James V of Antioch After the death of his 87 year old father, James IV of Ruhr, James V took office in January 2020. With the New Protector comes a once in a generation opportunity to observe the coronation ceremony. With the last ceremony taking place almost 50 years ago, this one proved to be just as extravagant. The Prince Protector was dressed in the attire of the ancient king's robes and silently walked down the road of Leaders, a monument in Antioch consisting of a mile long road of polished marble and granite with massive 30 ft statues of every recorded ruler of the nation going back to the first Kings of the ancient times. He marched down the road and turned to his father's statue, approached it and kissed it's gold plaque. The rest of the ceremony will take place over the next few days as the new Protector will travel to every single city, town, and village in the entire nation.
above: James V of Antioch's portrait above: James V of Antioch Personal attributes of note:
While James is tall in stature that is not very distinguishing from many Ruhreti, however, other ethnicities would find him awkwardly tall, just above impressive, enough to cause a bit of concern (but again this is very common among the Ruhreti). He is a crack shot, able to operate a 15 different kinds of rifles and 20 kinds of pistols to full efficiency. His time in the military academy not only taught him of firearms, but also of the bladed weapon, the sword is one of his most often practiced weapons on his person. Long before he ascended to the throne, he spent a lot of his time training to be the best swordsman. As per tradition, James V was admitted to the Academy under a false name to prevent the stunting of his training as a result of any potential restraint to be given by the trainers and fellow cadets to him. This allowed him to win 5 of the 15 international HEMA and dueling tournaments held during his time in the academy; but not before having his left forearm filleted open at age 16 and needing surgery to repair the limb. This event caused his sword style to be radically changed, as his left arm lost some strength permanently due to the injury, leaning on the side of fighting with a one-handed sword-fighting style.
A wife and Husband!
As of January 2020, The Protector James V of Antioch has finally taken a woman of good heart, of christian morals, of fair face, and of royal blood, not to mention quite the leader. The Empress of Imperial Gatorland, Maura II her Imperial Majesty has taken the hand of the Protector and are to soon be married in Antioch and then James is to be Crowned Emperor Consort to her Imperial Majesty on the Capital of Gatorland, Thronehold! The entire country is rejoicing over the completion of their leader as it certainly means even better future for his subjects.
First Decree: Bring in those Sikh worriers
The new protector has only seen one recent official decree so far, a new record for swiftness to act. Weather he has done this out of simple necessity or out of some need to look like he is productive like his father, is unknown. His first Decree has been to add only one semi-exception to the nation's stringent immigration laws, allowing specialized citizenship status for the Sikhs. He has been reported as saying this decision was simply to provide the ever-growing military with some more fierce fighters to add to the countless native-born fighters. The Sikhs will be provided with there own places of living but they must culturally assimilate, they are free to practice their religious traditions as they must. This has been met with some scrutiny but the protector has made sure that the newly made semi-citizens are not going to be a problem for anything. The Sikhs have found this arrangement agreeable and have been entering the nation in droves. After being given there pick of the best land in western Christenmark, the Sikhs are now primarily located in the fertile valleys of what was once the French countryside.
Expansion of the nation! and the Uplift of the poor!
James V of Antioch, has so far expanded the holding of the Protected Nation to bring all of Iberia, all of western, central, and eastern sub-Saharan Africa! He has mandated many construction and modernization projects in the African and less developed regions of the Nations' hold. so far, an entire canal-web has been completed in the eastern African region and a trans-African railroad! These projects were not only mandated to help improve the status of these historically impoverished lands through their use alone but also in their construction! the projects have created many jobs and provided training to otherwise unemployable people, in the Balkans, and in Africa. The average income of someone in these regions before the projects was around 100 silver Reds for those on the high end and on the low end 95 copper Reds. As of March 2020, that average has risen to 15,000 silver Reds and upwards of 500 gold Reds! Some in the African Governorships have taken to calling James V of Antioch as "The Uplifter".
The Protecting wife dies
The Protecting wife dies after her plate was poisoned by an assassin, this murderer is suspected to have been trying to kill one of the two heirs to the throne. This is the second protecting wife to be lost so far in this protecting line of Stohenzohn. With two PWs lost in a row, some are taking this to mean the line is being punished by God for less than righteous political policies. The Protector sees this accusation as a mere way for the hyper-conservative actors to finally have the nation fully step into the realm of a theocracy, and has called the people to remember Jesus and the coin, "...Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and unto God that which is God's...".
release of Unislavia
After decades of controlling the territories of former Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, and Montenegro, James the 5th decreed that they be set up for their own unified government. This new nation is designated as Unislavia. It is said that after much deliberation with religious and civil leaders around the nation, as well as his own son Johannes-Paul, that the decision was made to bring back the Slavs deported decades ago by his father back into the Balkan Slavic states. This new government made of Ruhreti and Slavs alike will govern Unislavia and Christenmark will decouple from the region in all aspects besides the military. This move has been seen as quite odd, as the history of post-war Christenmark was manipulation and conceit of land to communist and fascist aggressors.
Abdication through sacrifice
At a checkup with Ruhridian soldiers, stationed in the south of Iberia, Spanish nationalist forces sprung a well-coordinated attack on the ruhridian fortifications. This was, however, not intended to harm the Protector, as he had not announced this visit. the Protector took a rifle and ordered his royal guard to assist in the defense of the outpost, and himself also took part in the fighting. When noticed by the Spanish forces, the nationalists took charge to focus entirely on killing the Leader of the Protected Nation. The royal guard stationed with him laid down their lives one-by-one, holding off the guerilla forces. However, after much fighting, the guard's numbers dropped exceptionally, none survived the enemy assault, and the Protector died on the battlefield shortly thereafter. This engagement has resulted in a massive depletion of men and resources for the Spanish rebels and should lead to the collapse of the unified spanish rebellion. But the nation must grieve the death of it's Uplifter.
Children
Sons:
Christian - 19
Johannes-Paul - 16
Daughters: N/A
James V's eldest son, Prince Protector Christian Stohenzohn
Christian is very traditional and has been thrust into the responsibility of being the future protector, his advisors and his family have begun to preen him for the position of Protector. His time in the Antioch Military academy has shown that his one-on-one skills are not in doubt; His large-scale tactical abilities however are currently- less than desirable. This is expected to be rectified by the time he takes the throne. He has already butted heads with Parliamentarians and Federalist supporters.
(6/13/2039) After a tape was released of the Prince protector having intercourse with a Munich prostitute a family tribunal was arranged in a rush, at the behest of the parliamentary ecumene. Christian has not married, thus he violated the sanctity of sex and did so the night before sunday, a day of breaking bread and worship. Christian has agreed to repent for ten years in Antioch monastery, and the conservative parliamentary ecumene called for his removal from the line of succession. With pressure from all sides and the continued mourning over the loss of his wife, the Protector was forced to cave and remove his eldest son from succession. This great shock has made Johannes-Paul the only heir to join the line of Protectors at the death of his father. This has also made Christian a sort of cultural icon among sexual revolutionary advocates in cities like Munich and Vienna.
Prince Protector Johannes-Paul Stohenzohn
Johannes-Paul has spent most of his life indulging into the world of the Christian Arts. He has less military interest than his older brother, but his dueling skills have already been put to practice for his future role as a representative of the nation. Johannes has been known for his agreeable demeanor and kind heart, however, James V has made note to Johannes that he must assert himself lest he be manipulated. Johannes-Paul has taken a liking to the Parliamentary Ecumene, but his inability to serve as he is of the Royal family has caused several anti-centralization actors to associate with the young Prince Protector. After the total disgrace of his older brother, Johannes-Paul stands as the heir to the throne of the Protector.
James' Opinions of other Leaders around the world
Leader of the Ignis States: Princeps Senatus Strein Draksesa Váradi
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"I am sure she is a nice... whatever she is. However, due to her in-humanity, I must insist that non of her citizens be allowed to enter mine, nor mine into her nation. That may sound cruel, but we are different creatures, us humans are white, brown, yellow, and dark-brown, but we are still humans; Your people however, are not human. It was to humanity the stewardship of the earth was given, not these animal creatures. I mean no malice in these rather rude statements, truly. However God must come first, and humanity second to me and my nation, all other creatures are tertiary at best. Forgive my position, it is simply that your people do not matter to me, we shall treat you fair and trade freely, however, your people are not permitted within my nation with any permanence, market reasons are potentially open however. may God bless you creatures as we are your stewards."
- James V of Antioch
Leader of the heathen nation of the Guyanese Commune: Jim Jones
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I can not condone communism as it is the evil this world faced during 1944-1950, after that it was the fascists! Both killed countless innocents in their quest to spread their own ideologies. and to use the LORD as a cudgel for these politics on-top of that is even more appalling! However, beyond this I can not say more about this character, their name shall not stain my lips."
- James V of Antioch
Opinions of Leaders from other nations around the world
International approval rating: 82%
"James V seems a man I can easily respect. He has, for the most part, done good for his people. Upholding a good Christian nation in these times is no easy matter. Christenmark is fortunate to have him."
- HSE The Archduke Patricius Regulus
"James V is good news. May he follow his father's footsteps and maintain a peaceful place with a lot of love. I hope that his place will be a land of mercy where his people should find comfort and safety."
- Phlegomy
"A man of the sword and Military man huh? Pretty impressive, I especially sympathize with Herr James as my own brother had become a Menshevik. How's the arm doing as of late?"
- Tsar Krisstian I
"I have a great respect for James V. He has apparently worked wonders for sub-Saharan Africa, and has maintained a safe, bountiful nation for his subjects."
- Chancellor Lev Patérnon
"James V is a largely agreeable Christian leader. I certainly agree with him more than I disagree, and is greatly preferable to the typical republican buffoon."
- King Peter IV
"The subject is classified as minimal threat, minimal risk. While certain ideological issues do exist, I would not expect them to be a significant impediment to any dealings we might pursue in the event our respective spheres come into contact. My personal opinion is that he's one of those rare folks that has some backbone. He's got his set of personal convictions, aye, but he can set them aside if it ensures that the welfare of his people is seen to with greater efficiency."
- Ilia
“One marksman to another, I respect you. One swordsman to another, I respect you even more.”
- Rang Orar
"We have not know about them for long but from the information we have on them they are quite an interesting leader but an impressive one trying to serve his people and especially the unemployed, we can see some viewpoints of other leaders, however we have an all-around positive view on the King"
- King Frederick IV
"He looks like a good military, but he needs more prudency. He was injured by practicing sword fights, something that was important in the past, but that I consider he took too seriously. He will be married with someone more important than him, but that's not bad, that means that he knows how to get a better life instead of trying to achieve the best one, something that is really difficult and risky. Something good of him is that he has international support, which is always good. Also he is a good-hearted christian, of good manners, and very fancy. He comes from a nice family too! My opinion is fully postive."
- Marshall Hamilton
"An Emperor... I cannot fault him for his clothing, as that itself would prove to be my undoing, though I must say that he does appear to look like he fits his title. I must say that I am very impressed of his skill with both shot and blade, as it's something I too like to partake in if I had the time these days, though he is vastly superior to my own ability, as he went to much more extensive academies and even went to tournaments... something I am much less willing to do myself.
As for his actual ruling aspect? His first decree seems to be of great value to his nation, even if some may claim otherwise, the assimilation of other cultures and of a group that know their way around fighting is certainly very useful, and the loyalty that is brought forth by providing this group of immigrants with land and the freedom to their traditions to an extent, will prove to be the biggest benefit to them.
...though I cannot agree with his expansion of the nation, that I cannot bring myself to see as anything good. Expansion can bring many problems, but it is his decision. At least he expanded the infrastructure to ensure that these new lands are not left to fend as poor border territories."
- Cetiri Alta Oltasina
"James V seems to be a fine monarch in this wonderful age in dire need of God's love. His efforts in Africa and beyond are commendable, and while his son Christian may not be the finest role model, his royal family is still a wonderful group of individuals that I am keen to say are splendid people. We look forward to co-operation."
- Grandmaster Baldassar Cagliares
“Wow, I never thought I would meet someone I could agree so much with. He maintains traditional values and opposes revolutionary ones! And he’s anti socialist, which is always a sign of mental sanity. Though he could be a little more authoritarian, like me. Democracy and personal freedom is a sham used by the left to try to destroy tradition. This monarch must make sure that traditional values don’t get thrown down the drain. If I were him, I would order a few political terrors and slaughter every single progressive commie scum. Otherwise, he’s not bad. Could be more strict, but certainly better than all the degenerates the EU has to offer.”
- President Ekhon Numik
"While us humble Rio Grandensers long for peace, empires like Christenmark take peace for granted and only see it as an interlude for further bloodshed. It's the 21st century and rulers' shouldn't be waging in any more wars in countries they have no business in. But it would be foolish to say that colonialism isn't beneficial at all for the people under it as there's always nuance to it. Creating the railroad will be beneficial for the long term and both of us have something called a "white man's burden"."
- Maximilian von Weizsacker, Chancellor of the Freistaat Rio Grande
"Can't say much for his religion, not that I'm particularly inclined to care on that particular axis. Goodness knows he's made plenty of commentary about ME. I do note however he seems rather forward thinking, though I'm inclined to say that such is in spite of his environment, not because of. I am a tad curious about his affinity towards dueling, though. Such seems rather... inconsistent, though I've little doubt Kaz'Ramael would positively jump at a chance to practice his one-on-one fighting."
- Kal'shazzar
“A theocrat? I...don’t really like that as a concept. People should worship whatever they want, a god shouldn’t be insecure enough to forbid all other worship. He’s...neutral, I guess. I wouldn’t be surprised if he hated me, actually.”
- Head of Magical Affairs Strein Draksesa Váradi
".... I only pray that James can keep his wits about him and not succumb to corruption. But he seems like a good fellow so I'm certain he won't have too much of a problem"
- Phoenix Arcanum
"Oh, hello there! A DUELIST, huh? One does not see many of those nowadays. I'd positively jump at the opportunity for some sparring, were you ever to be amenable! Purely out of academic interest, mind you. While I'm not averse to the occasional one-on-one martial challenge, such a thing would never be a fair fight, given my capabilities."
- Kaz'Ramael
"While I disagree with Jimmy on a great many things and he'd probably have an aneurysm if he actually visited my nation..... I can't say that he's completely reprehensible. I mean he cares for the poor and impoverished so that's got to count for something right?"
- The Phoenix
"So, he doesn't wanna attack us, and that's good actually. Why I thought that? Well, for most religious leaders, Skyhooked is a pain in the ass, cuz we allow booze and sex here and ain't too christian... But it turns out, that it's possible for us to reason with him despite the differences. No, he won't even consider alliance with us, but maintain neutrality is a possible course. Who knows, maybe we can learn from eachother?"
- Shawn Bjornson
"Ah, a successor to the throne of Christenmark. He seems to have carried through his father's rather misguided belief in what constitutes the betterment of one's people. While a ruler ready to serve those he rules over, and not vice versa, is certainly something I can respect, the impartment of religious doggerel is not service. Neither is the maintenance of a moronic, outmoded system of rule that gives rise to kleptocrats and powermad fools by its very nature. This is not to say that I see no good in James - certainly, his relaxation of religious laws and extensive modernization programmes are worthy of some credit. But such traits alone are not enough to shift my thoughts into the realm of the positive - at the end of the day, he remains a misguided relic, in the service of a system best relegated to the annals of history."
- Dmitri Rasputin
"King James the V is an anachronism and isn’t fit to be rule in this day and age. Much to my own disappointment, now is an era of leaders, not rulers, something this backwards nation has yet to realise. In regards to his social policies, he reminds me of the pitiful American Christians, so stuck up and stubborn, in comparison to their more agreeable European counterparts - and this is of course ignoring his status as an infidel. Now, his exclusivist approach to immigration and integration leaves much to be desired - in particular his making of the Sikhs second class citizens. Yes, I think I’ve read enough to know he’s a backwards man unfit to rule in the ‘21st century’, as the Westerners so like to call it."
"It is in my personal belief that King James the Fifth of this... ‘Christenmark’, is an in fact a loving anachronism. He would better fit in with the European Age of Absolutism rather the 12,020th year of the Holocene Era. To begin with, his character and way of life mimics that of a feudal liege rather than that of a modern, upstanding leader and, in my eyes, makes him out to be overly obsessed with past traditions and maintaining a decaying status quo. His actual leadership leaves much to be desired, and he has no doubt failed to realise that empires of such a scale are inherently multicultural, multiethnic and multireligious. His enforcement of a singular culture upon his imported Sikh ‘warriors’ is a mistake and a display of his inability to rule effectively. Furthermore, his Christocentric worldview is detrimental not only to his own self but to his people, and ignoring his status as a damned infidel, he reeks of the typical arrogance and inhumanity I do often see in ‘pious’ Christians. If he pursued a more modern and amicable path to Iranian interests, I would be most pleased. However, that... Christianisation of core Iranian territories is unforgivable and warrants nothing less than reconquest and reintegration into the Iranian Empire."
- Queen Akeldama Ekhnukhi
"James is a fool to believe that any God should come first. They will not save you from your sins nor save you from extinction. As I have personally witnessed but had the luck to bring my civilization back from the dead with my own blood, sweat, and tears. Quite literally. But you will have no such chance, when you have a great evil come, and wipe out your pathetic race of zealots. That actually believe a god will save from you from the brink of extinction. Don’t kid yourself. Rely on yourselves, and do away with religion, it’s a poison, and nothing besides basic knowing of right and wrong has come out of it. Overall my stance is negative as I don’t see him registering this fact as he is a primitive afterall." (was later amended from negative to neutral, however, originals will be posted here)
- Charles Vanderbilt