Fire Emblem: Last of the Manakete
- Thread starter SoaringHawk218
- Start date
- Fantasy
Barondoctor
The things I chase come to me.
- Location
- The other side of the mirror
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
Dragon!Ryza is an adorable puppy the size of a house that can play with boulders. This went great.
- Location
- Earth
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Let's face it, that genre of story is way more effective when it's being told at night, around a campfire, in a low voice, than it ever will when you're sitting in your room, reading it on an illuminated screen.
Barondoctor
The things I chase come to me.
- Location
- The other side of the mirror
- Pronouns
- He/His/Him
All the weird noises, the not-known location, the potential of there being something else there...they add to the sense of uncertainty and fear and danger, regardless of whether or not they're all entirely normal things for that part of the world at that time of night.
The kind that also pulls pranks.
Not very Ryza like either, unfortunately.
- Location
- Somewhere between here and there
Is this a ritual or a conga line?
Everybody doin' a brand-new dance now ...
- Location
- Earth
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I question whether they'd qualify as "enigmatic". Tricksters have their secrets, but they tend to be pretty open about a lot of stuff. Everyone knows Loki/Anasazi/Xelloss/etc are trying to screw with them for fun.
The enigmatic tricksters want you to think they have no secrets, of course.
- Location
- Earth
- Pronouns
- He/Him
If we're expanding "trickster" to include enigmatic individuals, we're also expanding it to include ones who pull pranks. Say what you will about Odysseus, Satan, and Monokuma—they don't play pranks.
Monokuma absolutely pulls pranks though. Most sane people just don't find them funny.
- Location
- Earth
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I suspect we have different definitions of "prank".
(That, or the impression of Monokuma I got from not playing any Danganronpa games is a bit exaggerated.)
(That, or the impression of Monokuma I got from not playing any Danganronpa games is a bit exaggerated.)
MiracleGrow
Miracles for only $19.99 [They/Them]
- Location
- DOOR STUCK DOOR STUCK PLEASE I BEG U
I finally caught back up! Ryza is adorable as always!
Dragon Ryza doing the sentinal's work out here. 🤣
Chapter 5x: The Emperor's Blade
AN: It might be a while before the next main chapter, so as a down payment here's a look at what the Regent and company are up to, as well as a bit of a warning about what might be on Ryza's horizon.
"Take care, for light is all the more visible at night."
-Trinicus Dreamseer
Sir Salvador Wyrmguard, former commander of the Wyrmguard and bereaved friend and retainer of the late Emperor Thaddeus Wyrmblood, walks through the halls of Grand Spire. His armored footsteps echo dramatically at his deliberately forceful footsteps, announcing his approach to everyone with a working set of ears. Sometimes, the noise irritated the man, but today he was glad for it, as it meant anyone who might have gotten in his way cleared out well before he had to direct them too.
It made everything so much quicker.
The marching juggernaut of steel and runic-enhanced silver stops as he approaches a set of ornate double doors, flanked by two guards and marked by a golden circle inscribed with countless names, each a member of the long line of councilors who had worked, often quietly and with little fanfare, to help their Emperors run the largest and most complicated nation the world had ever known.
The guards, even though they clearly recognize Salvador, cross their silver lances just as they'd been trained to. "What business have you in the Council Chamber?" one asks formally.
Underneath his helmet, the Wyrmguardsman smiles slightly. Even in these dark and confusing times, it was good to see that the soldiers of the Empire held to their discipline. "Our Emperor has commanded that I attend this meeting as his representative," he responds in an equally formal tone.
This was… arguably true. At least, young Emperor Thomas had vaguely nodded when Mellius, the current Commander of the Wyrmguard by virtue of being the young emperor's own retainer and closest bodyguard, had gently suggested that someone go and see how the Council was doing as they ruled in Thomas's name. The poor boy was getting better, but it was clear he was still grieving his father's death, and on some days he seemed almost as deep in shock as he'd been on that first morning, when Salvador had been forced to announce what he'd allowed to happen.
Of course, Thomas wasn't the only one still scrambling. Officially, Mellius should have been the one to attend this meeting, being the Commander and the Emperor's most trusted. However, not only was the younger guard loath to be more than a few steps from his charge, for fear that the same assassin who had stolen his father would return for the son, but he knew that he did not yet have the presence of the older Guards. Everyone had known that he would one day take the mantle of Commander, but Salvador had expected to have decades more to mentor Mellius before he stepped into that role.
Instead… they'd had almost no time at all.
Shaking himself from his musings, Salvador watches as the guards nod, uncrossing their lances. "The meeting has not yet begun, but enter, Representative," the senior guard says. Nodding respectfully to them, Salvador pushes the door open and enters.
"-has been an unmitigated disaster from the start!" a high, reedy voice was saying angrily. "With so many taken from the fields to march off to this war without any preparation or planning, we are already seeing a small but noticeable economic downturn in some rural-" Chamberlain Enos Hyatt was shaking a piece of parchment at the man standing by the window, staring out at the city and the Empire beyond. As the longest-serving member of the Council, Enos'd always felt willing to raise his voice when he thought others were being foolish. Especially when it came to money.
Hearing the opening door, Enos turns. "Who-" he starts angrily, only to settle down a little. "Ah, Com-apologies, Wyrmguard Salvador, it is good to see you."
"You as well, Chamberlain," Salvador said, removing his helmet respectfully.
As the older man slumps back into his chair, the path of his rant disrupted, Salvador looks around.
Leaning back in her chair, seemingly surrounded by shadows despite the fact that there shouldn't be any in that part of the room, was a young-looking woman. Of course, it was very hard to pin down the appearances of those who carried Fell Seals, so Medea could easily be years or even decades older than her beautiful, unlined face and silky black hair would suggest. Salvador's pretty sure she was, as her eyes were not those of a young woman. Cold and calculating, they were the eyes of a woman who ran the Empire's spy networks and counter-spy forces with ruthless efficiency.
Across from her, seemingly finishing a letter, was Grandmaster Gunther. Salvador had nothing but respect for the man's tactical and strategic skills, abilities that had elevated him to being the leader of all the Emperor's armies. True, he tended to lead from behind more than most generals, but Salvador supposed that there was some wisdom in that.
Sipping at a cup of tea, calmly watching the proceedings, was the newest member of the Council, Hierophant Wolsenly. While clearly an old man, needing a staff and walking slowly with a hunched back, the man's mind was still sharp. While Thaddeus had broken the pattern of switching between an Animist and a Sentinelite as the Empire's foremost religious authority in part because he was reaching out to the Divine Realm and wanted to show that their faith would be respected, he had been genuinely impressed by the Solite priest's quick wit and insight.
Everyone falls silent and looked up, however, as the man by the window turns.
Regent Justinian Threndeas, former Lord Chancellor (and still acting in that role, having never officially elevated a successor) walks to the chair at the head of the long table and sits down. "Sir Salvador," he says, nodding, "Welcome. How is His Majesty?"
Salvador sits down at the other end of the table, in the chair reserved for the Emperor or his representative. "He is well enough, my Lord," he says. "We go day by day."
"As we all must," Justinian says, nodding.
The knight looks around. "Is Master Cloudlance not joining us today?" he asks.
"Unfortunately, Master Cloudlance is no longer a member of this Council," Justinian says gravely. "He resigned yesterday, citing 'irreconcilable differences' over our attempts to uncover suspected information about the Emperor's assassination among the students of the Marble Hall."
Personally, Salvador thinks that idea's ridiculous. True, Thaddeus had been killed by magic, but the idea a student might have done it? Or even known anything about it? Ridiculous.
No wonder Master Cloudlance had resigned in protest.
However, as he was neither Commander nor Emperor, all he could do was nod slowly. "I see," he says. "His Majesty will be saddened: he has great respect for Master Cloudlance."
"As did we all," Justinian says. "However, in these times, it is important that we all stand together, so that the Empire may endure."
Medea clears her throat. "On that note," she says. "Your Highness will be glad to know that I have found a replacement, at least until tensions with the Hall can be smoothed over."
The Regent nods. "Excellent," he says. "Are they here?"
She nods back. "He should be arriving any moment, he said that he needed some time-"
Behind Salvador, the door opens, and he suppresses a shiver at the chilling aura that proceeds the mage in. A powerful one, then, and not the typical lightning mage for this sort of position.
"My most sincere apologies," an oily voice says. Turning, Salvador looks at the new Head Mage of Wyrmrise.
"I was caught up in handling a bit of business, but I am here now," the man says, bowing dramatically before looking around. "Zyvan Blackstaff, at your service." Sweeping his long black cloak behind him, he moves to sit next to Medea.
Wolsenly frowns. "Blackstaff…" he murmured. "Were you not removed from the Marble Hall for conduct unbecoming?"
If the shadow mage was offended, he gives no sign of it as he waves a hand dismissively. "Trifling details, good priest," he says. "Sadly, not all are able to appreciate the need to occasionally break some eggs to make omelets. Thankfully, my dear Raven saw the benefits of my abilities, and gave me a position in her organization, where I have served the Empire well."
The Hierophant glances at the spymistress, raising an eyebrow. She nods. "Zyvan is a talented and effective mage," she says, "with a talent for… subtle work. Perhaps most importantly in these times, he is very loyal."
Justinian nods slowly. "Very well, Master Blackstaff," he says. "I will see that you are officially instated as Head Mage after this meeting." The shadow-mage nods, a thin smile crossing his face in a way that made Salvador want to throw him out a window. As the Wyvern Lord fought that urge, the Regent looks around. "So, now that the Council is all present," he says. "We shall begin. Enos, do you have anything else to bring to my attention?"
The Chamberlain frowns. "Your Highness, I understand the need to punish those who are behind the murder of the Emperor," he says. "But… I fear that we are spreading our forces too broadly. Drawing too deeply on our reserves of treasure for mercenaries and calling up too many levies. If we are not careful, we might avenge our beloved Emperor Thaddeus, only to leave his son with a crumbling economy!"
Gunther frowns. "Despite what you might think, Enos, our efforts are focused," he says. "Other than the northern front, all other levies are merely in case our other enemies attempt to take advantage of the situation." Enos grumbles, but as the rest of the Council nods (though Wolsenly frowns as he does), he slumps back in his chair.
After a moment of silence, Gunther continues. "Since we are already on the topic," he says. "Shall I give my report on the progress of our efforts against the rebels in the north?" The Regent nods. "Very good. Now, for those who have not already heard, the Lord of Starhelm recently sought refuge in the Empire after he was deposed from his domain by rival rebel groups. He is willing to recant his disobedience to Wyrmrise and give evidence as to the connection between the so-called "Northern Kingdoms" and the efforts by the Divine Realm to assassinate Emperor Thaddeus, so long as we are willing to aid him in reclaiming his castle."
Salvador folds his arms, looking around the table. He had never been the most political of creatures, but he'd been to enough of these meetings with Thaddeus to sense the undercurrent of tension. There was something more going on here… "And has the Regent decided this is in the Empire's best interests?" he asks.
Frowning, the Regent steepled his fingers. "It is always in the best interests of the Empire to regain territory that has been lost," he said. "To restore the domain of Emperor Theodore to what it once was. Should rebels have the wisdom to bend the knee willingly, then it is our duty as the stewards of humanity to re-accept them, so that others might see the benefits."
The pair stared at each other for several long seconds before Hierophant Wolsenly sets his cup down. "Gentlemen, please," he said smoothly. "These meetings are so much more productive when we do not argue with each other. Especially when the good Grandmaster still has things to say, I believe."
Justinian nods. "Thank you, Hierophant," he says, gesturing to Gunther. "Continue."
"As we were already preparing a force to enforce our demand that those behind the assassination of the Emperor be turned over, it will be simple to divert some to restore our prodigal lord to his station. At the moment, the army of the Northlands Duchy is prepared, while reserves from elsewhere in the Empire are still mustering. However, the Northlands army should be enough to carry out this task, and from there we will be able to strike at any others who were responsible."
"Very good," Justinian says. "Master Blackstaff, do you have anything to report?"
The dark mage nods. "Unfortunately, my predecessor left a great many discontented mages and assistants in his organization," he says. "Despite his having left, there are still holdouts who listen more to the Archmage and his edicts than to the lawful commands of the Emperor's representatives." He gives a smile that was more baring of teeth than anything. "I will set about… reorganizing. Finding people whose loyalty will not be questioned."
"Excellent," Justinian says, even as Salvador raises an eyebrow. "Hierophant Wolsenly?"
The priest shakes his head. "I continue my efforts to find both sympathetic ears and witnesses within the Divine Realm," he says. "But while I have had some progress, at the moment there is nothing new to report."
"I see…" the Regent says. "Redouble your efforts." Strangely, he hesitates for a moment before turning to Medea. "Medea, do you have news on the rumors that I told you to look into?"
The woman grimaces. "I do," she says. "Though honestly, from how much it's been spreading, I needn't have bothered."
Salvador frowns: he hadn't heard anything about some big rumor going around… "What is it?" he asks. "What rumors?" Most of the other councilors nod as well, looking similarly curious, though Enos sighs and rubs his forehead.
"Surely that silly story isn't still floating around! I thought it would have gone away by now!"
The regent and spymistress glance at each other. "Unfortunately, this rumor seems to be true," Medea says icily. "I have corroborated it through multiple sources, and the Revisionists are making no effort to hide it. In fact, they seem to be reveling in spreading the tale."
The Revisionists? What did those dreamers have to do with anything?
As if reading his mind, Medea shuffles her parchments for a moment before pulling out several scrolls and passing them around. "As I'm sure some of you have heard, there were rumors from the rebelling lands in the southeast that there was a dragon that had been sighted," she says stiffly. "At the time, there was no evidence, and there were many other tasks that required attention. However… it seems that those rumors were true after all."
Salvador blinks, even his disciplined mind unable to comprehend what he'd just heard. "A… dragon?" he asks, unrolling the scroll as one was handed to him.
He wasn't quite sure what he expected to see. A written transcript of some spy's report, perhaps? A mage's treatise on the biology of dragons? Revisionist propaganda?
What he hadn't expected to see was an incomplete but recognizable sketch of a girl. She looked to be about nine or ten years old, with ridiculously long hair (how did she not step on that?!) and a fancy-looking dress with a cloak. While there was no color, there were some scribbled artist notes in the margins. Apparently, she was supposed to be blonde, and her cloak was intended to be an accredited mage's cloak!? She was also supposed to be drawn in a "friendly, childish, yet regal and intelligent pose." Thankfully for Salvador's brain, even the artist had seemed confused by that, as there were several question marks after that comment. Merely to look at it, this seemed to be some doting noblewoman's commission for a portrait of her beloved daughter.
There was, of course, one glaring difference. Or rather, two: as in, the two dragon's wings spreading from her back and lighting dancing behind her.
As he stared at the picture, Medea continued her report. "Those pictures were gathered from the workshop of several well-known and respected artists, depicting the dragon in its human disguise," she says. "The Revisionists, with the assistance of a disturbing number of nobles and other people of means, have been launching a highly successful propaganda campaign to attempt to paint this 'Ryza' in a positive light. According to the stories, it was discovered by a southern noble girl in the Icewall Mountains, rescuing her from bandits. Ever since, the dragon has sought to make a name for itself. It has made contact with the Revisionists, who of course were more than happy to assist it." The spy grimaces. "They were even able to grant it access to the Marble Hall in order to become a mage."
Master Blackstaff blinks. "…Really?" he said, his hands shaking as he stared at his own scroll. "I spend years of my life studying to become an accredited mage, then after one little experiment gone wrong I get expelled, and now they're letting dragons in?!" Crumpling up the parchment, he tosses it onto the table. "My dear Raven, do please tell me someone's doing something about this!"
Frowning, the woman reached forward, grabbed the parchment, and started working to un-crumple it. "While there are many of these floating around," she says darkly. "Please do not destroy my evidence. The more I am forced to confiscate, the more get commissioned."
The Regent lets out a long, slow breath. "So you do not think there is a way we could stop this campaign, Medea?" he asks.
She shakes her head. "No, I'm afraid not. The Revisionists were clever: they've clearly been working towards this for some time; building connections and laying a groundwork of support. They were also clever in finding the proper time: the Season has just begun, so right now countless young, impressionable nobles are going to parties and balls, and at those gatherings the stories of this dragon are being told and retold, growing in strength with each passing telling. We can, of course, work to put out a counter-message, to remind everyone of the dangers of dragons and the devastation they brought our ancestors, but the dragon and the Revisionists created a good story. A child, lost an alone in a world that's moved beyond her, rising to claim a place for herself? That's the sort of thing people eat up, especially with a cute face to attach to the story. If we were to try and shut it down, at best we would simply drive it underground to spread without our being able to track it. At worst, we would give it an even greater veneer of legitimacy."
As he looks at the picture again, Salvador has to admit that the Raven had a point. Those eyes… even without color, even in rough sketch form, there was a kindness, a spark in those eyes. The artist was a talented one. He wondered how close the real Ryza was to this picture. "So where is this dragon now?" he asks.
Medea grits her teeth. "I am… not certain," she grinds out. "I know that it was at the Marble Hall, and was permitted to take the accreditation exam, which it apparently passed with a stunning level of success. As soon as I learned of its presence, I sent agents to gather more information, and perhaps eliminate the creature before it could become more of a threat. Unfortunately, Archmage Stormspeaker seems to have fallen under its sway, as he had already helped it escape. It was briefly spotted in Peace Point, but I haven't heard anything since."
"It has likely returned to Agrithe," Justinian muses, his finger tracing along the lines of a report. "From the story, it seems that is where it's making its home, and it would fit with the parts of the story you've corroborated… We could shift some of our forces-"
"Your Highness, please," Enos says. "I understand that this is a grave concern, but at the moment, from the report I'm reading, this dragon… doesn't seem to be doing all that much damage. Perhaps it would be best to-"
The Regent slams a hand down on the table. "It is the principle of the matter!" he snarls. "Emperor Theodore Wyrmblood the First gave everything he had to protect humanity from the Fell Dragon and its ilk. All the struggles and trials our species has gone through since, many self-inflicted, were only possible because we were not exterminated a thousand years ago. Already, it seems far too many have forgotten, if they're commissioning portraits of the beast!" He takes a slow breath, trying to calm himself. "We are the scions of Wyrmblood. We are the descendants of the Fell Slayer. If we do not stand up to this dragon, who will?!"
There was a long minute of silence, during which Salvador looks around. Medea's shuffling her parchments, her mouth moving silently in a way that made the Wyrmguard pretty sure she was trying to put all the pieces of information she had together to figure out where this dragon was. Enos drumming his fingers uncomfortably, looking between the Regent and the picture in his hand. Master Blackstaff was seething, dark magic coiling around his fingers. Hierophant Wolsenly was looking more disconcerted than Salvador had ever seen him, staring at the picture in his shaking hands as if it could give him the answers to all the world's questions. Grandmaster Gunther, meanwhile, was simply folding his arms and frowning thoughtfully.
As for Salvador? On the one hand, if this was a dragon… well, the Fell War had been the single most devastating event in human history. Never before had humanity as a species been as threatened as when dragon and monster had united in an effort to wipe them from the face of the continent. However… he looked back at the smiling girl in the sketch… true, that picture had been designed to make her look friendly, but not all that was painted was false.
"It won't stay in Agrithe," Gunther grunts.
Everyone looked at him. "Explain," the Regent says.
"Reports placed some of the southern rebels, led by Artemis Cartese, among the force that took Starhelm," Gunther says. "Which means they intend to thwart us. The dragon will aid them: it must know that it is not strong enough to destroy the Empire on its own, since its Fell master failed a thousand years ago. So it will seek to use humans against each other, to prolong and expand the divisions among us. It will seek to prevent our victory in the North."
"You think so…" Wolsenly murmurs weakly, not taking his eyes from the picture. He barely seems to be in the room anymore.
Justinian, however, nods. "That does make sense," he says. "The dragon has sought to… thwart the Empire before. It's already sought to turn the Hall against us, it stands to reason that it would do the same on the other side of the continent." A cold smile crosses his face. "This gives us an opportunity to end this threat once and for all."
Master Blackstaff grimaces. "That will not be an easy task," he says. "Dragons were powerful, and this one will be no different. While I disagree with the Archmage on many things, he has an eye for talent, and his back is stiff enough that he would not allow it to wear a cloak if it did not have the skill to back its claims up, even to make a political statement."
"That is true," Justinian says, his eyes turning to Salvador. "However, thankfully, we have the solution to that problem." Standing, he plants his hands firmly on the table. "Wyrmguardsman Salvador," he says formally. "You may no longer be Commander, but you are without question the greatest Wyvern Lord alive today. Twice before, you have taken up the Fell Slayer itself and assumed the title of Emperor's Blade. Today, the Empire faces perhaps the greatest threat since the Fell War. Will you take up the sword once more, in the name of Humanity?"
Salvador took a deep breath, standing himself. "That is not something you can offer, Regent Justinian," he says firmly. "You may have the Banner and be permitted to elevate a Voice, but by law and tradition, only the Emperor himself can name a Blade."
The pair stared at each other for a long moment before Justinian nodded. "That is true," he says. "This meeting is adjourned. Wyrmguardsman Salvador and I are going to speak with the Emperor, so that he might see the Fell Slayer put to its original purpose once more."
A bane unique to your path forward appears.
As Salvador followed the Regent out of the council room, he forced himself not to sigh. Perhaps on his better days Thomas would have the will to stand up to Justinian's demands, but with how down he'd been today… Salvador got the feeling he'd be flying towards the Northern Kingdoms soon enough. He hopes he doesn't have to. Not only does he not want to lose another Emperor, but he still had many questions.
Something... is wrong, in the Empire.
Salvador shakes his head: he is loyal to his Emperor. To the son of his best friend. He will follow his orders, so that he might return to protect Thomas as he should have protected his father.
"Take care, for light is all the more visible at night."
-Trinicus Dreamseer
Sir Salvador Wyrmguard, former commander of the Wyrmguard and bereaved friend and retainer of the late Emperor Thaddeus Wyrmblood, walks through the halls of Grand Spire. His armored footsteps echo dramatically at his deliberately forceful footsteps, announcing his approach to everyone with a working set of ears. Sometimes, the noise irritated the man, but today he was glad for it, as it meant anyone who might have gotten in his way cleared out well before he had to direct them too.
It made everything so much quicker.
The marching juggernaut of steel and runic-enhanced silver stops as he approaches a set of ornate double doors, flanked by two guards and marked by a golden circle inscribed with countless names, each a member of the long line of councilors who had worked, often quietly and with little fanfare, to help their Emperors run the largest and most complicated nation the world had ever known.
The guards, even though they clearly recognize Salvador, cross their silver lances just as they'd been trained to. "What business have you in the Council Chamber?" one asks formally.
Underneath his helmet, the Wyrmguardsman smiles slightly. Even in these dark and confusing times, it was good to see that the soldiers of the Empire held to their discipline. "Our Emperor has commanded that I attend this meeting as his representative," he responds in an equally formal tone.
This was… arguably true. At least, young Emperor Thomas had vaguely nodded when Mellius, the current Commander of the Wyrmguard by virtue of being the young emperor's own retainer and closest bodyguard, had gently suggested that someone go and see how the Council was doing as they ruled in Thomas's name. The poor boy was getting better, but it was clear he was still grieving his father's death, and on some days he seemed almost as deep in shock as he'd been on that first morning, when Salvador had been forced to announce what he'd allowed to happen.
Of course, Thomas wasn't the only one still scrambling. Officially, Mellius should have been the one to attend this meeting, being the Commander and the Emperor's most trusted. However, not only was the younger guard loath to be more than a few steps from his charge, for fear that the same assassin who had stolen his father would return for the son, but he knew that he did not yet have the presence of the older Guards. Everyone had known that he would one day take the mantle of Commander, but Salvador had expected to have decades more to mentor Mellius before he stepped into that role.
Instead… they'd had almost no time at all.
Shaking himself from his musings, Salvador watches as the guards nod, uncrossing their lances. "The meeting has not yet begun, but enter, Representative," the senior guard says. Nodding respectfully to them, Salvador pushes the door open and enters.
"-has been an unmitigated disaster from the start!" a high, reedy voice was saying angrily. "With so many taken from the fields to march off to this war without any preparation or planning, we are already seeing a small but noticeable economic downturn in some rural-" Chamberlain Enos Hyatt was shaking a piece of parchment at the man standing by the window, staring out at the city and the Empire beyond. As the longest-serving member of the Council, Enos'd always felt willing to raise his voice when he thought others were being foolish. Especially when it came to money.
Hearing the opening door, Enos turns. "Who-" he starts angrily, only to settle down a little. "Ah, Com-apologies, Wyrmguard Salvador, it is good to see you."
"You as well, Chamberlain," Salvador said, removing his helmet respectfully.
As the older man slumps back into his chair, the path of his rant disrupted, Salvador looks around.
Leaning back in her chair, seemingly surrounded by shadows despite the fact that there shouldn't be any in that part of the room, was a young-looking woman. Of course, it was very hard to pin down the appearances of those who carried Fell Seals, so Medea could easily be years or even decades older than her beautiful, unlined face and silky black hair would suggest. Salvador's pretty sure she was, as her eyes were not those of a young woman. Cold and calculating, they were the eyes of a woman who ran the Empire's spy networks and counter-spy forces with ruthless efficiency.
Across from her, seemingly finishing a letter, was Grandmaster Gunther. Salvador had nothing but respect for the man's tactical and strategic skills, abilities that had elevated him to being the leader of all the Emperor's armies. True, he tended to lead from behind more than most generals, but Salvador supposed that there was some wisdom in that.
Sipping at a cup of tea, calmly watching the proceedings, was the newest member of the Council, Hierophant Wolsenly. While clearly an old man, needing a staff and walking slowly with a hunched back, the man's mind was still sharp. While Thaddeus had broken the pattern of switching between an Animist and a Sentinelite as the Empire's foremost religious authority in part because he was reaching out to the Divine Realm and wanted to show that their faith would be respected, he had been genuinely impressed by the Solite priest's quick wit and insight.
Everyone falls silent and looked up, however, as the man by the window turns.
Regent Justinian Threndeas, former Lord Chancellor (and still acting in that role, having never officially elevated a successor) walks to the chair at the head of the long table and sits down. "Sir Salvador," he says, nodding, "Welcome. How is His Majesty?"
Salvador sits down at the other end of the table, in the chair reserved for the Emperor or his representative. "He is well enough, my Lord," he says. "We go day by day."
"As we all must," Justinian says, nodding.
The knight looks around. "Is Master Cloudlance not joining us today?" he asks.
"Unfortunately, Master Cloudlance is no longer a member of this Council," Justinian says gravely. "He resigned yesterday, citing 'irreconcilable differences' over our attempts to uncover suspected information about the Emperor's assassination among the students of the Marble Hall."
Personally, Salvador thinks that idea's ridiculous. True, Thaddeus had been killed by magic, but the idea a student might have done it? Or even known anything about it? Ridiculous.
No wonder Master Cloudlance had resigned in protest.
However, as he was neither Commander nor Emperor, all he could do was nod slowly. "I see," he says. "His Majesty will be saddened: he has great respect for Master Cloudlance."
"As did we all," Justinian says. "However, in these times, it is important that we all stand together, so that the Empire may endure."
Medea clears her throat. "On that note," she says. "Your Highness will be glad to know that I have found a replacement, at least until tensions with the Hall can be smoothed over."
The Regent nods. "Excellent," he says. "Are they here?"
She nods back. "He should be arriving any moment, he said that he needed some time-"
Behind Salvador, the door opens, and he suppresses a shiver at the chilling aura that proceeds the mage in. A powerful one, then, and not the typical lightning mage for this sort of position.
"My most sincere apologies," an oily voice says. Turning, Salvador looks at the new Head Mage of Wyrmrise.
"I was caught up in handling a bit of business, but I am here now," the man says, bowing dramatically before looking around. "Zyvan Blackstaff, at your service." Sweeping his long black cloak behind him, he moves to sit next to Medea.
Wolsenly frowns. "Blackstaff…" he murmured. "Were you not removed from the Marble Hall for conduct unbecoming?"
If the shadow mage was offended, he gives no sign of it as he waves a hand dismissively. "Trifling details, good priest," he says. "Sadly, not all are able to appreciate the need to occasionally break some eggs to make omelets. Thankfully, my dear Raven saw the benefits of my abilities, and gave me a position in her organization, where I have served the Empire well."
The Hierophant glances at the spymistress, raising an eyebrow. She nods. "Zyvan is a talented and effective mage," she says, "with a talent for… subtle work. Perhaps most importantly in these times, he is very loyal."
Justinian nods slowly. "Very well, Master Blackstaff," he says. "I will see that you are officially instated as Head Mage after this meeting." The shadow-mage nods, a thin smile crossing his face in a way that made Salvador want to throw him out a window. As the Wyvern Lord fought that urge, the Regent looks around. "So, now that the Council is all present," he says. "We shall begin. Enos, do you have anything else to bring to my attention?"
The Chamberlain frowns. "Your Highness, I understand the need to punish those who are behind the murder of the Emperor," he says. "But… I fear that we are spreading our forces too broadly. Drawing too deeply on our reserves of treasure for mercenaries and calling up too many levies. If we are not careful, we might avenge our beloved Emperor Thaddeus, only to leave his son with a crumbling economy!"
Gunther frowns. "Despite what you might think, Enos, our efforts are focused," he says. "Other than the northern front, all other levies are merely in case our other enemies attempt to take advantage of the situation." Enos grumbles, but as the rest of the Council nods (though Wolsenly frowns as he does), he slumps back in his chair.
After a moment of silence, Gunther continues. "Since we are already on the topic," he says. "Shall I give my report on the progress of our efforts against the rebels in the north?" The Regent nods. "Very good. Now, for those who have not already heard, the Lord of Starhelm recently sought refuge in the Empire after he was deposed from his domain by rival rebel groups. He is willing to recant his disobedience to Wyrmrise and give evidence as to the connection between the so-called "Northern Kingdoms" and the efforts by the Divine Realm to assassinate Emperor Thaddeus, so long as we are willing to aid him in reclaiming his castle."
Salvador folds his arms, looking around the table. He had never been the most political of creatures, but he'd been to enough of these meetings with Thaddeus to sense the undercurrent of tension. There was something more going on here… "And has the Regent decided this is in the Empire's best interests?" he asks.
Frowning, the Regent steepled his fingers. "It is always in the best interests of the Empire to regain territory that has been lost," he said. "To restore the domain of Emperor Theodore to what it once was. Should rebels have the wisdom to bend the knee willingly, then it is our duty as the stewards of humanity to re-accept them, so that others might see the benefits."
The pair stared at each other for several long seconds before Hierophant Wolsenly sets his cup down. "Gentlemen, please," he said smoothly. "These meetings are so much more productive when we do not argue with each other. Especially when the good Grandmaster still has things to say, I believe."
Justinian nods. "Thank you, Hierophant," he says, gesturing to Gunther. "Continue."
"As we were already preparing a force to enforce our demand that those behind the assassination of the Emperor be turned over, it will be simple to divert some to restore our prodigal lord to his station. At the moment, the army of the Northlands Duchy is prepared, while reserves from elsewhere in the Empire are still mustering. However, the Northlands army should be enough to carry out this task, and from there we will be able to strike at any others who were responsible."
"Very good," Justinian says. "Master Blackstaff, do you have anything to report?"
The dark mage nods. "Unfortunately, my predecessor left a great many discontented mages and assistants in his organization," he says. "Despite his having left, there are still holdouts who listen more to the Archmage and his edicts than to the lawful commands of the Emperor's representatives." He gives a smile that was more baring of teeth than anything. "I will set about… reorganizing. Finding people whose loyalty will not be questioned."
"Excellent," Justinian says, even as Salvador raises an eyebrow. "Hierophant Wolsenly?"
The priest shakes his head. "I continue my efforts to find both sympathetic ears and witnesses within the Divine Realm," he says. "But while I have had some progress, at the moment there is nothing new to report."
"I see…" the Regent says. "Redouble your efforts." Strangely, he hesitates for a moment before turning to Medea. "Medea, do you have news on the rumors that I told you to look into?"
The woman grimaces. "I do," she says. "Though honestly, from how much it's been spreading, I needn't have bothered."
Salvador frowns: he hadn't heard anything about some big rumor going around… "What is it?" he asks. "What rumors?" Most of the other councilors nod as well, looking similarly curious, though Enos sighs and rubs his forehead.
"Surely that silly story isn't still floating around! I thought it would have gone away by now!"
The regent and spymistress glance at each other. "Unfortunately, this rumor seems to be true," Medea says icily. "I have corroborated it through multiple sources, and the Revisionists are making no effort to hide it. In fact, they seem to be reveling in spreading the tale."
The Revisionists? What did those dreamers have to do with anything?
As if reading his mind, Medea shuffles her parchments for a moment before pulling out several scrolls and passing them around. "As I'm sure some of you have heard, there were rumors from the rebelling lands in the southeast that there was a dragon that had been sighted," she says stiffly. "At the time, there was no evidence, and there were many other tasks that required attention. However… it seems that those rumors were true after all."
Salvador blinks, even his disciplined mind unable to comprehend what he'd just heard. "A… dragon?" he asks, unrolling the scroll as one was handed to him.
He wasn't quite sure what he expected to see. A written transcript of some spy's report, perhaps? A mage's treatise on the biology of dragons? Revisionist propaganda?
What he hadn't expected to see was an incomplete but recognizable sketch of a girl. She looked to be about nine or ten years old, with ridiculously long hair (how did she not step on that?!) and a fancy-looking dress with a cloak. While there was no color, there were some scribbled artist notes in the margins. Apparently, she was supposed to be blonde, and her cloak was intended to be an accredited mage's cloak!? She was also supposed to be drawn in a "friendly, childish, yet regal and intelligent pose." Thankfully for Salvador's brain, even the artist had seemed confused by that, as there were several question marks after that comment. Merely to look at it, this seemed to be some doting noblewoman's commission for a portrait of her beloved daughter.
There was, of course, one glaring difference. Or rather, two: as in, the two dragon's wings spreading from her back and lighting dancing behind her.
As he stared at the picture, Medea continued her report. "Those pictures were gathered from the workshop of several well-known and respected artists, depicting the dragon in its human disguise," she says. "The Revisionists, with the assistance of a disturbing number of nobles and other people of means, have been launching a highly successful propaganda campaign to attempt to paint this 'Ryza' in a positive light. According to the stories, it was discovered by a southern noble girl in the Icewall Mountains, rescuing her from bandits. Ever since, the dragon has sought to make a name for itself. It has made contact with the Revisionists, who of course were more than happy to assist it." The spy grimaces. "They were even able to grant it access to the Marble Hall in order to become a mage."
Master Blackstaff blinks. "…Really?" he said, his hands shaking as he stared at his own scroll. "I spend years of my life studying to become an accredited mage, then after one little experiment gone wrong I get expelled, and now they're letting dragons in?!" Crumpling up the parchment, he tosses it onto the table. "My dear Raven, do please tell me someone's doing something about this!"
Frowning, the woman reached forward, grabbed the parchment, and started working to un-crumple it. "While there are many of these floating around," she says darkly. "Please do not destroy my evidence. The more I am forced to confiscate, the more get commissioned."
The Regent lets out a long, slow breath. "So you do not think there is a way we could stop this campaign, Medea?" he asks.
She shakes her head. "No, I'm afraid not. The Revisionists were clever: they've clearly been working towards this for some time; building connections and laying a groundwork of support. They were also clever in finding the proper time: the Season has just begun, so right now countless young, impressionable nobles are going to parties and balls, and at those gatherings the stories of this dragon are being told and retold, growing in strength with each passing telling. We can, of course, work to put out a counter-message, to remind everyone of the dangers of dragons and the devastation they brought our ancestors, but the dragon and the Revisionists created a good story. A child, lost an alone in a world that's moved beyond her, rising to claim a place for herself? That's the sort of thing people eat up, especially with a cute face to attach to the story. If we were to try and shut it down, at best we would simply drive it underground to spread without our being able to track it. At worst, we would give it an even greater veneer of legitimacy."
As he looks at the picture again, Salvador has to admit that the Raven had a point. Those eyes… even without color, even in rough sketch form, there was a kindness, a spark in those eyes. The artist was a talented one. He wondered how close the real Ryza was to this picture. "So where is this dragon now?" he asks.
Medea grits her teeth. "I am… not certain," she grinds out. "I know that it was at the Marble Hall, and was permitted to take the accreditation exam, which it apparently passed with a stunning level of success. As soon as I learned of its presence, I sent agents to gather more information, and perhaps eliminate the creature before it could become more of a threat. Unfortunately, Archmage Stormspeaker seems to have fallen under its sway, as he had already helped it escape. It was briefly spotted in Peace Point, but I haven't heard anything since."
"It has likely returned to Agrithe," Justinian muses, his finger tracing along the lines of a report. "From the story, it seems that is where it's making its home, and it would fit with the parts of the story you've corroborated… We could shift some of our forces-"
"Your Highness, please," Enos says. "I understand that this is a grave concern, but at the moment, from the report I'm reading, this dragon… doesn't seem to be doing all that much damage. Perhaps it would be best to-"
The Regent slams a hand down on the table. "It is the principle of the matter!" he snarls. "Emperor Theodore Wyrmblood the First gave everything he had to protect humanity from the Fell Dragon and its ilk. All the struggles and trials our species has gone through since, many self-inflicted, were only possible because we were not exterminated a thousand years ago. Already, it seems far too many have forgotten, if they're commissioning portraits of the beast!" He takes a slow breath, trying to calm himself. "We are the scions of Wyrmblood. We are the descendants of the Fell Slayer. If we do not stand up to this dragon, who will?!"
There was a long minute of silence, during which Salvador looks around. Medea's shuffling her parchments, her mouth moving silently in a way that made the Wyrmguard pretty sure she was trying to put all the pieces of information she had together to figure out where this dragon was. Enos drumming his fingers uncomfortably, looking between the Regent and the picture in his hand. Master Blackstaff was seething, dark magic coiling around his fingers. Hierophant Wolsenly was looking more disconcerted than Salvador had ever seen him, staring at the picture in his shaking hands as if it could give him the answers to all the world's questions. Grandmaster Gunther, meanwhile, was simply folding his arms and frowning thoughtfully.
As for Salvador? On the one hand, if this was a dragon… well, the Fell War had been the single most devastating event in human history. Never before had humanity as a species been as threatened as when dragon and monster had united in an effort to wipe them from the face of the continent. However… he looked back at the smiling girl in the sketch… true, that picture had been designed to make her look friendly, but not all that was painted was false.
"It won't stay in Agrithe," Gunther grunts.
Everyone looked at him. "Explain," the Regent says.
"Reports placed some of the southern rebels, led by Artemis Cartese, among the force that took Starhelm," Gunther says. "Which means they intend to thwart us. The dragon will aid them: it must know that it is not strong enough to destroy the Empire on its own, since its Fell master failed a thousand years ago. So it will seek to use humans against each other, to prolong and expand the divisions among us. It will seek to prevent our victory in the North."
"You think so…" Wolsenly murmurs weakly, not taking his eyes from the picture. He barely seems to be in the room anymore.
Justinian, however, nods. "That does make sense," he says. "The dragon has sought to… thwart the Empire before. It's already sought to turn the Hall against us, it stands to reason that it would do the same on the other side of the continent." A cold smile crosses his face. "This gives us an opportunity to end this threat once and for all."
Master Blackstaff grimaces. "That will not be an easy task," he says. "Dragons were powerful, and this one will be no different. While I disagree with the Archmage on many things, he has an eye for talent, and his back is stiff enough that he would not allow it to wear a cloak if it did not have the skill to back its claims up, even to make a political statement."
"That is true," Justinian says, his eyes turning to Salvador. "However, thankfully, we have the solution to that problem." Standing, he plants his hands firmly on the table. "Wyrmguardsman Salvador," he says formally. "You may no longer be Commander, but you are without question the greatest Wyvern Lord alive today. Twice before, you have taken up the Fell Slayer itself and assumed the title of Emperor's Blade. Today, the Empire faces perhaps the greatest threat since the Fell War. Will you take up the sword once more, in the name of Humanity?"
Salvador took a deep breath, standing himself. "That is not something you can offer, Regent Justinian," he says firmly. "You may have the Banner and be permitted to elevate a Voice, but by law and tradition, only the Emperor himself can name a Blade."
The pair stared at each other for a long moment before Justinian nodded. "That is true," he says. "This meeting is adjourned. Wyrmguardsman Salvador and I are going to speak with the Emperor, so that he might see the Fell Slayer put to its original purpose once more."
A bane unique to your path forward appears.
As Salvador followed the Regent out of the council room, he forced himself not to sigh. Perhaps on his better days Thomas would have the will to stand up to Justinian's demands, but with how down he'd been today… Salvador got the feeling he'd be flying towards the Northern Kingdoms soon enough. He hopes he doesn't have to. Not only does he not want to lose another Emperor, but he still had many questions.
Something... is wrong, in the Empire.
Salvador shakes his head: he is loyal to his Emperor. To the son of his best friend. He will follow his orders, so that he might return to protect Thomas as he should have protected his father.
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Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
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God DAMNIT
Okay, this is getting out of hand, because it really does feel like any time we take a Bane, we get absolutely flattened. I even let people talk me into taking one because otherwise it'd be boring!
This? This was not a "Bane Unique to your Path", it was that And a "A Shadow Moves Beyond your Sight"
Since it was leveraged into the Regent now getting full control over the Emperor while his one decent protector is sent to kill us.
Like, since we got hit with effectively two Banes for the price of one, do we get another Boon or something? Because shit was bad enough when apparently Wyrmguard was delaying the more flagrant power grabs of the Regent, and now he's being thrown into having to kill us or die trying, and both outcomes are bad because the Regent has all this time as the one with sole control over the Emperor now.
Medea also confirmed for being an Agent of the Conspiracy I guess, since it was implied she's close to ageless and this isn't "Unknown", and Fell Seals are presumably what are called Dragonstones, which tells me she's a Dragon in disguise or at least an agent working on behalf of whatever set the Manakete off in the first place. She also managed to whip out an expelled archmage from out her ass in short order, and also apparently gets to ignore the OODA loop because despite how fast we're moving, she's gotten information that we were in Peace Point not too long ago despite using actual teleportation magic to get there in time and then high speed flight.
God DAMNIT
Okay, this is getting out of hand, because it really does feel like any time we take a Bane, we get absolutely flattened. I even let people talk me into taking one because otherwise it'd be boring!
This? This was not a "Bane Unique to your Path", it was that And a "A Shadow Moves Beyond your Sight"
Since it was leveraged into the Regent now getting full control over the Emperor while his one decent protector is sent to kill us.
Like, since we got hit with effectively two Banes for the price of one, do we get another Boon or something? Because shit was bad enough when apparently Wyrmguard was delaying the more flagrant power grabs of the Regent, and now he's being thrown into having to kill us or die trying, and both outcomes are bad because the Regent has all this time as the one with sole control over the Emperor now.
Medea also confirmed for being an Agent of the Conspiracy I guess, since it was implied she's close to ageless and this isn't "Unknown", and Fell Seals are presumably what are called Dragonstones, which tells me she's a Dragon in disguise or at least an agent working on behalf of whatever set the Manakete off in the first place. She also managed to whip out an expelled archmage from out her ass in short order, and also apparently gets to ignore the OODA loop because despite how fast we're moving, she's gotten information that we were in Peace Point not too long ago despite using actual teleportation magic to get there in time and then high speed flight.
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It sounds like the shady ass mage was "A Shadow Moves Beyond your Sight", if we're taking his description as a shadow mage as a direct reference. It might be the spy mistress, but she seems like a fixture to begin with and the shadow mage was explicitly dug out from the spy network to take his place as Head Mage.
edit: And honestly having Wyrmguard guy sent after us was potentially an exacerbation of deliberately spreading Ryza's story on top of the bane.
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Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
"A Shadow Moves" is basically "The Villains get an additional move and advance their Master Plan an extra step". The Emperor was always going to die, but because we took A Shadow Moves then, he died at that period of time instead of later on.
Here, they managed to leverage "A Bane Unique to your Path" into throwing a top level asskicker in our path, but effectively also got to benefit from a Shadow Move by removing the one guy who was keeping the Emperor from being absolutely a rubber stamp for the Regent. The only good move is that we've confirmed that our plays with the Revisionists can no longer be countered except through brute force (Which they seem like they're not quite ready to take the step to do just yet, but if they've still got Dragons in their pocket, they'll probably unleash them when there's time to spare just to remind the world why Dragons are to be feared and killed on sight).
I wonder if the World at Large Receives Good Fortune then is "The Emperor actually tells the Regent to fuck off because he thinks Ryza is cute, and so the Conspiracy has to throw an actual important asset into checking her instead of just getting two moves for the price of one." And we just missed that bit because the bit we've received ended on a cliffhanger. Because otherwise, this is going to further chill the effects of people taking Banes if they're consistently far worse than the benefits we get from any Boons.
Here, they managed to leverage "A Bane Unique to your Path" into throwing a top level asskicker in our path, but effectively also got to benefit from a Shadow Move by removing the one guy who was keeping the Emperor from being absolutely a rubber stamp for the Regent. The only good move is that we've confirmed that our plays with the Revisionists can no longer be countered except through brute force (Which they seem like they're not quite ready to take the step to do just yet, but if they've still got Dragons in their pocket, they'll probably unleash them when there's time to spare just to remind the world why Dragons are to be feared and killed on sight).
I wonder if the World at Large Receives Good Fortune then is "The Emperor actually tells the Regent to fuck off because he thinks Ryza is cute, and so the Conspiracy has to throw an actual important asset into checking her instead of just getting two moves for the price of one." And we just missed that bit because the bit we've received ended on a cliffhanger. Because otherwise, this is going to further chill the effects of people taking Banes if they're consistently far worse than the benefits we get from any Boons.
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This isn't that different from having Renais leveled in Sacred Stones or whatever, with an accompanying cutscene of all the bosses you're going to have to fight over the next twenty chapters. Calm down a little, it's not the end of the world, we're still early on in the story...
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
Isn't this more "The Black Knight rolls in on Chapter 6 and you have to actively fight him off? Except he's a top level Wyvern Lord on top of having T4 gear and presumably Wyrmslayer weapons and is actively coming after you instead of sitting tight and only striking back if you're dumb enough to take a swing at him first?"
Seriously, I really hope we get some context that makes this look a lot less "Banes are twice as bad as Boons are at a minimum", because the last time we took a Bane, the Emperor got ganked early. This time we took one, and we got what's apparently the strongest fighter in the Empire loaded to kill us, specifically, and knows where we're going, and at the same time it's making it so that the Regent will have total control of the Emperor as well, since he won't give it back afterwards when the Conspiracy can just have a laser ninja gank him at some point and leave us holding the bag for killing a national hero.
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Yeah, I think this'll be tough, maybe something that is best worked around rather than confronted directly, but it's not the end of the world.
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
ughhh
I know you're all right, but this is why I feared taking any Banes. It really feels like they're far worse than any Boon, given how it apparently took several Boons working together with intent and focus to get the same impact that a single Bane seems to have on the plot.
I hope the full chapter gives us context that makes this feel a lot less like a disaster than it is.
I know you're all right, but this is why I feared taking any Banes. It really feels like they're far worse than any Boon, given how it apparently took several Boons working together with intent and focus to get the same impact that a single Bane seems to have on the plot.
I hope the full chapter gives us context that makes this feel a lot less like a disaster than it is.
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Also even when this guys shows up in the Northern Kingdom, I don't imagine there's only ever gonna be one battle at a time he can just easily roll up to and 1v1 Ryza. He's gonna have to find her, and she's gonna be surrounded by friends and allies. He's not an assassin so I'm not too worried about being one shot out of nowhere by a dragon bane weapon.
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I mean, this guy is hoping Ryza isn't actually a threat, he sees how kind she seems, etc etc. And Ryza isn't the only one around, and, etc etc. If you want to you could read plenty of character cues that he'd be a recruitable in later chapters after being an antagonist for a few (like the Black Knight, in fact). It's not like he's an implacable wall of Fuck You, he's a real human bean (fictional, in Minecraft).
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Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
No, but the Conspiracy will absolutely have him Die By Laser Ninja if they get a shot at it so they can pin it on us.
He's also a Wyvern Lord, so chances are that he can chase us down unless we go Full Dragon, but Full Dragon Ryza is easily led by the nose.
No, he's hoping she is a threat, because that's the only way it'd justify him leaving the Emperor alone with the Regent and his cabal, but he's doing it regardless. He just might feel a little bad if he's just ganking a relatively innocent child, but he'll still do it without much in the way of hesitation.
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At this point I think you're getting too deep in the weeds of all the possible worst case scenarios and should try to stop.
These are potentially useful possibilities to consider but let's not get too stuck in them.