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aeturneus
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Edmonton, Canada
Apr 2001
time: 22:28
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"A desolate and ruined wasteland, and one pities the ragged beasts who dwell there."
- Commodore Seleburgh of Jackson, 1822
Seleburgh visited the rocky, treeless island only once, stopping to repair his fleet on a voyage to Westport. He was likely the first to set foot on the island since the dawn of the Age of Reason and the fall of the old pagan religions; the island had been a cursed place from time immemorial, and the fishermen from neighboring states who sometimes came within site of its coastline would never land, fearing the dark spirits that seemed to crush the soul of every living thing fated to suffer there. There had been people, once - eroded foundations and fallen pillars testified to human settlement some time in the distant past - but whatever race had lived there had long since departed for more hospitable lands, the ruins they left a monument to an age that has passed out of all memory.
The Commodore's account of his visit is the only surviving record of those ruins; in 1842 the mountain in the center of the island blew its top and the ancient relics were concealed under ash and lava. The island was reborn in that moment, the ash covering bedrock and, in the 50 years since, creating a fertile soil waiting for seeds carried by the winds and waves to sprout and grow.
My Father, Aeturneus I, long live his name, was the seed carried by the waves; he brought his people, persecuted and betrayed by their countrymen in an unknown land of the south, to a new land and a new life. His new religion, the Doctrine of Reason and Revelation, which had lead his followers to this place, would guide their every step. The island was an empty orchard, and my father's careful husbandry firmly planted the roots of his people in a place he could call his own.
As hereditary High Priest of the Dominion of Aeturneus, I inherited the staff of leadership following his repose yesterday, the 6th of March 2005. I make this announcement to proclaim my Dominion over this land to the world. During my Father's rule, we remained hidden from the eyes of the blind that they should not see us while we were yet unable to defend ourselves. We grew and prospered. Now, we are prepared to bring the fruit of our labors to the great marketplace, and show the world the produce of our dilligence, wood chips, from our thriving forests planted in good order.
As Supreme Commander of the Dominion, I warn all who would infringe upon our religious or political autonomy that we will not wait for them to strike the first blow. As True Councillor of my people, I encourage them to embrace other nations as friends and allies when profitable. As Merchant Prince and Philosopher King, I invite all nations to commerce with my Dominion, to the strengthening of all and the glory of Reason.
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07-03-2005 11:47
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