Seraph Myrddin D'Ischai, Voice of Lady Aurora

Citizens of Light and Fire, Guardians of Creation, and all who stand beneath the radiant flames of the Hearth, last month bore witness to a transformation centuries in the making. What began as a beacon kindled in defiance has become an empire blazing across the continent. Targossas, our jewel of righteousness, had ascended to become the Incandescent Empire of the Dawn.

Let it be known, we never sought this crown. We never coveted dominion for its own sake. While others schemed in shadows, trading promises like coin, while they wove webs of alliance and counter-alliance, we stood apart. We needed no staff of borrowed power. We required no trickery to mask our weakness. We sought only to embody what we knew to be true.

...that righteousness needs no conspiracy, that Light casts no shadow, that Good stands on its own merit or it stands not at all!

This triumph belongs to no single soul, though one has been chosen to bear its crown. This victory was forged in the tireless devotion of every Guardian of the Hearth, every soldier who held the walls, every devotee who kept the flames of faith burning, every soul who chose Creation over darkness. You are the foundation upon which this empire stands. Your prayers became power. Your blades became justice. Your commitment to Good transformed a city into a force that nations could not ignore.

In the Dawnlord, Aroan Shire, we have witnessed such a will made manifest. When others hesitated, he advanced. When darkness pressed against our gates, he stood immovable. When the path forward seemed uncertain, he carved it with purpose and clarity. He needed no serpent's whisper in his ear, no expedient alliance with those who would betray us at dawn.

Through campaigns that tested the very limits of mortal endurance, through diplomatic trials that would have shattered lesser leaders, through moments when the weight of responsibility might have crushed any other soul, the Dawnlord persevered with nothing but faith, steel, and the righteousness of our cause.

And the Bloodsworn took notice.

Lord Deucalion Himself, the Righteous Fire, He who embodies the unyielding strength of Good, has bestowed upon Aroan Shire the Crown of Seven Provinces. This is no mere symbol of mortal authority, it is a Divine mandate. It is recognition from the Creator that in this servant, the ideals of Targossas have found their perfect champion. It is confirmation that our cause is righteous, our expansion necessary, and our future ordained by powers beyond this realm.

Opening a gilded box of pure amber, Myrddin removes the Crown of Seven Provinces from its core and displays it for all to see.

Let our enemies tremble at what we have become, not through their games of alliance and betrayal, but in spite of them. Let those who trade in corruption and wickedness understand that the age of their impunity has ended. The Incandescent Empire does not merely defend, it illuminates. It does not merely endure, it transforms. We need no staff to lean upon. We require no trickery to disguise our intent. Wherever our banner flies, tyranny withers. Wherever our legions march, Evil finds no quarter. Wherever our faith takes root, Creation flourishes.

Gently extending his arms, Myrddin passes the Crown of Seven Provinces to Aroan.

Targossas, I give you the first Emperor of the Hearth. Dawnlord Aroan Shire.

♛

Balancing the Crown of Seven Provinces between his left hand and the stump of his right, Aroan lowers his head and settles it upon his brow.

The Crown of Seven Provinces now rests upon a brow tempered by countless battles, sanctified by his faith, and proven worthy through deeds that echo across the planes themselves. With this crown comes not privilege, but sacred duty. With this crown comes not rest, but eternal vigilance. With this crown comes the solemn charge to shepherd not just our city, but an empire, to spread the Light not just to those who welcome it, but to those lands still shrouded in shadow who know not what they lack.

Placing an open hand over his heart with solemn grace, Myrddin's scintilla blazes with empyrean radiance, ethereal Light cascading from its hallowed core as he bows his head in reverent recognition towards Aroan. He shifts behind the right side of Aroan facing the crowd.

⚔ ✦ ⚔

Emperor Aroan Shire, Dawnlord of Targossas

I have no speech prepared, I am afraid, to match the eloquence of the Seraph. So I will simply say this.

Empires rise and fall.

As the Lord spoke on this very square. The work we undertake must outlive Empires.

Through diplomacy, strategy on the field, and sheer endurance we have achieved a milestone. But remember that the road towards Paradise stretches on before us.

May They guide us forward, always.

The Coronation of the First Emperor