On the 15th day of Tobias’ Bounty, 1928     

STATEMENT OF OPENING

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Greetings, all! What bright, shining, lovely faces we've here- HAH! Well, except for you, Aunt Willy.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Recruit Guppy is unable to make it today, leaving me to have to announce the business of this Duma…”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “I'll aim to keep it brief, for even greater matters lay beyond, which will take more of your time. That is for the future, though, and today we focus on the now- this new land we inhabit, and what we must make of it.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “The first order of business is the naming of our city. I have intentionally refrained from naming our new town in order to leave the choice to the people here. However, we've a slate of proposed names. The second is to address the recent Pontifical letter, the third is some announcements, then I will take personal requests, inquiries, etc.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “So, to begin: The naming of our city!”

THE CAPITAL OF ADRIA

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Now, three of the names given to us are: Veselov, Carovnik, and Bezogrod. Discuss these, propose some of your own, or I'll just pick one.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “I will give the floor five minutes.”

Lucien: “Those all suck.”

Wilhelmina: “I do not mind the name Carovnik.”

Gaspard: “What meanings do th' names have?”

Manus de Ruyter: “If we have to survive with calling it one of those names, Carovnik is the best one on that list.”

Gerhardt: “All three are terrible.”

Architect Volkar: “Veselov is a mighty name!”

Wilhelmina: “Veselov is DULL!”

Klara Miray: “He did say we could come up with suggestions of our own..”

Architect Volkar: “The ginger in the audience in dull.”

Oksana: “Sto jest being discussed?”

Wilhelmina: “Where?”

Klara Miray: “What we are tae name the city”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “If you think they're so terrible, then come up with your own!”

Manus de Ruyter: “Johanesburg!” 

Oksana: “Sto z w options for it?”

Ethan: “I like Velec.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “I will EXECUTE anyone who complains without making a suggestion in place!”

Architect Volkar: “Let's call it Oren!”

Gaius Mournstone: “I don't suppose you two have suggestions?” 

Manus de Ruyter: “Johanesland.”

Manus de Ruyter: “Johanesville.”

Architect Volkar: “Sigiusmandgrad.”

Gerhardt: “Blackville.”

Wilhelmina: “Name it after your betrothed, Johanes.”

Sigrun Osborn: “Suvla?”

Manus de Ruyter: “It should be easy to remember. That even foreigners speak the name.”

Bernard de Rouen: “Sulva sounds decent.”

Sigrun Osborn: “Suvla?”

Oksana: “Klarovnik.”

Wilhelmina: “Klarovnik.”

Architect Volkar: “Removestrelt.”

Sigrun Osborn: “It would be short and quick. Easy for others to know. Sulva.”

Oksana: “Sto jest a Sulva?”

Sir Darius d'Artois: “Sulva is alright but the S is kind of iffy.”

Manus de Ruyter: “Or even just Klarov.”

Oksana: “That sounds like Raevir slang for something bad..”

Wilhelmina: “Klarov works as well.”

Sigrun Osborn: “Its nothing just of lands that would match well with the words of adria. Sulva the city of Adria”

Wilhelmina: “I don't think that matches particularly well.”

Oksana: “Klarov, Klarovnik, z dobry names for a dobry Lady.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Klarov is simple enough, yes. How does ev-”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “How does everyone here feel about that?”

Wilhelmina: “Aye.”

Sigrun Osborn: “Aye.”

Nesrin Carrion: “Yam in support of Klarov!”

Manus de Ruyter: “Aye.”

Oksana: “Aye!”

Klara Miray: “Aye.”

Gerhardt: “Nay.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “If I hear another disagreement without an alternative, I'm calling the city St. James,”

Wilhelmina: “NO.”

Wilhelmina: “NOT ST JAMES.”

Gerhardt: “I prefer St. James over all the current suggestions.”

Bernard de Rouen: “Saint James sounds strong.”

Sir Darius d'Artois: “Perhaps name the cathedral Saint James.”

Manus de Ruyter: “That makes more sense.”

Lucien: “We should call it Geclan.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Klarov it is.” 

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Geclan will be the name of my country estate. I quite like that one.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Now, onto the next matter, that letter from the Pontiff.”

Votes Of Aye: 6

Votes Of Nay: 1

Motion passed

THE CHURCH’S TERMS

Duke John II of House van Aert: “We're to be reconciling with the Church, so I ask that all present make sure to adhere to the terms of the letter. I won't be repeating it all here, but make sure to refresh yourself on it when you've the time. For now, we are to be engaging cordially with men of the cloth. That is to say: Non-violently. Please don't cause me another diplomatic incident.”

Bernard de Rouen: “And.. Are we to remain cordial with men of Haense?”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Absolutely not, no.”

Nesrin Carrion: “Where am this letter?”

Oksana: “Why niet repeat the terms?”

Markus: “I'm a bit late- what did I miss?”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “The von Dracos are to be exiled, my predecessor, Heinrik, is to be turned in if he is found, the man calling himself Cardinal Jonathan is to be turned in if he is found, we are to stop calling my predecessor Heinrik 'the Victor', and the Vilacs are to be exiled.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Those are the terms. We've already arranged our response and have sent it to the Church.”

Manus de Ruyter: “And what of the response? Are you meeting everything in their request?”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “We take issue with the term demanding Heinrik's arrest and seizure, and we will request that a meeting be had with this Cardinal Jonathan so that it does not turn to violence. The Vilacs have also agreed to join convents and don the nun's cloth.”

Manus de Ruyter: “And the von Dracos?”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Not as if they've been seen for some time. A handful have agreed to meet directly with His Holiness to petition the sentence, though.”

????: CrrUNNCh.

Wilhelmina: “Gaspard, stop eating apples in court.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Of course. We will politely adhere to these terms as is, but not before allowing our voice to be heard. Is this approved by the Duma?”

Manus de Ruyter: “Aye.”

Sir Darius d'Artois: “Aye.”

Wilhelmina: “Aye.”

Valentin: “Aye.”

Oksana: “Aye.”

Jan Euler: “Aye.”

Klara Miray: “Aye.”

Bernard de Rouen: “Aye.”

Votes Of Aye: 8

Votes Of Nay: 0

Motion passed - Unanimously 

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE DUCAL CORONET

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Well enough. Now, for some announcements….”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Firstly, might the Lord Aldersberg step forth?”

Architect Volkar: “All hail Markus!”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “After the unfortunate death of my previous Chancellor, I had been in need of another. You have served better than any else in the functions of government, and you have been among my most trusted counsel.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “If you so wish, and if the people of Adria approve, I would name you my Chancellor of the Adrians.”

Wilhelmina: “Chancellor Markus!”

Manus de Ruyter: “Aye.”

Sigrun Osborn: “Aye!”

Oksana: “Aye!” 

Markus: “It would change nothing, my Ksiaz; for always shall I honor the glory of Godanistan e my papej's duchy.”

Markus: “But da; it would be an honor.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Are there any who disapprove?”

????: “For Markus' papej!”

Crickets: ♫ ♪ ♬ ♪

Oksana:“How dobry!”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Then come on up here- AHAHAH!” 

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Now, another announcement, I'm to be married by the next year. As many of you know, both of the former women I was betrothed to have perished. The first choked on a lamprey pie, the second was killed by her own father. You know what they say, though: Third time's a charm! A more formal announcement will be made, but I am to wed Miss Klara Miray.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Klara, please wave so everyone can see you.”

Wilhelmina: “Hooray!”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Right, that's her, right there!” 

Duke John II of House van Aert: “She will be the new Duchess of Adria. Hopefully. If all goes well.”

Klara Miray: “If all goes well?”

Klara Miray: “Eredain said I would die from a cold but hopefully not so soon..”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Then just into a bonfire- HAH! Now, that's all for my announcements. If anyone else wishes to present any sort of matter, any at all, then present yourself before the throne!”

PETITIONS FROM THE CITIZENRY

Gaius Mournstone: “I have things I would like to discuss,”

Oksana: “Eja, eja.”

Oksana: “Please remember to pay vyr tax or Johanes' future children will starve.”

Ethan: “Taxation is theft and an abomination to a free people.”

Oksana: “Taxation jest sto keeps Adria standing just as much as the army men, if vy have a problem with that, then vy niet Adrian!”

Wilhelmina: “.. Now that we brought up taxation for the city - let's speak about the vassals.”

Markus: “I believe he had something to present.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Thank you, Lady Aldersberg- Oh, more talk about taxes.”

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Gaius Mournstone: “I am patient.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “You cut in line, Aunt Willy?”

Wilhelmina: “Oh, I was not aware this man was there before me.”

Manus de Ruyter: “I believe you should ignore what she has to say because of it!”

Wilhelmina: “Go on, patient man - I can wait my turn.”

Gaius Mournstone: “Very well,”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “I apologize for my aunt's poor manners,”

Markus: “Such poor manners are an affront to the noble e perfect institution that jest the duma,” 

Gaius Mournstone: “I wish to pledge the loyalty of my kin, my house, to that of Adria,”

Gaius Mournstone: “In times such as this, I believe it is necessary to grow.”

Peter Montalt: “Duke Johanes.”

Manus de Ruyter: “Son of a-.”

Peter Montalt: “Duke! Duke!”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “And what house might this be? I- WHAT?!?”

Peter Montalt: “Heinrik Sarkozic founded the name which graces our land! How will we let him be massacred and brought in chains within the very own soil his name consecrates?”

Peter Montalt: “Such a thing will taint our reputation as fierce, mighty Adrians! Will we let outsiders dictate our own policy, and march it and dictate our own affairs!”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “We just addressed this, Montalt. That point is going to be petitioned to the Pontiff. It goes against what we were told they were going to present to us.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Lord Aldersberg is to visit personally to discuss this term with the Pontiff.”

Peter Montalt: “Oh.”

Peter Montalt: “Forgive me, my Duke.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “I thank you for your zeal, but fear not, there is no man with greater pride than I. I'll never deliver my predecessor in chains, nor lead him to his death.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “I apologize again, where were we?”

Gaius Mournstone: “Receiving a pledge of fealty from my house. I am Gaius,” 

Gaius Mournstone: “And I am the patriarch of House Mournstone.” 

Iskandar Vladovic:“Mournstone. I do not know this name. Am significant?”

Oksana: “Y niet heard of it either, niet necessarily a bad thing though..”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Mournstone…”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “The histories, as poorly written as they often are, say little. However, I am familiar with the name, even if only in passing. If you and your kin can provide loyal, leal service to the Ducal Crown, and fulfill your duties as citizens of our great Adria, then I will gladly accept your fealty.”

Gaius Mournstone: “It would be my honour to speak for my kin, to embrace these duties, and remain faithful to our word,”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “I will meet with you and your kin later. First, though, I've some old archives to consult. For now be welcome in the hearth and home of the Ducal Crown, and take pride in being citizens of Adria. You may return to where you were.”

Wilhelmina: “.. Now back to taxes!”

Wilhelmina: “For vassals; I suggest we do not start charging them until they have their keep built. Since the construction of a keep takes a lot of money and resources, I would deem it fair to give them a year of no tax after their keep's construction has finished.”

Wilhelmina: “As for the amount - it has yet to be determined what a fair tax for a piece of land would be. However, I suggest that all landowners would be charged the same amount of Mina every year, your Grace.”

Architect Volkar: “Charge her more!”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Agreed. Vassals will not have their taxes levied until a year after the completed construction of their abodes. A specific tax is something that will have to be debated in the Duma, though, and that is a bridge we can cross when we get there.”

Wilhelmina: “Very good,”

Wilhelmina: “That is all.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Now, are there any other announcements, petitions, requests, or the like? If not, we may finally all be dismissed.”

Nesrin Carrion: “Ea would like to make an announcement!”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Step forward and speak it, then.”

Nesrin Carrion: “Yam Nesrin Carrion. Some of vy may know this, but yam learned in the arcane studies. A wizard, as ea would call it.”

Nesrin Carrion: “Ea would pledge mea abilities to the Crown, to uphold the security of our lands, to defend our faith and our people against magickal threat.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “How nice! I know nothing about the magics, I'm afraid, so I'll need a few hands to help tell me what's what and who's who. However, I do fear that the traditional accent of the Raev can often make communication difficult, so I would ask that you ensure that your pronunciation is never poor when you speak of these matters, or else I might be confused and mistake one word for another.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “And we all know how tedious and specific many of the magical arts can be. We wouldn't want an accident wrought of poor grammar.”

Nesrin Carrion: “It am something yam well-aware of.” 

Nesrin Carrion: “Ea will niet take more of this assembly's time.”

STATEMENT OF CLOSING

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Thank you- your services will be much appreciated by the Ducal Court.”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Now, might that be all?”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Counting one….”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Counting two….”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “Counting three!”

Duke John II of House van Aert: “That brings this session to a conclusion. All are dismissed! Go out and enjoy the day, the good summer air, and all else!”

RECORDED BY,

The Right Honourable, Oksana Ivanovich,

Countess-consort of Aldersberg, Seneschal of Klarov, Dumacratic Archivist of Adria,

The 4th of The Amber Cold, The 119th year of the Second Age

A common fear of the encroachment of foreign influences has been on the minds of many for years now, and it was agreed at the Duma that the Merchants’ Guild was to assist in protecting the Duchy’s inhabitants from his threat. If that is to be done appropriately, a certain set of laws and ordinances must be put in place to accommodate the Guild’s coming efforts. With that said, the Guild has so graciously requested of the Adrian Duma that the following is instituted into Adrian Law, with the consent of its people and Duke.

The Adrian Charter of Trade and Commerce bestows the Merchants’ Guild of Adria the  following rights and duties to oversee and regulate the economic growth and wellbeing of the Duchy of Adria and all territories therein.

1. The Merchant’s Guild (From now simply referred to as ‘The Guild’ or ‘Guild’) has full authority to regulate the prices of all goods in the Duchy of Adria. These changes will be publicly announced whenever the Guild has made a decision.
   1. The Guild may not challenge any Royal Decrees that would go against these regulations.
   2. Citizens and peers have a right to challenge any specific regulation before the Guild, temporarily suspending the challenged regulation until a new verdict has been reached.
      1. Citizens and peers may bring any number of attorneys to these hearings.

1. The Guild has the authority to bestow certain individuals, businesses, guilds and institutions the sole rights to the purchase and sale of certain goods and resources.
   1. Multiple individuals, businesses, guilds and institutions may share in the same privileges.
   2. This privilege is granted with the expectation that exceptional standards are to be maintained. If the privileged fails to uphold the agreement between themselves and the Guild, the Guild reserves the right to withdraw said privilege at any time.
   3. These privileges may be challenged before the Guild. If the verdict does not please, then it may be appealed before the Duma.
2. The Guild has the right to issue fines to any person, company or institution who are found to be in breach of Guild regulations and ordinances.
3. The Guild has the right to impose sanctions upon specific persons, companies or institutions who are found to be in breach of Guild regulations and ordinances.
   1. Sanctions may be challenged through a successful appeal to the Duma.
4. The Guild will maintain a registry of businesses, guilds and institutions within the Duchy of Adria.
   1. This registry will remain accessible to the public upon request.
   2. To ensure the information is correct and up to date, the Guild may inquire into any individual, business, guild or institution’s workings.
   3. To refuse to be entered into the registry will see your enterprise kept out of the Adrian market until this attitude has been rectified.
5. The Guild will be held responsible for any breaches of Aaunic trade agreements within the Duchy. Rectification will be personally negotiated between the offended parties and the upper management of the Guild.
6. The Guild will be made responsible to upholding healthy standards of businesses, guilds and institutions within the Duchy.
   1. Of this, the following is to be overseen.
      1. The wellbeing of employees within Adrian businesses.
      2. The growth and maintenance of Adrian businesses, guilds and institutions.
      3. The adherence to Adrian law and Guild regulations and ordinances.
   2. The Guild has the right to put any who are in breach of their standards before a trial. The accused may choose a Guild or Ducal trial, if it so pleases them.
      1. All rights granted to citizens of Aaun and Adria are to be respected at a Guild trial.

Signed,

His Grace, Heinrik Sarkozic, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Protector of the Aaunic South, Keep of the Swans

His Excellency, Sigismond Varoche, Chancellor of Adria, Count of Varoche, Lover of Dumacracy

Mithius Dalma, Master of The Merchant’s Guild and 3rd Alderman of Velec