Death of the Endowed Father and Succession Crisis - 7587
Final Decades
The final decades of Gwretaido Prawiros Ghruxhuorsunus’s rule, the founder of the Bind, were marked by significant economic progress and a gradual opening of the Bind to the world. Under his leadership, the Bind transitioned from an insular state to one that engaged in international trade and diplomacy. New trade routes were established, and economic ties were strengthened with neighboring nations such as Vitmark, Fisks, and Kamura. This period saw the modernization of infrastructure, the growth of industries, and an overall improvement in the standard of living for many Wolgos citizens.
However, this era of economic expansion was paralleled by a landscape of political tension and uncertainty. The power figures within the Bind were acutely aware of Ghruxhuorsunus’s advanced age and declining health, and many were poised for his death, which seemed increasingly imminent but never materialized. Each year that he defied expectations and continued to live only heightened the political stakes, as ambitious ministers and high paladins positioned themselves for the inevitable power struggle that would follow his demise. Ghruxhuorsunus’s extraordinarily long life contributed to a near-mythical status, fostering a cult of personality that saw some Wolgos citizens even referring to him as the "immortal."
This veneration was not without its complications. While Ghruxhuorsunus’s extended rule provided a semblance of stability, it also delayed necessary discussions about succession and the future direction of the Bind. The political elite remained in a state of suspended animation, unable to make significant long-term plans or reforms due to the uncertainty surrounding Ghruxhuorsunus’s health. This created an environment where power plays and backroom dealings became the norm, as various factions sought to secure their positions in anticipation of the eventual transition of power.
Decline in Health and Public Perception
As Ghruxhuorsunus aged, his physical condition deteriorated, becoming increasingly frail. To maintain an image of vigour and health, he was often seen sitting or propped up in front of flags, giving the illusion that he could still stand and fulfil his duties with strength. His large frame, once a symbol of his robust leadership, became a burden as his ankles, knees, and other joints swelled, causing him significant discomfort. By his 100th birthday, the charade of health could no longer be sustained.
All pretences of physical vigour were dropped, and Ghruxhuorsunus's appearance became noticeably emaciated. He could only walk with great difficulty and for brief moments, relying heavily on aides for support. To manage his public appearances with dignity, a special gurney was created. This gurney allowed him to be transported in an upright position, preserving the image of resilience and leadership despite his declining health.
Despite his gaunt appearance, Ghruxhuorsunus's image was meticulously maintained by a dedicated team of nurses and groomers. They worked tirelessly to ensure that he appeared as presentable as possible during his rare public appearances. The public gradually came to accept his changing appearance, understanding it as a natural part of his advanced age. It was not uncommon for his true, frail self to be depicted in banknotes and newspapers, reflecting a societal shift towards acknowledging the reality of his condition while still revering him as a leader.
This careful management of his image helped maintain public confidence and stability within the Bind. However, it also underscored the precarious nature of his rule, which was increasingly dependent on the perception of strength rather than actual capability. The extraordinary efforts to maintain his public persona highlighted the underlying tensions and the lengths to which his inner circle would go to preserve the status quo.
In the naturally competitive and pragmatic Wolgos society, a man of Ghruxhuorsunus’s advanced age and declining health would typically have lost his grip on power. However, Ghruxhuorsunus never lost his mental clarity and astuteness. He wove complex political webs of ministers, appointees, administrators, and high paladins who competed against each other. Many relied directly on Ghruxhuorsunus to maintain their legitimacy and power. His cabinet, high command, and civil service were filled with lackeys and minions constantly competing with each other and zealously looking out for Ghruxhuorsunus’s wellbeing, as their power depended on him. Others served but bided their time, savouring the eventual demise of Ghruxhuorsunus.
Ghruxhuorsunus’s ability to maintain control over a fractious and ambitious group of leaders demonstrates his political acumen. He fostered a climate of competition and mutual suspicion among his subordinates, ensuring that no single individual or faction could consolidate enough power to challenge his authority. This strategy of divide and rule kept potential rivals in check and made many of them dependent on Ghruxhuorsunus for their positions and influence.
However, this web of dependencies and rivalries also meant that the political landscape was fraught with tension. Ministers and high paladins were constantly engaged in backroom dealings, alliances, and betrayals, all aimed at securing their future in the post-Ghruxhuorsunus era. This environment of continuous intrigue created a volatile situation, where the balance of power was delicate and could be disrupted by the slightest shift in alliances or perceptions of favour. The anticipation of Ghruxhuorsunus’s death added an element of urgency to these machinations. Factions within the government and military prepared for the inevitable power vacuum, each hoping to position themselves advantageously for the coming struggle. This constant jockeying for position not only maintained Ghruxhuorsunus’s control but also sowed the seeds for the chaos that would follow his death.
The Final Days of Ghruxhuorsunus
In early Wintar 7587, Ghruxhuorsunus experienced a seemingly minor accident that would ultimately lead to his demise. While strolling through the gardens of the central broch of Skous—a rare outing for the ailing leader, who only left his residence for critical ceremonies or affairs of state—he was grazed by the thorny branches of a Rubus bush. The thorns cut into his neck, creating small wounds that soon became infected. Despite the best efforts of the most prominent doctors in Skous, the infection worsened over the following days due to his advanced age and the medical limitations of the era. Ghruxhuorsunus, ever resolute, refused to discuss succession, clearly intending to continue his rule.
As the infection took hold, Ghruxhuorsunus's condition rapidly deteriorated. On Wintar 22, 7587, at 7:34 am, he fell unconscious and became unresponsive to stimuli, despite being tended around the clock by his personal team of doctors and nurses. The gravity of the situation quickly became apparent. Within the hour, Hlrike ministers began trickling into his residential complex, sensing the impending crisis.
By nightfall, the central broch had become a hub of frantic activity. High Paladins, ministers, preachers, and security commanders from the Guild of Divinators had swarmed from across Skous and even from distant cities like Chaed Praet. The High Paladin of the Refuge Bay region arrived by propeller aircraft that night, underscoring the urgency and importance of the situation.
The Death of Ghruxhuorsunus and Immediate Aftermath
On Wintar 23, 7587, at 8:22 am, Ghruxhuorsunus died surrounded by his medical team and a menagerie of powerful state figures. As his death was declared, a tense silence fell over the room. For a few minutes, the only sounds were the hushed whispers and the soft sobs of those closest to him. The tension in the room was palpable, as everyone present understood the magnitude of the moment.
Without warning, High Paladin Ghósdos Sélwīsonos drew his pistol and shot the lead doctor dead. The sudden act of violence shocked everyone into action. Almost instantly, other High Paladins ordered their men to seal the residential complex of the broch and systematically arrest and execute all civilian personnel within. The complex was cleared of civilians within minutes, as chaos and panic spread through the ranks.
Pistols were drawn towards each other as arguments erupted. High Paladins, ministers, and guild divinators accused each other of various misdeeds and disloyalty. The atmosphere was thick with suspicion and fear. Some bargained for their lives or positions, while others forced their way out of the complex to retreat to their bases of power. Conflicting orders and rivalries permeated the air, turning the broch into a battlefield of political intrigue.
Power Struggles and Chaos
The death of Ghruxhuorsunus triggered a rapid and violent power struggle. The central broch, once a symbol of Ghruxhuorsunus’s enduring legacy, became a site of intense conflict. High Paladins, ministers, and guild divinators, each vying for control, found themselves in a deadly game of survival and dominance. The assassination of the lead doctor by Ghósdos Sélwīsonos set a brutal precedent, leading to further acts of violence and betrayal.
The residential complex was transformed into a fortified zone. Armed guards patrolled the hallways, and every corner echoed with the tension of imminent confrontation. High-ranking officials, once allies in Ghruxhuorsunus's administration, now viewed each other with suspicion and hostility. The complex web of alliances and rivalries that Ghruxhuorsunus had woven over decades began to unravel in the face of his death.
As the chaos unfolded, the city of Skous remained largely unaware of the turmoil within the broch. The citizenry went about their daily lives, oblivious to the power struggle that was reshaping their government. However, glimpses of poorly concealed violence and the sudden influx of security forces hinted at the underlying crisis.
The situation within the broch deteriorated rapidly. Ministers and High Paladins formed temporary alliances, only to betray each other moments later. The Guild of Divinators, wielding significant influence, sought to assert control over the unfolding events. Their agents moved swiftly, detaining key figures and manipulating communications to sow confusion among their rivals.
By the end of Wintar 23, the initial chaos had claimed the lives of several prominent figures. Two High Paladin council members were shot dead on the steps of the main entrance to the broch, along with other ministers, divinators, and various squires and knights. The corridors of power were stained with blood, and the air was thick with the acrid smell of gunpowder and fear.
Despite the violence, there was a shared understanding among the factions that civil war had to be avoided. Maintaining the appearance of strength and unity was paramount. As such, a fragile and uneasy truce began to take shape. High-ranking officials negotiated behind closed doors, seeking to stabilize the situation and consolidate power without further bloodshed.
The Divinators and Hlrike, independently but with a sense of coordinated effort, took control of key institutions across the Bind. Police stations, newspapers, and radio stations were swiftly occupied, and all communication channels were tightly controlled. By midday on Wintar 23, regular programming ceased on all radio stations, which began transmitting only instrumental music. Cinemas showed reruns of innocuous films, and newspapers missed their midday and evening editions.
For the next two days, the civil service entered a state of standby. Security forces enforced a strict curfew, and the streets of Skous were eerily quiet. Under this calm façade, a covert war of negotiations, maneuvering, and scheming took place. The Guild of Divinators arrested and kidnapped thousands of relatives of High Paladins and other ministers, while the Hlrike moved to control police stations and capture guild offices and headquarters. Blackmail and slander spread through the telegraph networks, mixing with conflicting messages of unity and alliances.
By Wintar 25, the political landscape had shifted dramatically. Only ten High Paladin council members remained out of fifteen, and a third of the ministers of state had perished. At least four thousand civilians, military personnel, secret service agents, and political figures had died. Yet, at 7:00 pm that evening, a radio announcement proclaimed across the nation that High Paladin Séptos Bhérh3ih2osonos had been appointed as the new Gwretaido Prawiros. Using his position as minister for the Guild of Divinators, Bhérh3ih2osonos paralyzed the efforts and communications of his rivals and secured the loyalty of other High Paladins.
In the following days, negotiations for loyalty took place, and kidnapped members of the public were released. The nation gradually returned to a semblance of normalcy, albeit under the shadow of recent events.
The Funeral of Ghruxhuorsunus
Six days after the death of Ghruxhuorsunus, the city of Skous prepared for an event of immense significance: the funeral of their long-standing leader. The preparations were fraught with challenges, as his body had remained unattended on his deathbed for over five days, surrounded by the corpses of his medical team. The decomposition was severe, presenting a significant obstacle for the embalmers who were tasked with preserving his remains.
To maintain the dignity and grandeur befitting Ghruxhuorsunus, the embalmers were instructed to assemble his remains into a ceremonial gilded bronze shell. This shell, crafted by the finest jewellers of Kalsulan in under two days, was designed to present an idealized version of Ghruxhuorsunus. It masked the ravages of decomposition and allowed the public to remember him as the resilient and powerful figure he had been during his rule.
The funeral itself was a grand spectacle, attended by hundreds of thousands of citizens who lined the central boulevard leading to the central broch. The atmosphere was sombre, yet filled with a palpable sense of reverence and respect. Deep blood red banners adorned the streets, complemented by black streamers that fluttered in the breeze. Crimson flower petals were strewn along the path and thrown by onlookers, adding a vibrant yet mournful touch to the procession. The air was filled with the haunting melodies of Wolgos bagpipes, backed by a powerful percussion ensemble, creating a solemn and evocative soundscape.
The Hlrike knights and squires stood at attention in their ceremonial uniforms, adorned with richly embroidered capes. Their presence was formidable, and they added to the grandeur of the occasion. Among the procession were the ceremonial Haiters, majestic stags known for their great stature. Their antlers were decorated with red flowers, burgundy ribbons, and ribbons inscribed with scriptures, adding a symbolic and ceremonial depth to the event.
Broadcast across the nation via newsreels, the funeral allowed those who could not be present in Skous to participate in the mourning. Many cities staged their own mourning processions, with citizens gathering in public squares to watch the newsreels and pay their respects. These processions mirrored the grandeur of the main event in Skous, with local dignitaries leading the ceremonies and delivering eulogies that extolled Ghruxhuorsunus's virtues and contributions to the Bind.
As the funeral procession reached the central broch, a solemn silence fell over the crowd. The bronze shell containing Ghruxhuorsunus's remains was carried by a contingent of his most loyal soldiers, followed by high-ranking officials, ministers, and members of the Guild of Divinators. The procession moved slowly, giving the people time to reflect on the end of an era and the uncertainty that lay ahead.
Ghruxhuorsunus's body was laid to rest in a newly constructed mausoleum, built over the course of the following month. This mausoleum, an architectural marvel, became the centerpiece of the city's main and largest Mr̥tōdǵhem Deywōwelnos. The structure was adorned with intricate carvings and gilded accents, symbolizing the wealth and power of the Bind during Ghruxhuorsunus's rule. The surrounding area of the mausoleum was meticulously maintained by park tenders, who decorated it with cairns of Wolgos skulls and bones collected from across the death pilgrimage park.
In the end, Ghruxhuorsunus's death marked the conclusion of an era and the beginning of a new, uncertain chapter for the Bind. The power struggles that followed his passing revealed the fragility of the political order he had maintained and set the stage for future conflicts and transformations within the nation. His funeral, while a moment of collective mourning, also underscored the deep divisions and the turbulent times that lay ahead for the Bind. The elaborate ceremonies and the construction of his mausoleum served as a final, grand gesture to solidify his legacy and remind the nation of his enduring influence.
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Physiology topics: Wolgos Psyche - Wolgos Development From Birth to Adulthood - Death for the Wolgos - Wolgos Sexuality - Wolgos Masculinity - Wolgos Womanhood | |||||
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| Dhonowlgos | The Bind | Hergom ep swekorwos | United New Kingdoms | ||
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| ~3000 CE - 7505 CE | 7508 CE - 7603 CE | 7608 CE - Present | |||
| History & Geography |
History of Dhonowlgos: History of Dhonowlgos - Stained Era - Era of Rising Lilies
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| Politics & Economy |
Dhonowlgos Politics: Politics - Foreign Relations
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| Society & Culture |
Dhonowlgos Society: Monuments - Society - Brochs of Dhonowlgos
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| History & Geography |
History of The Bind: History - Geography - Military - Science - Brochs of The Bind
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| Politics & Economy |
Politics of The Bind: Politics - Military - Administrative Divisions of the Bind
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| Society & Culture |
Society in The Bind: Brochs of The Bind - communication in The Bind - Demographics
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| History & Geography |
History of The United New Kingdoms: History
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| Politics & Economy |
Politics of The United New Kingdoms: Politics - Military
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| Society & Culture |
Society and Culture in The United New Kingdoms: Wolgos Culture in the UNK - Demographics - Humans of the UNK
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