Non-Human Registration Act of CK Reign 54

This page is for the Celestial Kingdom monarchy's posts during Reign 54-Registration of Non-Humans under King Armand

First speech of the King

May 7: Armand spoke to the crowd of his followers and declared his first act as King of the Celestial Kingdom. "The Non-Human registration act of reign 54 will create a safer land for us all. All Non-Humans must register with their local Prime Ministers within 2 weeks or become enemies of the Kingdom. This is for the safety of everyone and should be encouraged by all. Humans and Non-Humans should work together in bringing peace to this war ravaged land".
He smiled as there was protest, and sounds of concern coming from the populous. He could also see some that welcomed the idea and would embrace it. "The plan is now in motion".
The imposter thought as he turned and walked back inside the castle his guards following. The Reign of Chaos has begun.

Second Letter from the King

May 11: Armand sat in his study watching his subjects through the window as he wrote out the following letter to the parks.
"Do not be afraid. This act is for the safety of all Non-Human and Human that reside in our glorious kingdom. The separation I am seeing is breaking my heart and it saddens me. The registration of Non-Humans is so that the fears would be erased from those that do not understand. Never have I said monsters in my comments to this act. I do not see Non-humans as a lesser beings, but I do see them as a unchecked force. As we have seen in the last few days alone there has been outrage and speculations about my agendas with this act. I assure you the safety of all is my only concern. Local Prime Ministers and leaders have less than 2 weeks to complete the registration and send it in. We must maintain the peace as we move forward. Those that directly oppose this act are to be captured and sent to trial, we all have a responsibility to our kingdom.

In service to the realm,

King Armand DeSanto”

He set his pen down and thought hard about the uprising that is happening all around him. The support he has already built and the divide that has begun. Perfect, things are moving along greatly. I must build a strong counsel since I cannot be everywhere at once. I must visit the provenances soon. The end has begun.

Lord Champion kneels before the throne

May 11: I kneel before the throne. “Majesty. Command me, Sire.”
“Rise.” Armand waves away the hovering servants. “You have seen the reports?”
Rather a silly question as I wrote most of them. “Yes, Majesty. Resistance is showing in most of the lands. The edict of registration is not popular.”
“Tactful as always,” the king smiles. “What you’re really saying is that this has pushed the kingdom to the brink of revolt.” He sighs, and rubs his forehead. “You know this provides protection to the non-humans as well, right? The first step towards ensuring equal rights is identifying who is being disadvantaged.”
I blink, never actually having thought of that. “Truth, Majesty.”
“Where are you traveling this week?”
“The Barony of Murky Waters, Sire.”
“Is there a reason?”
I nod. “Of all the lands to date, they are the only ones to cry ‘death to the king.’ I’m going up there to test the level of anger and determine if it was merely a slip of the tongue or an act of rebellion.”
“Lord Champion,” The king fixes me with a level look, “Do not summarily arrest or execute without cause.”
I kneel. “Majesty, I will not.”
He nods and I am dismissed.
Outside, I take a breath of crisp morning air and look at the small cadre I have chosen to ride with me. “Persuasion,” I say softly. “Not might. Oh, and if death becomes necessary, I am the one to handle it.” My escort group nods. I swing into the saddle and we ride.

Musings of the Prime Minister

May 11: As Lord Fister walked about his chambers, an unsettling thought reared into his mind. T'was not a few days prior that when King Armand stepped into power, he called forth the Non-Human Registration. This was a mighty blow to the Kingdom in Fisters eyes seeing how a great sum of his homelands were "Non-Humans". What made it even worse for him was that it was he that would have to enforce the registration. Fister was tormented at the fact that not only did he not want to do it, but his hand is forced. He knew being the Kingdom Prime Minister was not an easy task, but this was beginning to be too much for him.
He pulled out a piece of parchment, a quill and ink, and began to write a letter.

"My dearest brother,
I am sorry to do this. I am so very sorry. What is being asked of me is too much to bear. I fear that what the new king asks will bring about anarchy and dissension among the kingdom. I worry that if left unchecked, the schism may happen again and a war unlike any other will plague the lands. What breaks my heart is that under this new rule and order, I am the one who has to sign off on what I feel is the death sentence to most of my friends. I am troubled by this, Raban. I know not what to do in this case and need your counsel. As you have told me in years past, a wise leader has wise counsel and now I need your wisdom now more than ever.

-Fister"

He attached the letter to a raven and sent it on it's way. He sat at his desk, hands folded, and stared into the candle light. "We shall see what tomorrow brings" he said to himself before he blew out the candle to let the darkness take over the room.

Letter from the Prime Minister

May 12: Prime Minister Fister awoke from his slumber. Groggy, head heavy, still drained. He still felt as if something was wrong but he had a job to do. He slowly hobbled to his desk, slumped into his chair, and reached into his desk drawer to pull out some paper and ink. He sat there, pondering for a time while he collected his thoughts. He noticed it was harder for him to concentrate more than usual but he brushed off the notion that something was actually wrong.
He finally picked up a quill, dabbed it in the ink well, and began to write.
"Attention Populace of the Celestial Kingdom.

I understand the frustration that the majority of the lands are feeling in this time and your voices are not unheard. I will admit that I have my own reservations about this act that has been thrust upon you, but I will say that King Armand has your best interest in mind. These words are not just coming from a man that serves the King, but from a long time friend. Our King has ALWAYS had the best intentions of the greater good and has always worked tirelessly to bring about the good and fair in everything he did for the populace in the past. I have full trust in our King and I pray you follow my lead. He hasn't given us any reason to doubt him in the past so why should we now? I know the announcement of the Non-Human Registry has dealt a blow to the hearts and minds of the populace, but think of it this way. With the closing of the Devil's Bayou Correctional Facility for Monsters, many dangerous monsters and Non-Human types were released back into the population. There needs to be a way to keep track of all of them for everyones safety. I know most of you will not agree with me or agree with the registration, but at least put your faith in our good king that has never done us wrong before.

Sincerely,

Lord Fister Wyngarde

Celestial Kingdom Prime Minister"

He made 14 copies, one for each province under the Celestial Banner. He attached them to 13 Ravens and 1 Bat, and sent them on their way.

Introduction of the Prince Regent

May 12: A new figure has arrived on the landscape of the Celestial Kingdom, riding in from the outlands through the Traitor’s Gate…
An average looking man, well fed and well traveled, familiar to a few, unknown to many. Recognized by some from years spent on the fringes of the realms as a merchant and facilitator of feast and celebrations, a man that once roamed Turris Lunae before the land fell to ruin, had withdrawn himself from the kingdom in search of purpose and enlightenment, for what reason has he now returned?

Part 1: Arriving and Getting…Settled
A travelling group reared by an average merchant carriage, loaded with chests and luggage; the sounds of children playing come from inside, escorted by dark, cloaked masses of beings on horseback at four points and led by a man wearing a familiar brass adornment, slowly rides into town. Greeted on the outskirts by the local town guard, one approaches, “Welcome Prince, let us see you to your new quarters.” as they ride towards the Celestial Kingdom Prince’s castle…

-A week has gone by and the Prince has settled into his new abode. A visitor has come to the tower- “Selric, have you ever seen the kingdom this close to active revolt?” The Prince Regent, usually laughing or smiling, was hunched worriedly at the desk in his study. Around him, the Regent’s castle buzzed softly with the usual activity of servants, spells and guards. Across from him sat the smoky form of the revenant Champion.
“Not recently, no.” The Lord Champion replied after a moment of thought. “There were episodes that got this bad in a couple of the smaller lands in other kingdoms, though. Years ago.”
Prince Girfterr shoved his chair back and stalked angrily to the window. “Five lands have already publicly declared opposition to the order. There are messages flying all over the kingdom calling for resistance to a lawful edict!” He whirled back. “This is treason! But Armand has ordered us to explain and persuade, not execute the traitors!” The revenant simply nodded. “What in the name of all nine hells are we supposed to do about this?”
“Highness.” The revenant swirled to his feet. “To whom did you take your oath of fealty?”
“To the Crown,” Grifterr admitted.
“I as well,” the Champion said softly. “And that Crown sits atop Armand’s head. Our duty is clear. We follow the orders of our lawful King until it becomes apparent that the balance of his reason is disturbed. Or the Kingdom burns around us.”
Grifterr looked hard at the Champion. “And you’re sanguine with that happening?”
“My oath does not permit me to go behind the King’s back.”
Grifterr sighed, and turned back to the window. “Highness, if it is any comfort, this has been tried before. The wheels of time turn, Highness, but very little is new.”
Grifterr turned. “Really, Lord Champion?”
At the nod, he sighed. “Details, then. I assume the Lorekeepers have records?”
“I’m certain they do, but you’ve a better source much closer to home. Do you know Father Thomas?” “The Black Phoenix from Traitor’s Gate?”
“Aye. “
”Ask him what he knows of the Church.”
“Which one? The High Cross? CoA?” As Prince Grifterr rises and motions, he walks with Selric towards the chamber door.
“The Church of Genetic Purity.” The revenant sighed. “And if he balks, remind him that I have a long memory, and a medallion.”
Prince Grifterr says to Selric “Glory be to King Armand”, Selric nods “Aye”.
The Revenant makes his leave of the Prince’s chamber, his eery glow looms as he makes way down the stair well. The Prince watches with one eye for the glow to fade as he slowly closes the door, outside stands his defender Lodar Selzones, they match a brief nod. In that one look an hour of conversation and understanding was exchanged between the two, the door latches closed.
Prince Grifterr makes his way to an old chest in the corner and says to himself “I must contact the Black phoenix from the Church of Genetic Purity eh, odd times ahead indeed. Stay aware, stay grounded.”
He looks into a mirror, the image returned *almost* matches his, “We are Switzerland” he says as he stares into his strained and haunting image. Looking back down into the old chest he pulls an leather bag emblazoned with a horseshoe, removes the contents in one hand, raises it up and lets unfurl the coiled strap of oxblood, the object makes a sweetly pitched noise as the steel ring bounces on the floor, dangling from the dark red strap. “Darker alliances have been made in the past…time to have some fun”. He wraps the belt around his waist.

Riot at the Bayou

May 13: Fister traveled to his home at the Devil's Bayou. He had heard of unrest among the populace but to see for himself. He was tired and drained but had to uphold his duties. When he arrived, he saw something the like he has never seen before. Fairies were rioting. Fairies around the lands had always been kind to him or kept to themselves, away from everyone. Seeing this sight, he had an inkling as to why they were doing this. As he got closer he heard their chants,

"Let us go, leave us be, registration needs to cease".

As Fister attempted to approach, they became agitated. He attempted to speak to them to try and quell the anger but they did not have it. He saw first hand what would happen if the registration continued, but Armand has the best interest of the Kingdom. He had to. As Fister tried to reason with the rioting fairies, they began to throw their fairy magic in an attempt to harm him.

Something was awry and Fister felt completely helpless. He was torn between the words of a friend he trusted and the reality of what it was doing.

"What can I do?" Fister asked himself as he hung his head, crying for he felt the pain, anger, and fear of every creature that was rioting in the province he called home.

"What can be done?"

Letter from the Lord Champion

May 14: A shadowy figure passed silently into the room, scaring a neophyte clerk into soiling himself. A missive hit the desk in front of the cowering clerk.

"For the King," the figure hissed and disappeared.

Armand glanced at the seal (crown and sword over the Dragon) and then broke the wax.

"To His Majesty, Armand DeSanto,

"As I intended, I have ridden to the Barony of Murky Waters, and there attempted reason with those who rebel. The situation, I fear, is grave. The Baron spoke loudly of his refusal to obey thy order and much of the populace has taken his part. Only thy loyal Duke Distan Tgd and Master Gillzer have professed loyalty to the crown.

"I spoke to many of the benefits of obedience, but they remained steadfast in their decisions.

"There remains a bright lining in threes tidings: a struggle is at hand for the baronial coronet, with Watcher and Fenris locked in conflict. If Watcher falls, the land may yet come to obedience.

"I have compiled a list of all who have spoken against thy lawful edict and will maintain this against the day thou give command to begin trial. I believe most are mislead by there leaders and that they merely parrot the words without knowing the meaning.

"Watcher, however, has gone very far indeed, reiterating his cry that the King perish. I recommend that he be apprehended and put to question.

"Finally, Squire Yhamish has confirmed that Slaughter Creek is likewise in revolt against thy order.

"I have begun preparing the courts of justice and the implements of holding and execution that I may not be behind when thy patience wears thin.

"In service to the Crown and Kingdom, I remain,

Selric Revenates Lord Champion of the Celestial Kingdom"

King's Address at Eclipse

May 13:The weather was fair and the enthusiasm high from the citizens of Eclipse. Armand had a smile on his face as he watched the gladiatorial bouts happening. A few citizens came up for an audience and kneeled in front of the king with concerns of the registration. Each one was spoken to as a friend and they even registered right then and there. “Mayhem, please take down these non-humans registration so it can be added to the Kingdom registration”. One of the citizens came up and looked like a normal human with no cross breeding at all, but the thing in Armand could feel the presence of a demon. Ignoring the feeling Armand spoke “So, you do not appear to be non-human” speaking to the crowd Armand then raised his voice “Citizens of Eclipes, here before me is a very good example of the unknown dangers that the registration act will prevent”! Looking down at the kneeling half demon Armand spoke in the most friendly and stern voice he could manage. “Creature tell the people here what you are”! Then the being spoke in a low whisper “I am a half demon my king”. Armand smiled and scanned the crowed “Did you hear that? You have had a half DEMON in your mist. This is something that should be known to all”. Armand looked back to the half demon and said in a low voice “Thank you for registering this land is safer for it”. Dismissing the non-human with a wave of his hand.

From the left side there was a shout that couldn't be made out well. Then there was a grey streak heading for the king. The reflexes of Mayhem where lighting fast and the weapon he was holding shattered blocking the phase arrow. “Arrest him”! Yelled one of the guards “Kill the would be assassin”! Another screamed. Armand rose up to the stirring chaos of the crowed and looked around for more assassins.

The bandit leader who fired the arrow and his two partners were captured and brought before the King. “What would you like us to do with them my king”. Mayhem asked afraid of the answer that would surely come, but he was surprised when the king spoke. “Put them in jail, make sure they are well taken care of and feed. Have them questioned and then a trial will be had. We do not need more killing than there is already happening. That is not what this is about”. The healer noted this and went and resurrected the hill giant that was slain in the gladiatorial pit.

Armand placed a hand on Mayhems shoulder “We will make this kingdom great again my friend”.

Musings of the Prime Minister

May 17: As Fister awaits in his study, the days seem to get longer as his body grows weaker. Reports have been flooding in of unrest throughout the Kingdom. He is troubled by what he has been reading and seeing firsthand. Between the Fairy and Goblin Riots at the Devil's Bayou, the vocal unrest at Murky Waters, and strings of mishaps throughout the other provinces had Fister worried. At times he gave the registration second thoughts and had massive doubts, but then he thought back to the words his friend, the King has said.

"What are they fighting for? Why against a kind friend?" he asked himself.

He had to think of a way to calm everyone and to quell the fears the populace was having. He started to doubt himself. What could he do? He was too weak to carry this train of thought. What was happening to him?

Prime Minister's Letters from home

May 12: Fister sat at his desk in his chambers looking over paperwork and reports from the provinces. Things were looking grave. His body began to shrivel, thirst and appetite lost, energy almost depleted. You can see the untouched food on his desk covered in fields of white and green mold. As he sat there thinking to himself, a bat came flying through the door with a letter attached. He retrieved the parchment and began to read;

"Fister, I'm writing you in a panic. Today, at the Bayou, some human citizens decided to take the law into their own hands and attacked a temple in the western border of the land. When I received word of this vigilantism I rushed to stop the violence. The humans turned on me as well! This division is the result of Armand DeSanto's decree. We crushed the humans leaving none alive but I fear more violence is on the horizon. I am upholding the king's decree but I need reinforcement. I need your skills as a marksman to help with what is next. Come home, my friend."

He read the letter again and again, unable to fathom what was taking place in his home, let alone his kingdom. What was he to do?

He took out some parchment and began to write;

"Rabanzarelli Ethindalus Harkonnus, Brother, I have read your words and am appalled as to what happened on our lands. To say the least, it is not right and I'm glad that you are ok. I will do my best to get word from the King and sort this out. You have my word that I will defend our home with bow, blade, axe, and magic. Whatever needs to be done will be done."

He attached the letter to the bat and sent it on it's way. He then began to write another letter.

"King Armand, News of bedlam has been coming in and they are saying it is all due to your decree of the Non-Human Registration. I know that you have said that it is for the good of the Kingdom and I trust you as a leader and as a friend, but to what end must me go through in order to see the light?"

Fister attached the letter to a raven and sent it on it's way. He then began to wait, afraid as to what the near future holds.

Champion's Letter to the Saint of Sadism

May 27: A letter, borne by one of Selric's fast couriers:

Unto the Saint of Sadism, greetings,

You are no doubt aware of the edict of our King Armand, and also likely aware of the resistance that has formed. In the Barony where you reside, there have been troubling statements of non-compliance.

Attached you will find a partial list of individuals wanted for questioning or facing trial before the courts. I charge you to assist the crown in this matter and bring these miscreants before the bar to answer for their misdeeds. As is customary, the Crown has authorized a fee to offset your expenses; the amount for each is listed beside the name and crimes of which each stands accused.

I must emphasize that neither His Majesty nor I greatly care about the condition these folks are in upon arrival. We will see to their needs, and if it prove necessary, their wounds, appropriately. I trust you to use only that force which you seem necessary.

In Service, Selric Revenates Lord Champion of the Celestial Kingdom

Champion's Directive to House Thug

A silent servant guided the tall form of the Lord Enforcer of House Thug to the solarium in the Champion’s Keep. Outside, as was normal, sentries paced to and fro, no lights shining anywhere. The dark stone drank what little starshine filtered through the oppressive gloom.

Selric raised his head from where he stood bent over a large table when Kyrryn Stonewall entered. “Ah, Lord Enforcer. A pleasure to see you again. I trust your journey was uneventful?”

Kyrryn smiled. “Teleportation does not usually tax the body. I am well. And you?”

“As well as can be expected.” Selric beckoned the Thug to his side. “And there are…reasons…why I felt it best that as few know of this meeting as possible. Wine? Or I have some of the Dame’s latest mead.”

“Mead, please.” Kyrryn looked at the table to see a highly detailed map of the kingdom, with markers showing travelers, wayposts and caravans. A leathern jack of the golden honey drink was pressed into his hand and the servant withdrew.

The Lord Champion stood straight, easing the muscles in his back. If it were possible, Kyrryn would have sworn the revenant looked older now than he had looked only two weeks past, when Baron Watcher of Murky Waters had hurled his challenge at him. “How fares Kaembryge?”

Kyrryn waved at the map. “This tells the tale as well as I could. Travellers are at an all-time low. The edict of the king and the refusal to obey by many of the lands have slowed merchants and tourists alike from entering the borders. Bandits, raiders and reivers are rife. The coffers of House Thug are being daily drained and our normal methods of replenishing them are reaping little benefit.”

Selric nodded. “You’ll be unsurprised, then, to know that our forecasts are for this to continue as long as the king persists in this registration. Already, I have had to order special detachments of my forces to patrol the Dragon’s Road. Bandits are seizing upon this edict as an excuse for lawlessness.” He sighed. “And the deadline draws apace. I think the King will not be forgiving after this weekend.”

Kyrryn looked steadily at the smoky form. “You summoned me, Lord Champion. Why?”

Selric looked just as steadily back. “I am the mailed fist of the King’s Justice,” he said softly. “Those who disobey must be brought to answer for their crimes. My forces are spread out to protect the roads and defend the borders.” He lifted a scroll from the edge of the table where Kyrryn had not noticed it before. “I have a commission for House Thug.”

“The usual rates?”

Selric flicked his wrist, unrolling the top part of the scroll. “Some of these on this list have refused registry and are known or suspected of being non-human. Others have refused to abide by the King’s decree and have not forwarded the registry information. You will note a price beside each.”

Kyrryn looked at the first few names. “A landed Baron makes your list?”

“He does when he shouts ‘Death to the King,’ “ Selric shrugged.

“And these prices…alive or dead?”

“Lord Enforcer, I am a devotee of the Most High God, and a councilor of House Bloodless. The condition of these fools upon delivery does not concern me. I am certain that with some time spent in the cemetery behind the keep, I can raise a jury of peers for even the most gruesomely deceased. Quick or dead, injured or hale; only delivery matters.”

Kyrryn smiled. “Payment upon receipt?”

“Aye,” the Champion nodded. “And a securing of our contract now.” He produced a small but fat purse and dropped it upon the table beside the scroll. “You are satisfied?”

“House Thug thanks you for your commission, Lord Champion. We will begin as soon as we may.”

Champion's Letter to the Southern Commander

May 27: Another of the shadowy couriers arrived at the keep that houses the southern watch. The commander, by now used to the arrival of Selric's minions, took the missive with a nod, checked the seal and opened the small scroll.

Unto the Commander of the Southern Watch,

The time has expired for voluntary registration, and there are some among the southern reach that have resisted the king's command. I charge you, therefore, to set a patrol to rounding up those who have failed to register and transport them to my Keep for questioning and, if necessary, trial.

If this will unreasonably limit your standard patrols to maintain the security of our border or the safety of the Dragon's Road, you are authorized to hire mercenary assistance from Wickerwood or Paragons Cross.

Given under my hand, Selric Revenates Lord Champion of the Celestial Kingdom A series of posters appear around kingdom in many of the outlying lands.

NOW HIRING

May 28: His Majesty Armand DeSanto hath called for loyal citizens and true to maintain the laws of the land and the edicts of the King. All who stands ready to serve are invited to apply for the post of Non Compliance Officer. Said post is charged with ensuring full compliance with the Edict of Non-Human Registration, and, when necessary, apprehension, detention and transport of those miscreants who persist in disobedience.

Apply in person at the King's Consulate of thy land.