. It is we who ended the Dragon Lords, and with them united the world under one culture, one language, and one purpose. The Corsairs seek, as ever they have, to divide our peoples, turn our beloved citizens against each other, and cast down all that we have built. Will we allow it? No!

[In the background, the roar of assembled soldiers echoing “No!” reverberates through the audio feed.]

In the wake of this attack, the Empire shall make things right. We are deploying soldiers throughout the Empire to keep the peace. Citizens may be called upon to defend their loyalty before their protectors, an honor to any who walk within our blessed lands. These measures will allow our beloved citizens to sleep easily at night. Further, I am here today declaring the Crimson Corsairs an Enemy of the People. The full force of our unstoppable army will be brought to bear to eradicate these sniveling worms. We will drive them from their holes, cut them down where they stand, and execute their survivors before the masses. Only through their blood can our sacred nation continue its path to peace and prosperity.

IMPACT

Due to the results of the mission, the following changes have occurred.

Advancement: The Crimson Corsairs continue to grow in strength, the relative power scale for PC Corsairs has increased. In general, Corsairs now hit with the force of 1.5 cannonballs, and can resist the force of 1.5 cannonballs.
Threat Level: The Crimson Corsairs are now regarded as Threat Level 1. The Empire will be consistently attacking the Crimson Corsairs moving forward, while this may come up in main plots it can be expected for any Player Plot to run into some kind of Imperial resistance no matter where it takes place. Due to these changes, all Villain characters will be expected to post a unique log, either as part of the main plot or some brand of player plot every month going forward. There will always be some kind of circumstance in which they would be active and encounter the Corsairs.
Starting Notoriety: All Corsairs now start with 500 Notoriety. If your character has not yet reached this level of Notoriety in total Notoriety, including expenditures, you may make a note in your Notoriety comment and set your Notoriety total to 500 (in other words, 500 - however much Notoriety you have already spent). Villains who convert into player characters will receive 750 Notoriety to account for having run several player plots during their time as villains.

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From:

vivalamods

From:

relentless_sentinel

There's a Nephenee with a giant bag of popcorn listening to this garbage.

She passes it over to the next person.

"As usual, we're the bad guys. Sooo, it's a day endin' in 'Y'?"

Look, this isn't the first time she's been an enemy of The State, as it were. She's not as bothered by this as she probably could, or should, be.

Edited Date: 2025-02-01 06:55 am (UTC)

From:

freearcadia

Meanwhile Harlock was passing through, mentally formulating a checklist, finding that the speech was filling many he had heard before.

"Not a new experience for you either?" He gives the faint of a tilt of his head.

From:

theriflespiral

Natalia stands at attention for the whole address and says nothing, even carefully standing back from her counter. We, of course, listen to our Emperor.

And we do not speak of secrets we do not understand.

Information is all.

Internally, however, behind the eternal mask, lies a cynical, frozen heart. She even salutes. Properly.

Wannabe soldier? Sure.

But anyone who did not know of her role knows her as a loyalist.

Personally, however, while this increased the pressure, she was left... unimpressed. A show of force at the capital. A speech. Very nice, very angry, very much an appeal to the levers of power the Emperor held.

And while imperials were hardly a paper tiger... A fact she had learned quite painfully...

It was while they appeared strongest, that structures were at their most brittle.

... Risky as it was, it might be time to expand Penguin.

From:

frost_and_shinies

Kaitlyn's face of concern is not visible in public. She faces the address. She salutes.

And she wonders what Natalia is thinking, until the moment she is able to slip around into the back.

From:

theriflespiral

One of the cashiers exits from their break. Natalia nods, and heads back, and shuts the door.

"So. Fancy speech. He brought his own cheerleaders. All that was missing was the military parade, yes?" She lowers the Ether stove so as not to burn the kettle above it. "Truly, I have heard many such. A speech worthy of a Tsar."

Likely, by now, Kaitlyn has figured out Natalia's opinions on royalty-- at least, behind closed doors.

From:

frost_and_shinies

"Hasty, that's what I got from it. He wanted a show of force fast, thus no time to arrange a parade. He wanted to respond fast. So he did. If he keeps responding fast, it'll start to undermine itself."

From:

theriflespiral

"He already is. Air traffic is locked down, and has remained so for weeks." She hums. "There's only so long you can do that, though."

From:

frost_and_shinies

"The funny thing is, he could salvage this. But he won't. I know enough of my world's history to know the pattern. He'll double down, and the tighter his grip is, the more water leaves his hand."

She pauses. "... And for someone like me who uses water, sorta, a lot. Well. I was going somewhere with this line I think."

From:

theriflespiral

"He could make concession to the mass, but his levers of power are not there-- it would be seen as a betrayal by the nobility," Natalia agrees. "And water flows and stops where it will."

She blinks. "Right. I should. Show you."

She hunts for a radio station that is actually playing music. This... Isn't hard to find, considering some of the easiest ways to jam communications on a band is to have a lot of information on it, and music recordings are as good as anything else. Arguably better if they're propaganda.

She remembers blood on the snow.

She taps her finger on a counter to the beat, and rime starts to form around her hand, and then she draws it up. It's-- about as destructive as such little amounts of ice usually are, but it's also moving, fluidly, with the beat and melodies. "It's starting to work. Thank you."

From:

frost_and_shinies

"... A new start," Kaitlyn says. "... Your ability takes a vastly different form than what I've seen, but even back home that wasn't too odd."

She observes. "... Just don't overdo it, you know? Especially if it can be a surprise for a future problem."

From:

theriflespiral

She nods and even that little lapse of concentration poofs the ice in all directions, covering her uniform in powder snow that soon evaporates. She cusses. "It shall be a while in any case."

From:

frost_and_shinies

"True. I'm more worried about your body freezing in a way that causes harm, given the, erm, different nature of my own abilities."

From:

upupatomway

Atom listens to the radio with a serious expression, closing his book and leaning in towards the speakers. He remains quiet for the duration of the speech, and if anything he seems focused and determined while listening to The Emperor's voice. But when the speech comes to an end, and the soldiers and others in the live audience cheer, his expression shifts to something worried and heavy.

From:

purplexing

Is he surprised that the Emperor's twisted their intents around? No, it shouldn't be. But hearing the words of the supposed Emperor himself makes Donnie feel cold. Had they done something right? Were they making things worse? He's...not sure.

This is why they fight, to end the lies that people buy into. But so many, oh so many believe in that lie, and Donnie knows it's just a fraction of them that he can hear cheering their benevolent ruler in the background of the broadcast.

It feels like an iron weight in the pit of his stomach, sapping all the warmth from him even as he stands close to one of the forges in the Armory. Things are just going to be more difficult...but giving up isn't an option. Not after they've done this much.

But that doesn't mean he isn't scared.

From:

freearcadia

Harlock perhaps was jaded, there is a certain way that he's listening - inattentive at a first glance, but the way his eye flicks at certain words or the faintest crease of his lips. He had heard such speeches before, though the Prime Minister lacked the Emperor's force of will, relying on subliminal messages and apathy.

Like those ones he had heard before, his mind focused more on the difficulty that these propaganda broadcasts would have, but he could sense the tension, not just from Donnie but from others.

"The fact he even has to make such a speech... and bring in his own -" Harlock pauses, trying to figure how best to translate a certain term. "Cheer team shows the Emperor is unsettled."

From:

purplexing

"If that's him unsettled, then I'm not sure I want to see how he is when he's the opposite," Donnie says carefully. "I'm...not sure how to feel about it. It's like they weren't taking us seriously before. Somehow it still doesn't sound like the Emperor is, like we're just seen as some kind of pests."

From:

freearcadia

"It's certainly not a good thing if your enemy starts to actually pay attention," His brow furrows - memories flitting to the front of his mind despite himself, of an alien queen who had initially dismissed him as a mere pirate. "But it does mean you are having an effect, even if at the moment he is not treating us as seriously as he should."

There's an easy confidence in how he says it, though his expression remains as firm as before. "It does change things, we can't be so cavalier," The man almost wince remembering Shu's admonishment, as he glances over Donnie, studying him for a moment.

From:

purplexing

Donnie makes a face. "I don't know, eradication and executions sound pretty serious..."

Would they be hunted down now? He'd already had concerns that the Imperials might have found his family, but what if they hadn't, and what if it's because of him that they actually do?

He sinks down to sit on the bench, rubbing at his arms despite the warmth of the room, and it's probably not an unfamiliar look on his face for anyone who's been around him enough. His brain's already churning out possibilities, how this might change things, what-if's and could have's, how what you'd thought was the worst thing you'd ever experienced might in fact not actually hold a candle to something you never thought to entertain...

From:

freearcadia

He pauses, his expression softening as he sits down... right, not everyone here has his experience - he had become rathered jaded... how long has it been since he became an outlaw?

"They are serious - and the idea can be rather frightening." Harlock admitted as he closed his eye. "And it is not shameful to have that fear," Others have so much more to lose.

From:

purplexing

How can anyone not be afraid of that? But then he's seen some of the Corsairs, how bold and fearless they could be. He knows a lot of people seem so at home on a battlefield, so maybe having someone targeting anyone associated with the side you chose for death isn't really anything new. And it's not like death hasn't been a possibility even in the missions they've partaken in. So...is this really all that different?

Donnie glances up at Harlock almost hesitantly, wondering if the pirate even has such answers. He sighs, shoulders sagging with the rest of him.

"So...what do we do with this information?" he asks instead. Information is easier to deal with. Information is something that can be applied to potential problems. Reassessments of protocols, making changes to training habits and workloads... Maybe he should cancel that planned trip back home.

From:

freearcadia

He mulls over the question, recalling bits of conversation. "If you are in contact with your family and they are not loyalists, give them a warning - what kind depends on what you believe is best in making sure they can make plans to get themselves safe."

With that, he continues, trying to recall his own experience, and things he has read in history books. "We observe - the Emperor did not go on by himself, he had people cheering - that is often a way for tyrants to look like they have more support. In reality, most people do not have that strong of an opinion of their government unless it affects them personally." People can be great... but they can be oh so frustratingly apathetic.

"This means while they are after us, having to make this announcement means they are on the defense. We can then observe where they are moving, and what specific things they are saying about us... it will give us insight as to their priorities and what they are afraid of."

From:

purplexing

The turtlekin's expression tightens a little as Harlock mentions his family. Had it been so clear on his face? His eyes drop down towards the ground. "...I'm not. I was going to see if they were still where I thought they would be, but..." Should he risk it? The Imperials don't seem the sort to patrol the forests outside of Elysium without any real cause. Donnie's brow furrows as he starts to consider options. Originally he'd thought of making use of the speedy little sloop he and Shu had acquired during their cattle liberation activities, but maybe it'd be better to just go by foot from Elysium. Or would that be more dangerous now?

He sighs, somewhat frustrated but at least it's a little better than his earlier hesitance. Something to think about.

At least Harlock gives him something more to digest. He sees the captain as someone with experience in these sorts of matters, so he listens closely to what the man might have to say about it. They're good points, and for someone information-oriented like Donnie, a good way to alleviate the initial panic by breaking down the details into another perspective.

"Okay," he says, nodding slowly as he makes mental notes.

From:

freearcadia

"Do what you think is best, but if your mind is paralyzed - trust your instincts, it is smarter than you think." He leans back, resting a hand over the right half of his face.

"We can do it. The Empire is massive but it full of smaller, moving parts - parts we already show we can wreck."

From:

purplexing

Instinct... He can't help for the slight face he makes then.

Donnie's never been particularly good with that. He's more prone to overthinking things, he's never been particularly good with trusting his gut because his head always insists on having more information.

"That's true. It's...like I said when we made the broadcast in Bluvink. The Empire likes to think its worth is in its external appearance, but they don't care much about the inner workings that keep the rest of the machine functioning."

From:

thirdtenkaistar

Thomas was in Elysium with Lord Lowma, playing ever the dutiful secretary to the man as the speech continues, his eyes cautiously scanning the crowd - most were listening with rapt attention, while others whispered rumors more wild than the last.

It seemed like most were receiving the broadcast positively much to his disgust, but seeing the unguarded eyerolls, hearing some scoffing - even a particularly bold elf mockingly mouthing along help settled the riot of butterflies in his stomach.

"So, Thomas..." The Lord started as he puts a hand on the young man's shoulder, and it took all of his self-control not to jump out of his skin. "I wonder what kind of ungrateful fools would attack the very pillars of our society?" The man asked almost conversationally.

"Well... ma-ma-malcontents... I suppose?"

Edited Date: 2025-02-02 01:13 am (UTC)

From:

harlequinchimera

Oki was listening from a favorite quiet location - a lonely radio that the chimera carried to a small room, overlooking Senshi's kitchen.

She was listening, eyes closed, a journal book and pencil on the space before her. For all of her considerable bulk, she was quite relaxed there, kneeling in the relative gloom.

She took notes in the language of her homeland, her penmanship experienced, and her long-nailed hands were as steady as a neurosurgeon's.

* Emperor Cladius Varschein II

Statements indicate a strong theosophical bent, strong state religion or at minimum tacit association with such.
Associated with divinity? Likely.
Goes out of way to associate Corsairs with violent criminal activity.
This indicates that violent acts against the Empire must be precise and focused - acts of terror will be met with propaganda, and will likely fuel sentiment against the Resistance.
It might be good tactics to build as much or more than we destroy.
Statement implies increasing military presence, likely increasing or replacing civilian law enforcement.
Watch for false-flag operation. Emperor and senior officials likely to cause major backlash if assailed or removed.
Suggested focus is on morale and on materiel.

She looked up from her brief notes and thought.

And smiled.

"This place gets more like Rome every day."

From:

testygirl

[ Aira tunes in at her work desk while trimming some fabric. She doesn't mind too much that Elysium has been quiet; it's a lonely kind of atmosphere, but it's also easier for her to focus on work.

Once the speech is finished, she takes to the Ether-Net on audio. ]

What a bitch.

Has anyone called dibs yet on smashing that guy's face in?

From:

upupatomway

I imagine the leaders of the Corsairs are already competing for that opportunity.

[ If the Corsairs were to win the war, it could be almost anybody in the right place at the right time though. ]

From:

testygirl

[ A good point from her favorite smartypants kiddo. Also, yeah, it really would depend on—

Oh. Oh, no. He just heard her say a bad word, didn't he? ]

Y-Yeah, that's true. I suppose it would be fair to give them the first shot at it.

... Uh, and um, can you forget what I just called him? I normally don't say nasty, uncouth words like that!

[ The biggest liar to ever lie, right here. ]

From:

upupatomway

[ Atom chuckles over the feed. ]

It's okay! I've heard far worse.

[ He's been called worse. Anti-robot humans were brutal. ]

From what I understand, this is the kind of situation where that kind of language is warranted. The Emperor is a terrible person and he's actively telling lies to the people right now, so it makes sense to get angry and express it.

[ He was programmed to favor polite or childish vocabulary, but he sees no reason to judge someone for speaking foully when it isn't harmful to others. ]

From:

testygirl

Excuse me, what? Who are these heathens who've been swearing in front of you?!

[ Aside from the obvious, Aira? She sounds kind of appalled in spite of the obvious hypocrisy. ]

From:

upupatomway

[ Atom skims over countless memories saved in his mind for curses and quickly starts to narrow down top contenders. Looking at the memories he shared with the bigger potty mouths, he reaches a total number of curses and the top curser of them all. ]

In total, Inspector Tawashi has cursed the most times. Usually when he's disgusted with a violent criminal, frustrated by a setback, or just grumpy and tired.

From:

testygirl

[ Again, it's easier for Aira to assume that Atom acts a bit like a robot rather than actually being one. And that he's just a wunderkind or something. ]

Hmph. Maybe he should inspect the underside of my heels. Like, with his face.

From:

testygirl

... Wait, so you work with the police on cases and stuff? I knew you were smart, but that's pretty amazing.

From:

upupatomway

Please don't. He'd arrest you for assault.

[ Atom laughs though. His sister would be equally quick with a snide remark about the Inspector when his sour attitude reared its head. ]

I'm not officially affiliated with them. I just help on occasion. It's not like I can do fingerprinting on the spot.

[ He's no advanced detective robot like Gesicht. ]

From:

testygirl

I can get away with things like that. Because I'm cunning, and incredibly adorable.

[ Sounds like she'd get along with his sister! Together they'd probably be terrors. ]

That's still amazing, though. They'd better appreciate that you're willing to help, those potty-mouthed stinkers!

From:

upupatomway

[ Atom laughs uneasily. ]

In the Inspector's case, your luck might depend on how grumpy he is that day.

[ Although... If Uran could give him enough of a headache to back off a little, maybe Aira could too. He'd probably go easier on a human girl, now that he thinks about it. Inspector Tawashi still made snide remarks about robots, but humans he could be soft toward. ]

I don't really need credit- it's worth it to help people. And there are others working at the department who are a lot more friendly than the Inspector, so it sort of balances out.

From:

testygirl

Here's something else that's amazing about me: I make my own luck, too.

[ Aira has, of course, never suffered for her overconfidence. Not even once! ]

But gosh, you really are too sweet for this world, you know that? This one and the one you came here from. I think you know who to come to if there are any more grumps who give you trouble.

From:

upupatomway

Your confidence is super cool! You sound like a hero on television.

[ What was that line from the fantasy star battle movie? "Never tell me the odds!"
Atom laughs and rubs the back of his neck, feeling bashful at the praise. ]

Usually I can handle them, but I appreciate the help!

[ Half-unintentional lie. He can handle danger just fine but he can be a total pushover in social situations sometimes. ]

Would it be too bold of me to call you Aira-neesan?

From:

testygirl

[ Oh, god, he's encouraging her. At least there's a limit to how poorly this could end; Aira is quite responsible when she puts in the effort to be, and boasting aside, she's going to be on her best behavior whenever Atom is around. ]

Oof, what a charmer. A real hero doesn't just talk the talk, though! She has to take action, beat the bad guys, and protect everyone most of all.

[ She pumps her fist resolutely in the air. Which he can't see, but whatever. ]

As your awesomely cool nee-san, I pledge to always uphold those values and fight on for freedom!

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