RHODEN'S DECREE

I hereby set forth this decree to the people of Omnirius:

I, Reynard Rhoden IV, ruler by right of divine mandate and High King of Omnirius, have with great magnanimity devoted my life to the betterment of this nation and to those who dwell within. I, now and forever, long only to ensure the prosperity of this new and great empire.

Both by blood and by iron have I forged this kingly blade known as Glabrius. Whomsoever shall wield this sword shall carry with them the irrevocable mandate of High King. Thus it may be said that this blade is an extension of my will as ruler of this empire and of the nation of Omnirius. My words speak for her mind and my actions are the manifestations of her desire.

This is the responsibility of one who wears upon their head this monarch’s crown.

Only one of such strength, wisdom and heart may be worthy of my mantle and thus worthy of the title of high king. Thus is the keeper of My will and of this kingly blade tied to the doom of this nation.

To guide toward light and to shield from darkness— this is the duty of the wielder of Glabrius. From now until the end.

So it is decreed and so it shall ever be.

This royal decree is dated on the 21st of December, Year 947 in the Age of Peace.

This document is signed thrice by his Majesty, High King Reynard Rhoden IV.

RECORDS OF THE GRAND HISTORIAN I

An excerpt from “The War of Blood and Iron: A Royal Account,” Page 11.

“His Exalted Majesty’s Demonstration to the Generals of Eadenfros”

…

Within His Majesty’s hand gleamed bright that blade which he called Glabrius, adorned in royal splendor and beset with a pommel of finest bronze, crafted in the shape of a lion’s head and dotted with two sapphire eyes. But splendor can not alone capture the magnificence of this demonstration.

For no sooner had the blade been drawn from its royal sheath, than did it cut through the air and pierce an obelisk of marble as if it were mere cloth. Down to the hilt it sank, disappearing into opalescent stone, and there it remained until such a time as our magnificent High King saw fit to remove it.

There could be no other among us to wield such power. No other among us to strike such a fire in the hearts of men. No other within whom to place our hopes for a splendid beyond and our prayers for a united Omnirius.

And it was known then and there that the armies of Eadenfros should be victorious in their march for unification, and that their banners should rise ever higher across the lands of the East.

For the greatness and for the glory of a unified nation! For the Empire of Omnirius!