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Dear Cassandra,

Our marriage with my son and your eldest daughter, Ioannina, is a success and I couldn't be happier that we've found some common ground, despite huge disagreements over the future of the Empire and the solutions to resolve the state of the hole that we have dug after Bogomil fell. However, I have one more pressing question that I want to discuss: the throne. My father, the living saint that you no longer recognise, over some increibly petty reason that you don't want to discuss.

You've shown to be incompetent and paranoid for many years, trying to impede my father from trying to save the Empire from falling apart like it did 250 years ago. The assassination of your father didn't go too well on you, it seems. Perhaps this is why you killed our esteemed commander. Trying to make amends with his early death to feel gratified in trying to pivot Rome to a "new direction", one that would see it descend further down the hole that it once dug with the treaty in Augsburg.

We're writing this to demand that you abdicate and transfer the title to my father. Do you think you can get away trying to fight back? We already have a formidable force, a million men that can stop you in your tracks in trying to save what's left of your regime. It is too late for you to make moves. We've already won.

Anyway, we're not cruel as you think, Cassandra. You're the highest ranking figure out there in Rome and another worthless kill isn't on our table.

However, I have some terms to make sure that you aren't escaping from the clutches of my father.

I'll allow you to live if you are committed to these terms:

Rhomania leaves the Interrealm Congress alongside its vassals, immediately after the abdication of Cassandra.
Free all political prisoners that are loyal to the Ricardian cause that have been locked up by the Cassandrian regime.
Dissolve the current jury of the High Court of Rhomania.
The Cato Society merges with the Imperial Bureau on the Investigation of the Superstitious (IBIS), an agency founded for the advancement of the Ricardian dynasty's agenda on "extranormal events". All assets will be seized for it and those who resist the folding of the Society into IBIS are removed from their duties as members of Cato Society and do not receive compensation.
Cassandra and the royal family, alongside her political allies must recognise former consul Ricardus Sueridus Sr. as the Emperor of the Romans and that they cannot claim the title as pretenders. They are allowed to keep honorifics, including the Queen of the Franks.
The Orthodox Church of Rhomania will merge with the Eastern and Western Orthodox Churches and it will become the state church under that name. All other churches are banned from servicing or will be punished for illegally preaching, including the Catholic Church and exemptions for certain denominations that are not breakaways/schisms since the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD), such as the Coptic Church and Armenian Apostolic Church may be applied only if they submit a state request before 1st January 726 directly to the Emperor. Primate Methodios, the leader of the OCR, will become the Ecumenical Patriarch of All Romans (Constantinople). The false patriarch, one appointed by Cassandra, will be removed of all of his honorifics.
Canonise Nikolaos Michalopoulos as a martyr that tried to save the Romans from "falling" to the Danish threat and re-instate the canonicity of Emperor Ricardus.
The Justinian Dynasty must give up all of their possessions within the Roman Empire to the father of Ricardus II. They may be allowed to flee the Roman Empire with some of their possessions and their political allies, but any attempt to undermine it internally will be met with persecution.
Cassandra must break ties with any political movement aligned with political extremists that are an inherent threat to the Roman monarchy, such as the likes of republicans and Diogenists.
Cassandra has at least six months [10th February 723] from the message that is sent to accept these proposals, without any pushback. Should it all fail, Cassandra will face retribution from the exarchates of Francia, Oriens, Asia and Africa for trying to impede peaceful transfer of power of Emperor Ricardus.
I know your political "ally", the Reformists, will backstab you if you accept this. They are just annoying, aren't they? Senator [Eboro] Vitba is on the verge of repeating the mistake that senator Valentine Venturion made when the Senate was being purged of similar likeminded people. He has one quality that I'm impress though and that is resilience. Sad that his endeavours are wasted on trying to save what's left of your crumbling empire rather than trying to serve for the greater good of the people, the empire that you were supposed to do- to avenge against the Danes that took northern Francia from us or the Nubians for Thebes.

The Republic of Hispania will fall apart in a year just like what happened in Carthage and there's nothing they can stop this from happening. In fact, you can count that their movement will be bogged down by the people who support us. They say they represent the people, but it never was the majority. Only a group of lunatics like Vitba believe otherwise. Carthage has learned from this lesson thanks to us and so would those in the peninsula.

So, think, Cassandra. Your decision. But I'd suggest making this bloodless. Don't squabble over minor grievances and face the reality of your situation.

Ultimatum letter written by Consul Ricardo Sueridus Jr. to Empress Cassandra

August 10, 723

------

///In the news...///

The Second Conference of Ctesiphon Opens With Fanfare

- Acta Diurna (Constantinopolitan Edition), March 721

===

Comet Observed by Astronomers

Will it be another omen like in 684?

- Septimanian Times, March 721

===

Shah Javanshir II and Chancellor Hametani Killed in a Terror Plot by Religious Extremists

A dark day in the Iranian capital, especially after Nowruz has passed. We offer condolences to the relatives of their respective families.

- Acta Diurna (Constantinopolitan Edition), March 721

===

OPINION: The Cato Society is Split on the Iranian and Royal Crises

Due to the division between the Cato Society's opinions over the Mazdakist bombing plot on the Conference of Ctesiphon over the handing of sensitive documents pertaining a way to contain Cato events in Iran. We think it is unnecessary.

- Septimanian Times, June 721

===

A blunder for the Red Fox as the O'Rourke was reported to be sunk by leviathans

- New Roman Daily, March 722

===

Emperor Ricardus Coronated in Carthage

A city razed twice, never again to be destroyed under the Emperor's promise for the people of Africa.

- The Patriot, June 722

------

For explained events that take place between episode 71 to 72, including those that have been taken into effect, consult this below. A recommended reading for context of this episode.

Events of March 721 to July 722

------

DIPLOMACY
- Personal unions: N/A
- Military alliances: Avaria, Britannia, Iran, Kush, Armenia, Iberia, Albania, Lakhmia
- Defensive pacts: N/A
- Non-aggression pacts: Armorica, Kanem
- Vassals: Ghassanids, Lazica, Castria, Taif (Umayyads), Moravia
- Protectorates: Bulgaria Minor
- Truce with: Denmark and allies (exp. 742)
- At war with: N/A

Mediterranean Economic Group (MOO/Medoikon): Rhomania (de-facto leader and founder) and its vassals, Britannia, Kush, Avaria, Bulgaria Minor, Kanem

Member of the Interrealm Congress

-------
MILITARY (displayed at war)
Rhomania proper: 7 garrisoned armies, 7 armies

Vassal armies: 5 armies (the Ghassanids, Lazica, Castria, Taif, Moravia)

Special units (each having three strikes):

-> Lycaonian Guard (bodyguard/espionage)

-> Manichaean Guard (desert guerilla)

-> Black Legion of the Cato Society (BLCS; paranormal espionage)

-> Constantinopolitan Rookery (gargoyles of the capital; 1,500 gargula)

-> Ravennese Rookery (gargoyle unit; 530 gargula)

Expeditionary units: N/A

Current commanders (on the map): N/A

-------
LEADERSHIP and STATE
Current emperor: Cassandra (age 47)
Current consort: Stylaios (age 55)

Current consul: Ricardo Sueridus Jr. (age 42) (1/2 elected terms) | Imperial Party (I-Haemus)

Ruling party: Imperial Party

The Coalition: Reform Party, Group for Inward Perfection

Main opposition party: (see The Coalition)

Other opposition parties: N/A

Line of succession:
- Current heir: Diogenes (age 20) | Cassandra
- Second-in-line: Cyril (age 13) | Cassandra
- Others (in order):

- [3] Ioannina (age 22) | Cassandra

- [4] Cassandra II (age 18) | Cassandra

- [5] Laila (age 19) | Cassandra

- Pretenders/Claimants:

- Ricardus I (Ricardo Sueridus) (age 70) | Ricardus ("the Ricardian Dynasty")

- Ricardus II (Ricardo Sueridus Jr.) (age 42) | Ricardus

- Ricardus III (Ricardo Sueridus III) (age 16) | Ricardus

The Anti-Tyranny Revolution

To install Ricardo Sueridus (Ricardus I) as Emperor of the Romans

Leaders:

- Ricardo Sueridus Jr. (Ricardus II, leader of the Army to Liberate the Roman Empire from Tyranny [SRBT])

- Octovo Aogoste (Exarch of Africa)

- Lubomil Drach (leader of the Vistulan Liberation Group)

Assimilated Berber kingdoms:

Masmuda (not assimilated)

Tamazit (assimilated perfectly)

Tazdait (assmilated)

Gaetulia (assimilated perfectly)

Sichimasa (assimilated)

Aghlan (not assimilated)

Military power: 13 armies (+1 army each episode), 3 commanding armies

Ultimatum for next episode: SENT

The Imperial Party has the power to deduct 3 votes (thanks to Patriots not Rebels*) from a choice via filibustering.

===

Advisory Council (722 AD)

In total, there are 92 seats.

Imperial Party: 67

Inward Perfection: 16

Reform Party: 9

===

Popular Council (722 AD)
In total, there are 312 seats.

Four seats (de jure Taurica) are excluded, which would've been 316 seats instead.
12 seats are claimed by Ricardus I as part of the Exarchate of Africa are included due to Phantom Seats passing, pushing it up to 324 seats instead.

Government (53.1%)

Imperial Party: 172

Coalition Against the Tyranny of Ricardo (44.4%)

Group for Inward Perfection: 89
Reform Party: 42
Pacifists: 13

Third party

Gargula: 8

===

Current Bishop of Rome (the Pope): Boniface III (age 67)

Current Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople: Iustinianus (age 74)

Roman solidi (units): 111 (current income is 125 [incl. subject tax])

National income modifier (next episode): +105%
- The Byzantine Bank: +15% (permanent)
- For the Protection of Works: +20% (permanent)
- A Market in the Capital: +10% (permanent)

- Solidi Pieces to Drachma Decimals: +20% (permanent)

- It's a Long Time Coming: +15% (until the Justinian Dynasty is overthrown)

- A Stronger Patent System: +10% (permanent)

- Citizens From a Freed Land: +15% (exp. #72)

Prestige: 69
Population: 51.6 million (directly controlled; 720 Roman Census)
- Gargulo (Gargula/Garguli): 8,373

-------

Future/scheduled events:

- Iran will be overthrown by Ahura's People (a Mazdakist extremist group) in 728 and have the Sasanian monarchy be deposed for an egalitarian theocratic regime.

- In 745, Gleanntine (Eldgja), a site where the Progenitors have partially controlled the volcano, will erupt, potentially creating a famine over that winter that impacts Christendom and the Germanic world.

- Electric and steam-powered vehicles will be considered obsolete by the 740s, thanks to the predominance of oil-powered cars by that period.

- Fortify the Indian Trade is in effect, giving us 40 units per episode until episode 76.

- Rhomania will pay tribute to Armorica until episode 78, costing us 50 units per episode until that time.
- Rhomania will pay tribute to Denmark until 742, costing us 30 units per episode until that time.

------

THE FATE OF THE EMPIRE

What we were promised a golden age, in that when the Second Lechian War concluded, regardless of a defeat or a victory, either way. That is until the then-consul, Ricardo, decided to bring the Empire to a halt by claiming to be the rightful Emperor. Cassandra was quick to respond by forcing a betrothal truce by letting his grandson marry Cassandra's eldest daughter, giving her a few years to stop him and his son from stepping onto the throne. An attempt to end his life through a gunshot has failed and so, these years were met with a game of chess.

In those rounds, there was an early Cassandrian victory. But the gains were slowly edging towards the disgraced decanonised figure and in the last few years, Cassandra's investments of trying to get the Berber rebellion and the two eastern political bastions that were the Oriens and Asia, failed to produce any meaningful results that could swing in the favours of her in a fight. Now with enough troops, groups and support to rally around his cause, there's almost no way out for Cassandra, in that she was surrounded. The only thing she probably has an advantage is the navy- fiercely loyal to her cause.

One choice only. Just one choice.

All Hail Our New Emperor!: Let's be clear. We're not shedding blood on our brothers. There's already a plan in case of an insurrection like this that is in the works for a while now in establishing an empire that is free of these tensions and we can smoothly withdraw from Constantinople if that's the case. It's time to go before they can get us in the docks.

If taken: Cassandra abdicates the throne and her family, except for Ioannina (as they were already binded to a marriage), flee from Constantinople in advance from choosing An Expedition Out of Bounds. However, the Reform Party would not give up for a democratic and free Rome due to Freedom is Sweet being chosen in the wildcard and Cartagena (alongside the Canaries) will rebel to form the Republic of Hispania if chosen. All terms from the letter of the ultimatum will apply. There will be a choice for the possibility to switch perspective next episode, potentially leaving the Ricardian dynasty to its own terms while starting anew elsewhere for us to colonise.

(or)

Counterattack Request: The Ricardian and Justinian dynasties are already close and intimate with each other. At least try and push it back instead of trying to blindly accept it. We're not getting humiliated for it and we can find some common ground, right?

If taken: Accept terms 1 to 4 and part of 7 [for Ricardo Sueridus] as stated by the ultimatum, but that terms terms 5-6, part of 7, 8-9 are unacceptable as that would break the spirit of Empress Cassandra's values and beliefs. A 25% chance of a succeeding. If the incumbent consul accepts it, then portions of the ultimatum will be accepted as outlined and All Hail Our New Emperor! will take hold. Regardless of choice though, the Republic of Hispania will still revolt if it succeeds. Otherwise, Not an Inch We'll Sacrifice is chosen instead.

(or)

Not an Inch We'll Sacrifice: For over two centuries, the Justinian Dynasty or as we formally call the small tight-knit royalty, the House of Iustinianus remained as the head of the Romans. They have provided stability and some turbulence. To simply give it up on a small will as demanded by an ultimatum, would destroy the slow progress that the royalty has held onto. If these usurpers want Constantinople, then we must fight them. A test of strength- and the sacrifices we need to make to achieve peace as set out by the Empress.

If taken: Cassandra rejects the ultimatum sent by the former consul's son. Ricardus III will join on the side of Cassandra (unless captured/Cassandra surrenders), having been brainwashed enough to not be convinced of his grandfather and father's plans- therefore the marriage is a matrilineal one rather than as stated in the ultimatum. The exarchates of Africa, Francia, Oriens and Asia will revolt and side with the Ricardian Dynasty, starting the Industrial Roman Civil War. Iran will side with Ricardus, while Avaria will side with Cassandra.

------

A rather short episode, but it is nevertheless one that could be the tipping point of the Roman Empire in its current state. It has been going on for so long... but now, its time to let it all out. It could either end on a short note or it could be the prolonging of anarchy for the Romans.

But the jury is yours.

Regular episode scheduling is back on track after two and a half months of pain. Hopefully that speed things up again.

Terms and conditions apply, voting ends on Friday, 18th August, midnight (GMT). Don't be late or the bed bugs may bite you.

Description

Dear Cassandra,

Our marriage with my son and your eldest daughter, Ioannina, is a success and I couldn't be happier that we've found some common ground, despite huge disagreements over the future of the Empire and the solutions to resolve the state of the hole that we have dug after Bogomil fell. However, I have one more pressing question that I want to discuss: the throne. My father, the living saint that you no longer recognise, over some increibly petty reason that you don't want to discuss.

You've shown to be incompetent and paranoid for many years, trying to impede my father from trying to save the Empire from falling apart like it did 250 years ago. The assassination of your father didn't go too well on you, it seems. Perhaps this is why you killed our esteemed commander. Trying to make amends with his early death to feel gratified in trying to pivot Rome to a "new direction", one that would see it descend further down the hole that it once dug with the treaty in Augsburg.

We're writing this to demand that you abdicate and transfer the title to my father. Do you think you can get away trying to fight back? We already have a formidable force, a million men that can stop you in your tracks in trying to save what's left of your regime. It is too late for you to make moves. We've already won.

Anyway, we're not cruel as you think, Cassandra. You're the highest ranking figure out there in Rome and another worthless kill isn't on our table.

However, I have some terms to make sure that you aren't escaping from the clutches of my father.

I'll allow you to live if you are committed to these terms:

Rhomania leaves the Interrealm Congress alongside its vassals, immediately after the abdication of Cassandra.
Free all political prisoners that are loyal to the Ricardian cause that have been locked up by the Cassandrian regime.
Dissolve the current jury of the High Court of Rhomania.
The Cato Society merges with the Imperial Bureau on the Investigation of the Superstitious (IBIS), an agency founded for the advancement of the Ricardian dynasty's agenda on "extranormal events". All assets will be seized for it and those who resist the folding of the Society into IBIS are removed from their duties as members of Cato Society and do not receive compensation.
Cassandra and the royal family, alongside her political allies must recognise former consul Ricardus Sueridus Sr. as the Emperor of the Romans and that they cannot claim the title as pretenders. They are allowed to keep honorifics, including the Queen of the Franks.
The Orthodox Church of Rhomania will merge with the Eastern and Western Orthodox Churches and it will become the state church under that name. All other churches are banned from servicing or will be punished for illegally preaching, including the Catholic Church and exemptions for certain denominations that are not breakaways/schisms since the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD), such as the Coptic Church and Armenian Apostolic Church may be applied only if they submit a state request before 1st January 726 directly to the Emperor. Primate Methodios, the leader of the OCR, will become the Ecumenical Patriarch of All Romans (Constantinople). The false patriarch, one appointed by Cassandra, will be removed of all of his honorifics.
Canonise Nikolaos Michalopoulos as a martyr that tried to save the Romans from "falling" to the Danish threat and re-instate the canonicity of Emperor Ricardus.
The Justinian Dynasty must give up all of their possessions within the Roman Empire to the father of Ricardus II. They may be allowed to flee the Roman Empire with some of their possessions and their political allies, but any attempt to undermine it internally will be met with persecution.
Cassandra must break ties with any political movement aligned with political extremists that are an inherent threat to the Roman monarchy, such as the likes of republicans and Diogenists.
Cassandra has at least six months [10th February 723] from the message that is sent to accept these proposals, without any pushback. Should it all fail, Cassandra will face retribution from the exarchates of Francia, Oriens, Asia and Africa for trying to impede peaceful transfer of power of Emperor Ricardus.
I know your political "ally", the Reformists, will backstab you if you accept this. They are just annoying, aren't they? Senator [Eboro] Vitba is on the verge of repeating the mistake that senator Valentine Venturion made when the Senate was being purged of similar likeminded people. He has one quality that I'm impress though and that is resilience. Sad that his endeavours are wasted on trying to save what's left of your crumbling empire rather than trying to serve for the greater good of the people, the empire that you were supposed to do- to avenge against the Danes that took northern Francia from us or the Nubians for Thebes.

The Republic of Hispania will fall apart in a year just like what happened in Carthage and there's nothing they can stop this from happening. In fact, you can count that their movement will be bogged down by the people who support us. They say they represent the people, but it never was the majority. Only a group of lunatics like Vitba believe otherwise. Carthage has learned from this lesson thanks to us and so would those in the peninsula.

So, think, Cassandra. Your decision. But I'd suggest making this bloodless. Don't squabble over minor grievances and face the reality of your situation.

Ultimatum letter written by Consul Ricardo Sueridus Jr. to Empress Cassandra

August 10, 723

------

///In the news...///

The Second Conference of Ctesiphon Opens With Fanfare

- Acta Diurna (Constantinopolitan Edition), March 721

===

Comet Observed by Astronomers

Will it be another omen like in 684?

- Septimanian Times, March 721

===

Shah Javanshir II and Chancellor Hametani Killed in a Terror Plot by Religious Extremists

A dark day in the Iranian capital, especially after Nowruz has passed. We offer condolences to the relatives of their respective families.

- Acta Diurna (Constantinopolitan Edition), March 721

===

OPINION: The Cato Society is Split on the Iranian and Royal Crises

Due to the division between the Cato Society's opinions over the Mazdakist bombing plot on the Conference of Ctesiphon over the handing of sensitive documents pertaining a way to contain Cato events in Iran. We think it is unnecessary.

- Septimanian Times, June 721

===

A blunder for the Red Fox as the O'Rourke was reported to be sunk by leviathans

- New Roman Daily, March 722

===

Emperor Ricardus Coronated in Carthage

A city razed twice, never again to be destroyed under the Emperor's promise for the people of Africa.

- The Patriot, June 722

------

For explained events that take place between episode 71 to 72, including those that have been taken into effect, consult this below. A recommended reading for context of this episode.

Events of March 721 to July 722

------

DIPLOMACY
- Personal unions: N/A
- Military alliances: Avaria, Britannia, Iran, Kush, Armenia, Iberia, Albania, Lakhmia
- Defensive pacts: N/A
- Non-aggression pacts: Armorica, Kanem
- Vassals: Ghassanids, Lazica, Castria, Taif (Umayyads), Moravia
- Protectorates: Bulgaria Minor
- Truce with: Denmark and allies (exp. 742)
- At war with: N/A

Mediterranean Economic Group (MOO/Medoikon): Rhomania (de-facto leader and founder) and its vassals, Britannia, Kush, Avaria, Bulgaria Minor, Kanem

Member of the Interrealm Congress

-------
MILITARY (displayed at war)
Rhomania proper: 7 garrisoned armies, 7 armies

Vassal armies: 5 armies (the Ghassanids, Lazica, Castria, Taif, Moravia)

Special units (each having three strikes):

-> Lycaonian Guard (bodyguard/espionage)

-> Manichaean Guard (desert guerilla)

-> Black Legion of the Cato Society (BLCS; paranormal espionage)

-> Constantinopolitan Rookery (gargoyles of the capital; 1,500 gargula)

-> Ravennese Rookery (gargoyle unit; 530 gargula)

Expeditionary units: N/A

Current commanders (on the map): N/A

-------
LEADERSHIP and STATE
Current emperor: Cassandra (age 47)
Current consort: Stylaios (age 55)

Current consul: Ricardo Sueridus Jr. (age 42) (1/2 elected terms) | Imperial Party (I-Haemus)

Ruling party: Imperial Party

The Coalition: Reform Party, Group for Inward Perfection

Main opposition party: (see The Coalition)

Other opposition parties: N/A

Line of succession:
- Current heir: Diogenes (age 20) | Cassandra
- Second-in-line: Cyril (age 13) | Cassandra
- Others (in order):

- [3] Ioannina (age 22) | Cassandra

- [4] Cassandra II (age 18) | Cassandra

- [5] Laila (age 19) | Cassandra

- Pretenders/Claimants:

- Ricardus I (Ricardo Sueridus) (age 70) | Ricardus ("the Ricardian Dynasty")

- Ricardus II (Ricardo Sueridus Jr.) (age 42) | Ricardus

- Ricardus III (Ricardo Sueridus III) (age 16) | Ricardus

The Anti-Tyranny Revolution

To install Ricardo Sueridus (Ricardus I) as Emperor of the Romans

Leaders:

- Ricardo Sueridus Jr. (Ricardus II, leader of the Army to Liberate the Roman Empire from Tyranny [SRBT])

- Octovo Aogoste (Exarch of Africa)

- Lubomil Drach (leader of the Vistulan Liberation Group)

Assimilated Berber kingdoms:

Masmuda (not assimilated)

Tamazit (assimilated perfectly)

Tazdait (assmilated)

Gaetulia (assimilated perfectly)

Sichimasa (assimilated)

Aghlan (not assimilated)

Military power: 13 armies (+1 army each episode), 3 commanding armies

Ultimatum for next episode: SENT

The Imperial Party has the power to deduct 3 votes (thanks to Patriots not Rebels*) from a choice via filibustering.

===

Advisory Council (722 AD)

In total, there are 92 seats.

Imperial Party: 67

Inward Perfection: 16

Reform Party: 9

===

Popular Council (722 AD)
In total, there are 312 seats.

Four seats (de jure Taurica) are excluded, which would've been 316 seats instead.
12 seats are claimed by Ricardus I as part of the Exarchate of Africa are included due to Phantom Seats passing, pushing it up to 324 seats instead.

Government (53.1%)

Imperial Party: 172

Coalition Against the Tyranny of Ricardo (44.4%)

Group for Inward Perfection: 89
Reform Party: 42
Pacifists: 13

Third party

Gargula: 8

===

Current Bishop of Rome (the Pope): Boniface III (age 67)

Current Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople: Iustinianus (age 74)

Roman solidi (units): 111 (current income is 125 [incl. subject tax])

National income modifier (next episode): +105%
- The Byzantine Bank: +15% (permanent)
- For the Protection of Works: +20% (permanent)
- A Market in the Capital: +10% (permanent)

- Solidi Pieces to Drachma Decimals: +20% (permanent)

- It's a Long Time Coming: +15% (until the Justinian Dynasty is overthrown)

- A Stronger Patent System: +10% (permanent)

- Citizens From a Freed Land: +15% (exp. #72)

Prestige: 69
Population: 51.6 million (directly controlled; 720 Roman Census)
- Gargulo (Gargula/Garguli): 8,373

-------

Future/scheduled events:

- Iran will be overthrown by Ahura's People (a Mazdakist extremist group) in 728 and have the Sasanian monarchy be deposed for an egalitarian theocratic regime.

- In 745, Gleanntine (Eldgja), a site where the Progenitors have partially controlled the volcano, will erupt, potentially creating a famine over that winter that impacts Christendom and the Germanic world.

- Electric and steam-powered vehicles will be considered obsolete by the 740s, thanks to the predominance of oil-powered cars by that period.

- Fortify the Indian Trade is in effect, giving us 40 units per episode until episode 76.

- Rhomania will pay tribute to Armorica until episode 78, costing us 50 units per episode until that time.
- Rhomania will pay tribute to Denmark until 742, costing us 30 units per episode until that time.

------

THE FATE OF THE EMPIRE

What we were promised a golden age, in that when the Second Lechian War concluded, regardless of a defeat or a victory, either way. That is until the then-consul, Ricardo, decided to bring the Empire to a halt by claiming to be the rightful Emperor. Cassandra was quick to respond by forcing a betrothal truce by letting his grandson marry Cassandra's eldest daughter, giving her a few years to stop him and his son from stepping onto the throne. An attempt to end his life through a gunshot has failed and so, these years were met with a game of chess.

In those rounds, there was an early Cassandrian victory. But the gains were slowly edging towards the disgraced decanonised figure and in the last few years, Cassandra's investments of trying to get the Berber rebellion and the two eastern political bastions that were the Oriens and Asia, failed to produce any meaningful results that could swing in the favours of her in a fight. Now with enough troops, groups and support to rally around his cause, there's almost no way out for Cassandra, in that she was surrounded. The only thing she probably has an advantage is the navy- fiercely loyal to her cause.

One choice only. Just one choice.

All Hail Our New Emperor!: Let's be clear. We're not shedding blood on our brothers. There's already a plan in case of an insurrection like this that is in the works for a while now in establishing an empire that is free of these tensions and we can smoothly withdraw from Constantinople if that's the case. It's time to go before they can get us in the docks.

If taken: Cassandra abdicates the throne and her family, except for Ioannina (as they were already binded to a marriage), flee from Constantinople in advance from choosing An Expedition Out of Bounds. However, the Reform Party would not give up for a democratic and free Rome due to Freedom is Sweet being chosen in the wildcard and Cartagena (alongside the Canaries) will rebel to form the Republic of Hispania if chosen. All terms from the letter of the ultimatum will apply. There will be a choice for the possibility to switch perspective next episode, potentially leaving the Ricardian dynasty to its own terms while starting anew elsewhere for us to colonise.

(or)

Counterattack Request: The Ricardian and Justinian dynasties are already close and intimate with each other. At least try and push it back instead of trying to blindly accept it. We're not getting humiliated for it and we can find some common ground, right?

If taken: Accept terms 1 to 4 and part of 7 [for Ricardo Sueridus] as stated by the ultimatum, but that terms terms 5-6, part of 7, 8-9 are unacceptable as that would break the spirit of Empress Cassandra's values and beliefs. A 25% chance of a succeeding. If the incumbent consul accepts it, then portions of the ultimatum will be accepted as outlined and All Hail Our New Emperor! will take hold. Regardless of choice though, the Republic of Hispania will still revolt if it succeeds. Otherwise, Not an Inch We'll Sacrifice is chosen instead.

(or)

Not an Inch We'll Sacrifice: For over two centuries, the Justinian Dynasty or as we formally call the small tight-knit royalty, the House of Iustinianus remained as the head of the Romans. They have provided stability and some turbulence. To simply give it up on a small will as demanded by an ultimatum, would destroy the slow progress that the royalty has held onto. If these usurpers want Constantinople, then we must fight them. A test of strength- and the sacrifices we need to make to achieve peace as set out by the Empress.

If taken: Cassandra rejects the ultimatum sent by the former consul's son. Ricardus III will join on the side of Cassandra (unless captured/Cassandra surrenders), having been brainwashed enough to not be convinced of his grandfather and father's plans- therefore the marriage is a matrilineal one rather than as stated in the ultimatum. The exarchates of Africa, Francia, Oriens and Asia will revolt and side with the Ricardian Dynasty, starting the Industrial Roman Civil War. Iran will side with Ricardus, while Avaria will side with Cassandra.

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A rather short episode, but it is nevertheless one that could be the tipping point of the Roman Empire in its current state. It has been going on for so long... but now, its time to let it all out. It could either end on a short note or it could be the prolonging of anarchy for the Romans.

But the jury is yours.

Regular episode scheduling is back on track after two and a half months of pain. Hopefully that speed things up again.

Terms and conditions apply, voting ends on Friday, 18th August, midnight (GMT). Don't be late or the bed bugs may bite you.