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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ariakor" data-source="post: 2243343" data-attributes="member: 8473">another Setting update, more to follow tomorrowRecent History and current affairs of the EmpireSince the Second Dynasty came to an End about 200 years ago, the Empire of Qilin has stayed in much the same shape. There have been several attempts at invasion by the neighbouring realm of Khem’hasar, but these proved to be unsuccessful in the end, though much blood was shed in the western mountains and the plains surrounding them. Also, the ever present threat of the Shadowlands to the north and several attempts of smaller bands of warped and mutated creatures or roving barbarian tribes from the dark lands beyond the Wall are a constant reminder to the Empire to never abandon their vigilance. Since the Second Dynasty no large-scale attack has come from the Shadowlands, but the threat posed by individual creatures or small groups who manage to bypass the watch maintained along the border remains an ever present possibility. The borders of the Empire have remained at peace for several generations now, but during the last decades unrest on a more or less regional level has plagued the Empire from time to time. Some of these revolts were only minor in scale, a local peasant uprising against to harsh a lord’s taxes, for example. But during the last few years, these uprisings occurred more and more frequently. Several larger ones actually took place in the Southern Provinces which has led some officials and magistrates to believe that the neighbouring realm of Belinquar has at least some responsibility in these occurrences. But so far nothing could be proven. Ever since the attacks from the Shadowlands  became more common, the people of the Empire have lived in fear of the shapechanging creatures at the Shadowland’s disposal. Even today, rumours start to circulate from time to time of beasts changing into man-shape and stalking among the dark streets of the Empire’s cities. One of them even went so far as to imply that one such infiltrator is even now residing at the Imperial Court. The Imperila Magistrates, ever vigilant of Shadowland incursions, tried to find truth behind this rumour, but so far it has been to no avail.Two years ago, Laing Fanhui, the eldest bastard son of Emperor Liang Tianlong was sent to deal with a larger insurrection mounting in the Northern coastal Province of Shenghai. There, several of the local minor lords had risen against the imperial officials governing the province and sending their rightful lord fleeing to the capital. The insurrection was put down with sword and flame and order was restored to the region. Fanhui and several of his high-ranking officers were granted lands formerly belonging to the rebels. But rumours started to circulate of strange things happening in the North: of infiltrators from the Shadowlands stalking the night, of forbidden bloodmagical practises used in secret ceremonies and of the ones behind the former rebellion not having been brought to justice. One rumour even went so far as to suggest that Fanhui was in league with the Shadowlands and was secretly planning the overthrow of the Dynasty. These kinds of rumours were based on the well-known news that several of the more successful forays beyond the Great Spirit Wall had been led by Fanhui and several officers from the Corps of Mystics which were members of his personal staff.While Fanhui was away in the North, Emperor Tianlong fell ill. His son and rightful heir, Prince Liang Jinjian returned to the capital and helped his ailing father in governing the realm. When Fanhui the Bastard returned to Qilin with his troops and learned of his father’s health, he was summoned to the palace and, together with Prince Jinjian, named Imperial Regent of the Jade Throne. During their regency the inner troubles plaguing the Empire rose in number. The provincial Dukes felt they could follow Imperial Edicts with a little room left for personal interpretation and frequent quarrels between the two Regents over Imperial policy did not help to solve these matters quickly. Meanwhile, Emperor Tianlong’s health got worse and worse and finally, during a very cold winter night which was noted for its clear skies, full moon but little to no stars except for the Phoenix’ Tail (a comet), Emperor Tianlong finally died. By custom, after one month of mourning, it was publicly announced that Jinjian would follow his father on the throne of Qilin. Just before New Year, the ceremony was held. Most of the lord of the provinces had come to the capital to swear allegiance to their new Emperor, except for a few ruling over border provinces too far away from the capital. With Jinjians ascension to the Imperial Throne the Time of Regency came to an end. Not six double-hours later Liang Fanhui, together with an unknown number of his followers, left the capital during the cover of night. Several of the lords present at the capital also left before dawn, having to attend pressing matters back home. Nobody knows, why the Bastard has left his brother’s side, but the rumour mill is turning fast and speculations are manifold. So the Third Dynasty, the Dynasty of Liang, now faces its most important trial. With the New Year Ceremony only a few days away, a lot of people wonder if the Mandate of Heaven for the Liang Dynasty is actually drawing to a close. But for everyone who says so two others voice their opinion that it will endure this crisis as it has endured others before it. So it remains to be seen if the fate of the Empire truly hangs in the balance.</blockquote>

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