Citizens of Autumngrove, and all loyal subjects across Druecia —
Hear now the latest decree.
The Eastern Conclave has reached its end, leaving behind a day marked by triumph, treachery, and transformation. What began as a diplomatic gathering has reshaped the very foundation of our Empire.
In a stunning revelation, the Queen exposed traitors hidden in plain sight King Tyber II, Dadaka of Druecias Finest, and the once-trusted Sylas Thorne. Each has been removed for crimes against the Empire. Even more shocking was the fall of one of Autumngrove’s own: Thomas Glindley, long celebrated as a hero, now branded a traitor after attempting to assassinate our esteemed diplomat, Channing Tatum. A royal bounty has been issued for the capture or killing of all conspirators.
Yet even as corruption was purged, unification flourished.
The conclave has secured the allegiance of Faywharf, Europa, and Bleakshire. These kingdoms join our Empire as independent states, while numerous eastern cities pledge themselves under the banner of Faywharf. A new era begins—an era of East and West bound together under the Crown.
But unity does not come without controversy.
The Queen’s reordering of the imperial crowning process, adjusted to reflect the new arrivals, has stirred discontent among several long-standing kingdoms. What follows are the responses gathered from across the Empire:
Channing Tatum of Autumngrove:
I do not see what the controversy is. The number one priority is, and will always be, the safety of the people of the Empire. After the devastating terrorist attack on Honos, it is clear that the true enemy and threat to Druecia is Cattivus Will and the Ashen Maw.
We are more powerful with greater numbers, and we are united in our disdain toward Cattivus Will. Those upset with the reordering process are clearly not thinking of the greater good of the Empire; they are thinking only of themselves and their own potential grasp for power in the future.
Autumngrove personally welcomes our new additions to the Empire with open arms. We will be stronger together. For a better future of the realm!
Vultik Kastine, King of Honos:
Despite being placed as the first choice in the crowning process, I must reiterate that I will not be considered, and if the opportunity is offered, I will refuse the crown of the Empire. My duty — my purpose — is to Honos first. I failed them once.
I am humbled to know that I was chosen as first choice twice now, but I am simply not worthy of the title of Emperor.
However, I do not agree with the Queen on opening our Empire to Faywharf. They are known Suave sympathizers, and I worry their hearts are not in the right place in the battle against Suave and Cattivus Will.
I will always be loyal to the Queen and the Empire, but I admit I think this unification was a misstep. I fear the day Faywharf could rule over the Empire.
Gareth Cravenstone, King of Grimrest:
I am honored to be considered the second choice in the crowning process for the next leader of our mighty Empire. Grimrest has seen unprecedented growth and is deserving of this higher placement.
Grimrest stands strong, waiting on orders to attack the Maw alongside our fellow kingdoms.
Varos Brineswen of Faywharf:
To the kingdoms who fear Faywharf joining the Empire — fear not. We are all united against a single cause, are we not?
We greatly condemned the attack on Honos. That attack sparked the very creation of the Eastern Conference for unification.
We pledge our wealth and our might to the Empire in the fight against the true evil of this world: Cattivu's Will.
I have heard concerns about our goals and how they align with those of the Empire. Do not worry. We stand under one banner now.
Lawrence Shmud, speaking for King Reggie Moon of Albia:
We are deeply disappointed by the Queen’s backstab to the Empire at the Eastern Conference. Why create a crowning process if it is simply going to be changed? And who exactly is this secret group choosing the order?
Albia has been a major staple and a source of power in the Empire since its founding. King Reggie has committed himself fully to the Empire and its people. It is pure mockery that Faywharf is considered so high on the crowning list despite being brand new to the Empire. They do not understand the goals, relationships, or systems nearly as well as the founding kingdom members.
As always, we are loyal to the Empire, but we are deeply — deeply — hurt by this mockery. To the founding members, this is a stab in the back.
Might I remind you, before Grimrest rose to become independent, they once also ruled under Albia.
Everyone agrees Vultik would be the perfect choice to rule next, but his mind seems decided. Gareth is not a popular leader and is inexperienced. Faywharf is far too new to the Empire to ever rule in the short term.
Theodore Kezzlewick, King of Novastra:
HUZZAH! We welcome the great kingdoms of Europa and Faywharf to the Empire! We also welcome Bleakshire.
The Empire is mightier united!
For those wondering — no, I am not upset with the new crowning order. Much like Sir Vultik Kastine, I prefer to directly help my own people of Novastra.
I am personally happy to see that our great Empire has opened its arms to the eastern kingdoms despite differing values and cultures.
Adrissa Ceremorne, Queen of Steelrun:
The Queen’s age must be catching up with her. What commenced at that conference is an utter disgrace to the Empire.
Faywharf is a kingdom of outcasts who cling to the past, praying to a false god who has already betrayed them. And then there is the ugly scar of Druecia — Bleakshire.
Steelrun, since the founding of the Empire, has worked tirelessly to remove these vermin from our pristine lands, and now we are welcoming them into the Empire?
An utter disgrace.
For now, efforts must continue to focus on defeating the Maw — but we must also be thinking about what happens next.
Rhorak Sunstride, Leader of Dephena:
A glimpse of hope in a dark era for our realm. Dephena had all but lost hope in the Empire, but we see a change of heart.
Welcoming cities like Bleakshire into our great Empire has reminded our people that this realm is not just for humans, but for all who wish to be part of something greater — for a better future.
Jeremy of Bleakshire refused to comment.