[RPG] [FEI][SoC] The Imperator of Casshern

[Greg McGlynn]

The Swift March to War:
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"Rulers of the Far East

Let it be known that, because of the attack by Svunnetland and the 
Principality of Zonasa on Nighthelm, I will be dropping diplomatic 
relations between the Sanctum and Zonasa and Svunnetland to neutral. I 
believe these attacks to be unwarranted and dangerously aggressive. This 
will mean the end of the alliance between the Sanctum and Svunnetland.

Xerxes
King of Sanctum of Casshern, Marshal of the Royal Palace Army"

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"Nobles of the Sanctum of Casshern and the Antoza Commonwealth, 
subjects, friends, allies, and comrades-in-arms,

Few hours remain before we will be joined together on the battlefield in 
a violent clash with our foes. After we are victorious in Paplarmi, our 
allies in Nighthelm will no longer have to fear raids by the 
Principality of Zonasa and Svunnetland. We will hold Nighthelm's 
northern border, then push back the invaders. We will keep them back 
from plundering our friends, and make the war a burden to them instead 
of to our ally. We will show them how wrong they were when they thought 
they could attack one of /our/ friends and go unpunished.

Within the hour my Royal Blades will have begun the march to Paplarmi. 
When you arrive ready your men for battle at sunset tomorrow -- prepare 
for the first victory of this war!"

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Palnasos, on a cool evening:

With great fanfare, the King's unit of infantry made its way through the 
gates and out of the gleaming city of Palnasos, joining the stream 
marching to the south.

"At last!" thought Xerxes. "I have waited a long time for a war. How 
kind of Zonasa to provide the perfect excuse. I always expected some 
outcry from other rulers, and there has been as little resistance as I 
could have hoped for. The assassination of Brom just as I responded to 
him was most fortunate, I think. It silenced any criticism of my 
actions, as he could not respond to my message. If I ever find the man 
who did the deed, I shall have to thank him."

Xerxes chuckled at that thought.

"Yes, this war is the best thing that could happen for me. With Antoza's 
support we cannot lose. And while a realm is at war patriotism is always 
high. People readily respond to rousing speeches and messages like the 
ones I have been giving. Victor won't be complaining about the quality 
of the General because he is the General, and Cesari won't be moaning 
because it would make him look bad. I will have no critics. So I will be 
able to do away with those clunky reforms I promised them when I took 
office, which aren't used now anyway. I'll be able to consolidate power.

We should be able to change the war into a conquest of Zonasa soon. At 
its close, they will have been vanquished, and I will be the monarch of 
a growing, swelling realm straddling two cities and the plains between 
them. Nobles will flock to my lands. I will be King of a powerful 
nation. This war could be the start of -- of empire."

That thought would be enough to keep Xerxes smiling all the way to Paplarmi.



Greg McGlynn
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