Fodlan

Nations and peoples of this great land of Fodlan, on this day, the Twenty-Second of the Garland Moon, that in the Imperial Year Eleven Hundred and Sixty Two, her majesty, Adrestrian Emperor, and, Sothis willing, unifier and liberator of the people Fodlan, EDELGARD, of the storied imperial house HRESVELG, was born to the tragically betrayed Emperor Ionius IX, and his most beloved consort, Anselma of the then respected and humble house Arundel. Through tremendous adversity and challenge, and the machinations of many entrenched and ambitious powers both within and without of her political constraints, her majesty stood steadfast behind her most honorable goals and ambitions, instead taking the decisive action necessary to rid the wayward and corrupted society of this once-free continent from the many ills it faces. The iniquitous and unnatural order of the crest system, imposed and maintained upon humanity from on high to divide and control. The entrenched noble classes, who had grown corrupt, self-serving, and vainglorious, duplicitous in their flagrant disregard for their responsibilities to the Imperial Throne and content with their exploitation of the common people and control over the organs of state. The reactionary forces of the false regimes who, under the influence of those outside forces that seek to promote conflict, discord, and division among the single people of Fodlan, had previously broken from the Imperial Government and developed political identities predicated on such inherent injustice. And of course, the despicable Church, that vile organ that both permits all of the previous injustices and itself insists on interfering-if not directly controlling-both spiritual and temporal affairs of all the land for it's own nefarious and ambiguous purposes, the greatest, but by no means the only organization seeking to subjugate and control the people of Fodlan.

Faced with such injustice and evil pervading her country and land, only Edelgard had the will to use the unparalleled power she has been granted, civil, political, and martial, by those very evils to forge a new future, where the people of this great Empire may live, strive, and thrive in a meritocratic country, where people swear fealty to no lord, king, or goddess, but to that nation of which they themselves are a part.
It is for that reason this date is rightfully a monumental one in the chronicle of this Empire and Fodlan alike, for while others may look with doubt at her goals or actions in achieving them, in The Adrestian Empire, our visionary sovereign is respected by all for words, ideals, and deeds alike. When injustice is so fundamentally entrenched within the very fabric of a society, those who suffer know that there can be no compromise or middle ground to accomplishing necessary change. Even if those who rise for a just cause fail to achieve their goals, they still know that the ideals and principles that they stood to bring to pass will not so easily be forgotten if they are willing to sacrifice for that vision.

Of course, I would be doing a disservice to Her Imperial Majesty if I were to only remark on the qualities of Edelgard the Emperor, the stateswoman, and warrior. Edelgard appreciates the natural beauty of her Empire, savoring the peace and serenity of a quiet walk in Fodlan's magnificent woodlands, plains, and mountains. Like most everyone, she enjoys the company of friends, playfully joking about her friends and engaging in spirited and civil discussion on all matter of topics, while also seeking intimacy with those kind and common souls to confide in. One cannot forget that despite her high station by birth and deed alike, she is a very much a woman and person like all others, with human wishes and desires. For all that she has done and can do for her people, her people aught to at least wish for her some of those simple pleasures that she has forgone for their benefit.

And such humble satisfaction, or just a moment of peace and relaxation, that I wish most for our Emperor this special day. For regardless of your opinions on Edelgard or the righteousness of her ideals or actions, I am sure that all of us here can agree that after what she has experienced and the actions she has taken, she certainly deserves to have a happy birthday.

Byleth von Hresvelg wrote:

Happy Birthday, El. You're an absolute bonkers-mad, terrifying woman. But that's kind of why I like you.

You can count on me, your Teacher-husbando, to stand by you forever ;)

If you meet me in our chambers, I have a very special birthday gift prepared for you.

*Gasps*

The gift is gonna be his----

I ordered the peons to update the 'art' of the red-haired noble brat to something more...

interesting.

The Noble State of Aegir wrote:

Of course. And the fanbase knows it, perhaps a little too well. I certainly think it was intentional though, contributing to the entire house's generally energetic and progressive bend.Honestly, I think that Edelgard and Petra would be a no-go, if only from Petra's end due to the fact it would lock Brigid in a subservient relationship with the empire, and the game recognizes this by not offering them a paired ending. And as you say, Linhardt and Bernadetta would be tough sells too, just due to how aggressively their personalities clash. But yeah, she gets along with most everyone, as long as they can deal with her baggage, another thing the previous two would probably struggle with.

But do you know who else would get along well with pretty much eveyone in the house? My main man, the Ferd!

Edelgard

You did the work for me here, but as I've previously discussed with Ferd's flexibility in alignment, his rivalry has both political and personal admiration aspects. They find the latter, plus a general sense of mutual respect and appreciation, throughout their supports, if Edelgard balances out the one-way fixation by reciprocating a little more attention... this is doable.

Hubert

Their A+ support and a couple hundred artists has made this pretty close to cannon. But realistically, it's not the most out there, they both grow to respect each other and how they serve Edelgard and the Empire in their own ways and follow their own convictions. It's this common commitment to service and lifestyle, plus an appreciation for hot brewed caffinated drinks, that will carry this one.

Bernadetta

It's about as trad as you can get in this game, considering they were literally engaged by their parents (and Berandetta basically becomes a housewife in their paired ending). Ferdinand clearly helps Bernadetta here, encouraging her to grow in the way he tries to in their supports while taking the social pressure off of her, while her quieter nature can help keep Ferd grounded and appreciating the little things in life. It's not the most inspiring relationship out there, but it's certainly pheasible, and clearly conforms to the characters of both.

Caspar

Two outgoing, ambitious, self-assured men who are motivated by strongly held ideals of what is right, but just take different roads to get there. Their supports showed the convergence of those ideas well. They were on to something... shame there are only two.

Dorothea

Just look at their supports. I don't need to explain this one.

Petra

The similarities between the two are clear to see, even moreso than Caspar. Both are hardworking, kind, politically ambitious, outdorsy types who are proud of their respective cultures and occassionally face social challenges understanding the true emotions of others, albeit for different reasons. Just watch their supports. They get on wonderfully, expand each other's cultural perspectives, and find new reasons to respect each other. This is one of those ships that literally everyone seems to be sleeping on imo, and I think you know the reason why. I find it difficult to see either leaving their respective homelands for each other, but at least Ferdinand isn't as committed as someone like Edelgard would be, having lost his hereditary territory. But the ending does offer a decent solution, either having Ferdinand move to Brigid after helping rebuild Aegir territory or becoming Edelgard's MoFA and moving to Nuvelle with Petra. While I'm not quite sold on the latter part due to the practical necessities being a MoFA would require, both provide a good follow up to their surprisingly overt A support. Again, literally the entire fanbase is sleeping on this ship. It's ridiculous.

Linhardt

Yeah... this one might be a stretch. Alright, it might not even be remotely possible. But that's only because Linhardt basically canonically hates the guy. But one out of seven ain't bad going, is it?

I am thinking that Edelgard and I can be getting along well, as long as she is respecting the independence of Brigid from the Empire, not as vassals. But Ferdinand, yes, I am also appreciating and supporting you greatly as well. You are right, someone must be linking the peoples of Fodlan and Brigid as equals and friends. But after I am confident that Brigid is safe and secure, I may be willing to move away, perhaps to be staying with someone else?

The Noble State of Aegir wrote:

Of course. And the fanbase knows it, perhaps a little too well. I certainly think it was intentional though, contributing to the entire house's generally energetic and progressive bend.Honestly, I think that Edelgard and Petra would be a no-go, if only from Petra's end due to the fact it would lock Brigid in a subservient relationship with the empire, and the game recognizes this by not offering them a paired ending. And as you say, Linhardt and Bernadetta would be tough sells too, just due to how aggressively their personalities clash. But yeah, she gets along with most everyone, as long as they can deal with her baggage, another thing the previous two would probably struggle with.

But do you know who else would get along well with pretty much eveyone in the house? My main man, the Ferd!

Edelgard

You did the work for me here, but as I've previously discussed with Ferd's flexibility in alignment, his rivalry has both political and personal admiration aspects. They find the latter, plus a general sense of mutual respect and appreciation, throughout their supports, if Edelgard balances out the one-way fixation by reciprocating a little more attention... this is doable.

Hubert

Their A+ support and a couple hundred artists has made this pretty close to cannon. But realistically, it's not the most out there, they both grow to respect each other and how they serve Edelgard and the Empire in their own ways and follow their own convictions. It's this common commitment to service and lifestyle, plus an appreciation for hot brewed caffinated drinks, that will carry this one.

Bernadetta

It's about as trad as you can get in this game, considering they were literally engaged by their parents (and Berandetta basically becomes a housewife in their paired ending). Ferdinand clearly helps Bernadetta here, encouraging her to grow in the way he tries to in their supports while taking the social pressure off of her, while her quieter nature can help keep Ferd grounded and appreciating the little things in life. It's not the most inspiring relationship out there, but it's certainly pheasible, and clearly conforms to the characters of both.

Caspar

Two outgoing, ambitious, self-assured men who are motivated by strongly held ideals of what is right, but just take different roads to get there. Their supports showed the convergence of those ideas well. They were on to something... shame there are only two.

Dorothea

Just look at their supports. I don't need to explain this one.

Petra

The similarities between the two are clear to see, even moreso than Caspar. Both are hardworking, kind, politically ambitious, outdorsy types who are proud of their respective cultures and occassionally face social challenges understanding the true emotions of others, albeit for different reasons. Just watch their supports. They get on wonderfully, expand each other's cultural perspectives, and find new reasons to respect each other. This is one of those ships that literally everyone seems to be sleeping on imo, and I think you know the reason why. I find it difficult to see either leaving their respective homelands for each other, but at least Ferdinand isn't as committed as someone like Edelgard would be, having lost his hereditary territory. But the ending does offer a decent solution, either having Ferdinand move to Brigid after helping rebuild Aegir territory or becoming Edelgard's MoFA and moving to Nuvelle with Petra. While I'm not quite sold on the latter part due to the practical necessities being a MoFA would require, both provide a good follow up to their surprisingly overt A support. Again, literally the entire fanbase is sleeping on this ship. It's ridiculous.

Linhardt

Yeah... this one might be a stretch. Alright, it might not even be remotely possible. But that's only because Linhardt basically canonically hates the guy. But one out of seven ain't bad going, is it?

Oh Ferdie dear, I think you *DO* need to explain my hypothetical relationship to Edie. The people demand it!

The Adrestian Empire wrote:

A warm welcome to Central Almyra to the region of Fodlan! While not of Fodlan themselves, all neighbors and friends of our land and the inhabitants of its world are welcome! Eagles, Lions, Deer, Wolves, and more are appreciated. Regardless, do not be shy on the RMB, and please consider joining our regional discord!

Yes, welcome to our home. Please, feel free to relax here, enjoy the scenery and consider visiting our beautiful Mittlefrank Opera House. Just pretty promise not to hit me with one of your dragons. Thanks.