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Traveler's Guide to the United Kingdom of Aaun


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TRAVELER’S GUIDE

TO THE

UNITED KINGDOM OF AAUN

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Greetings traveller, and welcome to the United Kingdom of Aaun!

 

The purpose of this missive is to act as a guide to newcomers and visitors alike to our United Kingdom. In this missive will be detailed both the old history of Aaun as well as its current functions, culture, and lands, each afforded their own chapter focusing on them.

 

The chapters of this guide shall be the following, and it is recommended that they are read in order:

 

I. What is the United Kingdom of Aaun?

II. The History of Aaun

    --> The first Kingdom under Godwin

    --> End of the Harvest Confederacy and the Restoration of Aaun

III. Society

    --> The Charter of Aaun

    --> The Royal Diet

    --> The Royal Offices

IV. Lords and Ladies of the Kingdom

    --> The Crownlands of Alstion

    --> The Principality of Merryweather

    --> The Duchy of Minitz

    --> The Margraviate of Velen

    --> The Margraviate of Haute-Epine

    --> The County of Veletzia

    --> The Viscounty of Hohengarten

V. Culture

VI. Getting settled at Aaun

 


I. What is the United Kingdom of Aaun?

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A map depicting the geopolitical landscape of Almaris.

 

The United Kingdom of Aaun, or Aaun in short, is a constitutional monarchy located at the heart of Almaris, on the lands which are accordingly named the Heartlands. The Kingdom is ruled by the Sovereign of Aaun in conjunction with the Kingdom’s government - the Royal Offices, and the Peerage of the Realm, who are each granted a considerable amount of autonomy.

 

Unlike the other Kingdoms that inhabit Almaris, Aaun can be considered more-so a federation of vassals, each putting their faith in the leadership of the Sovereign, who represents the vassals internationally and acts as the Royal Mediator between the peerage. Because of this, the Sovereign does not have absolute authority in the realm, but rather shares it with the Royal Diet, consisting of the Lords and Ladies of the Realm. Such ensures that the Sovereign may never take actions which can be considered tyrannical or against the common will of the people he represents.

 

Because of the great degree of autonomy granted to the peerage, it is common to see them building their own towns and cities on their lands which have their own law codices, levies, traditions and courts. Each peer is also granted the ability to grant vassalage to families within their lands - with the acceptance of the Crown, and these vassals are called petty nobles, for they don’t yet share a place within the Diet (such is reserved for the Noble Estates, the direct vassals of the Realm).

 


II. The History of Aaun

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A old map depicting the lands of the now-dissolved Harvest Confederacy.

 

The first Kingdom under Godwin

Godwin, the second born son of Horen, led his followers to the Valley of Jrent - a region previously inhabited but presumably abandoned upon the foundation of Horen's pious city - and there he would declare the first Kingdom of Aaun. While there were three kingdoms of men established between the three sons of Horen, the Kingdom of Aaun was the largest in size, though not in strength as the Kingdom of Idunia led by Harren had a mightier army. This would become apparent, when just 21 years following the occupation of Horen's city by Krug's tribe, and foundation of Aaun, Harren - the firstborn son of Horen - conquered the Kingdom of Aaun with his army, sacking many villages along the way, before eventually reaching Godwin's keep and murdering him. 

 

The Kingdom of Aaun was left in a state of disorder and occupation. Owyn, son of Godwin and heir to the Kingdom, was left unable to claim his inheritance and fled at the age of seven to his uncle, King Joren, in the Kingdom of Edel. The Kingdom of Aaun would remain in a state of occupation for roughly 17 years before Owyn slew his uncle Harren and reclaimed his kingdom, as well as Haren’s. Owyn reigned as king until his eldest son came of age and he abdicated the throne. Not much is known about how Owyn led his kingdom, though he is known for appointing and consecrating individuals he deemed virtuous as priests to shepherd the faithful - including the first High Priests, who formally established what would become the Church of the Canon. 

 

It is unknown how much longer the Kingdom of Aaun lasted and in what manner it was ruled, though it is believed that it later came to be merged with the Old Kingdom of Oren before it fell in the 14th century. 

 

The End of the Harvest Confederacy and Restoration of Aaun

Following the fall of the Kingdom of Oren to the Harvest Revolution, the Harvest Confederacy was established as its successor in the Heartlands. This Confederation would at first prove to be highly successful, with a multitude of Lords settling upon its lands to form their own towns and cities, each with almost complete freedom from any centralised authority. Among these Lords were the Houses of Alstion, Barclay, and Alstreim.

 

The dream of the Confederation would end shortly though, as merely a decade after its inception, the boy-baron of Acre marched his men, along with the rest of Confederacy's soldiery, who believed they were merely visited a wedding, into Balian, where he suddenly took up arms in an attempt to kill one of the lords of Balian, Lucius Galbraith, who had previously defected from the Confederacy. The failed assassination resulted in Baron’s capture, and an ultimatum was published against the Confederacy, demanding that a new de-facto leader be elected and that any of the Lords be given the chance to secede from the union, with the Commonwealth of Petra doing so.

 

The ultimatum was accepted, with Charles I Alstion elected unanimously as the de-facto leader of the Confederacy, and it was there that the Kingdom of Aaun would see its rebirth. With the unanimous consent of the Lords present, Charles declared the formation of Aaun to follow in the footsteps of the Confederacy, and fix the flaws that had plagued it, mainly the missing of a central - although lenient - authority, the lack of such having been the cause of the haphazard foreign policy which led to the Confederacy’s dowfall.

 


III. Society

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A hand-drawn depiction of the ratification of the Great Charter of Aaun, 1900.

 

The Aaunic society is built upon the principles of shared authority and representation. The King’s authority is limited, and ruling without the approval and consent of the peerage is extremely hard. Each vassal is afforded a representative who sits and votes in the Royal Diet, the legislative body of the Realm, and accordingly the King acts as the Realm’s representative diplomatically, projecting the Diet’s will and policies abroad. It is generally accepted in Aaunic society that the King rules by the people, for the people, with the people.

 

The Charter of Aaun

The Charter acts as the Aaunic Constitution, and unlike many realms, the supreme and final authority of the Realm. In the Charter are stated the powers and responsibilities of the Crown, the Royal Diet, the Peerage and the Offices of the Realm. None stand above these statements, and changing them requires a 2/3rds majority in the Royal Diet along with the King’s signature. 

 

The Royal Diet

Sharing authority with the King, the Royal Diet acts as the Parliament of the Realm, where each of the Noble Estates are afforded a seat and a singular vote. The Diet has the authority to approve or reject diplomatic pacts, declarations of war, ennoblement of new Noble Estates, as well as passing legislation and generally deciding on the course the Kingdom will take. The Diet is led by the Grand Peer, who is elected by the Noble Estates, and it falls unto them to summon the Diet and serve as its President. For a motion to pass, the Diet requires a simple majority, but a 2/3rds majority when the Charter’s declarations are altered. Every motion also requires the King’s signature, and if not given such, is reintroduced to the Diet, which may choose to overrule the King’s veto and make it an official decree.

 

The Royal Offices

The Government of the Kingdom consists of the Royal Offices. These offices act as the continuation of the King’s authority, so only the King has the authority to command and appoint their holders. The Offices don't have direct authority to act outside of the Crownlands, but during crises or wartime, the Royal Diet may choose to empower the King, and therefore the Offices, with greater authority.

 


IV. Lords and Ladies of the Kingdom

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Another hand-drawn depiction, this time of King Charles Alstion promoting the County of Minitz into a Duchy during a Comital Court.

 

As is natural for a feudal Kingdom, Aaun possesses a large variety of vassals of different cultures and histories, all united under the Charter and the guidance of the King. Each vassal is granted a large degree of autonomy to dictate their own business, as well as land in which to settle themselves and govern as they see fit. Each Noble Estate also has the right to - with the approval of the King or Diet - land petty nobles in their lands.

 

Crownlands of Alstion

The lands which have not been granted to a vassal belong to the Prince of Alstion, who also reigns as the King of Aaun. The King has ultimate authority in the Crownlands, which currently encompass approximately half of the Kingdom, including the capital of Aaun, the ruined city of Vienne. While the Crownlands do not yet host any remarkable institutions, once the renovation of Vienne is completed, the Crownlands will host the Royal Family and the government of the Kingdom, as well as the legendary Nauzican Brigade.

 

Principality of Merryweather

Being the only other Principality in the realm besides Alstion, Merryweather is ruled by the ancient Waldenian family of Alstreim, who rule from their castle at Corwinsburg, with their lands encompassing the nearby areas as well as the ruins of Grodno. The Principality is currently looking for guards for the Princely House, as well as those who would take interest in taking part in the Waldenic Diet as a scribe or historian. The current reigning Prince of Merryweather is the Lord Vandalore, Ottomar von Alstreim.

 

Duchy of Minitz

The Duchy of Minitz, situated in the old lands of Rivia, is a Reinmaren Duchy ruled by the House of Barclay. The Duchy takes great pride in their brotherhood and institutions, with a society of both tribal and feudal nature, with most of the Duchy’s positions chosen by vote by the tribesmen. If one wishes to integrate into the Reinmaren society, they must first complete the Trials of the Reinmaren, after which they can become a soldier in Theoderic’s Warband, a squire of the Knights of St. Tylos, or partake in other offices such as the Bailiff’s or the Lawspeaker’s. The current Duke of Minitz is Leon Barclay.

 

As a society of combined feudal and tribal practices, the Reinmaren tribes of Minitz act as the main sub-communities. Differently for noble houses, anyone can join a Reinmaren tribe, as long as they undergo the required trials and rituals to become one.

 

Margraviate of Velen

The Margraviate of Velen is based on the Waldenian culture, with most of the Velenic people subscribing to the Aschenwalder subsect, named after their home, the Aschenwald. The current ruling family of Velen is the House of Reuss, with Leopold von Reus as their Margrave. The Velenic people are great huntsmen and dog-breeders, with hunts out to the Aschenwald being a regular event. They also host their own personal levy and court.

 

The Margrave also hosts a number of petty vassals under them, most of whom are of Waldenian origin as well. These peers pay direct fealty to the Margrave, and are not considered Noble Estates of the Kingdom: The County of Talmberg, ruled by the House of Wexler; the Barony of Alsace, ruled by the House of de Reanoux; and finally, the Barony of Arentania, ruled by the House of Bardenwig-Alstreim.

 

Margraviate of Haute-Epine

The Margraviate of Haute-Epine bases itself on the Auvergnian culture; it is a peerage held by one of the surviving Auvergnian Houses, that of de Rosius. They are situated within the Arentanian Alps and are currently under the leadership of Louis Joseph de Rosius. The Margraviate is known for its ability to create job opportunities and is specialised in the forging of weaponry and thus trading it. 

 

County of Veletzia

The County of Veletzia is ruled by the House of Sarkozic, with Heinrik Sarkozic acting as the Count of Veletzia. The Veletzians take great pride in their Raevir heritage, with a large number of their citizens having a connection to the old Duchy of Adria and its lands. Their culture and traditions also closely follow that of the old Adrians, and the County is always seeking more people who wish to live the Raevir life to join them. Currently, the Veletzians reside next to the Aaunic Kingsroad, with a new home for them being built as you read this.

 

The County is also home to the Host of St. Arpad, a group of Raevir soldiers who are lead by Lord Jan Ivanovich. The Host takes pride in their sense of brotherhood and unity, with them wandering adventures around Almaris on a regular basis. Most of the Host’s soldiers are of Raevir descent, though all are welcome to join.

 

Viscounty of Hohengarten

The Viscounty of Hohengarten bases itself on its Waldenian, particularly Reinmaren culture. It is a peerage held by a new family, the von Augustens. The founding couple, being of the Bishops of Haense, and the Orennian family d’Azor. Hohengarten sits high in the Arentanian Alps; its towers and vineyards being that of breathtaking beauty. The Viscounty, currently held by Cosima von Augusten, takes pride in their policies of tolerance, acceptance, and unity within their court. Taking in any of need, and offering a place to call their own. 

 


V. Culture

 

The culture of Aaun is rather mixed, caused by the multitude of vassals and people originating from different lands coming to call Aaun their homeland. While most of the Aaunic people consider themselves Heartlanders and follow the traditions and ways fitting for their people, Aaun also has large Waldenian and Raevir minorities, with the Waldenians residing in Minitz, Velen and Merryweather, while the Raevir have settled mostly in the County of Veletzia. Among the Kingdom’s Heartlanders are the Auvergnians, living at the Margraviate of Haute-Epine.

 

While the Aaunic people are differentiated by their traditions and ways, they are all united in their undying faith to GOD and His Canonist Church. During the Kingdom of Oren and the Harvest Confederacy, a large minority of Canonists following the Owynist sect existed, but now that following has been reduced greatly, though still existing to some decree.

 

The Aaunic people don't have a universal dress code nor any common treats and drinks that can be found in every corner of the Kingdom, with each dressing and eating that which belongs to their own culture. While Aaun is extremely multicultural, every citizen of Aaun is still united in their wish for peace and stability for the Heartlands, as well as brotherhood and unity under the Crown and Charter.

 


VI. Getting settled at Aaun

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A map of the Aaunic heartlands and the Kingsroad from Eastport to the ruined city of Vienne.

 

Interested in taking part and maybe becoming a citizen of the United Kingdom? Well, it’s your lucky day! Aaun has a large variety of different hubs, each offering something a little bit different. While each land owns their own levy, court and councils, here’s a few suggestions where to head in regards to what intrigues you! While there are some potential candidates listed down below, they aren’t all! If any questions arise, please send a letter to Johann Barclay [Frymark], and you’ll be settled in Aaun in no time.

 

Below, a list of contacts would be attached for those in need of such;

 

Principality of Alstreim - Prince Ottomar Alstreim [Meleutherius]

Duchy of Minitz - Duke Leon Barclay [GoodGuyMatt2k]
Theoderic’s Warband - Chieftain Siegfried Barclay [StillAMiniguy]

Margraviate of Velen - Margrave Leopold von Reuss [Optimus420]

Host of St. Arpad - Jan Ivanovich [Optimus420]

Margraviate of Haute-Epine - Louis Joseph [sashimichopped]

County of Veletzia - Heinrik Sarkozic [Beamon4]

Viscounty of Hohengarten - Cosima von Augusten [Frank_Dog]

 

Spoiler

https://discord.gg/jHey2Pef

Also credit to Crevel for letting me use his writings about the old history parts! I'm lazy, so thanks.

 


Edited by Frymark
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