NationStates Jolt Archive

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To the rulers of all nations,

His Imperial and Most Catholic Majesty, Andreus I, Emperor of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria, conveys his warmest and most filial greetings to you all, and invites you to attend him at his Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator, the seat of the Imperial Government of Pantocratoria.

The Emperor promises to graciously receive your envoys and to welcome all visitors with gifts of splendid peacocks, the national animal of Pantocratoria, along with modest trinkets of gold and jewels. His Majesty hopes that your envoys will find his hospitality to be most pleasing, and promises that your envoys will want for nothing. It is the hope of all citizens of Pantocratoria that friendly relations will in this way be established between the Imperial Government of Pantocratoria and the rest of the world.

The Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator is located in New Rome, the capital of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria. Upon their arrival, your envoys will be introduced to the members of the Imperial family, and taken on a tour of our modest but growing empire, visiting such magnificent sites as New Constantinople, and the Exarchate of New Jerusalem.

In order to minimise custom delays, please instruct your envoys to bring no Harry Potter books. Please also instruct them to remain clothed at all times, and to not participate in any immoral activities, especially gambling.

Warmest and most sincere regards,

ANDREUS I IMP. PANTOCRATORIA

An enormous piece of bark falls out of the sky into the capital city near the Imperial Palace. In huge though fairly decent script it reads:

Greetings, and polite respect to the rulers of your country.
I have some questions I must ask.
First of all, the no clothing rule. I am over fifty feet tall and in any case
have no external genitalia, as I am a dinosaur. Will I still have to find some kind of clothing if I would like to visit?
(It would have to be me who visits as the other more intelligent dinosaurs here are likely to regard people as prey as they have discovered that they are easy to kill)
Secondly, I am not precisely sure what you mean by 'immoral practices'.
Thirdly, how many peacocks will each guest receive? I am very hungry.
However, I would like to add that I will be hoping to make some kind of friendly alliance with your country, as mine is a new nation.
Yours in frank sincerity
The Big Dinosaur

Dinosaurs are welcome, but in the interests of public decency, you will be provided with a dinosaur sized tie to wear around your neck. The immoral activities the Imperial Government would particularly like you to steer away from are gambling, and eating our citizens. Peacocks will be presented to all guests, and since we have them running all over the place, you're more than welcome to a few of them, although we recommend plucking them and eating them roasted rather than just swallowing them whole.

*the return address is Jurassic Park, Island of Isla Sorna*
A day later a pteranodon flies over the city and drops another piece of bark.

To His Majesty the Emperor

I found a copy of a book on etiquette and know the proper addresses now.
I am very pleased that your Majesty is so kind as to let me visit--most people simply scream and run away when they encounter my people, or try to capture them. I will be coming soon--some of my velociraptors recently captured a freighter and I will be coming by means of that. I will, if you don't mind, swim ashore since the raptors are more than likely to make a nuisance of themselves otherwise.
You need not worry about any gambling on my part, as I regard gambling as a waste of time.
Respectfully
The Big Dinosaur

If you can stand the Ambassador's obscure jokes (we can't) The United Socialist States of Renard will happily send him.

We welcome the Ambassador of the United Socialist States of Renard, and so long as he keeps his pants on, his Harry Potter books at home, and himself out of the gambling dens and casinos, we shan't object to his obscure jokes.

An introduction to the Imperial family of Pantocratoria

His Imperial and Most Catholic Majesty the Emperor Andreus I
The Emperor Andreus I is the ruler of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria, and has been for all his adult life. He is now in his mid-fifties (56), and is a pious Christian, like all good Pantocratorians. The Emperor takes an active interest in the social well-being of his people, and consults daily with his chancellor and the rest of the Imperial Government, whose members he appoints and dismisses at his discretion. The Emperor is a widower, his wife the Empress Theodora having recently passed away.

His Imperial Highness the Prince Andreus, Despot of New Constantinople
Prince Andreus (currently out of the country), is the eldest son of the Emperor Andreus I. Although the eldest son is not necessarily the heir to the Imperial throne, Prince Andreus is the heir apparent, as indicated by the Emperor granting him the title "Despot of New Constantinople". Emperors of Pantocratoria have traditionally appointed their nominated heir to the despotate of New Constantinople, the second largest city of the Empire, so that the heir can gain rulership experience. Prince Andreus is 23 years old, and unmarried.

His Imperial Highness the Prince Constantine, Minister for Public Safety
Prince Constantine is the second son of Emperor Andreus and the late Empress Theodora. He is 19 years old, and holds the portfolio of Minister for Public Safety, a position in the Imperial Government which gives him control over the Imperial Police, amongst other responsibilities.

Her Imperial Highness the Princess Anna
Princess Anna is the lovely eldest daughter of the Emperor Andreus and his late wife Theodora. She is 17 years old, and will hold no official position in the Imperial Government until she reaches the age of majority ( 18 ), although she has already developed a rabid taste for politics.

Her Imperial Highness the Princess Theodora
Named after her mother, Princess Theodora is the second daughter of the Emperor Andreus. She is 15 years old, and has been the centre of a recent controversy after the Imperial Confessor forbade her to accompany the Imperial Family into the Sanctuary at Mass on the major feast days. To a deeply spiritual people like the Pantocratorians, this is deeply concerning, and there is a lot of speculation as to what exactly the young princess did to earn such a harsh penance.

Her Imperial Highness the Princess Zoë
The Princess Zoë is the youngest child of the Emperor Andreus and his late wife the Empress Theodora, at 13 years old. She generally stays out of the public eye, which is understandable at her tender age, although she accompanies her family at Imperial functions like Mass on the major feast days, or other ceremonies.

His Imperial Highness the Prince Basil, Chancellor of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria
The head of the Imperial Government and president of the United Christian Front party, Prince Basil is the brother of the Emperor Andreus I. He is the day to day ruler of the Empire, and is 49 years old.

Her Imperial Highness the Princess Irene, Minister for Cultural Development
Another member of the Imperial Government, Princess Irene is the sister of the Emperor Andreus I, and is 51 years old. Her most recent act as Minister for Cultural Development was to ban Harry Potter books, which she described as "A scourge on the culture of Pantocratoria's youth. Our children need only one book - the Bible!". Princess Irene is unpopular, and some have described her as excessively pious, to the point of being an unreasonable zealot.

The People's Republic of Marimaia would like to send a permanent ambassador to Pantocratoria, if you'll have him. Our nations may not agree on everything, but that is no reason not to have a productive relationship.

If you are willing to accept him, he and his staff will be with you soon.

Ryou Li, Minister of Foreign Relations.

The Holy Empire of Pantocratoria would be overjoyed to host a permanent ambassador from the People's Republic of Marimaia, and hope that this posting is the beginning of a long and true friendship between our two nations.

Once your ambassador arrives, we will take him and the other envoys on a tour of our Empire.

Ambassador Akito Sheng has just confirmed his safe arrival in Pantocratoria, and is looking forward to settling in.

We welcome Ambassador Akito Sheng, and hope that he will find the lodgings we've prepared for him in New Rome to be satisfactory. We also hope that Marimaia will construct a permanent embassy in New Rome in the Chinese architectural style of Marimaia, so that Pantocratorians can experience that new style for themselves.

In the meantime, the Emperor Andreus I will personally take Ambassador Akito Sheng and the other envoys on a guided tour of the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator.

We Pantocratorians are a deeply spiritual people, which is why I am, as their Emperor, regarded to be holy; the Holy Emperor of Pantocratoria must act as the personal representative of God in the Empire, ruling it and its people not for personal glory or lust for power, but because he is called to do it. I know that may sound strange, but that's just the way it is. As a constant reminder to the Emperor that he is the personal representative of God in the Empire, the Pantocratorian court is called the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator; if you like, God is the real Emperor, I just keep the throne warm for him.

So by now, I've probably managed to scare you all with talk of religion, and you probably think we Pantocratorians are totally obsessed. That's not really the case, I just figured I needed to give a proper explanation of why my court is named the way it is! You'll note that we have tried to emulate in our architecture the styles of the ancient Roman Empire, of Renaissance Italy, and of the Byzantine Empire. That's a good 1600 years or so worth of architecture! My ancestors decided to emulate those styles to give the visitor the impression of the link between their Imperial authority and that of the Roman Empire in its various forms. There are churches everywhere, of course, but my ancestors weren't ascetics, they were fond of luxury. There are steaming baths, purple-silk-draped lounges, and pristine gardens, albeit covered in peacocks. My ancestors wanted to enjoy themselves here, and I hope you do the same.

I believe you were given an information sheet listing the members of my family in the order of succession. I'll introduce you to some of them tomorrow. For now, I'd like you all to join me for dinner in the main hall. The palace chefs have prepared a feast for us of thirteen different types of peacock.

As the Emperor leads the envoys into the dinner hall, where his children, all but Prince Andreus, along with some members of the Imperial Government are waiting for the banquet, a herald rushes into the chamber.

"Your Imperial Majesty, Imperial Highnesses, Excellencies... Your Majesty, I think you had best come into the foy..." the herald starts, but is interrupted as a priest storms into the room carrying a big writ. He opens it and starts reading.

"Let it be known that His Holiness Pope Pious XIV hereby excommunicates the Emperor Andreus I of Pantocratoria, and..." the priest is interrupted as guards grab him and drag him out of the hall. As the door slams behind them, a gunshot can be heard.

Prince Basil, the Chancellor of the Empire, leaves the chamber by the same door. He returns with the writ the priest was holding, covered in blood.

"Your Majesty, this is bad." says the Chancellor. "That antipope who formerly called himself Peter I has excommunicated you."

"It has no meaning, he's not the real Pope." says Prince Constantine, the Emperor's second eldest son.

"Nephew, that isn't what is important. What is important is that some more naive Catholics may believe him to be the real Pope, and may use this as an excuse to overthrow our government." says Prince Basil. "Your Majesty, we must act quickly, before our enemies act against us."

"Very well brother," says the Emperor as he nods. "You must excuse me, friends, we have urgent business to attend to. My eldest daughter, Anna, will play hostess, and will complete your tour. Please accept my sincerest apologies."

The members of the Imperial Government, including Prince Constantine, leave the room, following the Emperor and his brother, the Chancellor. The young Princess Anna's eyes dart around the room - she wasn't expecting this. She quickly regains her composure.

"Your excellencies," she says to the ambassadors. "May I introduce to you my sisters Theodora and Zoë. I understand chef has prepared a feast of various types of peacocks for us, please, sit down, and don't concern yourself over the Emperor's absence."

The princesses all sit.

To: The Holy Empire of Pantocratoria
From: P.N. Garrison, Minister of State, Holy Empire of Excalbia

His Imperial Majesty David IV has expressed interest in establishing diplomatic relations with your Empire. We would like to send a special envoy, who may be redesignated as an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary should bilateral relations be established. You may find details on our nation here: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1356480#1356480.

Please let us know if we may send our envoy.

For the Emperor.

On behalf of His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty Andreus I, the envoys of Excalbia are most welcome here in the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria.

Warmest regards,

Princess Anna

We will be sending Herbet Gunschwerst McConnegar III over as an ambassador.

Are clothes required even in private? :shock:

Herbert will just love chatting with the peacocks...

The young Princess Anna has an intense interest in politics. As you eat the thirteen different dishes prepared from peacocks, she eagerly explains the Pantocratorian political scene to whoever will listen.

"Until recently, the Imperial Parliament was elected, with one member being elected for each parish in the Empire. The Church oversaw all elections. The Imperial Government was formed by whichever political party held the majority of seats, with each seat obviously corresponding to a parish." she explains.

"At the last election, three years ago, the opposition, the Pantocratorian National Democratic Party, went to the election with, amongst its other policies, the policy of replacing the Church as the electoral authority with the civil authorities of each parish. The PNDP was defeated in a landslide - almost every parish voted for the United Christian Front Party in a massive majority. The PNDP kicked up a big stink, claiming that the Church rigged the election, but the Inquisition investigated and found that the Church had done nothing of the sort." she says between mouthfuls of peacock.

"Since it was elected with an almost absolute majority, the United Christian Front, led by my uncle Basil, formed the Imperial Government. We'd be coming up on another election fairly soon, but the Imperial Government, by an act of Parliament, suspended all elections a little while ago. It sounds like a big deal, but really it isn't - all the power and right to govern in Pantocratoria comes from the Imperial diadem, not from a democractic mandate. By suspending elections indefinitely, the Imperial Government has saved the treasury significant sums of money. There won't need to be elections now until one third of the seats in the Parliament are vacated." she goes on.

"In some nations, the suspension of democracy leads to tyranny, but luckily for the people of Pantocratoria, my family is so involved in the Imperial Government that we can ensure that it always acts in the best interest of everyday Pantocratorians." she concludes, beaming.

"You should try the jellied peacock..." she says to Ambassador Akito Sheng. "...it is one of chef's specialities!"

We will be sending Herbet Gunschwerst McConnegar III over as an ambassador.

Are clothes required even in private? :shock:

Herbert will just love chatting with the peacocks...

No, not in private. But Princess Irene, the Minister for Cultural Development, has repeatedly made it clear that public nudity has been unacceptable in civilised society ever since Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. However, even Princess Irene's hardline supporters haven't been able to dissuade sunbathers from enjoying the Pantocratorian sun on our revitalised beaches!

To: The Princess Anna, on behalf of His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty Andreus I

From: P.R.N. Garrison, Minister of State, Holy Empire of Excalbia

Thank you for accepting our envoy. His Excellency, Ambassador Rev. Jacob Donnelly, Career Minister of the Imperial Foreign Service, should be arriving in New Rome shortly together with his wife and several aides. He will await your bidding to open negotiations.

For His Imperial Majesty, David IV

After dinner, Princess Anna stands, eager to try to keep the guests entertained.

"Why don't we go for a stroll around the Cathedral of Christ Pantocrator, the biggest church in the Empire?" she asks happily.

"Anna they don't want to see churches..." says Princess Theodora as she rolls her eyes.

"Quiet." she says, shooting her sister look to tell her to keep her mouth shut. "Come, excellencies, the Cathedral is just a short walk away!"

Anna leads the ambassadors out of the palace, and is dutifully followed by her sisters Theodora and Zoë. They walk through the gardens and the quiet streets of the swanky part of New Rome, until arriving outside the beautiful and ancient looking Cathedral of Christ Pantocrator.

Princess Anna instructs the bodyguard who have accompanied the party to open the heavy cathedral doors. The interior architecture of the cathedral is a breathtaking mix of high Gothic and Greek. A group of priests stand in the sanctuary, chanting prayers. A beautiful mosaic depicting Christ as Pantocrator shines down from the dome in the centre of the cathedral. The princesses all januflect before proceeding into the cathedral.

As Princess Anna talks about the architecture, a priest rushes up to the party. He points at the Princess Theodora.

"Sinner! Leave this place!" shouts the priest. The priests in the sanctuary stop chanting. Princess Anna stops speaking, as Princess Theodora starts backing away from the wildly gesticulating priest.

"Anna, I think I have to leave..." says Theodora as the priest rants about penitence and sin and her being unworthy of being in a holy place.

"Nonsense! Listen Father, we're here hosting international visitors, and you're embarassing a daughter of the Emperor!" says Anna.

The other priests restrain the wild one who by this stage was spitting at Theodora, who looks very afraid.

"I apologise for Father John's conduct, but the penitent must leave. Now." says one of the priests, firmly.

"Yes Father, I'm so sorry." says Theodora, deeply embarassed. She starts to leave.

"You've embarassed my sister, and the entire Pantocratorian Church, in front of these esteemed visitors. Good evening, Fathers." says Princess Anna as she turns to leave, ushering out the party.

"I'm so sorry, they're not normally like that." says Princess Anna to the guests on the way out. The party returns to the palace for the evening. Anna apologises for being a poor hostess and explains that she wasn't expecting having to fill-in for her father.

To: The Princess Anna, on behalf of His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty Andreus I

From: P.R.N. Garrison, Minister of State, Holy Empire of Excalbia

Thank you for accepting our envoy. His Excellency, Ambassador Rev. Jacob Donnelly, Career Minister of the Imperial Foreign Service, should be arriving in New Rome shortly together with his wife and several aides. He will await your bidding to open negotiations.

For His Imperial Majesty, David IV

Your Imperial Majesty,

His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty the Emperor Andreus I wishes me to convey to you his joy that the Holy Empire of Excalbia is sending an envoy of such esteem to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator. The Emperor and his Imperial Government are currently primarily occupied with the possibility of war against the antipope Pious XIV of the so-called True Holy See. For this reason, Her Imperial Highness the Princess Anna will be receiving His Excellency the Reverend Jacob Donnelly and his wife on the Emperor's behalf.

The Emperor hopes that neither you nor your esteemed ambassador will take any offence by this substitution. Princess Anna is a charming and level-headed young woman, and is herself the third in the order of Imperial succession, and the Emperor feels that he could offer no better nor more worthy a substitute than her.

After the necessary actions have been taken in regards to the antipope crisis, both the Emperor and I will greet your ambassador personally. It is our plan that I shall conduct His Excellency the Reverend Jacob Donnelly's tour personally.

Humblest regards,

Sir Michael Phocas, Knight of the Order of the Pantocrator
Minister for Foreign Affairs

To: His Imperial and Most Catholic Majesty, Andreus I, Emperor of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria.

From: Arthur Welmington-Spencer, Captain of the New Taverstock Radio Station relaying a message from Uncle Noel in {LOCATION CLASSIFIED}.

While the tour of your palace has already started, Uncle Noel wishes to know whether he might include his own envoy. The Right Rev. Fraser Maybourne, Lord Bishop of {CLASSIFIED} can be sent on the first plane to New Rome as soon as kind permission is granted. Uncle Noel would like to mention that this is merely a visit to New Rome and that foreign relations of a more formal nature are frowned upon. Too many shillings are spent already maintaining the isolation of the people of Uncle Noel and an embassy would only lead to further cultural contamination. If however, in due course, relations are such that an ambassador is required then permission will be sought from His Imperial and Most Catholic Majesty.

Uncle Noel has the honour to remain your Majesty's loyal servant.

Uncle Noel.

To: His Imperial and Most Catholic Majesty, Andreus I, Emperor of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria.

From: Arthur Welmington-Spencer, Captain of the New Taverstock Radio Station relaying a message from Uncle Noel in {LOCATION CLASSIFIED}.

While the tour of your palace has already started, Uncle Noel wishes to know whether he might include his own envoy. The Right Rev. Fraser Maybourne, Lord Bishop of {CLASSIFIED} can be sent on the first plain to New Rome as soon as kind permission is granted. Uncle Noel would like to mention that this is merely a visit to New Rome and that foreign relations of a more formal nature are frowned upon. Too many shillings are spent already maintaining the isolation of the people of Uncle Noel and an embassy would only lead to further cultural contamination. If however, in due course, relations are such that an ambassador is required then permission will be sought from His Imperial and Most Catholic Majesty.

Uncle Noel has the honour to remain your Majesty's loyal servant.

Uncle Noel.

To: Captain Arthur Welmington-Spencer
From: Her Imperial Highness the Princess Anna on behalf of His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty the Emperor Andreus I

Captain Welmington-Spencer,

Please inform Uncle Noel that my father, His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty the Emperor Andreus I, extends his warmest greetings, and that His Grace the Right Reverend Lord Bishop Fraser Maybourne would be most welcome to visit the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator here in New Rome.

My father the Emperor shares Uncle Noel's concerns about the costs of diplomacy in today's world. We hope that the Lord Bishop's stay here in Pantocratoria will be a pleasant one, and will be the start of a long friendship, of an informal nature if need be.

Sincerely,

Princess Anna on behalf of the Emperor Andreus I

Ambassador Akito Sheng smiled politely at Minister of Foreign Relations Ryou Li as they started their video conference.

"So, Akito, how are you finding Pantocratoria?"

"They're an interesting nation. They have a lot in common with Marimaia; we both have governments who rule in the best interests of the people. We would do well to cultivate our ties with them."

"That's exactly what Premier Suun thinks. Your first report presents a few eccentricities, but all nations have those to some degree. Keep up the good work."

The next morning's tour consists of a brief tour of the richer areas of New Rome, and is conducted by Princess Anna. The neo-classical architecture is remarkable. This leg of the tour concludes in the gallery of the chamber of the Imperial Parliament.

Members from every parish in the whole Empire are gathered in the chamber beneath the gallery, which is built in the style of an ancient Roman Senate. Hanging on the wall behind the speaker are the arms of the Emperor Andreus I. On one side of the speaker's chair is the flag of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria, and on the other side is the flag of the United Christian Front Party, the governing (and only) political party in the Imperial Parliament.

Sitting in the front row of the parliamentary chamber are the members of the Imperial Cabinet, including Prince Basil, Prince Constantine, and Princess Irene, all of whom were briefly present before the bull of excommunication was issued the day before at dinner time.

The speaker stands and speaks in a steady, firm voice.

"At this time, the chair recognises His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty, the Emperor Andreus, dread sovereign of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria." he says as all members of the parliament stand. The Emperor in his full regalia, looking like a medieval Byzantine Emperor, enters the chamber as the members all bow deeply. The Emperor stands and stops in front of the speaker.

"Your Majesty, please accept the chair of this house." says the speaker as he steps aside. The Emperor sits in the speaker's chair, and all members sit.

"Thank you, my Lord Speaker. First, let us pray." says the Emperor. The members all cross themselves, as does Princess Anna in the gallery.

"Lord God, send Your Holy Spirit upon this chamber, that it may vote with wisdom, compassion, and piety. Amen." the Emperor prays. He crosses himself again, as do the members.

"At this time, the chair recognises His Imperial Highness the Imperial Chancellor the Prince Basil." says the Emperor. Prince Basil stands and walks to the podium before the speaker.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Honourable members, distinguished guests, my Lord Speaker, Your Majesty, twenty four hours ago..." begins Prince Basil, "the Imperial Government issued an ultimatum to the so-called True Holy See..." The Prince is interrupted by laughing and snickering from the chamber.

"Order!" shouts the Emperor, and the members fall silent.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. As I was saying, the so-called Pope Pious XIV of the True Holy See, was issued with an ultimatum demanding that he rescind the odious, baseless and heretical bull of excommunication he served to our beloved Emperor, without any authority I might add..." the Prince pauses as the members all shout "Shame! Shame!".

"Order! The Chancellor will continue!" says the Emperor.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Second, the ultimatum required this Pious XIV to withdraw any claim he has made to the Papal Throne, to admit that he is no true Pope, and to admit that he has no authority to issue a bull of excommunication against our beloved Holy Emperor!" says Prince Basil. The chamber shouts "Hear! Hear!".

"The Chancellor has the call, this house will come to order." says the Emperor.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. As of this time, the antipope Pious XIV has failed to comply with the terms of our ultimatum. The Imperial Government therefore issues him with one final chance for peace before a state of war will be considered to exist between the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria and his heretical regime...." continues the Chancellor. The members seem genuinely shocked that the antipope will be given one last chance. A member stands.

"The chair recognises the member for Chrystodom on a point of order." says the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, on a point of order, any ultimatum issued by the Imperial Government is binding. There can be no further chance for this heretic under the laws of this chamber!" says the member for Chrystodom before sitting.

"The member for Chrystodom's point of order is correct, however, this chamber's laws do not supercede the national interests of the Empire in matters of foreign policy. For this reason, the member for Chrystodom's point of order is dismissed. The Chancellor has the call." rules the Emperor.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Before I was so unnecessarily interrupted, I was saying that the antipope Pious XIV has one last chance for peace! If the antipope complies with our ultimatum before the outbreak of hostilities, that is to say, of military action, then war shall be averted. If he fails to comply by that time, or rejects our ultimatum in any way, shape or form, then a state of war will exist between the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria and its allies, and the Theocracy of the True Holy See, and the allies of the antipope Pious XIV." says the Chancellor. The chamber bursts into applause and rounds of "hear hear!".

"Order! Order!" shouts the Emperor. But this time, the chamber doesn't return to order. It bursts into shouting praise.

"GOD SAVE YOUR MAJESTY! LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE! GOD SAVE YOUR MAJESTY! LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE! GOD SAVE YOUR MAJESTY! LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE!" shout the members of the chamber as the tour files out of the gallery.

Rev. Jacob Donnelly was a tall man, with slightly graying hair and a trim beard. He was dressed in the naval-style white uniform of the Imperial Foreign Service and wore a gold cross around his neck. The cross was the only outward sign of the career ambassador’s first calling as a minister in the Church of Excalbia. Jacob had briefly considered whether it would be constructive to wear the sign of his ecclesiastical calling, since Pantocratoria was on the verge of war with another country over religious matters. However, Jacob had decided that he could help but be who he was, and he was a minister of the Church. After all, he reasoned, while the Church of Excalbia was a protestant church having its roots in Baptist theology, it had no quarrel with the Catholic Church. And, while the Church may differ on some matters of theology with Pantocratoria, the Church and the Emperor admired his host’s devotion to spiritual matters.

As he approached the entrance to the Imperial Court, Jacob checked his uniform and looked over towards his wife, who was lovely –as usual –, in her Imperial blue gown.

“I hope the Princess Anna will appreciate our gift,” she said quietly. Behind her and the ambassador, two aides carried two breadbox size carved boxes.

“If she is as much a student of politics and religion as I hear, I’m sure she will. An original manuscript of Emperor Joshua I’s treatise on political philosophy and religion should make a nice gift. As, I hope, a first edition 1611 Bible – although it is a protestant translation – will please Emperor Andreus I.”

Sensing her husband’s unease, Lora Donnelly turned and looked more steadily at her husband. “Are you worried about timing?”

“Yes. A country on the verge of war needs friends, and while we are no great military power, we are far from helpless. And our technology would be invaluable to the Pantocratorians. But… I don’t want them to mistake our interest in establishing trade and cooperation as an effort to take advantage of their situation.”

“I’m sure they won’t,” Lora smiled, turning to await entry to the court.

To: His Imperial and Most Catholic Majesty, Andreus I, Emperor of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria (or Princess Anna, whoever is available).

From: Arthur Welmington-Spencer, Captain of the New Taverstock Radio Station relaying a message from Uncle Noel in {LOCATION CLASSIFIED}.


It has come to Uncle Noel's attention that the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria and the Fiefdom of Uncle Noel are similar in many respects. Most important of these is the fact that we are both small nations existing in a world of quick-tempered hyper-powers. Therefore Uncle Noel feels that it would perhaps be better is we worked together. Your actions against the True Holy See are somewhat confusing to Uncle Noel, whose own people believe in a somewhat different faith structure, but also recognises that support could be beneficial in building good relations. Therefore Uncle Noel pledges his support and offers to move his small military into action should it be requested.
Uncle Noel also thanks His Imperial and Most Catholic Majesty, Andreus I, Emperor of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria for allowing our envoy to visit His fine nation. Should the Emperor be interested then a visit to the many concrete tower blocks and garish monuments of the Fiefdom then an official visit could be organised. Please accept such an offer as a symbol of the friendship that our two nations should seek to build.

Uncle Noel has the honour to remain your Majesty's loyal servant.

Uncle Noel.

*Lord James talbolt arrives at the palace*

To His Imperal Highness, Andreus I, Emperor of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria

Please welcome Lord James Talbot, 1st Duke of Ruby, Ambassador from The Kingdom Allemonde.

I would like to personally offer a welcome from His Royal Highness, Albert I, King of Allemonde. We hope to build good diplomatic relationship with your nation in years to come.

We share many of the same values as your great nation: Strong belief in christian values and morals, The right of the king to rule, and that peasants should remain where they are( and should not read). Although are religion is based more on the Protestant Anglican tradition, we hold many of the Catholic beliefs to be true.

Thank you.
Lord James Talbot, 1st Duke of Ruby.

*He waits to be shown around the palace and meet the Imperial Family*

Princess Anna and the rest of the tour group arrive back at the palace. She quickly proceeds to the hall to greet the new arrivals.

She curtsies to the envoys of Excalbia.

"Reverend and Mrs Donnelly, on behalf of my father the Emperor, welcome to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator!" she says, beaming. "I look forward to reading the Emperor's treatise! I didn't expect anybody to bring me gifts! Thank you ever so much!"

She blushes as she curtsies again. "His Majesty will be with us shortly, as soon as the Imperial Parliament is closed, he should be arriving at the palace."

The Princess excuses herself and turns to Lord James Talbot. She curtsies once more.

"My Lord, on behalf of my father the Emperor Andreus, welcome to the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria!" she says. "His Majesty will be joining us shortly, to great you in person."

She turns to address both envoys.

"In the meantime, let me introduce you to my sisters." she says. A page opens the door, and Princesses Theodora and Zoë enter the room. They both curtsie.

"My Lord James Talbot, Duke of Ruby, Reverend Jacob Donnelly, Mrs Lora Donnelly, may I present to you my sisters, their Imperial Highnesses the Princesses Theodora and Zoë, the youngest two children of His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty the Emperor Andreus I. Sisters, may I present to you My Lord Talbot, the Reverend Donnelly, and Mrs Donnelly." says Princess Anna.

"My brothers aren't here, unfortunately." explains Anna. "My eldest brother, Prince Andreus, the Despot of New Constantinople, is in Danya, and my other brother, Prince Constantine, is in Parliament with the other ministers of the Imperial Government."

The heavy bronze chamber doors swing open and the Emperor Andreus I, wearing his Imperial regalia, flanked by guards, enters the room. He smiles as he sees the new arrivals.

"Ah, Reverend and Mrs Donnelly of Excalbia, we've been expecting you! And my Lord Talbot, Duke of Ruby, welcome! Welcome all of you!" says the Emperor as he greets the guests.

"Your Majesty," says Princess Anna as she curtsies to her father, "Reverend Donnelly and his wife have brought gifts. They presented me with a political and religious treatise by the Excalbian Emperor Joshua I."

She beams as she hands the other box to the Emperor.

"This is most thoughtful of you!" says the Emperor as he opens the box. "Ah! What a magnificent edition. Truly remarkable! Although I suppose it's missing the deuterocanonicals!" The Emperor says jokingly as he admires the 1611 Bible. "Thankyou, thankyou! I trust that you've been presented with rings and peacocks by my pages already?"

"I wish to assure you both, and the whole world in fact, that although Pantocratoria is a deeply Catholic nation, we are great supporters of the ecumenical movements which seek to restore unity amongst all Christian Churches, Protestant or Catholic!" says the Emperor, seeking to alay any reservations the Donnellys or Lord Talbot may have.

"My Lord Talbot," the Emperor continues, "We are very happy that His Royal Highness the King Albert of Allemonde shares so many values which are dear to us, although we certainly support literacy programs for the lower classes!"

"Daughter," the Emperor says, addressing the Princess Anna, "please show the Reverend and Mrs Donnelly to their accommodation so that they can relax."

Princess Anna curtsies.

"Yes, Your Majesty," she says, and turns to the Donnellys, "Your Excellencies, please follow me."

"Theodora, please show my Lord Talbot to his chambers." the Emperor commands.

"Yes fath... Your Majesty," she says as she hurriedly curtsies. "My Lord, please follow me."

"Please, relax for the afternoon, because this evening I'd appreciate it if you all joined me on a flight to New Jerusalem, where the Imperial Cabinet is reconvening to discuss this antipope crisis. You'll get a chance to see more of our Empire than just New Rome!" explains the Emperor.

To: His Imperial and Most Catholic Majesty, Andreus I, Emperor of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria (or Princess Anna, whoever is available).

From: Arthur Welmington-Spencer, Captain of the New Taverstock Radio Station relaying a message from Uncle Noel in {LOCATION CLASSIFIED}.


It has come to Uncle Noel's attention that the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria and the Fiefdom of Uncle Noel are similar in many respects. Most important of these is the fact that we are both small nations existing in a world of quick-tempered hyper-powers. Therefore Uncle Noel feels that it would perhaps be better is we worked together. Your actions against the True Holy See are somewhat confusing to Uncle Noel, whose own people believe in a somewhat different faith structure, but also recognises that support could be beneficial in building good relations. Therefore Uncle Noel pledges his support and offers to move his small military into action should it be requested.
Uncle Noel also thanks His Imperial and Most Catholic Majesty, Andreus I, Emperor of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria for allowing our envoy to visit His fine nation. Should the Emperor be interested then a visit to the many concrete tower blocks and garish monuments of the Fiefdom then an official visit could be organised. Please accept such an offer as a symbol of the friendship that our two nations should seek to build.

Uncle Noel has the honour to remain your Majesty's loyal servant.

Uncle Noel.

To: Arthur Welmington-Spencer, Captain of the New Taverstock Radio Station

From: His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty the Emperor Andreus I of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria

We thank Uncle Noel deeply for his understanding and for his promises of assistance in this troubled-time, which we have taken to call "the Antipope Crisis". We Pantocratorians deeply appreciate the assistance and sympathy of our friends at this time. We sincerely hope that at some time, the Holy Empire will be able to be of similar support and assistance to Uncle Noel as Uncle Noel has been to us.

We would leap at the opportunity to send an emissary to your esteemed Fiefdom, and hope that you will inform us on the arrival in Pantocratoria of your envoy, so that he or she may be greeted with all due respect. If possible, we ask that you instruct your envoy to meet us at New Jerusalem, where the Imperial Cabinet will be convening to discuss the Antipope Crisis.

Filial and sincere regards,

ANDREUS I IMP. PANTOCRATORIA

To: His Imperial and Most Catholic Majesty, Andreus I, Emperor of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria

From: Uncle Noel in {LOCATION CLASSIFIED}.

As a sign of increased trust, this message has not been relayed through the Military Radio station of New Taverstock but directly from Uncle Noel's palace (or one of his palaces. Uncle Noel's exact location at any one time must remain secret).
The Right Rev. Fraser Maybourne, Lord Bishop of Cloverley (which has been declassified, again as a sign of trust) should be arriving in New Rome in a few minutes. However, in order to discuss the war effort and other strategic matters Uncle Noel has dispatched Pebbles Harchester who is Deputy Chairwoman of the Committee of Public Safety which is in charge of the Fiefdom's military (Supreme Chairman is, of course, Uncle Noel.) Miss Harchester is very experienced despite her young age and is also Uncle Noel's niece (although he would like to mention he had no hand in naming her). Due to the urgency of these matters she will be sent via military jet and therefore do not be alarmed if an unknown jet enters your airspace. She should arrive in approximately 4 hours.

Uncle Noel has the honour to remain your Majesty's loyal servant.

Uncle Noel.

"My Lord Bishop Maybourne, on behalf of the Imperial Government, welcome to Pantocratoria." says Emperor Andreus I as he kisses the Right Reverend Maybourne's bishop's ring. "We hope that you will enjoy your stay in Pantocratoria. We're about to embark for New Jerusalem along with our other guests, won't you join us on our private jet? Our porters will attend to your luggage."

Porters attent to the Right Reverend Maybourne's luggage immediately. The Emperor turns to his daughters.

"Anna, I know you're dying to come with us. So, I've finally relented, you may do so." he says.

"Thank you Your Majesty!" says Princess Anna as she gasps and grins. She rushes off to quickly grab a few things for the stay in the Exarchate of New Jerusalem.

"You two stay here in New Rome, where it is safe." says the Emperor to Theodora and Zoë. The two girls curtsie. The Emperor continues. "And Theodora... for the love of God, don't get up to any mischief. If I come home to another controversy, so help me, confessional seal or not, I WILL find out what you got up to."

Theodora blanches pale as the Emperor turns back to his new guest and begins strolling towards the palace runway.

"Haha! Father is angry with you!" teases the youngest, Zoë, when she thinks the Emperor and his guest are out of ear shot. Theodora swallows hard.

"Come, we've got school work." she says quietly.

If you are interested in an exchange of ambassadors, Daistallia would be pleased to send his holiness Chang Lae Tan, a Zen monk, who does not gamble, partake of strong drink or eat meat, read Harry Potter, or disrobe publicly.

Tai Lae, Foreign Minister

*Lord James Talbolt exits his of his chambers.*
I would like to thank for the most pleasant accomadations, We look forward to the tour of New Rome. Our King would like to offer a gift of 500 Gold ounces and a Spotted Wildcat rug. King Albert I, would like to court the most gracious Princess Anna and offers her a gift of a 46.4 carat blue diamond.

We also would like to greet the nation of Uncle Noel and its diplomat and hope to recieve warm greetings.

*Lord James Hopes to recieve confrimation of greeting and for dinner. He looks at Daistella's file and is not sure how to procede. Allemonde's position on buddhists might conflict with a diplomatic relationship with Daistella. Allemonde's Kinda(Buddhist) minority has always been a pain and also the Archbishop of Serpentine was a rabid anti-buddhist calling them fithly pagan heathens. He decided to try any way and see what happens*

We also would like to greet the nation of Uncle Noel and its diplomat and hope to recieve warm greetings.



Uncle Noel would indeed welcome contact with his Majesty Albert I. Warm greetings shall be given and reciprocated (it is trusted).

Uncle Noel would also like to explain the inconvenience of sending two envoys. While the Lord Bishop Maybourne is a witty and cultured man he is not privy to the sorts of information that can be used in a joint-planning meeting. Rather than use an ad-hoc strategist Uncle Noel thought it would be more prudent to send a fully-fledged strategist and also a member of his own family as a sign of trust.

OOC: Do i need to open a new thread to start diplomatic relations with you?

OCC: If you want to. Probably will be easier if you do.

If you are interested in an exchange of ambassadors, Daistallia would be pleased to send his holiness Chang Lae Tan, a Zen monk, who does not gamble, partake of strong drink or eat meat, read Harry Potter, or disrobe publicly.

Tai Lae, Foreign Minister

In the interests of cultural exchange and international friendship, please feel free to send His Holiness Chang Lae Tan. Although Pantocratoria is a Catholic nation, it bears no grudge against peoples of other religions. Her Imperial Highness the Princess Irene, Minister for Cultural Development, advises me that she is particularly pleased to hear that your envoy doesn't gamble, disrobe publicly, nor read Harry Potter.

Sir Michael Phocas, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Rev. Donnelly, still in his white naval-style diplomatic uniform, and his wife, now attired in a conservative pants suit, boarded the Pantocratorian Emperor's private jet along with the rest of the diplomatic party and several members of the Imperial Court. As he took he seat, Rev. Donnelly removed his handheld PC from his briefcase and began examining its encrypted files. He hoped to use the flight to New Jerusalem to arrange an opening for trade and military cooperation talks.

The Imperial Government in Citadel Excalbia was hoping to promote sales of some its new secure data networks and new bioneural processors - all of which might be useful to Pantocratoria in upgrading his military systems. As he scrolled to another file, Rev. Donnelly saw that the Government was also interested in selling its fleet of AEGIS cruisers. Hmmm, the ambassador rubbed his beard; the Pantocratorians might be able to use those. And, there was always the possibility of joint research projects.

Donnelly paused his reading and glanced over at his wife, who was - at that moment - nodding politely to Lord Talbot, the Ambassador from Allemonde. And beyond Lord Talbot, he could see the Right Rev. Maybourne boarding the plane.

Shutting down his handheld, Donnelly began thinking it might be worthwhile to discuss establishing diplomatic relations between their respective countries with the other emissaries.

*Lord James Talbolt exits his of his chambers.*
I would like to thank for the most pleasant accomadations, We look forward to the tour of New Rome. Our King would like to offer a gift of 500 Gold ounces and a Spotted Wildcat rug. King Albert I, would like to court the most gracious Princess Anna and offers her a gift of a 46.4 carat blue diamond.


OOC: I shall move the scene to New Jerusalem at this point!

New Jerusalem is the capital of the Exarchate of New Jerusalem, a Pantocratorian possession separated from the rest of the Holy Empire by sea and foreign borders. Its ruler is a distant relative of the Imperial Family, His Grace the Exarch Augustulus Comnenus. Being isolated as it is, the Exarchate's primary concern is its own security, so it is a very secure location for crisis meetings of the Imperial Cabinet. It is also more isolated from the intrigues of the Imperial Court, and the Emperor feels more comfortable in the Justinian Palace which he built here a few years ago than he does in any other palace in the Empire.

As the party arrives, Princess Anna is still gobsmacked in awe over the massive diamond presented to her by Lord Talbot on behalf of King Albert of Allemonde. The usually talkative Princess had been nearly silent the whole flight, only speaking to thank Lord Talbot for King Albert's amazing gift. The Emperor, Princess Anna, the Exarch Augustulus and senior cabinet members, along with the envoys, sit at a large round table in the main hall of the palace.

"Your Imperial Majesty, my fellow ministers, dear friends of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria, welcome to the Justinian Palace here in New Jerusalem." says Prince Basil, the Emperor's brother and Chancellor. "Your Majesty, the Imperial Cabinet is hereby convened."

"Thankyou, brother." says the Emperor. "Friends, some time ago, a man professing to be the Pope issued a bull of excommunication against me. Considering myself to be a good Catholic, barring the usual human frailties, I was deeply wounded by this insult. More importantly, the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria was placed gravely at risk as a result of this so-called Pope Pious XIV. A bull of excommunication against a monarch can be and has throughout history been used as a case for war against a nation. Further, a false Pope asserting his authority over the whole Catholic world is an intolerable assault on the religious liberty of all Catholics. For these reasons, we have been brought to the brink of war."

The Emperor pauses for breath.

"Many of you here and many other nations besides have pledged their support. We don't want to fight this war, but we are confident that with all the support we've received, that if we must fight, we shall win. The True Holy See not only remains indignant, but has attempted to twist events around to garner public sympathy. It shall not succeed. Diplomacy has failed. We must act quickly. The Imperial Navy will set out for the True Holy See immediately, including the carrier Invincible, which shall carry the Imperial Air Legion. Arrangements will be made to deploy the Varangian Guard, the Imperial Cataphracti Legion, and the Imperial Legion of New Rome to the region, ready to invade if this show of strength alone is insufficient to convince the True Holy See to comply. All provincial legions will stand ready for deployment. Those nations who have promised their support will be called upon to honour their promises." says the Emperor.

"I must consult with my cabinet alone now on the details, but I have one more piece of news, this one much happier. His Majesty the King Albert I of Allemonde has asked to court my eldest daughter, Anna, the apple of my eye. I hereby agree." says the Emperor, smiling at his daughter and bowing at Lord Talbot. "My Lord Talbot, if it pleases His Majesty, Princess Anna could be flown to his court to meet him immediately."

"My Lord Talbot, please get in touch with your king! I'd like ever so much to meet him!" says Princess Anna as she grins happily, clutching the diamond close.

The Emperor and the Imperial Cabinet leave the chamber to finish their meeting, leaving Princess Anna and the Exarch Augustulus with the envoys.

"So, I hope you like roast peacock!" booms the Exarch.

OOC: I hope that envoy of mine in military matters will be used.

IC: If he saw another peacock he was sure he would explode. Fraser Maybourne had never eaten so much in his life. He settled back in the armchair in his room and contemplated the day's events. The flight had been interesting. He'd made small talk with the other ambassadors, inquired about their nations while at the same time trying to deflect questions about his own. Most of all he's found it most amusing that everyone had grovelled before him and addressed him as 'Right Rev.'

'I'm no bishop,' he thought. He felt out of place in the flowing robes, a borrow from the Uncle Noel State Threatre costume department. The rings on his fingers used to belong to his mother. No, Fraser Maybourne was no Lord Bishop, but he was a priest. He had been given such a identity in order to protect the secrecy surrounding the Fiefdom's faith which Uncle Noel guarded jealously.

Maybourne also felt out of place. Much of Uncle Noel's foreign policy seemed to operate in large royal palaces with Dukes and Earls and Princes which were all alien to citizens of Uncle Noel. Maybourne himself grew up in the small and wild village Marford in the icy wastes in the north of the Fiefdom. Life was harsh and short there. It was there that Maybourne first found a calling to Inti and it had set him on a path that would lead him here, to a palace a million miles away from the sums of Marford. Maybourne got up, straightened out his unfamilar robes, and left his room. Rev. Donnelly was another envoy and, it appeared, another priest.
'I shall go meet him,' thought Maybourne to himself, 'since I am an ambassador after all. Now which way are his quarters?'

OOC: It most certainly will be used.

Lora Donnelly openned the door to the chamber's sitting room and found the Lord Bishop Maybourne standing before her in full bishop's regalia. "Why... good evening, Bishop Maybourne," Lora said with a tilt of her head. Gesturing into the sitting room she said, "Please have a seat, my husband will be with you shortly."

She stepped into the bedroom and a moment later Jacob Donnelly walked into the sitting room and closed the door. "Bishop Maybourne," he said with a nod of the head, "this is an unexpected surprise." Taking a seat across from the Maybourne, Donnelly continued. "I am pleased to have the chance to get to know you. Frankly, Uncle Noel is a bit of a mystery to us. As is your church. Tell, me, if you don't mind, is it a Christian denomination? Or perhaps, rather than theology you've come to discuss matters of state..."

(ooc: darn double post)

"Indeed," said Maybourne politely, "Uncle Noel is a mystery and wishes to remain so..."
Maybourne would have, should have left it at that but felt compelled to go on. He only prayed that word would not filter back to Uncle Noel...
"But that doesn't mean that his people wish to remain a mystery. If anything I'm not suposed to gather diplomatic contacts but I am away from the Fiefdom and I trust I can count on your discretion."

Donnelly shifted to the edge of his seat and leaned attentively towards Maybourne. His instincts as both a diplomat and a clergyman told him that there was more going on than met the eye. "Of course you can count on my discretion, Bishop Maybourne. As both an ambassador and a minister of the Church, I have been taught to keep information, shall we say, close to the vest."

A late middle-aged, heavy set man dressed in heavy ceremonial plate armour, wearing the personal arms of the Emperor Andreus staggers into the hall after dinner has finished and most of the guests have retired for the evening. The Exarch of New Jerusalem is seated talking to the Ambassador from Marmaia. The battle scarred man approaches the table, and the conversation stops abruptly.

"Augustulus! Where is the Emperor? Tell me, is it war?" the stranger asks gruffly, short on breath.

The Exarch stands, seemingly taken aback. A grin stretches across his face, which is reciprocated by the newcomer, and the two men embrace.

"Sir Constantine!" exclaims Exarch Augustulus. "You old bastard, you're still jousting?"

"Aye, if you can call fighting sorceresses with the powers over the elements with an honest sword and lance jousting!" says Sir Constantine. "Now, tell me, I hear that while I've been gone, a bishop in a far off land has proclaimed himself to be the Pope and excommunicated the Emperor. Is it true?"

"Unfortunately it is, old friend." says Augustulus. "The Emperor has ordered that we start deploying troops to the region - I think he believes he can convince this imposter to rescind his proclamation with a show of muscle. As for whether there will be an actual war... you'll have to ask him that."

"Ask him what?" booms the voice of the Emperor as the chamber doors sweep open again. Sir Constantine the Hardy spins around with a grin on his face.

"Your Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty, once again, your old champion Sir Constantine the Hardy has made contact with new people from far off nations... and smote them down!" boasts Sir Constantine.

"Ah yes. And he's returned to ask what question exactly?" asks the Emperor.

"Has it come to war?" asks Sir Constantine bluntly.

"If only it were that simple..." says the Emperor, bitterly. "The True Holy See has friends. Powerful friends."

"I have heard say, Your Majesty, that many of the envoys you are hosting here represent nations which have pledged their support. I've also heard say that our military has been expanded upon, retrained and rearmed by the generous donations of expertise and material of many other nations, convinced in the justice of Your Majesty's cause. Surely, with all this support, we would win any war!" says Sir Constantine.

"Perhaps we would, Sir Constantine. Perhaps." considers the Emperor. "But it would be so costly... with the support this damned Pious has, this wouldn't be a small, isolated conflict. This would be a war on a grander scale, and the cost to all involved would be too high, or at least it has the potential to be too high."

"My initial plan," the Emperor continues, "was for a small scale operation to remove this antipope from office, and either force him to comply with our demands, or install in his place a more cooperative cleric. For him to wave around his usurped religious authority like it was a stick he can use to beat down his political opponents... it outrages me that he will get away with it. And yet, he will, so long as there is so much support for his cause."

"But Your Majesty!" Sir Constantine protests, but the Emperor waves him off.

"I'm settled, Sir Constantine. For all the support we've received, I do not see how in good conscience we could start a war which would consume so much of the world. The blame for bloodshed on that scale will not fall to me, nor to Pantocratoria. No, unless the antipope's allies abandon him, there can be no war. So, I've developed another plan." says the Emperor.

"Go on." says Exarch Augustulus.

"I'm sending my personal champion on a quest for the true Pope. He seems to have disappeared. If we can find him, and he supports the justice of our cause, then perhaps the support for the antipope Pious XIV will drop away." says the Emperor.

"A quest?" asks Sir Constantine, incredulously.

"Oh, come, Sir Constantine, it will be fun. Take the resources you need, and get to it immediately. In the meantime, we shall continue to try to force the True Holy See's hand with threats, and shall continue to build our strength. If you cannot find the true Pope, then we will have to act, and this Empire WILL be ready." says the Emperor. "Now go."

Sir Constantine the Hardy bows.

"God save Your Majesty!" he says, before turning and leaving the chamber.

"On the morrow, Augustulus, inform my guests that I would very much like to talk to them about all of this." says the Emperor to the Exarch.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Have a pleasant night." replies Exarch Augustulus.

Donnelly shifted to the edge of his seat and leaned attentively towards Maybourne. His instincts as both a diplomat and a clergyman told him that there was more going on than met the eye. "Of course you can count on my discretion, Bishop Maybourne. As both an ambassador and a minister of the Church, I have been taught to keep information, shall we say, close to the vest."

OOC: This is the point where I haven't the faintest idea what exactly he's doing to say. Shall we just ad-hoc it?

(OOC: I'll go with flow however you want to play it. Do you want to agree that he just revealed a little bit more about life in his country than he should have? Confessed that he isn't really bishop? Explained what kind of priest he is? Expressed a desire to remain abroad for a while? If you want to do that, we could arrange an invitation for him to visit Excalbia at a later date.)

OOC: Well let's just say that he reveals that the entire religious structure of the Fiefdom is designed to promote Uncle Noel's power. He's a religious man himself, unable to reconcile himself to serving such an awful state religion. Let's say he gets scared and leaves suddenly sort of....

He really had gone too far. Men had disappeared for saying things not a tenth as traitorous as that. Maybourne rose and quickly fled the room.

Then you can ponder somewhat about this and decide to investiget further later.

Or something.

Watching Maybourne dash out the door, Jacob rubbed his graying beard. Obviously his initial misgivings about the Fiefdom of this Uncle Noel were right on target. He had grown more concerned about the Fiefdom's real intentions throughout the conversation. However, his reaction to Maybourne was different. He had tended to think of the "lord bishop" as a rather one-dimesional sort of person, but his frank reveleations - his need to confess the truth - to reveal the spiritual battle going on within himself indicated far greater depth of humanity that Jacob had expected. Once again, Lord, he prayed silently, you remind me that I see only as a man, but that you are God and you see the heart. Grant me wisdom.

Looking back at the door, Jacob pulls out his handheld PC and scribbles an encrypted note to remind him to investigate further. Then, rising, he turns towards the bedroom. "Tomorrow is an other big day," he murmurs to himself. "Perhaps I can finally arrange an audience with the Emperor..."

Uncle Noel would like to inform his envoy (whichever one is actually there by now) that upon audience with the Emperor they are to discuss the 'Antipope Crisis' and whether joint military exercises could take place in the West Pacific as a show of strength.

Uncle Noel also advises his envoys that breachs of security will not be tolerated.

Watching Maybourne dash out the door, Jacob rubbed his graying beard. Obviously his initial misgivings about the Fiefdom of this Uncle Noel were right on target. He had grown more concerned about the Fiefdom's real intentions throughout the conversation. However, his reaction to Maybourne was different. He had tended to think of the "lord bishop" as a rather one-dimesional sort of person, but his frank reveleations - his need to confess the truth - to reveal the spiritual battle going on within himself indicated far greater depth of humanity that Jacob had expected. Once again, Lord, he prayed silently, you remind me that I see only as a man, but that you are God and you see the heart. Grant me wisdom.

Looking back at the door, Jacob pulls out his handheld PC and scribbles an encrypted note to remind him to investigate further. Then, rising, he turns towards the bedroom. "Tomorrow is an other big day," he murmurs to himself. "Perhaps I can finally arrange an audience with the Emperor..."

OOC: Sorry I wasn't actually able to type up anything story-wise. Writer's block :oops:

The next morning the Emperor invites each envoy to a private audience with him. The page who brings the invitation also advises each envoy that the Emperor would be more than happy to host joint audiences with envoys of several nations at once for discussion in a more "round table" environment, and advises each envoy that if they would like to arrange either type of audience, they need only inform one of the Emperor's pages to organise it all.

OOC: Whoever would like a private/joint audience, please post which, and then fire away with whatever questions your envoys have to ask or statements they'd like to make. The Emperor will then respond, then you, then him, etc. If you'd like your own private audience and there's already another one going on, post away anyway, and we'll just pretend that they don't happen at the same time even if the responses back and forth are posted along with another conversational thread.

Hmmm... my explanation is a lot more complicated than the concept! :oops:

Watching Maybourne dash out the door, Jacob rubbed his graying beard. Obviously his initial misgivings about the Fiefdom of this Uncle Noel were right on target. He had grown more concerned about the Fiefdom's real intentions throughout the conversation. However, his reaction to Maybourne was different. He had tended to think of the "lord bishop" as a rather one-dimesional sort of person, but his frank reveleations - his need to confess the truth - to reveal the spiritual battle going on within himself indicated far greater depth of humanity that Jacob had expected. Once again, Lord, he prayed silently, you remind me that I see only as a man, but that you are God and you see the heart. Grant me wisdom.

Looking back at the door, Jacob pulls out his handheld PC and scribbles an encrypted note to remind him to investigate further. Then, rising, he turns towards the bedroom. "Tomorrow is an other big day," he murmurs to himself. "Perhaps I can finally arrange an audience with the Emperor..."

OOC: I'll think up something for the conversation. Just need to straighten out my ideas.

The next morning the Emperor invites each envoy to a private audience with him. The page who brings the invitation also advises each envoy that the Emperor would be more than happy to host joint audiences with envoys of several nations at once for discussion in a more "round table" environment, and advises each envoy that if they would like to arrange either type of audience, they need only inform one of the Emperor's pages to organise it all.

OOC: Whoever would like a private/joint audience, please post which, and then fire away with whatever questions your envoys have to ask or statements they'd like to make. The Emperor will then respond, then you, then him, etc. If you'd like your own private audience and there's already another one going on, post away anyway, and we'll just pretend that they don't happen at the same time even if the responses back and forth are posted along with another conversational thread.

Hmmm... my explanation is a lot more complicated than the concept! :oops:

Uncle Noel is happy with an open conference.

As Lord Bishop Maybourne enters the chamber, the Emperor rises from his seat.

"My Lord Bishop," he says, before kissing the envoy's 'holy' ring, "I understand that Uncle Noel is sending another envoy to talk about these matters but that envoy might be mixed up since we moved from New Rome to New Jerusalem, who knows... and I am eager to discuss with you our reaction to the Antipope Crisis."

"For the time being, we've backed down from war itself. We think that any victory would could achieve in a war against the True Holy See and its allies would be at such a price, and the war would be on such a scale, as to not be worth it. We've no desire to throw away the lives of our soldiers needlessly. But we feel it would be appropriate to take a symbolic stand against this despotic Pious XIV, so that the strength of our conviction and the justice of our cause will remain in the public eye. For this reason, we have decided to indefinitely maintain our deployment to the West Pacific around the True Holy See." continues the Emperor.

"We understand that Uncle Noel himself believes that the Fiefdom and the Empire should engage in some form of joint military operation, a war game, so that it is apparent to the antipope that the strength of Pantocratoria and its supporters in this cause would be sufficient to displace him at will." the Emperor says, his eyes narrowing and his mouth turning into a wicked grin. "Let him fret and worry and fear. Let him chew his nails as one by one, his allies forget about him, and the ability of others to shield him from our justice diminishes. Let him quiver as the proficiency of our combined might is demonstrated day after day at his very doorstep, while his support base melts away like snow in the springtime."

"Our deployment will hang over his head every day, every night, every second, like a dagger, ready to drop. We already know from the way he hides behind his usurped authority and twisting of our words that he is a coward as well as a heretic. Let us then scare him into behaving as a responsible member of the international community!" says the Emperor boistrously, as he pours two glasses of brandy. He offers one to Maybourne, and proposes a toast.

"To Imperial and Fiefdom troops, haunting Pious XIV's nightmares!" he toasts, before drinking.

Jacob Donnelly read the Emperor's note as the page waited at the door. A private audience was what he had wanted, but the idea of a roundtable also had appeal. The Empire was interested in developing new trading partners and was open to discussions with all. Jacob wrote back that a roundtable would be acceptable and handed the note back to the page.

(OOC: The following will be said at the audience with Emperor Andreus.)

"Your Majesty," Rev. Donnelly said with a bow of the head, "His Majesty's Government of the Holy Empire of Excalbia has instructed me to seek to open trade and full diplomatic relations with your noble empire."

Without shifting or looking away, the ambassador continued. "While Excalbia is not in a position to directly support your military efforts in the field, His Imperial Majesty, David IV, has been impressed by your approach to the antipope crisis and would like to make a show of support. Our Imperial Navy is currently under going a major upgrade and we would like to offer your forces as many as 20 US-built AEGIS missile cruisers. We are also prepared to offer you, at favorable terms, our new coastal missile ship."

The white uniformed emissary handed a page a folder. "This folder contains information on the ships and I would like to offer it for your Majesty's review." (OOC: The information can be seen here: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=70107)

"We are also interested in establishing trade in all areas. Our leading computer research firms have developed a highly advanced form of artificial intelligence that might of use to you in carrying out any scientific or technological research."

"To further the relationship between our two nations, which seem to share many of the same moral values, we would like to establish a permanent Embassy here and invite you, your Majesty, to open an Embassy in Citadel Excalbia. Once the antipope crisis abates, Emperor David would also like to extend you a personal invitation to visit the Holy Empire of Excalbia."

With a nod Donnelly ended his statement and awaited the Emperor's response.

"Reverend, first let me say that the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria would joyfully welcome the establishment of a permanent Excalbian embassy in New Rome, and shares that same enthusiasm to establish a Pantocratorian embassy in Citadel Excalbia." says the Emperor.

"What's more, I believe that we are ready to expand upon our newly created navy, which currently consists of an Invincible class carrier, and four Oliver Perry frigates. Perhaps we can arrange a payment plan through which the Imperial Navy could purchase Excalbia's AEGIS missile cruisers, or perhaps it would be more economical for the Imperial Navy to go straight to the Joshua class... let's talk finances!" the Emperor says as he sends a page for the Imperial Treasurer and the First Admiral of the Fleet.

"As for trade, Pantocratoria's economy is fragile, but growing, gradually. We believe that the establishment of an open market between our nations would be most beneficial to the development of our economy. For this reason, we are prepared to waive all import tariffs on Excalbian exports, if our imperial brother the Emperor David and his government are prepared to do the same in regards to Pantocratorian exports." the Emperor offers.

"Reverend, first let me say that the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria would joyfully welcome the establishment of a permanent Excalbian embassy in New Rome, and shares that same enthusiasm to establish a Pantocratorian embassy in Citadel Excalbia." says the Emperor.

"What's more, I believe that we are ready to expand upon our newly created navy, which currently consists of an Invincible class carrier, and four Oliver Perry frigates. Perhaps we can arrange a payment plan through which the Imperial Navy could purchase Excalbia's AEGIS missile cruisers, or perhaps it would be more economical for the Imperial Navy to go straight to the Joshua class... let's talk finances!" the Emperor says as he sends a page for the Imperial Treasurer and the First Admiral of the Fleet.

"As for trade, Pantocratoria's economy is fragile, but growing, gradually. We believe that the establishment of an open market between our nations would be most beneficial to the development of our economy. For this reason, we are prepared to waive all import tariffs on Excalbian exports, if our imperial brother the Emperor David and his government are prepared to do the same in regards to Pantocratorian exports." the Emperor offers.

"Your Majesty," Rev. Donnelly rose and bowed to the Pantocratorian monarch, "our Emperor will be most pleased to hear that you warmly receive his offer. We will make arrangements with your ministers to establish our Embassy in New Rome upon our return to your capital and I will notify the Ministry of State in Citadel Excalbia to prepare a suitable location for your embassy, your Majesty."

Donnelly returned to his seat and continued. "As for trade, the Holy Empire of Excalbia has long believed in free and open trade and His Imperial Majesty's Government is prepared to enter into a free trade agreement with the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria. Several of our leading firms stand ready to open representative offices to explore all possibilities for mutually beneficial trade."

Placing his hands on the table in front of him, Donnelly let his eyes pass over the other assembled nobles, ministers and diplomats, before returning his gaze to the Emperor Andreus. "Finally, your Majesty, allow me to say that the Excalbian Imperial Navy would be happy to assist you in the building of your naval forces. We also appreciate your current economic situation and are prepared to arrange appropriate financing. At this point, especially in view of your intention to maintain a military presence in the regions surrounding the True Holy See, we believe the Wraith class would be perfect for your needs. It is not terribly expensive, requires little manpower and provides you a nearly invisible and fairly powerful platform that can operate even in your enemy's coastal waters and bays. If your Imperial Navy would like to negotiate a long-term agreement to procure a number of Wraith class ships, we would be prepared to add the AEGIS cruisers for a nominal cost as a sign of goodwill. We could also discuss the Joshua class, but each of this class carries about three times the cost of the Wraith and, of course, takes longer to build."

Pausing to clear his throat, Donnelly continued. "I would be happy to work out the details with your Treasurer and First Admiral, your Majesty."

(ooc:double post)

The Treasurer and the First Admiral enter the chamber and bow to the Emperor.

"Comnenus, My Lord Admiral, welcome. Please sit." says the Emperor. The two men sit.

"Reverend, may I introduce the Imperial Treasurer Andreus Comnenus, the brother of our host the Exarch Augustulus, and the First Admiral of the Imperial Navy, Lord Justin Phocas." the Emperor says as both men nod respectfully to the Excalbian ambassador. "My Lord, Comnenus, the Reverend Donnelly has proposed the sale of a number of Wraith class warships to the Imperial Navy, and has generously offered to throw in some AEGIS class vessels for a nominal additional price. Comnenus, our naval expenditure will need to be increased and budgeted for so that the Imperial Navy can grow to face the challenge posed to it by the Antipope Crisis. You and my Lord Admiral Phocas will negotiate with the Reverend Donnelly for the sale of as many vessels as we require and can afford."

"Yes, Your Majesty." says the treasurer, before turning to Donnelly. "Reverend, how much is this Wraith class ship, and how much exactly is a nominal fee?"

"Bah, the budget is a secondary concern. The government can't possibly run out of money anyway! Tell me, Reverend, how much firepower do these Wraith ships pack, and how many crew do they need?" asks the First Admiral.

"The budget most certainly is not of secondary concern. If it wasn't for this blasted antipope it wouldn't even have to account for your little boat collection." snipes Comnenus.

"Gentlemen!" says the Emperor, slamming his first down. "Enough bickering! The Imperial Navy needs to grow! That much is clear. The only question is, by how much can it afford to grow? Now, show the Reverend some courtesy, and let him answer your questions!"

Rev. Donnelly smiled and nodded at each of the new arrivals before beginning. “My Lord First Admiral,” he straightened the tunic of his white naval-style uniform as he spoke, “to answer your question, Wraith carries a small crew – only 5 officers and 30 enlisted – but packs a powerful punch. She carries 10 vertical launch system cells along her spine and has 25 side-mounted launch cells along each broadside. She can fire a simultaneous volley of 60 missiles, anti-ship, anti-sub or conventional cruise missiles. She also carries two Phalanx-type close-in weapons mounts for defensive purposes and boasts a full array of modern fire-control, electronic detection and counter-detection systems. Her twin modular integrated electric drives give her up to 45 knots and are virtually silent at any standard ship distance. Her hull design leaves very little wake and her stealth features make her almost undetectable.”

Turning toward the Imperial Treasurer, Jacob continued, “As for price, each ship would cost about $300,000,000 – fully armed and equipped. As for the AEGIS cruisers, when they are new, they cost about $1,000,000,000 – or more than thrice the price of Wraith – but, considering that they are, uhumm, used and, if they were part of a long-term military agreement including the acquisition of several Wraith class ships, we would sell each for $200,000,000. And if the overall agreement is large enough, His Imperial Majesty, David IV, has instructed me to offer as many as five of AEGIS cruisers free-of-charge as a form of military assistance.”

Seeing the Treasurer doing some quick addition in his head, Donnelly quickly added, “Now, of course, we would not expect full cash payment. Rather, the Imperial Bank of Excalbia and the National Bank of Landing are prepared to underwrite up to 80% of your purchases with a long-term line of credit with the usual terms offered sovereign borrowers. I hope you will find this satisfactory, My Lord (ooc: correct title?) Comnenus.”

OOC: There's no proper form of address for the treasurer, he's untitled, even though he is the Exarch's brother and a very distant relative of the Imperial Family.

The Treasurer examines the Imperial Naval budget sheet and runs through some calculations in his head.

"I suppose the most economical thing would be to hit that critical mass whereat Excalbia would generously donate some AEGIS class cruisers free of charge." Comnenus ponders outloud.

"I want at least four of those Wraiths in the next few months, and I want the funds for the purchase of at least another ten over the next twelve months. Pantocratoria needs a world class navy!" says First Admiral Phocas, as Comnenus cringes. He looks over his budget again. "What's more, I'd like at least 3 AEGIS cruisers immediately, since they don't need to be built. Our deployment to the West Pacific is, frankly, an enormous logistical strain, since we need to keep the same three ships at sea essentially indefinitely. With 3 AEGIS cruisers, we could immediately start cycling ships in and out of deployment, whilst maintaining an effective naval presence here in the Middle East. And ideally, within 12 months, I'd like to bring our total number of AEGIS cruisers up to 10."

"You're using up almost our entire military budget, my Lord Admiral!" cautions the treasurer.

"I'm sorry, Comnenus, but as well you know, the Imperial Navy has so far received the least out of any of the services in the recent military build-up. We could have a world-class navy within a year with my plan! We'd have a carrier, frigates, and missile cruisers - everything Pantocratoria needs to support an invasion of a far off nation like the True Holy See, if it ever needs to come to that. The cost is worth it!" raves Phocas.

"Very well. The budget can support it, if only barely, so I am in agreement. So, Reverend Donnelly, can we come to an arrangement?" asks the treasurer.

The Rev. Ambassador Donnelly pulled out his handheld PC, reviewed a few miles and began doing some calculations. “Treasurer Comnenus, My Lord First Admiral, the Imperial Navy is prepared to make immediate delivery of two Wraith class ships – they can be en route as soon as an agreement is concluded – and two hulls currently under construction can be committed to the Pantocratorian Navy in order to complete you initial order. In addition, we can send three of our AEGIS cruisers immediately, along with your first two Wraith class ships. That would make for an initial order of $1.8 billion.”

Donnelly paused, checked another file, and then continued. “The follow up order for 10 additional Wraith class ships would be $3 billion. We have three hulls laid that could go towards this order, the rest would require new construction, and so delivery would be from 12 to 18 months. We could also send two additional AEGIS ships – for an additional $400 million – with the first ships of this order. That makes a total contract worth $5.2 billion.”

Donnelly scrolled past some charts and spreadsheets on his handheld. “Hmm. According to my instructions, the Imperial Navy is prepared to donate two additional AEGIS cruisers at this point. However, if you would like to extend our arrangement to include an additional 10 Wraith class vessels – with delivery between 24 and 30 months, with an option for additional ships later, the Imperial Navy would donate a total of five AEGIS cruisers, with immediate delivery.” Donnelly finalized some calculations. “The extended contact would bring the total to $8.2 billion. We would require an initial payment of $1.64 billion and the rest could be financed through our banks.”

Reaching into a folder, Donnelly produced a list and handed to a page with a request that it be given the First Admiral. “My Lord First Admiral, you will see here that – from this order – we are prepared to deliver two Wraiths – hull numbers 112 and 113 – and five AEGIS cruisers – the current INV Samuel II, INV Elizabeth, INV Paul, INV Windmere and INV Southport. The remaining five AEGIS ships would be delivered within 4 - 8 months.”

Glancing at the two ministers, and then at the Emperor. “Would this be satisfactory, Your Majesty?”

Uncle Noel (the real one) cut the grass today and so wasn't able to participate in these talks.

"Immediate delivery for 5 AEGIS cruisers?" asks Lord Phocas eagerly.

"Oh God..." starts Comnenus as he scrunches up his budget sheet and tossees it aside.

"Comnenus, listen, we can't get as many Wraiths as I wanted immediately because they're underconstruction. But we CAN get AEGIS cruisers instead. Now I know the budget can handle it!" says Phocas.

"Very well, my Lord Admiral. Reverend Donnelly, we graciously accept your proposal. $1.64 billion will be transferred to Excalbia's treasury immediately, and we will take advantage of your financing for the remaining $8.2 billion. And my Lord Admiral, I will hear no more complaints of your underfunded navy!" says Comnenus bitterly as Phocas rubs his hands with glee.

Rev. Donnelly smiled, not because of the arms sale, but because he suspected this deal had cemented a new friendship with the Pantocratorians. "My Lords," then, with a bow towards the Emperor, "Your Majesty, we have a deal. The first of your new ships will depart for Pantocratoria by the end of the week." Donnelly quickly noted something on his handheld and continued.

"Due to a crisis involving our neighbor to the north, the Dominion of Upper Virginia, the Imperial Navy has made its first large-scale operational deployment of our new ships. The Chief of Imperial Naval Operations, Admiral Lord Yornis Halton, has invited the Pantocratorian Imperial Navy to send observers to join the Fleet. We do not expect to engage in any hostilities, but this would be a good opportunity for you officers to observe our ships in action." Looking around at the other diplomats present, Donnelly added, "The Imperial Navy would, or course, welcome observers from other interested governments."

(OCC: The Fleet is being deployed in this forum: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=66633)

"We are most pleased that our new ships shall be arriving soon." says the Emperor. "As for the other matter, my Lord Admiral?"

"We'd jump at the opportunity to send observers! In fact, I'd like to come along myself, along with some of the Imperial Navy's captains and first officers, so we can see how our new ships will work in a real conflict!" offers Lord Phocas.

"So long as it doesn't cost any more ducats than we've already spent..." says Treasurer Comnenus.

*Lord James Talbolt exits his of his chambers.*
I would like to thank for the most pleasant accomadations, We look forward to the tour of New Rome. Our King would like to offer a gift of 500 Gold ounces and a Spotted Wildcat rug. King Albert I, would like to court the most gracious Princess Anna and offers her a gift of a 46.4 carat blue diamond.


"I must consult with my cabinet alone now on the details, but I have one more piece of news, this one much happier. His Majesty the King Albert I of Allemonde has asked to court my eldest daughter, Anna, the apple of my eye. I hereby agree." says the Emperor, smiling at his daughter and bowing at Lord Talbot. "My Lord Talbot, if it pleases His Majesty, Princess Anna could be flown to his court to meet him immediately."

"My Lord Talbot, please get in touch with your king! I'd like ever so much to meet him!" says Princess Anna as she grins happily, clutching the diamond close.




Uncle Noel would like to enquire as the status of this 'courtship.' Having received no official word from His Majesty King Albert I of Allemonde, and knowing how heart-breaking it can be to be jilted at the alter, Uncle Noel would like to propose that one of his own relatives as a possible suitor.

Uncle Noel would also like to state that the matter of two envoys will be shortly resolved.

"If you'll excuse me, Reverend," says the Emperor as he stands. "I'm afraid I may be neglecting my other guests. I shall leave you, my Lord Admiral, to arrange the Pantocratorian observers to Excalbia's naval deployment. Come Comnenus."

Everyone stands as the Emperor leaves the chamber, followed by Comnenus and a dozen pages and guards.

OOC: These are the Emperor's arms, now on the very first page of the thread as well for late-comers:
http://members.optusnet.com.au/a_marrington/ns/pantocratoria.jpg

OOC: The King of Allemonde wanted to court Princess Anna... does he have a thread in which I should post or shall I start a thread along the lines of Princess Anna arrives in Allemonde?

And, this is the chance for Uncle Noel's envoys or anybody else who wants to speak to the Emperor... :)

Maybourne had sat through many talks from various officials but hadn't concentrated on any of them. He was too preoccupied with his lapse of control. Why did he have to go blabber to a complete stranger? And about such sensitive matters. Oh he knew that Uncle Noel has hi-jacked his religion to suit political ends but.......to go and openly declare them, that was asking for alot of trouble.
As he entred his quarters, he knew that his loose tonge had caught up with him. A Pantocratorian page boy (OOC: Is that what you call them? You know, those little people who also scamper about these royal palaces) sat in his quarters.
'I have a message from your leader!' squealed the excited boy whose enthusiasm seemed to positively shake him.
Maybourne knew that this was the end. Uncle Noel knew, Uncle Noel always knew.
'Proceed,' said a weary Maybourne collapsing into a nearby chair.
"Your mother has fallen ill and asks that you return to the Fiefdom."
Maybourne's mother was in perfect health and he knew this. This message was his death knell.
"Very well, I shall return at once. Inform the Emperor of my departure..."
He could not run. He would always be found, a sword of Damacles constantly above him until the end. He couldn't live like that. Better to face the music.

* * * *

Maybourne entred the familar door and was confronted by the same old gold screen. The inner lair of the Beast. The air was cold and he shivered in the dank subterrainean chamber.
"You recalled me sir."
"Well well well," said the icy voice of Uncle Noel from behind the screen, "It seems as though my hunch was indeed correct."
"Sir?"
"You're a liability Maybourne, always have been and you have proved as much. I brought you back here in order that my suspicions could be verified.
And they have. Roger?"
A figure stepped out from behind the screen. He was tall with no hair and some sort of device around his head thsat covered his ears. He had been dressed in a standard military uniform of the Fiefdom although it displayed no rank.
"Roger here, a codename I assure you, is an empath. Do you know what they are Maybourne?"
"Errr, no sir," said Maybourne, but he had a terrible fear that he could guess.
"Oh they help influence decisions, detect emotions, that sort of thing." said the voice, "They also read minds."
"Read minds?" Maybourne knew for sure that he was doomed.
"Yes," said Uncle Noel, "I purchased one from the Resi Corporation. He was expensive and alot of people won't have heating this winter but I sound investment don't you think?"
"Then.....you know?"
"About that incident with Rev. Donnelly? Did you ever doubt that I didn't?"
"No......not really."
'Roger' moved back behind the gold screen and out of sight.
"Am I to die?" asked Maybourne, his voice emotionless.
"Fraid so." said the voice, equally emotionless.
The door opened and two soldiers entered. They grabbed Maybourne's arms and lifted him a few inches off the ground.
"How do you want it sir?" asked one soldier.
"Quick and relatively painless," said Uncle Noel, "We owe the 'good reverend' that much."
Maybourne was dragged backwards. The last he saw of the room was the gold screen before he was dragged into the darkness.

To: His Imperial and Most Catholic Majesty, Andreus I, Emperor of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria

From: Uncle Noel in {LOCATION CLASSIFIED}.

Uncle Noel must say, with some sadness, that the Right Rev. Fraser Maybourne, Lord Bishop of Cloverley can no longer attend your court or any other. Upon hearing of his mother's death from illness the Right Rev. boarded the jet that brought him here and rushed back to the Fiefdom. However contact was lost with the plane and we must sadly report that it is assumed that Right Rev. was killed in a plane crash. This is a very sad day for the Fiefdom and a day of mourning has been announced. While it is very difficult to talk of these matters with the memories of the late Lord Bishop of Cloverley still so fresh, Uncle Noel realises that the pace of international politics moves on and his envoy to the Holy Empire will be assumed by his niece Pebbles Harchester, Deputy Chairwoman of the Committee of Public Safety which is in charge of the Fiefdom's military. Hopefully relations can further improve, as the Right Reverend would have wanted.

Uncle Noel has the honour to remain your Majesty's loyal servant.

Uncle Noel.

Word spread quickly, as gossip tends to do, among the diplomat's attending the court and Rev. Ambassador Jacob Donnelly soon learned of "Bishop" Maybourne's death. Considering what Maybourne had told him, Donnelly's suspicions were peaked. Unfortunately, he couldn't how Maybourne's superious had learned of their conversation, so he would hold his report until he returned to Citadel Excalbia. He would also keep a close eye on the Fiefdom's new envoy and, should he suspect treachery, he'd have to look for a way to discretely warn his host.

The Emperor is seated in a throne in the great hall of the Justinian Palace in New Jerusalem, wearing his formal regalia, to greet the new envoy from the Fiefdom of Uncle Noel. As the chamber doors swung open, Pebbles Harchester entered the chamber.

"Madam deputy chairwoman," says the Emperor. "Welcome to the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria. It saddens us to hear of the death of the good Right Reverend Lord Bishop of Cloverley, but we are glad to have another of Uncle Noel's envoy attend us here in New Jerusalem. We were told in an earlier correspondance from Uncle Noel himself that you are more suited to discussing military matters than your predecessor, so let's talk about the issue of the joint deployment between the Fiefdom and the Empire to the West Pacific, specifically about the subject of wargames."

A messenger enters the room carrying a sheet of fax paper.

"Your Imperial Majesty, His Imperial Highness the Despot of New Constantinople has embarked on his journey home from the nation of Danya." says the messenger.

"And was our son successful in pursuing a wife?" asks the Emperor.

"The message doesn't say, Your Majesty." apologises the messenger.

"Very well, we will have to ask him upon his return. Have the jet prepared! Excellencies, honoured guests, members of my court, let us relocate to New Constantinople to greet my son upon his return home!" booms the Emperor.

OOC: In this thread, the war games begin! http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=71832

The Despotate of New Constantinople consists of the sprawling city of New Constantinople and the small penninsula on which it sits. The second city of the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria, the province is administered by the Prince Andreus, Emperor Andreus I's eldest son.

There is no codified law of succession in Pantocratoria, although by tradition all emperors must be members of the Imperial family by blood or marriage, and one emperor usually leaves his diadem to his eldest son on his death. Traditionally, there are two steps an emperor takes before his death to indicate his nominated heir. The first is making the nominated heir the Despot of New Constantinople to give them a taste of rulership. The second (which has fallen into disuse) is to crown the nominated heir co-emperor. It is entirely possible to have more than one emperor, although the United Christian Front, Pantocratoria's governing political party, takes the policy of "One God, One Church, One Emperor". In any case, the additional emperors are all the subjects of the senior emperor, and only the senior emperor's diadem in inherited - a junior emperor will not leave his imperial status to his own heir, although he will hold the title of emperor for the rest of his life. Imperial seniority has nothing to do with age - if the senior emperor died and his heir was half the age of any of the junior emperors, for example, his heir would still be the senior emperor. In effect, being crowned co-emperor grants one titular authority only. The complexity and redundancy of having co-emperors has led to the process being unpopular, which, combined with the United Christian Front's policy, means that the practice will probably never surface again.

The Emperor, his ministers, his daughter Anna, and his guests stand at the Despot Wharf in New Constantinople's harbour, as a large luxury yacht pulls in. The splendour of the assembled dignitaries is in sharp contrast with the shanty town along the harbour which is separated from Despot Wharf by high stone walls, capped with razor wire. These walls continue through the shanty town to the walls of the old part of New Constantinople, creating a path between the palaces, churches and mansions in the old quarter of New Constantinople and the Despot Wharf which bypasses the impoverished, predominantly refugee-occupied shanty towns.

As a purple carpet is rolled down the ramp from the yacht, the Varangian Guard's band, standing alongside the wharf, play the first verse of "God Save the Emperor". Two heralds walk down the ramp carrying trumpets from which are suspended the arms of Pantocratoria on one, and the arms of New Constantinople on the other. They blast their trumpets and then announce in unison:

"His Imperial Highness the Most Pious Prince Andreus, Dread Despot of New Constantinople!"

They blare their trumpets again as a young man in his twenties dressed in the white naval uniform of the newly reformed Imperial Navy disembarks the yacht. He walks right up to the Emperor, kneels, and holds his hands together as if in prayer. The Emperor touches his head.

"Stand up, my son." he says, as Prince Andreus stands. "So, is your fiance staying in her own country for the time being?"

Prince Andreus glares at his father.

"Your Majesty, I have no fiance." says the Prince.

The Emperor's face turns instantly dark with disappointment.

"I see." says the Emperor, before turning to his guests. "Your excellencies, may I present to you my eldest son, Andreus. Andreus, the envoys of the Fiefdom of Uncle Noel, the Holy Empire of Excalbia, the Kingdom of Allemonde, the Republic of Marmaia, and others."

The Prince nods politely but looks disinterested. The party leaves Despot Wharf and starts walking towards the old quarter of New Constantinople.

"Your Highness!" says Princess Anna. Prince Andreus quickly turns his head to his sister, and grins.

"I didn't see you behind the band, Anna." he says. "How are you?"

"I'm wonderful!" she beams, and shows him the huge diamond with which she was presented by the envoy for Allemonde. "Look! King Albert of Allemonde sent me this, he wants to court me!"

"That's a big rock, Anna." says Andreus, not entirely approvingly.

"I'm sure his intentions are entirely honourable!" Anna says defensively.

Andreus opens his mouth to speak but holds his words.

"So, has Theodora stayed out of trouble?" he asks, changing the topic.

"I wouldn't know. We've all been in New Jerusalem for the past weeks. Who knows what she's got up to back in the palace with Zoe." says Anna, quietly.

"We've all been you say? You came along with the cabinet and the ambassadors? New Jerusalem is where father gets important business done - you're being groomed for a ministership from the sounds of it, Anna!" says Andreus in a congratulatory tone. Anna smiles back. Prince Constantine wanders over to his siblings as the party progresses.

"You're both smiling. This bodes trouble." Constantine teases.

"Your Highness," says Andreus in a sarcastic tone. "How goes the public safety?"

"Just fine, behind these walls." says Constantine, the Minister for Public Safety, as he runs his hand along the stone wall, glancing up at the gleaming razor wire.

"Yes, I was going to ask about those. They've never had razor wire on them before..." says Andreus.

"Immigrants." says Constantine. "Refugees actually. Catholic Terristanis fleeing persecution amongst others. They've been granted assylum, but not citizenship. Every morning, my police round up work crews from the shanty towns and assign them to one blasted thing or another. Every worker gets a couple of ducats. The poverty is astounding, and with poverty, there's crime."

He shakes his head, seemingly displeased.

"We couldn't turn them away, Constantine." says Anna.

"We didn't have to turn them into slaves, either." says Constantine, almost spitting the words out. "We didn't have to exploit their desperation like this."

"That's what we do." says Andreus bitterly. "We exploit desperate people. Try to, anyway."

"You too are so critical of Uncle Basil's government!" says Anna.

"As I understand it, we're now the only people allowed to be." says Andreus.

"Ha!" snorts Constantine, a grin reappearing on his face. "I'm not too critical, dear sister. I happen to be a member of that government, after all. And soon, you will be too. When you're an adult."

"I am an adult!" snaps Anna. She produces her Allemondian diamond again. "Would foreign kings be sending me gifts like this if I wasn't?"

"Does he know you're seventeen?" snaps Andreus. He adds bitterly, "And I suppose father approves."

"Of course he approves!" Anna says, tucking the diamond away once more, becoming defensive.

"Of course he does, marriages are great political tools." Andreus says bitterly.

"Let's not argue. We needn't make a scene in front of the guests." says Constantine as the party enters the old quarter of New Constantinople.

In the main hall of the Demetrine Palace in New Constantinople, the Emperor, the Despot of New Constantinople, and the members of the Imperial Cabinet join the ambassadors and envoys of Pantocratoria's guests in a lavish feast of roast peacocks, peacock-egg omlettes, exotic wines from the Exarchate of New Jerusalem, and many other sumptuous dishes.

"Your excellencies!" says the Emperor as he proposes as toast. "To the health of all of you, and to the friendship between the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria and the nations which you represent!"

The table drinks the toast.

"Unfortunately, my friends, we must call an end to this tour. Most of you have travelled with us from New Rome to New Jerusalem to here, New Constantinople. You have seen the heart and the furthest extremities of our Empire. And now, here at the oldest city in Pantocratoria, I bid farewell to you all." the Emperor Andreus continues.

"We sincerely hope that all of you will establish permanent embassies in New Rome, so that the relationships between Pantocratoria and your respective nations can continue and flourish. God bless you all, and thankyou for your friendship through this difficult time!" the Emperor concludes.

OOC: If you would like to establish a permanent embassy in New Rome, please say so here. Otherwise, I think it is pretty clear that the RP is over. :wink:

Just a few notes: First, I believe that we have established formal Embassies in each other's capitals. Second, by now the first 2 Wraiths and the first 5 AEGIS cruisers should have arrived in your Naval port. Production is running ahead of schedule, so the next 3 Wraiths and the remaining 5 AEGIS cruisers should depart for Pantocratoria in a few weeks. Seven more Wraiths will arrive in about 6 months and last ten will arrive between 9 and 12 months.

Exscuse me for interupting but i was instructed to leave a message to apply for diplomatic exchange. "I apply".

Exscuse me for interupting but i was instructed to leave a message to apply for diplomatic exchange. "I apply".

Application most certainly accepted! Western Australia has permission to build and maintain an embassy in New Rome.

As a fellow Crusader state, we would be privileged to build an embassy in your country as we have much history and current government structure in common (if you give permission of course). We await your embassy staff and are privileged to be able to start diplomatic relations.

King of Jeruselem
Keeper of Holy Lands

As a fellow Crusader state, we would be privileged to build an embassy in your country as we have much history and current government structure in common (if you give permission of course). We await your embassy staff and are privileged to be able to start diplomatic relations.

King of Jeruselem
Keeper of Holy Lands

Although all Pantocratorians pray for the day on which Constantinople will be delivered from the Turk and on which we will become once again basileus, Emperor of the Romans, as our ancestor Constantine XI Palaelogus was, we would hardly call ourselves a Crusader state anymore - the last Pantocratorian Crusade was in 1703. Nevertheless, we would happily welcome Your Majesty to establish an embassy in New Rome! We would like very much to do the same in Jeruselem.

ANDREUS I IMP. PANTOCRATORIA

*Lord James Talbolt exits his of his chambers.*
I would like to thank for the most pleasant accomadations, We look forward to the tour of New Rome. Our King would like to offer a gift of 500 Gold ounces and a Spotted Wildcat rug. King Albert I, would like to court the most gracious Princess Anna and offers her a gift of a 46.4 carat blue diamond.


"I must consult with my cabinet alone now on the details, but I have one more piece of news, this one much happier. His Majesty the King Albert I of Allemonde has asked to court my eldest daughter, Anna, the apple of my eye. I hereby agree." says the Emperor, smiling at his daughter and bowing at Lord Talbot. "My Lord Talbot, if it pleases His Majesty, Princess Anna could be flown to his court to meet him immediately."

"My Lord Talbot, please get in touch with your king! I'd like ever so much to meet him!" says Princess Anna as she grins happily, clutching the diamond close.




Uncle Noel would like to enquire as the status of this 'courtship.' Having received no official word from His Majesty King Albert I of Allemonde, and knowing how heart-breaking it can be to be jilted at the alter, Uncle Noel would like to propose that one of his own relatives as a possible suitor.

Far be it from Uncle Noel to be the bearer of bad news but it appears as though the monarcy of Allemonde has fallen and that the King is under arrest. Uncle Noel hopes that the Princess Anna is quite safe and that she has not becomed embroiled in the seedy actions of a once proud nation, brought low by republican conspiracy.

And, although this would be no time to speak of such issues but this does leave the Princess without a suitor and Uncle Noel would like to propose his own nephew Trevor Harchester. Young Trevor is resolute in will and stout of heart but also has the soul of a poet and would make an ideal suitor to the fair princess. Although young Trevor is predisposed at this particular point in matters of great importance to Uncle Noel he has sent word that he would be more than happy to court Her Royal Highness.

Uncle Noel, to show that he doesn't make such gestures everyday, sends a suitable 'courting' gift.

http://www.memorial-caen.fr/portailgb/decouverte/images/trabant.jpg
The Zagreb Peoples' Car is the best (and only) car manufactured in the Fiefdom of Uncle Noel and he sends it on behalf of his nephew as a token of his affection.

Uncle Noel is also willing to allow an extremely rare official visit to the Fiefdom for the Princess. Such offers are not made lightly.

http://www.luffa.nu/shock/Pripyat.jpg

The dreamy 'spires' of Port Noel, the capital of the Fiefdom.

*Lord James Talbolt exits his of his chambers.*
I would like to thank for the most pleasant accomadations, We look forward to the tour of New Rome. Our King would like to offer a gift of 500 Gold ounces and a Spotted Wildcat rug. King Albert I, would like to court the most gracious Princess Anna and offers her a gift of a 46.4 carat blue diamond.


"I must consult with my cabinet alone now on the details, but I have one more piece of news, this one much happier. His Majesty the King Albert I of Allemonde has asked to court my eldest daughter, Anna, the apple of my eye. I hereby agree." says the Emperor, smiling at his daughter and bowing at Lord Talbot. "My Lord Talbot, if it pleases His Majesty, Princess Anna could be flown to his court to meet him immediately."

"My Lord Talbot, please get in touch with your king! I'd like ever so much to meet him!" says Princess Anna as she grins happily, clutching the diamond close.




Uncle Noel would like to enquire as the status of this 'courtship.' Having received no official word from His Majesty King Albert I of Allemonde, and knowing how heart-breaking it can be to be jilted at the alter, Uncle Noel would like to propose that one of his own relatives as a possible suitor.

Far be it from Uncle Noel to be the bearer of bad news but it appears as though the monarcy of Allemonde has fallen and that the King is under arrest. Uncle Noel hopes that the Princess Anna is quite safe and that she has not becomed embroiled in the seedy actions of a once proud nation, brought low by republican conspiracy.

And, although this would be no time to speak of such issues but this does leave the Princess without a suitor and Uncle Noel would like to propose his own nephew Trevor Harchester. Young Trevor is resolute in will and stout of heart but also has the soul of a poet and would make an ideal suitor to the fair princess. Although young Trevor is predisposed at this particular point in matters of great importance to Uncle Noel he has sent word that he would be more than happy to court Her Royal Highness.

Uncle Noel, to show that he doesn't make such gestures everyday, sends a suitable 'courting' gift.

http://www.memorial-caen.fr/portailgb/decouverte/images/trabant.jpg
The Zagreb Peoples' Car is the best (and only) car manufactured in the Fiefdom of Uncle Noel and he sends it on behalf of his nephew as a token of his affection.

We believe that our beloved daughter will be heart-broken at the news, but will most certainly consider the suit of the esteemed nephew of Uncle Noel, Trevor Harchester. Princess Anna is currently visiting Roania, and another young gentlemen has also proposed suit, but she will be instructed to consider all suitors careful before we make her decision for her.

Filial regards, dearest ally,

ANDREUS I IMP. PANTOCRATORIA

OOC: I'll start up a thread called something like the Courtship of Princess Anna when she gets back from Roania!

OOC: Okay. I'm currently trying to marry off a relative to a royal despite the fact that I'm not royal. This, I suppose, is a bit like Colonel Kaddafi trying to get his son to marry a daughter of the King of Spain.


Hope she likes the Trabant. :wink:

OOC: Okay. I'm currently trying to marry off a relative to a royal despite the fact that I'm not royal. This, I suppose, is a bit like Colonel Kaddafi trying to get his son to marry a daughter of the King of Spain.


Hope she likes the Trabant. :wink:

It makes a change from treatises and diamonds!

:shock:

OOC: When will she come back?

OOC: When will she come back?

OOC: Soon if I can't work out where I can fit her into the Roania thread. 8)

OOC: The thread is here: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=76458

Um... is it too late for me to send an ambassador? :D :oops:

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

I think my religious leader have spend a fair bit of time in Pantocratoria.
We urge members of the DoTF to visit too.

OOC: I believe this was my first thread, and it looks like it will never die... muhahahaha

IC: The Republic of Syskeyia is most welcome to establish an embassy in New Rome. The old Byzantine-style Church of Nôtre Dame de Constantinople, located in the Imperial Quarter, has fallen into disuse and disrepair. If the Syskeyian government wished, the church, its rectory, and the adjacent buildings, could be provided for the establishment of a Syskeyian embassy. Some minor repairs and rennovations would be necessary, but otherwise the Church of Nôtre Dame de Constantinople would be ideal. You have His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty's guarantee that you will not need armoured bunkers, machine gun nests, or any of the other paraphenalia which is par for the course when establishing an embassy in the Reich.

IC: The Republic of Syskeyia is most welcome to establish an embassy in New Rome. The old Byzantine-style Church of Nôtre Dame de Constantinople, located in the Imperial Quarter, has fallen into disuse and disrepair. If the Syskeyian government wished, the church, its rectory, and the adjacent buildings, could be provided for the establishment of a Syskeyian embassy. Some minor repairs and rennovations would be necessary, but otherwise the Church of Nôtre Dame de Constantinople would be ideal. You have His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty's guarantee that you will not need armoured bunkers, machine gun nests, or any of the other paraphenalia which is par for the course when establishing an embassy in the Reich.

We'll take it.

OOC: Getting late, will RP establishing embassy later.

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

Posting here to keep this thread alive for my future reference.

Her Elegancy, the Grand Duchess of Luxornburg, wishes to open relations with your country. Unfortunately both Her Elegancy cannot attend due to the matters of state. Her Elegancy would like to inquire if her sister, Countess Ariana Yolanda Luxorn can attend to your function.

Her Elegancy, the Grand Duchess of Luxornburg, wishes to open relations with your country. Unfortunately both Her Elegancy cannot attend due to the matters of state. Her Elegancy would like to inquire if her sister, Countess Ariana Yolanda Luxorn can attend to your function.

Her Elegancy's interest is most flattering, however, the particular function to which you refer finished some time ago indeed (this thread is now being preserved more for my own historical interest than anything else). However, the Countess Ariana would be most welcome to visit the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator at a future date. We would recommend the Countess visit Pantocratoria after the present crisis in New Rome is averted. After that crisis is averted, it is the intention of His Imperial and Most Catholic Majesty the Emperor Andreus to host another banquet for visiting dignitaries at the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator. We hope that the Countess will attend. We will contact the Grand Duchy of Luxornburg via telegram first thing when the next banquet begins.

In the meantime, since Her Elegancy has shown interest in the Holy and Most August Empire of Pantocratoria, we invite her to peruse this factfile at her convenience: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=74255