The Line of Novellen d’Atrus
A Formal Document on the Royal Family of Balian
20, of Godfrey’s Triumph of 108 B.A
The Novellen name is a Heartlander familial name that is rife with success, failure and controversy, a name known throughout the varied realms of Aevos and those that have preceded them. It is a name that evokes feelings of patriotism, nostalgia and strength as well as hatred, fury and disappointment. A family descended from the Horenic line, formed by the unity of Helane and Sarkozy that has persisted for centuries as rulers of varied nations.
In the modern era of Aevos, Novellen can be found in a few places, Novellen d’Atrus being the ruling family of the Balianese people and the Senior line of the Novellen family. Formed from the line of John Casimir, the Uncle of Peter ‘The Bald’, last Emperor of the Holy Orenian Empire, John created his line and the Grand Duchy, Later Kingdom, of Balian in the refuge of the southern desert continent of Almaris. As a century of the Novellen d’Atrus rule of Balian approaches, the Crown has decided that it is a necessity for the people of the nation to understand the family that presides over them.
In this documentation we will explore the various aspects of the Novellen d’Atrus line, from the history since the Novellen founding and cultural influences to values and traditions.
History
Origins
The Novellen family tapestry has been woven over centuries of history. It begins with Anne Augusta Helane, born in 1735 in the Orenian Capital of New Helena, and heir to the House of Helane through her father, and Cascadia through her mother. The Empire faced a crisis, with no clear heir Adrian Sarkozy was named Lord Protector. Anne was betrothed to Joseph de Sarkozy the son of Adrian de Sarkozy. Adrian plotted to see his son take the throne, but Adrian’s untimely death and the coronation of Anne’s father Peter III, as Holy Orenian Emperor seemingly ended the Lord Protector’s plot for a Sarkozy Empire.
Anne was placed as the de facto heir to the Empire, with her father having no trueborn sons. Despite her status, she was never proclaimed Crown Princess, using the title Princess Imperial. Anne’s betrothal to Joseph de Sarkozy was upheld, and they would be wed in 1753. Following their marriage the two would unite House Helane and House Sarkozy to form the Imperial House of Novellen, named after the Imperial Palace of Helena.
Ruling an Empire
Following her father’s death in 1784, Anne ascended to the throne and was crowned Empress Anne I, the first empress-regnant in history. Anne’s husband was crowned beside her as Emperor Joseph II and they would rule together, leading the Empire into a new age.
Anne and Joseph would preside over the Edict of Separation in 1786, which allowed Haenseni Independence from the Empire. They also faced the great Inferi invasion, where Anne I fought on the frontlines against the demonic horde. She refused the safety of behind the lines, seeing her duty to only Oren and not herself. The Inferi would be defeated, but not without the final siege destroying the Imperial capital of Helena, and Anne being trapped within the crumbling ruins until her son Peter Maximilian saved the Empress's life.
After the destruction of Arcas, Anne and Joseph would lead Oren to a new continent, Almaris in 1796. After overseeing the construction of the new Imperial Capital, Providence Anne would retire from the public soon after and pass away from Breast Cancer in 1800. Emperor Joseph II was left to rule alone for fourteen years.
During Joseph’s reign, Oren faced the Sedan revolt in 1811. The House of de Joannes revolted against the crown after Emperor Joseph issued a proclamation stripping them of lands and titles and accusing them of multiple criminal offences, including sedition and treachery against the Crown. The rebellion was short-lived, after two Imperial victories on the field, and the Imperial State Army closing in House de Joannes abandoned their lands and fled, ending the conflict in 1813. Emperor Joseph II would die a year following the revolt, succeed by his son John VIII. Inheritng the throne at the age of 57, with no legitimate children he named his brother Philip his heir with the Edict of Renzfeld. His reign was marked by conflict. Revolutionary groups sprung up throughout the Empre, among them the Mercatorii Revolutionary Army (MRA) and , Revolutionary Armed Forces (RAF). They achieved limit success in burning fire bombing attacks and rallies, but following a mass arrest by the Imperial State Army they were sent underground. Just four years following John VIII’s coronation conflicted broke out with the Kingdom of Norland. King Sven II of Norland declared war against Oren. The Tenth Nordling war would last five years, and despite some early Norland victories in the first year of the conflict, the Imperial forces would turn the tide, winning a string of victories. Building up to the Battle of Outer Arentania. An imperial host numbering nearly ten thousand surrounded and crushed the invading four thousand norlandic warriors. The war ended soon after with an Imperial victory in 1823.
John VIII would pass away in 1837 and as per the Edict of Renzfeld, his brother would ascend to the throne as Philip II. Philip’s reign was marked by the growing tensions with the Grand Kingdom of Urguan and after a series of escalations the two nations would declare war upon one another. Phlip’s reign over this war would be short lived as his grandson, Philip Amadeus would return to Oren and lead the Aster Revolution in 1849, enacting a successful coup of Philip II. Philip II’s death would be unknown, though many suspect that his personal guards dumped the man in his wheelchair into the canals of New Providence.
The War of the Wigs Philip III and his wife Anastasia would quickly resume the War with Urguan, but it soon expanded as Norland, Haense and several anti-oren forces amassed in a Tripartite alliance against the Empire. The war lasted for nineteen years, with back and forth fighting laying waste to the heartlands. An initial victory by the Tripartite while invading and occupying the town of Southbridge and surrounding land was pushed back and southbridge retaken after a six year long campaign. The war would drag on for another seven years, leaving the exhausted Empire on the brink of ruin. Having weathered two excommuncations by the Church, and pushed back the Tripartite invasion Emperor Philip III would lead a devastating offensive campaign, becoming known as Philip’s Folly, where a nearly twelve thousand strong Imperial army was surrounded and wiped out nearly to a man. Following the defeat Emperor Philip III gave into the Tripartite’s demands, seceding lands to Urugan and Haense and paying heavy reparations the Empire was on the verge of collapse.
Brothers' War Philip III, his wife Anastasia would fall prey to a fatal illness the same year the treaty was signed. The immediate power vacuum would spark civil war between the eldest son of Philip III, Peter Augustus and his younger brother Frederick Charles. Those who fought for Peter sought the Imperial tradition continued while those who fought for Frederick were Royalists, seeking to reform the Empire into a new Kingdom of Oren. The war was one of betrayal and backstabbing, families turning against themselves. Lasting around a year, the Imperialists would be driven out of the capital city and into the hinterlands. Peter August on the Sun's Smile of 1868 was captured at the Duchy of Reutov, and despite his uncle Prince John Casimir leading the Imperial forces against the capitol to free his nephew they would be soundly defeated at the Battle for New Providence. Peter August alongside his wife pregnant consort were executed in the throne room.
Founding of Balian
After the conclusion of the Brother’s War, Prince John Casimir, a distinguished commander and uncle to Peter ‘The Bald’ and Frederick 'Fraticida,’ embarked on a journey with the Imperial diaspora to the southern continent of Almaris. Upon a lofty mountain, under the guidance of the St Lothar constellation, John ceremoniously embedded his sword into the rock and placed his helmet down, proclaiming the birth of The Grand Duchy of Balian, named in honour of the celestial guide. Leading a devoted council, John dedicated two decades to the establishment of this new nation, fostering robust diplomatic relations and crafting a resilient governmental framework that would endure the test of time. During this period, Balian faced challenges, including a collaborative war with Urguan and Haense against the orc threat and the Kingdom of Oren. After years of steadfast effort, Balian ascended to the status of a Kingdom, and John assumed the title of King John I, bestowed by Pontiff Pontian IV. In the concluding decade of his reign, King John I earnestly pursued peace with the emerging Kingdom of Aaun, alongside Haense and Petra. Simultaneously, he diligently settled his peers on the expanded lands of Balian. As his final years unfolded, King John I peacefully succumbed to illness, leaving behind a legacy of high esteem among his family, citizens, and allies.
Novellen d’Atrus
Upon the demise of King John ‘The Founder,’ his successor, Alexandros, ascended to the throne as King Alexander I. Alexander, a visionary leader, initiated diplomatic engagements with Ba’as, laying the foundation for the Rhenyari influence that would shape Balianese culture. He embarked on a transformative journey, overseeing the restructuring of the government in collaboration with his trusted Amiratus and Sarson al Granpaloma, resulting in the establishment of the Balianese Duana. However, Alexander’s reign faced a looming shadow with the emergence of an undead threat. Informed of the impending danger posed by the undead dragon Cloudbreaker and its accompanying horde, Balian seized the opportunity of preceding years to prepare for the imminent assault on the capital, Atrus. This involved mass production of essential weaponry, recruitment of formidable 'superweapons,' and an impressive display of diplomatic prowess. Guided by Alexander I and Ledicort Vuiller, Balian took a proactive stance by forming the Atrus Covenant—an alliance uniting all nations of Almaris against the forces of Iblees. The ensuing battle was prolonged and arduous, culminating in victory but at the cost of Atrus's destruction. Following reconstruction, Balian resumed its proactive efforts, collaborating with Haense and Aaun in the creation of the Canonist League to quell rebellious Adrians. In the twilight of King Alexander's rule, just moments before the birth of his granddaughter, he solidified the Sol Entente pact with the emerging southern nations of Aevos—a testament to his commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
King Adrian would swiftly ascend to his throne after his father’s passing, enjoying a peace among Almaris that lasted but a few years. Soon into his reign, the Mori’Quessir would begin their attacks upon the varied nations of the continent, quickly making it apparent that they wished to take over the continent in full. Atrus would fall under a sandstorm that kept people in their homes, only for a flesh worm to force them out, leading to the city to be abandoned as the Balianese joined the rest of Almaris in the ruins of Savoy. Once Savoy was besieged by the Mori’Quessir en masse, the descendants left for the new continent of Aevos. With the new city of Portoregne built, King Adrian would engage in peace talks, finally finding an understanding between the Canonist League and Adria. Several reforms would be made in Balian, the founding of the City Commune by the King and Amiratus Gaius var Ruthern as well as the founding of the Armada by Fleet Admiral Dante. King Adrian’s first born, Princess of Monterosa Johanna Casimira, was an adventurous youth, however such would only spell tragedy for the girl. Upon a misguided adventure, she would not return, only to be found dead in the wreckage of her boat. Prince Alexandros would be made heir to the nation, though he’d eventually step down for his twin Princess Sibyl. Over a decade later, married and heavily pregnant with her own heir, Sibyl would be kidnapped by a group of the Ferrymen bandit, though she would be released in time, the attack by the Veletzians would not go unnoticed. About a year later, after further attacks, Balian would be a founding member of the Covenant of five (later eight) who declared war upon Veletz. The major battles would all be landslides, King Adrian quickly able to declare decisive victories for his Kingdom.
Queen Sybille would take over in the middle of the war against Veletz, immediately setting to work continuing Balian’s continuous war machine, ensuring the surplus and training did not end. She would be crowned soon after her father’s burial so as to not waste time. Though she has not been Queen long, she has already worked to reform the nation’s nobility in a rather innovative way. The war raged on for quite some time including a failed invasion of Balian, known later as ‘The Battle of Hippose’s Gorge’. The Covenant wiped out the Stassion pretenders and pushed into Veletz, the pressure being such that Sir Gaspard fled his own nation, leading to Markus Sarkozic reforming Veletz into the Duchy of Adria and surrendering his forces. Almost five years later, muddied by a failed Rebellion, the Covenant would burn Winburgh, the capital of Veletz down, signifying the final victory. However fire soon became a double edged sword for Sybille, as soon after peace was assured the dragonkin assaulted the Balianese Cathedral. Trapped behind the bars of the gates, she watched as three dragonkin fought the Prince Consort Ezren of Tuvia, killing him in cold blood. Such a murder ignited a passion in the widowed Queen, who swore vengeance upon the Dragonkin menace. Soon after, the centennial celebrations of Balian would begin, of which took an entire year of festivities, including a grandiose ball and feasts. The biggest accomplishment came after as Sybille, alongside her allies in Haense, Petra and Aaun founded the Covenant of Man, a permanent Pan-Human alliance which has ensured the diplomatic integrity of Balian.
Traditions
The Novellen d’Atrus have several traditions both formed by the older Petrine-imperial heritage and influenced their new Balianese and Rhenyari influences. These come in varied forms such as naming conventions and major ceremonies.
Since the arrival of King John I in the Southern continent of Almaris, the name Casimir and Casimira have been considered both important and integral to the ruling family. The convention of giving the firstborn male and female the middle name Casimir and Casimira has become tradition, which often ends with the heir having the name Casimir and the Princess Royal having the name Casimira. This has always been done as a tribute to King John I.
Starting with the Coronation of John I, the founder of the nation, Balian holds a unique and elaborate coronation system that factors in several aspects of both ancient mythos and canon script. Adapted from the Imperial rite used by John VIII and his descendants, the official service often lasts several hours and culminates in the Monarch’s first addresses and Royal court. It is a momentous occasion that is meant to alleviate the people of Balian and bring a sense of patriotic justice.
Upon the announcement of the prior Princess Sibyl Gwyneth as the new heir to the throne, a new tradition was created to make Sibyl the official heir to the throne despite her not being first in line. The Monterosan Investiture was invented by a renowned scholar of the Royal Balianese Academy Caspian of Rhen, who also did the coronation, and it includes the participation of the Balianese public including three attestors who will publicly profess that the heir is worthy of such a role in the Kingdom. This is done alongside a church rite to make the heir official in both the eyes of Balian and the Mother Church.
The Novellen Household are considered a very scholarly and intellectual house, often engaging in lengthy and tense debates with their peers. Often such debates and discussions are had during a meal and a drink, such an event is often known as a ‘Symposium’ and is primarily for the adults of a scholarly reputation. While this is primarily for adults, the children are often enlisted in various classes, be it historical, scientific or religious in nature, they learn from a young age so that they can grow to be scholars in their own right.
Values
All families hold values close to their hearts and despite the difficulties of its history, Novellen d’Atrus is not different in this matter. The house has three tenants that they believe in, loyalty, piety and justice, of which have been major factors in their leadership of the Balianese people.
Loyalty is a primary value for the Royal Family of Balian and for good reason. With Balian being a nation born of betrayal from someone as close as a brother alongside a citizenry of family members betraying one another, the Novellen d’Atrus house have made it a priority to assure loyalties are kept. Whether it be loyalty to friends, allies or their own citizenry, the loyalty will be held in the highest possible regard to ensure no betrayal so destructive as the Brother’s War was, could be repeated. Any betrayal of this trust and loyalty is met with swift reproach.
The Balianese are a pious people, holding true to the word of the scrolls with their lives. It was in the darkest hour that King John I opted to put his faith in the scrolls and GOD by following the light of Saint Lothar’s Star to the Red Mountain that became the capital city of Atrus. Since the fateful miracle given by GOD, the Novellen d’Atrus have always ensured their devotion to him to be a primary focus of their lives, acting with piety at every possible turn.
The second King of Balian, Alexander I was given the epithet ‘Just’ by his late friend and first Amiratus, Father Ledicort Vuiller. The choice was made due to Alexander’s predilection for mercy, sparing the young Baron of Acre and his mother after their failed assassination attempt on Baron Lucius Galbraith and later sparing the Viscountess of Renduzzo for her hiring of mercenaries who accosted the Princess Royal. King Adrian I was also a man who sought justice in all he did, such as the war against Veletz after they kidnapped his pregnant heir. All heads of the Novellen d’Atrus house are expected to lead their house and people with a similar just attitude.
Cultural Influences
Since arrival in the southern Almaris deserts, the Novellen d’Atrus family has undergone quite the change in their culture from three major sources of influence. Whether it be from an arranged marriage from a distant land, the discovery of an ancient civilisation or their Imperial heritage, the family has developed in a manner quite different from their imperial predecessors.
The original and primary influence upon the Novellen house was the Petrine Orenian of which originated from Peter III. According to Napier scholars, Peter III and the Petrine culture introduced nationalist pride, a sense of scholarly duty and unity. The scholarly nature of the petrine forebearers influenced the Novellen d’Atrus love of scholarship, be it for history, literature, art of music, the d’Atrus branch endeavour to learn more of their surroundings. In addition, a lot of the splendour of the Imperial family has been mirrored in what the Royal Family now displays from day to day.
With the aid of Sir Sarson al Granpaloma of Ba’as in the leadership of Balian and the eventual marriage of Adrian I and Andromeda of Ba’as, the Rhenyari culture had a large effect upon the people of Balian, first and foremost the Royal Family. Andromeda, upon the building of Portoregne had a large part to play in the design of Palace, resulting in a clear Rhenyari influence on the building. Despite the eventual betrayal and departure of Andromeda, all her children with King Adrian were of Rhenyari descent, something they held faith in, more often dressed in clothing befitting this aspect of heritage and their older Balianese heritage.
The Lothar Stones, found throughout Almaris and the Ba’as continent, have given the scholars of Balian an introspective into the lives of the people in the Ancient Balthalite Empire. Led by Cardinal Teodosio, Father Ledicort and Princess Royal Elena, these tablets unveiled many things including the leaders of Emperor Balthier and his consort Empress Sybille. The language and naming conventions informed much of the Balianese language and more importantly the names of the Royal family. In addition, the first Lothar Stone informed the Balianese people of various religious traditions which have influenced the religious and traditions of the Novellen d’Atrus household.
Artefacts
Cloudbreaker’s Fang-
A blade forged from the bones of the undead dragon Cloudbreaker by an unknown dwarf, the longsword has been wielded by King Alexander I and his successors. It is held as a symbol of Balian’s strength and resilience against those which seek to destroy it.
The Throne of Unity-
A throne placed within the maw of the undead dragon Cloudbreaker’s skull, it is an ode to what the denizens of a continent can do when united in a common goal. It is the throne that all reigning monarchs of Balian shall sit upon as their birthright. During the war against the Veletz menace, the throne was vandalised, being repaired by Alexandros Casimir who used molten gold to signify its prior damage.
The Crown of Balian-
A crown of pure aurum, with various inlaid gems, from both the local Balianese deserts of Almaris and the Holy Orenian Empire. Made by the first Royal Smith of Balian, Count Drako Darkwood and his friend Vicereine Laurelie de Pelear, it was a coronation gift to King John I.
The Crown of Monterosa-
A crown of pure aurum, engraved with the skyline of the first Balianese capital of Atrus, created specifically for the investiture of the then Crown Princess Sibyl. It is passed down to every heir of the nation upon their own investitures and serves as a reminder of where Balian began.
Signed,
Her Royal Majesty, Sybille I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of Balian, Princess of Providence, Duchess of Helena, Reutov, Sunholdt and Lorraine, Countess of Pompourelia and Barçevina, Viscountess of Renduzzo, Eflen and Anatis, Baroness of Renzfeld, Brucca, Valens, Malenos, Montcoure and Ciavola, Lady of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera.
