TCH Archive - User contributions [en]

Don Jordovsky

2026-05-02T17:15:13Z

ThePontificate:

{{Pont-prelates|title1=Don Jordovsky|image1=Don_Jordovsky-portrait.png|caption3=Official portrait, 3024|label1=Pontifical Church|label2=Ekklesiovsk|label5=3022|label3=3022|label4=Yuri Lenkov|label7=* Vicar-General of Ekklesiovsk
* Bishop of Puerto Xel-Palma|label16=Moderate|label11=Cardinal-Bishop|label14=Vos autem amicos appellavi
"But I have called you friends."}}

Don Jordovsky is an Ekklesiovskian bishop and statesman. Jordovsky has served as the Vicar-General of Ekklesiovsk since 3022, and previously served as Vicar-General for [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]] from 3016-3019.

Jordovsky is one of few known as a moderate on the Ekklesiovskian political spectrum, and is extremely influential amongst both political affiliations in the [[College of Cardinals]]. As Cardinal-Vicar, he is one of the highest ranking cardinals, alongside the Cardinal-Dean, Vice-Dean, and Chamberlain. His inaction during the [[December Crises]] has led to accusations of being a coconspirator with [[Talbot Roberts]] and [[Yuri Lenkov]] in the December Crises, however [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]] has denied all such accusations on behalf of Jordovsky, immediately instating him as his Vicar-General following Lenkov's betrayal.

== The moderate ==
Jordovsky is unusual politically in Ekklesiovsk in advocating for taking aspects of both [[traditionalism]] and [[universalism]] in the governments approach to various issues. This has led to criticism of Jordovsky from the historically more numerous traditionalist faction, who view any degree of departure from traditionalist dogma with skepticism. In particular Jordovsky was a victim of the [[Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges|3021 cabinet purges]] by Konstantin IX, being briefly politically exiled to the [[The Xel-Palmas|Xel-Palmas]] alongside Roberts. Ultimately however Jordovsky has remained to be seen as a bridge figure between the factions in the church, and often been called to forge a middle path between polarized solutions.

Jordovsky's reappointment as Konstantin IX's Vicar-General was largely seen as an act to appease remaining universalists in the church following the December Crises.

== Vicars-General ==

=== Rokossovsky ===
Jordovsky was appointed Vicar-General to Rokossovsky in 3016, serving alongside him for the majority of Rokossovsky's pontificate. The appointment was likely done for similar reasons to Jordovsky's 3022 reappointment, as Rokossovsky seeked to avoid a similar political collapse as would occur in the December Crises. The replacement of Jordovsky by Roberts as Rokossovsky's Vicar-General in 3019 contributed to increasing political tensions ahead of the election of Konstantin IX, though Rokossovsky would cite only Jordovsky's declining physical health as the reason for his removal.

=== Konstantin IX ===
Briefly returning as an auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Ekklesiovsk after Rokossovsky's death, Konstantin IX would reassign him in the 3021 cabinet purges to briefly be the Bishop of the Xel-Palmas alongside Talbot Roberts.
[[Category:Alive]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Talbot Roberts

2026-05-02T17:14:56Z

ThePontificate:

{{Pont-prelates|title1=Talbot Roberts|image1=Portrait talbot-roberts.png|caption1=Cardinal|caption2=Vicar-General of Ekklesiovsk|caption3=Official portrait, 3019|label1=Pontifical Church|label2=* Ekklesiovsk
*Puerto Xel-Palma|label4=Don Jordovsky|label6=* Bishop of Puerto Xel-Palma|label7=* Dean of the College of Cardinals|label16=Universalist|label11=Cardinal-Bishop|label12=2956, Ekklesiovsk|label15=22 January 3022 (aged 66) Pontifical Palace, Ekklesiovsk|label13=* Pontifical State University|label14=Ad Mundum "For the world."}}

Talbot Roberts was an [[Ecclesiovsk|Ekklesiovskian]] bishop and statesman. Roberts served as Vicar-General to [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]] from 3016 until Rokossovsky's death in 3020. Roberts was appointed bishop of the Xel-Palmas by [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]] until retiring on 31 January 3021.

Roberts was a key conspirator together with [[Yuri Lenkov]] in the [[December Crises]], which sought to remove Konstantin from power. Roberts deceived the Lancastrian government into providing special operations forces to assist him in taking the Pontifical Palace from the forces of Protector-General [[Vera Levedeva]]. He would die in the culminating [[Battle for Ekklesiovsk]] at the Pontifical Palace on 22 January 3022, along with Lenkov.

Konstantin IX posthumously stripped Roberts of all of his state and clerical offices, and rendered his acts nullified.

== Rising universalist ==
Roberts was one of few prominent [[Universalism|universalist]] prelates in the [[Pontifical Church]], supporting generally liberal reforms of the Pontifical Government, political freedoms, and most notably expanded missionary work of the Church opposed to [[Traditionalism|traditionalist]] isolationism policies. Roberts worked closely alongside vocal universalist Aleksandr Rokossovsky, later Pontifex Rokossovsky, during their careers as auxiliary bishops for the Diocese of Ekklesiovsk.

== Rokossovsky ==

=== Pontificate ===

==== Cardinal-Dean ====
Following Pontifex Rokossovskys election to the pontificate in 3020, Roberts was soon after elected Dean of the [[College of Cardinals]]. This is believed to be an acknowledgement of Rokossovsky's already rapidly depleting health, with the Dean being chiefly responsible for carrying out pontifical conclaves. As Dean, Roberts would hold significant sway over the next election that Rokossovsky may have expected would come soon.

==== Cardinal-Vicar ====
Originally appointing political moderate Cardinal [[Don Jordovsky]] to be the Vicar-General of the Diocese of Ekklesiovsk, citing Jordovsky's own health crises at the time Rokossovsky soon replaced Jordovsky with Roberts. Roberts would serve as acting head of state on several occasions when Rokossovsky underwent serious health episodes, and was primarily responsible for overseeing the ecclesiastical affairs of the diocese.

==== Evangelinz Universalis ====
With the promulgation of Pontifex Rokossovsky's bull on expanding church missionary work across the Doggerlands, Roberts served as a chief diplomat of Rokossovsky for the purpose of new parish construction. Roberts would travel to several nations including Arkania, the Neu Corporate Republik (NCR), Novenae, and Marino in the pursuit of church real estate and growing new congregations.

=== Rokossovsky's Death ===
Roberts was the only member of government present for Rokossovsky's death at the new Pontifical Palace in 3020. The death of Pontifex Rokossovsky marked the beginning of the end for Roberts political and diplomatic career in Ekklesiovsk.

==== Conclave ====
As Dean, Roberts presided over the following conclave and pursued the office for himself. Ultimately Roberts ended up with the second most votes in the early rounds of the conclave, and after eight days, favor soon shifted to give then Secretary of State Cardinal Vychaslav Reshevsky, later Pontifex Konstantin IX, the critical two-thirds majority.

Roberts campaigned heavily for the continuation of Rokossovsky's universalist agenda, however the damages from the [[NCR-Ecclesiovsk Conflict|NCR-Ekklesiovsk conflict]] and ongoing NCR federal rule of the Pontifical States swayed the College to favor the traditionalist diplomat Cardinal Reshevsky. Roberts coronated Reshevsky as Pontifex Konstantin IX in the palace square on 18 November 3020.

== Konstantin IX ==

=== Pontificate ===

==== Dismissal and exile ====
Pontifex Konstantin IX immediately dismissed Roberts as Cardinal-Vicar, with Cardinal Yuri Lenkov, the longtime Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and radical traditionalist, succeeding him. Roberts would soon also lose his seat as Cardinal-Dean, with Konstantin's protégé Secretary of State Cardinal [[Czeslav Musial]] taking his place.

Roberts was eventually dismissed from the pontifical government entirely, being installed as the bishop of Puerto Xel-Palma as a soft political exile, then the diocese of Cardinal Don Jordovsky.

==== Xel-Palma's conspiracy ====
During his tenure on the islands, Roberts and Vicar-General Lenkov formed a plan to remove Konstantin from power. Citing Konstantin's purge of church officials from cabinet and government positions, and alleged illicit relationship with his personal secretary Vera Levedeva, the bishops agreed on a course of action to abduct the pontifex on his return from an international visit to Lancastria, Dalkai, and BlackCon.

==== Body snatcher ====
As a last act before commencing the plot to remove Konstantin, Roberts secretly returned to Ekklesiovsk and removed the body of Pontifex Rokossovsky from his sarcophagus at the Archbasilica of Christ the Savior. Roberts reportedly flew Rokossovsky's body to the site of the new church administration site he and Rokossovsky had planned in Cyrene, but the body has never been rediscovered.

==== December Crises ====

===== Removing Konstantin =====
Konstantin was successfully abducted and removed from power on 28 September 3021, and imprisoned in secret for several months in a bathroom in Yuri Lenkov's estate. The conspirators told the public that the pontifex undertook a serious illness, and could not appear in public or fulfill the duties of the pontificate.

The following period marks the December Crises, a series of coups and various factions making plays for control of the Pontifical States in the absence of the pontifex. Talbot Roberts initially worked alongside Yuri Lenkov, who took over as acting Head of State, but the two conspirators were soon at odds with each other over Lenkov's extreme traditionalist policies and growing civil unrest.

===== Death =====
When the forces of proclaimed "Protector-General" Vera Levedeva took control of the pontifical palace on 6 November 3021, charging both Lenkov and Roberts with high treason and murder. Lenkov and Roberts fled separately to form coalitions of their own to retake power. Roberts established contact with the Lancastrian Government claiming legitimacy to call for a new conclave as the Cardinal-Dean. Prime Minister [[Logan Pawlowski]] would send Lancastrian Special Operations Forces to assist him in taking control of the palace from the Levedeva Government during the Battle for Ekklesiovsk. Roberts and Lenkov both died on 22 January 3022 in the palace from injuries sustained during the battle.

Roberts was posthumously stripped of all of his ecclesiastical ranks and his government acts rendered nullified by Pontifex Konstantin IX upon being restored to power. He was buried unceremoniously at sea along Lenkov, and Levedeva.
[[Category:Dead]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Don Jordovsky

2026-05-02T17:04:20Z

ThePontificate:

{{Pont-prelates|title1=Don Jordovsky|image1=Don_Jordovsky-portrait.png|caption3=Official portrait, 3024|label1=Pontifical Church|label2=Ekklesiovsk|label5=3022|label3=3022|label4=Yuri Lenkov|label7=* Vicar-General of Ekklesiovsk
* Bishop of Puerto Xel-Palma|label16=Moderate|label11=Cardinal-Bishop|label14=Vos autem amicos appellavi
"But I have called you friends."}}

Don Jordovsky is an Ekklesiovskian bishop and statesman. Jordovsky has served as the Vicar-General of Ekklesiovsk since 3022, and previously served as Vicar-General for [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]] from 3016-3019.

Jordovsky is one of few known as a moderate on the Ekklesiovskian political spectrum, and is extremely influential amongst both political affiliations in the [[College of Cardinals]]. As Cardinal-Vicar, he is one of the highest ranking cardinals, alongside the Cardinal-Dean, Vice-Dean, and Chamberlain. His inaction during the [[December Crises]] has led to accusations of being a coconspirator with [[Talbot Roberts]] and [[Yuri Lenkov]] in the December Crises, however [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]] has denied all such accusations on behalf of Jordovsky, immediately instating him as his Vicar-General following Lenkov's betrayal.

== The moderate ==
Jordovsky is unusual politically in Ekklesiovsk in advocating for taking aspects of both [[traditionalism]] and [[universalism]] in the governments approach to various issues. This has led to criticism of Jordovsky from the historically more numerous traditionalist faction, who view any degree of departure from traditionalist dogma with skepticism. In particular Jordovsky was a victim of the [[Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges|3021 cabinet purges]] by Konstantin IX, being briefly politically exiled to the [[The Xel-Palmas|Xel-Palmas]] alongside Roberts. Ultimately however Jordovsky has remained to be seen as a bridge figure between the factions in the church, and often been called to forge a middle path between polarized solutions.

Jordovsky's reappointment as Konstantin IX's Vicar-General was largely seen as an act to appease remaining universalists in the church following the December Crises.

== Vicars-General ==
W

Jordovsky has faced serious health episodes which caused Pontifex Rokossovsky to remove him from office in 3019.
[[Category:Alive]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Don Jordovsky

2026-05-02T17:02:49Z

ThePontificate:

{{Pont-prelates|title1=Don Jordovsky|image1=Don_Jordovsky-portrait.png|caption3=Official portrait, 3024|label1=Pontifical Church|label2=Ekklesiovsk|label5=3022|label3=3022|label4=Yuri Lenkov|label7=* Vicar-General of Ekklesiovsk
* Bishop of Puerto Xel-Palma|label16=Moderate|label11=Cardinal-Bishop|label14=Vos autem amicos appellavi
"But I have called you friends."}}

Don Jordovsky is an Ekklesiovskian bishop and statesman. Jordovsky has served as the Vicar-General of Ekklesiovsk since 3022, and previously served as Vicar-General for [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]] from 3016-3019.

Jordovsky is one of few known as a moderate on the Ekklesiovskian political spectrum, and is extremely influential amongst both political affiliations in the [[College of Cardinals]]. As Cardinal-Vicar, he is one of the highest ranking cardinals, alongside the Cardinal-Dean, Vice-Dean, and Chamberlain. His inaction during the [[December Crises]] has led to accusations of being a coconspirator with [[Talbot Roberts]] and [[Yuri Lenkov]] in the December Crises, however [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]] has denied all such accusations on behalf of Jordovsky, immediately instating him as his Vicar-General following Lenkov's betrayal.

== The moderate ==
Jordovsky is unusual politically in Ekklesiovsk in advocating for taking aspects of both [[traditionalism]] and [[universalism]] in the governments approach to various issues. This has led to criticism of Jordovsky from the historically more numerous traditionalist faction, who view any degree of departure from traditionalist dogma with skepticism. In particular Jordovsky was a victim of the [[Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges|3021 cabinet purges]] by Konstantin IX, being politically exiled to the [[The Xel-Palmas|Xel-Palmas]]. Ultimately however Jordovsky has remained to be seen as a bridge figure between the factions in the church, and often been called to forge a middle path between polarized solutions.

Jordovsky's reappointment as Konstantin IX's Vicar-General was largely seen as an act to appease remaining universalists in the church following the December Crises.

== Vicars-General ==
W

Jordovsky has faced serious health episodes which caused Pontifex Rokossovsky to remove him from office in 3019.
[[Category:Alive]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Don Jordovsky

2026-05-02T17:02:20Z

ThePontificate:

{{Pont-prelates|title1=Don Jordovsky|image1=Don_Jordovsky-portrait.png|caption3=Official portrait, 3024|label1=Pontifical Church|label2=Ekklesiovsk|label5=3022|label3=3022|label4=Yuri Lenkov|label7=* Vicar-General of Ekklesiovsk
* Bishop of Puerto Xel-Palma|label16=Moderate|label11=Cardinal-Bishop|label14=Vos autem amicos appellavi
"But I have called you friends."}}

Don Jordovsky is an Ekklesiovskian bishop and statesman. Jordovsky has served as the Vicar-General of Ekklesiovsk since 3022, and previously served as Vicar-General for [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]] from 3016-3019.

Jordovsky is one of few known as a moderate on the Ekklesiovskian political spectrum, and is extremely influential amongst both political affiliations in the [[College of Cardinals]]. As Cardinal-Vicar, he is one of the highest ranking cardinals, alongside the Cardinal-Dean, Vice-Dean, and Chamberlain. His inaction during the [[December Crises]] has led to accusations of being a coconspirator with [[Talbot Roberts]] and [[Yuri Lenkov]] in the December Crises, however [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]] has denied all such accusations on behalf of Jordovsky, immediately instating him as his Vicar-General following Lenkov's betrayal.

=== The moderate ===
Jordovsky is unusual politically in Ekklesiovsk in advocating for taking aspects of both [[traditionalism]] and [[universalism]] in the governments approach to various issues. This has led to criticism of Jordovsky from the historically more numerous traditionalist faction, who view any degree of departure from traditionalist dogma with skepticism. In particular Jordovsky was a victim of the [[Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges|3021 cabinet purges]] by Konstantin IX, being politically exiled to the [[The Xel-Palmas|Xel-Palmas]]. Ultimately however Jordovsky has remained to be seen as a bridge figure between the factions in the church, and often been called to forge a middle path between polarized solutions.

Jordovsky's reappointment as Konstantin IX's Vicar-General was largely seen as an act to appease remaining universalists in the church following the December Crises.

=== Vicars-General ===
W

Jordovsky has faced serious health episodes which caused Pontifex Rokossovsky to remove him from office in 3019.
[[Category:Alive]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Don Jordovsky

2026-05-02T17:02:01Z

ThePontificate:

{{Pont-prelates|title1=Don Jordovsky|image1=Don_Jordovsky-portrait.png|caption3=Official portrait, 3024|label1=Pontifical Church|label2=Ekklesiovsk|label5=3022|label3=3022|label4=Yuri Lenkov|label7=* Vicar-General of Ekklesiovsk
* Bishop of Puerto Xel-Palma|label16=Moderate|label11=Cardinal-Bishop|label14=*Vos autem amicos appellavi*
"But I have called you friends."}}

Don Jordovsky is an Ekklesiovskian bishop and statesman. Jordovsky has served as the Vicar-General of Ekklesiovsk since 3022, and previously served as Vicar-General for [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]] from 3016-3019.

Jordovsky is one of few known as a moderate on the Ekklesiovskian political spectrum, and is extremely influential amongst both political affiliations in the [[College of Cardinals]]. As Cardinal-Vicar, he is one of the highest ranking cardinals, alongside the Cardinal-Dean, Vice-Dean, and Chamberlain. His inaction during the [[December Crises]] has led to accusations of being a coconspirator with [[Talbot Roberts]] and [[Yuri Lenkov]] in the December Crises, however [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]] has denied all such accusations on behalf of Jordovsky, immediately instating him as his Vicar-General following Lenkov's betrayal.

=== The moderate ===
Jordovsky is unusual politically in Ekklesiovsk in advocating for taking aspects of both [[traditionalism]] and [[universalism]] in the governments approach to various issues. This has led to criticism of Jordovsky from the historically more numerous traditionalist faction, who view any degree of departure from traditionalist dogma with skepticism. In particular Jordovsky was a victim of the [[Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges|3021 cabinet purges]] by Konstantin IX, being politically exiled to the [[The Xel-Palmas|Xel-Palmas]]. Ultimately however Jordovsky has remained to be seen as a bridge figure between the factions in the church, and often been called to forge a middle path between polarized solutions.

Jordovsky's reappointment as Konstantin IX's Vicar-General was largely seen as an act to appease remaining universalists in the church following the December Crises.

=== Vicars-General ===
W

Jordovsky has faced serious health episodes which caused Pontifex Rokossovsky to remove him from office in 3019.
[[Category:Alive]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Edward I of Lancastria

2026-05-01T18:40:14Z

ThePontificate:

{{CorpRP Character Infobox|title1=Edward|image1=Portrait_edward.png|born=16 August 2972|residence=Europa Palace|gender=Male|species=Terran|occupation=King of [[Lancastria]]}}

'''Edward''' (Edward Christian; born 16 August 2972) is King of Lancastria since the abdication of his father, William II, on 24 June 3022 during the Aleksandran Rebellion. Edward was coronated at St. Michael's Cathedral on 10 November 3022, making him the first Lancastrian monarch to be coronated as King following Lancastria's permanent move to the Doggerland.

As the eldest son of Prince William, Duke of Halifax, Edward was born towards the end of the reign of his great-grandfather, William I. Originally set to be named Christian after his mother's Nordic heritage, King William I decreed that the new prince be named Edward, in the tradition of the House of Labrador. Edward was baptised as Edward Christian. Upon the death of his great-grandfather King William in 2978, Edward's grandfather ascended to the throne as Charles II and his father, William, became Crown Prince and heir. Throughout the reign of Charles II, Edward was educated in constitutional affairs and military history. At the age of 18, he joined the Lancastrian Royal Navy and worked his way to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. In 2987, Charles II died, making Edward's father the new King of Lancastria as King William II. Edward became Crown Prince.

Edward left the Navy in 2995 by order of his father, the King, due to the impending Federation/C.E. War. Edward initially resisted the King's command but eventually relented. He moved back to the Court and married Lady X of X. Edward and X had four children: Victoria, Eloise, Margaret, and Catherine. As Crown Prince, Edward supported his father through the migration of Lancastria to the Doggerlands and oversaw the construction of the Europa Palace in Forêtnoire to replace the Sky Palace of Menthia, which had become mostly a museum following the integration of the throne of Menthia into the Lancastrian Crown during the mid-2900s. Edward grew close relationships with many of his father's ministers, including Prime Ministers Anthony Pavel, Harrison Rhodes, and Logan Pawlowski.

During the War of the Balancin Succession in 3021, Edward was vocal in support of the Maekar banners and Queen Mary of the Rock. Historians attribute King William II's support of the Maekar cause to private lobbying from Edward, who saw the Rock's potential for greater constitutional monarchical collaboration. Following Queen Mary's abdication in 3022, Edward confirmed that Mary would move to the Europa Palace to live alongside his family.

In 3022, at the outbreak of the Lancastrian Civil War, the attack on the Europa Palace caused significant damage to the health of the King. Edward was crucial to the defense of Forêtnoire during the attacks, helping organize evacuation efforts and rallying the security services on the ground. During the crisis, King William II abdicated the throne to Edward, in an attempt to ensure strong leadership during the crisis which saw the incapacitation of William and the Liberal Prime Minister, Logan Pawlowski. Edward immediately ascended to the throne as Edward I, assuming executive authority over the Government of Lancastria during the crisis and the succeeding Lancastrian Civil War.

Edward's direct rule of Lancastria ended with the 3022 general election, which saw Claire Hau elected as Prime Minister under the Labour Party. Edward appointed Hau to become the first Asian Prime Minister in Lancastrian history.

File:Portrait edward.png

2026-05-01T18:39:50Z

ThePontificate:

Leontiy Korleov

2026-04-29T22:21:13Z

ThePontificate: Created page with "{{CorpRP Character Infobox|title1=Leontiy Korleov}}"

Unification of Arboria

2026-04-29T21:23:06Z

ThePontificate:

The unification of [[Kingdom of Arboria|Arboria]] was the 3024-25 civil, political, and military movements that ended in the Second Treaty of Ekklesiovsk, which unified the Kingdom of [[Byfair]], State of [[Barkshire]], and State of [[Senones]], into a single government joined to the [[Holy Roman Empire]] as the Kingdom of Arboria. The unification was preceded by the breakaway of Byfair and Senones along with several other dependencies from the [[Republic of Paxem]], resulting in an uprising and civil conflicts internally amongst the states and with Paxemese federal forces.

== Background ==
----

=== Byfair independence ===
Byfair was the first amongst the Arborian states to break away from the

on 4/6/2024

=== Senones independence ===

==== Fayyaad massacre ====
Civil unrest in Senones largely escalated in January 3024 when 37 protesters were killed by the Senones National Guard during a protest at the entrance to the Fayyaad Oil Refinery. Praetor [[Stephen Frazier]] blamed the incident on the protestors, and prohibited further protests and public assemblies. The outrage over the incident led to the rise of the left wing Senones National Congress (SNC) led by representative [[Alain Sievert]].

==== Underground movements ====
Soon after his rise to power in the SNC, Sievert began working with underground paramilitary organizations fighting for full independence from Paxem. By April of 3024, these organizations amassed enough strength to cause blackouts, explosions at government facilities, and engage in sporadic firefights with the national guard. At this time the slogan "Blood for Blood" began to gain traction with the general public, upset at the unrest and the Praetor's crackdown on protests and reform rhetoric.

==== Capitol push ====
After nearly a year of civil unrest, on 13 November, Sievert led several forces aligned to his political efforts in an open offensive against the state government at the Senones Capitol building. The national guard quickly collapsed under mounting pressures from Sievert's forces, with rumors the Praetor had already fled the state for Paxem.

By 16 November, Sievert's forces took control of the capitol complex, and the Praetor and his cabinet were found dead inside, allegedly taking their own lives. Sieverts declared independence for a newly reorganized State of Senones, with himself as the provisional president.

=== Byfair National Front ===
----

=== HRE intervention ===

=== Second Treaty of Ekklesiovsk ===
[[Category:History & Geography]]

NCR-Ecclesiovsk Conflict

2026-04-29T21:22:56Z

ThePontificate:

{{Pont-conflicts
|conflict-name=NCR-Ecclesia Conflict
|image1=Example
|caption1=Example
|date=3/22/3020-3/31/3020 (9 days)
|location=Port Zaandam, Ecclesia, Northern Sea
|result=NCR Victory
|territorial-changes=Ecclesia becomes NCR territory
|label5=*NCR
*Pontifical States
*Oscdean State
|label6=*Chancellor Florian Steinbauer
*Pontifex Rokossovsky
*Obveron Malkue Ysiu Equitum
|label7=Example
|label8=Example
}}
== NCR-Ecclesia Conflict (3/22/3020-3/31/3020) ==

=== Overview ===
The NCR ([[New Corporate Republic|Neu Corporate Republik]])-[[Ecclesia]] Conflict was a nine day conflict which began with an Ecclesian attack on [[Zaandam]] harbor, and ended with Republik forces occupying a large section of the city and forcing a peace treaty which would bring Ecclesia into the NCR.

=== Prelude to War ===
While the Zaandam attack was met with great surprise, the days leading up to the conflict were filled with crisis and controversy that would see many international players come into action. The NCR-[[Eastern Federal Republic|EFR]] War was in its early stages at the time, and Republik forces were pushing deep into modern day Aquinas. The invasion spurred a large international refugee crisis, and several nations began to accept EFR refugees.

Ecclesia itself accepted over 5,000 EFR refugees, setting up temporary shelters in churches across the city. Seeing the war and displacement of several thousand, [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]] would order the Zaandam attack, citing the refugee crisis and inhumanities as justification.

'''Zaandam Attack'''

On the morning of March 22, 3020, Ecclesia moved forward with a sudden and devastating attack on the Republik-controlled harbor in Zaandam. It is unknown for how long the attack on Zaandam was planned. The first indication of military activity took place the day before the attack. Heavy strike cruisers HHS St. Vincent and HHS Bulvol steamed to the open ocean after their christening ceremony only one day prior. The remaining ships consisted of a light cruiser, and two frigates. After 10 hours the strike group arrived in waters just off Zaandam the following morning. Poor weather made for a heavy fog and choppy seas, helping to disguise the ship's entry to coastal waters.

As the strike group was picked up on radar immediate communication was received to come about to avoid leaving international waters. It is believed at this moment Captain Yahontov gave the order to Ahead Full, which would result in the largest detonation of explosives throughout the conflict. Much uncertainty surrounds the actual viability of the strike group for surface combat. The radius of the explosions and the resulting damage suggest the Ecclesian ships were not constructed to be standard combat vessels, but were instead built with the interior design of a freighter, in which the large amounts of explosives were presumably stored. It is even unclear whether the turrets on the Ecclesian vessels ever fired a shot during the attack. Returning to the course of events, as the strike group reached full speed it became apparent that no come-about maneuver would be carried out. When the ships were a little over a mile from port, the Republik ordered an open fire, which battered several of the ships before they could ever reach the docks.

A fatal strategic error came when the Republik forces detonated a small nuclear warhead on one of the vessels. This detonation immediately ignited the Ecclesian ships which may have otherwise slid under the waves entirely before reaching the port, saving much of the impact of the shockwave of the thousands of tons of stored explosives within the ships hulls. As each Ecclesian ship had their explosives detonated or were sunk, the Zaandam Port became increasingly unstable. Exact loss of life has never been reported by the Republik, but with the amount of vessels in port, the number is estimated to have been in the thousands. Satellite images reveal the central pier to have entirely collapsed into the water from the attack, with heavy fires seen from the coast for days afterwards.

=== The Air Raid ===
The day of the Zaandam Attack was marked with strife. With so much damage to the naval operations of the Republik’s surface fleet, the only immediately viable option for a counterattack was to come from the air. The Ecclesian surface fleet was stationed just offshore of the city, in prime position to aid the anti-air defense. Along with this fleet were Lancer interceptor squads patrolling the airspace. This defense would prove invaluable, as a Republik bomber raid was detected the same afternoon.

The number of jets in the North Doggerland Sea that afternoon remains unclear. Spectacular images from the coast of the city reveal scores of dogfights as the Lancer interceptors engaged the Republik escorts and bombers over the water. Anti-air flak from the ships lit the sky for over an hour until the strike force withdrew, the bombers never achieving their goal of hitting the city. As the Republik aerial strike force returned home, dozens of Ecclesian military and civilian ships became tasked with picking up the survivors of the aerial battle, including those of the Republik. These would be the first prisoners of war taken during the conflict. Several survivors were hauled out of the water, but most were not so lucky. Should one decide to dive the North Doggerland Sea today, they would undoubtedly come across scores of sunken Ecclesian and Republik planes from this battle, many with their loyal pilots still entombed inside.

=== The Final Battle ===
The following evening on March 23rd, the main Republik forces arrived East of the city. They were not alone however, as contact was made with allied forces in the [[Oscdean State]] who arrived with several airships above the now-demolished Ecclesian western base. As the sun fell, an emergency message was broadcast by Pontifex Rokossovsky, reporting the imminent attack and a general evacuation order for all citizens. Following the broadcast, all power was cut throughout the city, shrouding it in darkness to throw off Republik air forces.

Republik airships began their assault on the city with paratrooper regiments landing on the Eastern side. Darkness made for poor landings, and the Republik forces were immediately engaged by Ecclesian infantry and armor which had set up positions throughout the city at the start of the conflict. Fierce fighting took place the entire night. As the Republik forces made their way to the center of the city, Ecclesian military engineers detonated explosives destroying the bridges over the central canal, rendering any mechanized crossing to the West that night impossible. This event marked the end of the ground battle, as Republik forces held the East of the city, and the Ecclesian and allied forces held the West. The battle for the air continued until early morning. Oscdean battleships engaged Republik zeppelins, ion cannons, plasma fire, and missile streaks were visible for miles around the city as one of the largest aerial battles in Doggerlands history took place. Citizens in [[Novenae]] and [[Lancastria]] reported the night sky as radiantly purple and light blue above Ecclesia the night of the final battle, owing to the firefight.

As morning set in, one would have had a hard time deciding who had won the battle. Debris from Republik and Oscdean airships littered the city, several highrises were still ablaze as fires raged throughout the area. Realizing the depth of the crisis, diplomatic channels were opened between the Pontifical Government and the Republik. A cease-fire was ordered on both sides, and peace negotiations began that would resolve 10 days later, on March 31, when a government delegation led by then Ecclesian Secretary of State [[Pontifex Konstantin IX|Vyacheslav Reshevsky]] travelled to Novenae to make the agreement official. The aftermath of the conflict is an expensive and arduous process that has not ended even up to the present day. The political and economic situation of reparations due to the Republik after the conflict, to the full membership of Ecclesia within the Republik, to secession following the NCR's downfall, has forever changed the dynamic of the Ecclesian people and the country’s foreign relationships.

=== Summary: A Republik Victory, or Strategic Failure? ===
The Republik military was widely unorganized, un-strategic, and impulsive in their attack strategy during the course of the conflict. Examples include: A Republik harbor decimated in part due to a Republik missile, a hasty aerial counterattack that never reached the city, a paratrooper assault in the dark of night onto prepared Ecclesian forces, and engaging their equal in military power, the Oscdean State, despite the potential consequence of an all-out war on multiple fronts. Regardless of these military decisions however, after just under three days half of the city was under Republik control, and peace talks underway.

=== Peace ===
The peace terms negotiated by Secretary Reshevsky remained a mystery to the wider public for the duration of Ecclesia's involvement with the Republik. Today however it is known that the Republik was unusually lax with their post-war demands. Ecclesia was ordered to scuttle the majority of its naval forces, pay 25% of its GDP as reparations, and be subject to NCR Federal Laws. In return, Ecclesia kept control of its domestic agenda, notably including protections for Taurans, and kept control of its armed forces for six months post-conflict, avoiding a Republik occupation. These terms undoubtedly went far in preventing further conflict, and would eventually turn citizens around to favoring the Republik. The eventual defeat of the EFR saw a majority of Ecclesian citizens support, and even some enlistment from the state for the war itself.

At the signing of the agreement for Ecclesia to join the Neu Corporate Republik as the Thirteenth Prefecture on June 29, 3020, full clemency for the conflict was granted by both Chancellor [[Florian Steinbauer|Florian Steinbaeur]] and Pontifex Rokossovsky, and all future reparations were dropped. The conflict would be the first occasion Ecclesia attacked a foreign country in its long history, and ended centuries of isolation. The country's involvement with the Republik would significantly accelerate the spread of the Pontifical Church into NCR territories, and brought Republik corporations and influence into Ecclesia which are still felt today.

Ecclesia would continue as a Prefecture of the Republik until 7-31-3021, when Pontifex [[Pontifex Konstantin IX|Konstantin IX]] declared independence after the collapse of the NCR.
[[Category:History & Geography]]

Don Jordovsky

2026-04-29T16:56:45Z

ThePontificate:

File:Don Jordovsky-portrait.png

2026-04-29T16:56:07Z

ThePontificate:

Vera Levedeva

2026-04-29T16:06:19Z

ThePontificate:

{{CorpRP Character Infobox|title1=Vera Levedeva|image1=Vera Levedeva-portrait.png|caption1=Official military portrait, 3021|born=3001|died=3021|occupation=* Mess Officer, Pontifical States Army
* Junior Personal Secretary to the Pontifex
* Major-General, Pontifical States Army
* Protector-General, Pontifical States|education=* Pontifical State University (incomplete)
* Pontifical States Armed Forces Officer Academy|allegiance=Pontifical States|battles/wars=* Battle For Ekklesiovsk}}

Vera Levedeva was an Ekklesiovskian military leader who was a primary antagonist of the [[December Crises]] in 3021. Levedeva led the much challenged and short lived Protector-General government in the Pontifical States, vying for power against conspirators [[Yuri Lenkov]], and [[Talbot Roberts]]. She would die in the culminating [[Battle For Ekklesiovsk]], which saw [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]] rescued from imprisonment and returned to power.

== Early life ==
Levedeva was born an only child to an Ekklesiovskian family in 3001. Her parents died in the [[NCR-Ecclesiovsk Conflict|NCR-Ekklesiovsk Conflict]] when a bomb dropped and exploded in her residence while she was away at school. According to her associates at her university, this event traumatized and radicalized Levedeva, who joined the Pontifical States Armed Forces the following day.

== Military career ==
Levedeva entered the Pontifical States Army as a commissioned officer. By the time her training had completed, the [[Concordat of 3021]] (Treaty of Novenae) had already been ratified by [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]], and the defeat of the Pontifical States and its subsequent tributary status to the NCR cemented. Hoping for a combat-ready assignment, Levedeva was instead assigned as a mess officer in the [[Pontifical Palace]].

Levedeva held this position though to and until her introduction to Pontifex Konstantin IX, who reassigned her to be his Junior Personal Secretary under the Senior Viktor Novikov.

Konstantin IX personally nominated Levedeva for several military promotions during her assignment as his personal secretary, eventually bringing her to the status of Major-General, the youngest in the Pontical States Armed Forces history. Levedeva commanded a division of five thousand soldiers, frequently personally oversaw training, and many of whom would follow her orders in forming the Protector-General military government.

== Personal secretary to Konstantin IX ==
Levedeva's tenure as Konstantin IX's personal secretary has been the subject of much debate amongst journalists and persons of interest in the December Crises. Her rapid military promotions and exclusive access to the Pontifex as his personal secretary have prompted widespread rumors of a romantic affair. The topic has been censored in Pontifical States media spheres.

According to witnesses though Levedeva worked frequently from the Pontifical Palace, much of the secretarial duties were being performed by Senior Personal Secretary Viktor Novikov. Levedeva often neglected her official duties to the pontifex to pursue her military ambitions, with the pontifex's blessing.

== Protector-General ==
As reported after the Battle For Ekklesiovsk, Levedeva was the first official to uncover the Roberts-Lenkov conspiracy to abduct Konstantin IX and take power for themselves in the Pontifical States. Levedeva led the mission which discovered Konstantin in Lenkov's apartment bathroom. According to state reports, Levedeva refused to return Konstantin to power, taking him secretly to the jail at the Pontifical Palace and proclaiming the Protector-General government on the lie of continuing the search and mission to return Konstantin to power.

With the support of her division, much of it later revealed under false pretenses, Levedeva forced Lenkov and Roberts from the Pontifical Palace into hiding. While Levedeva attempted to secure her position, Roberts secured Lancastrian special forces backing in an effort to retake the government, while Lenkov secured private robotic forces from BlackCon, again under false pretenses.

Levedeva struggled both internally and internationally to solidify her control. Long-time generals of the army and admiralty were indecisive in choosing to support Levedeva, or hold back their own battalions for fear of reprisal should Levedeva fail. With Roberts having secured Lancastrian backing, Levedeva also had to dispense with forces to prevent a total Lancastrian blockade of the Pontifical States. During this action, Levedeva was deemed responsible for a near-attack on a Lancastrian mine-sweeping vessel, the only reported military engagement between the Kingdom of Lancastria and the Pontifical States in their near three century histories.

Despite allocating Levedeva the blame for the incident, Konstantin IX would later bring criticism on then Lancastrian Prime Minister [[Logan Pawlowski|Logan Pawlowski's]] decision to intervene in the affair, citing the potential to have destabilized the traditional alliance.

== Death and legacy ==
In the culminating Battle For Ekklesiovsk, Levedeva, Roberts, and Lenkov were all killed in action at the Pontifical Palace. Their bodies were buried together after the battle in the Northern Shipping Basin. Levedeva, along with Roberts and Lenkov, was posthumously stripped of all ranks and honors and her acts rendered nullified by Pontifex Konstantin IX.
[[Category:Dead]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Vera Levedeva

2026-04-29T16:04:36Z

ThePontificate:

{{CorpRP Character Infobox|title1=Vera Levedeva|image1=Vera Levedeva-portrait.png|caption1=Official military portrait, 3021|born=3001|died=3021|occupation=* Mess Officer, Pontifical States Army
* Junior Personal Secretary to the Pontifex
* Major-General, Pontifical States Army
* Protector-General, Pontifical States|education=* Pontifical State University (incomplete)
* Pontifical States Armed Forces Officer Academy|allegiance=Pontifical States|battles/wars=* Battle For Ekklesiovsk}}

Vera Levedeva was an Ekklesiovskian military leader who was a primary antagonist of the [[December Crises]] in 3021. Levedeva led the much challenged and short lived Protector-General government in the Pontifical States, vying for power against conspirators [[Yuri Lenkov]], and [[Talbot Roberts]]. She would die in the culminating [[Battle For Ekklesiovsk]], which saw [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]] rescued from imprisonment and returned to power.

== Early life ==
Levedeva was born an only child to an Ekklesiovskian family in 3001. Her parents died in the [[NCR-Ecclesiovsk Conflict|NCR-Ekklesiovsk Conflict]] when a bomb dropped and exploded in her residence while she was away at school. According to her associates at her university, this event traumatized and radicalized Levedeva, who joined the Pontifical States Armed Forces the following day.

== Military career ==
Levedeva entered the Pontifical States Army as a commissioned officer. By the time her training had completed, the [[Concordat of 3021]] (Treaty of Novenae) had already been ratified by [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]], and the defeat of the Pontifical States and its subsequent tributary status to the NCR cemented. Hoping for a combat-ready assignment, Levedeva was instead assigned as a mess officer in the [[Pontifical Palace]].

Levedeva held this position though to and until her introduction to Pontifex Konstantin IX, who reassigned her to be his Junior Personal Secretary under the Senior Viktor Novikov.

Konstantin IX personally nominated Levedeva for several military promotions during her assignment as his personal secretary, eventually bringing her to the status of Major-General, the youngest in the Pontical States Armed Forces history. Levedeva commanded a division of five thousand soldiers, frequently personally oversaw training, and many of whom would follow her orders in forming the Protector-General military government.

== Personal secretary to Konstantin IX ==
Levedeva's tenure as Konstantin IX's personal secretary has been the subject of much debate amongst journalists and persons of interest in the December Crises. Her rapid military promotions and exclusive access to the Pontifex as his personal secretary have prompted widespread rumors of a romantic affair. The topic has been censored in Pontifical States media spheres.

According to witnesses though Levedeva worked frequently from the Pontifical Palace, much of the secretarial duties were being performed by Senior Personal Secretary Viktor Novikov. Levedeva often neglected her official duties to the pontifex to pursue her military ambitions, with the pontifex's blessing.

== Protector-General ==
As reported after the Battle For Ekklesiovsk, Levedeva was the first official to uncover the Roberts-Lenkov conspiracy to abduct Konstantin IX and take power for themselves in the Pontifical States. Levedeva led the mission which discovered Konstantin in Lenkov's apartment bathroom. According to state reports, Levedeva refused to return Konstantin to power, taking him secretly to the jail at the Pontifical Palace and proclaiming the Protector-General government on the lie of continuing the search and mission to return Konstantin to power.

With the support of her division, much of it later revealed under false pretenses, Levedeva forced Lenkov and Roberts from the Pontifical Palace into hiding. While Levedeva attempted to secure her position, Roberts secured Lancastrian special forces backing in an effort to retake the government, while Lenkov secured private robotic forces from BlackCon, again under false pretenses.

Levedeva struggled both internally and internationally to solidify her control. Long-time generals of the army and admiralty were indecisive in choosing to support Levedeva, or hold back their own battalions for fear of reprisal should Levedeva fail. With Roberts having secured Lancastrian backing, Levedeva also had to dispense with forces to prevent a total Lancastrian blockade of the Pontifical States. During this action, Levedeva was deemed responsible for a near-attack on a Lancastrian mine-sweeping vessel, the only reported military engagement between the Kingdom of Lancastria and the Pontifical States in their near three century histories.

== Death and legacy ==
In the culminating Battle For Ekklesiovsk, Levedeva, Roberts, and Lenkov were all killed in action at the Pontifical Palace. Their bodies were buried together after the battle in the Northern Shipping Basin. Levedeva, along with Roberts and Lenkov, was posthumously stripped of all ranks and honors and her acts rendered nullified by Pontifex Konstantin IX.
[[Category:Dead]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Vera Levedeva

2026-04-29T16:03:56Z

ThePontificate:

{{CorpRP Character Infobox|title1=Vera Levedeva|image1=Vera Levedeva-portrait.png|caption1=Official military portrait, 3021|born=3001|died=3021|occupation=* Mess Officer, Pontifical States Army
* Junior Personal Secretary to the Pontifex
* Major-General, Pontifical States Army
* Protector-General, Pontifical States|education=* Pontifical State University (incomplete)
* Pontifical States Armed Forces Officer Academy|allegiance=Pontifical States|battles/wars=* Battle For Ekklesiovsk}}

Vera Levedeva was an Ekklesiovskian military leader who was a primary antagonist of the [[December Crises]] in 3021. Levedeva led the much challenged and short lived Protector-General government in the Pontifical States, vying for power against conspirators [[Yuri Lenkov]], and [[Talbot Roberts]]. She would die in the culminating [[Battle For Ekklesiovsk]], which saw [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]] rescued from imprisonment and returned to power.

== Early life ==
Levedeva was born an only child to an Ekklesiovskian family in 3001. Her parents died in the [[NCR-Ecclesiovsk Conflict|NCR-Ekklesiovsk Conflict]] when a bomb dropped and exploded in her residence while she was away at school. According to her associates at her university, this event traumatized and radicalized Levedeva, who joined the Pontifical States Armed Forces the following day.

== Military career ==
Levedeva entered the Pontifical States Army as a commissioned officer. By the time her training had completed, the [[Concordat of 3021]] (Treaty of Novenae) had already been ratified by [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]], and the defeat of the Pontifical States and its subsequent tributary status to the NCR cemented. Hoping for a combat-ready assignment, Levedeva was instead assigned as a mess officer in the [[Pontifical Palace]].

Levedeva held this position though to and until her introduction to Pontifex Konstantin IX, who reassigned her to be his Junior Personal Secretary under the Senior Viktor Novikov.

Konstantin IX personally nominated Levedeva for several military promotions during her assignment as his personal secretary, eventually bringing her to the status of Major-General, the youngest in the Pontical States Armed Forces history. Levedeva commanded a division of five thousand soldiers, frequently personally oversaw training, and many of whom would follow her orders in forming the Protector-General military government.

== Personal secretary to Konstantin IX ==
Levedeva's tenure as Konstantin IX's personal secretary has been the subject of much debate amongst journalists and persons of interest in the December Crises. Her rapid military promotions and exclusive access to the Pontifex as his personal secretary have prompted widespread rumors of a romantic affair. The topic has been censored in Pontifical States media spheres.

According to witnesses though Levedeva worked frequently from the Pontifical Palace, much of the secretarial duties were being performed by Senior Personal Secretary Viktor Novikov. Levedeva often neglected her official duties to the pontifex to pursue her military ambitions, with the pontifex's blessing.

== Protector-General ==
As reported after the Battle For Ekklesiovsk, Levedeva was the first official to uncover the Roberts-Lenkov conspiracy to abduct Konstantin IX and take power for themselves in the Pontifical States. Levedeva led the mission which discovered Konstantin in Lenkov's apartment bathroom. According to state reports, Levedeva refused to return Konstantin to power, taking him secretly to the jail at the Pontifical Palace and proclaiming the Protector-General government on the lie of continuing the search and mission to return Konstantin to power.

With the support of her division, much of it later revealed under false pretenses, Levedeva forced Lenkov and Roberts from the Pontifical Palace into hiding. While Levedeva attempted to secure her position, Roberts secured Lancastrian special forces backing in an effort to retake the government, while Lenkov secured private robotic forces from BlackCon, again under false pretenses.

Levedeva struggled both internally and internationally to solidify her control. Long-time generals of the army and admiralty were indecisive in choosing to support Levedeva, or hold back their own battalions for fear of reprisal should Levedeva fail. With Roberts having secured Lancastrian backing, Levedeva also had to dispense with forces to prevent a total Lancastrian blockade of the Pontifical States. During this action, Levedeva was held responsible for a near-attack on a Lancastrian mine-sweeping vessel, the only reported military engagement between the Kingdom of Lancastria and the Pontifical States in their near three century histories.

== Death and legacy ==
In the culminating Battle For Ekklesiovsk, Levedeva, Roberts, and Lenkov were all killed in action at the Pontifical Palace. Their bodies were buried together after the battle in the Northern Shipping Basin. Levedeva, along with Roberts and Lenkov, was posthumously stripped of all ranks and honors and her acts rendered nullified by Pontifex Konstantin IX.
[[Category:Dead]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Vera Levedeva

2026-04-29T16:00:48Z

ThePontificate:

{{CorpRP Character Infobox|title1=Vera Levedeva|image1=Vera Levedeva-portrait.png|caption1=Official military portrait, 3021|born=3001|died=3021|occupation=* Mess Officer, Pontifical States Army
* Junior Personal Secretary to the Pontifex
* Major-General, Pontifical States Army
* Protector-General, Pontifical States|education=* Pontifical State University (incomplete)
* Pontifical States Armed Forces Officer Academy|allegiance=Pontifical States|battles/wars=* Battle For Ekklesiovsk}}

Vera Levedeva was an Ekklesiovskian military leader who was a primary antagonist of the [[December Crises]] in 3021. Levedeva led the much challenged and short lived Protector-General government in the Pontifical States, vying for power against conspirators [[Yuri Lenkov]], and [[Talbot Roberts]]. She would die in the culminating [[Battle For Ekklesiovsk]], which saw [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]] rescued from imprisonment and returned to power.

== Early life ==
Levedeva was born an only child to an Ekklesiovskian family in 3001. Her parents died in the [[NCR-Ecclesiovsk Conflict|NCR-Ekklesiovsk Conflict]] when a bomb dropped and exploded in her residence while she was away at school. According to her associates at her university, this event traumatized and radicalized Levedeva, who joined the Pontifical States Armed Forces the following day.

== Military career ==
Levedeva entered the Pontifical States Army as a commissioned officer. By the time her training had completed, the [[Concordat of 3021]] (Treaty of Novenae) had already been ratified by [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]], and the defeat of the Pontifical States and its subsequent tributary status to the NCR cemented. Hoping for a combat-ready assignment, Levedeva was instead assigned as a mess officer in the [[Pontifical Palace]].

Levedeva held this position though to and until her introduction to Pontifex Konstantin IX, who reassigned her to be his Junior Personal Secretary under the Senior Viktor Novikov.

Konstantin IX personally nominated Levedeva for several military promotions during her assignment as his personal secretary, eventually bringing her to the status of Major-General, the youngest in the Pontical States Armed Forces history. Levedeva commanded a division of five thousand soldiers, frequently personally oversaw training, and many of whom would follow her orders in forming the Protector-General military government.

== Personal secretary to Konstantin IX ==
Levedeva's tenure as Konstantin IX's personal secretary has been the subject of much debate amongst journalists and persons of interest in the December Crises. Her rapid military promotions and exclusive access to the Pontifex as his personal secretary have prompted widespread rumors of a romantic affair. The topic has been censored in Pontifical States media spheres.

According to witnesses though Levedeva worked frequently from the Pontifical Palace, much of the secretarial duties were being performed by Senior Personal Secretary Viktor Novikov. Levedeva often neglected her official duties to the pontifex to pursue her military ambitions, with the pontifex's blessing.

== Protector-General ==
As reported after the Battle For Ekklesiovsk, Levedeva was the first official to uncover the Roberts-Lenkov conspiracy to abduct Konstantin IX and take power for themselves in the Pontifical States. Levedeva led the mission which discovered Konstantin in Lenkov's apartment bathroom. According to state reports, Levedeva refused to return Konstantin to power, taking him secretly to the jail at the Pontifical Palace and proclaiming the Protector-General government on the lie of continuing the search and mission to return Konstantin to power.

With the support of her division, much of it later revealed under false pretenses, Levedeva forced Lenkov and Roberts from the Pontifical Palace into hiding. While Levedeva attempted to secure her position, Roberts secured Lancastrian special forces backing in an effort to retake the government, while Lenkov secured private robotic forces from BlackCon, again all under false pretenses.

Levedeva struggled both internally and internationally to solidify her control. Long-time generals of the army and admiralty were indecisive in choosing to support Levedeva, or hold back their own battalions for fear of reprisal should Levedeva fail. With Roberts having secured Lancastrian backing, Levedeva also had to dispense with forces to prevent a total Lancastrian blockade of the Pontifical States. During this action, Levedeva was held responsible for a near-attack on a Lancastrian mine-sweeping vessel, the only reported military engagement between the Kingdom of Lancastria and the Pontifical States in their near three century histories.

== Death and legacy ==
In the culminating Battle For Ekklesiovsk, Levedeva, Roberts, and Lenkov were all killed in action at the Pontifical Palace. Their bodies were buried together after the battle in the Northern Shipping Basin. Levedeva, along with Roberts and Lenkov, was posthumously stripped of all ranks and honors and her acts rendered nullified by Pontifex Konstantin IX.
[[Category:Dead]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Vera Levedeva

2026-04-29T15:46:43Z

ThePontificate:

Vera Levedeva

2026-04-29T15:45:30Z

ThePontificate:

Vera Levedeva

2026-04-29T15:45:17Z

ThePontificate:

{{CorpRP Character Infobox|title1=Vera Levedeva|image1=Vera Levedeva-portrait.png|caption1=Official military portrait, 3021.|born=3001|died=3021|occupation=* Mess Officer, Pontifical States Army
* Junior Personal Secretary to the Pontifex
* Major-General, Pontifical States Army
* Protector-General, Pontifical States|education=* Pontifical State University (incomplete)
* Pontifical States Armed Forces Officer Academy|allegiance=Pontifical States|battles/wars=* Battle For Ekklesiovsk}}

Vera Levedeva was an Ekklesiovskian military leader who was a primary antagonist of the [[December Crises]] in 3021. Levedeva led the short lived Protector-General government in the Pontifical States, vying for power against conspirators [[Yuri Lenkov]], and [[Talbot Roberts]]. She would die in the culminating [[Battle For Ekklesiovsk]], which saw [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]] rescued from imprisonment and returned to power.

== Early life ==
Levedeva was born an only child to an Ekklesiovskian family in 3001. Her parents died in the [[NCR-Ecclesiovsk Conflict|NCR-Ekklesiovsk Conflict]] when a bomb dropped and exploded in her residence while she was away at school. According to her associates at her university, this event traumatized and radicalized Levedeva, who joined the Pontifical States Armed Forces the following day.

== Military career ==
Levedeva entered the Pontifical States Army as a commissioned officer. By the time her training had completed, the [[Concordat of 3021]] (Treaty of Novenae) had already been ratified by [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]], and the defeat of the Pontifical States and its subsequent tributary status to the NCR cemented. Hoping for a combat-ready assignment, Levedeva was instead assigned as a mess officer in the [[Pontifical Palace]].

Levedeva held this position though to and until her introduction to Pontifex Konstantin IX, who reassigned her to be his Junior Personal Secretary under the Senior Viktor Novikov.

Konstantin IX personally nominated Levedeva for several military promotions during her assignment as his personal secretary, eventually bringing her to the status of Major-General, the youngest in the Pontical States Armed Forces history. Levedeva commanded a division of five thousand soldiers, frequently personally oversaw training, and many of whom would follow her orders in forming the Protector-General military government.

== Personal secretary to Konstantin IX ==
Levedeva's tenure as Konstantin IX's personal secretary has been the subject of much debate amongst journalists and persons of interest in the December Crises. Her rapid military promotions and exclusive access to the Pontifex as his secretary have prompted widespread rumors of a romantic affair. The topic has been censored in Pontifical States media spheres.

== Protector-General ==

== Death and legacy ==
[[Category:Dead]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

File:Vera Levedeva-portrait.png

2026-04-29T15:40:50Z

ThePontificate:

Vera Levedeva

2026-04-29T02:14:48Z

ThePontificate:

Vera Levedeva was an Ekklesiovskian military leader who was a primary antagonist of the [[December Crises]] in 3021. Levedeva led the short lived Protector-General government in the Pontifical States, vying for power against conspirators [[Yuri Lenkov]], and [[Talbot Roberts]]. She would die in the culminating [[Battle For Ekklesiovsk]], which saw [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]] rescued from imprisonment and returned to power.

== Early life ==
Levedeva was born an only child to an Ekklesiovskian family in 3001. Her parents died in the [[NCR-Ecclesiovsk Conflict|NCR-Ekklesiovsk Conflict]] when a bomb dropped and exploded in her residence while she was away at school. According to her associates at her university, this event traumatized and radicalized Levedeva, who joined the Pontifical States Armed Forces the following day.

== Military career ==
Levedeva entered the Pontifical States Army as a commissioned officer. By the time her training had completed, the [[Concordat of 3021]] (Treaty of Novenae) had already been ratified by [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]], and the defeat of the Pontifical States and its subsequent tributary status to the NCR cemented. Hoping for a combat-ready assignment, Levedeva was instead assigned as a mess officer in the [[Pontifical Palace]].

Levedeva held this position though to and until her introduction to Pontifex Konstantin IX, who reassigned her to be his Junior Personal Secretary under the Senior Viktor Novikov.

Konstantin IX personally nominated Levedeva for several military promotions during her assignment as his personal secretary, eventually bringing her to the status of Major-General, the youngest in the Pontical States Armed Forces history. Levedeva commanded a division of five thousand soldiers, frequently personally oversaw training, and many of whom would follow her orders in forming the Protector-General military government.

== Personal secretary to Konstantin IX ==
Levedeva's tenure as Konstantin IX's personal secretary has been the subject of much debate amongst journalists and persons of interest in the December Crises. Her rapid military promotions and exclusive access to the Pontifex as his secretary have prompted widespread rumors of a romantic affair. The topic has been censored in Pontifical States media spheres.

== Protector-General ==

== Death and legacy ==
[[Category:Dead]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Vera Levedeva

2026-04-27T04:34:53Z

ThePontificate:

Vera Levedeva was an Ekklesiovskian military leader who was a primary antagonist of the December Crises in 3021. Levedeva led the short lived Protector-General government in the Pontifical States, vying for power against conspirators Yuri Lenkov, and Talbot Roberts. She would die in the culminating Battle For Ekklesiovsk, which saw Konstantin IX rescued from imprisonment and returned to power.

== Early life ==
Levedeva was born an only child to an Ekklesiovskian family in 3001. Her parents died in the NCR-Ekklesiovsk Conflict when a bomb dropped and exploded in her residence while she was away at school. According to her friends at her university, this event traumatized and radicalized Levedeva, who joined the Pontifical States Armed Forces the following day.

== Military career ==
Levedeva entered the Pontifical States Army as a commissioned officer. By the time her training had completed, the Concordat of 3021 (Treaty of Novenae) had already been ratified by Pontifex Rokossovsky, and the defeat of the Pontifical States and its subsequent tributary status to the NCR cemented. Hoping for a combat-ready assignment, Levedeva was instead assigned as a mess officer in the Pontifical Palace.

Levedeva held this position though to and until her introduction to Pontifex Konstantin IX, who reassigned her to be his Junior Personal Secretary under the Senior Viktor Novikov.

Konstantin IX personally nominated Levedeva for several military promotions during her assignment as his personal secretary, eventually bringing her to the status of Major-General, the youngest in the Pontical States Armed Forces history. Levedeva commanded a division of five thousand soldiers, frequently personally oversaw training, and many of whom would follow her orders in forming the Protector-General military government.

== Personal secretary to Konstantin IX ==
Levedeva's tenure as Konstantin IX's personal secretary has been the subject of much debate amongst journalists and persons of interest in the December Crises. Her rapid military promotions and exclusive access to the Pontifex as his secretary have prompted widespread rumors of a romantic affair. The topic has been censored in the Pontifical States media spheres.

== Protector-General ==

== Death and legacy ==
[[Category:Dead]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Vera Levedeva

2026-04-27T04:32:49Z

ThePontificate:

Vera Levedeva was an Ekklesiovskian military leader who was a primary antagonist of the December Crises in 3021. Levedeva led the short lived Protector-General government in the Pontifical States, vying for power against conspirators Yuri Lenkov, and Talbot Roberts. She would die in the culminating Battle For Ekklesiovsk, which saw Konstantin IX rescued from imprisonment and returned to power.

== Early life ==
Levedeva was born an only child to an Ekklesiovskian family in 3001. Her parents died in the NCR-Ekklesiovsk Conflict when a bomb dropped and exploded in her residence while she was away at school. According to her friends at her university, this event traumatized and radicalized Levedeva, who joined the Pontifical States Armed Forces the following day.

== Military career ==
Levedeva entered the Pontifical States Army as a commissioned officer. By the time her training had completed, the Concordat of 3021 (Treaty of Novenae) had already been ratified by Pontifex Rokossovsky, and the defeat of the Pontifical States and its subsequent tributary status to the NCR cemented. Hoping for a combat-ready assignment, Levedeva was instead assigned as a mess officer in the Pontifical Palace.

Levedeva held this position though to and until her introduction to Pontifex Konstantin IX, who reassigned her to be his Junior Personal Secretary under the Senior Viktor Novikov.

Konstantin IX personally nominated Levedeva for several military promotions during her assignment as his personal secretary, eventually bringing her to the status of Major-General, the youngest in the Pontical States Armed Forces History. Levedeva personally commanded a division of five thousand soldiers, many of whom would follow her orders in forming the Protector-General military government.

== Personal secretary to Konstantin IX ==
Levedeva's tenure as Konstantin IX's personal secretary has been the subject of much debate amongst journalists and persons of interest in the December Crises. Her rapid military promotions and exclusive access to the Pontifex as his secretary have prompted widespread rumors of a romantic affair. The topic has been censored in the Pontifical States media spheres.

== Protector-General ==

== Death and legacy ==
[[Category:Dead]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Talbot Roberts

2026-04-13T20:59:15Z

ThePontificate:

{{Pont-prelates|title1=Talbot Roberts|image1=Portrait talbot-roberts.png|caption1=Cardinal|caption2=Vicar-General of Ekklesiovsk|caption3=Official portrait of Talbot Roberts.|label1=Pontifical Church|label2=* Ekklesiovsk
*Puerto Xel-Palma|label4=Don Jordovsky|label6=* Bishop of Puerto Xel-Palma|label7=* Dean of the College of Cardinals|label16=Universalist|label11=Cardinal-Bishop|label12=2956, Ekklesiovsk|label15=22 January 3022 (aged 66) Pontifical Palace, Ekklesiovsk|label13=* Pontifical State University|label14=Ad Mundum "For the world."}}

Talbot Roberts was an [[Ecclesiovsk|Ekklesiovskian]] bishop and statesman. Roberts served as Vicar-General to [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]] from 3016 until Rokossovsky's death in 3020. Roberts was appointed bishop of the Xel-Palmas by [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]] until retiring on 31 January 3021.

Roberts was a key conspirator together with [[Yuri Lenkov]] in the [[December Crises]], which sought to remove Konstantin from power. Roberts deceived the Lancastrian government into providing special operations forces to assist him in taking the Pontifical Palace from the forces of Protector-General [[Vera Levedeva]]. He would die in the culminating [[Battle for Ekklesiovsk]] at the Pontifical Palace on 22 January 3022, along with Lenkov.

Konstantin IX posthumously stripped Roberts of all of his state and clerical offices, and rendered his acts nullified.

== Rising universalist ==
Roberts was one of few prominent [[Universalism|universalist]] prelates in the [[Pontifical Church]], supporting generally liberal reforms of the Pontifical Government, political freedoms, and most notably expanded missionary work of the Church opposed to [[Traditionalism|traditionalist]] isolationism policies. Roberts worked closely alongside vocal universalist Aleksandr Rokossovsky, later Pontifex Rokossovsky, during their careers as auxiliary bishops for the Diocese of Ekklesiovsk.

== Rokossovsky ==

=== Pontificate ===

==== Cardinal-Dean ====
Following Pontifex Rokossovskys election to the pontificate in 3020, Roberts was soon after elected Dean of the [[College of Cardinals]]. This is believed to be an acknowledgement of Rokossovsky's already rapidly depleting health, with the Dean being chiefly responsible for carrying out pontifical conclaves. As Dean, Roberts would hold significant sway over the next election that Rokossovsky may have expected would come soon.

==== Cardinal-Vicar ====
Originally appointing political moderate Cardinal [[Don Jordovsky]] to be the Vicar-General of the Diocese of Ekklesiovsk, citing Jordovsky's own health crises at the time Rokossovsky soon replaced Jordovsky with Roberts. Roberts would serve as acting head of state on several occasions when Rokossovsky underwent serious health episodes, and was primarily responsible for overseeing the ecclesiastical affairs of the diocese.

==== Evangelinz Universalis ====
With the promulgation of Pontifex Rokossovsky's bull on expanding church missionary work across the Doggerlands, Roberts served as a chief diplomat of Rokossovsky for the purpose of new parish construction. Roberts would travel to several nations including Arkania, the Neu Corporate Republik (NCR), Novenae, and Marino in the pursuit of church real estate and growing new congregations.

=== Rokossovsky's Death ===
Roberts was the only member of government present for Rokossovsky's death at the new Pontifical Palace in 3020. The death of Pontifex Rokossovsky marked the beginning of the end for Roberts political and diplomatic career in Ekklesiovsk.

==== Conclave ====
As Dean, Roberts presided over the following conclave and pursued the office for himself. Ultimately Roberts ended up with the second most votes in the early rounds of the conclave, and after eight days, favor soon shifted to give then Secretary of State Cardinal Vychaslav Reshevsky, later Pontifex Konstantin IX, the critical two-thirds majority.

Roberts campaigned heavily for the continuation of Rokossovsky's universalist agenda, however the damages from the [[NCR-Ecclesiovsk Conflict|NCR-Ekklesiovsk conflict]] and ongoing NCR federal rule of the Pontifical States swayed the College to favor the traditionalist diplomat Cardinal Reshevsky. Roberts coronated Reshevsky as Pontifex Konstantin IX in the palace square on 18 November 3020.

== Konstantin IX ==

=== Pontificate ===

==== Dismissal and exile ====
Pontifex Konstantin IX immediately dismissed Roberts as Cardinal-Vicar, with Cardinal Yuri Lenkov, the longtime Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and radical traditionalist, succeeding him. Roberts would soon also lose his seat as Cardinal-Dean, with Konstantin's protégé Secretary of State Cardinal [[Czeslav Musial]] taking his place.

Roberts was eventually dismissed from the pontifical government entirely, being installed as the bishop of Puerto Xel-Palma as a soft political exile, then the diocese of Cardinal Don Jordovsky.

==== Xel-Palma's conspiracy ====
During his tenure on the islands, Roberts and Vicar-General Lenkov formed a plan to remove Konstantin from power. Citing Konstantin's purge of church officials from cabinet and government positions, and alleged illicit relationship with his personal secretary Vera Levedeva, the bishops agreed on a course of action to abduct the pontifex on his return from an international visit to Lancastria, Dalkai, and BlackCon.

==== Body snatcher ====
As a last act before commencing the plot to remove Konstantin, Roberts secretly returned to Ekklesiovsk and removed the body of Pontifex Rokossovsky from his sarcophagus at the Archbasilica of Christ the Savior. Roberts reportedly flew Rokossovsky's body to the site of the new church administration site he and Rokossovsky had planned in Cyrene, but the body has never been rediscovered.

==== December Crises ====

===== Removing Konstantin =====
Konstantin was successfully abducted and removed from power on 28 September 3021, and imprisoned in secret for several months in a bathroom in Yuri Lenkov's estate. The conspirators told the public that the pontifex undertook a serious illness, and could not appear in public or fulfill the duties of the pontificate.

The following period marks the December Crises, a series of coups and various factions making plays for control of the Pontifical States in the absence of the pontifex. Talbot Roberts initially worked alongside Yuri Lenkov, who took over as acting Head of State, but the two conspirators were soon at odds with each other over Lenkov's extreme traditionalist policies and growing civil unrest.

===== Death =====
When the forces of proclaimed "Protector-General" Vera Levedeva took control of the pontifical palace on 6 November 3021, charging both Lenkov and Roberts with high treason and murder. Lenkov and Roberts fled separately to form coalitions of their own to retake power. Roberts established contact with the Lancastrian Government claiming legitimacy to call for a new conclave as the Cardinal-Dean. Prime Minister [[Logan Pawlowski]] would send Lancastrian Special Operations Forces to assist him in taking control of the palace from the Levedeva Government during the Battle for Ekklesiovsk. Roberts and Lenkov both died on 22 January 3022 in the palace from injuries sustained during the battle.

Roberts was posthumously stripped of all of his ecclesiastical ranks and his government acts rendered nullified by Pontifex Konstantin IX upon being restored to power. He was buried unceremoniously at sea along Lenkov, and Levedeva.
[[Category:Dead]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Vera Levedeva

2026-04-13T20:55:50Z

ThePontificate:

Born in 3001, Vera Levedeva was a Major in the Pontifical States Armed Forces. Originally serving as a Mess Sergeant in the Pontifical Palace, Levedeva became the Junior Secretary to Pontifex Konstantin IX.

[[Category:Dead]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Pontifex Konstantin IX

2026-04-13T20:54:46Z

ThePontificate:

{{Pont-Pontifexes(noncanonized)|title1=Konstantin IX|image1=Portrait konstantinIX.png|label1=The Pontifical Church|label2=17 November 3020|label4=Rokossovsky|label15=Don Jordovsky|label16=Czeslav Musial|label6=2985|label7=2987|label8=2995|label14=Pontifex Maximus|label9=2968|label11=* Rector St. Veronica Parish
* Archpriest Archbasilica of Christ the Saviour
* Apostolic Nuncio to Lancastria
* Auxiliary Bishop Diocese of Ekklesiovsk
* Prefect for the Congregation for Religious Life
* Cardinal Secretary of State|label17=Traditionalist|label12=* Pontifical State University
* PSU St. George Seminary|label13=fac me vas virtutis tuae
"Make me an instrument of thy power."}}Pontifex Konstantin IX, born Vychaslav Reshevsky, is the head of the [[Pontifical Church]] and ruler of the [[Pontifical States]] since 3020. Konstantin previously served as Secretary of State under Pontifex [[Pontifex Rokossovsky|Rokossovsky]]. Konstantin is a self proclaimed [[Traditionalism|traditionalist]], marking a return to the previously unbroken string of traditionalist pontifexes before Rokossovsky.

When Konstantin assumed office, the Pontifical States remained a tributary state of the Neu Corporate Republik. Upholding the Treaty of Novenae, Konstantin kept the nations military forces out of the NCR-IDO War, and declared independence from the Republik in 3021. Since then, Konstantin has aligned his government with traditional Church allies through the royal families of the Balancin Kingdoms, Lancastria, and Byfair. Konstantin presided over the coronations of [[Charles VI]], [[Edward I of Lancastria|Edward]], [[Maximilian Augustus|Maximillian Augustus]], [[Jan Maurice Austen]], [[Kaito Aumākua|Kaito Aumākua I]], and [[John II]].

Konstantin is widely considered a chief architect behind the restoration of the [[Holy Roman Empire]] on 1 January 3025, of which the Pontifical States were a founding member.

== Career ==

==== Secretary of State ====
During his years as Secretary of State, Reshevsky negotiated on behalf of Ecclesia in the peace talks following the [[NCR-Ecclesiovsk Conflict|NCR-Ekklesiovsk Conflict]], and negotiated the terms for the Pontifical States to enter the Republik as the Thirteenth Prefecture. Under his leadership, the pontifical delegation negotiated an end to the country’s status as a tributary state and retained the Pontifical government’s control over domestic affairs, notably including widespread freedoms for Taurans within the state. In return the country ended a centuries long foreign policy of absolute political isolation by joining the Republik and ceding control of foreign affairs to the NCR federal government.

== Pontificate ==
Since taking office as Pontifex, Konstantin declared independence following the collapse of the NCR in the NCR-IDO War. He has reversed several of the political universalist policies of Pontifex Rokossovsky, but has made strong efforts to support Christian monarchies throughout the Doggerlands. Most notably, he issued a decree to [[Rockfield]] citizens demanding the restoration of the Balancin Monarchy in a public referendum. On March 8 3021, Konstantin coronated [[Charles VI]] of Rockfield, restoring the Balancin Crown after 35 years of vacancy.

==== December Crisis ====
Konstantin was temporarily removed from power during the [[December Crisis]] of 3021. A coalition led by former Vicar-General [[Talbot Roberts]] and Vicar-General [[Yuri Lenkov]] abducted Konstantin and seized control of the Pontifical Government under the claim of Konstantin’s medical incapacity to rule. The acting government under Lenkov was unseated by a military coup d'etat which claimed to hold power under the premise of returning Konstantin to office. Following a final clash between the Lancastrian Special Forces, the Protector-General Government forces under [[Vera Levedeva]], and the Lenkov acting government forces, Konstantin was found to be illegally held from returning to office by the Protector-General. He was restored to power on January 22, 3022.

==== Rockfield ====
Following the December Crisis Konstantin remained out of the international scene, with the exception of calling the first [[Ecumenical Councils of the Pontifical Church|Ecumenical Council]] of the Pontifical Church since the Second Council of Ecclesia in 2781. The [[Council of Lancastria]], held at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel from August-September of 3022, reunited the Pontifical Church and the schismatic Rockfield Christian Church. The Rockfield Church, which had broken away following the Rockfield Succession Crisis, was reintegrated as the Rockfield Rite, a special sect of the Pontifical Church which recognizes the unique elements and heritage of the Church in Rockfield. The Rite is administered by the King of Rockfield in his capacity as a Legate of the Church.

Most recently, Pontifex Konstantin has issued a papal bull ''Quia Regnum et Potestas'' in which he supports and recognizes the independence of the Kingdom of Rockfield from the Republic of [[Wiltshire]], and calls for individual members of the faith to act in support of the movement for independence.
[[Category:Biographies]]
[[Category:Alive]]

Pontifex Konstantin IX

2026-04-13T20:52:41Z

ThePontificate:

{{Pont-Pontifexes(noncanonized)|title1=Konstantin IX|image1=Portrait konstantinIX.png|label1=The Pontifical Church|label2=17 November 3020|label4=Rokossovsky|label15=Don Jordovsky|label16=Czeslav Musial|label6=2985|label7=2987|label8=2995|label14=Pontifex Maximus|label9=2968|label11=* Rector St. Veronica Parish
* Archpriest Archbasilica of Christ the Saviour
* Apostolic Nuncio to Lancastria
* Auxiliary Bishop Diocese of Ekklesiovsk
* Prefect for the Congregation for Religious Life
* Cardinal Secretary of State|label17=Traditionalist|label12=* Pontifical State University
* PSU St. George Seminary|label13=fac me vas virtutis tuae
"Make me an instrument of thy power."}}Pontifex Konstantin IX, born Vychaslav Reshevsky, is the head of the [[Pontifical Church]] and ruler of the [[Pontifical States]] since 3020. Konstantin previously served as Secretary of State under Pontifex [[Pontifex Rokossovsky|Rokossovsky]]. Konstantin is a self proclaimed [[Traditionalism|traditionalist]], marking a return to the previously unbroken string of traditionalist pontifexes before Rokossovsky.

When Konstantin assumed office, the Pontifical States remained a tributary state of the Neu Corporate Republik. Upholding the Treaty of Novenae, Konstantin kept the nations military forces out of the NCR-IDO War, and declared independence from the Republik in 3021. Since then, Konstantin has aligned his government with traditional Church allies through the royal families of the Balancin Kingdoms, Lancastria, and Byfair. Konstantin presided over the coronations of [[Charles VI]], [[Edward I of Lancastria|Edward]], [[Maximilian Augustus|Maximillian Augustus]], [[Jan Maurice Austen]], [[Kaito Aumākua|Kaito Aumākua I]], and [[John II]].

Konstantin is widely considered a chief architect behind the restoration of the [[Holy Roman Empire]] on 1 January 3025, of which the Pontifical States were a founding member.

== Career ==

==== Secretary of State ====
During his years as Secretary of State, Reshevsky negotiated on behalf of Ecclesia in the peace talks following the [[NCR-Ecclesiovsk Conflict|NCR-Ekklesiovsk Conflict]], and negotiated the terms for the Pontifical States to enter the Republik as the Thirteenth Prefecture. Under his leadership, the pontifical delegation negotiated an end to the country’s status as a tributary state and retained the Pontifical government’s control over domestic affairs, notably including widespread freedoms for Taurans within the state. In return the country ended a centuries long foreign policy of absolute political isolation by joining the Republik and ceding control of foreign affairs to the NCR federal government.

== Pontificate ==
Since taking office as Pontifex, Konstantin declared independence following the collapse of the NCR in the NCR-IDO War. He has reversed several of the political universalist policies of Pontifex Rokossovsky, but has made strong efforts to support Christian monarchies throughout the Doggerlands. Most notably, he issued a decree to [[Rockfield]] citizens demanding the restoration of the Balancin Monarchy in a public referendum. On March 8 3021, Konstantin coronated [[Charles VI]] of Rockfield, restoring the Balancin Crown after 35 years of vacancy.

==== December Crisis ====
Konstantin was temporarily removed from power during the [[December Crisis]] of 3021. A coalition led by former Vicar-General [[Talbot Roberts]] and Vicar-General [[Yuri Lenkov]] abducted Konstantin and seized control of the Pontifical Government under the illusion of Konstantin’s incapacity to rule. The acting government under Lenkov was unseated by a military coup d'etat which claimed to hold power under the premise of returning Konstantin to office. Following a final clash between the Lancastrian Special Forces, the Protector-General Government forces under [[Vera Levedeva]], and the Lenkov acting government forces, Konstantin was found to be illegally held from returning to office by the Protector-General. He was restored to power on January 22, 3022.

==== Rockfield ====
Following the December Crisis Konstantin remained out of the international scene, with the exception of calling the first [[Ecumenical Councils of the Pontifical Church|Ecumenical Council]] of the Pontifical Church since the Second Council of Ecclesia in 2781. The [[Council of Lancastria]], held at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel from August-September of 3022, reunited the Pontifical Church and the schismatic Rockfield Christian Church. The Rockfield Church, which had broken away following the Rockfield Succession Crisis, was reintegrated as the Rockfield Rite, a special sect of the Pontifical Church which recognizes the unique elements and heritage of the Church in Rockfield. The Rite is administered by the King of Rockfield in his capacity as a Legate of the Church.

Most recently, Pontifex Konstantin has issued a papal bull ''Quia Regnum et Potestas'' in which he supports and recognizes the independence of the Kingdom of Rockfield from the Republic of [[Wiltshire]], and calls for individual members of the faith to act in support of the movement for independence.
[[Category:Biographies]]
[[Category:Alive]]

Pontifex Konstantin IX

2026-04-13T20:51:59Z

ThePontificate:

{{Pont-Pontifexes(noncanonized)|title1=Konstantin IX|image1=Portrait konstantinIX.png|label1=The Pontifical Church|label2=17 November 3020|label4=Rokossovsky|label15=Don Jordovsky|label16=Czeslav Musial|label6=2985|label7=2987|label8=2995|label14=Pontifex Maximus|label9=2968|label11=* Rector St. Veronica Parish
* Archpriest Archbasilica of Christ the Saviour
* Apostolic Nuncio to Lancastria
* Auxiliary Bishop Diocese of Ekklesiovsk
* Prefect for the Congregation for Religious Life
* Cardinal Secretary of State|label17=Traditionalist|label12=* Pontifical State University
* PSU St. George Seminary|label13=fac me vas virtutis tuae
"Make me an instrument of thy power."}}Pontifex Konstantin IX, born Vychaslav Reshevsky, is the head of the [[Pontifical Church]] and ruler of the [[Pontifical States]] since 3020. Konstantin previously served as Secretary of State under Pontifex [[Pontifex Rokossovsky|Rokossovsky]]. Konstantin is a self proclaimed [[Traditionalism|traditionalist]], marking a return to the previously unbroken string of traditionalist pontifexes before Rokossovsky.

When Konstantin assumed office, the Pontifical States remained a tributary state of the Neu Corporate Republik. Upholding the Treaty of Novenae, Konstantin kept the nations military forces out of the NCR-IDO War, and declared independence from the Republik in 3021. Since then, Konstantin has aligned his government with traditional Church allies through the royal families of the Balancin Kingdoms, Lancastria, and Byfair. Konstantin presided over the coronations of [[Charles VI]], [[Edward I of Lancastria|Edward]], [[Maximilian Augustus|Maximillian Augustus]], [[Jan Maurice Austen]], [[Kaito Aumākua|Kaito Aumākua I]], and [[John II]].

Konstantin is widely considered a chief architect behind the restoration of the [[Holy Roman Empire]] on 1 January 3025, of which the Pontifical States were a founding member.

== Career ==

==== Secretary of State ====
During his years as Secretary of State, Reshevsky negotiated on behalf of Ecclesia in the peace talks following the [[NCR-Ecclesiovsk Conflict|NCR-Ekklesiovsk Conflict]], and negotiated the terms for the Pontifical States to enter the Republik as the Thirteenth Prefecture. Under his leadership, the pontifical delegation negotiated an end to the country’s status as a tributary state and retained the Pontifical government’s full control over domestic affairs, notably including widespread freedoms for Taurans within the state. In return the country ended a centuries long foreign policy of absolute political isolation by joining the Republik and ceding control of foreign affairs to the NCR federal government.

== Pontificate ==
Since taking office as Pontifex, Konstantin declared independence following the collapse of the NCR in the NCR-IDO War. He has reversed several of the political universalist policies of Pontifex Rokossovsky, but has made strong efforts to support Christian monarchies throughout the Doggerlands. Most notably, he issued a decree to [[Rockfield]] citizens demanding the restoration of the Balancin Monarchy in a public referendum. On March 8 3021, Konstantin coronated [[Charles VI]] of Rockfield, restoring the Balancin Crown after 35 years of vacancy.

==== December Crisis ====
Konstantin was temporarily removed from power during the [[December Crisis]] of 3021. A coalition led by former Vicar-General [[Talbot Roberts]] and Vicar-General [[Yuri Lenkov]] abducted Konstantin and seized control of the Pontifical Government under the illusion of Konstantin’s incapacity to rule. The acting government under Lenkov was unseated by a military coup d'etat which claimed to hold power under the premise of returning Konstantin to office. Following a final clash between the Lancastrian Special Forces, the Protector-General Government forces under [[Vera Levedeva]], and the Lenkov acting government forces, Konstantin was found to be illegally held from returning to office by the Protector-General. He was restored to power on January 22, 3022.

==== Rockfield ====
Following the December Crisis Konstantin remained out of the international scene, with the exception of calling the first [[Ecumenical Councils of the Pontifical Church|Ecumenical Council]] of the Pontifical Church since the Second Council of Ecclesia in 2781. The [[Council of Lancastria]], held at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel from August-September of 3022, reunited the Pontifical Church and the schismatic Rockfield Christian Church. The Rockfield Church, which had broken away following the Rockfield Succession Crisis, was reintegrated as the Rockfield Rite, a special sect of the Pontifical Church which recognizes the unique elements and heritage of the Church in Rockfield. The Rite is administered by the King of Rockfield in his capacity as a Legate of the Church.

Most recently, Pontifex Konstantin has issued a papal bull ''Quia Regnum et Potestas'' in which he supports and recognizes the independence of the Kingdom of Rockfield from the Republic of [[Wiltshire]], and calls for individual members of the faith to act in support of the movement for independence.
[[Category:Biographies]]
[[Category:Alive]]

Ekklesiovsk

2026-04-12T16:09:22Z

ThePontificate:

The capital and largest city of the [[Pontifical States]], situated on the northern shore of the [[Northern Doggerland Shipping Basin]]. It has a population estimated around nine hundred thousand. The history, population, geography, and politics of Ekklesiovsk are largely synonymous with those of the Pontifical States at large, the capital making up for over ninety percent of the nations people and territory and having no local government. It is known primarily for being the seat of the [[Pontifex Konstantin IX|Pontifex]] and the [[Pontifical Church]], leading the Pontifical States politically and the wider world spiritually.

Ekklesiovsk was the second settlement founded in the [[Arkhangelsk-Doggerland Migration]] of Russian peoples moving to the Doggerland, after [[St. George]]. Lack of area on St. George led to the establishment of the [[Konstantin Kremlin]] and surrounding Ekklesiovsk, with the Church soon making the city its new permanent seat where it has remained since.

The city possesses a relatively diversified industry, largely supporting maritime trade, industrial manufacturing, tourism, and as of 3025 is home to the [[Holy Roman Empire]] (HRE) financial marketplace, the Imperial Stock Exchange.

The city is recognized for its historically recreated Russian architecture, displayed among the various churches and kremlins. Of special significance are the Pontifical Palace, Konstantine Kremlin, St. George Kremlin, and Archbasilica of Christ the Saviour.

== Etymology ==
The city's name is derived from the Greek "Ecclesia" meaning the Church, or the people of the Church. The name has been adapted in the Russian language and Cyrillic alphabet to represent Cyrillic transliterations and to include the suffix "ovsk" appropriate to Russian cities.

Ekklesiovsk

2026-04-12T16:04:30Z

ThePontificate: Created page with "The capital and largest city of the Pontifical States, situated on the northern shore of the Northern Doggerland Shipping Basin. It has a population estimated around nine hundred thousand. The history, population, geography, and politics of Ekklesiovsk are largely synonymous with those of the Pontifical States at large, the capital making up for over ninety percent of the nations people and territory and having no local government. It is known primarily for being the..."

The capital and largest city of the [[Pontifical States]], situated on the northern shore of the Northern Doggerland Shipping Basin. It has a population estimated around nine hundred thousand. The history, population, geography, and politics of Ekklesiovsk are largely synonymous with those of the Pontifical States at large, the capital making up for over ninety percent of the nations people and territory and having no local government. It is known primarily for being the seat of the Pontifex and the Pontifical Church, leading the Pontifical States politically and the wider world spiritually.

Ekklesiovsk was the second settlement founded in the Arkhangelsk-Doggerland Migration of Russian peoples moving to the Doggerland, after St. George. Lack of area on St. George led to the establishment of the [[Konstantin Kremlin]] and surrounding Ekklesiovsk, with the Church soon making the city its new permanent seat where it has remained since.

The city possesses a higher than average industrial diversity, largely supporting maritime trade, industrial manufacturing, tourism, and as of 3025 is home to the Holy Roman Empire (HRE) financial marketplace, the Imperial Stock Exchange.

The city is recognized for its historically recreated Russian architecture, displayed among the various churches and kremlins. Of special significance are the Pontifical Palace, Konstantine Kremlin, St. George Kremlin, and Archbasilica of Christ the Saviour.

Lancastria

2026-04-12T15:48:55Z

ThePontificate:

{{CorpRP_Nation_Infobox|title1 = Lancastria|caption1 = The Cross of Lancastria, with the Tudor Rose in the center.|full_name = Second Kingdom of Lancastria|capital = Lancaster|official_languages = English|government = Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy|head_of_state = [[Edward I of Lancastria]] (as king)
----
Joshua Whitney (as prime minister)|formation = Kingdom first established in 7/22/2815, then rebuilt into the Federation in 3/20/2914. The aftermath of the 3022 Lancastrian Civil War and subsequent New Kingdom Act of 3022 fully split Lancastria from the Federation of Canada to create the Second Kingdom of Lancastria on 12/16/3022.|population = ~1,400,000|demonym = Lancastrian|ethnic_groups = 72% North American, 15% Eastern European, 5% British Islander, 4% East Asian, 3% Other Terran, 1% Tauran.|image1 = NewLancastriaFlag2019.png}}

'''Lancastria''', officially the '''Second Kingdom of Lancastria''', is a constitutional monarchy located primarily in the southern region of the Doggerlands, near and including parts of the Doggerland Bank. Lancastria is a nation dominated mostly by the metro area of Lancaster and Aleksandra, but is officially broken up into smaller governing cities and towns. Made up mostly of refugees from the central and northern parts of North America, Lancastria is a diverse city, which also has significant Eastern European and East Asian peoples. It is home to several large corporations, such as [[Agency Industries|Agency Industries (A.I.)]], the [[Northern Continental Corporation|Northern Continental Corporation (N.C.)]], [[NorthEast Industries|NorthEast Industries (N.E.I.)]], and the [[Avro Corporation]].

== History ==
With the aftermath of the meteor around 2350, the regions that were once under the control of the nations of Canada and the United States collapsed into a anarchical state. The following centuries warlords, minor states, and corporations would begin to rise out of the ashes of the once two great nations, and fight for control over North America.

In the late 2700s, an expedition force likely from northwestern Europe reached the shores of what would eventually become the First Kingdom of Lancastria. Led by a man known as "Sir. Halifax," the force would arrive in the southwestern shores of the Hudson Bay and make friends with a thriving port city, made up mostly of people that called themselves "Lancastrians". While its unsure why that is, its believed that the large presence of red Canadian roses within the region combined with an inaccurate historical connection at the time of red roses with Lancashire caused them to believe they are Lancashire, or a new version of it. Originally, the purpose of Sir. Halifax's expedition forces were to re-forge friendly connections across the Atlantic, but instability back in Europe caused him to stay in the North American continent. His expertise become useful to the Lancastrians, which sought to be the nation that would bring stability back to the northern part of the continent, to become the "Second Canada." By the early 2800s the influence of the city spread rapidly across the Hudson Bay and further into the interior of the continent. After they had defeated some of the major neighboring city-states and warlords, the man in charge of both the military and the Lancastrian port city was crowned as the first King of the new Kingdom of Lancastria. Sir. Halifax would die a few years after.

As time progressed, the Kingdom of Lancastria flourished and expanded, acquiring more lands and bringing in new people into its fold. But what limited its capacity was both the swampy and rocky conditions of the Canadian Shield, and the lack of some resources as a result of over-mining many centuries ago before the meteor. As the Crown became more authoritarian and forced more people under its mandate to become the new Canada, uprisings grew. This came to a head in 2914 just a year before the 100th year anniversary of the Kingdom, when a nation-wide protest sought to put an end to the Crown's unchecked powers and usher in a new age for the nation for what it saw as the next "century" for the Lancastrian state. Despite resistance by the Crown, the protesters eventually succeeded, and helped create the first Parliament of Lancastria, and as a result the Federation of Lancastria was created. After this the Crown sought further expansion outside of North America, and began making deals for new territories and Crown lands elsewhere, especially in a part of Europe known as the Doggerlands. To gain Parliament approval, the lands were mostly brought in as a new oversees territory centered around the small port town of Port Mentha, with the Crown retaining some properties within this new territory around a small French village, Mirkwood.

The new Federation of Lancastria stayed relatively stable until the late 2900s, when a global war between the allies of the Coalition of Federated Planets and the allies of the Chisel Enterprises Corporation [CE]. This war devastated much of Terra, and brought the resource-limited conditions of North America to an even worse condition. While Lancastria did not participate in the war due to it being far smaller in power than either side, it was a known friendly state to the Coalition of Federated Planets, and as a result of CE winning the war, they made the trading and and surviving nearly unbearable for the smaller Lancastria. At the same time prosperity for the European region known as the Doggerlands was increasing, and new resources were being found. As Lancastria already had a small territory in the Doggerlands, they sought to emigrate some of their population over to there. A new capital city for the Federation of Lancastria was created, called Lancaster, and the nearby town of St. Joseph was merged with Lancaster to give it more area to grow and prosper. By the early 3000s a majority of Lancastria's population was in the Doggerlands.

Lancastria's Doggerland territory would continue to grow, while its North American territories would continue to decline. It was eventually decided soon after Lancastria's capital was moved to the Doggerlands that the Doggerland territory and the North American territories should split to become two separate counties so that both nations could focus better on their regions. By the early 3010s this split was mostly complete, with a new Federation of Canada being made for the North American territories, but Lancastria still oversaw the foreign relations for Canada. Around 3020 a massive war would break out in the Doggerland region between the International Defense Organization [IDO] which included Lancastria, and the Neu Corporate Republik [NCR]. This saw Lancastria put to its limits in combat, which resulted in a Civil War in 3022 between the Lancastrian Doggerland cities of Aleksandra and Avonlea against the rest of Lancastria. While Aleksandra and Avonlea would fail to win, the resulting legislation in late 3022 to resolve many of the causes of the Civil War also created the official and full separation between Lancastria and Canada.

== List of Prime Ministers (2914 - present) ==
The position of Prime Minister of Lancastria was established upon Confederation in 2914, with Sydney Denton being elected the first Prime Minister. Since, there have been x Prime Ministers. Prime Minister [[Harrison Rhodes]] served as Prime Minister from 3016 to 3021, Prime Minister Logan Pawlowski served as Prime Minister from 3021 to 3022, Prime Minister Claire Hau served as Prime Minister from 3022 to 3025, and Prime Minister Joshua Whitney has served from 3025 to present.
[[Category:Alive]]
[[Category:Governments]]
[[Category:National Government]]

Lancastria

2026-04-12T15:47:51Z

ThePontificate:

{{CorpRP_Nation_Infobox|title1 = Lancastria|caption1 = The Cross of Lancastria, with the Tudor Rose in the center.|full_name = Second Kingdom of Lancastria|capital = Lancaster|official_languages = English|government = Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy|head_of_state = [[Edward I of Lancastria]] (as king)
----
Joshua Whitney (as prime minister)|formation = Kingdom first established in 7/22/2815, then rebuilt into the Federation in 3/20/2914. The aftermath of the 3022 Lancastrian Civil War and subsequent New Kingdom Act of 3022 fully split Lancastria from the Federation of Canada to create the Second Kingdom of Lancastria on 12/16/3022.|population = ~1,400,000|demonym = Lancastrian|ethnic_groups = 72% North American, 15% Eastern European, 5% British Islander, 4% East Asian, 3% Other Terran, 1% Tauran.|image1 = NewLancastriaFlag2019.png}}

'''Lancastria''', officially the '''Second Kingdom of Lancastria''', is a constitutional monarchy located primarily in the southern region of the Doggerlands, near and including parts of the Doggerland Bank. Lancastria is a nation dominated mostly by the metro area of Lancaster and Aleksandra, but is officially broken up into smaller governing cities and towns. Made up mostly of refugees from the central and northern parts of North America, Lancastria is a diverse city, which also has significant Eastern European and East Asian peoples. It is home to several large corporations, such as [[Agency Industries|Agency Industries (A.I.)]], the [[Northern Continental Corporation|Northern Continental Corporation (N.C.)]], [[NorthEast Industries|NorthEast Industries (N.E.I.)]], and the [[Avro Corporation]].

== History ==
With the aftermath of the meteor around 2350, the regions that were once under the control of the nations of Canada and the United States collapsed into a anarchical state. The following centuries warlords, minor states, and corporations would begin to rise out of the ashes of the once two great nations, and fight for control over North America.

In the late 2700s, an expedition force likely from northwestern Europe reached the shores of what would eventually become the First Kingdom of Lancastria. Led by a man known as "Sir. Halifax," the force would arrive in the southwestern shores of the Hudson Bay and make friends with a thriving port city, made up mostly of people that called themselves "Lancastrians". While its unsure why that is, its believed that the large presence of red Canadian roses within the region combined with an inaccurate historical connection at the time of red roses with Lancashire caused them to believe they are Lancashire, or a new version of it. Originally, the purpose of Sir. Halifax's expedition forces were to re-forge friendly connections across the Atlantic, but instability back in Europe caused him to stay in the North American continent. His expertise become useful to the Lancastrians, which sought to be the nation that would bring stability back to the northern part of the continent, to become the "Second Canada." By the early 2800s the influence of the city spread rapidly across the Hudson Bay and further into the interior of the continent. After they had defeated some of the major neighboring city-states and warlords, the man in charge of both the military and the Lancastrian port city was crowned as the first King of the new Kingdom of Lancastria. Sir. Halifax would die a few years after.

As time progressed, the Kingdom of Lancastria flourished and expanded, acquiring more lands and bringing in new people into its fold. But what limited its capacity was both the swampy and rocky conditions of the Canadian Shield, and the lack of some resources as a result of over-mining many centuries ago before the meteor. As the Crown became more authoritarian and forced more people under its mandate to become the new Canada, uprisings grew. This came to a head in 2914 just a year before the 100th year anniversary of the Kingdom, when a nation-wide protest sought to put an end to the Crown's unchecked powers and usher in a new age for the nation for what it saw as the next "century" for the Lancastrian state. Despite resistance by the Crown, the protesters eventually succeeded, and helped create the first Parliament of Lancastria, and as a result the Federation of Lancastria was created. After this the Crown sought further expansion outside of North America, and began making deals for new territories and Crown lands elsewhere, especially in a part of Europe known as the Doggerlands. To gain Parliament approval, the lands were mostly brought in as a new oversees territory centered around the small port town of Port Mentha, with the Crown retaining some properties within this new territory around a small French village, Mirkwood.

The new Federation of Lancastria stayed relatively stable until the late 2900s, when a global war between the allies of the Coalition of Federated Planets and the allies of the Chisel Enterprises Corporation [CE]. This war devastated much of Terra, and brought the resource-limited conditions of North America to an even worse condition. While Lancastria did not participate in the war due to it being far smaller in power than either side, it was a known friendly state to the Coalition of Federated Planets, and as a result of CE winning the war, they made the trading and and surviving nearly unbearable for the smaller Lancastria. At the same time prosperity for the European region known as the Doggerlands was increasing, and new resources were being found. As Lancastria already had a small territory in the Doggerlands, they sought to emigrate some of their population over to there. A new capital city for the Federation of Lancastria was created, called Lancaster, and the nearby town of St. Joseph was merged with Lancaster to give it more area to grow and prosper. By the early 3000s a majority of Lancastria's population was in the Doggerlands.

Lancastria's Doggerland territory would continue to grow, while its North American territories would continue to decline. It was eventually decided soon after Lancastria's capital was moved to the Doggerlands that the Doggerland territory and the North American territories should split to become two separate counties so that both nations could focus better on their regions. By the early 3010s this split was mostly complete, with a new Federation of Canada being made for the North American territories, but Lancastria still oversaw the foreign relations for Canada. Around 3020 a massive war would break out in the Doggerland region between the International Defense Organization [IDO] which included Lancastria, and the Neu Corporate Republik [NCR]. This saw Lancastria put to its limits in combat, which resulted in a Civil War in 3022 between the Lancastrian Doggerland cities of Aleksandra and Avonlea against the rest of Lancastria. While Aleksandra and Avonlea would fail to win, the resulting legislation in late 3022 to resolve many of the causes of the Civil War also created the official and full separation between Lancastria and Canada.

== List of Prime Ministers (2914 - present) ==
The position of Prime Minister of Lancastria was established upon Confederation in 2914, with Sydney Denton being elected the first Prime Minister. Since, there have been x Prime Ministers. Prime Minister [[Harrison Rhodes]] served as Prime Minister from 3016 to 3021, Prime Minister Logan Pawlowski served as Prime Minister from 3021 to 3022, and Prime Minister Claire Hau served as Prime Minister from 3022 to today.
[[Category:Alive]]
[[Category:Governments]]
[[Category:National Government]]

Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges

2026-03-22T18:32:58Z

ThePontificate:

The Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges refers to the mass turnover of senior members of both the [[Cabinet of the Pontifical Chuch|Cabinet of the Pontifical Church]] and [[Cabinet of the Pontifical States]] by [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]] after assuming office in 3020. The firing of nearly all of the top level and many other officials in the executive departments, a highly atypical act in the [[Pontifical States]] where cabinet members traditionally serve continuously through administrations, led directly to increased frustrations with the pontifex and a select number of previous officials turning against him in the [[December Crises]] of the same year.

== Background ==
The lead up to the cabinet purges is generally attributed to various appointments to the cabinet by [[Pontifex Rokossovsky]]. The first [[Universalism|universalist]] pontifex, and controversial for his actions in the [[NCR-Ecclesiovsk Conflict|NCR-Ekklesiovsk Conflict]] and its aftermath, resulted in his universalist appointments being viewed with increased scrutiny by the [[Traditionalism|traditionalists]] in the government. In particular, the appointment of Rokossovsky's longtime universalist ally Vicar-General, [[Talbot Roberts]], who was viewed by opponents as more radical than Rokossovsky, was the target of much of the anti-universalist blame following Rokossovsky's death in 3020.
[[Category:Politics]]
[[Category:History & Geography]]

Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges

2026-03-22T18:24:58Z

ThePontificate:

Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges

2026-03-21T05:51:38Z

ThePontificate:

Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges

2026-03-21T03:03:34Z

ThePontificate:

Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet purge

2026-03-21T03:00:52Z

ThePontificate: ThePontificate moved page Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet purge to Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges

#REDIRECT [[Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges]]

Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges

2026-03-21T03:00:52Z

ThePontificate: ThePontificate moved page Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet purge to Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges

The Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet purge refers to the mass turnover of senior members of both the Cabinet of the Pontifical Church and Cabinet of the Pontifical States by Konstantin IX after assuming office in 3020. The firing of nearly all of the top level and many other officials in the executive departments, a highly atypical act in the Pontifical States where cabinet members usually serve extended terms regardless of a change in the pontificate, led directly to increased frustration with the Pontifex and a select number turning against him in the December Crises of the same year.

Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet Purges

2026-03-21T03:00:13Z

ThePontificate: Created page with "The Pontifical States 3021 Cabinet purge refers to the mass turnover of senior members of both the Cabinet of the Pontifical Church and Cabinet of the Pontifical States by Konstantin IX after assuming office in 3020. The firing of nearly all of the top level and many other officials in the executive departments, a highly atypical act in the Pontifical States where cabinet members usually serve extended terms regardless of a change in the pontificate, led directly to incr..."

A Union

2026-01-31T01:56:12Z

ThePontificate:

== Part I — A Union ==
''By TheWillco''

Julian entered Clement Tower just after sunrise.

He rode the elevator to the top floor, keycard in hand, and stepped into his office.

Mara, his assistant, was already there — coffee on his desk, folders stacked in neat piles.

“Morning, Director.”

“Morning.”

He sat, loosened his tie, and opened the top folder.

Loan approvals. Sign here. Initial there.

“Anything urgent?” he asked.

“Just the usual — one flagged transfer from the docks, a few overdue accounts.”

He nodded. “I’ll handle it.”

She hesitated. “Yes, sir.” Then left the room.

The office fell silent again except for the scratch of his pen. Numbers, signatures, routine.

Then the black phone rang.

He glanced at it once before answering.

“Clement Credit Union.”

“Weather’s changing,” said a low voice.

“Not for another week.”

“Then you’d better close the windows.”

Click.

Julian stood and walked to the window.

Across the street, a white van sat idling in front of Bank UC.

Four men got out and entered the bank.

He watched until the door closed behind them.

Then chaos erupted.

The doors of BankUC burst open.

A man in a black coat stepped in first, mask already up, shotgun tight against his chest.

Three more followed — fast, practiced, silent except for the sound of their boots.

“Everybody down!”

Screams echoed off the walls. Paper fluttered from counters.

One vaulted the desk, kicked a computer aside, and yanked the manager by the collar.

“Vault. Now!”

The others moved with clockwork precision — two sweeping the lobby, one clearing cameras.

As they backed out through shattered glass, a siren wailed somewhere too close.

The first man cursed. “Move!”

They piled into the white van — engine running, tires squealing as it lurched into traffic.

A squad car swung around the corner, lights exploding red and blue across the street.

The van slammed through a red light, horns blaring.

Two more cruisers joined the chase, cutting through morning commuters.

From his office across the street, Julian Reno watched the chase unfold.

He didn’t move, didn’t speak.

Mara rushed back in,“Sir — what’s happening?”

He kept his eyes on the van tearing down the avenue, police close behind.

“I don’t know,” he said. “Maybe someone getting a lot richer.”

== Part II — A Union ==
''By TheWillco''

The city glowed in blue and gold outside Clement Tower.

It was late — most of the offices were dark, the skyline reflected across the sea.

Julian Reno opened his wall safe, pulled out a banded stack of cash, and slipped it into his jacket pocket.

He locked the drawer, straightened his tie, and walked into the empty hallway.

The floor was silent except for the hum of the air vents. He stopped at a door marked Clement Water Taxi — Director’s Office, scanned his keycard, and stepped inside.

He turned on the lights and sat behind the desk. The computer blinked to life. He entered a password from memory, clicked through several windows, then shut down camera feeds on one of the ferries. The screens went black.

He opened a drawer, placed the cash inside, and closed it again. No note. No signature.

On his way out, he stopped by Mara’s desk.

“I’m heading out,” he said.

She looked up. “Okay, sir. See you in the morning.”

“Board review in the morning. Don’t be late.”

He left before she could answer.

Outside, the night was quiet but restless.

Julian slid into his aerocar; the cabin lights dimmed. The city stretched beneath him. He flew low at first, cutting between towers, then rose above the skyline, angling for the docks.

For a few minutes there was only the hum of the engines and the distant flicker of traffic lights. Then the phone buzzed — Boss I.

Julian let it ring once, twice, before answering.

“Reno.”

“Still chasing the skyline?” the old voice rasped, half-amused, half-tired.

Julian smiled. “You know me. Can’t sleep when things aren’t done.”

A small laugh, rough around the edges. “Same Julian. So, tell me — how’d our friends at Bank UC enjoy their morning?”

“It went smooth,” Julian said. “Quick in and out. Cops don’t have a clue who did it.”

“Glad to hear that.” The tone cooled. “So where’s the weight?”

Julian hesitated. “Vault was thin. Not what we expected.”

A low exhale crackled through the line. “Thin? You told me this was the one, Jules. You said we’d make a dent.”

“It should’ve been. Intel was solid, traffic reports matched. Someone must’ve moved the cash early.”

“Maybe.” Boss I’s voice softened. Another pause. “I’m not angry, Jules. Just tired of small paydays. This wasn’t for fun. This was supposed to count.”

“I’ll make it count,” Julian said quietly. “There’s something bigger coming. You’ll have your money.”

“I know you mean that,” Boss I said. “But I need more than promises. It’s too much risk on me, Julian.”

“I’ll handle it.”

A beat of silence, then the older man’s tone softened again. “I’m giving you one more play, friend — so don’t squander it.”

“I won’t.”

“Good,” Boss I said. “Then make the next one worth remembering.”

Click.

The call died. Julian banked his aerocar low over the docks and slid down toward a shadowed berth. A single ferry bobbed at the pier beneath an awning. He landed and climbed down. The night smelled of diesel.

“You cut the cams?” the tallest asked.

“Yeah,” Julian said. “We’re good.”

They didn’t speak then. One after another they unrolled cash — thick bundles. The envelopes were handed across a small table; Julian counted only with his eyes, sliding the stacks into an inner jacket pocket.

When the last bundle was tucked away, one of the men cracked a grin. “We’re rich, boss.”

Julian let the grin be small and private. “Rich enough,” he said. “But we need something bigger.”

They passed around a flask — cheap whiskey, shared in the dark like communion. Glass against glass. Warmth spread through the group, loosening shoulders that had been tight all morning.

“To clean hands,” the shortest said, lifting his cup.

“To better weather,” Julian echoed, and drank.

Julian leaned on the rail, the sea folding in soft ripples around the ferry’s hull.

The crew finished their drinks, laughter fading to quiet talk — names, routes, numbers.

The tall one capped the flask. “So what’s next, boss?”

Julian stared out toward the faint lights of the harbor. “We stop thinking small. One more job — something that can set us up for a while.”

“Maybe we try something new?” one finally asked.

Julian didn’t answer. He just smiled, slow and sure, and raised what was left in his cup.

“To something new.”

They drank.

The ferry cut across the dark water, engines low, heading back toward the city.
[[Category:Story]]

A Union

2026-01-30T20:59:27Z

ThePontificate: Created page with "== Part I — A Union == ''By TheWillco'' Julian entered Clement Tower just after sunrise. He rode the elevator to the top floor, keycard in hand, and stepped into his office. Mara, his assistant, was already there — coffee on his desk, folders stacked in neat piles. “Morning, Director.” “Morning.” He sat, loosened his tie, and opened the top folder. Loan approvals. Sign here. Initial there. “Anything urgent?” he asked. “Just the usual — one f..."

Pontifex Rokossovsky

2026-01-30T04:34:35Z

ThePontificate:

{{Pont-Pontifexes(noncanonized)|title1=Rokossovsky|image1=Portrait rokossovsky.png|caption1=Official portrait, 3020|label1=Pontifical Church|label2=3016|label3=2 November 3020|label5=Konstantin IX|label11=* Auxiliary Bishop of Ekklesiovsk
* Vicar-General of Ekklesiovsk|label17=Universalist|label15=Talbot Roberts|label16=Vychaslav Reshevsky|label14=Pontifex Maximus|label9=2956, Ekklesiovsk|label10=2 November 3020 (aged 64) Pontifical Palace, Ekklesiovsk|label12=* Pontifical State University|label13=Euntes ergo, docete omnes gentes "Going therefore, teach ye all nations."}}

Pontifex Rokossovsky, born Aleksandr Rokossovsky, was head of the [[Pontifical Church]] and ruler of the [[Pontifical States]] for four years from 3016 until his death in 3020. Rokossovsky was the first and to date only self proclaimed [[Universalism|universalist]] to be elected Pontifex. His pontifical bull [[Evangelinz Universalis]] ended centuries of church isolation and began a rapid evangelization movement across the Doggerlands, resulting in a boom of parish construction and the opening of several new dioceses.

Rokossovsky's pontificate faces severe criticism for his use of church and state funds and his involvement with the Neu Corporate Republik. Rokossovsky allocated large portions of the treasury for his personal leisure, including a 200 million corporate mark superyacht, and the one billion corporate mark construction of the new pontifical palace. In 3020, Rokossovsky ordered the attack on Zaandam's harbor which led directly to the [[NCR-Ecclesiovsk Conflict|NCR-Ekklesiovsk Conflict]], the deadliest and most destructive event in the history of the Pontifical States, and resulted in Republik federal rule of the Pontifical States until regaining independence at the end of the IDO-NCR war.

=== Career ===
Rokossovsky previously served as Auxilliary Bishop for the Diocese of Ekklesiovsk and later as Vicar-General for the diocese. Notably he never held any positions on the church or state cabinets, and was not a statesman prior to being elected pontifex.

Rokossovsky was most well known in the Church prior to his pontificate for being a leading outspoken universalist alongside his close political ally bishop [[Talbot Roberts]].

=== Pontificate ===

==== Evangelinz Universalis ====
In his first year as pontifex, Rokossovsky promulgated his now famous bull ''[[Evangelinz Universalis]]'' (universal evangelization), which began the largest missionary efforts in the history of the Pontifical Church centered around the Doggerland Bank. The bull outlined many of the goals universalists in the Church had been aiming at for years, including outreach to begin new parishes, schools, and hospitals in nations historically isolated from the Church.

The bull represented a hard departure from the centuries of Church isolationism from much of the Doggerlands, and would face serious challenges both from traditionalists in Ekklesiovsk and in many nations where missionary work was to commence.

==== Political Freedoms ====
Rokossovsky granted the widest range of political freedoms compared to any other pontifex. Traditional repressions on print, speech, and public gatherings eased significantly during his pontificate, opening the nation to foreign media corporations and tourism in a way unparalleled by his predecessors. While many progressives and optimistic reformers sought to permanently encode these changes via canon law or pontifical constitutions, these enshrinements never occurred and subsequently the majority of Rokossovsky's measures have been rolled back by [[Pontifex Konstantin IX]].

Rokossovsky gave more public interviews than any other pontifex, including a [[WBC]] interview released after his death in which he defended his actions aligning the Pontifical States closer to the Neu Corporate Republic (NCR) and his broader work on ''Evangelinz Universalis''.

==== International Affairs ====

==== Neu Corporate Republik ====

===== NCR-Ekklesiovsk Conflict =====

===== Tributary State =====

===== Northeastern Commonwealth =====

====== "Kirchenreich" Plan ======

=== Death ===
Rokossovsky died of a cardiac event in the new pontifical palace on 2 November 3020 at age 64. Then Vicar-General of Ekklesiovsk [[Talbot Roberts]] assumed acting head of state during the interregnum, and as Dean of the College of Cardinals oversaw the 17th Conclave.

=== Character ===
Rokossovsky is reported to have been an extreme narcissist and egotist, yet was usually soft spoken. He openly brandished firearms and JetSwords on his person in public, and was frequently seen smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.

Most notably, Rokossovsky lived with eight white siberian tigers that he raised in the pontifical palace, including his favorite named Jesus, which he let roam free on the property and could occasionally be seen taking on walks.

Rokossovsky did much of his governing from his superyacht while cruising the North Sea.
[[Category:Dead]]
[[Category:Biographies]]

Messiah

2026-01-30T03:38:11Z

ThePontificate:

[[File:Header Messiah-1.png|1083x1083px|thumb|center]]

== Part 1 - Snatched ==
''By SFCarWashChannel''

The frigid rain deluged the rooftops of Arstotzka. All life had tucked itself away, staying in the warmth of the province's numerous apartments and shanties. As usual for this time of night, the streets were lined with parked cars of all sizes. Most of these cars were unoccupied, as usual, with the exception of the occasional homeless person, and, near a rare square brick building, the agents of the Science Inquisition.

L4 sat in a sedan with the door to the brick building in view. 'He,' if you can call a cyborg a 'he,' had been staring out the window at the building's door for about four hours. 'He' noted 9 men had entered the building earlier that evening, and none had emerged yet. The cyborg knew that while it wouldn't appear so to an average Terran or Tauran, the building was fully surrounded by others on 'his' team. Tonight was the night all who attended the Bonitanan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints of Nazaire's Southeast Arstotzka Temple's weekly Book of Mormon study were to be sent for re-education.

Without warning, the door opens, and four of the men exit the temple. L4 radios the nearby teams of Boogie Men, who are in position to intercept the unsuspecting Mormons.

"78, 105, 56, four truants identified and approaching. Commence apprehension sequence."

"Affirmative," a female voice responds.

Another two exit the temple a few minutes later, heading in the opposite direction.

"128, 87, 130, two truants identified and approaching. Commence apprehension sequence," L4 radios again, before seeing several large, dark figures carry several limp, hooded bodies into a hatchback and another sedan. 00078, 00105, and 00056 have done their job well as usual.

A final three men exit the temple, clearly bullshitting as usual after a Book of Mormon study. One appears to be Bonitañan Spanish, another Middle Eastern, and the third ambiguously Caucasian.

"Final three truants identified. 57, 92, 114, initiate apprehension sequence."

"Affirmative," a male voice responds.

"Apprehension successful. Two truants in custody," another female voice says over the radio.

"Vehicles A and C, proceed to second position for transfer. Upon arrival, await instructions from L7," L4 says in his usual controlled monotone.

Meanwhile, the last three men approach an alley. One sees the reflection of something shiny just a few meters into it.

"Wait, I think I see a coin," the Boñitanan Spanish man says, as he walks over. The other two follow him from about two meters back.

"Is it anything?" the middle eastern man asks.

"Nope, just foil, John," the Boñitanan Spanish man replies, as each of the three men hears something large hit the pavement behind them. The Caucasian man turns to see what fell... or rather dropped.

"What in Joseph–" he exclaims, finding himself staring into the sinister red eye of a Boogie Man. The men feel sharp pain in their necks, followed by the pressure of foreign liquid entering their bloodstreams. The world misaligns and fades as black cloth bags are fastened around their necks.

Several minutes later, the three unconscious men are loaded into a van with tinted windows. One of the Boogie Men places the right hand of the captured Boñitanan Mormons onto a biometric terminal, briefly flashing "EVANS, JOHN" for the middle eastern man, "GONZALES, RAUL" for the Boñitanan Spanish man, and "MCVEIGH, RANDALL" for the Caucasian man.

"Final three truants snatched successfully," Boogie Man 00057 speaks into the radio.

"Vehicle B, proceed to second position for transfer. Upon arrival, await instructions from L7," L4 replies.

"Affirmative."

The van drives into the stormy night.
[[File:Header Messiah-2.png|thumb|1080x1080px|center]]

== Part 2 - Re-Education ==
''By SFCarWashChannel''

Randall McVeigh was sick to his stomach. Something about today's sermon at temple disturbed him. He couldn't put his finger on if it was the dim lighting in the familiar converted single-family house, the way Elder Wilson exaggerated every sentence with his southern drawl, or something else entirely. But what he did know is he had wasted enough of his life being talked down to about some book written two millennia ago, and being told he had to pay ten percent of his pre-tax income for it. That wasted time made him angry. Why he hadn't gotten angry about it earlier, McVeigh could not say. And with all that said, something compelled him to stay, and to stay silent.

In another room, a cloaked figure watched McVeigh from a screen. However, what was on the screen was not a Boñitanan Mormon sermon, but rather a drooling Caucasian man strapped to a chair. His eyes were held open by a contraption of some kind, with an IV feeding solution into his left arm and some clear plastic tubes dripping solution into his eyes at a precise rate. A treaded robot put the end of its arm against McVeigh's right arm briefly while another cloaked humanoid figure switched an IV bag. The walls of the room on the screen appeared to be screens themselves, playing an immersive video. McVeigh occasionally laughed, almost as if he was going mad like Inquisitor Fitzgerald.

The figure in the surveillance room grabbed a computer mouse and clicked to another video feed, of another individual in a nearly identical situation in a nearly identical room. However, the man was experiencing seemingly random muscle contractions and foaming at the mouth, grunting and whimpering. The watcher heard a knock, followed by the door to the surveillance room opening.

"What's the status, Inquisitor Dragozova?" A woman asks the figure watching the screen, as she walks into the room.

"Two of my three students are on track to graduate early, Specialist Castillo."

"How about the third?"

"He is likely to qualify for enlightenment."

"I see." Castillo takes a closer look at the video feed of the man having the seizure.

"Student John Evans has proven quite unwilling to learn. I do not expect his re-education to be a success."

Castillo does not respond to Dragozova's comment. "Call me crazy...but...I think that student is just what I am looking for."

"For what, Specialist?"

"An old idea I had. See, my parents were Mormon truants, and occasionally they and others would be talk about the second coming of the Jesus figure they revered. As a child I asked a others I knew at the temple about it, and they all told me different answers. And after I educated myself and left, I realized they don't have a consistent belief over what a Jesus was. That means if we convince some of them that a Jesus exists in the Doggerlands, they will fight themselves over if the guy is actually a Jesus."

"You should propose that to the Grand High Inquisitor."

"I think I'll go do that now, while we have John Evans enrolled."

Castillo proceeded to the office of the Grand High Inquisitor to explain her idea. She found Ger Loogman sitting at his desk, looking over some schematics for a new school on his computer.

"Theological Warfare Specialist Castillo, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Grand High Inquisitor, I wanted to present a time-sensitive idea I had."

"I'm listening."

"You know how my parents tried to raise me Mormon?"

"Yes?"

"I recall them, and others at the temple, talking about the second coming of a Jesus, but whenever I asked about it as a child every one of them gave me a different response. I think this is because they did not have consistent beliefs about the Jesus character's supposed return."

Loogman put a hand to his chin. "Peculiar. I assume you wish to exploit this inconsistency in belief?"

"That's correct."

"And what makes it time sensitive?"

We currently have a man enrolled who I believe could be made to appear as a Jesus. He is of Middle Eastern descent and is thirty three years old. He has not passed the first Ludovico series despite being in custody for eight days, so he is expected to qualify for enlightenment. But with Surgeon General Karnes' current availability and queue, enlightenment will require he is kept in detention, which we know is already at full capacity."

"I see. If we go forward with it, we must ensure it is successful, or we could have exponentially more truants to deal with, and a higher percentage of which are class clowns. Because of this danger, I won't approve it without unanimous support of the Council. I'll make sure it is added to tonight's meeting's agenda. As this is your project, you will be responsible for making the proposition to the council."

"Thank you, Grand High Inquisitor."

"You're welcome. I'll see you this evening."

Castillo walks away, focused on her new objective.

That evening, Castillo found herself sitting in the council chamber, listening in as the department and school leadership reported on their progress and discussed the Science Inquisition's next moves.

"...and...and that...hehehe...and that's why my trimodal plasma cannon will make our armies unstoppable! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Thank you, Inquisitor Fitzgerald," Loogman said, as Fitzgerald continued to laugh uncontrollably at the thought of his latest weapon."And now Theological Warfare Specialist Castillo has a proposal for the Council to consider."

Castillo stands up, loading a presentation on the oval screen at the end of the chamber with a remote.

"Thank you, Grand High Inquisitor. Right now we have a student enrolled who has the potential to destroy the entire Boñitanan Mormon movement. This student, John Evans, happens to closely match the description for a Jesus. While we have proven it is impossible for a Jesus to exist, it does not change the fact that the Mormons not only revere the Jesus figure, but expect it to have a 'second coming'. That being said, there is much disagreement within the Mormon community as to what or who a Jesus would be. I believe that by introducing a Jesus figure we could divide the Mormons and cause them to infight, bringing their growth to a standstill."

Quartermaster Samantha Bryonne speaks. "What would be necessary to pull this off?"

"Quartermaster, my studies suggest we would need to replicate the wounds from the execution story, but that should be easy. We already have cattle stunners to punch the nail wound holes, and a Boogie Man can create the stab wound in his side. Of course, they would likely be closed and scarred. The student is visibly of Middle Eastern descent, and has short black hair and a short beard that my research has led me to believe match cultural norms of Palestinians 3000 years ago. As for convincing the student he is a Jesus, we should be able to use positive Ludovico treatments. While I know we have never administered a euphoric Ludovico series to those with unaltered minds. However, it should theoretically be possible with the right drug blend, possibly a stronger solution of what we use to enlighten new Boogie Men."

"Thank you, Specialist Castillo," Bryonne replied.

"Surgeon General Karnes, what would it take to develop the necessary drug blend?" Loogman asked.

Karnes yawned. He was tired of waking up early every day to transform humans into cyborgs with no end to his schedule in sight."I...I think I can do it with our current stock," Karnes said.

"The odds of this working in the Inquisition's favor are seven point two three to one against within sixty days after release. " L0 comments. "Furthermore, it is possible this plan may increase truancy rates."

"What do you suggest we do if the plan gets out of control or backfires?" asks the Grand Marshall.

"We kill him in public. When he doesn't resurrect, it will be obvious our Jesus was fake, which should drive the population towards education," Castillo explains. "Also, I had L2 calculate the odds with assassination included, and they came to a manageable one point two seven to one against."

"Interesting. L0, can you calculate a strategy to ensure the Jesus is cancelled when the time is ready?" the Grand Marshall responds.

"Affirmative," L0 says.

"What do we all think?" Loogman asks the council.

"I don't like it, but if it lets us take down entire populations of truants it is worth a try," said the Grand Marshall.

"Any other objections?" Loogman asks. The room falls silent. "Then we shall approve the project."

Castillo's face shows a faint smile. It was her time to make a lasting mark on the Doggerlands.
[[File:Header Messiah-3.png|thumb|1082x1082px|center]]

== Part 3 - Arstotzka ==
''By Pontificatus''

The intermittent sounds of street traffic slowly became white noise as the sun rose above western Arstotzka. The warm rays filtered through city smog and boarded windows, bringing to life a man laying sprawled on a dirty mattress.

The man fought his wakefulness like a bad dream. It was too late, the day had already taken him prisoner. His throat was dry and his head pounded. He squinted around the sunlit room. This... was his bedroom? No, that couldn't be right.

Strange visions of clouds and bright light flashed through his mind, or were they memories? He shut his eyes as tight as he could. The visions didn't leave him. He felt momentarily like he was losing control to a bad trip. No, he was Christian. He didn't do drugs! How did he end up here? Was this another dream? He tried to focus his mind. He could see, a gate? Yes, it was the gate. He knew about the gate! Beyond the gates, that was his home.

Understanding began to wash over him like a flood. His father from beyond the gates had sent him here. No, sent him back here. Back. He had been here before. Memories of palm trees and casting nets on the seashore raced in his head. He remembered.

He remembered his friends. He remembered sitting on the hillside with them as had spoken to the crowds. He remembered the great feasts he had created. He remembered standing atop the waves in the storm. He remembered his nights in the desert. He remembered Calvary. He remembered. Three thousand years ago.

His hands instinctively grasped closed. There in the middle of his palms—holes just big enough to fit a nail through. He knew why he was here now. He stood up—too fast. The blood rushed from his head and his vision nearly went black. For a hint of an instant in the darkness, he thought he saw a young dark haired woman standing in front of a blue house. She was... familiar. Was she a memory or a vision? The blood started to flow again. He convinced himself it was a trick of the mind.

He took stock of himself in the broken mirror on the wall. He wore plain tan linen robes, and cheap brown sandals. His scruffy dark hair tied together his appearance on his tanned skin. He walked slowly across the street. As his seeing returned to normal he walked over to the door, and made his way out of the drab apartment to the street. It was about to happen.

He knew it was. He didn't know how he knew it was, but he knew it was.

One minute. It was going to happen. It would be right in front of him.

Thirty Seconds. Yes, this was preordained long ago.

Ten, nine, eight, seven. Here he comes.

Six, five. Right on cue. A man in a tattered gray business suit appears on the roof of the apartment building across from his, seven stories up.

Four, three. There he goes, freefall.

Two, one—impact. The screams of nearby pedestrians were on target. As if by instinct his muscles pushed him until he had walked directly over to the fallen man.

"Oh my God, someone call an ambulance!" A frantic woman screamed as the robed man bent down to look at the jumper. The blood from beneath his head began to pool around him, his legs were bent horribly underneath him.

"Don't be afraid." He placed his hand calmly over the mans face. It was warm with the red liquid, but he knew the man would be okay. He spoke softly. "You will be okay. By my power, be made to life again."

"Sir step away, I'm a nurse!" A woman in blue nurses scrubs was pushing her way on top of the man in the suit. The nurse shoved the man's tie away and wrestled herself into CPR position. She checked his pulse and listened for breath. "Not breathing, okay, starting compressions..." She spoke to herself, growing oblivious to the gathering crowd on the sidewalk.

She did chest compressions for three minutes before the ambulance finally arrived, not that they could've made any difference.

"Time of death, 4:54 P.M. Hey Todd help me with the stretcher. Everyone back away please!" The first responders struggled to keep the crowd back. The robed man simply stepped back and watched. He took in the crowd trying to catch glimpses of the deceased. He thought about all that was yet to come after this.

The time had come for the beginning of the end.
[[Category:Story]]

Messiah

2026-01-30T03:37:15Z

ThePontificate:

Messiah

2026-01-30T03:36:52Z

ThePontificate:

[[File:Header Messiah-1.png|1083x1083px|thumb|center]]

== Part 1 - Snatched ==
''By SFCarWashChannel''

The frigid rain deluged the rooftops of Arstotzka. All life had tucked itself away, staying in the warmth of the province's numerous apartments and shanties. As usual for this time of night, the streets were lined with parked cars of all sizes. Most of these cars were unoccupied, as usual, with the exception of the occasional homeless person, and, near a rare square brick building, the agents of the Science Inquisition.

L4 sat in a sedan with the door to the brick building in view. 'He,' if you can call a cyborg a 'he,' had been staring out the window at the building's door for about four hours. 'He' noted 9 men had entered the building earlier that evening, and none had emerged yet. The cyborg knew that while it wouldn't appear so to an average Terran or Tauran, the building was fully surrounded by others on 'his' team. Tonight was the night all who attended the Bonitanan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints of Nazaire's Southeast Arstotzka Temple's weekly Book of Mormon study were to be sent for re-education.

Without warning, the door opens, and four of the men exit the temple. L4 radios the nearby teams of Boogie Men, who are in position to intercept the unsuspecting Mormons.

"78, 105, 56, four truants identified and approaching. Commence apprehension sequence."

"Affirmative," a female voice responds.

Another two exit the temple a few minutes later, heading in the opposite direction.

"128, 87, 130, two truants identified and approaching. Commence apprehension sequence," L4 radios again, before seeing several large, dark figures carry several limp, hooded bodies into a hatchback and another sedan. 00078, 00105, and 00056 have done their job well as usual.

A final three men exit the temple, clearly bullshitting as usual after a Book of Mormon study. One appears to be Bonitañan Spanish, another Middle Eastern, and the third ambiguously Caucasian.

"Final three truants identified. 57, 92, 114, initiate apprehension sequence."

"Affirmative," a male voice responds.

"Apprehension successful. Two truants in custody," another female voice says over the radio.

"Vehicles A and C, proceed to second position for transfer. Upon arrival, await instructions from L7," L4 says in his usual controlled monotone.

Meanwhile, the last three men approach an alley. One sees the reflection of something shiny just a few meters into it.

"Wait, I think I see a coin," the Boñitanan Spanish man says, as he walks over. The other two follow him from about two meters back.

"Is it anything?" the middle eastern man asks.

"Nope, just foil, John," the Boñitanan Spanish man replies, as each of the three men hears something large hit the pavement behind them. The Caucasian man turns to see what fell... or rather dropped.

"What in Joseph–" he exclaims, finding himself staring into the sinister red eye of a Boogie Man. The men feel sharp pain in their necks, followed by the pressure of foreign liquid entering their bloodstreams. The world misaligns and fades as black cloth bags are fastened around their necks.

Several minutes later, the three unconscious men are loaded into a van with tinted windows. One of the Boogie Men places the right hand of the captured Boñitanan Mormons onto a biometric terminal, briefly flashing "EVANS, JOHN" for the middle eastern man, "GONZALES, RAUL" for the Boñitanan Spanish man, and "MCVEIGH, RANDALL" for the Caucasian man.

"Final three truants snatched successfully," Boogie Man 00057 speaks into the radio.

"Vehicle B, proceed to second position for transfer. Upon arrival, await instructions from L7," L4 replies.

"Affirmative."

The van drives into the stormy night.
[[File:Header Messiah-2.png|thumb|1080x1080px|left]]

== Part 2 - Re-Education ==
''By SFCarWashChannel''

Randall McVeigh was sick to his stomach. Something about today's sermon at temple disturbed him. He couldn't put his finger on if it was the dim lighting in the familiar converted single-family house, the way Elder Wilson exaggerated every sentence with his southern drawl, or something else entirely. But what he did know is he had wasted enough of his life being talked down to about some book written two millennia ago, and being told he had to pay ten percent of his pre-tax income for it. That wasted time made him angry. Why he hadn't gotten angry about it earlier, McVeigh could not say. And with all that said, something compelled him to stay, and to stay silent.

In another room, a cloaked figure watched McVeigh from a screen. However, what was on the screen was not a Boñitanan Mormon sermon, but rather a drooling Caucasian man strapped to a chair. His eyes were held open by a contraption of some kind, with an IV feeding solution into his left arm and some clear plastic tubes dripping solution into his eyes at a precise rate. A treaded robot put the end of its arm against McVeigh's right arm briefly while another cloaked humanoid figure switched an IV bag. The walls of the room on the screen appeared to be screens themselves, playing an immersive video. McVeigh occasionally laughed, almost as if he was going mad like Inquisitor Fitzgerald.

The figure in the surveillance room grabbed a computer mouse and clicked to another video feed, of another individual in a nearly identical situation in a nearly identical room. However, the man was experiencing seemingly random muscle contractions and foaming at the mouth, grunting and whimpering. The watcher heard a knock, followed by the door to the surveillance room opening.

"What's the status, Inquisitor Dragozova?" A woman asks the figure watching the screen, as she walks into the room.

"Two of my three students are on track to graduate early, Specialist Castillo."

"How about the third?"

"He is likely to qualify for enlightenment."

"I see." Castillo takes a closer look at the video feed of the man having the seizure.

"Student John Evans has proven quite unwilling to learn. I do not expect his re-education to be a success."

Castillo does not respond to Dragozova's comment. "Call me crazy...but...I think that student is just what I am looking for."

"For what, Specialist?"

"An old idea I had. See, my parents were Mormon truants, and occasionally they and others would be talk about the second coming of the Jesus figure they revered. As a child I asked a others I knew at the temple about it, and they all told me different answers. And after I educated myself and left, I realized they don't have a consistent belief over what a Jesus was. That means if we convince some of them that a Jesus exists in the Doggerlands, they will fight themselves over if the guy is actually a Jesus."

"You should propose that to the Grand High Inquisitor."

"I think I'll go do that now, while we have John Evans enrolled."

Castillo proceeded to the office of the Grand High Inquisitor to explain her idea. She found Ger Loogman sitting at his desk, looking over some schematics for a new school on his computer.

"Theological Warfare Specialist Castillo, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Grand High Inquisitor, I wanted to present a time-sensitive idea I had."

"I'm listening."

"You know how my parents tried to raise me Mormon?"

"Yes?"

"I recall them, and others at the temple, talking about the second coming of a Jesus, but whenever I asked about it as a child every one of them gave me a different response. I think this is because they did not have consistent beliefs about the Jesus character's supposed return."

Loogman put a hand to his chin. "Peculiar. I assume you wish to exploit this inconsistency in belief?"

"That's correct."

"And what makes it time sensitive?"

We currently have a man enrolled who I believe could be made to appear as a Jesus. He is of Middle Eastern descent and is thirty three years old. He has not passed the first Ludovico series despite being in custody for eight days, so he is expected to qualify for enlightenment. But with Surgeon General Karnes' current availability and queue, enlightenment will require he is kept in detention, which we know is already at full capacity."

"I see. If we go forward with it, we must ensure it is successful, or we could have exponentially more truants to deal with, and a higher percentage of which are class clowns. Because of this danger, I won't approve it without unanimous support of the Council. I'll make sure it is added to tonight's meeting's agenda. As this is your project, you will be responsible for making the proposition to the council."

"Thank you, Grand High Inquisitor."

"You're welcome. I'll see you this evening."

Castillo walks away, focused on her new objective.

That evening, Castillo found herself sitting in the council chamber, listening in as the department and school leadership reported on their progress and discussed the Science Inquisition's next moves.

"...and...and that...hehehe...and that's why my trimodal plasma cannon will make our armies unstoppable! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Thank you, Inquisitor Fitzgerald," Loogman said, as Fitzgerald continued to laugh uncontrollably at the thought of his latest weapon."And now Theological Warfare Specialist Castillo has a proposal for the Council to consider."

Castillo stands up, loading a presentation on the oval screen at the end of the chamber with a remote.

"Thank you, Grand High Inquisitor. Right now we have a student enrolled who has the potential to destroy the entire Boñitanan Mormon movement. This student, John Evans, happens to closely match the description for a Jesus. While we have proven it is impossible for a Jesus to exist, it does not change the fact that the Mormons not only revere the Jesus figure, but expect it to have a 'second coming'. That being said, there is much disagreement within the Mormon community as to what or who a Jesus would be. I believe that by introducing a Jesus figure we could divide the Mormons and cause them to infight, bringing their growth to a standstill."

Quartermaster Samantha Bryonne speaks. "What would be necessary to pull this off?"

"Quartermaster, my studies suggest we would need to replicate the wounds from the execution story, but that should be easy. We already have cattle stunners to punch the nail wound holes, and a Boogie Man can create the stab wound in his side. Of course, they would likely be closed and scarred. The student is visibly of Middle Eastern descent, and has short black hair and a short beard that my research has led me to believe match cultural norms of Palestinians 3000 years ago. As for convincing the student he is a Jesus, we should be able to use positive Ludovico treatments. While I know we have never administered a euphoric Ludovico series to those with unaltered minds. However, it should theoretically be possible with the right drug blend, possibly a stronger solution of what we use to enlighten new Boogie Men."

"Thank you, Specialist Castillo," Bryonne replied.

"Surgeon General Karnes, what would it take to develop the necessary drug blend?" Loogman asked.

Karnes yawned. He was tired of waking up early every day to transform humans into cyborgs with no end to his schedule in sight."I...I think I can do it with our current stock," Karnes said.

"The odds of this working in the Inquisition's favor are seven point two three to one against within sixty days after release. " L0 comments. "Furthermore, it is possible this plan may increase truancy rates."

"What do you suggest we do if the plan gets out of control or backfires?" asks the Grand Marshall.

"We kill him in public. When he doesn't resurrect, it will be obvious our Jesus was fake, which should drive the population towards education," Castillo explains. "Also, I had L2 calculate the odds with assassination included, and they came to a manageable one point two seven to one against."

"Interesting. L0, can you calculate a strategy to ensure the Jesus is cancelled when the time is ready?" the Grand Marshall responds.

"Affirmative," L0 says.

"What do we all think?" Loogman asks the council.

"I don't like it, but if it lets us take down entire populations of truants it is worth a try," said the Grand Marshall.

"Any other objections?" Loogman asks. The room falls silent. "Then we shall approve the project."

Castillo's face shows a faint smile. It was her time to make a lasting mark on the Doggerlands.
[[File:Header Messiah-3.png|thumb|1082x1082px|left]]

== Part 3 - Arstotzka ==
''By Pontificatus''

The intermittent sounds of street traffic slowly became white noise as the sun rose above western Arstotzka. The warm rays filtered through city smog and boarded windows, bringing to life a man laying sprawled on a dirty mattress.

The man fought his wakefulness like a bad dream. It was too late, the day had already taken him prisoner. His throat was dry and his head pounded. He squinted around the sunlit room. This... was his bedroom? No, that couldn't be right.

Strange visions of clouds and bright light flashed through his mind, or were they memories? He shut his eyes as tight as he could. The visions didn't leave him. He felt momentarily like he was losing control to a bad trip. No, he was Christian. He didn't do drugs! How did he end up here? Was this another dream? He tried to focus his mind. He could see, a gate? Yes, it was the gate. He knew about the gate! Beyond the gates, that was his home.

Understanding began to wash over him like a flood. His father from beyond the gates had sent him here. No, sent him back here. Back. He had been here before. Memories of palm trees and casting nets on the seashore raced in his head. He remembered.

He remembered his friends. He remembered sitting on the hillside with them as had spoken to the crowds. He remembered the great feasts he had created. He remembered standing atop the waves in the storm. He remembered his nights in the desert. He remembered Calvary. He remembered. Three thousand years ago.

His hands instinctively grasped closed. There in the middle of his palms—holes just big enough to fit a nail through. He knew why he was here now. He stood up—too fast. The blood rushed from his head and his vision nearly went black. For a hint of an instant in the darkness, he thought he saw a young dark haired woman standing in front of a blue house. She was... familiar. Was she a memory or a vision? The blood started to flow again. He convinced himself it was a trick of the mind.

He took stock of himself in the broken mirror on the wall. He wore plain tan linen robes, and cheap brown sandals. His scruffy dark hair tied together his appearance on his tanned skin. He walked slowly across the street. As his seeing returned to normal he walked over to the door, and made his way out of the drab apartment to the street. It was about to happen.

He knew it was. He didn't know how he knew it was, but he knew it was.

One minute. It was going to happen. It would be right in front of him.

Thirty Seconds. Yes, this was preordained long ago.

Ten, nine, eight, seven. Here he comes.

Six, five. Right on cue. A man in a tattered gray business suit appears on the roof of the apartment building across from his, seven stories up.

Four, three. There he goes, freefall.

Two, one—impact. The screams of nearby pedestrians were on target. As if by instinct his muscles pushed him until he had walked directly over to the fallen man.

"Oh my God, someone call an ambulance!" A frantic woman screamed as the robed man bent down to look at the jumper. The blood from beneath his head began to pool around him, his legs were bent horribly underneath him.

"Don't be afraid." He placed his hand calmly over the mans face. It was warm with the red liquid, but he knew the man would be okay. He spoke softly. "You will be okay. By my power, be made to life again."

"Sir step away, I'm a nurse!" A woman in blue nurses scrubs was pushing her way on top of the man in the suit. The nurse shoved the man's tie away and wrestled herself into CPR position. She checked his pulse and listened for breath. "Not breathing, okay, starting compressions..." She spoke to herself, growing oblivious to the gathering crowd on the sidewalk.

She did chest compressions for three minutes before the ambulance finally arrived, not that they could've made any difference.

"Time of death, 4:54 P.M. Hey Todd help me with the stretcher. Everyone back away please!" The first responders struggled to keep the crowd back. The robed man simply stepped back and watched. He took in the crowd trying to catch glimpses of the deceased. He thought about all that was yet to come after this.

The time had come for the beginning of the end.

Messiah

2026-01-30T03:36:26Z

ThePontificate:

[[File:Header Messiah-1.png|1083x1083px|thumb|center]]

== Part 1 - Snatched ==
''By SFCarWashChannel''

The frigid rain deluged the rooftops of Arstotzka. All life had tucked itself away, staying in the warmth of the province's numerous apartments and shanties. As usual for this time of night, the streets were lined with parked cars of all sizes. Most of these cars were unoccupied, as usual, with the exception of the occasional homeless person, and, near a rare square brick building, the agents of the Science Inquisition.

L4 sat in a sedan with the door to the brick building in view. 'He,' if you can call a cyborg a 'he,' had been staring out the window at the building's door for about four hours. 'He' noted 9 men had entered the building earlier that evening, and none had emerged yet. The cyborg knew that while it wouldn't appear so to an average Terran or Tauran, the building was fully surrounded by others on 'his' team. Tonight was the night all who attended the Bonitanan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints of Nazaire's Southeast Arstotzka Temple's weekly Book of Mormon study were to be sent for re-education.

Without warning, the door opens, and four of the men exit the temple. L4 radios the nearby teams of Boogie Men, who are in position to intercept the unsuspecting Mormons.

"78, 105, 56, four truants identified and approaching. Commence apprehension sequence."

"Affirmative," a female voice responds.

Another two exit the temple a few minutes later, heading in the opposite direction.

"128, 87, 130, two truants identified and approaching. Commence apprehension sequence," L4 radios again, before seeing several large, dark figures carry several limp, hooded bodies into a hatchback and another sedan. 00078, 00105, and 00056 have done their job well as usual.

A final three men exit the temple, clearly bullshitting as usual after a Book of Mormon study. One appears to be Bonitañan Spanish, another Middle Eastern, and the third ambiguously Caucasian.

"Final three truants identified. 57, 92, 114, initiate apprehension sequence."

"Affirmative," a male voice responds.

"Apprehension successful. Two truants in custody," another female voice says over the radio.

"Vehicles A and C, proceed to second position for transfer. Upon arrival, await instructions from L7," L4 says in his usual controlled monotone.

Meanwhile, the last three men approach an alley. One sees the reflection of something shiny just a few meters into it.

"Wait, I think I see a coin," the Boñitanan Spanish man says, as he walks over. The other two follow him from about two meters back.

"Is it anything?" the middle eastern man asks.

"Nope, just foil, John," the Boñitanan Spanish man replies, as each of the three men hears something large hit the pavement behind them. The Caucasian man turns to see what fell... or rather dropped.

"What in Joseph–" he exclaims, finding himself staring into the sinister red eye of a Boogie Man. The men feel sharp pain in their necks, followed by the pressure of foreign liquid entering their bloodstreams. The world misaligns and fades as black cloth bags are fastened around their necks.

Several minutes later, the three unconscious men are loaded into a van with tinted windows. One of the Boogie Men places the right hand of the captured Boñitanan Mormons onto a biometric terminal, briefly flashing "EVANS, JOHN" for the middle eastern man, "GONZALES, RAUL" for the Boñitanan Spanish man, and "MCVEIGH, RANDALL" for the Caucasian man.

"Final three truants snatched successfully," Boogie Man 00057 speaks into the radio.

"Vehicle B, proceed to second position for transfer. Upon arrival, await instructions from L7," L4 replies.

"Affirmative."

The van drives into the stormy night.
[[File:Header Messiah-2.png|thumb|1080x1080px|left]]

== Part 2 - Re-Education ==
''By SFCarWashChannel''

Randall McVeigh was sick to his stomach. Something about today's sermon at temple disturbed him. He couldn't put his finger on if it was the dim lighting in the familiar converted single-family house, the way Elder Wilson exaggerated every sentence with his southern drawl, or something else entirely. But what he did know is he had wasted enough of his life being talked down to about some book written two millennia ago, and being told he had to pay ten percent of his pre-tax income for it. That wasted time made him angry. Why he hadn't gotten angry about it earlier, McVeigh could not say. And with all that said, something compelled him to stay, and to stay silent.

In another room, a cloaked figure watched McVeigh from a screen. However, what was on the screen was not a Boñitanan Mormon sermon, but rather a drooling Caucasian man strapped to a chair. His eyes were held open by a contraption of some kind, with an IV feeding solution into his left arm and some clear plastic tubes dripping solution into his eyes at a precise rate. A treaded robot put the end of its arm against McVeigh's right arm briefly while another cloaked humanoid figure switched an IV bag. The walls of the room on the screen appeared to be screens themselves, playing an immersive video. McVeigh occasionally laughed, almost as if he was going mad like Inquisitor Fitzgerald.

The figure in the surveillance room grabbed a computer mouse and clicked to another video feed, of another individual in a nearly identical situation in a nearly identical room. However, the man was experiencing seemingly random muscle contractions and foaming at the mouth, grunting and whimpering. The watcher heard a knock, followed by the door to the surveillance room opening.

"What's the status, Inquisitor Dragozova?" A woman asks the figure watching the screen, as she walks into the room.

"Two of my three students are on track to graduate early, Specialist Castillo."

"How about the third?"

"He is likely to qualify for enlightenment."

"I see." Castillo takes a closer look at the video feed of the man having the seizure.

"Student John Evans has proven quite unwilling to learn. I do not expect his re-education to be a success."

Castillo does not respond to Dragozova's comment. "Call me crazy...but...I think that student is just what I am looking for."

"For what, Specialist?"

"An old idea I had. See, my parents were Mormon truants, and occasionally they and others would be talk about the second coming of the Jesus figure they revered. As a child I asked a others I knew at the temple about it, and they all told me different answers. And after I educated myself and left, I realized they don't have a consistent belief over what a Jesus was. That means if we convince some of them that a Jesus exists in the Doggerlands, they will fight themselves over if the guy is actually a Jesus."

"You should propose that to the Grand High Inquisitor."

"I think I'll go do that now, while we have John Evans enrolled."

Castillo proceeded to the office of the Grand High Inquisitor to explain her idea. She found Ger Loogman sitting at his desk, looking over some schematics for a new school on his computer.

"Theological Warfare Specialist Castillo, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Grand High Inquisitor, I wanted to present a time-sensitive idea I had."

"I'm listening."

"You know how my parents tried to raise me Mormon?"

"Yes?"

"I recall them, and others at the temple, talking about the second coming of a Jesus, but whenever I asked about it as a child every one of them gave me a different response. I think this is because they did not have consistent beliefs about the Jesus character's supposed return."

Loogman put a hand to his chin. "Peculiar. I assume you wish to exploit this inconsistency in belief?"

"That's correct."

"And what makes it time sensitive?"

We currently have a man enrolled who I believe could be made to appear as a Jesus. He is of Middle Eastern descent and is thirty three years old. He has not passed the first Ludovico series despite being in custody for eight days, so he is expected to qualify for enlightenment. But with Surgeon General Karnes' current availability and queue, enlightenment will require he is kept in detention, which we know is already at full capacity."

"I see. If we go forward with it, we must ensure it is successful, or we could have exponentially more truants to deal with, and a higher percentage of which are class clowns. Because of this danger, I won't approve it without unanimous support of the Council. I'll make sure it is added to tonight's meeting's agenda. As this is your project, you will be responsible for making the proposition to the council."

"Thank you, Grand High Inquisitor."

"You're welcome. I'll see you this evening."

Castillo walks away, focused on her new objective.

That evening, Castillo found herself sitting in the council chamber, listening in as the department and school leadership reported on their progress and discussed the Science Inquisition's next moves.

"...and...and that...hehehe...and that's why my trimodal plasma cannon will make our armies unstoppable! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Thank you, Inquisitor Fitzgerald," Loogman said, as Fitzgerald continued to laugh uncontrollably at the thought of his latest weapon."And now Theological Warfare Specialist Castillo has a proposal for the Council to consider."

Castillo stands up, loading a presentation on the oval screen at the end of the chamber with a remote.

"Thank you, Grand High Inquisitor. Right now we have a student enrolled who has the potential to destroy the entire Boñitanan Mormon movement. This student, John Evans, happens to closely match the description for a Jesus. While we have proven it is impossible for a Jesus to exist, it does not change the fact that the Mormons not only revere the Jesus figure, but expect it to have a 'second coming'. That being said, there is much disagreement within the Mormon community as to what or who a Jesus would be. I believe that by introducing a Jesus figure we could divide the Mormons and cause them to infight, bringing their growth to a standstill."

Quartermaster Samantha Bryonne speaks. "What would be necessary to pull this off?"

"Quartermaster, my studies suggest we would need to replicate the wounds from the execution story, but that should be easy. We already have cattle stunners to punch the nail wound holes, and a Boogie Man can create the stab wound in his side. Of course, they would likely be closed and scarred. The student is visibly of Middle Eastern descent, and has short black hair and a short beard that my research has led me to believe match cultural norms of Palestinians 3000 years ago. As for convincing the student he is a Jesus, we should be able to use positive Ludovico treatments. While I know we have never administered a euphoric Ludovico series to those with unaltered minds. However, it should theoretically be possible with the right drug blend, possibly a stronger solution of what we use to enlighten new Boogie Men."

"Thank you, Specialist Castillo," Bryonne replied.

"Surgeon General Karnes, what would it take to develop the necessary drug blend?" Loogman asked.

Karnes yawned. He was tired of waking up early every day to transform humans into cyborgs with no end to his schedule in sight."I...I think I can do it with our current stock," Karnes said.

"The odds of this working in the Inquisition's favor are seven point two three to one against within sixty days after release. " L0 comments. "Furthermore, it is possible this plan may increase truancy rates."

"What do you suggest we do if the plan gets out of control or backfires?" asks the Grand Marshall.

"We kill him in public. When he doesn't resurrect, it will be obvious our Jesus was fake, which should drive the population towards education," Castillo explains. "Also, I had L2 calculate the odds with assassination included, and they came to a manageable one point two seven to one against."

"Interesting. L0, can you calculate a strategy to ensure the Jesus is cancelled when the time is ready?" the Grand Marshall responds.

"Affirmative," L0 says.

"What do we all think?" Loogman asks the council.

"I don't like it, but if it lets us take down entire populations of truants it is worth a try," said the Grand Marshall.

"Any other objections?" Loogman asks. The room falls silent. "Then we shall approve the project."

Castillo's face shows a faint smile. It was her time to make a lasting mark on the Doggerlands.
[[File:Header Messiah-3.png|thumb|1082x1082px|left]]

== Part 3 - Arstotzka ==
''By Pontificatus''

The intermittent sounds of street traffic slowly became white noise as the sun rose above western Arstotzka. The warm rays filtered through city smog and boarded windows, bringing to life a man laying sprawled on a dirty mattress.

The man fought his wakefulness like a bad dream. It was too late, the day had already taken him prisoner. His throat was dry and his head pounded. He squinted around the sunlit room. This... was his bedroom? No, that couldn't be right.

Strange visions of clouds and bright light flashed through his mind, or were they memories? He shut his eyes as tight as he could. The visions didn't leave him. He felt momentarily like he was losing control to a bad trip. No, he was Christian. He didn't do drugs! How did he end up here? Was this another dream? He tried to focus his mind. He could see, a gate? Yes, it was the gate. He knew about the gate! Beyond the gates, that was his home.

Understanding began to wash over him like a flood. His father from beyond the gates had sent him here. No, sent him back here. Back. He had been here before. Memories of palm trees and casting nets on the seashore raced in his head. He remembered.

He remembered his friends. He remembered sitting on the hillside with them as had spoken to the crowds. He remembered the great feasts he had created. He remembered standing atop the waves in the storm. He remembered his nights in the desert. He remembered Calvary. He remembered. Three thousand years ago.

His hands instinctively grasped closed. There in the middle of his palms—holes just big enough to fit a nail through. He knew why he was here now. He stood up—too fast. The blood rushed from his head and his vision nearly went black. For a hint of an instant in the darkness, he thought he saw a young dark haired woman standing in front of a blue house. She was... familiar. Was she a memory or a vision? The blood started to flow again. He convinced himself it was a trick of the mind.

He took stock of himself in the broken mirror on the wall. He wore plain tan linen robes, and cheap brown sandals. His scruffy dark hair tied together his appearance on his tanned skin. He walked slowly across the street. As his seeing returned to normal he walked over to the door, and made his way out of the drab apartment to the street. It was about to happen.

He knew it was. He didn't know how he knew it was, but he knew it was.

One minute. It was going to happen. It would be right in front of him.

Thirty Seconds. Yes, this was preordained long ago.

Ten, nine, eight, seven. Here he comes.

Six, five. Right on cue. A man in a tattered gray business suit appears on the roof of the apartment building across from his, seven stories up.

Four, three. There he goes, freefall.

Two, one—impact. The screams of nearby pedestrians were on target. As if by instinct his muscles pushed him until he had walked directly over to the fallen man.

"Oh my God, someone call an ambulance!" A frantic woman screamed as the robed man bent down to look at the jumper. The blood from beneath his head began to pool around him, his legs were bent horribly underneath him.

"Don't be afraid." He placed his hand calmly over the mans face. It was warm with the red liquid, but he knew the man would be okay. He spoke softly. "You will be okay. By my power, be made to life again."

"Sir step away, I'm a nurse!" A woman in blue nurses scrubs was pushing her way on top of the man in the suit. The nurse shoved the man's tie away and wrestled herself into CPR position. She checked his pulse and listened for breath. "Not breathing, okay, starting compressions..." She spoke to herself, growing oblivious to the gathering crowd on the sidewalk.

She did chest compressions for three minutes before the ambulance finally arrived, not that they could've made any difference.

"Time of death, 4:54 P.M. Hey Todd help me with the stretcher. Everyone back away please!" The first responders struggled to keep the crowd back. The robed man simply stepped back and watched. He took in the crowd trying to catch glimpses of the deceased. He thought about all that was yet to come after this.

The time had come for the beginning of the end.

Messiah

2026-01-30T03:35:21Z

ThePontificate:

[[File:Header Messiah-1.png|1083x1083px|left|thumb]]

== Part 1 - Snatched ==
''By SFCarWashChannel''

The frigid rain deluged the rooftops of Arstotzka. All life had tucked itself away, staying in the warmth of the province's numerous apartments and shanties. As usual for this time of night, the streets were lined with parked cars of all sizes. Most of these cars were unoccupied, as usual, with the exception of the occasional homeless person, and, near a rare square brick building, the agents of the Science Inquisition.

L4 sat in a sedan with the door to the brick building in view. 'He,' if you can call a cyborg a 'he,' had been staring out the window at the building's door for about four hours. 'He' noted 9 men had entered the building earlier that evening, and none had emerged yet. The cyborg knew that while it wouldn't appear so to an average Terran or Tauran, the building was fully surrounded by others on 'his' team. Tonight was the night all who attended the Bonitanan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints of Nazaire's Southeast Arstotzka Temple's weekly Book of Mormon study were to be sent for re-education.

Without warning, the door opens, and four of the men exit the temple. L4 radios the nearby teams of Boogie Men, who are in position to intercept the unsuspecting Mormons.

"78, 105, 56, four truants identified and approaching. Commence apprehension sequence."

"Affirmative," a female voice responds.

Another two exit the temple a few minutes later, heading in the opposite direction.

"128, 87, 130, two truants identified and approaching. Commence apprehension sequence," L4 radios again, before seeing several large, dark figures carry several limp, hooded bodies into a hatchback and another sedan. 00078, 00105, and 00056 have done their job well as usual.

A final three men exit the temple, clearly bullshitting as usual after a Book of Mormon study. One appears to be Bonitañan Spanish, another Middle Eastern, and the third ambiguously Caucasian.

"Final three truants identified. 57, 92, 114, initiate apprehension sequence."

"Affirmative," a male voice responds.

"Apprehension successful. Two truants in custody," another female voice says over the radio.

"Vehicles A and C, proceed to second position for transfer. Upon arrival, await instructions from L7," L4 says in his usual controlled monotone.

Meanwhile, the last three men approach an alley. One sees the reflection of something shiny just a few meters into it.

"Wait, I think I see a coin," the Boñitanan Spanish man says, as he walks over. The other two follow him from about two meters back.

"Is it anything?" the middle eastern man asks.

"Nope, just foil, John," the Boñitanan Spanish man replies, as each of the three men hears something large hit the pavement behind them. The Caucasian man turns to see what fell... or rather dropped.

"What in Joseph–" he exclaims, finding himself staring into the sinister red eye of a Boogie Man. The men feel sharp pain in their necks, followed by the pressure of foreign liquid entering their bloodstreams. The world misaligns and fades as black cloth bags are fastened around their necks.

Several minutes later, the three unconscious men are loaded into a van with tinted windows. One of the Boogie Men places the right hand of the captured Boñitanan Mormons onto a biometric terminal, briefly flashing "EVANS, JOHN" for the middle eastern man, "GONZALES, RAUL" for the Boñitanan Spanish man, and "MCVEIGH, RANDALL" for the Caucasian man.

"Final three truants snatched successfully," Boogie Man 00057 speaks into the radio.

"Vehicle B, proceed to second position for transfer. Upon arrival, await instructions from L7," L4 replies.

"Affirmative."

The van drives into the stormy night.
[[File:Header Messiah-2.png|thumb|1080x1080px|left]]

== Part 2 - Re-Education ==
''By SFCarWashChannel''

Randall McVeigh was sick to his stomach. Something about today's sermon at temple disturbed him. He couldn't put his finger on if it was the dim lighting in the familiar converted single-family house, the way Elder Wilson exaggerated every sentence with his southern drawl, or something else entirely. But what he did know is he had wasted enough of his life being talked down to about some book written two millennia ago, and being told he had to pay ten percent of his pre-tax income for it. That wasted time made him angry. Why he hadn't gotten angry about it earlier, McVeigh could not say. And with all that said, something compelled him to stay, and to stay silent.

In another room, a cloaked figure watched McVeigh from a screen. However, what was on the screen was not a Boñitanan Mormon sermon, but rather a drooling Caucasian man strapped to a chair. His eyes were held open by a contraption of some kind, with an IV feeding solution into his left arm and some clear plastic tubes dripping solution into his eyes at a precise rate. A treaded robot put the end of its arm against McVeigh's right arm briefly while another cloaked humanoid figure switched an IV bag. The walls of the room on the screen appeared to be screens themselves, playing an immersive video. McVeigh occasionally laughed, almost as if he was going mad like Inquisitor Fitzgerald.

The figure in the surveillance room grabbed a computer mouse and clicked to another video feed, of another individual in a nearly identical situation in a nearly identical room. However, the man was experiencing seemingly random muscle contractions and foaming at the mouth, grunting and whimpering. The watcher heard a knock, followed by the door to the surveillance room opening.

"What's the status, Inquisitor Dragozova?" A woman asks the figure watching the screen, as she walks into the room.

"Two of my three students are on track to graduate early, Specialist Castillo."

"How about the third?"

"He is likely to qualify for enlightenment."

"I see." Castillo takes a closer look at the video feed of the man having the seizure.

"Student John Evans has proven quite unwilling to learn. I do not expect his re-education to be a success."

Castillo does not respond to Dragozova's comment. "Call me crazy...but...I think that student is just what I am looking for."

"For what, Specialist?"

"An old idea I had. See, my parents were Mormon truants, and occasionally they and others would be talk about the second coming of the Jesus figure they revered. As a child I asked a others I knew at the temple about it, and they all told me different answers. And after I educated myself and left, I realized they don't have a consistent belief over what a Jesus was. That means if we convince some of them that a Jesus exists in the Doggerlands, they will fight themselves over if the guy is actually a Jesus."

"You should propose that to the Grand High Inquisitor."

"I think I'll go do that now, while we have John Evans enrolled."

Castillo proceeded to the office of the Grand High Inquisitor to explain her idea. She found Ger Loogman sitting at his desk, looking over some schematics for a new school on his computer.

"Theological Warfare Specialist Castillo, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Grand High Inquisitor, I wanted to present a time-sensitive idea I had."

"I'm listening."

"You know how my parents tried to raise me Mormon?"

"Yes?"

"I recall them, and others at the temple, talking about the second coming of a Jesus, but whenever I asked about it as a child every one of them gave me a different response. I think this is because they did not have consistent beliefs about the Jesus character's supposed return."

Loogman put a hand to his chin. "Peculiar. I assume you wish to exploit this inconsistency in belief?"

"That's correct."

"And what makes it time sensitive?"

We currently have a man enrolled who I believe could be made to appear as a Jesus. He is of Middle Eastern descent and is thirty three years old. He has not passed the first Ludovico series despite being in custody for eight days, so he is expected to qualify for enlightenment. But with Surgeon General Karnes' current availability and queue, enlightenment will require he is kept in detention, which we know is already at full capacity."

"I see. If we go forward with it, we must ensure it is successful, or we could have exponentially more truants to deal with, and a higher percentage of which are class clowns. Because of this danger, I won't approve it without unanimous support of the Council. I'll make sure it is added to tonight's meeting's agenda. As this is your project, you will be responsible for making the proposition to the council."

"Thank you, Grand High Inquisitor."

"You're welcome. I'll see you this evening."

Castillo walks away, focused on her new objective.

That evening, Castillo found herself sitting in the council chamber, listening in as the department and school leadership reported on their progress and discussed the Science Inquisition's next moves.

"...and...and that...hehehe...and that's why my trimodal plasma cannon will make our armies unstoppable! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Thank you, Inquisitor Fitzgerald," Loogman said, as Fitzgerald continued to laugh uncontrollably at the thought of his latest weapon."And now Theological Warfare Specialist Castillo has a proposal for the Council to consider."

Castillo stands up, loading a presentation on the oval screen at the end of the chamber with a remote.

"Thank you, Grand High Inquisitor. Right now we have a student enrolled who has the potential to destroy the entire Boñitanan Mormon movement. This student, John Evans, happens to closely match the description for a Jesus. While we have proven it is impossible for a Jesus to exist, it does not change the fact that the Mormons not only revere the Jesus figure, but expect it to have a 'second coming'. That being said, there is much disagreement within the Mormon community as to what or who a Jesus would be. I believe that by introducing a Jesus figure we could divide the Mormons and cause them to infight, bringing their growth to a standstill."

Quartermaster Samantha Bryonne speaks. "What would be necessary to pull this off?"

"Quartermaster, my studies suggest we would need to replicate the wounds from the execution story, but that should be easy. We already have cattle stunners to punch the nail wound holes, and a Boogie Man can create the stab wound in his side. Of course, they would likely be closed and scarred. The student is visibly of Middle Eastern descent, and has short black hair and a short beard that my research has led me to believe match cultural norms of Palestinians 3000 years ago. As for convincing the student he is a Jesus, we should be able to use positive Ludovico treatments. While I know we have never administered a euphoric Ludovico series to those with unaltered minds. However, it should theoretically be possible with the right drug blend, possibly a stronger solution of what we use to enlighten new Boogie Men."

"Thank you, Specialist Castillo," Bryonne replied.

"Surgeon General Karnes, what would it take to develop the necessary drug blend?" Loogman asked.

Karnes yawned. He was tired of waking up early every day to transform humans into cyborgs with no end to his schedule in sight."I...I think I can do it with our current stock," Karnes said.

"The odds of this working in the Inquisition's favor are seven point two three to one against within sixty days after release. " L0 comments. "Furthermore, it is possible this plan may increase truancy rates."

"What do you suggest we do if the plan gets out of control or backfires?" asks the Grand Marshall.

"We kill him in public. When he doesn't resurrect, it will be obvious our Jesus was fake, which should drive the population towards education," Castillo explains. "Also, I had L2 calculate the odds with assassination included, and they came to a manageable one point two seven to one against."

"Interesting. L0, can you calculate a strategy to ensure the Jesus is cancelled when the time is ready?" the Grand Marshall responds.

"Affirmative," L0 says.

"What do we all think?" Loogman asks the council.

"I don't like it, but if it lets us take down entire populations of truants it is worth a try," said the Grand Marshall.

"Any other objections?" Loogman asks. The room falls silent. "Then we shall approve the project."

Castillo's face shows a faint smile. It was her time to make a lasting mark on the Doggerlands.
[[File:Header Messiah-3.png|thumb|1082x1082px|left]]

== Part 3 - Arstotzka ==
''By Pontificatus''

The intermittent sounds of street traffic slowly became white noise as the sun rose above western Arstotzka. The warm rays filtered through city smog and boarded windows, bringing to life a man laying sprawled on a dirty mattress.

The man fought his wakefulness like a bad dream. It was too late, the day had already taken him prisoner. His throat was dry and his head pounded. He squinted around the sunlit room. This... was his bedroom? No, that couldn't be right.

Strange visions of clouds and bright light flashed through his mind, or were they memories? He shut his eyes as tight as he could. The visions didn't leave him. He felt momentarily like he was losing control to a bad trip. No, he was Christian. He didn't do drugs! How did he end up here? Was this another dream? He tried to focus his mind. He could see, a gate? Yes, it was the gate. He knew about the gate! Beyond the gates, that was his home.

Understanding began to wash over him like a flood. His father from beyond the gates had sent him here. No, sent him back here. Back. He had been here before. Memories of palm trees and casting nets on the seashore raced in his head. He remembered.

He remembered his friends. He remembered sitting on the hillside with them as had spoken to the crowds. He remembered the great feasts he had created. He remembered standing atop the waves in the storm. He remembered his nights in the desert. He remembered Calvary. He remembered. Three thousand years ago.

His hands instinctively grasped closed. There in the middle of his palms—holes just big enough to fit a nail through. He knew why he was here now. He stood up—too fast. The blood rushed from his head and his vision nearly went black. For a hint of an instant in the darkness, he thought he saw a young dark haired woman standing in front of a blue house. She was... familiar. Was she a memory or a vision? The blood started to flow again. He convinced himself it was a trick of the mind.

He took stock of himself in the broken mirror on the wall. He wore plain tan linen robes, and cheap brown sandals. His scruffy dark hair tied together his appearance on his tanned skin. He walked slowly across the street. As his seeing returned to normal he walked over to the door, and made his way out of the drab apartment to the street. It was about to happen.

He knew it was. He didn't know how he knew it was, but he knew it was.

One minute. It was going to happen. It would be right in front of him.

Thirty Seconds. Yes, this was preordained long ago.

Ten, nine, eight, seven. Here he comes.

Six, five. Right on cue. A man in a tattered gray business suit appears on the roof of the apartment building across from his, seven stories up.

Four, three. There he goes, freefall.

Two, one—impact. The screams of nearby pedestrians were on target. As if by instinct his muscles pushed him until he had walked directly over to the fallen man.

"Oh my God, someone call an ambulance!" A frantic woman screamed as the robed man bent down to look at the jumper. The blood from beneath his head began to pool around him, his legs were bent horribly underneath him.

"Don't be afraid." He placed his hand calmly over the mans face. It was warm with the red liquid, but he knew the man would be okay. He spoke softly. "You will be okay. By my power, be made to life again."

"Sir step away, I'm a nurse!" A woman in blue nurses scrubs was pushing her way on top of the man in the suit. The nurse shoved the man's tie away and wrestled herself into CPR position. She checked his pulse and listened for breath. "Not breathing, okay, starting compressions..." She spoke to herself, growing oblivious to the gathering crowd on the sidewalk.

She did chest compressions for three minutes before the ambulance finally arrived, not that they could've made any difference.

"Time of death, 4:54 P.M. Hey Todd help me with the stretcher. Everyone back away please!" The first responders struggled to keep the crowd back. The robed man simply stepped back and watched. He took in the crowd trying to catch glimpses of the deceased. He thought about all that was yet to come after this.

The time had come for the beginning of the end.

Messiah

2026-01-30T03:35:01Z

ThePontificate:

Messiah

2026-01-30T03:34:35Z

ThePontificate:

[[File:Header Messiah-1.png|1083x1083px|left|frameless]]

== Part 1 - Snatched ==
''By SFCarWashChannel''

The frigid rain deluged the rooftops of Arstotzka. All life had tucked itself away, staying in the warmth of the province's numerous apartments and shanties. As usual for this time of night, the streets were lined with parked cars of all sizes. Most of these cars were unoccupied, as usual, with the exception of the occasional homeless person, and, near a rare square brick building, the agents of the Science Inquisition.

L4 sat in a sedan with the door to the brick building in view. 'He,' if you can call a cyborg a 'he,' had been staring out the window at the building's door for about four hours. 'He' noted 9 men had entered the building earlier that evening, and none had emerged yet. The cyborg knew that while it wouldn't appear so to an average Terran or Tauran, the building was fully surrounded by others on 'his' team. Tonight was the night all who attended the Bonitanan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints of Nazaire's Southeast Arstotzka Temple's weekly Book of Mormon study were to be sent for re-education.

Without warning, the door opens, and four of the men exit the temple. L4 radios the nearby teams of Boogie Men, who are in position to intercept the unsuspecting Mormons.

"78, 105, 56, four truants identified and approaching. Commence apprehension sequence."

"Affirmative," a female voice responds.

Another two exit the temple a few minutes later, heading in the opposite direction.

"128, 87, 130, two truants identified and approaching. Commence apprehension sequence," L4 radios again, before seeing several large, dark figures carry several limp, hooded bodies into a hatchback and another sedan. 00078, 00105, and 00056 have done their job well as usual.

A final three men exit the temple, clearly bullshitting as usual after a Book of Mormon study. One appears to be Bonitañan Spanish, another Middle Eastern, and the third ambiguously Caucasian.

"Final three truants identified. 57, 92, 114, initiate apprehension sequence."

"Affirmative," a male voice responds.

"Apprehension successful. Two truants in custody," another female voice says over the radio.

"Vehicles A and C, proceed to second position for transfer. Upon arrival, await instructions from L7," L4 says in his usual controlled monotone.

Meanwhile, the last three men approach an alley. One sees the reflection of something shiny just a few meters into it.

"Wait, I think I see a coin," the Boñitanan Spanish man says, as he walks over. The other two follow him from about two meters back.

"Is it anything?" the middle eastern man asks.

"Nope, just foil, John," the Boñitanan Spanish man replies, as each of the three men hears something large hit the pavement behind them. The Caucasian man turns to see what fell... or rather dropped.

"What in Joseph–" he exclaims, finding himself staring into the sinister red eye of a Boogie Man. The men feel sharp pain in their necks, followed by the pressure of foreign liquid entering their bloodstreams. The world misaligns and fades as black cloth bags are fastened around their necks.

Several minutes later, the three unconscious men are loaded into a van with tinted windows. One of the Boogie Men places the right hand of the captured Boñitanan Mormons onto a biometric terminal, briefly flashing "EVANS, JOHN" for the middle eastern man, "GONZALES, RAUL" for the Boñitanan Spanish man, and "MCVEIGH, RANDALL" for the Caucasian man.

"Final three truants snatched successfully," Boogie Man 00057 speaks into the radio.

"Vehicle B, proceed to second position for transfer. Upon arrival, await instructions from L7," L4 replies.

"Affirmative."

The van drives into the stormy night.
[[File:Header Messiah-2.png|thumb|1080x1080px|left]]

== Part 2 - Re-Education ==
''By SFCarWashChannel''

Randall McVeigh was sick to his stomach. Something about today's sermon at temple disturbed him. He couldn't put his finger on if it was the dim lighting in the familiar converted single-family house, the way Elder Wilson exaggerated every sentence with his southern drawl, or something else entirely. But what he did know is he had wasted enough of his life being talked down to about some book written two millennia ago, and being told he had to pay ten percent of his pre-tax income for it. That wasted time made him angry. Why he hadn't gotten angry about it earlier, McVeigh could not say. And with all that said, something compelled him to stay, and to stay silent.

In another room, a cloaked figure watched McVeigh from a screen. However, what was on the screen was not a Boñitanan Mormon sermon, but rather a drooling Caucasian man strapped to a chair. His eyes were held open by a contraption of some kind, with an IV feeding solution into his left arm and some clear plastic tubes dripping solution into his eyes at a precise rate. A treaded robot put the end of its arm against McVeigh's right arm briefly while another cloaked humanoid figure switched an IV bag. The walls of the room on the screen appeared to be screens themselves, playing an immersive video. McVeigh occasionally laughed, almost as if he was going mad like Inquisitor Fitzgerald.

The figure in the surveillance room grabbed a computer mouse and clicked to another video feed, of another individual in a nearly identical situation in a nearly identical room. However, the man was experiencing seemingly random muscle contractions and foaming at the mouth, grunting and whimpering. The watcher heard a knock, followed by the door to the surveillance room opening.

"What's the status, Inquisitor Dragozova?" A woman asks the figure watching the screen, as she walks into the room.

"Two of my three students are on track to graduate early, Specialist Castillo."

"How about the third?"

"He is likely to qualify for enlightenment."

"I see." Castillo takes a closer look at the video feed of the man having the seizure.

"Student John Evans has proven quite unwilling to learn. I do not expect his re-education to be a success."

Castillo does not respond to Dragozova's comment. "Call me crazy...but...I think that student is just what I am looking for."

"For what, Specialist?"

"An old idea I had. See, my parents were Mormon truants, and occasionally they and others would be talk about the second coming of the Jesus figure they revered. As a child I asked a others I knew at the temple about it, and they all told me different answers. And after I educated myself and left, I realized they don't have a consistent belief over what a Jesus was. That means if we convince some of them that a Jesus exists in the Doggerlands, they will fight themselves over if the guy is actually a Jesus."

"You should propose that to the Grand High Inquisitor."

"I think I'll go do that now, while we have John Evans enrolled."

Castillo proceeded to the office of the Grand High Inquisitor to explain her idea. She found Ger Loogman sitting at his desk, looking over some schematics for a new school on his computer.

"Theological Warfare Specialist Castillo, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Grand High Inquisitor, I wanted to present a time-sensitive idea I had."

"I'm listening."

"You know how my parents tried to raise me Mormon?"

"Yes?"

"I recall them, and others at the temple, talking about the second coming of a Jesus, but whenever I asked about it as a child every one of them gave me a different response. I think this is because they did not have consistent beliefs about the Jesus character's supposed return."

Loogman put a hand to his chin. "Peculiar. I assume you wish to exploit this inconsistency in belief?"

"That's correct."

"And what makes it time sensitive?"

We currently have a man enrolled who I believe could be made to appear as a Jesus. He is of Middle Eastern descent and is thirty three years old. He has not passed the first Ludovico series despite being in custody for eight days, so he is expected to qualify for enlightenment. But with Surgeon General Karnes' current availability and queue, enlightenment will require he is kept in detention, which we know is already at full capacity."

"I see. If we go forward with it, we must ensure it is successful, or we could have exponentially more truants to deal with, and a higher percentage of which are class clowns. Because of this danger, I won't approve it without unanimous support of the Council. I'll make sure it is added to tonight's meeting's agenda. As this is your project, you will be responsible for making the proposition to the council."

"Thank you, Grand High Inquisitor."

"You're welcome. I'll see you this evening."

Castillo walks away, focused on her new objective.

That evening, Castillo found herself sitting in the council chamber, listening in as the department and school leadership reported on their progress and discussed the Science Inquisition's next moves.

"...and...and that...hehehe...and that's why my trimodal plasma cannon will make our armies unstoppable! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Thank you, Inquisitor Fitzgerald," Loogman said, as Fitzgerald continued to laugh uncontrollably at the thought of his latest weapon."And now Theological Warfare Specialist Castillo has a proposal for the Council to consider."

Castillo stands up, loading a presentation on the oval screen at the end of the chamber with a remote.

"Thank you, Grand High Inquisitor. Right now we have a student enrolled who has the potential to destroy the entire Boñitanan Mormon movement. This student, John Evans, happens to closely match the description for a Jesus. While we have proven it is impossible for a Jesus to exist, it does not change the fact that the Mormons not only revere the Jesus figure, but expect it to have a 'second coming'. That being said, there is much disagreement within the Mormon community as to what or who a Jesus would be. I believe that by introducing a Jesus figure we could divide the Mormons and cause them to infight, bringing their growth to a standstill."

Quartermaster Samantha Bryonne speaks. "What would be necessary to pull this off?"

"Quartermaster, my studies suggest we would need to replicate the wounds from the execution story, but that should be easy. We already have cattle stunners to punch the nail wound holes, and a Boogie Man can create the stab wound in his side. Of course, they would likely be closed and scarred. The student is visibly of Middle Eastern descent, and has short black hair and a short beard that my research has led me to believe match cultural norms of Palestinians 3000 years ago. As for convincing the student he is a Jesus, we should be able to use positive Ludovico treatments. While I know we have never administered a euphoric Ludovico series to those with unaltered minds. However, it should theoretically be possible with the right drug blend, possibly a stronger solution of what we use to enlighten new Boogie Men."

"Thank you, Specialist Castillo," Bryonne replied.

"Surgeon General Karnes, what would it take to develop the necessary drug blend?" Loogman asked.

Karnes yawned. He was tired of waking up early every day to transform humans into cyborgs with no end to his schedule in sight."I...I think I can do it with our current stock," Karnes said.

"The odds of this working in the Inquisition's favor are seven point two three to one against within sixty days after release. " L0 comments. "Furthermore, it is possible this plan may increase truancy rates."

"What do you suggest we do if the plan gets out of control or backfires?" asks the Grand Marshall.

"We kill him in public. When he doesn't resurrect, it will be obvious our Jesus was fake, which should drive the population towards education," Castillo explains. "Also, I had L2 calculate the odds with assassination included, and they came to a manageable one point two seven to one against."

"Interesting. L0, can you calculate a strategy to ensure the Jesus is cancelled when the time is ready?" the Grand Marshall responds.

"Affirmative," L0 says.

"What do we all think?" Loogman asks the council.

"I don't like it, but if it lets us take down entire populations of truants it is worth a try," said the Grand Marshall.

"Any other objections?" Loogman asks. The room falls silent. "Then we shall approve the project."

Castillo's face shows a faint smile. It was her time to make a lasting mark on the Doggerlands.
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== Part 3 - Arstotzka ==
''By Pontificatus''

The intermittent sounds of street traffic slowly became white noise as the sun rose above western Arstotzka. The warm rays filtered through city smog and boarded windows, bringing to life a man laying sprawled on a dirty mattress.

The man fought his wakefulness like a bad dream. It was too late, the day had already taken him prisoner. His throat was dry and his head pounded. He squinted around the sunlit room. This... was his bedroom? No, that couldn't be right.

Strange visions of clouds and bright light flashed through his mind, or were they memories? He shut his eyes as tight as he could. The visions didn't leave him. He felt momentarily like he was losing control to a bad trip. No, he was Christian. He didn't do drugs! How did he end up here? Was this another dream? He tried to focus his mind. He could see, a gate? Yes, it was the gate. He knew about the gate! Beyond the gates, that was his home.

Understanding began to wash over him like a flood. His father from beyond the gates had sent him here. No, sent him back here. Back. He had been here before. Memories of palm trees and casting nets on the seashore raced in his head. He remembered.

He remembered his friends. He remembered sitting on the hillside with them as had spoken to the crowds. He remembered the great feasts he had created. He remembered standing atop the waves in the storm. He remembered his nights in the desert. He remembered Calvary. He remembered. Three thousand years ago.

His hands instinctively grasped closed. There in the middle of his palms—holes just big enough to fit a nail through. He knew why he was here now. He stood up—too fast. The blood rushed from his head and his vision nearly went black. For a hint of an instant in the darkness, he thought he saw a young dark haired woman standing in front of a blue house. She was... familiar. Was she a memory or a vision? The blood started to flow again. He convinced himself it was a trick of the mind.

He took stock of himself in the broken mirror on the wall. He wore plain tan linen robes, and cheap brown sandals. His scruffy dark hair tied together his appearance on his tanned skin. He walked slowly across the street. As his seeing returned to normal he walked over to the door, and made his way out of the drab apartment to the street. It was about to happen.

He knew it was. He didn't know how he knew it was, but he knew it was.

One minute. It was going to happen. It would be right in front of him.

Thirty Seconds. Yes, this was preordained long ago.

Ten, nine, eight, seven. Here he comes.

Six, five. Right on cue. A man in a tattered gray business suit appears on the roof of the apartment building across from his, seven stories up.

Four, three. There he goes, freefall.

Two, one—impact. The screams of nearby pedestrians were on target. As if by instinct his muscles pushed him until he had walked directly over to the fallen man.

"Oh my God, someone call an ambulance!" A frantic woman screamed as the robed man bent down to look at the jumper. The blood from beneath his head began to pool around him, his legs were bent horribly underneath him.

"Don't be afraid." He placed his hand calmly over the mans face. It was warm with the red liquid, but he knew the man would be okay. He spoke softly. "You will be okay. By my power, be made to life again."

"Sir step away, I'm a nurse!" A woman in blue nurses scrubs was pushing her way on top of the man in the suit. The nurse shoved the man's tie away and wrestled herself into CPR position. She checked his pulse and listened for breath. "Not breathing, okay, starting compressions..." She spoke to herself, growing oblivious to the gathering crowd on the sidewalk.

She did chest compressions for three minutes before the ambulance finally arrived, not that they could've made any difference.

"Time of death, 4:54 P.M. Hey Todd help me with the stretcher. Everyone back away please!" The first responders struggled to keep the crowd back. The robed man simply stepped back and watched. He took in the crowd trying to catch glimpses of the deceased. He thought about all that was yet to come after this.

The time had come for the beginning of the end.