#averia vii

[razieltwelve]

The Hedgehog's Dilemma (Final Effect)

Lord Hedgeborough eyed the pack of snacks. Technically, it wasn't his pack of snacks. It belonged to Jahne.

But was it really that simple?

Averia VII was the empress. Technically, everything in the empire belonged to her in some way or another. That meant the pack of snacks actually belonged to her.

And Averia would definitely have given him the pack of snacks.

Which meant the Lord Hedgeborough could have the snacks.

It was simple logic.

He took the pack of snacks.

X X X

Jahne looked at the pack of snacks. Technically, it wasn't her pack of snacks. It belonged to Lord Hedgeborough.

But was it really that simple?

Averia VII was the empress. Technically, everything in the empire belonged to her in some way or another. That meant the pack of snacks actually belonged to her.

Averia and Jahne were married, so she would definitely have given her the pack of snacks.

Which meant Jahne could have the pack of snacks.

It was simple logic.

She took the pack of snacks.

X X X

Lord Hedgeborough and Jahne were walking from opposite ends of the corridor. They were both headed to the garden where Averia and Claire were enjoying lunch. They both noticed the pack of snacks the other had.

The conclusion was obvious.

The other person was clearly a treacherous cur who had stolen their snacks!

It was simple logic.

X X X

Averia VII tilted her head to one side as her hedgehog and her wife rolled into the garden while squabbling over two packs of snacks.

There was nothing logical about it.

[razieltwelve]

Oops (Final Effect)

“...”

“...”

Her Royal Majesty Elsa I stared at Her Imperial Majesty Averia VII. A gulf of centuries separated them, yet their similarities could not be denied. However, neither of them were focused on that at this particular moment. Instead...

Averia took a deep breath and turned her head. She was still standing between Elsa’s legs. “So... my Aunt Vanille’s descendants are even more troublesome than she is. Can you all leave the room? My wife and I have something to finish. Or rather, my wife has yet to finish.”

The Dia-Farron fled the room, and Averia VII was not far behind them.

Maybe those rumours about the unquenchable thirst of her ancestor were true...

[razieltwelve]

Transportation (Final Effect)

Her Imperial Majesty Averia VII bit back a snicker as a group of young hamsters waited patiently for a Dia-Farron to walk past before leaping onto her back and climbing up to sit on her head and shoulders. The hamsters squeaked amongst themselves, and the Dia-Farron simply smiled and reached up to give them a pat on their backs.

A few moment later, a hamster lumbered past in his gigantic war form. A gaggle of Dia-Farron children leapt onto him and climbed up onto his back. The hamster gave a low, rumble of amusement and continued on his way, the children laughing and shouting encouragement.

Beside Averia, Luxa nodded sagely. “It is the circle of life.”

“Oh?”

“When hamsters are small, we carry them. When they are big, they carry us.”

She paused as another hamster walked past in her war form. She was dragging a young Dia-Farron man behind her by his ankle. Despite the situation, he was snoring.

“And sometimes that happens.”

X     X     X

Author’s Notes

There is a running joke that on the way to school, Dia-Farron children carry their hamsters... but on the way back, their hamsters carry them.

That said, Averia VII can’t really say anything. She has attended meetings with Lord Hedgeborough’s kids in her hair or in her pockets.

[razieltwelve]

Extra Ears (Final Rose)

Satin bit back a giggle. “You’re wearing rabbit ears.”

Fraise nodded solemnly, her expression utterly at odds with the rabbit ears she was wearing on her head. “Considering whose birthday we are celebrating, it seemed appropriate.”

Their second daughter was having a birthday party. Unlike their first daughter, who was a fox Faunus, their second daughter took after Satin.

“Rabbit ear solidarity, huh?” Satin grinned. “Although the top of your head is looking a bit crowded.”

Fraise reached up. “I suppose there isn’t much space there anymore.” And with her fox ears and the rabbit ears, that was certainly true. “Still... I was told it looks adorable.”

“Adorable?” Satin tilted her head to one side. “It actually is pretty adorable, but who told you that?”

“My mom told me.”

Satin couldn’t stop her giggle this time. It was all too easy to imagine Oerba Dia Vanille giving Fraise a most vulpine grin while encouraging her to wear a set of rabbit ears. “Ah. That explains it.”

“Also, these aren’t normal rabbit ears.” Fraise pointed. “Look.”

The rabbit ears began to move, seamlessly signing out several words in rabbit ear sign language.

“That’s impressive.” Satin rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “How does that work?”

“It uses an Aura-detecting interface. Certain movements of Aura correspond to certain movements of the rabbit ears.” Fraise paused. “It took some time to master.”

“You practiced?” Satin raised one eyebrow. She couldn’t help but picture Fraise with a very serious expression on her face as she practiced in front of a mirror. “When? I haven’t noticed.”

“In private,” Fraise admitted. “In between appointments at the hospital.” She paused again. “I was fortunate not to be seen.”

“I’m sure our daughter will love it when you use rabbit ear sign language.” Satin chuckled. “I wonder if you can still use fox ear sign language at the same time.”

“I can.” Fraise began to move both sets of ears. “See?”

“Okay... that is really impressive,” Satin said. “You’ve got to handle the Aura manipulation for the rabbit ears and move your fox ears at the same time. But... can you hold a normal conversation too?”

“I can do all three,” Fraise said. “And use Remnant Standard Sign Language at the same time too.”

Satin blinked as Fraise demonstrated, holding four separate conversation simultaneously. “Uh... that’s crazy... in a good way. I’m amazed you can do that.”

“It took some practice,” Fraise admitted. “More practice than just using the rabbit ears. However, the hardest part was actually finding someone to practice with. The multi-tasking required is beyond most people.”

Satin could imagine. Holding four, full-speed, fluent conversations in what were effectively four different languages at the same time could not be easy. Just listening and watching made it clear how hard it was. “Who did you practice with?”

“Averia,” Fraise replied. She shrugged. “She mastered the task almost instantly, so she was able to help me.”

Satin blinked. “As in your cousin Averia?”

“Yes.”

Satin looked around, half afraid that the imposing pink-haired woman would somehow appear out of nowhere. “Do you have... footage?”

“I recorded some for training purposes.” Fraise’s lips twitched. “And because I knew certain people would ask.”

“Oh?”

“I thought you might find it amusing... and Diana would never stop complaining if I didn’t pass it along.”

X     X     X

Many, many, many years later...

Her Imperial Majesty Averia VII watched the footage. “What is she doing?”

Claire nodded sagely. “She’s demonstrating her awesome multi-tasking powers. Think about how hard it must be to carry out four separate conversation in four different languages at full speed and fluently, all without relying on Saviour’s power.”

The empress nodded slowly. “I can see how that’s very impressive... but she’s wearing cat ears and rabbit ears at the same time.”

“How else would she be able to use rabbit ear and fox ear sign language?”

[razieltwelve]

Idiocy is Generational (Final Rose)

“Agh!” Fang cried, clutching at the axe in her gut. “Help!”

“I’m dying!” Diana added, a sword sticking out of her back.

“I’ve been impaled,” Victoria said, waving cheerfully despite the spear in her chest.

Lightning looked at the three generations of idiots and sighed. “Just don’t get blood on the carpet.”

X     X     X

In the distant future...

Jahne screamed theatrically and fell to the ground in a heap, a pike in her back.

“Oh, get up,” Averia VII huffed. “You’ll get blood on the carpet!”

X     X     X

It is tradition for bearers of Rangarok to pretend to be mortally wounded on the 1st of April each year.

[razieltwelve]

The Plush Toy (Final Effect)

Lord Hedgeborough ambled back into Averia VII’s bedroom. The crown princess was already asleep since it was well past her bedtime. The hedgehog who had been assigned to watch her while he attended a special meeting with the Imperial Guard snuffled a greeting and then left to let Lord Hedgeborough resume his duties.

He hopped up onto Averia’s bed and then frowned.

She was hugging a plush toy of a hedgehog in her sleep.

Gently, he eased the plush toy out of her arms and wiggled in to takes it place. Averia muttered quietly in her sleep and then settled as his familiar presence soothed her.

Imperial hedgehogs were perfectly capable of staying alert while resting thanks to the ability to switch certain parts of their brains on and off. There was no need for a plush toy. He was more than sufficient.

[razieltwelve]

Laziness (Final Effect)

Jahne tilted her head to one side. “Are you serious?”

The reply from Her Imperial Majesty Averia VII was pure eloquence. “Mphrgh.”

“...” Jahne walked over to the bed, dodged the pillow the empress hurled at her, and then sat down on the edge of the bed. “Averia, I know you’ve been working very hard lately, but you can’t ask Lord Hedgeborough to brush your teeth while you’re in bed.”

The empress said nothing, merely continuing to flop on her back as her loyal hedgehog deftly manoeuvred the toothbrush in his paws. A normal hedgehog couldn’t possibly have managed, but Imperial hedgehogs were capable of far greater dexterity. Lord Hedgeborough even had a bowl and a glass of water ready for when she had to rinse.

Averia waited for Lord Hedgeborough to finish before rinsing out her mouth. “I am the empress. I can do as I please.” She nodded at her hedgehog. “Thank you, Lord Hedgeborough.”

“What are you going to do when you need to go to the bathroom?” Jahne asked.

“I can carry myself using my ice. It’s actually easier than walking.”

“Unbelievable.”

“I’ll have you know that Vanille I had a short-range teleportation device for precisely these occasions.”

“She also built more super weapons that the previous ten rulers combined, so I’m not sure she’s the best example,” Jahne replied.

“I will permit no besmirching of my ancestors,” Averia said archly. She sighed as the delicious smells of breakfast wafted down the corridor. “Carry me.”

“You could get your ice to carry you.”

“I could, but that would still require effort. It won’t take any effort if you carry me.” Averia’s eyes narrowed. “And use a princess carry. I will not be carried like a sack of potatoes. I should point out that failure to comply may result in banishment.”

“In that case, your wish is my command.”

X     X     X

Author’s Notes

Averia VII can be very lazy sometimes, but only after all the work is done (or as done as it ever can be with an empire to rule). If you’re wondering where Claire is, she cooked breakfast. And, yes, Lord Hedgeborough could easily carry Averia VII, but she wants to be princess carried.

Vanille I never asked her hedgehog to brush her teeth, but he did give her many a scalp massage over the years (she preferred to call it a brain massage). In fact, he was so good at it, that he often be found perched on her head like a hat. Of course, nobody ever pointed out how ridiculous it looked.

[razieltwelve]

Revenge (Final Effect)

“You bit me!” Her Imperial Highness Averia VII stared at her beloved hedgehog in outrage. “You actually bit me!”

Claire sighed. “You did tell him to bite you if you were about to do something stupid.” She paused meaningfully. “Trying to beat Jahne in a staring contest is the definition of stupid.”

The crown princess rubbed her big toe. Although Lord Hedgeborough hadn’t bitten hard enough to draw blood, it had not been very pleasant at all. “I’ll have you know that I was simply out of practice the last time. This time, I am prepared.”

“Averia, Jahne doesn’t even have to blink, breathe, or sleep. There is precisely zero chance of you beating her.”

“Is that -”

“Yes, that is what Saviour thinks too.”

Averia scowled. “I’m sure the chances aren’t exactly zero. There must be -”

“As far as my version of Saviour can see, across all possible timelines and dimensions, if you challenge Jahne to a staring contest, you will lose.”

“...”

Averia huffed petulantly. “Lord Hedgeborough, can you at least bite Jahne too?”

The hedgehog perked up at the thought of biting his nemesis.

“You know,” Jahne pointed out. “Setting your hedgehog on innocent people could be considered a form of tyranny.”

“Innocent?” Averia glared imperiously at the other girl. “More like insolent! What sort of loyal subject challenges their future sovereign to a staring contest?”

“One who knows she’ll win.” Jahne shrugged. “Because I always win our staring contests.”

“You wouldn’t be so confident if I had eye beams.”

“I can give myself eye beams.”

Averia’s eyes narrowed.

“No matter how hard you stare, you can’t actually give yourself eyes beams, Averia.”

Averia stared harder.

“No, really. You can’t control your own biology like I can. It’s not going to work.”

Averia’s staring took on truly herculean proportions.

Lord Hedgeborought bit her.

“Ouch!” Averia glared. “What was that for?”

Her hedgehog rolled his eyes and gave his reply.

“He’s right,” Claire said. “It is entirely possible to stare so hard you knock yourself out.”

“...”

“Look.” Claire said. “Why don’t you challenge Jahne at something else, something you might actually have a chance of winning.”

“Well...”

Jahne’s grin was smug. “Claire, we all know that no matter what she picks, I’m going to win.”

Averia stood up. “Stand up.”

Jahne frowned. “What?”

“Stand up.” Averia’s smirk was very, very smug. “A height contest. That’s what I’m challenging you to.”

Jahne got up. Like all of the bearers of Ragnarok before her, the girl was a scruffy, ragamuffin of a child. She was also noticeably shorter than both of her friends. “Seriously?”

“Yes.” Averia looked down her nose at Jahne. “I’m taller than you... so there.”

Jahne’s eye twitched. “You do realise that’s not going to last. I’m going to shoot up like a weed when we’re older, and you’re probably going to end up the shortest out of the three of us.”

“That is -”

“97.9% probability,” Claire supplied, oh so helpfully. “There are a few timelines where you end up a smidge taller than me.”

“And do I ever end up taller than Jahne?”

Claire’s snickered said it all.

“Can’t you at least lie?” Averia wailed. “You could at least let me believe I'll be taller than her until she actually starts growing.”

“I once told you that I’d never lie to you,” Claire drawled. “And I meant it. Sorry to say, but in every timeline I can see, Jahne ends up taller than you.”

“This has to be a form of treachery,” Averia muttered. “Lord Hedgeborough, is there any legal precedent for this being a form of treachery?”

As much as the hedgehog wanted to say there was, there was not. He shook his head.

“I’ll just have to pass a law when I become empress then,” Averia said. “Something alone the lines of: any bearers of Ragnarok named Jahne who are taller than me are guilty of treason.”

“Wow,” Jahne said. “You’re not even trying to hide your tyranny.”

“I’ll just get the Dia-Farron to change the meaning of tyranny in the dictionary to not relate to anything I do.”

“I don’t think that’s how it works,” Jahne replied.

“Well, that’s how I’ll make it work.” Averia nodded to herself. “When I’m empress, Jahne, you better watch out.”

“Oh, I’m absolutely terrified,” Jahne said. “Help, Claire. The big, bad princess is threatening me.” She laughed. “Stop trying to act tough, Averia. We both know you’d be sad if something ever happened to me.”

“Lord Hedgeborough,” Averia growled. “Bite Jahne.”

[razieltwelve]

Noble Titles in the Arendelle Empire (Final Effect)

The vast majority of noble titles in the Empire are not truly hereditary. Instead, they can be said to have be limited hereditary titles.

What does this mean?

In general, noble titles are awarded to a person for the accomplishment of great deeds. These titles will typically persist for two generations past the original holder before they are withdrawn... unless the family in question can accomplish another deed of similar greatness. In that case, the title is maintained. If the family in question can produce multiple such deeds or deeds of even greater worth, the title can be upgraded.

Note that not all deeds must be of a military nature. Leading a planet or star system to great prosperity would be considered a worthy deed. Likewise, developing sufficiently merit-worthy technology would also count.

There are several levels of nobility that can be awarded:

Baron

High Baron

Count

High Count

Earl

High Earl

Viscount

High Viscount

Marquis

High Marquis

The ranks themselves are a bit of a hodgepodge adopted from the various systems of nobility present on Remnant and later accepted by the Empire as it grew to encompass other factions.

Note that the rank of Supreme Ultimate Mega Marquis is not formally recognised despite attempts by the Dia-Farron to have it instituted by the Empire. Vanille I was able to get it in, but it was promptly repealed by her successor. Nevertheless, the Dia-Farron continue to use it on their stationery.

In general, ranks are associated with rewards and privileges, and families will try their very best to maintain their rank. Observers have noted that this encourages members of these families to give their utmost, typically on the battlefield and in various areas of endeavour.

Members of the nobility are entitled to use a coat of arms for their family. They are also expected to respond promptly whenever the ruler at the times issues commands in exchange for the rewards and privileges they have.

Note that a sufficiently meritorious family can, by popular acclaim, ascend to the rank of Heroic House, and that this rank has never been revoked. The head of a Heroic House is addressed in a similar manner to a duke, with the largest Heroic Houses being addressed in a manner similar to a grand duke.

It is possible for anyone to be awarded a noble title for sufficient merit. There are multiple uplifted animals, chocobos, and even regular cats and dogs who have, through outstanding, service earned a noble title.

It is a central tenet of the Empire, that the quality of one's service is all that matters, not one's race or species.

Note that you rarely see prominent characters refer to each other by their titles since all of them have a bunch of them. If Averia VII insisted on it, people would be there all day.

[razieltwelve]

Can Averia VII Actually Banish People? (Final Effect)

Does Her Imperial Majesty Empress Averia VII actually have the power to banish people.

Absolutely.

Theoretically speaking, in many ways, her word is law. However, due to the way the Empire actually operates, there are inbuilt safeguards that prevent her from abusing her power or going off the rails.

Vanille I actually had the highest number of attempted banishments, but most of these were rescinded by her hamster or her hedgehog. That said, there were times when she and her hamster were only kept in check by her hedgehog who is considered a legendary stabilising influence.

Amongst all Imperial Hedgehogs, he is considered one of the greatest of heroes.

[razieltwelve]

Legacy (Final Effect)

Odin has been there when Cocoon fell and Saviour failed. He had slumbered, battered and damaged by the final battle, until he had been reawakened centuries later to an entirely different world.

Cocoon and the World Below were gone.

In their place were four great kingdoms and dozens of smaller realms.

Yet he found a new purpose.

The Line of Saviour endured. It too had slumbered, but it had awakened not long before he had, and it was to the Line of Saviour that he once again pledged his allegiance. Cocoon had made him, for the Eidolons were to be their mightiest weapons, living machines of terrible power. Yet it was to Saviour that Odin had pledged his allegiance, and it was to Lightning and then Averia and then Sigrid that he had offered his loyalty.

Time had passed.

Remnant had conquered JENOVA and then the galaxy.

There had been more wars.

More conflict.

More suffering.

But the Children of Remnant had emerged from each battle stronger, and the Line of Saviour had not failed again.

Now, Odin lived in an age of wonders that his creators could never have imagined. The Empire stood as a shining beacon of power that cast back the darkness that threatened to destroy civilisation. Odin’s systems, once incomprehensibly advanced, were now upgraded consistently by the Dia-Farron to ensure his supremacy on the battlefield.

Yet for all that had changed, some things stayed the same.

X      X     X

“This is Odin. You’ve met him before, but this time is a bit different,” Claire said. “He has served our line faithfully for centuries.”

Odin knelt so the girl next to Claire could get a better look at him.

“Odin,” Claire said. “Artemisia awakened Saviour today.”

The Eidolon sensors reached out. Data flowed through him to confirm Claire’s words. He stood and raised his sword in a salute.

“As a bearer of Saviour,” Claire explained. “Odin will obey your commands unless they contradict mine or his other important imperatives.” Her eyes narrowed. “So don’t be silly.”

Artemisia smiled. “I won’t be, mom.” She lowered her voice. “Is it true that mother once tried to order him to stab mommy?”

Odin gave a low rumble of amusement. He played a file, one of countless he had recorded. It showed a young Averia VII jabbing her finger at Jahne while ordering Odin to impale her. Odin, of course, hadn’t budged. When that failed, Averia had tried to convince Claire to give the order, but the other girl had simply laughed and shaken her head.

“Oh.” Artemisia lowered her voice. “Does mother know you have that, Odin?”

The Eidolon shook his head.

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell her.” Artemisia paused. “Do you have any other funny recordings?”

X     X     X

Author’s Notes

It should be noted that Odin and the other Eidolons are technically the oldest complex AIs in existence since they predate the lawnmower. The reason they’re not usually counted is because modern AIs are built on a different computational foundation than them. It’s not that the way they’re built is worse, but it was designed with Cocoon’s technology in mind.

Cocoon made much more extensive use of crystal technology since it was the core of their technological base. Subsequent civilisations did not use that technology much since they had no way of producing the Aura-responsive crystal on a large scale. Cocoon relied on Etro and Bhunivelze to do it.

The Dia-Farron have since been able to upgrade the Eidolons and continue working on them since Creation of All Things can create the same crystal or even upgrade it.

Odin is considered a super weapon. He can only be deployed by a bearer of Saviour, and there is a seniority to that. Basically, there are usually at least three generations of Saviour active at a time. The ‘current’ bearer of Saviour is serving the ruler of the Empire, and they have top priority. After them is the previous bearer, with the new bearer having third priority.

Essentially: Claire > Claire’s parent > Artemisia

Due to how Odin’s loyalty works, Averia VII cannot give him orders directly. The reason he follows her is due to a modified prime directive that was put in there by Sigrid which states he is to follow the orders of the ruler of Arendelle unless they directly contradict the bearer of Saviour or would be deleterious to the interests of the bearer of Saviour.

Odin is typically found on the battlefield, where he serves as a spearhead for Imperial forces. Whenever a younger bearer of Saviour takes the field, he is usually there with them, just in case things get out of hand.

[razieltwelve]

Hedgehog Hideouts (Final Effect)

As comical as it may appear, Imperial hedgehogs are masters of disguise. They can often be found hiding in and around the Imperial Palace. Here are some of their more amusing disguises:

As a fish. Each pond in the Imperial gardens has at least one hedgehog disguised as a fish in it. If the children in the Imperial Family are feeding the fish and none of the fish feel like eating, the hedgehog will usually reveal itself and grab a quick snack.

As a raccoon. Raccoons are found throughout the Imperial gardens. As the loyal minions of Diana’s branch of the family, they are all highly intelligent and will happily keep an eye on things and ambush any intruders. Nevertheless, there are usually a few hedgehogs disguised as raccoons, just in case greater firepower is required.

As a potted plant. Wondering why there are potted plants in seemingly awkward places? It’s because they’re actually hedgehogs. Anyone who thinks they can use those potted plants for cover will find themselves right next to an angry hedgehog the size of a tank.

As baby mobiles. Worried about the security of a baby in the Imperial Family? Never fear, a hedgehog can be assigned to play the part of mobile, offering amusement and security.

As a plush toy. The coveted role of plush toy goes to the hedgehogs who watch over young members of the Imperial Family at night. These stalwart hedgehogs are there to provide cuddles and security. More often than not the hedgehog who is assigned this duty will become that individual personal hedgehog. For example, Lord Hedgeborough played this role for Averia VII.

One of the main reasons that no attack has ever been successfully launched on the Imperial Palace is due to the preponderance of hedgehogs. There is basically no way for anyone trying to attack to know how many hedgehogs are present and where they are until the hedgehogs reveal themselves.

[razieltwelve]

Do Yun Tattoos Light up? (Final Rose)

The Yun tattoos that members of the Yun Clan earn after passing their trials are made up of Aura-reactive materials. Although they are usually insert, at a sufficiently high level of Aura saturation, they will begin to light up. Pretty much all Yun warriors can meet this threshold.

When things get really interesting is at the very highest levels. The colour emitted by the tattoos changes depending on how much Aura is flowing through the part of the body the tattoos are on. What is particularly interesting is that the very last colour to appear is an unearthly orange similar in appearance to the destructive energy used by Ragnarok.

What happens after that?

The tattoos cease to emit light in the visible spectrum and shift into other spectrums. This has a very eerie effect on the battlefield. To the human or Faunus eye, the tattoos will change colour as more and more Aura is called upon while also growing brighter and brighter... before abruptly ceasing to produce light when enough Aura is around.

How much Aura would you need?

Well, if Weiss had tattoos, she wouldn’t be able to reach orange. To reach orange would require extremely large reserves. Yang would definitely be able to reach it and then reach the level beyond where the tattoos emit no light. To reach orange, you’d need reserves at least a large as Serah. Getting the tattoos to stop emitting light requires slightly less Aura than Averia has without transforming, so it’s a lot of Aura.

Note that in the case of Averia VII, the tattoos can function as ‘how pissed off is the emperor’ meter since people with Elsa’s Semblance tend to bleed more and more Aura out as they get angrier.

[razieltwelve]

Rumour or Real? (Final Effect)

There are all sorts of rumours floating around in the distant future, but which of them are real?

Dia Farron are all super smart - REAL. The Dia-Farron do indeed possess heightened intelligence. Setting aside potential problems with intelligence tests, it is generally impossible to measure the intelligence of a Dia-Farron with a standard intelligence tests since they will max out of the test. Instead, they are given something far more difficult. Statistically speaking, a Dia-Farron is likely to be the smartest person in any room or gathering they attend unless there are other Dia-Farron around.

Uplifted animals are as smart as people - REAL. The average level of uplifted animal has the same level of intelligence as the average human/Faunus. However, variability in intelligence is much lower in ‘domestic’ uplifted animals like cats, dogs, and rabbits. That is to say, you get less idiots amongst uplifted animals but fewer geniuses as well. Note: This does not apply to hamsters, hedgehogs, and other uplifted animals created with battle in mind. 

Each world has to contribute a ship to the Empire’s fleet - RUMOUR. Technically speaking, there is no law mandating that each world provide a ship to the Fleet. However, the various laws regarding self-defence and so on mean that any world of sufficient size will be fielding at least one ship on behalf of the Fleet with wealthier worlds or those in more critical areas fielding more ships. The Lumina System (the home system of the Dia-Farron) has its own full-sized fleet.

The Knights of Remnant are all descendants of Ozpin and Glynda - RUMOUR. Although many of the knights who watch over Remnant and its home system (which is an independent territory whose security is guaranteed by all major factions) are indeed descendants of Ozpin and Glynda with their leader always being a descendant, the knights are actually open to anyone who wants to join. The only stipulation is that they must be a Child of Remnant, that is, someone who has at least one parent that is descended from Remnant if you go back far enough. In practical terms, this is basically everybody who is human or Faunus from the Remnant Galaxy. This rule is in place because the knights regularly commune with Remnant herself, and she can really only do that with Cetra or those who can trace their lineage back to her.

The Crown of Ice can change its size - REAL. Not everybody has the same sized head. The Crown of Ice that the rulers of the Empire wear on formal occasions can not only change it size but also its shape. The original size and shape are for Elsa’s head since she was the one who made. Averia VII wears the crown in the exact same size and shape as Elsa. Luxa has pointed out that it’s hilarious that her head is basically the exact same size and shape as Elsa’s. Indeed, Averia VII does bear a stronger than normal resemblance to her ancient ancestor. Erik IV had a slightly larger head (being a much larger person) and his version of the crown had an altogether more menacing appearance since he was sick of dealing with people being stupid.

[razieltwelve]

Slime on a Rock (Final Rose)

“It’s slime on a rock.” The Dia-Farron tilted her head to one side. “This doesn’t make any sense. Can you run the sensor sweep again?”

Her hamster dutifully complied, and she gave a shrug of her massive shoulders as her sensors returned the same readings as before.

“Huh...” The Dia-Farron rubbed her chin. “So this slime on a rock has the same amount of Aura as a hundred people?” Her gaze shifted to the other rocks in the vicinity. “And there’s just... more of it all over the place?”

Her hamster nodded before adding her thoughts.

“Yes, it would explain why the local wildlife was so hostile when we approached. This slime must form an important part of their diet.” The Dia-Farron crouched down and took a sample of the slime. “Hmm... it seems to be packed with nutrients and minerals. Just this little bit is probably enough to keep a person going for a whole day.”

The hamster sniffed at the slime and gave a low rumble.

“It smells weird? Well, don’t eat any just yet. We need to do further analysis. Your digestive system should be able to handle just about anything, but there’s no need to take any chances when we’ve got so much equipment at our disposal.” The Dia-Farron took a few more sample. “Well get these analysed back on the ship. If this slime is packed with Aura, as well as nutrients and minerals, it could definitely do a lot of good.”

X     X     X

Nutri-Slime was discovered during the reign of Her Imperial Majesty Averia VII on a planet along the galactic rim. That planet was essentially a death world, where vicious animals of all shapes and sizes did their level best to kill each other and anything else that showed up. There was evidence of earlier Grimm incursion, but the Grimm appear to have been wiped out by the local wildlife. Unfortunately, there was no evidence of advanced civilisation, with the closest thing being various mammals that worked in groups to handle large threats.

As for the slime itself, it was first noticed when the Dia-Farron picked up powerful but stationary Aura signatures. They then found a variety of different animals licking slime-covered rocks. After shooing away the animals, the Dia-Farron discovered that the slime was Aura rich and packed with nutrients and minerals.

In fact, just a spoonful of the slime contained all of the nutrition needed to sustain an average person for an entire day. Unfortunately, testing also revealed that the slime tasted awful, which might explain why the animals licking the slime were basically crying while doing so.

Of course, the sheer energy density of the slime meant it was a suitable backup food supply for animals that might otherwise struggle to secure the proper nutrition, given the murderous nature of the planet. The slime itself grew fairly rapidly and relied on its abysmally awful taste to drive away all but the most determined animals.

The reason it did not want to drive away all predators was because it needed to strike a delicate balance. The slime required proteins found in the saliva of the animals that ate it to multiply, but paleontological evidence found across the planet suggested that tastier variants of the slime had been eaten at a rate faster than they could reproduce. A nasty taste without being poisonous was the strategy that eventually led to long-term success.

Nutri-Slime has since been heavily investigated with the Dia-Farron using bio-smithing and gene-forging to improve the taste of the slime without damaging its nutritional contents. Strangely enough, Nutri-Slime does not produce feelings of fullness or satiation, which has made it a poor substitute for food on its own since whoever eats it will still feel hungry. Instead, it can either be used as an additive to nutrient-poor food or as an emergency energy-provider in situations where stopping to eat is not wise (e.g., combat).

Experimentation also revealed that when processed in a certain manner, Nutri-Slime is a powerful hallucinogenic, which might explain why some of the animals who ate it weren’t just crying but actually sobbing like the world ended. Thankfully, it has proven possible to remove the particular genes that allow this to occur while still retaining the value of Nutri-Slime. This hasn’t stopped certain people from trying to sneak onto the planet to harvest original Nutri-Slime to get high. This, of course, has led to people getting mauled to death by the local wildlife, which has in turn led to an Imperial ban on non-authorised travel to the planet, which is currently policed by the Imperial Fleet.

[razieltwelve]

Esteemed Position (Final Effect)

It was a little known fact, but the position of official lap warmer was perhaps the most coveted amongst the various war corgis who protected the president and her family. The fact that Weiss IX was also fond of giving ears scratches and belly rubs to whichever corgi was on her lap only made competition fiercer.

Naturally, there had been battles over the position. War corgis were, after all, creatures who excelled in combat. Yet after considerable bickering over the position, Lord Spikebatten issued a decree.

The position was to be equally shared amongst the corgis with lots to be drawn to determine the order. Each month, the lots would be redrawn, allowing for variations in the order. Corgis were allowed to trade their positions with each other, but no corgi could conduct more than three trades each year although there was room for appeal if special circumstances arose.

Apparently, Lord Spikebatten had gotten sick of the bickering. Well, that was easy for him to say! He had no competition whatsoever for Anna’s lap since he was her one and only hedgehog.

Still, the system worked, and it allowed all of the war corgis to focus on their duties. In time, it would spread to other groups of war corgis since there was often a lot of competition there too.

Naturally, once children were born to Weiss IX and Anna, there were more laps to go around, which necessitated drawing lots for those opportunities as well.

X     X     X

Author’s Notes

War corgis are in an unusual position in that they are assigned in groups, rather than as individuals. Both hamster and hedgehogs tend to have partners or people they are assigned to long-term. Hence, the competition for lap space and cuddles is much lower. For example, Lord Hedgeborough is Averia VII’s hedgehog. She has other hedgehog watching over her, of course, but he is her personal hedgehog who is always at her side. Thus, he gets the lap although, being a generous fellow, he does share his position from time to time. Likewise the Dia-Farron each have partner hamsters.