The Valkyrie
07-30-07, 06:20 PM
To begin a new trend in news here at Althanas, each month will bring us a new In-Character Interview with a different leader or political figure from somewhere in our world. This week, we are lucky enough to be able to share an interview with the relatively new King of Alerar, King Edari‘axa.
Alerar is the industrialized region of the dark elves here on Althanas, a place where technology and fantasy collide to give its writers fuel to feed their creativity. Picture a city somewhat like London during the Industrial Revolution. Now make it darker. Darker still. Add a large helping of magic and a few dwarves into the mix which already is heavy with strange dark elves, and you have an accurate mental image of Alerar.
Deep in the heart of The Dark Palace, in a private audience with King Edari’axa and his always present advisor, the High Graf, we receive our first and only interview with Alerar’s newest Sovereign. He of course leaves us waiting, as royalty is wont to do, for a quarter of an hour, before honoring us with his presence. Dressed at the height of fashion in a bottle-green silk waist-coat and white linen blouse complete with ruffles and cravat, and a pair of dark trousers, the King of Alerar appears exactly as one would expect.
The Radasanthian Reader: Thank you so much for granting us this interview, your majesty. We are honored.
King Edari’axa: Thank you and welcome.
RR: How are you settling into your new role as King of Alerar?
KE: Like anyone in my situation, be he common born or noble, the loss of a
loved one is hard to deal with. Indeed, my cousin was very dear to me and I feel it necessary to dwell on her memory even as I rule from her throne. As much as I hate moving into her position so fast, it was greatly needed to keep together a kingdom in turmoil. Rest assured however that -
(Is cut off by High Graf Schynius, who whispers into the king's ear)
The short answer is, I'm settling into it as well as can be expected.
RR: Surely it must be a bit unsettling to take on the crown after it’s last wearer was found murdered in her bed?
KE: Nonsense. I fear no cowardly vagabonds who hide in their shadows until ready to pounce, whipped on by the highest bidder. While saddened, I am in no way, shape, nor form fearful. Rest assured that High Graf Schynius has sent only the most elite on a hunt for the murderers, and I call them that, who dares spill high born blood.
RR: Do you feel the people of Alerar have taken the change well?
KE: As well as can be expected. Though the loss of a monarch and the changing of power is oft an occasion filled with fear and melancholy, I feel that the massive building projects, economic reforms, and military retraining are enough of a distraction to keep the people content with all the new little trinkets we cast about them. Indeed, an improvement to their previous lives.
RR: How are negotiations moving along in your alliance with Salvar?
KE: The alliance with Salvar, headed by both Ashiakin Azzarak and High Graf Schynius, is forged through paper and blood, a bond not easily broken I can tell you. We feel that we are now a united people, brothers in not just arms, but peace as well, with a state of mind that only seeks improvements for our nations as well as the rest of Althanas. This alliance is not just one of nessecity, or habit, but of good will and improvement.
RR: Do your subjects seem to be in agreement with this alliance?
KE: For the most part Alerar rejoiced the agreement in a single voice, and I hear Salvar did as well. With increased trade becomes increased goods, as well as a watchful friend to the north that will aid should the unthinkable occur and the Just War rekindle between ourselves and dastardly Raiaera. Yes, the common man feels his pockets grow, beggars gain new chances in life for jobs; the subjects cannot but love it.
RR: What is this machine that is rumored to improve trade between Alerar and Salvar?
KE: A device most powerful in its abilities to further carry heavier and heavier loads, all the while keeping manpower, needed elsewhere, to a minimum. The specifics I cannot go over yet, but know that it will be on display very soon when its trade route is full forged and functional.
RR: What is your position on the slave-trade in Salvar then?
KE: Why would I have a position on Salvar's slave trade? Like any other business, it's a profitable venture with goods sold across the globe to further enrich the lives of everyone. If you ask how I feel it will help Alerar, I have no doubt an increased workforce will allow for the common Alerarian to spend his time better, as well as earn more gold.
RR: So do you or don’t you participate in this trade?
KE: I don't -
(The High Graf Interrupts again)
Schynius: Allow me to field this question Majesty. Whatever moral dilemmas bother people cannot simply be put to rest with any honeysuckle words. All Alerar has to say on the subject is that there are people in this world that are destined for slavery. An
inferior breed, incapable to think for themselves. We Alerarians have little care for for what other peoples may call us. We treat any slaves sold to us with humanity and dignity, having laws already being processed to allow for fair and ethical treatment for this undercaste. Slaves add a vital amount of manpower to our recovering economy. Slaves
allow us to take our citizens away from small tasks, and train them as soldiers fit to defend Alerar from any civil and outside threats. Slaves, my dear, are a lifeblood, a gilded gift from our brothers in Salvar.
Next question.
RR: How much progress has been made in investigating the assassination of the late queen?
KE: (The king again looks to Schynius)
Schynius: I'll field this one as well. As High Graf, my duty and honor have pressed me on to find the bastards that killed our monarch. Although all leads have fallen short, rest assured that we will indeed find who killed her Majesty and bring them to a swift and brutal justice, put on public display for all those that wish to watch them burn in the fires of regret and repentance.
RR: Is anything at all known about how or why she was killed, or who might have been responsible?
Schynius: We have our suspicion that it may have been one of the many roving gangs who delude themselves into thinking they've delved us into civil war. Their numbers are pitiful, but like the common rat they are damn difficult to truly rid yourself of. As to the method; it's best left unsaid. I imagine that all Alerarians have the image of our pristine queen, lying in cascading silk, peaceful in her eternal sleep.
RR: I was under the impression that Queen Valsharess had a brother - why did he not take the throne as would be the normal line of succession?
KE: The Queen's brother tired of the throne once. Grieved even further by the death of his sister, it's no wonder as to why he didn't try to rule for a second time. It was for the best that the line of succession move to me next.
RR: What, then, are your plans for the future of Alerar while it is under your reign, your majesty?
KE: The only Plans I have for the future is for the restoration, and further revitalization, of Alerar and its economy, army, and people. I feel that only through new jobs opportunities through the army and industry can this be accomplished, and so shall those industries grow even further.
RR: Thank you so much for your time. It is certainly gracious of you to give us insight into what is currently taking place in this region. Good luck in your reign.
KE: You're most welcome. My guards will escort you out now.
(Schynius and the king are seen whispering as I am most "gently" escorted out.)
Alerar is the industrialized region of the dark elves here on Althanas, a place where technology and fantasy collide to give its writers fuel to feed their creativity. Picture a city somewhat like London during the Industrial Revolution. Now make it darker. Darker still. Add a large helping of magic and a few dwarves into the mix which already is heavy with strange dark elves, and you have an accurate mental image of Alerar.
Deep in the heart of The Dark Palace, in a private audience with King Edari’axa and his always present advisor, the High Graf, we receive our first and only interview with Alerar’s newest Sovereign. He of course leaves us waiting, as royalty is wont to do, for a quarter of an hour, before honoring us with his presence. Dressed at the height of fashion in a bottle-green silk waist-coat and white linen blouse complete with ruffles and cravat, and a pair of dark trousers, the King of Alerar appears exactly as one would expect.
The Radasanthian Reader: Thank you so much for granting us this interview, your majesty. We are honored.
King Edari’axa: Thank you and welcome.
RR: How are you settling into your new role as King of Alerar?
KE: Like anyone in my situation, be he common born or noble, the loss of a
loved one is hard to deal with. Indeed, my cousin was very dear to me and I feel it necessary to dwell on her memory even as I rule from her throne. As much as I hate moving into her position so fast, it was greatly needed to keep together a kingdom in turmoil. Rest assured however that -
(Is cut off by High Graf Schynius, who whispers into the king's ear)
The short answer is, I'm settling into it as well as can be expected.
RR: Surely it must be a bit unsettling to take on the crown after it’s last wearer was found murdered in her bed?
KE: Nonsense. I fear no cowardly vagabonds who hide in their shadows until ready to pounce, whipped on by the highest bidder. While saddened, I am in no way, shape, nor form fearful. Rest assured that High Graf Schynius has sent only the most elite on a hunt for the murderers, and I call them that, who dares spill high born blood.
RR: Do you feel the people of Alerar have taken the change well?
KE: As well as can be expected. Though the loss of a monarch and the changing of power is oft an occasion filled with fear and melancholy, I feel that the massive building projects, economic reforms, and military retraining are enough of a distraction to keep the people content with all the new little trinkets we cast about them. Indeed, an improvement to their previous lives.
RR: How are negotiations moving along in your alliance with Salvar?
KE: The alliance with Salvar, headed by both Ashiakin Azzarak and High Graf Schynius, is forged through paper and blood, a bond not easily broken I can tell you. We feel that we are now a united people, brothers in not just arms, but peace as well, with a state of mind that only seeks improvements for our nations as well as the rest of Althanas. This alliance is not just one of nessecity, or habit, but of good will and improvement.
RR: Do your subjects seem to be in agreement with this alliance?
KE: For the most part Alerar rejoiced the agreement in a single voice, and I hear Salvar did as well. With increased trade becomes increased goods, as well as a watchful friend to the north that will aid should the unthinkable occur and the Just War rekindle between ourselves and dastardly Raiaera. Yes, the common man feels his pockets grow, beggars gain new chances in life for jobs; the subjects cannot but love it.
RR: What is this machine that is rumored to improve trade between Alerar and Salvar?
KE: A device most powerful in its abilities to further carry heavier and heavier loads, all the while keeping manpower, needed elsewhere, to a minimum. The specifics I cannot go over yet, but know that it will be on display very soon when its trade route is full forged and functional.
RR: What is your position on the slave-trade in Salvar then?
KE: Why would I have a position on Salvar's slave trade? Like any other business, it's a profitable venture with goods sold across the globe to further enrich the lives of everyone. If you ask how I feel it will help Alerar, I have no doubt an increased workforce will allow for the common Alerarian to spend his time better, as well as earn more gold.
RR: So do you or don’t you participate in this trade?
KE: I don't -
(The High Graf Interrupts again)
Schynius: Allow me to field this question Majesty. Whatever moral dilemmas bother people cannot simply be put to rest with any honeysuckle words. All Alerar has to say on the subject is that there are people in this world that are destined for slavery. An
inferior breed, incapable to think for themselves. We Alerarians have little care for for what other peoples may call us. We treat any slaves sold to us with humanity and dignity, having laws already being processed to allow for fair and ethical treatment for this undercaste. Slaves add a vital amount of manpower to our recovering economy. Slaves
allow us to take our citizens away from small tasks, and train them as soldiers fit to defend Alerar from any civil and outside threats. Slaves, my dear, are a lifeblood, a gilded gift from our brothers in Salvar.
Next question.
RR: How much progress has been made in investigating the assassination of the late queen?
KE: (The king again looks to Schynius)
Schynius: I'll field this one as well. As High Graf, my duty and honor have pressed me on to find the bastards that killed our monarch. Although all leads have fallen short, rest assured that we will indeed find who killed her Majesty and bring them to a swift and brutal justice, put on public display for all those that wish to watch them burn in the fires of regret and repentance.
RR: Is anything at all known about how or why she was killed, or who might have been responsible?
Schynius: We have our suspicion that it may have been one of the many roving gangs who delude themselves into thinking they've delved us into civil war. Their numbers are pitiful, but like the common rat they are damn difficult to truly rid yourself of. As to the method; it's best left unsaid. I imagine that all Alerarians have the image of our pristine queen, lying in cascading silk, peaceful in her eternal sleep.
RR: I was under the impression that Queen Valsharess had a brother - why did he not take the throne as would be the normal line of succession?
KE: The Queen's brother tired of the throne once. Grieved even further by the death of his sister, it's no wonder as to why he didn't try to rule for a second time. It was for the best that the line of succession move to me next.
RR: What, then, are your plans for the future of Alerar while it is under your reign, your majesty?
KE: The only Plans I have for the future is for the restoration, and further revitalization, of Alerar and its economy, army, and people. I feel that only through new jobs opportunities through the army and industry can this be accomplished, and so shall those industries grow even further.
RR: Thank you so much for your time. It is certainly gracious of you to give us insight into what is currently taking place in this region. Good luck in your reign.
KE: You're most welcome. My guards will escort you out now.
(Schynius and the king are seen whispering as I am most "gently" escorted out.)