Lord Regent Burrows

[color=#800000]The Lord Regent listens carefully as the Legate describes how rebellious noblemen are dealt with in the Tianxian Empire and indeed, in his eyes, those methods look as barbaric as they are described. Even in the Empire, death penalty has been abolished upon the approval of the Bill of Rights the same day the Isles declared their existance as sovereign statehood.. but as any responsible Lord Regent would do, he keeps his opinion to himself. After all, he is the one who takes pride of the cultural customs and traditions of his country, and nonetheless he will respect the laws of the Tianxian Empire.[/color] [color=#800000][b][i]"Thank you Legate, i will sure visit your Court in the Future, i've always been fascinated by foreign culture even if our.. Dear Lord Regent here, has often warned me about the dangers that hide across the Ocean.."[/i][/b] there is an evident element of irony in her statement, she knows the Lord Regent actually cares for her and the Empire, and she sounds as if her mind is not enclosed in the typical ritual phrases and statements a situation like that would require, there are no tea cups and no crowns to be shown, except a ring, in her left hand, a symbol of her authority in the Empire. [/color] [color=#800000]Being a Constitutional Monarchy, however, the Empire of the Isles is actually ruled by a National Parliament that retains all legislative powers, while the Lord Regent and his advisors, retain the executive powers.. meanwhile, the nobility and the aristocracy studies new ways and new methods in order to climb up the ladder, and either take the place of the Empress or the Lord Regent himself. He is well aware of that. He looks infact worried everytime the Legate turns around.. he is worried about the future of his country, the infinite mass of intrigues that occur and move behind the scenes.. behind the walls this palace, as parasite worms destroying a building from its very foundations.[/color] [color=#800000][i][b]"But i'm not alone, and i do everything in my powers to care about my people, i can feel their approval and their love. Is that right, Lord Regent?".[/b][/i] Lost in his mind and carefully scouting the horizon, the Lord Regent looks at the Empress and nods, slowly, just like an old man would do from the height of his wisdom and experience [b][i]"That's right, Your Highness.."[/i][/b].[/color] [color=#800000]After a few minutes, the same shadow presence who followed the Legate since her arrival, reavels itself to be a tall, fit man with short black hair and pale skin, wearing a blue trenchcoat resembling the uniforms of the City Watch Officers deployed inside and outside Dunwall Tower, but its ranks are different, they are indeed above the ranks of any of the Palace Guards. [/color] [center][img]http://s7.postimage.org/424pe6xrf/Corvoattano.jpg[/img][/center] [color=#800000]Nor the Legate or the Lord Regent would see or hear his arrival, and neither does the Empress and Princess Emily. The man nods to the Empress, barely bowing, then turns to Emily, and a weak smile breaks in his all serious stance [b][i]"Corvo!!"[/i][/b] the Princess runs to the man and hugs him just like a daughter would hug his father after he returned from a long journey. It seems like the "Don't touch the Empress and the Princess" rule is not valid, in his case..[/color] [color=#800000]The Lord Regent takes a step forward in order to get closer to the Legate and the Empress, he nods to the man while Princess Emily is still cheering him. [b][i]"Legate, let me introduce you Corvo Attano, Lord Protector of the Empire, of Her Highness the Empress and Princess Emily.. The Empire's fate is in his hands, and he takes his duty very seriously"[/i][/b]. [/color] [color=#800000]Indeed one of the key figures of the Empire, even tho he never said a word in presence of the Lord Regent before, and neither does now. But he nods, once again, to the Legate and Lord Regent Burrows.[/color] [center][color=#800000][size=3][b][i]- After the meeting, the Legate will be escorted by a City Guard Officer to the guests quarters, where she and her entourage will get ready for the party later in the evening -[/i][/b][/size][/color][/center]

[center][img]http://s17.postimage.org/4eou9jttr/Plague_mask.png[/img][/center] [center][color=#800000][size=3][b][i]A City Watch Officer wearing a mask to avoid catching the Plague[/i][/b][/size][/color][/center] [color=#800000][b]BASTILLIAN (Serkonos Island) -[/b] At least twenty three people are confirmed to have died from Rat Plague haemorrhagic fever since the 16th of November, Serkonos Island Health Officer has said. All the twenty three victims were members of the same community, the town of Bastillian, in the Serkonos Island District.[/color] [i][b][color=#800000]"A total of twenty three people have since died since the onset of the outbreak in Bastillian. We confirm this is Rat Plague as further analysis of blood samples have proven. Symptoms are subconjunctival hemorrhaging, which causes blood to drip from the eyes, discolored skin, weight loss, and thinning of the hair. All citizens are advised to report any sickness to the nearest City Watch Officer as soon as possible, and avoid direct contact with the infected[/color][b]"[/b][/b][/i][color=#800000] His Exellency the Lord Regent Hiram Burrows, said this afternoon while addressing journalists in the Capital City of Dunwall, on Gristol Island.[/color] [color=#800000]The first case, a sewers maintance worker died on November 14 after presenting signs of high fever and bleeding from the eyes, although initially no samples were taken for testing, nor was the case reported to the health centre. The second case, a fisherman died on November 16 after entering in contact with the maintance worker, his neighbor. Of the over 20 people who were reported showing the same symptoms of the 16th of November, all of them have died and three more people were found dead by the City Watch Guard during routine controls in the streets of Bastillian.[/color] [color=#800000][b]At least 50 people[/b] suspected to have come into contact with those infected or the deceased are under isolation in the Disease Control Center in Bastillian where local authorities have issued a dusk to dawn curfew and issues masks to prevent the spreading of the disease. Death seems to overcome after a few days the disease has been contracted and patients in the last stage of the sickness are barely sentient and slightly aggressive toward medical personnel.[/color] [color=#800000]Health Officers of Serkonos island said they were also tracing at least fifteen suspected cases in different parts of the Island, at the moment they have released no official statements regarding rat plague cases outside Bastillian. [/color][color=#800000]The recent Rat Plague outbreak comes barely few days after the country has opened its docks to foreign freighters and exports. The health ministry has dispatched a team of experts to assess the situation in Bastillian, and plans are underway to create more isolation centres to prevent overcrowding and boost efforts to contain the epidemic.[/color]

[color=#800000][b][i]"Of course, invitations have been extended to you and all your entourage. The most prominent politicians and businessmen and noblemen and noblewoman will be there and you will be able to meet any of them.."[/i][/b] before finishing his phrase, the Lord Regent looks around him, making sure nobody is listening. Only 2 guards stand on both sides of the door, while the Empress and her daughter can be seen from the short distance, waiting for them to come closer [b][i]"And let this stay between you and me Your Exellency.. there are more dangers to the Empire in this Archipelago than in the outside world.. Don't trust those aristocrats at the party.. and don't give them too many informations about you and about your visit here.. only a few have the privilege to meet the Empress, and many would be in your place, just to use some of their influence on Empress Jessamine or even her daughter, Princess Emily. Human nature here is no different.. Anyway you will soon find out why the Empress is not as sophisticated as our nobility and why she is a pride for the Empire and its people"[/i][/b]. [/color] [color=#800000]Lord Regent Burrows walks in direction of 2 women under the marble arches in order to introduce the Legate to the Empress. As he is just a few steps far from the Empress he gently bows swinging his right arm and stepping aside, to let the Legate move closer and introduce herself [b][i]"Your Imperial Highness, from the Arab Provinces of the Tianxian Empire, Legate Razia Khadem is here to learn about our culture and our Empire".[/i][/b][/color] [center][color=#800000][img]http://s17.postimage.org/556hut96n/Emily_Empress1.jpg[/img][/color][/center] [color=#800000]The Empress is not dressed as a proper Imperial fashion would suggest. Instead, she seems to wear some sort of "casual" style clothes, a bit old if compared to modern clothing, and so is Princess Emily, who kindly smiles and swiftly bows in direction of the Legate, without saying a word tho. [/color] [color=#800000][b][i]"Thank you Lord Regent, and welcome to the Isles, Legate Khadem.. I'm Jessamine of Kaldwin, Empress of the Isles, and it is a pleasure to finally meet the representative of another Empire.. i hope you enjoyed your travel, and i hope our Guards and our Dear Lord Regent here have welcomed you with all the honors your position would require"[/i][/b] Jessamine doesen't seem to be in her place, as if all this formal introductions and rituals, titles and situations where all eyes are watching on her, do not fit her personality [b][i]"And of course, i extend my well wishes to Empress Maria Theresia II and Prime Minister Fugger who were so kind to send me a dispach right after my coronation. Please, come over and enjoy the view..".[/i][/b] [/color] [color=#800000]Nothing to see, infact.. except the harbor, the skyline of the city, and yes, a bit of green in the distance, the Island of Serkonos with its small settlements of fishermen and farmers. Activity in the Harbor is frenetic, freighter of goods costantly enter and leave the bay as workers unload and load any sort of goods.[/color] [color=#800000][b][i]"Four islands are enough to make this an Empire, and its people are very proud of it. Everything will look different to you here, but i'm sure you will be given the chance to directly speak with our most prominent representatives tonight at the masked party, i will personally introduce you our nobility and my advisors, they are the people i trust and endorse with many tasks related to the Empire". [/i][/b][/color] [center][img]http://images.wikia.com/dishonoredvideogame/images/0/0e/Dunwall_art_work.jpg[/img][/center]

[center][color=#800000][img]http://images.wikia.com/dishonoredvideogame/images/a/a0/Untitled7.jpg[/img][/color][/center] [color=#800000][b]BASTILLIAN (Serkonos District) -[/b] Three people in Bastillian, a town on the north-western shore of Serkonos Island, have died of a strange disease in the past three days and twenty others are reported to show the same symptoms. A Maintance Worker, who worked in the sewage tunnels for the past week, died on two days ago. His neighbor, a Fisherman, died few hours later. Another resident of the village, died today after presenting the same symptoms.[/color] [color=#800000]His Exellency the Lord Regent Hiram Burrows told visiting Serkonos Island health officials today that the deceased showed subconjunctival hemorrhaging, which caused blood to drip from the eyes, discolored skin, weight loss, and thinning of the hair.[/color] [color=#800000]The Serkonos Island Health Officer said the diseases might have originated from rats who prolify in the sewers, and sent blood samples from the patients to the Empire's research center at Dunwall to ascertain the disease. [b][i]“We can’t say this is not a new Rat Plague before we carry out necessary tests. However, the symptoms of diseases we know are different from these ones,”[/i][/b] the Health Officer said. [/color][color=#800000]At least twenty other patients were admitted to a nearby quarantine center with similar symptoms. A special ward for the people suffering from the strange disease has been created in the center of Bastillian.[/color] [color=#800000]The Health Officer of Serkonos asked residents to avoid contact with the affected people. Meanwhile, Bastillian town authorities have asked residents to report any suspected Rat Plague cases to the concerned authority immediately. His Excellency the Lord Regent Hiram Burrows, warned City Watch Guards to be careful in handling the dead, especially those who pass away from their homes.[/color] [center][color=#800000][img]http://s7.postimage.org/3t95fz7kr/WZ1azh.jpg[/img][/color][/center]

[center][img]http://beefjack.com/files/2012/09/Dishonored-Tales-from-Dunwall-video-header.png[/img][/center] [color=#800000][b]DUNWALL -[/b] The Empire of the Isles has raised investment quotas under its Foreign Investment program, the primary channel for foreign capital to access the country's capital markets, boosting the construction of new infrastructure and the upgrade of its main harbor in the Port City of Dunwall.[/color] [color=#800000][b][i]"Foreign Investment quotas will be further expanded after the current 3 Million florins are used up,"[/i][/b] said His Exellency the Lord Regent Hiram Burrows, referring to the current total of investment quotas under the program.[/color] [color=#800000]The Foreign Investment program in one of the few ways foreign investors can insert themself in the economy of the Empire and gain access to its resources and market. Upon receiving a license from the securities regulator, Foreign Investors must apply to the Foreign Investment Program for an investment quota, which determines the maximum amount of money they are permitted to invest.[/color] [color=#800000]Today, the first branch of Foreign Investment has been accepted by the Foreign Investments Comission, responsible for negotiations with investors. In exchange, low-cost manufacturing will boost export of local goods and several technological artifacts licensed by foreign companies. [b][i]"We've made substantial progress in that regard and we are planning to set up a proper Foreign Aid Commission by the end of the first week of December"[/i][/b] he added, without elaborating.[/color]

[color=#800000]Hiram listens carefully to the words of the Legate and nods in understanding when she describes the more "spartan", if it can be described like that, nature of the Empress of Tianxia. He smiles, he is, unlike the majority of the inhabitants of the Empire, a man of culture and education, someone who had little chance to travel the word, and someone who, thanks to his position is constantly updated with what's going on in "continental nations" as they are referred to in the Isles. [/color] [b][i][color=#800000]"I understand Legate, we of course respect the more 'hands on' nature of your Empress and we would be delighted to visit your country in the future. We always respect customs and traditions and we belive they are key to survival in a world that is costantly set to change.. i confess you the Isles are a very conservative country and i'm sure some of our customs will look backward if compared to yours and those of your continental friends.. we are aware of that, but there is a reason for that.." [/color][/i][/b] [color=#800000]He takes a short breath, as City Guard Officers open the door of the Palace. The Lord Regent gives the way to the Legate and bows a little in sign of respect, probably not because of her rank as Legate, but as her status as [i]"noble woman"[/i] in his eyes, in short: he is an old fashioned gentleman. The building seems to be overcrowded with furniture and knick-knacks of any kind. Statues, flowers, chairs, paintings and portraits of all sorts.[/color] [center][color=#800000][img]http://s8.postimage.org/c1o9o4dh1/Dishonored_XBOX360_w_3996.jpg[/img][/color][/center] [color=#800000]Luxury is rampant, but one of the most intriguing details is the absence of proper light bulbs. Instead, chandeliers seem to be emitting a light blue-ish light, and more light is provived by several lanterns emitting the same kind of light placed near dark corners. They appear to be fueled by some sort of oil.[/color] [i][b][color=#800000]"The people who live in this archipelago are very conservative, we tend to not trust foreigners.. well in your case is different, but we always tend to stay away from troubles of any sort. We have little exchanges with other continental countries and we mostly rely on the resources and the technology our knowledge and our country can offer. Anyway, here you can see the rooms where we will host the masked party later this evening. The Empress awaits for us in her private garden with her daughter, Princess Emily Kaldwin"[/color][/b][/i]

[center][img]http://s12.postimage.org/8seur2j6l/Building.png[/img][/center] [color=#800000]The small patrol boat moves off from the Vessel and "set sails" for the entrance to the inner docks of Dunwall Tower. Upon entering some sort of chamber, steel doors close behind the boat as flows of water fill the empty space, and prompts the passengers and the City Watch Officers up to the entrance of the palace. The noise generated by the flows and the steel doors is elevated, as the City Watch Officer turns to the Legate [b][i]"This is the first visit we receive!"[/i][/b] says loudly [b][i]"We had little or no contact with foreign diplomats before.. but i suppose it's up to His Excellency the Lord Regent to properly greet you!"[/i][/b].[/color] [color=#800000]Soon the patrol boat reaches the top, unveiling a green garden of flowers and trees. City Guard Officers stand in line as they raise their steel swords to salute the Legate of the Tianxian Empire. It seems the first approach to the delegation is in the hands of the Lord Regent, Hiram Burrows, who serves the Empire as Head of Government on behalf of the National Assembly. He appears to be an old man, well ito his 60s, probably around 70 years old. He is bald and tall, and wears the formal uniform of the Lord Regent with all ranks and regalia.[/color] [color=#800000][img]http://s12.postimage.org/cjbh00osp/228px_Lordregent01.jpg[/img][/color] [b][i][color=#800000]"Your Exellency, i am Lord Regent Hiram Burrows.. let me welcome you to the Empire of the Isles. I hope you enjoyed your travel, we will host a dinner and a masked party in your honor. You will be meeting Her Imperial Highness Jessamine I° and Princess Emily, but first, let me introduce you to our Realm. Please follow me"[/color][/i][/b] [color=#800000]As he guides the Legate trought the garden of Dunwall Tower, a shadow figure appears from time to time, over the top of the palace, by a window, or even as they walk past statues and large trees.. but neither the City Watch Officers and the Lord Regent seem to be scared or worried about this presence. Dunwall Tower offers an astonishing view over the coast side of the City, and in the distance, behind the fog, the Island or Serkonos and the small town of Bastillian, a town of fishermen and farmers. The delegation walks trought the garden until they reach the doors of the main building of Dunwall Tower, a residence clearly reminiscent of 19th century palaces with a little neo-classical touch.[/color] [i][b][color=#800000]"It is a great honor to have your Excellency visit our Country. This is the first time a foreign diplomat steps on our soil and we will show you every aspect of our society and our culture. There is a lot to see.. but i'm sure many tasks await you after this. Due to our customs and our laws, it is highly forbidden to touch the Empress or her daughter, i am informing you of this in order to avoid any unpleasant misundertanding.. but i am sure the same rules and customs apply to Her Imperial Highness Maria Theresia II°.." [/color][/b][/i] [center][img]http://s15.postimage.org/q04xtuqp7/593535421.jpg[/img][/center]

[center][color=#800000][img]http://s12.postimage.org/yed4kvrfh/Dunwall_Harbour.jpg[/img][/color][/center] [color=#800000]Columns of steam and burning coal. Heavy industry and noisy machinaries. Fishing boats, seagulls and skerries. They are the signs you are approarching the port City of Dunwall, situated on the southern shore of Gristol Island, Capital of the Empire of the Isles. Compared to modern continental nations, the Empire is a micro-state of individuals who live centuries in the past, in a unique society that blends modern technology with old steam and coal based industries with apparently no impact on the sorrounding environment. As the delegation can see, the waters are rich with fish, judging by the number of fishing vessels encountered on the way.[/color] [color=#800000]Fishermen carefully follow the Tianxian vessel with their sights. They are impressed and scared by a technology they do not understand nor have access to. But why? Why is this country stuck in some sort of 19th century bubble? Traditions maybe, or poverty.. or both. Anyway, as the Tianxian vessel moves closer to the City, a short message in morse code reaches the Captain's deck [b][i]"Welcome."[/i][/b]. After a few minutes of silence over the communications, a small patrol boat appears from the waves and circles around the vessel. A seaman holding 2 red flags makes signs the Vessel's Captain can intepret as [b][i]"Follow me"[/i][/b], a morse code immediatly follows.. [b][i]"Danger. Skerries. Follow us."[/i][/b] as it becomes clear to the Captain and its crew, that the people they are communicating with, actually lack a proper radio technology.[/color] [color=#800000]With the assistance of the patrol boat and old fashioned lighthouses, the Vessel can safely reach the docks. As the Patrol Boat approaches the vessel's side, the City Watch Guard signs the crew to drop the ladder and invites the diplomatic staff to move onboard [b][i]"Welcome! Come over!"[/i][/b]. It appears the only way from the docks to the Imperial residence is by boat. The Imperial Residence is known as "Dunwall Tower" and dominates the skyline of the City of Dunwall and its docks. It is entirely made of prestigious marble and is a show of strenght of the Empire and its institutions.[/color] [center][img]http://s18.postimage.org/z8mfw2gih/600x_1.jpg[/img][/center]

[center][img]http://s9.postimage.org/7p1tlrhal/Empire_Flag.png[/img][img]http://s7.postimage.org/84d2wx323/The_Empress_and_the_Empty_Set.png[/img][img]http://s9.postimage.org/7p1tlrhal/Empire_Flag.png[/img][/center] [center][size=3][i][b][color=#800000]Her Imperial Highness the Empress of the Isles, Jessamine I° of Kaldwin[/color][/b][/i][/size][/center] [i][color=#800000]"My fellow Citizens, I am thankful to God for guidance and strength; and to you the people of the Empire for the faith and trust that you have placed in me and His Excellency the Lord Regent. Our nation stands at a crossroads. The Lord Regent and the National Parliament are just as conscious as I am of the difficult times that confront us on our journey. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]My Reign will not engage in a blame-game. I will present the facts to the people of the Empire, based on rigorous analysis. Our approach must be to right the wrongs and insist on infrastructure development and exploitation of our natural resources. Let us learn from our past, absorb the lessons and go forward. We only need to look back to confirm where we are coming from, and to correct our errors and weaknesses as we look to the future. That is the way of progress. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]The mandate which the Citizens of the Empire gave the National Parliament is a call to action. It is a signal from our people that the Government, must earn their trust. It also gives the Government the opportunity to ease the burdens and the pressures of increasing poverty, joblessness and a deteriorating standard of living. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]The mandate is a cry for us to restore hope. The mandate also calls on me to protect the good name of the Empire, at home and in the eyes of the international community. The Empire of the Isles must remain for all, a “quality brand,” which gives citizens, from all walks of life, the opportunity to achieve their goals. The people of the Empire have sent a clear message. They want an accountable and transparent government which consults them; and, they should expect nothing less. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]On my watch, I pledge that the rule of law will be paramount; and we will serve with humility. On my watch,I pledge that we will honour the faith and trust of the people of the Empire. On my watch,I pledge that we will reject governmental extravagance and be vigilant in eliminating corruption. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]My fellow Subjects, the first order of business for the National Parliament will be to inform ourselves about the plans to attract foreign investments in the Empire. Then we must act. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]We remain committed to a vibrant partnership with all critical stakeholders; local private sector and the public sector—civil servants who play a pivotal role in nation building; our international partners. Our policies are based on the principle that the private sector is a major participant in shaping the economy of our country. However, in a time of crisis, government must act to stimulate growth and to restore confidence in the country's ability to pay its way. Hence, in the short and medium term, we will use state resources to stimulate employment through the Foreign Aid Commission Programme (FACP). We will do so in a transparent and non-partisan manner, to improve critical areas, such as the infrastructure and the environment, which support economic growth. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]We will do all of this while seeking to improve the social conditions of our people, including a serious reduction of the chronic state of unemployment in this country, particularly among our young people. I also assure you that we will work with anyone who is prepared to work in the Empire’s interest and who shares our vision that people must be at the centre of our development. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]In the face of these dramatic winds of change, I am calling for all hands on deck. This Empire requires the strength, the creativity, the innovation and the steely courage of every man, woman, youth and child to place this vessel on a path to prosperity. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]Today, I invite you to hold my hands, as I hold yours. Today, I invite you to hold your neighbours’ hands. Let us form a strong bond of patriotic unity and let us move forward together on this journey into our collective future. I believe that today marks a critical turning point in our journey. You must believe this with me and you must play your part in this process of transformation. "It is shining time again." It is our time to shine. The challenges will not disappear overnight, but together we can overcome and we shall rise and we shall shine. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]I begin this leg of our journey with an unfaltering belief in my people. I invite you to join me in this confidence in ourselves. Together, we shall rise and together with the guiding hand of the Almighty, we will succeed. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]Long live the Empire!"[/color][/i] [right][b][i][color=#800000]H.I.H. Jessamine I°[/color][/i][/b][/right] [right][i][color=#800000]Dunwall, November 13 [/color][/i][/right]

[img]http://s8.postimage.org/3rqaseou9/tumblr_mbvc69e_UGn1qdtr78o2_250.jpg[/img] [size=3][i][b][color=#800000]Her Imperial Highness the Empress, Jessamine I°[/color][/b][/i][/size] [i][color=#800000]"[/color][/i][i][color=#800000]As symbol of the Unity and the Strenght of the Empire of the Isles, i [/color][/i][i][color=#800000]invite the representatives of the Empire of Tianxia to visit the Empire of the Isles on behalf of His Excellency the Lord Regent and the National Parliament to open diplomatic relations between our countries, and return your well wishes hoping for future friendship and cooperation."[/color][/i] [right][b][i][color=#800000]H.I.H. Jessamine I°[/color][/i][/b][/right] [right][i][color=#800000]Dunwall, November 13[/color][/i][/right] [right][i][color=#800000][img]http://s18.postimage.org/nem1kf191/Empire_Flag.png[/img] [/color][/i][/right]

[center][img]http://s9.postimage.org/7p1tlrhal/Empire_Flag.png[/img][img]http://s7.postimage.org/84d2wx323/The_Empress_and_the_Empty_Set.png[/img][img]http://s9.postimage.org/7p1tlrhal/Empire_Flag.png[/img][/center] [center][color=#800000][size=3][b][i]Official Portrait of Her Imperial Highness Empress Jessamine I° of the Kaldwin Family[/i][/b][/size][/color][/center] [color=#800000][b]DUNWALL -[/b] In the Abbey of the Everyman in Dunwall, before a large crowd of citizens, nobles and dignitaries, including the Lord Regent and representatives of the Aristocracy and the National Parliament of the Empire, Jessamine Kaldwin, heir of the Imperial Throne of the Isles, took the Coronation Oath and is now bound to serve her people and to maintain the laws of God. The Empire of the Isles has at last her Empress, who will serve as Head of State and swear loyalty to the Empire and the National Parliament. After being handed the two symbols of authority - the sceptre and the royal ring - the High Overseer of the Empire, Thaddeus Campbell, placed the Crown on her head to complete the ceremony. [/color] [color=#800000]A shout of [b][i]"God Save the Empress! God save the Empire!"[/i][/b] was heard and gun salutes were fired as crowds cheered. The High Overseer and fellow Overseers then paid homage to Empress Jessamine I°. In a radio broadcast the Empress said: [b][i]"With all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust, long live the Empire!"[/i][/b].[/color] [color=#800000]Citizens from all the islands of the Empire lined the streets of Dunwall to catch a glimpse of the new Empress as she made her way from the Abbey of the Everyman to the Dunwall Tower, the residence of the Monarchs of the Empire of the Isles.[/color] [center][color=#800000][img]http://s18.postimage.org/avw7otd09/593535421.jpg[/img][/color][/center] [center][size=3][i][b][color=#800000]Dunwall Tower, the Residence of Empress Jessamine I° and Princess Emily Kaldwin[/color][/b][/i][/size][/center] [color=#800000]The ceremony was covered and filmed by journalists, photographers and cameramen who set up their biggest ever outside broadcast to provide live coverage of the event on radio and television. Street parties were held throughout the Empire as people crowded round television sets to watch the ceremony. The crowds, some of whom had camped out overnight to ensure a prime position, were rewarded when the Empress and her daughter, Emily Kaldwin, including the Lord Regent, appeared on the balcony at Dunwall Tower. A fireworks display then lit up the skies above the harbour of Dunwall.[/color] [color=#800000]The Empress replaced the Lord Regent as Head of State, a role he covered ad interim due to the lack of of an Emperor/Empress. Henceforth the Lord Regent will remain in charge as Head of Government and will represent the National Parliament as Head of the Executive Cabinet while the Empress will represent the unity of the Empire and will mostly take part in ceremonies related to the Imperial Family and the Aristrocracy. [/color] [center] [img]http://s18.postimage.org/ad4wkrpqx/05guard_closeup.jpg[/img][/center] [center][size=3][i][b][color=#800000]His Excellency the Lord Regent of the Empire Hiram Burrows assists to the Coronation[/color][/b][/i][/size][/center]

[quote name='Evangeline Anovilis' timestamp='1352758269' post='3051536'] "The Free Republic of Ontario recognises this new state and wishes it a bright future." [i]-Ephraim Halliwell[/i] [b]Minister of Foreign Affairs[/b] [/quote] [quote name='iKrolm' timestamp='1352763664' post='3051580'] Selenarctos extends diplomatic recognition Empire of the Isles in the Azores. [/quote] [img]http://s16.postimage.org/egde02uxt/Lord_Regent_Burrows_AVATAR.jpg[/img] [size=3][i][b][color=#800000]His Excellency the Lord Regent of the Empire Hiram Burrows[/color][/b][/i][/size] [i][color=#800000][size=4]"On behalf of the National Parliament and the Citizens of the Empire, i thank you for your recognition and hope our countries will peacefully cohexist and cooperate in the future".[/size][/color][/i]

[img]http://s10.postimage.org/6qaifl7yx/Burrows_reaction.jpg[/img] [i][b][color=#800000][size=3]His Excellency the Lord Regent of the Empire Hiram Burrows, as depicted during his reaction after unveiling the sweets and fruits[/size][/color][/b][/i] [color=#800000][size=4][i]"I hereby extend my greetings and salutes, and formal diplomatic invitation to visit our country, on behalf of the Citizens and the National Parliament of the Empire of the Isles. [/i][/size][/color][i]"[/i]

[center][img]http://oyster.ignimgs.com/mediawiki/apis.ign.com/dishonored/thumb/6/62/Lordregent01.jpg/228px-Lordregent01.jpg[/img][/center] [center][size=3][i][b][color=#800000]His Excellency the Lord Regent of the Empire of the Isles Hiram Burrows[/color][/b][/i][/size][/center] [i][color=#800000]"Citizens of the Empire![/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]Yesterday I became the Lord Regent of the Empire as a consequence of your will expressed through the representatives of the National Parliament. You have a right to expect me to mention the tasks I see before me as Lord Regent![/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]The first of these is to use all my power and influence to ensure that we soon step up to the table of diplomacy and cooperation with the nations of the world, and that our path toward this historic milestone will be dignified and peaceful. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]My second task is to guarantee that we approach this table with respect for our interests, national identity, religious traditions, and symbols. As a Citizen who has given his oath to the Empire, I feel a special obligation, to see that all the interests of the Empire are respected.[/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]My third task is to support everything that will lead to better circumstances for our children, the elderly, women, the sick, the hardworking laborers, the national minorities and all citizens who are for any reason worse off than others. High-quality food or hospitals must no longer be a prerogative of the powerful; they must be available to those who need them the most. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]My honorable task is to strengthen the authority of our country in the world. I would be glad if other states respected us for showing understanding, tolerance and love for peace. I would be happy if the leaders of Europe, America and Africa could visit our country, if only for a day. I would be happy if our friendly relations with all nations were strengthened. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]In conclusion, I would like to say that I want to be a Lord Regent who will speak less and work more. To be a Lord Regent who will not only look out of the windows of his residence but who, first and foremost, will always be present among his fellow citizens and listen to them well. [/color][/i] [i][color=#800000]You may ask what kind of Empire I dream of. Let me reply: I dream of an Empire independent, free, and democratic, of an Empire economically prosperous and yet socially just; in short, of a humane Empire that serves the individual and that therefore holds the hope that the individual will serve it in turn. Of an Empire of well-rounded people, because without such people it is impossible to solve any of our problems -- human, economic, ecological, social, or political. [/color][/i] [color=#800000][i]Citizens, your government has returned to you![/i][/color] [i][color=#800000]Long live the Empire!"[/color][/i]