AN ADDRESS FROM THE EMPEROR

[vivalamods]

AN ADDRESS FROM THE EMPEROR

[A number of Flotsam ships have been called to monitor the seas and airs surrounding The Vault ever since the revelation of its location to the Empire. When another address is announced, everyone gathers in tense silence around their radios to hear what the Emperor will say about the discovery and the capture of their allies.

The Emperor speaks again before a crowd of his favorite soldiers and the full lineup of generals. This time, extra Honor Guard stand watch near the Emperor and his esteemed guests- several High Priests and the Pope of the Church of the Divine. Way in the back of the crowd, Odilo's eldest son, Hans, sits in a gloomy silence.]

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. I bring you news of the Corsairs' inevitable defeat!

["Bring forth the prisoner!" someone yells in the background. The sound of metal chains rings out and a thump, as a Corsair is thrown to the ground before the Emperor.]

Behold! Our search for the traitor Odilo Durst has brought us a far greater prize!

[There's a soft murmur of curiosity from the crowd. A small croaked laugh can faintly be heard and a quiet, "Sorry guys. Not dead yet though." To the Corsairs who know him, they will recognize Emery's voice over the radio. His next weak laugh is cut off by a sharp thud. "Silence!" The guards see to it he is knocked out again.]

One of the Corsair's false gods lies in chains at my feet! Never again will this creature terrorize our empire with his blasphemous rhetoric. Let this be a reminder that those who worship the false old religion will be re-educated by force or eliminated entirely.

As I speak, our greatest scientists and the esteemed leaders of the Church of the Divine are studying this vile creature's evil energies. One day, we will purify it, and put his ether to use for the expansion and safety of our Empire!

["Take it away," the Emperor tells the guards. There's some rustling and thumping as the guards drag Emery away from the scene.]

There is more: Odilo Durst's location lead us straight to one of the Corsair's hidden safeholds. As I speak, our troops are preparing to overtake the island and drive them out of their hole.

The Empire's gratitude goes to Hans Durst. You saw your father was lead astray from righteousness and returned to your Empire. As promised, you will live the life of nobility that your father so foolishly abandoned, and I give you opportunity to restore the honor to your family's name. Your grandfather would be proud.

To our spiritual leaders, who so nobly worked alongside the bounty hunters I sent to the coordinates Hans Durst gave us, I thank you again for bringing me such a bounty of gifts. All hail the Ever Powerful Divine!

[Hail! the soldiers reply.

The Bounty Hunters involved go without any honors despite doing much of the heavy lifting to sneak into Corsair territory. Few aristocrats hold any true respect for them, regardless of their strength. They are, at the end of the day, another type of lowly servant.]

Citizens, you will not wait long to see a world free from the Crimson Corsair stain. Look forward to the celebrations to come after our destined victory!

[The crowd cheers, loud as ever, and within a minute their cheers turn into repeating chants. Long live the Empire! Long live the Empire! Long live the Empire!

The Corsairs turn away from their radios, many with a hard resolve down in the pits of their stomachs. "Let's send out our own message!" many of them decide. Several had anticipated this and had already set up the transmission equipment.

"They haven't reclaimed the Lower Isles." "The Vault will not fall into Imperial control!" After the three leaders of the Corsairs have spoken, the most powerful and renown of the Corsair ranks are greeted by expectant looks and gestures towards wherever the nearest transmission equipment is sitting.]


[ooc: The comment section is open to characters' private and/or publicly announced reactions to the Emperor's speech and the battle ahead, and/or any interactions that happen between PCs at the time.]

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[theriflespiral]

"Citizens of the Empire. This is the Voice of Bluvink, calling from the Vault.

"Your chains are long, and your hearts are iron.

"Let it be known, the Vault still stands.

"Let it be known, the world is not for one man, no matter how long his grip, to hold forever.

"His Imperial Folly would have you believe his wealth unlimited, his army unstoppable, his fortress impregnable.

"I say to you, citizens: If he is so infallible, why did he need to recover Odilo? If he is inevitable, why is he grown ever more rabid?

"His grip already slips. His heart already falters. Isolated from the world, he has lost sight of Heaven, and lost sight of the people.

"Thus, always, go tyrants.

"But what of you? The citizens of the Empire, the hearts of the Corsairs, you now have a choice: A choice between uncertain life, and certain death.

"Let ice fill your hearts, for what must be done.

"They cannot stop all of us. They cannot stop all of you.

"They no longer have the power."

There is a brief pause. The calm voice of before fades, into--

"SCREAM YOUR FURY! For your friends! For the family they ground into meat, for a few extra moments of joy! For the people whose lives we saved! LET YOUR FURY SHOW!"

"For, rest assured, citizens:

"We remember you.

"And I shall wear a scarf of scarlet."