EPISODE 168: PREPARATION

— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.

Winter was coming. Citizens in Edrya hurried through the city with smiles and the sounds of laughter echoing all around. A new year was approaching, but this year marked the end of an old era and the start of a new one.

“Great Edryan…,” voices whispered on the smooth stone streets.

An elderly man walked with a new pep in his step, a newspaper tucked underneath his arm. He prepared himself.

GREAT EDRYAN 1ST EDITION.

A child ran, laughing as his friends chased. They weaved through the streets, dodging the pedestrians and their fellow citizens as they played. The young boys and girls dressed in grey and black, as it was the normal attire for those of a lesser class. Yet, looking closely, one would see a startling red symbol on each of their jackets. A symbol of the city. A symbol of Hope . And, in their hands, were papers—newspapers that spoke of a future they’d yet to understand.

These were students—young boys and girls who were enrolled in the local school. The elderly man laughed as they ran past him, chiding them gently to be careful and not trip. The children barely paid him heed, but they did slow in their activity.

The smell of bread and meat traveled through the air. A vendor set up shop right near the entrance of Ty Public School. Stomachs growled, and a line of children quickly formed—those running finally slowing to join the line. A second vendor was set up with large containers filled with warm honey-sweetened tea. These vendors were different but held similarities as a symbol was plastered on their carts—it showed who they were affiliated with. They, both children and vendors, prepared themselves.

In another part of the city, lightly dressed men lifted heavy stones and excavated the dirt. Stones far too large and unwieldy were broken by a large golem standing nearly twice as tall as the tallest man present. It was not the only one. Hundreds of similar-looking golems could be found throughout the city, but especially in the fourth wall, where construction was the most prominent. A few men gathered around the golem, in which a paper was plastered to its back. Not many of them could read just yet, preferring to work than take night classes offered at the church. Besides, should they have anything to read, their children would do it for them. This time, was one of the first in which these [Workers] wished they held that immeasurably valuable skill. Fortunately, there was someone there who would read the newspaper for them.

These men worked methodically and in unison. Their skills as [Workers] allowed them to quickly become adjusted to the jobs some may say are menial. While others would say they are vital to keeping the country—in keeping the Great Edryan sustained. They prepared themselves.

The expansion of the city had opened up hundreds of kilometers of usable land, and the great walls that surrounded the city ensured that the beast of the wilds could not enter the city. At least not unless they came through one of the four gates. And, that was only should they get past the stringent checks of the guards—who prepared themselves, a story in their hearts from a newspaper that sat in their rest hall.

Walking through the streets, found in every corner of the city were Priest, and Priestess of Madris. The latter are far more prominent than their counterparts. Men who joined the church usually desired to walk the path of [Paladins] and [Templars]—something in the domain of the Combatant professions. It was these men and women who kept the city healthy. When a [Worker] fell from a great height and his legs lay broken, it was the [Priestess of Madris] who’d put him back together—the small donation he gave them tucked away to be returned to the Church.

Everywhere they walked, they preached the word of their Lord, their Goddess. They spoke of her Nine Mandates but also ensured that these mandates were followed. Churches could be found on every block at the leftmost corner—large stone buildings that were built to last through the ages of time. And, plastered upon every door, was a simple one-page newspaper. They, too, prepared themselves.

Large mage towers, standing like water towers, were sprinkled throughout the city. Some were privately owned by houses with some status. Others were built in defenses of the great city. Within, [Mages] did experiments, practiced their magical skills, and meditated to achieve a closer connection to the elements. Some of them were combat-focused, others were simply researchers in love with the world and all of her secrets. They prepared themselves.

In the Imper District, which only grew more prominent as the citizens of Edrya considered it a special place for the [Chosen of Madris], men and women danced. Through the marketplaces, around the Imper Clock Tower, and in the district streets, they celebrated—newspapers in hand. A celebration of worship, praise to their Goddess and Her [Chosen]. A celebration of hope, for better times were promised, and the future only appeared positive. Children enacted plays under the gaze of watchful elders, who laughed and clapped at their antics. Fires blazed in large stone fireplaces, chasing away the cold and spreading the origin of man. They, also, prepared themselves.

In the Imperius Academy, students studied hard. Both the first-year and second-year students were getting ready for their final exams. The first years were well aware of what was to come and knew some of the faces they saw daily might very well perish during this final exam. The second years were different, they’d forged themselves through claw and steel and held the reputation of establishing the first RAIL systems. Their numbers had dwindled from the original ten thousand that began in the greatest academy in Edryan—yet, a fire blazed in their chest, within their crystalized mana-pumping hearts. Many of them gained titles and increased their attributes as they leveled. They were grateful, at least those of commoner origins. The academy allowed them to achieve classes usually restricted to nobles or those with extreme wealth. The academy provided them with the resources to hold rare bloodlines and classes. It was the [Chosen of Madris] who made this possible.

The third-year students were much more somber. They held a decision before them. Those who decided to stay under the crown and never signed with an employer could attend Imperius College. Or they could begin their service to the crown and be assigned various positions in the capital. Their final exams were things they’d long since been prepared for. For a Combatant class, whether they were pure [Mages] or aspiring [Spell-Swords], it was slaying a powerful beast or delving into a dungeon and reaching a certain level. The tasks of the non-combatant classes depended on what they were specializing in. [Imperius Alchemist] must craft a potion of a sufficient grade. [Imperius Chefs] must create a meal with various effects, whether positive or negative and so on for the other professions. No matter who they were, they’d spend a precious Imperius Point to grab the first copy of the Great Edryan newspaper. These students, too, prepared themselves.

In the nobility districts, hushed whispers ran through the men and women of status and repertoire. There was indignation, resolution, excitement, and more . Of the first of those emotions, many felt like their status was being taken from them. Their families worked hard for generations and became nobility within Edryan and now…, now , it would be snatched away.

Just… Like… That…

Those who felt resolution were in the minority, but in terms of preparation for the upcoming future, they were far ahead of their peers. To them, this would open doors that were once closed to them—once only allowed to a higher nobility. This change would allow them to excel into the Astral Above or fall to the Underneath Below. Mayhap the change to come would prove detrimental to them, but when had the [Chosen of Madris] disappointed the people…? The citizens of Edrya, the citizens of the great nation itself, could not recall. To the people, he was their champion.

The final two categories and the vast majority of nobility were a mix of excitement and an array of different emotions. They felt excited about the change in Edryan that was promised, but plenty held a wait-and-see approach. The [Golden Finger], a moniker of the [Chosen] by the merchant-aligned houses, had yet to disappoint. No matter their feelings, whether excited or indignant, the nobility of Edryan prepared themselves—newspapers scattered throughout their homes.

Nearly everywhere that could be seen, the citizens of Edrya celebrated. Not many understood why they celebrated, but for those that did, they held an excited, nearly ecstatic expectation for the upcoming months.

The old man smiled as he approached his favorite bench. The atmosphere of the park was quiet and lovely. The tree branches held leaves that matched the theme of the season, and the small animals within the parks prepared themselves for the winter to come. A hot drink lay in a covered mug the older man drank from. The warm honey, sweetened tea kept the chill of the approaching winter away. Now that he was satiated, he unfurled his newspaper and began to read.

***

GREAT EDRYAN 1ST EDITION.

— An article edited and produced by Karla Kansun under the service of His Highness Lawruthian.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Edrya’s New Chapter: Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy Passes!

— By Karla Kansun, your favorite correspondent on all things Edryan!

My, oh my, what a time to be alive ! If you’ve been keeping up with the latest political buzz (and I know you have), you’ll already know that the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy (CBCM) has been officially approved. Yep, you heard it right! In a recent vote that had me on the edge of my seat (and probably yours, too), the CBCM was passed with a record-breaking nineteen to thirteen majority. A nail-biter, for sure! But that’s the excitement of politics, right?

Let me paint you a picture of the day when history was made. The Council of Nobles and Hall of Heroes was abuzz with anticipation as the Great Houses from every corner of Edryan gathered to debate and cast their votes. The atmosphere was charged, with every word and gesture holding weight. Our very own Crown Prince Lawruthian took center stage, his vision for a new Edryan as clear and compelling as ever . His speech resonated through the hall, sparking fervent support from some and wary skepticism from others.

The voting itself was a dramatic affair. Each ballot was cast with a flourish, and the results were announced with all the flair of a theatrical performance. Edryans, you should have seen it! Cheers erupted from those in favor of the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy, while the opposition, though disappointed, conducted themselves with admirable grace.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering—what does this mean for little ol’ us? Well, let me break it down for you in the way only Karla Kan …

The Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy isn’t just another fancy set of rules and regulations. Oh no, my darlings , this… is… BIG . We’re talking about tiered citizenship, a revolutionary hierarchy that’s turning the old noble system on its HEAD . Instead of just nobles and commoners, we now have tiers ranging from 0 to 9. And get this, anyone—yes, anyone—can rise through the ranks. You, your neighbor, or even that cute baker down the street could one day hold land and influence. All it takes is climbing the social ladder (or is it more of a staircase?).

Our very own Crown Prince Lawruthian (who, let’s be honest, never fails to shake things up!) is the mastermind behind this new system. And, if you think this is just another way for the nobles to stay in power—think again. This new system gives us common folk a real chance to get a slice of the pie. But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves; it’s still a monarchy at the top (Tier 0, in case you were wondering).

One of my favorite parts? The [Regional Overseers]. These elected officials (yes, elected!) will be keeping our regions in check, making sure no one gets too big for their boots. They’re like the nobles of old, but with a ten-year term, and they’ll have much stricter limits on the size of their forces. No more rogue noble armies causing chaos—thank you very much.

But don’t think the military is left out of this. Oh no, my dears. We’re getting a national army—the Bellum , and they answer directly to the crown (in times of war only). Generals who don’t take orders from [Regional Overseers]? Count me in! It’s all about balance, and let me tell you, the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy is bringing a whole lot of that.

Now, let’s take a quick tour of the five branches that make up this new and exciting system:

1. Monarchy : At the very top, we have the Monarchy, representing Tier 0. This branch is responsible for ensuring no corruption exists in our new government. It’s where the Crown Prince and his closest advisors reside, ensuring the system functions smoothly and maintains stability.

2. Overseer : Below the Monarchy, we have the Regional Overseers. These elected officials manage the regions, keeping them in check and ensuring fair governance. They’re like the new nobles, but with a ten-year term and strict limits on their military power. Their role is crucial in preventing any one region from becoming too powerful.

3. Justiciary : The Justiciary is the branch dedicated to maintaining law and order. This court system has the power to enforce laws and adjudicate disputes, providing balance and fairness across the land. They ensure that justice is served, and every citizen, regardless of their tier, receives a fair hearing.

4. Bellum : As mentioned earlier, the Bellum is our national army. They’re the elite force that operates directly under the crown during wartime. Unlike the Regional Overseers, who have limited military control, the Bellum is a centralized force dedicated to national defense and ensuring the security of Edryan.

5. Templum : Finally, we have the Templum, the branch responsible for religious and spiritual guidance. This group oversees the religious institutions of Edryan, ensuring that spiritual matters are handled with the utmost care and respect. They play a vital role in maintaining the moral and cultural fabric of the nation.

Now, the big question on everyone’s mind: Will this work? Only time will tell, but from where I’m sitting, it’s a bold move. The nobility still holds a lot of power, especially since they’re some of the strongest warriors in Edryan. But with the way things are shifting, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some serious changes in the way power flows as a [Golden Age] is established. Give thanks to our Goddess and Her [Chosen]!

Oh, and don’t forget about taxes (ugh, I know, but stick with me here!). Everyone, even the monarchy, will be contributing to the funding of this new system. Yep, you read that right. No one’s getting out of this one. But it’s all for a good cause—our future! This money will go towards new government facilities, a shiny national Rail System, and, of course, our beloved military.

And for those of you wondering if the nobles are throwing a fit—well, they’re not exactly thrilled, but they’re playing ball. After all, the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy offers them a chance to solidify their place in the new order, if they play their cards right.

So, what’s next for us? I, for one, can’t wait to see how this new system plays out. Will the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy lead us into a golden age of equality and opportunity? Or will it just be another chapter in Edryan’s long and complex history? Whatever happens, you can bet your last coin that I’ll be here, writing it all down for you! But if you must know my opinion, then I always bet on our [Chosen]. He is the representative of our Goddess in the Mortal Realm—there’s no greater reassurance than that!

Stay tuned, my dear readers. The world is changing, and we’re all along for the ride.

Until next time,

‎ Karla Kansun

***

The older man closed the paper with a satisfied smile. It was a good read, great even. He’d always enjoy whatever copies of the Imperius Academy Weekly he could get his hands on. The writing of Karla Kansun was well renowned to those who possessed the ability to read her work. Now, just a week after the Imperius Grand Summit ended, he could enjoy the first national paper of the country. A paper that would be delivered and sold in all major cities, no matter their distance.

He took another sip of his sweet tea and…

Prepared for the [Golden Age].