The Kingdom Come; Kohlingen Grieves Again

[Everblurred]

While many may have been paying attention to the three suspicious ships outside of Southport or the flagrant banditry led against the nobility, those reported snooty nobles themselves had been oddly quiet and removed from public purview. Especially in New Kohlingen, or what was more known as, Fort Cystana.

It was unclear why until the latest news came out, and it seemed to indicate that the time of sadness for Kohlingen wasn't over. These once Holy folk, perhaps rumored in the past to have lorded their stature, were indeed brought low by grief and strife. King Gregory and Queen Zellani had already gone through one horrific death-defying malady, saved by time and stasis.
It seemed... there was another. Or was it in fact the same? There were little concrete details given in the towncriers' words.

However, with the transferring of the kingship and Justiciar-turned-Protectorate (that was rapidly changing heads, it seemed) now reportedly firmly placed on the shoulders of one Walter Mortimer... Lord Protector Mortimer, I mean. I, Philbert Mansel, begin Kohlingen's move to alert the island to its latest striking facts.

Whether or not this was Philbert's actual bardic reporting was not known. Fake news may still exist (on Amia).

Regardless, the general Amian heralds call out sadly and without fanfare:

"Another noble soul has passed on. Gregory Simmons, previous king, father and friend- has joined the other side. Prayers and a public funeral will be arranged by Duke Aernoud Van Brabant. Lord Protector Mortimer will speak.
His wife and son continue on in his absence, and they will both be honored and given sanctuary by Cystana for his service.
Any interruption of grief and circumstances related will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with by the hammer of the Gods."

City Hall closes down during the announcement, so that business and governmental processing is delayed- and citizenry must indeed pay attention. A moment of silence is given. Lord Laterius Parmunster and Lord Winston Cuningham are serious and conservative in their donations on the passing on the head of the Simmons household. They offer Zellani and her son some Naming rights in their upcoming charitable work. Thoven, the commoner-become-court visitor of Cystana, simply gives the family his best and offers to help teach the son some useful career-building skills when the time is right.

Johanna Evington, the lingering matron lady of the court of Cystana-Kohlingen, simply wails with the vaunted courtesy that women of a certain time and stature were meant to- the wailing and the gnashing of teeth, it was oft referred to. The remnants of Imperator's grand metallic flight, such as Morningdew (and perhaps a few others that still remained mysterious, because, well- did all the dragons really reveal themselves?), even came along to give Zelly their condolences. DRAGONS.

The other nobles of the court seemed hushed and silent still. Despite the news being announced, none were really pleased about it. You might guess why. Every time they had turned the corner before, it seemed to get darker, still. A few girls might get a few knights to boast about returning swift justice. Or a few of the ladies... hoping that their next beau was going to prove himself against the mettle of the islands... might get one or two jousts started. Not much, though.

What had even happened to Gregory, and what was the family and kingdom going to do about it? Well, one might have to wait and see, as the announcements finished and moments of the silence passed. Because nobody seemed bothered.

It was almost as if grief had settled upon these noble townsfolk like a shroud on a comfortable face at a funeral.

They were used to losing people. And used to carrying on, now. And so they did, with less obvious pride, and still.. theirs.
Perhaps the people of this once-touted golden vestige were learning to test the mettle of their worthiness.
Mortimer seemed a hard man, harsher in visage and approach than previous Justicars, but kind despite it. Built by war.
Did that mean that more War was to come?

[Pinkhaml86]

news would travel to the mainland of the passing of the former king, and would reach Cormyr. Mainly a small rural town where a once widely known and regarded knight would catch wind.

Upon hearing the news he retreats back to his villa and hangs his head, holding a moment of silence before he begins packing for a trip back home for the funeral.

[Elorathall]

The Duke works with the temple to ensure the body is properly cared for and given gentle repose. A candlelit shrine is set up outside the Simmons for mourners to leave flowers and other tokens. A call is sent out for a cleric of Kelemnvor, a plot in the graveyard is prepared. It all came with the practiced ease of one who has had to bury many already. Too many, perhaps.

[Dunecat]

An official letter offering condolences to the grieving family was sent from Belenoth. Brief and dry, it was nevertheless the friendliest example of correspondence between two states in many a year.

Later same evening, a name was removed from the List of the Banished - on account of death.

[Revak]

A contingent of elven made their way to the city hall and spoke with the now-widowed Zellani, offering their condolences and well wishes from Cystana's easterly neighbour of Winya Ravana. For the duration of the mourning period it seems that the Captain of the Armathora from Winya Ravana has rented out a room in the Platinum Flagon in preparation for the coming days and would become a common sight around the town.

[Jes]

Following this announcement, the copper-kin Zelly spends much of her time at home with her son, James. Zelly's Everguard escort constantly watches over her when she's outside in the city. When she is out, she is usually by the fountain in City Hall, listening to Philbert's music, or in the company of Ania or one of her other visiting friends. Those who know her can see how deeply the recent death of her husband has affected her, but she still does her best to keep her composure and strength when she's out in public.

[Puresoul]

Devlin drops by to offer his condolences.

[Bhaalorian]

In ceremonial regalia, with a black armband tied around her bicep, the former Warlord of the War Knights and one of the citys defenders during Kohlingens fall, paid a visit to the fort for the first time since watching its predecessor burn. Offering her condolences and an offering at the base of the idol of the Red Knight, she had took a tour of the growing fort and as quietly as she had arrived, she left.

[GreatPigeon]

Phallip laughs.

[Everblurred]

While a kingdom such as Kohlingen, made up of its now many parts and/or sectors, probably didn't exist or have announcements simply for some random adventurer- like Phallip or his random amusement- The Gods noted it. If anyone else did, it was unclear, and Gods were notoriously silent even to some of their followers. It was likely that the story recorded here had nothing to do with that.

Elwyn Sabel, despite being quiet, had been noticed- and the offering had been carefully dispersed to those needing it most, who still publicly and formally declared themselves followers of those Gods of War. Tempus and The Red Knight, right? While much of Kohlingen's populace knew about them, and knew of the War Knights, not many would be able to tell you the different lore portfolios of the Tempurian and Knight sects and/or orders. Not even the Amian ones. Normal people, being normal people, were more worried about safety and Maszlow's hierarchy of needs. And did The Forgotten Realms have that kind of psychological awareness? Hmm. Still- Lord Mortimer and the Cystana leaders- seemed to pay great respect to these Gods, like the draconian pantheon and Bahamut. This was undoubtedly because of the unique and profound impact of various adventurers. Elwyn Sabel and Lady Ania, paying their respects, were left alone almost completely. There was a Devlin Faramond, though, who was offered a casual sermon during the late HighHarvesttide celebration- and who it was rumored Lord Mortimer even took council from directly- may have some lead.

A simple gathering in Fort Cystana, local citizens and travelers alike braved the rain to try to regain composure amidst all the grieving. It came right after a rumored report- no one knew whose- where Lord Mortimer held Council out on the rooftop of the new City Hall. They say that strange but epic bard Kurchin played music for it, along with the court minstrel. It seemed that this Lord Protector, not Justicar (though one wondered about this), had a tendency to shake things up. For Court, this was a big deal, taking private business to a more public environment. Some people even heard that the security was threatened and that's exactly why the Lord Protector must've said all that stuff about extreme punishment for anyone interrupting the funeral-to-come. They were so grateful to him, coming back from the front, only to return to grief and relative poverty in a new and diminished seat of power. Indeed. Why hadn't the Lord Protector returned to Kohlingen, the city proper, once the knighthood and others had secured it in relatively safety? Curious.

Ah, and speaking of, the funeral was officially announced by Philbert Mansel- court minstrel and budding Cantomantic researcher- as moving forward without delay. Zellani Simmons, widowed dowager of the court, had attended the latest Council- going so far as to FLY onto the roof- and the arrangements had been clarified and agreed upon. Duke Aernoud Van Brabant was rumored to have been in tense whispering with Lord Mortimer in the court library, regardless, but whether it was about the funeral arrangements, the unknown report, the spontaneous gathered Council meeting, the HighHarvesttide celebrations... nobody could say. It was funny how those things worked. News and rumors. The only factual knowledge to be gained: A spot had been chosen and was to be reserved for the late Gregory Simmons, similarly to the leaders of those before him, it was to be a burial with ceremonial fanfare meant to honor the Gods who had protected these noble peoples. Who still did, in the light of The Rebellion, which seemed to still be going on in full force.

All were invited to attend that were citizenry of the various lands of the kingdom of Kohlingen. The Kingdom to Come. Not the Kingdom of prior. Obsidian Isle, Cetha- and now Fort Cystana- seemed to be making effort to distance themselves from those names and reputations that had preceded them. Perhaps that had gotten them destroyed. As we roll with the punches individually, playing our roles, so must communities in all stories and walks of life. Life goes on. It just.. does. Death, difference of opinion and desired outcome- also known as expectation- these didn't stop people from living. So, if you were to come to the funeral, you were probably thinking... how do I become a citizen?

Well, good thing Philbert Mansel is around to tell you, because that new City Hall that the Council declared emergency meeting upon- that's where you go! You'll find me, and you, and everyone you knew. Or want to know. Or maybe know? Or.. don't know, but want to get to maybe know. If you're in the know, you know, and if you're not then now you know. Beware the dread pirates, bandits and the slavers from the seas. There were still many things to fear, even if Philbert Mansel is here. (Special note: No ancient Netherese, Amnish or Horde factions detected within this story. Be at ease, if you're thinking it's going to completely change Amia- or threaten the world. We're still okay. I think. At least, if those buff copperkin keep visiting Zellani, we have an entirely built-in dragon army to keep protecting us. Was this part Philbert talking to himself? It probably wasn't in the official rumors and/or announcements- so don't you go saying so!)

[Everblurred]

// OOC:

For those that are interested in attending the funeral of Gregory Simmons: the event is tentatively planned for next Sunday's "Gathering" timing. Later/earlier that day should work just as well! List time/availability below, or suggested times/dates to reschedule if next Sunday just won't work and you feel strongly. Also list if you're willing to participate in the event should it be forum-based in entirety. (Please discuss scheduling here, specifically Jes/Elor; f I get no answers, I'll just choose.. HA)

Tl;dr : It had meant to be announced at the last one in game (where I tend to focus/base my RP, even when it's forum) but everybody was at Amarice's djinn merchant, winning at pony life and all the rest (ponies are much cooler than death), and we DMs don't get to the forums as expeditiously as we want to think we do sometimes. If next week doesn't work, that's all good, we can just continue to be flexible in the imaginative timelines of NPC settlements and how efficient they are regarding such things as decaying bodies, festivals, prince's birthdays, rebellions, reconstructions.. oh right, whew, thank goodness this is all roleplay. But in all seriousness, we can also consider it to be a forum-delivered event similarly to how elections and other political RP- oh, and letters- has precedent/is done via forum involvement. I've no expectation. Friendly reminder: Once we wrap up the Simmons regime, you all enter into The Time of Mortimer. More-Time-Err. >.> Tick-Tock..

Despite the announcement IC being intentionally focused on citizens (and upping the citizenship of a major settlement), even out-of-towners (those not citizens and/or regulars in Fort Cystana) are welcome to come/comment OOCly on preferred timing; similarly those with known strain may benefit from this alertness; please take into account it's a formalized NPC settlement occasion- as in, not even player-driven really- and within an area that is literally still rebuilding! Our Development Team is overworking for you (us all) already! Just friendly reminders for us all. Whew! Thanks! (Sorry for too much OOC in an IC post!)- E

[Elorathall]

The listed time (7pm GMT/3pm EDT on Sunday) works fine for me. Doing it through forum RP is fine too.

[Frozen-ass]

// Elf boy representing winya can make it ig at those times. (earlier or later is fine aswell aslong as not /to/ much alter)
i think last sunday was mainly cause besides usual weekly meeting no one knew something would happen so next one we know hehe

[Jes]

// I can make the usual gathering time! I'll set an alarm so time running after the baby doesn't get away from me. xD

[Everblurred]

// Looks good, ppl! Green light for Sunday, maybe starting a little early for Gal/Aer- to be completed via forums if necessary since nobody complained about that option. Kohlingen, we finally truckin' along again!

I'll continue to use this topic, but eventually I'll close it for the secondary topic to take precedence/streamline DM oversight in the Kohl area/s Thx!

[Pinkhaml86]

// is there a possibility to bump this later by 1 hour? Does that work for ppl? Or is that too late/ early?

[Jes]

// I can do anytime that day.

[Everblurred]

The funeral appeared to occur as scheduled, and it seemed that the only entities brave enough to possibly interrupt war veteran Lord Protector Mortimer were the Gods themselves. Various shafts of light shone down on the clerics and heralds of the day- and one in particular was curious, prophesied by Old Man Herbert (some crazy guy?).

Fort Cystana's northern grounds, outside the newly-constructed Platinum and Silver Dragon headquarters, seemed to be gathering the attention of the Gods of War. Despite having had previous ties to the War Gods, and the long-standing existence of the War Knights in Amian histories, it might be true that this was one of the more powerful eras of War God influence in Kohlinger hierarchy. Walter Mortimer was always a professed follower, indeed, it makes sense how he was so successful in warfare. Now, with the obvious visitations of the old War Knight leader and respected Winyan Armathora captain Ania Viranirn and the accomplished cleric of the Foehammer Devlin, it wouldn't be crazy if these Gods started to find themselves as curious about the Amian isles as The Triad during the rise of the Triadics and Bahamut during the Flights.

Maybe Kohlingen was learning a few new faiths could be relevant to their more recent situatons. Maybe that was why so many Gods were scrunched inside that Fort Cystana temple originally, though the continuing construction- and recent announcement that the Cystana graveyard would be reserved for military deaths post-Gregory- made it clear scrunching things was not the intention once more re-established. Indeed, a lot of the outpost's overrunning ideas seemed to be put on a list for that last Construction Site they had- that one over at Uhm's Crater. Three different establishments of civilization, Kohlingen had now? It certainly was a "Comeback," despite grief.

It was said that Sir Cedric's Squire cried the whole service and that a dragon came personally by to speak on behalf of The Last Justicar. Also that some of the displaced fey (from all this Kohlingen transitioning, such as the naiad in the feylake, and more) played tricks with people's clothes. Regardless, Court Minstrel Philbert Mansel included an obvious message to all the heralds and paperboys of the local realms with this one: This is Kohlingen's signal that we have officially laid to rest our past and are focused on our future.

And, indeed, even Queen Zellani seemed to encourage Kohlingen to celebrate in the aftermath of her husband's death and journeying onward. It's what he would've wanted, what she wanted and what the spirit of Duke Aernoud's Harvesttide festival was all about. Now, to deal with that pesky Rebellion before it turned into another Magic War.

Lastly, it was known that the Lord Protector had offered one of the two warships left to Kohlingen to Moonpier during the upcoming prophesied Bloodmoon. Was that tonight? Tomorrow? Better ask The Grove..!


// I'll be giving this topic a week or two's time to have everyone respond and wrap up their character's journey, sentiment or to tie it to whatever other events and plots they may wish. Subsequently, I'll be locking and begin focusing Kohlinger announcements and "The Kingdom Come" in the dichotomous, Harry Potter-inspired rabblerousing between Old and New Kohlingens in this topic. Thanks!

And thanks to all who participated in Kohlingen catching up to the server in term of reconstructions/permanent ruins/etc.

We hope to have Cetha and Kohlingen the two main players politically, as has been common historically, with a few DMs running the overhead and not jusst one.

[Everblurred]

// This has had more than enough time. If wishing to contribute RP to this part of the plotline (Gregory's death, Zellani, etc- the topic is linked. heere in this topic. Thanks!

And thanks again to all who participated in Kohlingen thus far!