THE LEAGUE OF VELETZ

[JoanOfArc 4604]

LEAGUE OF VELETZ

FOEDUS VELEC

In the year 0 of the Age of Rights

 

✠

 

“AUDERE EST FACERE”

 

 

 

---

 

CONTENTS

I. GOVERNMENT

II. LISTS OF FIEFDOMS

III. THE INSTRUMENTS OF STATE

IV. THE RETINUE OF VELETZ

V. THE NATIONAL CAUSE

 

---

 

I. GOVERNMENT

 

The League of Veletz is the unified state of the old Adrian aristocracy, guided by the leading nobility of the old Adrian Rebellion. While the premier dukes of the realm are nominally called to head the league, in practice their role is typically to act as the defenders of the Captain-General’s appointed government, though nothing formally prevents the two from overlapping. The Captain-General acts as the head of state with full authority over foreign diplomacy, functions of war, the court and peerage of the realm, and the administering of justice. The laws of succession reflect this hybrid governance- the successor of the League of Veletz is nominated by the reigning sovereign and confirmed by a convened body of the Dukes of the Realm. Should the incumbent Captain-General perish before the nomination of a successor, the office will be inherited by their lawful heir through primogeniture succession.

 

RULING CAPTAIN-GENERAL

 

FIRST CITIZEN, Johannes of the House van Aert, Captain-General of the League of Veletz, Duke of Middelan, Count of Sonlach and Rivigrenz, Defender of Dumacracy

@Nectorist

 

 

THE CHAMBER OF HEIDMEN

The Chamber of Heidmen is the appointed civil body assigned to the Captain-General to handle many of the day-to-day matters regarding the government

 

The Heidman of the State: Saskia van Aert @JoanOfArc

• The Heidman of the State is the premier councilor of the Captain-General, as they are tasked with all matters related to the governance and administration of the realm. They are effectively allowed to govern in the name of the Captain-General where all domestic matters are concerned, and are the regent in the event of the death or incapacitation of the incumbent Captain-General.

 

Heidman of Foreign Affairs: His Grace, the Duke of Adria, Markus Sarkozic @Nooblius

• The Heidman of Foreign Affairs is tasked with all matters of diplomacy and foreign relations for the League of Veletz. Much like the Heidman of the State in domestic matters, the Heidman of Foreign Affairs is allowed to arrange visits, receive foreign dignitaries, and make treaties in the Captain-General’s name, though ratification of the latter can only be done by the Captain-General.

 

Heidman of the Interior: His Grace, the Duke of Blackvale, Valentin van Aert @Vermy

• The Heidman of the Interior is responsible for ensuring all matters of finance, security, and development of the realm are sorted. As many of these responsibilities overlap with the duties of the Heidman of the State, the Heidman of the Interior typically acts as the personal secretary of the Captain-General, advising him directly in most matters of the realm.

 

THE MIDLAND CONCLAVE

The Midland Conclave is the appointed council that aids the Chamber of Heidmen in governance of the realm

 

Constable of the Legion of Burgundy: Valentin van Aert @Vermy

• The Constable of the Legion of Burgundy commands the principal fighting force of the League of Veletz. They are tasked with overseeing and coordinating all military functions and maintaining the armies of the sovereign in times of war and peace.

 

First Councilor of the Midland Conclave: Wilhelmina van Aert @Fie

Second Councilor of the Midland Conclave: Sir Peter Montalt @MRCHENN

Third Councilor of the Midland Conclave: Erin O’Rourke @Asutto

Fourth Councilor of the Midland Conclave: Gerhardt of the Midlands @-_-

 

II. LISTS OF FIEFDOMS

 

DUKES OF THE REALM

The Dukes of the League of Veletz are the principal lords of the realm, called to lead the people through their joined resources. The hardest rank to obtain, requiring several generations of leal service and clear competency, the Dukes of the League of Veletz are called to do much, but are rewarded for their service through the opportunity to sit in the rungs of government and elect the Captain-General.

 

His Grace, the Duke of Middelan, Count of Sonlach and Rivigrenz, Johanes van Aert

His Grace, the Duke of Blackvale, Count of Pestilles, Valentin van Aert

His Grace, the Duke of Adria, Count of Aldersberg, Markus Sarkozic

 

MARCHER LORDS OF THE REALM

The Marcher Lords of the League of Veletz are families situated along the borders of the realm, charged with being the first line of defense in the event of invasion. Their taxes generally remain low, as their service is paid in manpower.  

 

The Most Honorable Margrave of Drusco, Baron of Metina, Lucien de Rouen

The Most Honorable Margrave of Verbant, Fedor Vilac

 

COUNTS OF THE REALM

The Counts of the League of Veletz are more experienced noble families that have enjoy both success as Barons and steadiness in their participation within the peerage. If a family ends their ascension as Counts of the League of Veletz, they can consider themselves well-achieved and well-rewarded.

 

RESERVED

 

BARONS OF THE REALM

The Barons of the League of Veletz form the body of the nobility, though even they remain relatively rare. Composed of either smaller families that have proved their loyalty and good service over generations, or younger families that have shown great promise in a short amount of time, the Barons of the League of Veletz make up the first hereditary step on the long ladder to ascension within the peerage.

 

His Lordship, the Baron of Reyne, John Reyne

His Lordship, the Baron of Harlingen, Manus de Ruyter

 

BARONETS OF THE REALM

The Baronets of the League of Veletz are individuals whose merits have enabled them to obtain the lowest rank of peerage, but whose lineage is not yet proven. As a non-hereditary position, if a Baronet wishes to cement their legacy and provide a future for their family, they and their children must strive to show why they deserve to join the peerage. In turn, Baronets often enjoy a great deal of trust and privilege from the Captain-General, as they can be trusted to work diligently to secure their station.

 

Sir Lorenz of House Gauvadin

Sir Peter of House Montalt

Hans of House Alstion

 

III. THE INSTRUMENTS OF STATE

 

THE CHAMBER OF HEIDMEN

 

The Chamber of Heidmen of the League of Velec is the highest level of civil government in the League of Velec. Appointed by the Captain-General, the Heidmen are given almost full authority to ensure the functions of government are running smoothly..

 

• All members of the Chamber of Heidmen of Veletz shall be referred to as ‘Heidman’.
• All Heidmen are unilaterally appointed by the Captain-General.
• All Heidmen shall be afforded the full executive authority to perform the tasks assigned to them, and are answerable only to the Captain-General.

 

THE MIDLAND CONCLAVE

 

The Midland Conclave of Veletz functions as the council of the League of Veletz, as they are primarily tasked with aiding the Chamber of Heidmen in administering the realm. Appointed by either the Captain-General or the Heidmen themselves, the Councilors of the Conclave are, barring a few exceptions, without position, instead being delegated tasks according to need and merit.

 

• All members of the Midland Conclave of Veletz shall be referred to as ‘Councilor’.
• All Councilors of the Midland Conclave are unilaterally appointed by the Captain-General or the Chamber of Heidmen.
• The Councilors of the Midland Conclave shall generally be without specific position, save the one enumerated roles:
  • Constable of the Legion of Burgundy: The foremost military officer in the League of Veletz after the Captain-General and the commander of the Legion of Burgundy.
• All Councilors of the Midland Conclave derive their authority to perform the tasks assigned to them from the Heidmen and/or the Captain-General and are answerable only to them and the Great Duma.
• Councilors of the Midland Conclave, save the Constable of the Legion of Burgundy, may be subject to a review of conduct by the Great Duma if called to do so by a majority vote.

 

THE GREAT DUMA

 

The Great Duma is the legislative body of the League of Veletz, bridging together the various nobles, burghers, and commoners of the realm. Inherited from the Adrian traditions, the Great Duma seeks to combine both the will of the people and the inclined wisdom of the realm’s notables. The bod is called to guide the general direction of the realm in domestic matters, as they may propose and vote upon laws, courses of executive or judicial action, and the like. 

 

COMPOSITION

 

The Great Duma shall henceforth comprise a single legislative body, called only the Great Duma. It serves at the will and pleasure of the people of Veletz, and may be summoned or dissolved either on the accord of its members or the will of the Captain-General. 

 

The composition of the Great Duma shall be as follows;

 

• All of the Peers of the Realm
• The Heidmen of the League of Veletz
• The Constable of the Legion of Burgundy.
• The Lords Ecclesiastical of the Realm
  • The Bishop of St. Emma
  • The Primate of Adria
• Two aldermen of the City of Klarov
• Three burghers of the City of Klarov, appointed by the Captain-General
• Two notables of the realm, appointed by the Captain-General

 

LIMITATIONS

 

The Grand Duma’s functions and legislation, as a whole, are prohibited from interaction with the following matters of state, which remain the exclusive purview of the Captain-General.

 

• The military and appointment of officers. 
• The office of the Captain-General, its succession, its authority, and its retinue.
• The office of the Chamber of Heidmen of the League of Veletz, its appointment, and its authority.
• Diplomacy and foreign affairs.

 

LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

 

The legislative process of the Great Duma: 

 

• A bill (a draft of a law) or a writ (a special bill compelling an action) is initiated in the chamber concerned with the subject matter, by a member of the Great Duma.
• The hall debates the content of the bill, with all being given a chance to make their case.
• Amendments are made or not made. 
• The Captain-General, or the senior most Heidman, calls for a vote and the votes are tallied.
• The bill passes and immediately becomes an Act of the Great Duma, and hence formal law.

 

IV. THE RETINUE OF VELETZ

 

The Retinue of Veletz are those positions that, having a necessary place of service in Veletz, yet not requiring a seat upon either the General Staff or within the Chamber of Heidmen, are utilized at the Captain-Generals’s personal discretion. When not under orders of the Captain-General, the Retinue of Veletz falls under the jurisdiction of their spouse. While not automatically afforded a seat upon the Midland Witan, there is no prohibition on a Heidmen or Councilor holding a position within the Retinue of Veletz.

 

I) The Purifier of the Realm

Tasked with rooting out the corrupting influences of dark magic from the realm.

 

II) The Chronicler

Tasked with aiding the Captain-General in the drafting of important cultural and historical documents for the realm. 

 

III) The Magistrate of the Bank of Veletz

Tasked with governing the Bank of Veletz and maintaining the finances of the realm. 

 

IV) The Surgeon

Tasked with serving as the Captain-General’s personal surgeon and physician.  

 

V) The Alchemist 

Tasked with performing alchemy and other such arts for the court.

 

VI) The Artisan

Tasked with the creation of art with the aim of glorifying the Captain-General and the realm.

 

VII) The Arbiter of The Law

Tasked with the conducting of justice and the interpretation of law in the stead of the Captain-General.

 

VIII) The Interpreter of The Magicks

Tasked with performing the magickal arts and informing the Captain-General of all known magicks and affiliated beasts of the world.

 

IX) The Reeve

Tasked with being the Captain-General’s principal official in the capital and overseeing all projects of infrastructure.

 

V. THE NATIONAL CAUSE

 

Taken from the Proclamation of Veletz:

 

“We enter now into a time where our history is unknown, yet desperately clung to. Unable to profess their purpose for existence, for they do not know them, men have instead pointed to triumphs that belonged not to them, but their grandfathers and grandmothers. What has man achieved, if it is not triumph, not peace, not beauty nor even the accomplishment of petty schemes? There is no vision forward, only a demented, aimless gaze towards the past. Sitting without desire for change, mankind has returned to the idleness they claimed gripped them during the Age of Man. As there has been no remedy, violence has naturally ensued- the birth of Veletz is evidence of this very thing. As our rise has been marked by the ignorant, violent brutality that has defined this Age of Villains, we must now aim to depart from this era and follow the tide of history into the next.”

 

The League of Veletz seeks to bring humanity past the Age of Villains that has greatly poisoned the intellect, bravery, and virtue of the prior ages. Where aimless warfare, needless guile, and general mistrust brought down the great states of old, it was the total aversion to the necessity of rulership and the distasteful politics that consumed it that spelled the doom of their successors. We live in a time after the idealistic dreams of our forebears, who tried so desperately to avoid the naive idealism of their fathers, yet also guard themselves against the same downfalls of their father’s fathers. It was an unwieldy balance that corrupted the nature of man, both restrained from our natural inclinations and ambitious, yet also poised to strike as a venomous viper would.

 

No good could come of such a thing, and no good did. One ought to look to history and be inspired by the deeds of their ancestors, or at least others who are owed admiration by all. Humanity, in its twisted and corrupted state, has produced no such figures for generations. It is a lamentable thing that, in our own recent past, we engaged in such similar behaviors, bringing to us the glory of war, yet also the stain of sin. Now, able to depart from the past, we must look to change the future.

 

The Canonist League provides an opportunity for the Princes of Canondom to walk a path different than those our fathers had. Shared values, adherence to the Mother Church, the creation of universal institutions, and other such measures, brought about in the cooperative sphere, may allow for humanity itself to progress and move beyond the strife and violence that had wrought evil upon the world and fractured any degree of unity among man.

 

The League of Veletz will serve as a staging point for this vision, a demonstration that human prosperity may be built on the back of goodwill and shared dreams instead of conflict and conquest. We do not kneel to a king that binds us all by iron will, nor do we hold to the strict feudal bonds forged by family ties. Instead, we aim for a union of fiefdoms, guided by the greater among them, to enjoin together in the mutual search for the means of ensuring the realm prospers and overcomes all obstacles to such.

 

It is our hope that, by our example, the rest of humanity may look towards our successes and see the path to a better future that lay before them. Let our hands be cleansed of the blood and deceit that stains them, and may our successors be free from the shackles of sin that bind their fathers. 

 

The Age of Heroes is a distant memory.

 

The Age of Man collapsed in flames.

 

The Age of Villains shall now end.

 

The Age of Rights shall now begin.

[Nectorist 12875]

The Captain-General gets to work with his council to build the new state of Veletz.

[Terry 2680]

An old dwarven ex-King that helmed the beginning of the War of Wigs squints at the proclamation. 

 

"Middelan? Blackvale? T'is some sort ov sick joke?!" He'd grumble mightily, dwarven curses escaping in mumbles as he walked away.

 

Spoiler

Very fine post my friends, good work 👍

 

 

[Nooblius 7965]

The Duke of Adria prepares for the glory of the Midlands, a few documents before him on the table as he discussed with a friend a matter of philosophy. "E now, w true work begins," he remarks to his retinue, before returning to a discussion with the King of Numendil.

[Eryane 3698]

Curiously reading the document with its proclamation of the Age of Rights, Alice looks to her neighbors with hope.