THE ACREAN DOCTRINE

ANNO REGIO

1883

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There is no greater man to pity than he who has gone mad and believes his station and cause to be anything greater than the delusional machinations of his mind’s own creation. Be it a street beggar who proclaims himself the lost son of a king to any passerby who will listen, an ambitious merchant demanding titles and honors on account of some forged ’Aeldenic’ lineage, or a petty brigand who believes himself to be fighting for a noble cause, there is no remedy in treating with these madmen- only strict denial of their fantasies may have a hope of curing the ails of their cursed conscious. The petty robber baron of Acre is one such man, and for him the treatment is much the same. In his vainglorious quest, he has deluded himself and his followers into believing that they fight for some great cause, though what is it?

Could it be liberty? No, it cannot. Under Oren, Acre was required only to fulfill the obligations of any vassal anywhere: military service, following His Majesty’s laws, and keeping His Majesty’s peace.

Could it be justice? No, it cannot. There was no wrong done against Acre. None of their own were imprisoned, no unnecessary taxes, laws, or fines were levied upon them, and no incursion was committed against their titles, lands, and other properties?

Could it be their desire to live simple lives? No, it cannot. They enjoyed it within Oren, yet when seeking to commit their treason, they felt no qualms with hiring foreign mercenaries, consulting with foreign powers, and inviting foreign men-at-arms, much in the manner of any scheming court eunuch.

Could it be their code of honor? No, it cannot. They broke their sacred vows of vassalage without hesitation, abandoning the brothers-in-arms who had fought beside them for years, even at times in the defense of Acre. It is evident that they care not for contracts, fealty, nor friends, for they have readily broken and reneged them all.

What is it then, we must ask, that has driven Acre to turn its back against its Kingdom, its brothers, and instead seek this dangerous course of action? 

For the answer, we must look none the further than merely the course of his intentions. 

It is, as has been stated, pure delusion. The robber baron of Acre believes in some utopia where, by chance, they may somehow triumph over Oren, cement themselves as independent, and be able to live their lives as simple farmers. Whether this is a lie crafted by the robber baron who so deceitfully broke his vows, or a true fantasy he himself believes, only death shall free him of it. 

The truth is that Acre has corrupted whatever ‘pure’ pretensions it claims to believe in. It has engaged in rogue and petty scheming to invite foreign powers into its conflict, for it knows it is unable to stand alone. Should Acre triumph, it shall either fall willingly under these powers or be subsumed by them as a price for their services. Should Acre fail, it will beg these powers to accept them in, and likely accept terms similar to, or worse than, what they were given here in Oren. However, desperate, and knowing failure will come to them again should they move out of line, they will willingly join their liege’s wars, suffer any abuse that comes to them, and risk all to gain nothing. It is a story that repeats throughout history: a poem’s rhyme by those who sought to rebel against the Crown of Oren. 

Pity upon those mad enough to believe the words of the robber baron of Acre; pity still to he who would concoct them. In their failure to see the course of history, both its path and its present, they have made a grave mistake. However, subjects of Oren, let not your pity cloud your own good senses. They have used God’s agency to commit one of the greatest sins of them all: treason. Let us deliver the sentence given to traitors and allow the Lord the opportunity to judge their souls himself. I built your village stone by stone, and now I shall tear it down brick by brick.

SIGNED,

HIS ROYAL EXCELLENCY, Elric Castile, Lord Protector of the Kingdom of Oren, Baron of Castile, Champion of the Crown

IN THE NAME OF,

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Frederick I, King of Oren, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Petra, Oltremont, South Arentania, and Lorraine, Count of Mardon, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders and Farfolk, etcetera

HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Vivienne of Savoy, Queen consort of Oren, forever August, Queen consort of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duchess consort of Ves, Duchess consort of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Petra, Oltremont, South Arentania, and Lorraine, Countess consort of Mardon, Baroness consort of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders and Farfolk, etcetera

14th of Owyn’s Flame, 1882

ISSUED AND CONFIRMED BY 

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY KING FREDERICK I 

TO OUR BELOVED SUBJECTS,

It is our displeasure to learn of the many treasonous actions that have been committed within the past year by the Baron of Acre and his heir – to men who were once loyal to this motherland, and men that this Crown regarded as the Godfather of his own two sons. 

Oftentimes it is the ambitious demeanor of men that is responsible for the corruption of their honor; a supposed glory that is sought in betraying their motherland: their King, government, family, and their sworn allies for the promise of greed. 

We are greatly saddened to learn of the following crimes of the two which were disclosed in an attempt to poison the mind of our vassals, to be disclosed publicly to our realm’s subjects.

1. The intention to destroy the Crown and its sacred bloodline, the most treasonous offense — and the evisceration of its lands and the death of its Royal family.

2. The intention to capture and massacre the citizens of Oren during a session of its Royal court.

3. The capture and threat of death to a mere child of our peerage, Darius Halcourt.

4. The attempted coercion of the Crown’s vassals into committing treason – and multiple threats of death and murder towards Orenian peerages.

5. The alliance with the Romstun family, who are responsible for war crimes against Orenian citizens.

Despite our attempts at peace and peaceful settlement, they have made their intentions clear of the desecration of the Orenian state. These men, who have allied with those murdering Orenian men, women, and children mere months prior, are unfit to be subjects nor rulers. Shame on them.

In observing the graveness of this treason, Hannes and Gustaf de Vilain shall be henceforth declared an enemy of the state, their right to hold Our peerage defunct, and inherited by their legal successor, to be held in regency by the Lord Protector.

The Crown reaffirms that this gripe is not held with the people of Acre, but the treasonous terrorists, that of Hannes and Gustaf who have sacrificed their loyalty to their motherland for selfish greed. Their honor, replaced with the gluttonous hunger for power. The Crown’s government offers those who wish to escape their terror clemency and refuge, but those who aid them will be guaranteed death.

It shall be the sworn duty of Our subjects to report upon the whereabouts of these terrorists, whereas a bounty of 3,000 minae each will be placed upon the finding and submission of the two men. Dead or alive.

SIGNED,

HIS ROYAL EXCELLENCY, Elric Castile, Lord Protector of the Kingdom of Oren, Baron of Castile, Champion of the Crown

IN THE NAME OF,

HIS MAJESTY, Frederick I, King of Oren, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Vienne, Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Petra, Oltremont, South Arentania, and Lorraine, Count of Mardon, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders and Farfolk, etcetera

THE ROYAL REGENCY

14th of Harren’s Folly, 1881

ISSUED AND CONFIRMED BY 

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY KING FREDERICK I 

TO OUR MOST BELOVED SUBJECTS,

His Royal Majesty, Frederick I, has fallen gravely ill. This tragedy befell him as he learned of the recent publication issued by the Barony of Acre by the lord Gustaf, a man regarded as the King’s brother-in-arms and the Godfather of his sons. Having seen this betrayal wreck the terms of his peace, the King suffered a minor stroke of his heart. He now resides in his chambers in the care of his family.

Pursuant to the conventions of authority as decreed by the law of the land, His Majesty hereby declares the appointment of a regency council until he has either recovered or his son, HRH The Prince of Providence, has witnessed his sixteenth birthday.

After the resignation of our former Lord Chancellor, Conrad de Falstaff, the Baron of Guise, we hereby name the Honorable Baron of Castille, Elric Castille, as Chancellor and Lord Protector. We invest in him the powers of the Crown and the execution of the law thereof, granting him sole executive prerogative for the regency’s duration.

In his capacity as Lord Protector and Regent, he shall steward a council in the name of the Crown to serve until the passing of the circumstances named therein.

IN NOMINE DEI,

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Frederick I, King of Oren, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Vienne, Helena, Novellen, Sunholdt, Furnestock, Petra, Oltremont, South Arentania, and Lorraine, Count of Mardon, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders and Farfolk, etcetera

HIS ROYAL EXCELLENCY, Elric Castile, Lord Protector of the Kingdom of Oren, Baron of Castille 

THE HONORABLE, Conrad de Falstaff, Baron of Guise

17th of Harren’s Folly, 1881

ISSUED AND CONFIRMED BY 

HIS ROYAL EXCELLENCY ELRIC CASTILE 

TO OUR MOST BELOVED SUBJECTS,

In current events that have recently transpired to our now previous Lord Chancellor and His Royal Majesty Fredrick I, it is now more urgent than ever to call a Royal Court next Sigismund’s End. Much will be discussed at this court, as it is urgent for all subjects of the Crown to attend; members and advisors of a council will be appointed on this day.

In a time of uncertainty, it is important to remain calm and avoid rumors being spread by foreign bodies. We are stronger the more united we are.

IN NOMINE DEI,

HIS ROYAL EXCELLENCY, Elric Castile, Lord Protector of the Kingdom of Oren, Baron of Castille 

THE ROYAL CENSUS OF 1880

ISSUED AND CONFIRMED BY HIS ROYAL MAJESTY KING FREDERICK I 

On the 9th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1879

‘LO TO OUR BELOVED SUBJECTS,

The 10th year of Our reign has come and gone, and the 8th decade of the century approaches. Thus, we extend these pamphlets once more to ask the public for their cooperation. The Census is utilized in numerous facets of government, where data from the count is collected to serve the interests of the public. In the near future, the elections for the Mayor of Vienne require the recording of addresses for the purpose of fair voting, and de-centralization occurring nationwide promises a growth in our provincial population splits. This Census has been published early to account for the interests of the Royal Court regarding Astercalia.

[!] Attached is a copy of the Census.

GO WITH GOD.

            IN NOMINE DEI,

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Frederick I, King of Oren, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Vienne, Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Petra, Oltremont, South Arentania, and Lorraine, Count of Mardon, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders and Farfolk, etcetera

HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Vivienne of Savoy, Queen consort of Oren, forever August, Queen consort of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duchess consort of Ves, Duchess consort of Vienne, Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Petra, Oltremont, South Arentania, and Lorraine, Countess consort of Mardon, Baroness consort of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders and Farfolk, etcetera

IMPERIAL APPOINTMENTS OF GOVERNMENT, 1865

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17th of Tobias Bounty, 1865

Our esteemed subjects,

As Our Empire is in need of promoting competent statesmen, loyal subjects, and valiant warriors we do hereby make the following changes unto Our government.

Her Imperial Highness, Princess Victoria Augusta of Oren, shall take the seat of Prefect-Castellan in Our prefecture.

The Right Honorable, Baron of Ames, shall take the seat of Prefect-Magistrate in Our prefecture.

It is Our innate command that these appointees carry out their duties with bold vigor and determination to improve Our Empire.

Additionally, as their first appointment, 

His Eminence, Cardinal Albarosa, is named by agreement of the Prefects to the position of Diocesian Coadjutor in the prefectural cabinet. 

Other appointments to the prefectural cabinet are to be released by the Prefects and follow separately in the coming days. 

AD DEI GLORIAM, 

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, PHILIP III, Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera 

HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, ANASTASIA I, Holy Orenian Empress, forever August, Queen of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duchess of Ves, Duchess of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Adria, and Lorraine, Baroness of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera

On the Question of Valles

15th of Harren's Folly, 1864

Following the trial of Sir Erik Othaman, the Imperial Crown has debated heavily on how to press forth upon the topic of Valles. At the previous Adriatic court, a poll was taken from the peers of the realm upon their feelings of the matter and the voices spoken were almost unanimous in their endeavors. 

While Sir Erik Othaman has served the realm for decades, it is evident to the Imperial Crown that he is no longer in the capacity to do so any longer as the Count of Valles.  This, as well as his conviction of striking the young Duchess of Cathalon, has henceforth caused the Imperial Crown to demote the County of Valles to the Viscounty of Valles and pass the title to his Great-Great Grandson,  Nikolai Vladislav Othaman.

May he serve his house well and restore the House of Othaman to glory. 

IN NOMINE DEI,

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Philip III, Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Helena, Novellen, Furnestock and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera

HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Anastasia I, Holy Orenian Empress, forever August, Queen of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duchess of Ves, Helena, Novellen, Furnestock and Lorraine, Baroness of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera

16th of Horen’s Calling, 1864

PREAMBLE

It has become apparent to Us in these times of unrest and turmoil that, for the benefit of the security and integrity of Our realm, We must embark upon further enterprises so as to ensure Our continued sovereignty and economic development. Bearing this in mind, it is Our intention to empower a separate class of peer with special and unique privileges, so as to provide the necessary incentives for Our leal servants resident on the frontiers of the Empire to make further contributions to Our national interest. 

Therefore, this document proclaimed by Us enumerates the role, duties and privileges associated with the marcher lords of the Holy Orenian Empire. 

ARTICLE I. On marcher lords

The term ‘marcher lord’ denotes a rank of peerage traditionally held in official seniority above the rank of ‘count’ and below the rank of ‘duke’. As with all ranks of peerage, the granting of this office remains the privilege of the Crown through the document of Imperial letters. The lands associated with Imperial letters for a march are required to be located on the frontier of the Empire, where a border is shared with a foreign state. 

As a special rank of peerage with unique responsibilities outside of the normal duties of a peer, the status of marcher lord shall be incompatible with any higher ranks of peerage within the Empire, with any marcher lords subsequently acquiring landed titleage of a higher seniority being required to relinquish their status as marcher lords. 

The name of a peerage at this rank shall always follow the conventions of ‘March of [LAND NAME]’, however, those marcher lords in the north of the Empire shall be styled as margrave, and those in the south of the Empire shall be styled as marquess. 

These stylings shall be of equivalent rank and shall both use the prefix of ‘The Most Honorable’. These stylings of peerage are precluded from being borne on an honorific basis, without the associated duties and responsibilities of a marcher lord. 

Henceforth, it is declared: 

I.) That in lieu of annual contributions in the form of Excise Tax, marcher lords shall be charged with a series of unique military and territorial contributions necessitated by their position on the frontier of the Empire, beyond that required by peers of other ranks.

i. That marcher lords shall be required to maintain a substantial military force, and that these companies must maintain at least one thousand five-hundred men in their active service. 

ii. That the companies of marcher lords shall be subject to review by the Crown every two years. 

iii. That the status of a marcher lord shall be revoked if the requirement for the minimum number of men is insufficiently maintained after being reviewed twice by the Crown.

II.) That marcher lords, as enumerated within this document, shall be given the privilege to uphold and maintain a settlement in the granted lands, where they are required to maintain a sizable population, and a level of economic and industrial productivity commensurate to this size.

i. That this requirement may be reviewed in the form of a brief visit or event hosted by the marcher lord in honor of the Crown. This shall occur every four years and may coincide with review of the troops. 

III.) That marcher lords, as enumerated within this document, shall be given the privilege to fortify their territories in order to secure the frontiers of the Empire from foreign threats of all kinds. 

IV.) That marcher lords, as enumerated within this document, shall be given the privilege to create landed, untitled gentry vassals directly in the marcher lord’s service, for the purpose of providing services both military and economic to the march. These freeholds are to be associated with expectations, and failure to meet these standards will result in monetary penalties for the marcher lord. 

V.) That this edict shall also create the Imperial Security Committee, which shall be composed of the Crown, the heir apparent, ex officio the General of the Imperial State Army, ex officio all marcher lords as well as any other advisors of senior military significance as decided on an ad hoc basis by the Crown. 

VI.) That the role of the Imperial Security Committee is to directly advise the Crown in times of emergency or in war, or on any matters of high-level military or security significance. 

ARTICLE II. On baronetcies

A baronet, or baronetess, is the holder of an honorary title, granted by the Crown, who may style themselves as ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am’ and are recognized as low nobility below that of a baron or baroness.  

Henceforth, it is declared:

I.) That a baronetcy is non-inheritable and is only held by whom the title was directly granted to by the Crown.

II.) That baronets shall be subject to all responsibilities held by nobility as outlined in the Edict of Petra and otherwise stated by the Crown. 

III.) That baronets must purchase land from the Crown in order to hold it. 

i. That land is not granted, or a potential privilege, on basis of noble status for those holding a baronetcy. 

AD DEI GLORIAM,

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Philip III, Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Adria, and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera

HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Anastasia I, Holy Orenian Empress, forever August, Queen of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duchess of Ves, Duchess of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Adria, and Lorraine, Baroness of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera