Vetus Veneficus
Long ago, in the northern mountaintops, there was a kingdom whose power and influence knew little bounds. Their civilization was great, and much of their architecture remains on the mountain for all to see for miles around.
The kingdom was known as Magius. It's citizens had unlocked the secret and arcane arts of human will, commonly referred to as magic. They were governed by a council of 14 All-Mages, masters of every school of magic, and their king was the most powerful of the All-Mages. The king at the time was one Dolnum Excerdar III, a large, powerful man who reigned dignity and respect with as much mastery as he did his arcane arts. We begin with him, sitting amongst his council, as he did every day.
“What is the business for today, fellow All-Mages?” His voice boomed through the vaulted ceilings of the chamber, which had been carved out of the mountain itself.
“Our first order of business should be to address our economy.” One of the council members began. “Our total annual income presently matches our costs. It's a fragile balance, which could be shattered at any moment and drop us into a deficit.”
“Is this again? Or still?” Excerdar asked, annoyed.
“...Still, sire.” The council member replied. “Our biggest expenditure seems to be the expansion of our territory. Perhaps we should start working on improving the quality of what we have, rather than expanding.” The mage spoke tentatively. Excerdar groaned.
“I've told you again and again. We must continue to push our borders. If we stop, Disaster will befall our kingdom.” He explained.
“But why, sire? What kind of disaster? Is there any other way we could stop it?” The All-Mage argued.
“I'm afraid not. We shall speak no further on this matter.” Excerdar stated. “What of the Queen of the Caverns? Has she made any response on our offer?”
“I'm afraid not, sire. I believe she thinks that in our economic state, we can't afford to start a war.” Another All-Mage responded.
“War? Hah.” Excerdar scoffed. “It's not a war if any one of us could make her entire kingdom collapse about her. How are the people faring?”
“We've received few complaints, sire, mostly small land disputes.”
“Excellent...What of the tutor I sent for?” Excerdar asked.
“We haven't received many responses...but the candidates should be arriving throughout the day today.”
“How many?”
“Um...Three, sire.”
“Three!? Good Lord, We're offering enough jewels to bathe in, and we still only got three?” Excerdar exclaimed. “Well, fine. That just means fewer to go through, I guess.” Excerdar sighed and rose. “I think that should cover everything for now. When the first tutor arrives, give him 20 minutes to freshen up or rest, then send him to the throne room. Good day.”
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Alright, there it is! I appreciate any comments or criticism, and hope to see all of you again next week!
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