[ShiroKirishiki]

-2182AC-

Dissonance and discord cling to the ashen streets of the City of Art.

In the wake of the failed rite at the Tower of Aetius, Viritas feels a heavy weight upon its shoulders.

Even as the gentle waves of its shores lap at soft sands, it cannot assuage the tensions rising in people's hearts.

By the day, more innocents are vanishing from the cities streets, when before it was only heresy and crimes that would see people spirited away.

Yet, the drums of war cared not for the heavy hearts and foggy minds of the population.

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The Viceroy of Viritas, Yaeka Akatsuki, has been seen less and less since the failed right. Many report that she looked ill, withering away more and more with each sighting. The Shades of Viritas are spoken of less and less, for the threat to the population came from the covens that sought to use them as fuel for their own rites. Yet, after war was declared upon the Last Head of the Hydra, it saw a familiar diminutive fox appear from the dark maw of the Cathedral.

The Republic seeks our end. Those of Pscaela, those that have faithfully followed and toiled for Her Graces liberation, those that came to this city for hopes of freedom from dogma and artistic oppression... It matters naught to them. They will come with righteous fury to extinguish the flames of 'evil'. That is what they truly believe.

You know different, O City of Art. There is more to this world than black and white.

Prepare yourselves for yet another attempt to snuff out creativity. Prepare yourselves for a grand display of artistry, as we paint the streets red with blood once more.

By Her Grace's wishes, none more shall be offered to Her. The heretic, the thief, the murderer, they will be tried and punished according to more traditional methods. We will sustain our arts through devotion and faith, as we have before.

Following the short speech, distorted by a mask that held no features, the Curator of Souls is rarely seen.

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• Rumors spread of strange shifts inside the Dark Cathedral. Some speculate a new ritual is being prepared for the war ahead.
  
• A ban upon the Rite of the Sabbath has been placed upon the Apostles of Mydaea while preparations are being made. It does not yet extend to the other covens known to take shelter in the City of Art.
  
• The Voice of Mydaea, Mercucio, has been seen around Viritas preparing for a rite of his own, whispered to be ordained by Mydaea Herself.
  
• There is a notable lack of movement in the shadows of the city, the Shades of Viritas seeming to cease their vigil of the citizenry. Some speculate this is in preparation for the war effort.
  
• From the War Council's office, Viraliche makes a simple request: "Bring me Tahuwa Kitalan".
  
• The faithful of Mydaea, the citizens of Viritas that have worshiped the Fallen Angel of Art, start to dwindle with respect to the rest of the population. Some think they are fleeing the city after Rafael, Her Martyr, seems to not be a priority for rescue after two years of captivity. Each passing week sees another family paint a final ink sigil upon their door before their houses are left vacant.
  

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Relations:

The Republic - At War.

Meranthe - Indifferent.

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Settlement Type: Progressive