The Rants of Claud D'Applaud

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

Commander Durant,

I have been thinking, this dueling business that has recently arisen with those two rogues Lagarde and d'Avranches, well it's not really fitting for an Emperor to lower himself to actually participating in a duel, as Emperor's we are supposed to remain aloof, above from such things, it is our purpose to observe the combatants, to raise or lower the thumb as we see fit.

I mean even this Frankish King has a Champion and we are far superior to him, we are an Emperor of Imperial Rome, our lands span across the known world while his rulership extends merely across Gaul, for now anyway until my Legions arrive. So, what is good enough for some minor ruler, like this Louis, is surely good also for me and as you are the Commander of my Praetorian Guard then I give to you the additional title of Emperor's Champion. To you will fall the honour of avenging your Emperor against the slurs and insults of lowlife such as Lagarde and d'Avranches and think of it Alain, think of it....if you triumph then you shall witness the grateful blessings of your Emperor, wealth, riches, fame, my continued patronage. Yet, should you fail then you will do so knowing that you have fallen for a just and honorable cause, the defense of your Emperor against those who seek him harm. An Emperor who will never forget you, who will hold a great feast in your memory, have a statue erected in your image and some public building named after you, things like that, all good stuff.

So, my advice to you is to get a little practice in while there is still time, I expect you to slay the pair of them so concentrate on killing blows but also on a few lesser disabling strokes too so that you can drag their agony out a bit before finally dispatching them.

Emperor Claudius

OOC: Claudius D'applaudium (formerly known as Claud D'Applaud) appoints Alain Andre Durant as his personal Champion and gives him full authority to fight any duels upon his behalf.

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

My friend Arnold,

As an Emperor it is within my power to forgive and to pardon, as much as it is to condemn and to pass judgement.

I realise that Lagarde has exerted his sinister influence upon you and you fear for your safety at the hands of his minions, not wishing to fall victim to abduction and peril as in the case of my beloved Hugolina. Well, I forgive you the hasty words that you posted recently, I appreciate they were said under duress and I now extend the protection of Rome unto you as well as formally appointing you as a Senator of the Republic.

Hurry back to me, stand alongside your Emperor and his Champion, Commander Durant, the Legions rapidly approach and will ensure the defeat of our foes and the subjugation of Gaul. Once achieved I am minded to reward those who have demonstrated their loyalty and I shall be needing a good friend to act as my Regent here, that man can be you Arnold or should I say already King Arnold!

Emperor Claudius

[Alain Andre Durant]

My Dear Emperor,

I am no man of military matters, but when the legions approach, rest assured that I will stand by you. The hordes shall not overrun you while I stand.

In your service, with kind regards,
Alain Andre Durant

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

My beloved (purely in the plutonic sense, of course!) Commander,

Those are sweet words to my ears, your Emperor blesses you most loyal of my subjects.

Emperor Claudius

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

This is outrageous, a despicable act towards a distinguished visitor to Gaul.

How dare this miserable Commissioner swine arrest me, Claudius, on some ludicrous trumped up charge. Attempted murder, against whom?? No details given just some brutish thugs sent to apprehend me and deny me freedom, I sense the sinister hand of that villain Lagarde behind this nonsense.

Well, the fools forgot that I as an Emperor I am divine and their mortal plans were thwarted as I made good my escape, aided by the blessings of Jupiter who saw his chosen one break the shackles of tyranny and gain refuge from their clutches.

No Gaul can stand in judgement over me, Emperor Claudius, they have no jurisdiction and these false charges shall be swept aside. I call upon all of my loyal followers to stand alongside me, form a protective ring around this church and show defiance to this petty Commissioner.

The Legions are within a few days march of Lutetia, the tide will turn and I shall triumph.

Emperor Claudius
Emperor of Imperial Rome

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

To: The Commissioner of Public Safety

Wretched fool, you dare to seek judgement against me....do you not know who I am?!

Attempted murder, pah, attempted! As Emperor if I wish an enemy killed then it will be so, at the click of my fingers, there shall never be any attempted murder and that is where your sniveling lies are exposed for the sham they are and I can only conclude that it is the machinations of Lagarde behind this action. How much did he pay you, how much of the public lottery funds found their way into your purse to arrange it?! Who are you anyway, some lickspittle lackey to the King of Gaul, a faceless bureaucrat who has the audacity to bring a charge against me, Claudius.

Your greed for Lagarde's bribes will be your undoing, are you not aware that my Legions are within a matter of days march from the gates of Lutetia and once they arrive it will be I who passes judgement upon you and have no illusions as to the outcome, it's the lions for you laddie!

I scorn your warrant and charges, you have no jurisdiction over me, none can judge me other than the gods.

Emperor Claudius
Emperor of Imperial Rome

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

Peoples of Lutetia,

A viper is within your midst, Lagarde, and his toadying sycophant d'Avranches, has bribed this Commissioner to arrest me when it is they who are the true criminals, they who your laws should punish and they who attempt murder, not I.

While I await the arrival of my Legions I remain safe from their grasp and I urge all loyal people to demonstrate outside of this Court, tear it down in the name of justice and bring that miserable Commissioner, Lagarde and d'Avranches to me and I shall have them flung from the roof of this church.

Emperor Claudius

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

To: Commander Alain Durant
Emperor's Praetorian Guard

Commander,

Ready your gladius, it's time to rid the world of Lagarde. He is seeking a duel to first blood, against your Emperor, but I give you full authority to carry on until you've finished the villain off.

Let me know once you have accomplished the task and I will have your rewards waiting.

Emperor Claudius

[Alain Andre Durant]

My dear Emperor Claudius,

Rest assured, I will stand on the side of the right. And to the victor, will go the spoils.

At your service, with kind regards,
Alain Andre Durant

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

"Where are my Legions, they should have been here by now? Also I am beginning to think Commander Durant may have been ambushed by the likes of Lagarde and those others wretches, I only hope brave Jacques and Senator d'Blancheur have managed to evade the vipers.

I must show my troops I am still at large, stand up as an example to them and the world. Now that fool Fr.Coco is neutralised I can take to the roof and call out for an uprising amongst those loyal to Rome, yes if the people see me they will rally to their Emperor"

Toga clad Claudius made his way to the church roof and began calling upon the masses to rise, waving a woolen bedsheet with the words 'Save Claudius' the gallant Emperor eagerly awaited his legions.