High King Cormac Ironcliffe

The death of High King Cormac is not merely the death of a leader or the head of our government. It is the passing of a last great hero of the age, and the tolling of the bell for society as we know it. Industrialization will bring a time of advancement, growth and prosperity, certainly. But also a time of strife and darkness, a time where there may be a lack of those with the moral fibre and unique ability to inspire heroics amongst those whom would normally not be capable of it. His passing is no mere passing of an ancient head of government. Nor should he be remembered but so mundanely. He is one of the greatest Suranthi Heroes to ever live, perhaps the greatest since Sir Kartheart himself. The Cleaver of Blackdale Ridge, the Goblin Reaver, Deathsinger. Titles he earned, names he had carved into legend by his deeds, and names of fearful respect passed unto him by his enemies! High King Cormac was a leader among leaders, capable and brilliant, the best of his ilk, able to get the most out of those around him. Able to lead with word and by action and deed. Able to inspire regular men and women to greatness. Humble, yet confident. Iron, yet with a heart of pure intent and kindess. A savage warrior, yet a savvy leader, with great capability to lead in both peace and war. He deserves the highest honors with his passing. For he blazed the trail, he guided our nation to its reclaimation and recovery. He was bold, cunning and wise, and sought to impart that upon all whom met him and upon those he led. He gave his spirit, his very essence to his people, and we, the Suranthi, would not be where we are now without him. So we owe it to him, but more importantly, to ourselves, to honor his memory properly, but also to seek to continue his legacy, and continue growing, rising to expand and reclaim all our lost lands. To stand against the beasts and dark things that seek, evermore, to destroy and reap of our blood, to tear down the nation and the civilized world. We owe it to him to continue making Suranth a true bastion of the world. Anything less would be an insult to his honored memory.

Lord Protectorate Azulron Rikkamac Vithang's speech at the state funeral for High King Cormac Ironcliffe.