#His IMPerial Majesty Ruler of ALL the Things
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It's that time of the year again.
And I, His IMPerial Majesty, Ruler of All the Things, and Keeper of the Cookies, have been VERY GOOD.
So you can just leave the cookie tributes right here, in front of my Howl-a-Daze Throne, where I can see them. Only the Bestest of Cookies. (Or I will send my Tree after you.)
Please and Thank you.
the Imp, Silken Windhound
(Just leave him a like, I will provide the cookies!) :)
#the Imp#His IMPerial Majesty Ruler of ALL the Things#and Keeper of the Cookies#silken windhound#snootblr#sighthound#photozoi#12-22-24#original photos#Happy Howl-a-Daze#tis the season
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Lord Foog the 7st, His IMPerial Majesty, Ruler of ALL the Things and Keeper of the Cookies. Oh, and Queen of the Faeries! Silken Windhound edition.
borzoi royalty
#Lord Foog#the 7st#the Imp#photozoi#rebork#silken windhound#original photo art#7-2023#His IMPerial Majesty Ruler of ALL the Things
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" BOUND TO THE THRONE "
𐙚 𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐑 — an all-powerful sovereign who bends entire empires to his will but becomes dangerously unhinged when it comes to you, stopping at nothing—manipulation, imprisonment, or war—to ensure you never leave his grasp . . .
𐙚Trigger Warnings: Obsession, power imbalance, emotional manipulation, implied captivity, threats of violence, and possessiveness.
The grandeur of the imperial palace was breathtaking, with its golden halls and ceilings that stretched so high you could swear they touched the heavens. But you weren’t here to admire its beauty. You were a lowly palace worker, tasked with cleaning and maintaining this vast kingdom’s heart.
Your role was simple, insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Or so you thought.
It started innocently enough. A glance here, a word there. The emperor, revered as a god among men, seemed to have a habit of lingering near you. His piercing gaze, sharper than any blade, often found you in the crowd of workers, no matter how much you tried to blend in.
At first, you convinced yourself it was paranoia. Why would someone as powerful as Emperor Kael, ruler of the largest empire in the world, take an interest in someone like you?
But then came the gifts.
An expensive bracelet placed neatly on your work desk, a necklace far too extravagant for a mere servant, and silken robes fit for royalty—all delivered anonymously. You didn’t need a note to know who they were from.
It was unnerving. You tried to refuse, even leaving the gifts in your quarters untouched, but it didn’t stop. If anything, the emperor seemed to grow bolder.
One day, while polishing the marble floors of the grand throne room, you felt it—that familiar, suffocating presence.
“You work harder than anyone else here,” his deep voice echoed, making your hands freeze mid-scrub.
You slowly turned to see him standing there, his imposing figure framed by the grand throne behind him. His regal robes flowed as if the very air bowed to his presence, and his golden eyes locked onto yours with a mixture of amusement and something... darker.
“Your Majesty,” you stammered, quickly lowering your head. “I’m simply doing my duty.”
“Is that all you think you are to me?” he asked, his tone calm but carrying an undercurrent of something dangerous.
You dared to glance up, confusion etched on your face. “I’m not sure what you mean, Your Majesty.”
He stepped closer, each stride deliberate, until he was towering over you. His gloved hand reached out, tilting your chin up so your eyes met his.
“You’re more than just a worker,” he murmured, his gaze intense. “You’ve captivated me in a way no one else ever has.”
Your breath caught in your throat, panic bubbling up. “Your Majesty, I—”
“Do you know how many nobles have tried to win my favor?” he interrupted, his thumb brushing gently against your cheek. “How many have offered their lives, their wealth, their everything to stand where you are now? Yet none of them matter to me. Only you.”
His words sent a chill down your spine. This wasn’t admiration—it was possession.
“Your Majesty, I am unworthy of such attention,” you said, trying to step back, but his grip on your chin tightened ever so slightly.
“You don’t get to decide what you’re worthy of,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “That’s for me to decide.”
You opened your mouth to protest, but his other hand reached out, brushing a strand of hair from your face.
“Don’t you see, Y/n?” he said, his tone softening, though his eyes remained as intense as ever. “You’re mine. You always have been. I’ve watched you, admired your dedication, your kindness. And now that I have you, I won’t let anyone take you away from me.”
Your heart pounded in your chest as you realized the full extent of his obsession. This wasn’t love—it was control, a twisted desire to claim you as his own.
“You can’t force me to stay,” you whispered, though your voice trembled with fear.
He chuckled softly, his hand moving to cradle your face. “Can’t I? I am the emperor, Y/n. No one disobeys me. No one touches what is mine.”
Tears welled in your eyes as his words sank in. You were trapped, bound to him not by choice, but by the sheer weight of his power.
“Don’t cry,” he murmured, his lips brushing against your forehead. “I’ll take care of you. Protect you. You’ll never have to lift a finger again. Just stay by my side, and I’ll give you the world.”
But all you wanted was freedom.
As he pulled you closer, his arms wrapping around you like a cage, you realized there was no escaping him. He was your emperor, your captor, and in his eyes, your savior.
And he would never let you go.
#angst x reader#male yandere x reader#yandere male#yandere oc x reader#yandere x reader#yandere imagines#fanfiction
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An heir of Rome
PAIRING: Lucius Verus Aurelius x f!reader
WORD COUNT: 1485
Paul Mescal Masterlist
The grand marble halls of the Palatine Hill glowed golden under the setting Roman sun. Empress Y/N gazed out over the sprawling Forum, her silk stola cascading around her like water, the fine fabric embroidered with golden laurels befitting her station. A servant entered quietly, bowing low.
“Your Imperial Majesty,” the servant said softly, head bowed, “the Emperor awaits you in the gardens.”
Y/N smiled faintly, already knowing what this would mean. Lucius Verus Aurelius, her husband and the newly crowned ruler of the Roman Empire, often found peace among the blooming flora of their private sanctuary, far removed from the relentless politics of the Senate and the demands of the people. She dismissed the servant with a wave and made her way to him.
She found Lucius standing beneath an olive tree, his golden-brown curls illuminated by the dying light of day. He wore his imperial toga loosely, the purple of royalty draped casually over his powerful shoulders. He turned at the sound of her footsteps, his face breaking into a rare, unguarded smile reserved only for her.
“Y/N,” he said warmly, closing the distance between them. His hands found hers, calloused from years of training with the sword, yet gentle as they enveloped her smaller ones. “You’ve been hiding from me today.”
“I’ve been thoughtful,” she replied, her tone teasing but her gaze searching his. “Your Senate meetings are as tedious for me to hear about as they are for you to attend.”
Lucius chuckled, the sound deep and rich. “You’ve no idea. If I could abandon them all and spend my days here with you, I would.”
“You’d miss the thrill of the arena,” she countered, raising a brow. “And the glory of Rome.”
His expression softened. “Rome is nothing without you by my side, Y/N. I meant every word I said when we wed. You are my equal in all things.”
Her heart swelled at his words, though a shadow of uncertainty flickered within her. What she had to tell him now would change their lives forever.
“Lucius,” she began, her voice trembling slightly, “there’s something I must tell you.”
His brow furrowed, concern flashing in his amber eyes. “What is it, my love?”
She took his hand and placed it over her abdomen, her voice barely above a whisper. “I am with child.”
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Lucius stared at her, uncomprehending, before the realization dawned. His eyes widened, and a joyous laugh escaped his lips.
“By the gods!” he exclaimed, lifting her effortlessly into his arms and spinning her around. “An heir! Y/N, you’ve given me the greatest gift of all.”
His exuberance was contagious, and she found herself laughing as well, her worries momentarily forgotten. He set her down gently but kept his hands on her waist, his expression turning serious.
“Are you well? Have you seen the physicians? You must take no risks. Tell me what you need, and it shall be done.”
“I am well,” she assured him, touched by his concern. “And I have already consulted with the palace medics. They say all is as it should be.”
He cupped her face in his hands, his gaze fierce and tender. “You must promise me, Y/N. No more long walks in the heat, no late nights with the advisors. I will not have anything threaten you or our child.”
“I promise,” she said softly, placing a hand over his. “But you must promise me something in return.”
“Anything.”
“You will not let the weight of Rome crush you, Lucius. You are a warrior, but even warriors need rest.”
He smiled, leaning down to press a lingering kiss to her forehead. “As long as I have you, I will never falter.”
---
Months passed, and as Y/N’s belly swelled, Lucius grew more protective. He personally oversaw her safety, ensuring no harm could come to her. Their nights were filled with quiet moments of intimacy, his hands resting on her abdomen as they spoke of the future.
Finally, the day arrived. The palace was thrown into a flurry of activity as Y/N went into labor. Lucius refused to leave her side, despite the protests of the midwives.
“Stay with me,” Y/N whispered, her face pale but determined.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he assured her, his voice steady despite the fear gripping his heart.
Hours passed, each moment stretching into eternity. Y/N’s cries of pain tore at Lucius, but he held her hand, whispering words of encouragement and love.
At last, a sharp cry filled the room, and the midwife held up a squirming, red-faced infant.
“It’s a girl,” she announced, her voice reverent.
Lucius stared in awe as the child was placed in Y/N’s arms. Her tiny features were delicate, yet she cried with the force of a storm, filling the room with her presence.
Lucius knelt beside Y/N, tears streaming down his face as he touched the soft cheek of his daughter.
“She’s perfect,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Our daughter. Our future Empress.”
Y/N smiled weakly, her exhaustion evident, but her joy radiant. “She will rule Rome one day, Lucius. And she will do so with strength and wisdom.”
Lucius pressed a kiss to Y/N’s forehead, his heart overflowing. “She will be the greatest ruler Rome has ever known. Just like her mother.”
He held his daughter in his arms, marveling at her tiny fingers curling around his. “You have my heart already, little one,” he murmured. “I will protect you and your mother with my life.”
The room was quiet now, save for the soft cooing of their newborn daughter nestled against Y/N’s chest. The midwives had retreated to give the imperial family a moment of privacy, leaving Lucius, Y/N, and their child surrounded by the glow of flickering oil lamps.
Lucius knelt beside the bed, his fingers brushing against the baby’s cheek in awe. Her tiny features were a perfect blend of them both—Y/N’s delicate nose and soft lips, framed by the faintest wisp of golden-brown hair, like his own.
“She’s so small,” Lucius whispered, his voice filled with reverence. “And yet, she already feels like the strongest part of me.”
Y/N smiled through her exhaustion, cradling the baby close. “She’s already taken your heart, hasn’t she?”
“Completely,” Lucius admitted, his amber eyes gleaming with unshed tears. He leaned forward, his lips brushing the top of his daughter’s head with infinite tenderness. “I’ve never known love like this, Y/N. Not until you, and now her.”
He straightened, his expression shifting to one of solemnity as he looked between his wife and child. “She deserves a name worthy of her destiny. She will not just be our daughter; she will be a symbol of hope for Rome, a future Empress who will rule with wisdom and grace.”
Y/N tilted her head, her tired eyes soft with curiosity. “Have you chosen a name, my love?”
Lucius nodded, a small smile breaking through his seriousness. “Aurelia. For the golden light she brings into our lives and the strength she will carry as our heir. Aurelia Verina.”
“Aurelia,” Y/N repeated, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked down at their daughter. “It’s perfect, Lucius.”
Their daughter stirred in her arms, her tiny fingers curling instinctively around Y/N’s thumb. Lucius watched the interaction with awe before gently taking one of the baby’s hands in his own, marveling at her fragility.
“She will be loved, cherished,” he vowed, his voice steady despite the emotion behind it. “And she will know the strength of her mother’s heart.”
Y/N reached for Lucius’ hand, entwining their fingers as they gazed down at Aurelia together. “And she will know the courage of her father,” Y/N added softly. “With us, she will never lack for love.”
Lucius settled onto the edge of the bed beside Y/N, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. For a moment, the weight of Rome seemed distant, unimportant compared to the warmth of his wife and daughter in his arms.
Aurelia shifted again, letting out a small cry. Y/N chuckled, adjusting the blanket around the baby. “She already has your spirit, Lucius. Fierce and demanding attention.”
Lucius laughed, a deep, genuine sound that filled the room. “If she has your patience, she’ll balance it well. Together, she’ll be unstoppable.”
As the baby quieted, Lucius leaned his head against Y/N’s, his lips brushing her temple. “This is everything I’ve ever dreamed of, Y/N. A family. A future.”
“And Rome will be stronger for it,” Y/N murmured, resting her head against his shoulder.
For the first time in what felt like years, Lucius allowed himself to relax, to be not just Emperor, but a husband and father. As Aurelia drifted into sleep, Y/N leaned into Lucius’ embrace, and the three of them shared a quiet moment of peace, wrapped in love and the promise of tomorrow.
In the stillness, Lucius whispered to his daughter, “Sleep well, Aurelia. You are the light of our lives and the hope of Rome. I will protect you with every breath I have.”
And with that, Lucius tightened his hold on his family, feeling an unshakable sense of purpose. Rome’s future was no longer an abstraction—it was here, in his arms. And he would ensure it would flourish.
#Lucius Verus Aurelius#lucius verus imagine#gladiator ii#paul mescal#lucius verus aurelius x reader#lucius aurelius x reader#lucius verus#lucius verus x reader#gladiator 2#paul mescal gladiator#lucius x reaer#Lucius Verus Aurelius x reader#Lucius Verus Aurelius x f!reader#Lucius Verus Aurelius fluff#Lucius Verus Aurelius angst#Lucius Verus fluff#Lucius Verus angst#Lucius Verus f!reader#Lucius Verus Aurelius imagine#hanno x reader#hanno#hanno gladiator#hanno fluff#hanno angst#Lucius Verus Aurelius x fem!reader#paul mescal imagines#paul mescal imagine#paul mescal x reader#paul mescal x y/n#paul mescal fanfic
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catie I NEED more vettonso lore for your au. please. (love u)
Aaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!! C!!! Thank you so much for asking!! This took me a bit cause there’s a lot of stuff I want to cover and I had to figure out how to balance the explanation of the historical context and how I apply it to my AU. But seriously thank you for asking because I did more research to write this post and learned a lot of things that make me feel deranged but I cannot bring any of this up to anyone irl without sounding like a lunatic. I’d apologize for the length but you should expect this from me by now! (I realized this doc for this was 1.5k+ my god)
Basic Info: early 1700s historical AU with arranged marriage plot
Historical Context:
Okay, so this AU is based on a real historical event: The War of The Spanish Succession. Which is when the Spanish Throne was without a clear line of succession because the bloodline(Spanish Habsburgs) died out. So then, even though the previous Spanish King named his successor(Philip V, a Duke related to the French Royal family - representing Fernando in this AU), the Habsburgs still thought they should be allowed to keep the throne within their dynasty, thus offering up the second son(Charles VI - representing Seb in this AU) of the Holy Roman Emperor. So obviously they had to start a war because of it. But then the end result ended up being that because Charles VI’s older brother, the Holy Roman Emperor at the time, died during the war(because of illness though so it would have happened regardless), he became the next Emperor and Philip V ended up becoming the Spanish King after all, rendering it all pointless imo.
How does this relate to Vettonso?:
I'm not overly interested in either Charles VI and Philip V as people, but rather the roles they fulfill in this conflict, but obv I can’t help but draw on details from their lives. As I mentioned, Fernando is now Fernando I of Renault/France Spain and Seb is Sebastian I of Red Bull Austria. This is supposed to be like 2010-2012!Vettonso with Ferrari!Fernando and RBR!Seb(but like Fernando's title of Duke coming from France, because of his championships with Renault.) This AU is kinda just me looking at this historical event and thinking: wouldn’t a gay arranged marriage solve this succession quandary? But also just that it reminds me of Fernando and Seb’s rivalry, and the nationalities/kingdoms fit pretty well!!
Think about the throne of Spain as akin to winning a race, but becoming Holy Roman Emperor as winning the whole entire competition.(Also side note: real life Charles VI didn’t become a king until he became Emperor and adopted all of his brother’s titles, but I want Seb to be a boy king in this AU, so he can have a title as a treat.) Imagine you’re competing for something and you win it, but the only reason you win is because the other competitor won an even bigger prize!!!! Yay you got what you wanted but the boy king is now the emperor of most of Europe. And now you are stuck with him through lawfully wedded arranged marriage because they let you have what you wanted but only under the condition that the two kingdoms are still united. Yeah Fernando got the title, but Seb gained even more titles(get it???)
They probably have a lot of animosity coming into the marriage, like “how could I ever build a relationship with the man who tried to steal my birthright?” but then realize they’re pretty similar after all. Though obviously Fernando has a lot more resentment than Seb because Seb won the whole damn thing! He would have control over Spain as he’s the king but since it's still within the domain of the empire, Seb would always have the final say. And Seb tries to be magnanimous like “Don’t worry, I won’t interfere”, and Fernando is all snide with comments like “Oh thank you great imperial majesty, can I really? Would you really allow me to do so?” But eventually become loving co-rulers that still constantly snipe at each other over different decisions the other makes.
Some headcanons(I guess you’d still call it headcanons even if it's your own AU bcs it still comes from your head) + some fun facts from real life that have brainrotted me so I’m putting them in:
Their dynamic is just Seb being a very righteous, bratty boy king emperor who is unabashed about being that way, because he feels that it is his right, but still has a heart of gold and wants to treat his husband well no matter the circumstances leading to their marriage. And then Fernando is like a stray cat that keeps hissing and scratching because it’s really hard for him to accept the circumstances because he still feels humiliated, even though he got everything he wanted, but he still can’t help but be charmed by this baby emperor because he sees attributes of himself in Seb, and can’t really fault him because he would be the exact same, flaunting his power, if he were in Seb’s shoes.
They would have to speak in French to each other because that’s their shared language but eventually attempt to learn each other’s native languages! Imagine Seb has to travel to Spain to give some Emperor speech and Fernando then bullies him for his bad Spanish.
They would probably split where they live based on a schedule or by need. Yes, Fernando is the King of Spain but he is also the Emperor’s husband so he does have to spend time in the capital, Vienna. And then since Spain is a part of the empire, Seb has to go routinely, but y’know also to spend time with his husband. They find that their marriage as well as their politics is full of having to make concessions and compromises in order to make it work.
Something I find funny is that as compensation for not getting the Spanish throne back, Spain had to cede some Italian territories to the Empire. That is literally the Ferrari plot with the transfer from Fernando to Seb!!
I’m not sure how the titles would work in this AU because obviously a m/m political marriage has not ever happened(as far as I know.) But I guess Fernando would just be King Fernando I of Spain and then Seb would be Holy Roman Emperor Sebastian I with the million titles that come with being in that role(though like most importantly Archduke of Austria and King of Bohemia and Hungary, etc.) I like the idea that Seb tries to share some titles with Fernando as a show of good will but Fernando is so affronted, mostly just from embarrassment, like “oh you think I need your good will?? I can’t be happy with what I earned in my own right??” But their kids would receive both titles and would be split in the traditional way, like first kid getting it all mostly, but the others still being nobility obv(yes.. there would be mpreg because of the plot need for succession….don’t ask who…)
They bond through their love of horses, particularly fast horses. The first time they go riding together, they’re both like awkwardly trying to act very proper as a sense of showmanship to the other like “I’m more mature than you”, but then can’t stop trying to get ahead of the other person and eventually break into a full-on race. Their aids are mutually like “oh god, they’re both the same type of insane.”
Irl Charles VI was so salty about losing the throne that he wouldn’t stop dressing like a traditional Spanish monarch. I can totally see Seb doing that and Fernando getting so pissed with him like “you became emperor!! What more could you possibly want???’ and Seb then fixing him with his biggest pout and saying “your throne!” But also Fernando being weirdly into it because it’s basically Seb presenting himself blatantly as Fernando’s spouse.
In that same vein, I’m going crazy over how there’s a painting from before the war, of Philip V wearing vestments from both the French order of chivalry and the Habsburg order of chivalry. Like basically stating the desire to see those two lines combined into one kingdom, which fits so well into this AU. Just Seb going crazy over how Fernando is willingly branding himself as belonging to Seb’s house.
A testimony of Philip V’s personality is that he was a “neurotic, vacillating ruler, concerned with outward decorum and brave only in battle,” god can you not sense the energy of Fernando in that statement???
Very important to me that Charles VI reportedly had many male lovers, and that his soulmate was one of his courtiers. Maybe there can be a bit of Martian or Sebson cheating plot with them being his courtiers hahaha
Not very relevant in this AU but there’s something about how Philip V had the longest ever reign of a Spanish monarch. Is that not Fernando??? Old man who will rule on forever, or should I say, forever keep his seat
I already obv posted the wip for this but I'll include it here again as visual rep hehehe:
I've spent way too much time lately trying to research the fashion of the time ugh. But this, as I said, is like first joint portrait session into the marriage. And I guess I kind of want them to be wearing their corronation clothing, which I'm pretty solid on for Seb but still need to research more for Fernando. I think I'll maybe try and just put him in the afformentioned traditional Spanish monarch clothing, but the fact that it's all black kinda bores me, I'd rather he wear red!! This is like a typical royal couple type pose, except they're being more tactile. Also there's something to be said about the symbolism of Fernando being the one standing and Seb being the one sitting hehehe....
#*oh also posting this in my typical habit of scheduling posts for when i sleep so sry if i dont respond bcs i am in fact asleep#*sorry for making you wait for this C! I said in a bit but then i didnt...i like waking up to notes okay ...BUT AGAIN TYSM FOR ASKING#alternate title for this post: what being in Austria does to a man#I mentioned to my friend from the trip abt how having been there has affected me and has made me think way too much about the history#and shes like 'oh yeah ive not really thought about austria too much since coming back'#me just sitting there with my phone gallery full of historical paintings for reference and my head full of research like: 'haha oh okay...'#often my thoughts about AUs is just a bunch of rambling thoughts in my head#so its very nice and helpful to have to write it out like this and turn it into something more than absent thought#most of the headcanons spontaneneously popped into my head while I was writing out the main section hahah#hope you enjoy!!!! hopefully I'll be able to finish my drawing of them !!#especially since I'll prob never end up writing a fic bcs i like writing rambling but anything more formalized is soooo difficult for me#vettonso#catie.rambling.txt#catie.asks.#formula 1#boy king au
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"Look out, Punchie, they're on to us!"
His IMPerial Majesty, Ruler of ALL the Things and Keeper of the Cookies, another of those blindly* worshiped critters.
*(When I can't find my corrective lenses.... )
This person is unironically trying to convince everyone that Dogs are Bad™ but all they're doing is making dogs sound cool as fuck
#*nods head* it’s true#punchie pie#the IMP#His IMPerial Majesty Ruler of ALL the Things#reborked#7-2024#sighthound experiences
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Hitting you up because I want to hear more about Emperor Qianlong's art collection! My two big all-consuming hobbies are drawing and reading about history, so I pretty much can't get enough of either topic
OH OH where to BEGIN with Qianlong and his love of the arts???? And also okay he historically is SUCH a funky guy idk where to even begin on how much I love cool and kind of failflop Qianlong facts. If you want to know about his hilarious terrible poetry I leave you with this poem he wrote about cucumbers:
It is the best ingredient on the plate in Beijing;
I tasted it lately in February, but how can I give it a review?
Weighing down the trellis, and embellishing the fence, it looks so beautiful,
The rural landscape contains true feelings.
No this isn’t any better in Chinese. You can find it and other Qianlong poetry roasts here.
Okay, I don’t know if Qianlong’s art collection/paintings created for him can be contained in a single answer, BUT, I’ll do my best!
Emperor Qianlong was an avid patron of the arts, and his collection of paintings, jade pieces, and other antiques remain one of the greatest reasons why we still have a lot of the pieces on display around the world today. He was also in the habit of writing on/stamping his personal seal on his favorite paintings and art pieces, and some of these repeatedly viewed paintings (with his notes/thoughts/writings) also preserve great portions of his life, which is a really intimate look into him as a person especially throughout time. We rarely get this sort of information from a ruler since MOST imperial writing has been edited/was meant to present to other people. He also liked to take landscape paintings with him on his travels to compare the landscapes in the paintings to their irl presentation.
His habit of turning his favorite paintings into diaries is NOT a common practice btw, most people didn’t deface the paintings in their collections. (Okay they might put their personal stamp on it to explain that they own it, but WRITING NEW SHIT ON IT? nah.)
Art historians, btw, have been in argument about his practice of defacing paintings and basically being in conversation with them ON the painting itself, since practically the time he started doing this about if it’s destroying the art or enhancing it somehow. He was just. SUCH a guy.
(He uh, may also have used coercion, threats, and force to acquire some of these because he was the emperor and he wanted them. This behavior was normal for emperors but his obsession with art and antiques was slightly less normal. Like, this man was IN LOVE with art.)
The OTHER hilarious thing about Qianlong was that while he LOVED paintings and antiques and poetry and art he uh, well okay see the above roast re his poetry but he wasn’t very good at any of these things per se. (For example, there are multitudes of stories about how he’d get really happy about a certain painting or antique in his collection, only to discover that it was a GREAT forgery or a fake or not actually all that old and oh here’s the actual thing your majesty this is the real one and be SO embarrassed by this new knowledge that he’d just KEEP BOTH and pretend nothing was wrong. Like just WHAT a guy. What a guy lmao.)
Qianlong also really loved western style paintings and painters. For example, Giuseppe Castiglione was one of his favorite court painters (Chinese Name Lang Shining) and did these two paintings of Emperor Qianlong:
These two paintings are like, some of my favorite things because like, the combination of east and west, and utilization of like, different techniques and perspectives is !!!! in my brain. Like, it’s incredible and I love it so much.
Qianlong also incorporated a lot of western style architectural elements in his redesign and beautification of Yuanmingyuan and had a REALLY interesting life overall, but this is getting kind of long so 😂I’ll leave off for now.
Feel free to ask about anything that sounds interesting about this though! I love to ramble.
#qianlong#asks and answers#history#chinese history#he was just SUCH a guy#if I had historical blorbos this would be a historical blorbo
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Azir the Soft
Like I mentioned in the past, wee bby Azir was TERRIFIED of Nasus and Renekton.
Wouldn’t you?
Imagine being a smol bean of 5, a rotund bundle of squishable cheeks, big goo goo eyes, tiny hands, long pristine dreadlocks and a way too heavy gold hairband, and coming across a giant hound and a giant alligator trying to shake your hand.
Azir would curl up into a small ball of sobs and try to blend into the wall hoping they’d not catch him. Nasus and Renekton, being both childless, would awkwardly try to coax him into coming out of that ball. After all mama and dad are nowhere to be found – emperors have better things to do than parent their kids, and so do boomers – and the young prince must learn at once.
“Oh don’t cry, sweetie.”
“Yeah, don’t cry! Give me a smile! Like THIS!”
“Renekton you made it worse!”
“I just smiled, for Shurima’s sake”
“Yes, but with fangs… oh, forget it. Come here, little prince. It’s ok… see? It’s warm.”
“Aww, what an adorable little thing. C’mere!”
“Renekton STOP!”
As an adult, Azir never had this problem. He long considered which form he’d take as an Ascended. Maybe a dog like Nasus… but that would make him less unique. A snake perhaps, snakes are cool… but they’re also kinda sorta seen as negative animals. A cat? Azir loves cats – who doesn’t? – and cats are refined and proud like emperors… but they have a connotation with laziness that wouldn’t fit a ruler. A goat? They’re spiritual animals, indicative of wisdom… but they’re also helpless prey, and an Emperor should be a predator. What about… a bird of prey? Yes, a hawk would do. Majestic, fierce, always on top of the world. I feel like a hawk.
So, being a hawk, Azir travels Shurima with his retinue and tries things he’s never tried before. Perhaps unique for an imperial tour, he visits slums and abandoned neighborhoods and small villages. People still bow to him, because that’s what they know, and since he’s grown to hate the gesture as a whole, seeing it as hollow and lacking in honesty – thanks to one Xerath of Saikhal, who forced him to bow a lot during his imprisonment – he’s pondering the introduction of a new formula when he notices someone isn’t bowing to him.
A child, that is. A small thing of 5 with dreadlocks and a hairband, who curls up in a ball of tears as their parents pretty much implore them to bow like the others.
Azir thinks about it. Then he speaks: “Akshan, be a dear and bring this one to me.”
“My lord, your Imperial majesty… please! They’re just a kid, they don’t know…” their parents’ plea on their knees as the mercenary hauls the tiny one to Azir. Luckily Nasus isn’t with him on this one: he’s protecting the imperial coach with an escort of sand soldiers.
Akshan lifts the kid towards Azir, and he removes his half-helm to look at them closer.
“Are you afraid of me?”
A tiny “yes” emerges from the ball of sobs. Indeed… a giant hawk can be just as scary as a giant reptile. Azir sits down, offering an open hand… imitating Nasus’ own movements with him. And eventually tiny, shiny eyes look at him through soft fingers.
“You’re… a big bird.”
“I’m a hawk, and I’m not going to hurt you. I may look big, and scary… but that’s because I’m to protect you. Deep down… I can be sweet. Do you want to touch my feathers?”
“C-Can I?”
Right above his chestplate is his neck, a soft space of feathers awaits small grabby hands. The child snuggles in between them, tiny sobs fading into a content smile, and even their parents’ screams have subsided. Hugging an Emperor is a honor a few people see.
“So soft…”
“Yes, it’s soft.” Despite all of Xerath’s lovely attempts to ruin it. “And it’s warm, and… I hope it brings you good luck.”
He doesn’t really know why he did this. A part of him thinks he just wanted to hug a child, after having wept all his tears for his dear son and daughter, and feel like a parent for a moment. Maybe – and this is Xerath’s voice – he wants so desperately to feel good again, he resorts to platitudes and big moves to restore his reputation. Maybe he’s grown soft inside as well as out – too soft, in fact.
Either way it feels good, and isn’t it also what an Emperor should strive for? Feeling good?
“Emperor Azir the Soft” Samira chuckles to Sivir. “Imagine that being his title.”
“He’s been called worse names”, she chuckles back.
#league of legends#lol#azir#emperor azir#omah azir#azir’s new groove#akshan#Samira#Sivir#Azir is a dad let us not forget
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“Hiya, Pip!”
Wink, wink, say no more....
the most coolest pip
#the Imp#His IMPerial Majesty Ruler of ALL the Things etc#Silken Windhound#photozoi#1-29-23#REBORK PIP!!!
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Shining Force Country Guide Translation - Part 1
It’s finally done. This is enormous and quite technical or redundant at some parts, so I apologize in advance if the translation isn’t flowing well or has more mistakes than usual.
I’ve also skipped a few things. There’s a map of Runefaust’s invasion that pretty much just describes things said in game or other parts of the guide (like, which parts of the continent each boss was responsible for), so I skipped it. There were also checkpoint section just explaining the plot and secret events in game for each town, I will bring up a thing or two from them but otherwise skip it. And lastly, each town had a section describing what’s sold in their shops and tips on what players should buy. Only exception is Shade Abbey which instead had some extra lore I did translate.
All this rambling done, let’s begin.
The Continent of Rune
Let's take a took at the continent of Rune that will be the stage for the adventure, with an overview of its topography and history.
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Species ratio:
Humans: 45% Centaurs: 25% Elves: 11% Dwarves: 4% Hobbits: 8% Others: 7%
Total population: 26580 inhabitants Average temperature: 26.5°C
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An explanation of Rune's distinct geographical aspects
As shown by the map above, the continent of Rune is shaped in quite a peculiar way, divided into an eastern and a western part by the ocean. According to ancient history research still in progress, when the previous civilization was still at its peak, the continent's shape was very different from the current one. By Dark Dragon's destructive power, countless peninsula were wiped out, and there's evidence that even tectonic movement was slightly disturbed.
When it comes to topography, many are deeply interested in the differences between the west and east sides. Compared to the west side that has plenty of flat lands, the east side is rugged and mountainous. Those geographical differences reflect in different developments in agriculture, this world's main production. Also, because the west side is less rough, travel and trade between countries is easier. The eastern countries (like Runefaust), who had to dealt with tough life conditions in a harsher environment, might have naturally harbored intentions to conquer the west side, but things aren't so simple as to just put the blame on them.
There’s actually a colored version of this map somewhere else in the guide, hang on
Nice. Moving on.
Chronology of Rune's history:
Year 0 - The previous civilization is destroyed by Dark Dragon; Year 199 - Founding of Guardiana; Year 203 - Founding of Runefaust; Year 399 - Guardiana is raided by Wyverns; Year 501 - An abbey is built in the Shade region; Year 504 - Founding of Bustoke; Year 710 - Founding of Rudo village; Year 797 - A town is built in the mining area of Alterone; Year 798 - Founding of Rindo; Year 838 - Founding of Waral; Year 842 - The Pao Train is completed; Year 894 - Founding of Alterone; Year 999 - Guardiana is attacked by Runefaust (start of the game)
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Past and Present
Of the remaining historical records in current Rune, almost all are from less than 1000 years in the past. Records of the civilization destroyed by Dark Dragon are practically all lost, with whatever existing ones being guarded by Prompt and Manarina, who continue to decode and study them.
Main events of these past 1000 years are shown in the table to the right. This Rune calendar, using the year of the previous civilization's downfall by Dark Dragon as the starting year, is used by almost all of Rune. Plenty of countries also have their own imperial era system based on their rulers (for example, Year 999 of the Rune calendar in Guardiana is Year 28 of His Majesty Alexis's rule), but treaties and such between countries use the Rune calendar.
In these 1000 years, no big scale conflicts between countries have occurred. This isn't due to an ideal peaceful coexistence, but because each country was busy fighting against frequent assaults by groups of magical beasts and natural disasters. As Dark Dragon's seal is released once more in this adventure, a new age is ushered where the real way of life of the people of Rune is put into question.
From here there are sadly no exact percentages for each country’s species pie chart, so you have to kinda eyeball it from the description and the legend below, and I did not feel like pasting it into every page, sorry
Kingdom of Guardiana
Population: 3000 inhabitants GNP: 3500 gold
Species ratio:
Known as the country of knights, the ratio of centaurs is high. Also, the ratio of elves is lower than that of other countries. Perhaps because they don't prioritize mages and archers as much?
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What is the full story of the country of wandering knights?
A small country at the very south of West Rune. Around 800 years ago, with the purpose of protecting the Gate of the Ancients, a huge group of immigrants from Prompt, mostly knights, founded the country. During the rule of King Arissort Von Guardiana II, the kingdom was raided by a large group of Wyverns, and many documents were lost in the fire, thus there are no remaining records from before the country's founding.
Their main production is agriculture. The production is concentrated in the fertile delta of the Beaune River (the source of Maar Lake at the southeast of Manarina). Starting from their specialty, the "Guardiana carrot", they produce many diverse agricultural products, and achieved 100% self sufficiency. While still in a small scale, fishing activities have developed in the coast of the Monostone peninsula, so that region is sustained by a mix of agriculture and fishing. Since most of the country's land is plain field, it lacks in mineral resources, and industrial development is very slow. Because of that, it currently does not have goods to export, and thus has not established trading with other countries. One can say that self-sufficient agriculture is the lifeline of Guardiana's economy.
History wise, since it was founded by knights, it is expected that the citizens value the military arts. Having said that, they are not the kind to fight for no reason, and their standards of education are also relatively high. Since they've inherited a peculiar spirit of chivalrous spirit, their culture is permeated by the philosophy of being adept at both literary and martial arts.
The Fighting Tournament held every six months is a grand festival held through the castle and the town areas, where knights and townsfolk compete in the arts of their choice. It's the most remarkable expression of Guardiana's culture.
-Following the road to the west, there's the Gate of the Ancients and the mountain cabin. The road extending to the southwest connects to Guardiana's only allied country, Alterone. Guardiana's castle and town blend together into a castle town. Alterone also followed the same model.
-The bustling town is usually peaceful. Because of that, selling weapons isn't a great business there, and it seems the shop owner has decided to retire. Guardiana's only inn, the Guardiana Hotel, has been in a slump day after day. Not many tourists are coming.
The roads' directions in that pic caption do seem switched up, don't they?
To my knowledge the kings of Guardiana aren't named anywhere else so the romanization of their names is my own. Alexis however is a pretty normal name so I'm confident on it. Arissort however... yeah.
Same for location names as well. Beaune is apparently the name of a french city named after Belenos, a god of flowing water, so I guess it makes sense as a name for a river. Maar is a broad, shallow volcanic crater, so it made the most sense as romanization for the lake name as well.
The Guardiana tournament has already been mentioned in Hans' bio. It and Guardiana's carrots are also mentioned by Arthur in the GBA remake. In fact, all of Arthur's dialogue there is based on this country guide, which will be very convenient for me as I don't want to romanize even more names myself, thanks Arthur. Sadly he only comments trivia up to Waral though.
#shining force#sf kouryaku no tebiki translations#ressurection of the dark dragon#shining series#sf arthur#i wanted to post more at once but this thing is already so big so i'll spare you#i wonder if they picked carrots because they're popular/iconic treats for horses#i had that thought ever since i unlocked this one for arthur#i also wonder how the hell does he know all this??? did he travel a lot?? i thought he was from another continent#shining force country guide
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The difference 8 years makes. 2016 to 2024
the Imp, aka His IMPerial Majesty, Ruler of ALL the Things, Keeper of the Cookies.
His receding brindle line is even more severe than the Brother's. :D Silken Windhound and self acknowledged royalty.
#the Imp#His IMPerial Majesty Ruler of ALL the Things#and Keeper of the Cookies#etc etc etc#snootblr#sighthound#silken windhound#photozoi#original photos#2016 to 2024
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Chapter 12-11 Power Struggles Within the Imperial Court (禁庭之變)
Chapter 12-10
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I looked at Wang Jue, then at Ning Wu. ... So that's how it is.
I had a vague feeling that something was strange when I met that fortune teller, but I couldn't figure it out at the moment.
It was his form of address --- Wang Jue and I look like we are the same age, ordinary people would only think we are brother and sister, but he knew at a glance that we were "aunt and nephew."
He wasn't a divine fortune teller, he knew Wang Jue... From this, it's not difficult to deduce my identity.
Ning Ji's expression remained unchanged, calm and composed. He turned around, his back to the ministers, and our eyes met.
He blinked and smiled slightly.
Ning Ji: Shhh ---
His index finger pressed against his lips, and in a few moments, a silent promise was exchanged. But everything was too rushed, and in a blink of an eye, he returned to his usual serious and unperturbed demeanor.
If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, it would be hard to believe that someone could switch between an extroverted chatterbox and an introverted, closed-off personality so effortlessly...
But why is he pretending to be this old-fashioned? I stared at Ning Ji, who was discussing matters with the ministers, lost in thought.
After Ning Ji appeared, the scattered ministers finally found their backbone.
Palace Person A: It's not good! It's not good! Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened!!
Ning Ji: Such a commotion in front of His Majesty, what kind of decorum is this?
Palace Person A: Re- Reporting to Your Majesty, there are troops surrounding the palace, General Chen Xiu has already taken the imperial guards to capture the rebels, but... there are so many of them...!
The young man on the throne, upon hearing this bad news, did not panic as he had before.
He merely narrowed his eyes slightly at the news, his body leaning forward a little. Resting his chin on his hand, he seemed to be looking down at the chaos with amusement.
Palace Person A: They are fierce, and they also said... they also said that the treacherous official Ning Shangqing has brought chaos to the country, whoever can cut off Shangqing's head will be rewarded with a thousand taels of gold!
The officials in the hall were all scholars who had never seen real bloodshed in politics. Although they did not dare to run away, fear had already begun to spread.
Official B: Th-this, what should we do?!
Official B: Your Majesty, this place is not far from the palace gate, if the rebels break in, why don't we run away first...
In an instant, some were pacing back and forth, some were throwing their hats and cursing angrily, the whole hall was in disarray.
Ning Ji, who had been named by the rebels and had a bounty on his head, still remained calm. As if the person who was labeled a traitor and had a heavy reward on his head was not himself.
Most of the officials in the hall were new court officials recruited by Ning Ji who disliked the old aristocratic families controlling the government. Fortunately, Ning Ji's judgment wasn't too bad, and there were still some clear-headed people among them.
An official paced over to Ning Wu and whispered.
Official A: Your Majesty... and Shangqing... you, you both seem to be not surprised by this situation?
Official A: Is there still a chance to turn things around?
Ning Ji did not answer him, but instead cast a playful look at me.
Ning Ji: As expected of the princess of Shangguo, you remain calm in the face of such a crisis. Truly, as the rumors say, you have the demeanor of a ruler.
I returned his smile with a smile of my own.
Princess: Should I panic? This situation, I'm afraid, was already anticipated by Shangqing, right?
I looked at the young man on the throne.
Although I already had my suspicions, although I was always on guard... there were moments when I truly wanted to believe him.
During the months we journeyed together, when he smiled and called me "auntie," or when he formed an alliance with me... It's a pity that from the moment we met, it was all a conspiracy.
After all... this deathly silent palace will never be able to cultivate a truly pure and flawless flower.
Wang Jue: Auntie...
Princess: Not only that, but luring me into the palace today was also part of the plan, wasn't it?
The answer to my question was like a stone sinking into the sea. After a long silence, he spoke with difficulty.
Wang Jue: Many of the things I said were not lies. I brought you to the palace because it's safe here.
Wang Jue: Auntie, as long as you trust me... I won't hurt you, I will protect you.
Wang Jue finally couldn't hold back and abruptly stood up. His gold and jade-encrusted crown made a harsh scraping sound.
He continued speaking almost urgently, but there was a struggle and a strange tenderness in his tone.
Wang Jue: And I will never let anyone hurt you.
The person before me gave a sad smile, his gaze becoming even more determined, like a new sprout emerging from the boundless wasteland.
Wang Jue: As long as you... stay in Nancang.
Princess: ...
Official B: Why does it sound like the fighting... is getting closer?!
Official B: Your Majesty, Shangqing, we must not delay any longer, let's hurry up and escape...
Official B: As the saying goes, where there's life, there's hope!
Official B: I heard that Her Highness the Princess has a phoenix by her side... But after all, two fists are no match for four hands, and a lone warrior probably can't protect the palace!
The ministers didn't understand the nuances of our conversation, and seeing that the situation was becoming increasingly critical, they just wanted to leave this place of trouble as soon as possible.
Putting aside all the emotions, suspicions, and hesitations in my heart, I finally stood up calmly.
Princess: Who said I was alone?
*flashback*
Qianjin Qiu: After the siege of Lingzhou is lifted, Princess, you want to go to Nancang?
Princess: Yes, but I have no family or friends in Nancang. Even with the Chen family's help, if a conflict really arises, I don't want them to be distracted by helping me.
My hand brushed against the cold, gleaming sword, the sharp arrows, the heavy armor...
Princess: Since I'm going, I must be the one who can stir up the situation.
Qianjin Qiu: Princess, you mean...
Princess: I want to transport some weapons and soldiers into Nancang, without anyone knowing.
Qianjin Qiu: Although I'm a bit shocked, it's not so surprising coming from you, Princess.
Qianjin Qiu: In that case... I have an idea.
Princess: What idea? Tell me about it.
Qianjin Qiu: If this idea is adopted by the Princess, how will you reward me?
Princess: What do you think?
*flashback over*
I took out a cylindrical object hidden in my sleeve, walked to the front of the hall, and lit the fuse.
This was something I specifically asked Fu Xian for before I left Xianyun.
The signal flare shot up into the dark sky with a dazzling brilliance.
Princess: I have formed a thousand-strong elite cavalry with the Guiye Army and Lingzhou soldiers. They have fought with the Red Robe Army in Lingzhou. I wonder how long those ragtag rebel soldiers can hold them off?
Wang Jue looked at me thoughtfully, a shadow cast over his eyes.
Wang Jue: So that's how it is... It was those servants and maids who delivered the betrothal gifts, right? Those wooden boxes didn't contain betrothal gifts, but weapons hidden inside.
Princess: You're very smart. It's a pity, I was originally reluctant to trouble my Guiye Army.
Wang Jue: Auntie, you have such impressive schemes... It seems that from the very beginning, I never had your trust.
I didn't answer anymore, my heart already flying to Chen Xiu.
With Chen Xiu's martial arts skills, it wouldn't be difficult for him to protect himself in the chaos of battle, and Chen Qi is also just outside the city...
Moreover, the troops assembled by the rebels are just some local garrison soldiers. Although they have large numbers, they are probably not as strong as Chen Xiu's elite imperial guards.
Princess: Chen Xiu...
Outside the distant palace, flames soared into the sky, piercing the eaves and rooftops, like firewood waiting to be burned.
A black dot-like figure rushed from the steps in front of the hall, growing larger and clearer. It was another young eunuch who had lost his hat and shoes.
Palace Eunuch: Yo-Your Majesty -- It's not good, General Chen was hit by an arrow and fell off his horse, in the chaos, it seems... it seems...
My chest suddenly felt as if it was being squeezed by an invisible hand.
*flashback*
Chenxiu: This is a folk tune from my hometown. If there's any song you like, Princess, I can learn to play it for you on the flute.
Chenxiu: When the country is in peril, as a son of Nancang, I will naturally give my all and face death without flinching.
Chenxiu: There will be plenty of time in the future. I will govern Nancang well and wait for you to come...
*flashback over*
My gaze was firmly locked on the young eunuch in front of me, all the noise around me instantly turning into a long buzzing in my ears.
Could he have seen wrong?
Maybe this young eunuch was just too panicked. Once he calmed down, he would say that it was all a false alarm.
I regained my composure and said in a deep voice:
Princess: Calm down and speak clearly!
Palace Eunuch: Reinforcements have arrived... but somehow... I heard them say... General Chen, has-has already fallen in battle!
The noisy voices faded away again, and only one voice remained in my mind: This is impossible.
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Chapter 13-1
If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)
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"Turn on this 'Puter so's I can send a send to mine own Princess, Guin!"
His IMPerial Majesty, Ruler of ALL the Things and Number One Guinevere Admirer is greatly excited that the Love of his Life computers as it is one of his hobbies as well. (She needn't worry too much, he still has not figured out how to turn it on by himself!)
"Helping" me to Computer
#guinevere#cocker spaniel#dogblr#helping me to Computer#the side-eye is part of the Helping#much skill very support wow#the Imp#Silken Windhound#snootblr#photozoi#12-2024#tech dogs#they are in demand#His IMPerial Majesty#etc etc etc
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Eldra's very bad day at work
wop wop under the cut to not clog your dash, writing warm up so i hopefully can get back to my real wip. I wanna post more of these little snippets of this story .
Eldra had not rested for the past two days, not since being woken up at 4 am by a red alert detailing a sudden peak in Neautra in the eastern provinces and hundreds of messages by distressed hunters. It had been two days and they still didn't understand what happened in the small town once called Edreyl. They couldn't contact the hunter unit stationed near the town, all comms in the region were down due to the high Neautra levels, but the satellite images that managed to make their way back to the HQ were distressing, the entire town and many miles in its radius…gone, blasted out of existence, Eldra had never seen anything like this, not in her days as huntress not in the records of their archive. The good thing, if you could even call it that, is that they’ve yet to detect any demon activity coming from the region…yet.
Tired and shaking from her 10th cup of coffee of the day she made her way into the State council room. The urgent meeting had been called in the past hour and Eldra had to rush to the Imperial Palace at the heart of Izeriath city. She sighed before the heavy white door as the guards opened it to her and she stepped inside the oppressive round table.
The State council was limited to only the ministers of each region, the Emperor and the two Royal Huntressess, Eldra and Serha, though the former could only be present in video format.
The ministers were all discussing in rushed tones to each other, and the emperor had his distinguished ever angry looking face. Eldra bowed before them before sitting next to the projection of Serha, who gave her a small nod.
“Now that we are all here” The Emperor said “Royal Huntressess, what news do you bring?” he said, staring down at the two drakin women.
Serha soke first, swallowing hard
“Nothing yet…your majesty” she said the ministers murmured in disappointment and anxiety “this is…we have never seen this before, levels this high…”
Eldra nodded
“thought there has been no demon activity signs yet!” She was quick to add “And this amount of Neautra may even lure them to that region, making it easier to hunt them down”
“But what are we dealing with is the question royal huntress” the minister of Atriste, the region affected spoke, his video image was greatly affected by the Neautra and often would glitch out “if a new portal is opening right in the middle of Izeriath”
“I doubt that “ Serha intervened “ A portal would have already started to consume matter, and from our satellites we can see it’s more or less stable” she said “whatever it was isn't putting more energy out”
Not that we can see anyway Eldra thought bitter, their equipment couldn't even process the amount of energy being read, stopping at the highest number it could handle, and had not yet decreased.
“either way…to get a better view of what's going on in the blast zone, we need to get in there our comms with the nearby units are still down, and besides…i don’t think even with our best gear a mortal could survive for long in this amount of Neautra.” She said grimm.
The discussion continued, no progress being made other than the obvious quarantine of the zone. Suddenly, the one channel that was off lit up, the room went into silence, this seat was never taken, for it was simply honorary. It was the seat for God.
But instead of God, the one on the other side wasn't her, it was a dark blue spirit, its ethereal mane flowed behind it gracefully, particles, orbs, all floated around it as if the being had its own gravity.
Everyone stood up and bowed towards the being in one swift movement, the spirt stared at them, its face expressionless, its eyes empty sockets of light.
“Great Emissary” The Emperor spoke “ speak your word, what do we owe you your presence”
“Ruler of men” the spirits voice was ethereal, like a loud whisper, a chorus of voices neither male nor female “ the contract has been broken, your kin’s cruelty has gone too far”
None spoke, all too stunned, confused
“ Our kind has been slaughtered time and time by the greed of men seeking to become gods, we tolerated it for they have brought on their demise by trespassing the sacred bound” the spirit continued “yet now despite the transgression, this cannot be ignored.”
“ Great one, what do you mean?” Eldra raised her head pleading, the spirits eyes burned into her skull, she felt overwhelmed from looking at it
“ Our God, Shadlan, has been murdered, murdered by a mortal”
It was a heavy silence, heavier than before, the emperor's eyes shot wide.Shock permeated everyone in the room, Eldra fell on her chair again.
“No- No no mortal has the strength to do so!” Eidon pleaded
“no mortal should have this strength, yet it has happened and Her remains now poison the land she once loved” The spirit said solemn
Eldra looked at Serha, her face was pale as she cupped her face in pure horror. Eldra rested her head on her own hands, the exhaustion and shock taking over, what did that mean for them all? for the world? Who had the power to kill a god? how did they not see it sooner?
“This sin cannot go unpunished, your hands will not be cleaned by water but by your blood. If that means the end of this era, then so it shall be. We will not interfere further”
“ What you- “ Eidon started to speak getting up from his chair when suddenly a high pitched scream filled the room.
Eldra clutched her head falling against the table in a pained gasp. The scream continued, agonizing, painful, it felt like her entire body was being ripped apart by the sound, her mind becoming one with the pain.
The scream stopped
She loved you
The voice was furious, its anger bleed into Eldra, clawed at her chest, ripped her skin.
She loved your pitiful kind and you kill her
HOW DARE YOU
The pain increased, sorrow, anger, pain, loss larger than Eldra could handle, tears streamed down her face as she gripped her head, she had to tear it open, pull her brain out, stop the feelings stop the pain
There will be no mercy, there will be no peace
not until she’s avenged.
This is your last crime, mortals, this is my declaration, I will not rest until the very last of you is gone, until my sister is avenged with your DEATH.
The pressure left, and Eldra vision slowly returned, she was breathing hard, she had blood and hair on her hands from pulling on her scalp. Slowly she managed to turn her head without being wrecked with nausea, to assess the state of the others. Many were unconscious, those that were online, had disconnected. She locked eyes with the emperor’s haunted gaze.
The demon queen had come for them.
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Happy New Year from His IMPerial Majesty, Ruler of ALL the Things and Keeper of the Cookies and his friends... all whom have showed good sense and long ago retired to bed.
Thank you for sticking with us through 2024. We wish you all the best for 2025.
#the Imp#His IMPerial Majesty Ruler of ALL the Things#and Keeper of the Cookies#silken windhound#sighthound#snootblr#photozoi#1-1-2025#original photo#Happy New Year#dogs in masks
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The Advisors Alliance Mini Encyclopedia Translation - Post 15: Revolt of the Seven States
The Advisors Alliance 大军师司马懿之军师联盟 is a 2017 two-part Chinese TV series depicting the life of Sima Yi, a government official and military strategist who lived during the late Eastern Han Dynasty 东汉 (25 CE - 220 CE) and the Three Kingdoms Period 三国時代 (220 CE - 280 CE). [Wikipedia of the show’s first season]
The second part is titled Growling Tiger Roaring Dragon 虎啸龙吟 and keeps following Sima Yi’s life as he matures and becomes wiser [Link to the show’s second season’s MyDramaList page].
The Weibo account [Link] of the show made a series of posts in the style of small encyclopedias explaining different historical and cultural facts that where included in the series. The user @moononmyfloor compiled the 50 posts and asked me to translate them. This will be an ongoing series where I will do just that. Although I tried to stay as close as possible to the original text, I had to take some liberties in some posts to get the meaning across better. On the side, I have included extra information from personal research that explains certain things better.
The posts are not in order of the episodes but I will provide the episode and season number to avoid confusion. If there are any mistakes in translation, do let me know in the comments or privately message me and I will do my best to fix them.
If it is difficult to read the letters, tap or click on the image to expand it. Without more preamble, here you go.
Extra information
Below is a handy map to picture the conflict better:
Map showcasing the states involved in the Revolt of the Seven States (154 BCE) created by Wikipedia user Seasonsinthesun. Posted July 8, 2017. I added the black arrows and names of the historical figures involved for readers’ convenience [image source].
Let me clarify something. 王 is “king” in Chinese. However, that title only applies to a ruler in ancient China before it became an empire and the title “emperor” 皇帝 was created. Thus, when we are talking about pre-imperial China, in English, the title 王 is translated as “king”. Once China unified and became an empire, to appease regional lords of states, the emperors allowed them to keep the title of “王” while the emperors took the title of 皇帝. However, in English, we, for the most part, do not translate the rulers of states after China unified as “kings”. Instead, we translate them as “princes”. It’s important to note that the phrase “大王” Great King (His Majesty) was used by emperors in ancient China despite containing 王. The further back we go, the blurrier it gets between 皇帝 and 王 and, sometimes, some 皇帝 preferred to go by 王 instead.
When Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, ascended to the imperial throne, he took the title of 皇帝 and gave his allies land (states) that would operate as their own (mostly) independent kingdoms and granted them the title of “王” (Prince). Nevertheless, he had them all killed and replaced by his own kin, the Liu clan. That’s why, in the post above, you see so many princes with the names “Liu”. This was a terrible miscalculation because, in consolidating more power for his family, Liu Bang (Emperor Gaozu of Han) created a fractured empire with kingdoms that were independent and even minted their own coins (created their own currency). This independence made these states unwilling to follow the orders and laws of the central government (the imperial court).
By the reign of emperor Jing of Han, the personal relationship between him and several vassal princes was gravely strained thanks, in no small part, to Jing (then crown prince Qi) killing the vassal Prince of Wu, Liu Pi’s heir apparent, Liu Xian. Crown prince Qi and Liu Xian, while drunk, disagreed over the rules of the board game they were playing called Liubo 六博, a chess-like game tied to divination. Seeing as how Liu Xian, who was from a lower rank as the son of a vassal prince, dared to staunchly disagree with the crown prince, Qi, in what could only be described as a fit of drunken derangement, grabbed the hefty wood board, scattering the pieces to the ground, and proceeded to violently bludgeon Liu Xian in the head, eventually killing him. That act, along with the Vassal Domain Reduction Policy, triggered Liu Pi to start a revolt against centralized power. Below is what a Liubo set looks like:
Lacquered Liubo chess set excavated from Han Tomb No.3 (believed to have been of the son of the Marquis of Dai), Mawangdui, Changsha city, Hunan. Early Western Han (206 BCE – 25 CE), 12th year of Emperor Han Wendi (168 BCE). This Liubo set was around the time period of Crown Prince Qi and is likely to resemble the actual set he used to kill Liu Pi’s son, Liu Xian. This set is currently at the Hunan Provicial Museum.
A close up of a pair of Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 CE) ceramic tomb figurines of two gentlemen playing Liubo. Earthenware figures displayed at the Met Museum [image source].
Note: The two Liu Xian mentioned here aren’t the same. They are both called Liu Xian and both names are written as 刘贤 (Trad. 劉賢) but one is the Prince of Zichuan and the other is the son of Liu Pi.
Note: Another name that repeats is Liu Wu. There are two different Liu Wu. The first is Liu Wu 刘戊 (Trad. 劉戊) Prince of Chu, ally to Liu Pi, and the other is 刘武 (Trad. 劉武), Prince of Liang, ally to Emperor Jing.
The “good judgement” on the part of Zhou Yafu in the text refers to him purposely disobeying Emperor Jing’s orders to save Prince of Liang, Liu Wu. Instead, Zhou, opted to cut off the supply lines of the states Chu and Wu creating a decisive defeat for those two states and a victory for the emperor and Zhao.
Catalogue (Find the rest of the posts)
#chinese history#chinese culture#history#the advisors alliance#eastern han dynasty#western han dynasty#han dynasty#liubo#ancient chinese board game#revolt of the seven states#rebellion of the seven states#rebellion of the seven kingdoms#cao pi#sima yi#emperor jing of han#emperor wen of han
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