EPISODE 172: RE-ARRANGING THE BOARD 2
— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.
We have deemed it impossible to build any functioning resistance within Edryan lands at the current stage of their Chosen’s development. This is not through an inability to locate targets to implant a seed of rebellion, but the momentum he holds. We have discovered many nobles who do not quite agree with the policy changes taking place in Edryan. The establishment of the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy has shown many we could approach for corruption.
It may be possible to return them to the true worship of our one and only creator. There is a rising dissatisfaction, many of the nobles outside the Great Houses feel they’ve been bullied into losing their status as the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy takes away their titles. We will wait… we will see.
— Excerpt from ???
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Livia Abara left the nobility of Great Edryan with various thoughts, emotions, and an understanding of what type of approach she would take in the coming months. With her speech finished, those present began to discuss things in hushed whispers—keeping their conversations close and quiet among their peers.
The first [Prime Overseer] was only a temporary position until an official one could be elected by the people, yet for those few short months, the one in control could shape Great Edryan for years to come . It would be them who’d be responsible for establishing the initial structure of the lower levels of the Overseer Branch, how they would operate, and many more minor details. Such a position would put them in a place to make lasting changes that could structure the next few generations of Edryan leadership. No matter what, their name would be cemented in the history of this nation, and for some, that attraction alone was enough .
Livia Abara was only partly here from that attraction, but in truth, the desire to become the Prime Overseer existed since the moment she read the documents on the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy. Her sharp, calculating gaze focused on the Great Houses in an attempt to appeal to those with the most power. She firmly believed they would still be in charge regardless of what sort of system the people of Edryan adopted. This belief came from their exploits in history and the longevity of their ancient houses.
Livia was careful to adopt a position of tradition, which aligned with many of the nobles present. She also presented a vision of new ideals and exploits while carefully guided by that tradition—this was for those who were more rash and ready for an extreme change.
The [Prime Overseer] was a culmination of decades of hard work, rising as a minister first under King Titan and then Queen Titiana. It was an ultimate prize that would, for a short period of time, give her power nearly to the degree the monarchy held over the state. Her grey eyes brightened with desire, the support of the Old Power helped her beat all competitors except two. She sympathized with their decline and wanted to preserve some of Edryan’s traditions. Yet, she would not completely align herself with their needs and wants. Both sides understood this as a deal between them—nothing more, nothing less.
Livia’s sharp gaze settled on the next candidate to walk forward and take center stage. The eyes of hundreds of nobles were on them, while the gaze of Madris’s Chosen and his mother watched from above. Livia smirked, knowing she’d gotten the first strike over her challengers. This would allow her ideals to shape the minds of those present.
“Honorable lords and ladies of Great Edryan, it is both a privilege and a responsibility to stand before you at this pivotal moment in our nation’s history. The formation of the Overseer Branch, under the guiding principles of the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy, represents a shift—a turning point where tradition must learn to coexist with progress, and where power must learn to share its burden with duty .”
The powerful, deep voice of Archbishop Femi Zubair easily rumbled through the hall. A young mage, no older than sixty, stepped forward and into the center stage. The attire of a high clergyman of the church gave him the appearance of one deeply connected to the Goddess.
A steel gaze swept through the room as one of the youngest archbishops of the church met the eyes of many present. Unlike Livia, Archbishop Femi sought the eyes of all who would meet his.
“For centuries, the church has walked alongside the nobility, both pillars of our great society. But as we stand on the threshold of a new era, I believe that our obligations as leaders must evolve . The Overseer Branch will not simply be another seat of power; it will be a beacon of balance and wisdom, guiding this kingdom's population through uncertain times.”
He folded his fingers together, palms over his plump belly. Archbishop Femi was taller than the first candidate, as he stood at two meters in height. His powerful aura was filled with a sense of holiness and the divinity of the Goddess. Such a feeling was strong and compelled the worship of the Goddess in those present, but it was far from what Madris’s Chosen held.
“I stand before you not just as an archbishop but as a man deeply committed to the will of the Goddess and Her [Chosen], who has clarified that this moment is one of opportunity—not for the church alone, but for all of Edryan. The Prime Overseer will wield great authority, yes, but that authority must be tempered by duty —to both the past and the future.”
Whereas Livia Abara’s voice was sharp in both sound and words, Femi’s voice was much more gentle, but the firm conviction of his words could not be denied. Femi Zubair held a vision of the future, and it was one closely aligned with the church.
“It is my sincere hope that in choosing the first [Prime Overseer], we select someone who will not see this position as one of domination , but as one of responsibility —responsibility to the people, to the Goddess and her Chosen, who were sent to guide us. We cannot allow Old Power structures to chain us to the past. No , we must build on that foundation, but forge something greater, something that reflects the divine will—while also closely following the will of the people.”
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Femi focused on those houses close to the church. Those houses who’d make grand donations and gestures of faith to the Goddess Madris. He smiled, a golden tooth reflecting in the Hall of Heroes light. While the large golden rings on his fingers showed which face of the Goddess he was closely aligned with.
“I believe we are at a crossroads, where each of you holds the power to determine the course of our nation’s future. In this room, today, you decide whether we cling to that which has brought us here—the old ways—or whether we embrace the path forward, guided by a higher purpose. Through your help, we can establish guidelines and step forward as stewards of faith, protectors of the people, and servants of the divine while leading this great nation toward a path of prosperity.”
Femi’s vision was broad, and he glanced upward at the balcony his Chosen and the Queen found themselves standing upon. A lot of his words called upon faith and catered to the royal family and the faction behind them in a bid to win their support.
“And that, my lords and ladies, is the role I envision for the Overseer Branch: a body that serves not just the crown, not just the church, but all of Edryan. One that unites us in purpose, ensuring that both faith and governance work together to lead this kingdom into the future. I stand here, as a humble servant of the Goddess and the people, urging you to consider the true weight of your decision. Let the Overseer Branch be founded on duty, not on ambition; on faith, not on fear. Let it be a beacon of balance that will guide us all, under the eyes of the Goddess and her [Chosen], toward the brightest future.”
With his words done, Femi bowed and removed himself from the center of the room. His speech differed from Livia Abara’s in how he addressed those present in the room and who his focus remained tied to. Livia’s focus was tied to the upper nobility of Edryan. Throughout her speech, her words, her gestures, all pointed in a way to appeal to them and the monarchy.
Femi reviewed her profile over the week. The help of Inquisitor Amara and Templar Tunde was vital in securing information on his greatest opponent. Their eyes met across the room, a silent acknowledgment of each other’s verbal prowess.
Livia Abara was from a medium-sized house she now called herself the matriarch of. The leader of the Abara house had six children, three from each of her husbands, as a proper magi-human should—Goddess bless her. She’d initially risen under King Titan, and the information regarding her earlier years was difficult to grasp from the trials and tribulations of that time. What Femi knew was that she’d managed to overcome all opposition in her rise as a minister—that was hardly the main point. Femi’s eyes narrowed as he watched her and she, him.
She’d survive the culling of the [Iron-Blooded Queen]. To Femi, this meant she was precise and careful with her decisions. It also showed her unwillingness to commit hard to any faction. He smirked, as she had never once truly attempted to commit to the Royal Faction or the Old Power. Had she been more decisive, perhaps she could have become the candidate the Royal Faction chose. No matter, he held the least likely chance of winning.
“Well spoken,” Templar Tunde’s strong voice said as he met with Archbishop Femi. “Livia is a strong candidate, but she remains part of an old view that will quickly become outdated. She does not recognize that, but many of the lower nobility do—even if they are resistant.”
“How can they resist when there is an opportunity for them to rise to the same status as said Great Houses,” Femi stated, his head shaking confused. To any in a lower position, the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy was a new system of government that favored them. So long as they worked hard and put in the effort, they could rise through the tiers without the restriction of their higher nobility. They could one day come to be the greater noble over said house. Femi continued to shake his head, not understanding. And, this was a government designed by their Chosen—how could they doubt such a system?
Tunde chuckled, though there was no humor in it. “Fear, Femi. Change terrifies them. The old system allowed the Great Houses—no—the nobility generally to maintain their stranglehold on power. It gave them security, knowing that their blood would keep them in control, no matter how incompetent. But now, they must contend with merit, with the notion that a farmer’s son or a merchant’s daughter could rise through the tiers and one day stand above them.”
Femi sighed. “It’s their pride, then? Blinded by tradition?”
Tunde nodded. “And the fear of losing what they’ve held on to for so long. Even Livia, with all her pragmatism, clings to this in her own way. She may not be aligned with the Old Power, but she sympathizes with their need for stability in an era where decisiveness is necessary more than anything. She’d seen enough change in her time and feared too much could unravel the very fabric of Edryan.”
Inquisitor Amara silently appeared near the two, joining the conversation. Her gaze was on Madris’s Chosen as he silently gazed down on the proceedings. He’d rarely shown during the last week, but it seemed the nobles stalled long enough. It at least gave enough time for the noble population to rise by a few thousand during this time.
Amara flashed a sneer. “Isn’t it the same pride and tradition we find church members blinded by? It is human—magi nature to have a pride higher than others. We are blessed by the gift of magic from birth and do not struggle to grasp such a miracle as these inferior races do.”
She gazed around, hushed conversations taking place and silent nods given to Archbishop Femi in support. The final candidate had yet to make his way forward as he similarly allowed a bit of conversing to be done regarding the previous speaker. Archbishop Femi did the same before he took center stage to speak his peace. It also gave the candidates time for last-minute updates to their speeches. Going first held its advantages just as going last did, but Femi felt he was in a superior position given his speech would be sandwiched between both.
He turned to Inquisitor Amara with a soft smile. “This will be our opportunity to rise, Amara, regardless of the outcome, Marna can no longer hold a majority on the church. She cannot dictate who can and cannot meet with our Holy Son now that he’s established this new government. He has seen us, and has seen our faith . Now it is only a matter of patience.”
The mature woman’s features relaxed at the mention of the Holy Son. They gazed upward at Madris’s Chosen and the leader of their church. Through Marna Gamal’s insistence, none of the two weaker factions of the Church of Madris held the opportunity to interact with him during his youth. Marna’s popularity and power held her in such prestige that she held the power to do so. Times were changing —and, even if she Prestiged, she could no longer have the same sway. Not after the actions of her second daughter became known to the wider church.
Amara’s fist clenched, and her eyes remained bright like a flame was lit within them. She sensed that same flame from the representation of her Goddess above. “You are correct, Femi. Marna can no longer solely make the decisions for the church, not after the establishment of the Templum. We will have our chance—our Holy Son has given us a chance—he has given all of Edryan a chance. Such a gift from the Goddess allows any magi to become anything—so long as they are willing to sacrifice and work hard.”
The three looked away as the calm steps of a new figure approached the center. Here was the representative of the Royal Faction, put forward not directly through the royal family support but through those around them. Any could see this action was to limit their effect and judgment. It would be far too easy for a candidate to be selected if both the Queen and the Holy Son of Edryan pushed him forward. It would undermine all they wished to build.
Archbishop Femi took a deep breath and calmly observed his opponent. Minister Livia is doing much of the same. Today…, today, one of their lives would change forever.