Alexei

I'll be there as time allows.

“You’ve done well, bother.” Conner said as he looked over the reports Nerorinus had handed him on a data-slate. While the Imperial South had indeed been inactive, it was only a sleep. The Southern Lion had been saving its strength since the start of the Harrowing. When Kadia had been temporarily ripped from the material world. It was time for it to wake up, and reveal that it’s fangs had not grown dull. That they had instead only grown sharper. “The Melisende blood is not one that handles inaction well, boils too easily I admit; but your restraint will prove our greatest weapon.” He smiled, a cold and vicious thing that decorated his handsome face. “No doubt out enemies, and even fair weather allies--snakes that they are--think we have weakened. Think that our lands are ripe for the picking.” He chuckled. “This works well in our favor, no doubt they believe the whole of our forces lay in Kadia. That we have abandoned our precious jewel of ice and snow.” His attention returned to the slate in his hands, finger sliding through report after report. “Even their forays into our farthest borders show this.” Setting it down in trade for a glass of Southern whiskey he looked at his elder brother, calculating green eyes meeting taciturn blue. “The majority of the South is with the Imperium’s grasp, we have laid waste to the dragons--removing their potential threat--and expanded our infrastructure. We have made an alliance with the Western League, the Order of Force Majeure, and I intend to bring Koji into the fold eventually. If successful, we can have the Carmine Empire surrounded on three fronts, and perpetuate a balance of mutual threat.” Though the issue of his sister still remained. He could sense her here in Genesaris, weak though it was as she has abandoned her faith in their father. “It is time for the Imperial South to rouse and return to the pride. There is no better way to display that their predictions are incorrect by grasping one last piece on the board.” He said, taking a sip from the glass, enjoying the smooth whiskey for a moment. “Saint Desolatus can no longer be allowed to remain as is, there is too much dark mystery within it, something that cannot be allowed to remain and inevitably grow.” The city had long since bore black rumors, long before he had become Emperor, long before the Father had forged the beginnings of their empire. “As I speak, a fleet of thirty ships makes its way here, it will arrive at the shores of where Cobran once stood. It carries within it fifty thousand of my Elite toops, infantry and armored divisions combined. You will muster another fifty thousand and openly march towards Saint Desolatus. I want all of Genesaris to see it. We will then gauge their reaction as the siege begins in earnest. I have no intention to draw it out, we will use this chance to send a message. To make aware those hyenas that we are not some corpse to be butchered and shared with their laughter.” He raised a gloved hand, and clenched it into a fist. They had grown too willful in the absence of Kadia, and made assumptions that bordered on insult. His sister thought she knew the extent of Connor’s cunning and ambition, of his power and ability. He felt no insult, no matter what she thought of him, or how he had throttled her in the game of politics as the nobles turned their votes from her to them. If she could not best him, then he could only fear for Kadia’s future under such lacking ability. Her naivete, while novel; was a weapon that could be used against him. Now that she had abandoned her home, and her people; for the Carmine Empire she had become a threat. Of course he would not hamfistedly go after her in some assassination plot, he had more honor and integrity than most gave him credit for. She was blood, after all. This merely meant that he would have to act quickly with plans different from what they had conjured together during the Harrowing. To rid himself and his Empire of the weaknesses she knew of, to build new strengths beyond those she was intimate with. He counted this as a blessing, in a way. It spurred him to develop new methods, advance their technology, and reorganize the military. Magic was never relied upon in the Imperium, and for a long time shunned; at least that was what everyone seemed to think. Magic was merely a tool, a weapon of such destruction that it much be strictly leashed. Yet it was not untrue to say that Connor was a bit more…liberal in its applications. He leaned back in his seat, awaiting his brother’s response.

Managed to poop a post out.

Connor chuckled at the PRIME’s words, there almost seemed to be a patronizing tone to it. “Indestructible, how quaint.” He said, offering the man a small smile of pity. How many times had he heard such things, especially from Champions of Corruption during the Harrowing? When the Dark Gods’ influence was far more...palpable. “There is no such thing as Indestructible, certainly not in this world.” He said, his voice becoming serious. “Myths often speak of such things, and certainly; it could be quite close to the truth. No, it merely requires more effort, an understanding of its properties and metaphysical resonance.” He paused. “Alas, I don’t have the time to lecture you on magical theory.” Not that they had the time had he truly intended to. He doubted it had anything to do with “dark powers” in why Lilith could locate the crown, and more to do with her own understanding of magic. He was certain if he deigned to do so, he could locate it. He had never been the superstitious sort. He considered for a moment, which of his own relics he would chose to sacrifice to destroy the crown, it would be a small thing to lose; a trinket he could replace with enough time and effort. “In any case, you would do well to solidify your defense, just in case.” He warned, settling cold green eyes on Ardon. He had a feeling the crown would inevitably find its way into Lilith’s hands, he could only hope they would bloody her nose. If he didn’t do so first. His attention turned to Tenkai when the monk addressed him. “The Divinity of lesser gods can be mimicked if you know the proper frequency of its resonance, and have a similar depth of power.” He said, almost chidingly. “It would take time, but it can be done.” especially if it was me, the unspoken words hung in the air. The authority was more than just some force that ground down the likes of magic, it was merely one application of its infinite possibilities. Not that any of them could truly understand it, lacking in the truth of the nature of Kadian faith. “For someone who has never seen or touched the crown, she certainly seems to know an awful lot about it.” He pointed out nonchalantly. “That’s something to consider, no?” “Keeping it around is also a folly, a less manageable one at that, mind. Should we stop her here, there will be others, and such destruction will continue to happen.” He shrugged. “Its because she is toying with us, in truth I sincerely doubt we are much of a matter in her eyes, and it's already shown to that the Renovatian forces are proving to be of little threat to her goal.” He noted for good measure. “If they had been, she would have already revealed some of her hand by now,” Connor had expected better. Though it could be said that his standards were far from conventional, a decade in the Sea of Corruption tends to warp how one views the quality of military might. “So be it.” Connor said with a nod. “My fleet will be arriving with a force of a thousand Kadian elites.” He said with a wave of his hand. “Five hundred shall hold the front, along with me. Two groups of two hundred-and-fifty shall reinforce and rally the forces at Ralrome and Algany for a flanking attack. Should I have the distinct pleasure of meeting this Lilith, I will do her the benevolent favor of returning her back to her grave.” That was if Tenkai did not have the first chance to do so. In truth he could care less about whether the crown was kept out of her hands or if she was cut down, he was only here to mitigate the damage. “Hah, a predictable outcome.” He said after the Greatsword delivered his report. “Well, at the very least those shambling mockeries of life will provide plenty of target practice for my men.” He said in a cavalier manner. “Ardon, it would be wise you call in support from the Zodiac knights and prepare your defenses here. We can’t be doing all the work, now can we?” He said as he began walking towards the doors. “Ah, and a bit of advice for the future. Don’t announce when you’ve found a powerful relic of some deity, especially before you understand its power, yes?” He left with a light wave, mockery all but dripping from his person. ------- The Kadian Fleet cut through the air, the sharp designs of each ship created a sword-like profile that was as graceful as it was threatening. It was an impressive display of five battleships centered amongst their own contingent of frigates, destroyers, and cruisers. It was a minimal display of naval power on part of Kadia, but it was certainly one not to be taken lightly, as each contingent was more than capable of laying waste to any one of the cities as easily as the undead scourge that was now plaguing the region. Scout ships flitted forward in various directions and altitudes to assess any threats that may or may not be on an interception course. Connor sat upon the command throne of his battleship, the Divine Right; perhaps the most advanced and deadly ship to dominate the skies of Valucre. Like the sword of Damocles it hung over Renovatio’s head, ready to judge and sever the life beneath it. “Taurus fleet, push to Ralrome and begin disembarking the elites to reinforce the soldiers there. Heracles Fleet, do the same with Algany. The Holy Father guide your bolts, and give no quarter to the enemy, even should they surrender, gentlemen.” He said, the carefree attitude displayed earlier in the meeting with Ardon and Tenkai long replaced by one more befitting of a ruler. With a brisk confirmation from each Admiral, the vox channels between the three fleets were cut, and the ships adjusted their courses to take a wide path around Parrish. “We move on Parrish, Kadians.” He began, his voice filling the vox casts of his fleet with a stentorian regality that could very well have matched his father. “The enemy has seen fit to raise the dead and make a mockery of the purity of man, an affront we will not tolerate. They seek to raze as much of this region down as they can in pursuit of the Crown of Asteria, we will deny them at Parrish; and rebuke them for their sins against or ally.” He stated with a force that was almost palpable, easily galvanizing the men and women who served in the fleet. “Let us show them why the Aravians fear us, why the Dark Gods and their petty Champions quake at the very mention of the Dauntless Sons.” He said, pride filling his voice and the hearts of his soldiers. “We head for Parrish, where we will hold the line with the Force Majeure like we have done many times during the Harrowing. Let’s see to it the damage does not spread beyond what it already has, as is our duty to all of mankind.” He stated before cutting the mass vox broadcast. He opened a line directly to Engine Control. “Engage main thrusts and push to the coordinates I sent you with full speed.” He said. “Affirmative, your highness!” Came the quick reply as the ship began to gain speed, cutting sharply through the air before leaving behind a shockwave that rattled the air as it began its full forward momentum.

Goblins?

Mordhau

“Another fine mess you mother has started, boy.” Conner said from the command throne of his ship, the Divine Right. His words stung the young Zodiac Knight deeply, causing the red headed young man to wince visibly. Since he had requested for aid from the young Kadian Emperor, the youngest of his uncles; he had come to quickly realize that Connor was a being of extreme confidence and pride, bordering on arrogance and easily looking down on others. Though his words stung, Asher could find no flaw in them, he would simply shoulder them for the deal that had been made. Green eyes watched his nephew, a small smile touching the corners of his lips. His nephew showed restraint, despite his jabs towards his sister-in-law. Wise on his part, after all; their deal hinged on him not angering the young Kadian Emperor. Asher was a faithful one, perhaps the only one of the Knights of his order to remain such to their old gods, driven mad by the nullifier the Grand Kommandant had employed to remove them. This was a great concern to Connor, as there were enough mad gods in the Immaterium, and he had little desire to see it influenced further by the insanity of other powerful beings. “Tell me, Asher.” He said, getting the boy’s attention as Aestus laid waste to the small and ultimately unimportant city. “Are you prepared for the possible consequences of my actions here today? What I will do to save your Goddess’ life, and keep her in this world; will hold heavy repercussions. Those knights down there will serve as fodder to make it happen.” He said, green eyes looking down at the boy who stood at the foot of his throne. Asher hesitated, his face ale and openly showing the conflict on his face. Connor couldn’t help but smile at the sight of it. How many times had he worn that expression when he sacrifices were necessary for his ambitions? When the were necessary for Kadia? “I am.” Asher said finally, setting opal eyes on the Emperor, a man who he both disliked, feared, respected and admired. “Good.” Connor said with a nod, standing from his throne to address the fleet. “Good. Set up formation around the city in all Cardinal and Ordinal directions.” He commanded with a clear voice across private vox channels. Prepare my obelisks for drop, we have a Goddess to save, gentlemen.” Ships broke from formation moving as ordered from the right and left, various support craft followed them, should the need arise they would serve as the line of defense. Connor could only hope that the Zodiac Knights would live long enough to keep Aestus’ attention.

You are all wrong. Valucre is concave.

Same. Some things have come up, so I am unsure of my activity more so than I was before.