Balian Kingdom Guide

[Chronics 482]

The Kingdom of Balian

Kingdom Guide

 

 

Welcome to The Lord of the Craft! Balian is a great community, formed by remnants of the Holy Orenian Empire. We are a very welcoming community for all players both old and new! We hope this guide helps assist you in getting started in our Kingdom.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Welcome to The Kingdom of Balian traveler! This guide is designed to help new and old players alike get into the swing of things within the Kingdom. This guide is aiming to cover all ground players need to know in order to get a smooth start. This includes a brief overview of our culture along with the current leadership and their roles, types of jobs, housing and much more.

 

SECTION I: Culture

 

The culture of Balian is diverse, having been founded by refugees in the aftermath of the Brothers’ War in which the people who would eventually come to be known as the 'Balianese' would've been led by the star of St Lothar through the deserts of the southern lands before coming upon a lands rumored to hold the equality of gold which would provide to the survival of the Balian people. It was here where the Grand Duchy of Balian would eventually be formed which would come to be the catalyst to what is now known as the Kingdom of Balian. Despite the formation of the lands in the southern sands, the Kingdom of Balian is primarily composed of individuals of Heartlander descent, with several lords of both Heartlander and Highlander descent comprising the nobility, alongside notable families who have over the years descended into the southern lands in search of new prospects. As they strive to evolve beyond their origins as displaced people, they aim to embrace a unified Balianses identity. 

 

Influenced by several varied cultures of the realms of man, the Balianese have three primary cultural influences: that of the Petrine, the Regal and Sophisticated culture of the Holy Orenian Empire; the Rhenyari, the Illustrious and Decadent culture of Ba’as; the Balianite, the Ancient and Pious culture of the Old Balthalite Empire. All three of these cultural influences have been key in forming that of Balianese culture, which has been considered a Renaissance of all three, both a revival and a renewal. From this we find that the Balianese culture is vibrant, scholarly and free-minded, for a newcomer to Balian, they would feel as though the sky was the limit, as though whatever they wished for would be possible should they just work for it. 

 

There are two forms of Balianese culture, the less commonly seen, Old Balianese Architecture and the everyday New Balianese Architecture. The more Modern, New Balianese Architecture is an extremely colourful one with almost every house having its own bright and beautiful colours. The average house would have a low, sloped roof and wide, open windows, also often offering a balcony to gaze out of. Larger buildings often have huge halls with pillars throughout them and wide, tall spires. Old Balian Architecture is that of the first capital city, known as Atrus, though it can still be seen today. It’s best characteristised by its flat roofing, often used as a small plot of gardening area and the white material used on all the buildings, often a small ring of colour being it’s only colour. Of course both have commonalities, these being large open spaces, luscious fauna and huge domes constructed for the large buildings, be they Government halls, Cathedrals or the Monarch’s own Palace.

 

The Balianese Cuisine is unlike their other Human Counterparts due to arid temperatures they first encountered in the Lotharene Desert of Almaris. Often viewed as the most flavour filled food, the Balianese use several different herbs and spices from cumin and basil to paprika and saffron, it is certainly a well spiced cuisine. The base of Balianese meal is often either poultry or fresh fish, considered to be a lighter taste, which is paired with some form of grain, be it couscous or rice. With this a variety of fresh vegetables, often as a salad is added alongside a sauce that combines the herbs and spices that characterize the Balianese food. The drinks of Balian arent too different from the goods that would be served. Well flavoured, light drinks would be available from all taverns, usually served cold. Wines, white spirits and flavoured water would be free flowing from all establishments in the Nation.

 

Fashion is distinguished from all other human modes with its robed nature worn by both the men and women of the nation. Every piece of clothing would be bright, using rich and impressive dyes upon the most decadent of fabrics from the regions. With sleeves that are baggy, short or simply non-existent, the clothing would be interpreted as a lot more free than their Canonist brethren due to such. Jewelry in Balian is often bright golds with vibrant gems in various forms that exemplify this aspect. From the basic pieces like earrings, rings and bracelets to the more uniquely Balianese like the ‘Polseras’ (Bracelets for the arm), ‘Perfoació del Ba’as’ (Septum piercing) and ‘Torcedores’ (Helix piercings), the items owned by a person would often dictate their wealth and status. Finally, the hair of a Balianese person would often be pinned and tied in many different ways to ensure it was held up. Predominantly done in elegant manners with intricate braids and ornate pins to show off the beauty of the person who wore it.

 

Trivia: The architecture and ideas shaping this culture draw inspiration mainly from Renaissance Italy, with a significant influence derived from the Byzantine period in Greece.

 

Types of fashion used in Balian
https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/230393-destimentum-balianum-the-fashion-of-the-balianese/?_fromLogout=1

SECTION II: RELIGION

 

Coat of Arms of the Archdiocese of Lotharia

 

Canonism

 

The official religion of the Kingdom of Balian is Canonism. It adheres to the Holy Mother Church and its Canon Laws and Dogmas are subservient to the High Pontiff of the Holy Mother Church. The patron saint of Balian is Saint Lothar of Balian, who was said to aid the exiles of the former Holy Oreenian Empire by providing King John I a sign to travel south in the form of a star. The Archdiocese of Lotharia encompasses the Kingdom of Balian and the surrounding southern landscape of Aevos. The current Archbishop of Lotharia and Agent-General of the Balianese Clergy is Ivan Archbishop Lotharia of the House of Ruthern. 

 

See:
Church of the Canon 

 

SECTION III: THE CROWN

 

The Royal Family of Balian

 

 

The Royal Household of Balian are descendants of King John I of Balian who was a Novellen Prince of the Empire of Oren. Having founded the Kingdom of Balian, the Royal Household holds strong ties to Imperial Oren within their bloodline and continues to hold the surname Novellen with d’Atrus (of Atrus) added on to set them apart from other Novellen descendants in the realm. 

 

THE KING

His Royal Majesty, Alexander II, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Prince of Providence, Duke of Helena, Reutov, Sunholdt and Lorraine, Count of Pompourelia and Kositz, Viscountess of Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Renzfeld, Brucca, Valens, Malenos, Montcoure and Ciavola, Lord of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Keeper of of St Lothars Hold, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera

 

THE QUEEN

Her Royal Majesty, Lavanya of Cresonia, Queen-Consort of Balian, Princess of Providence, Duchess-Consort of Helena, Reutov, Sunholdt and Lorraine, Countess-Consort of Pompourelia and Kositz, Vicountess-Consort of Eflen and Anatis, Baroness-Consort of Renzfeld, Brucca, Valens, Malenos, Montcoure and Ciavola, Lady of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Protector of the Heartlands and the South, etcetera 

 

THE CROWN PRINCE
His Royal Highness John Casimir Baudoin the Prince of Monterosa and Duke of Atrus

SECTION IV: GOVERNMENT

 

The Royal Duana

 

The government of Balian is an absolute monarchy. The Crown of Balian holds authority over the entire nation with all its affairs. The Royal Duana sits below the Crown and is what makes up most of the governing body of Balian, The Royal Duana is charged with handling most of the Nation’s affairs. The Duana is comprised of six offices in total each of which have a department head minister who is a close and trusted advisor to the Crown. Listed below are all the different offices and their tasks.

 

The Amiratus

 

The Amiratus is also known as the Chief Minister, is the head of The Royal Duana and the Chief Advisor to the King. The Amiratus is considered the penultimate authority of the Kingdom, only surpassed by the King and Queen. 

 

The Legate

 

The Legate, also known as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, is responsible for maintaining relations with all Kingdoms of the realm. They are considered the Chief Diplomat and are also in charge of the creation and negotiation of pacts and treaties.

 

The Domus Ministri

 

The Domus Ministri also known as The Minister of the Interior, is responsible for all the holdings of the Kingdom. They are in charge of conducting Land Surveys and distribution of land to its citizens. They are charged with ensuring the entire Kingdom sticks to the royal architectural standards, along with being the head of the Immigration Department.

 

The Procurator

 

The Procurator, also known as the Chief Financial officer, is in charge of maintaining all of Balians finances as well as making sure the kingdom is bringing in mina and keeping track of its spending. The Procurator is also knows as The Head Clerk and is also in charge of the selling of houses within the Kingdom.

 

The Censor

The Censor is also known as the Chief Scribe of Balian. Is in charge of keeping notes on important meetings that take place between or involved with the Royal Duana. They organize the government press and maintain the census and oversee any elections within Balian whilst being aided and at times an aide to the presiding Amiratus or the Crown directly.

 

The Constable

 

The Constable, also known as the Marshal of the Kingdom of Balian's armed forces, is placed in charge and entrusted with the maintenance and leadership of the Crown's armies and navies respectively whilst providing the Crown and Duana with military advice in various matters. Duties of the Constable all include, general maintenance and upkeep of the Nation's armies, as well as command and recruiting of the soldiers in Balian.

 

The Magister

 

The Magister, also the head of the Balian Judicial system, is in charge of overseeing most judicial matters within the Kingdom and is the Chief Justice of the Judicial system. The Magister also advises the Crown in the appointment of Judges known as Kritai for the Kingdom.

THE SENATE OF BALIAN

The Senate is the legislative branch of the government of Balian. Its members consist of seven Senators. Out of the seven Senators, one is elected amongst themselves as the Gran Orator of the Senate who is the chief representative of His Majesty’s Legislature. The Senate drafts and legislates bills which become the law through the ascent of the Crown. The Senate of Balian represents the people of Balian, becoming their voice within the government. 

 

The Gran Orator

 

The Gran Orator is the elected head of the Senate, they are in charge of leading the Senate and they are also the Head Speaker of the Senate. They organize Senate sessions and allow bills to be brought forth.

 

Senators

The senators are the official members of the Balianese Senate. Consisting of seven members, including the Gran Orator, the Senators work together to draft and legislate new laws and bills for the nation, through the ascent of the Crown.

REGIMENT OF SAINT LOTHAR

 

The Regiment of Saint Lothar, founded in 101 BA, serves as the Kingdom’s premier defense force, instilling a sense of security and prosperity among its citizens and the crown. Operating as an autocratic, primarily land-based militia, the Regiment is led by the Lord Marshal, who holds the highest authority in managing the military and its associated units, ensuring success and stability through strategic and operational efforts.

 

The Regiment of Saint Lothar is structured into seven ranks within three categories: base ranks, non-commissioned officers, and the officer retinue. Base ranks include levyman, militant, man-at-arms, and select banneret. Non-commissioned officers are distinguished bannerets who have proven their worth and dedication to the regiment. The officer retinue comprises trusted lieutenants and captains, handpicked by the marshal for their experience and diverse skills acquired throughout their careers. Selected officers may also be appointed as garrison commanders, entrusted with the responsibilities of running and maintaining the select forts across Balian.

 

Regarding the previously mentioned associated units, they are as follows: The Royal Sentinels, The Cataphractii, and The Watchers of Saint Lothar’s Hold. These subsections of the Regiment are open to all members, from militants to the marshal. The Royal Sentinels, led by the Lord/Lady Sentinel, serve as the frontline defenders of the royal family, entrusted with safeguarding the monarch and their kin. Only seven members, handpicked by the Lord/Lady Sentinel, may hold this role after proving their worth, with no formal application process. One must be at least twenty four years of age and have served either as a knight, or a soldier for eight years in Balian. They’re most often seen just a few meters away from the royals and duana members attending events or diplomatic meetings. The Cataphractii, led by the Don/Dona Cataphractii, form our elite cavalry unit, specifically trained and equipped to break through opposing infantry lines as our first line of attack. Interested members must apply and undergo a rigorous assessment to determine their suitability for the role. Within the Cataphractii, there are three specialist roles: Farriers, responsible for the care of our horses; Scouts, skilled in combat and mountaineering; and Drummer Boys, who serve as ceremonial units and morale boosters both in and out of combat. Finally, once an independent unit, the Watcher’s of Saint Lothar’s Hold have now fully integrated into the Regiment of Saint Lothar since the ascension of King Alexander II. These individuals specialize in fending off all things dark spawn and dark practices, traveling the lands of Aevos and diving into the jungles of Balian to uncover and rid of any threats they deem necessary. 

 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/235333-reforms-of-the-regiment-of-saint-lothar/

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/235043-the-royal-sentinels/

 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/235338-the-cataphractii-of-saint-lothar/

 

SECTION V: Housing

 

How to get housing?

In balian we try to make getting housing as easy as possible for the citizens. In order to apply for housing you will need to reach out to a city steward who will then take you and show you some homes for you to choose from. Once you get a home you will be expected to paid the tax on the home weekly.

City Stewards

 

Niklaous de Savoie (Kai5k)

Cosima Temesch (Lirinya)

Collete de Lyons (MapleSunflower)

Wernher Vourkehardt (IckyNuN)

Father Ivan (WaveLincoln)

 

Housing Prices

 

Price Brackets	Initial Sale	Weekly Tax
Class A	$70	$60
Class B	$60	$50
Class C	$50	$40
Class D	$40	$30
Class E	$50	$40
Class F	$30	$20

SECTION VI: Notable Landmarks

 

The Capital City of Portoregne 

The Capital City of Portoregne also known as “Port of Kings” is both the capital city and central hub for the kingdom of Balian. It was founded by His Royal Majesty, Adrian I in 1927 60B.A The Capital City is where most of all the roleplay takes place in Balian and is where all players should get started in their adventure into the kingdom.

 

Royal Palace

Coordinates X 2587 Z 2695

The Royal Palace is the royal family’s place of residence. Oftentimes you will see that it is opened up to the public for feast, courts, and many more activities for the citizens to partake in. The Palace is usually reserved for larger gatherings and royal events.

 

Church of the Holy Supernals 

Coordinates X 2624 Z 2674

The Kingdom of Balian are stoutly canonist, in its inception the Kingdom was said to be aided by St. Lothar who's said to have given John I of Balian a sign to follow in the form of Star. Named the Star of Lothar, it was a sign of divine providence that led them to settle and thrive, which led them establishing a Kingdom in their own right. Keeping to their devotion ever since.

 

Ledicort’s Hall

Coordinates X 2584 Z 2627

Ledicort’s Hall is the main government building in Balian. It's also where the senate holds their meetings. Upstairs is where the Offices for the Royal Duana are located as well as downstairs being where you pay taxes. There is also a courtroom for the Magisterium located here.

 

The Hungry Hippo (Tavern)

Coordinates X 2601 Z 2590

The Hungry Hippo is the centerpoint of Balian. It's where anyone can go to be served food and drinks, along with hosting various events throughout the week there will almost always be someone here looking to chat!

 

SECTION VII: NOBILITY

 

House De Lyons

 

 

De Lyons is a relatively new house compared to the other houses in Balian. It has only had three heads of house and has just recently begun its fourth generation. De Lyons is a Auvergian house so it’s based on French nobles and very “Knights of the Round Table.” House de Lyons values honor, loyalty, and fulfilling your duty. Every Head of house has been a knight of the realm and the house was originally founded by Ser Arthur, a knight of the Archduchy of Petra. During the Petran Civil War, Ser Arthur and his young son fought alongside the Archduke Constanz. Arthur was slain in battle during the Civil War and House de Lyons migrated to the Kingdom of Balian after the death of Constanz. There, the house has risen in the peerage to Viscounty, has produced two Amiratuses for the Kingdom: Princess Elena Novellen de Lyons and Lord Percy de Lyons of Endaroca, and has held other Duana and Advisory Positions such as Magister, Gran Don, Gran Creu, and Palatiodora. The current head is Ser Tristan de Lyons and his heir is Samuel de Lyons.

 

House Ruthern

 

 

House Ruthern, the cadet branch of House Carrion, was established in 1266 as a reward to one Ruther Ruthern, formally Ruther Barrow. Historically, House Ruthern held a tradition of betrayal and patricide, though modern branches have since abandoned this prospect have proven themselves trustworthy, loyal to their kin and Crown. It is dated somewhere in time that House Ruthern divided into two, with Duke Sigmar ‘The Lost’ Ruthern’s branch migrating to the Holy Orenian Empire, and then settling within the Kingdom of Balian after its fall, becoming one of the founding families of Balian. The current iteration of the Balianese Ruthern branch stems from Viktor III var Ruthern. After the Brother’s War, Viktor III var Ruthern followed King John I Novellan to form the Kingdom of Balian. Gaius I var Ruthern, then Baron of Marsana and Viktor III’s son, would go on to bring the family to further prominence and numerosity. The House of Ruthern has produced two Amiratuses for the Kingdom: Count Gaius I var Ruthern of Marsana and Lord Kristoff var Ruthern of Reutov. Count Gaius I of Marsana had also served as the first Gran Don of the Segnoria. The House of Ruthern has also produced many other senior government and military officials such as Constable and General Demetrius III var Ruthern of Reutov who is the founder of the current Regiment of Saint Lothar, and Lord Procurator Rhys Marcelo var Ruthern of Marsana. 

The Motto of House Ruthern is: “By Bones and Barrows.”

 

House D’Arkent

 

 

Founded in 1726, during the Holy Orenian Empire. the Arkents found themselves supporting the Imperial side in the Brothers war. With the fall of the Empire, they journeyed south with other who chose to exile themselves rather than live under the rule of Frederick I of Oren. From their falls as Dukes within the Empire, they now live within the Kingdom of Balian as Counts settled upon the Isle of Salia faithfully serving the Novellen Dynasty usually joining the Armed Forces of Balian to serve the crown.

 

House Novellen-Tuvia

 

The House of Novellen-Tuvia, established in 105 BA, was inherited by Princess Royal Ariadne Casimira following the sudden passing of her uncle, prompting her to present her case of inheritance before Queen Sybille I, as her late father, Prince Ezren had once been entitled to. Formerly known as House Kervallen, the name was changed by mutual agreement between the crown and Princess Ariadne, forming the royal cadet branch we recognize today, blending Hyspian and Balianese cultures. The house was renowned for its distinctive alchemical creations and enchanted items, which were sold and gifted both within the Kingdom of Balian and to foreign nations. Despite the name change, the house remains committed to maintaining its legacy through the production of combative, medicinal, and other miscellaneous alchemical concoctions.

 

House Temesch

 

The Temesch family, long lined and historical, was part of the Alamagations that withheld many Orenian-Born houses. The House was founded first and foremost during the reigns of the former Orenian Empire and the states that came from the ashes of the empire, the lands now known as the heartlander confederation which combines both the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Commonwealth of Petra was where the House Temesch et Martiel first grew prosperous, in the former realm. The Viscomital house Temesch et Martiel, now often known as the House Temesch et San Adriano due to their lands in Balian, derived their previous name from the Commonwealth of the Petra, whereby the house was elevated to the status of County by the servitude of the Viscount Adrian Godfrey within the aforementioned lands. However, as time progressed, it was under the reign of the then Count Adrian and Countess-consort Wilhelmina which saw the eventual move of the House Temesch to Balian, this move was accompanied with the passing of the mantle to the Viscountess Cosima who after a reign of her own saw the mantle passed to her brother, the current leading Viscount, August Benedict Temesch and his consort the, Viscountess-Consort, Ophelia Johanna Temesch who rule presently upon the lands known as San Adriano. The house is famed for their abilities in politics, famed for the formidable Statesman they provide, alongside pious and faithful followers and warriors alike for the Holy Mother Church

 

House Vilac

 

 

Founded by Martius Horen, 'The Corsair Prince', in the aftermath of the War Of To Emperors, House Vilac is a family defined by unconventionality and familial loyalty. Born from the union between the House of Horen and the House of Ivanovich, royal blood cursed with honor and brutality is intrinsic to the culture and history of the house. Today, the House of Vilac can trace its legacy to Georgius Vilac, Martius Horen's oldest surviving son upon the dissolution of the House of Horen. House Vilac settled in the Kingdom of Balian in the aftermath of the Petran Civil War, where we have now made our home. Blood Shall Bind - loyalty to family and clan surmounts all else, as our motto proudly declares. Even as the world changes around us, and as we adapt to the circumstances thrust upon us, we shall hold fast to our family until the end.

 

House Galbraith

 

 

House Galbraith’s tenure in Balian began recently with Lucius Galbraith’s defection from the Harvest Confederacy in 1886, following the downfall of Oren and the anticipated restoration of Auun. In Balian, Galbraith swore fealty to Prince John Novellen and was granted the Barony of Casterloerna in return. Under the stewardship of the 2nd Baron of Casterloerna's son, John Augustus Galbraith, the title evolved into the Barony of Cascanova as part of his efforts to restore House Galbraith during 1939 to 1980. Today, the Barony of Cascanova remains under the 3rd Baron– Paloma Augustus Galbraith– alongside her current regent, Kristoff Alexios var Ruthern. However, the history of House Galbraith extends further back to its founder, Galbert the Boarkiller– who was renowned as a cunning boar poacher. This connection to the wilderness persists, particularly through the efforts of John Augustus Galbraith, a pioneer in modern rancher culture in Balian. The value of nature is evident not only in the continued practice of ranching and various superstitions but also through artistic expressions such as chalk portraits, beads and fabric, and bardic troupes. These artistic formats often tell stories of great emotions like triumph or love, especially those with motifs centered on the natural world. The cultural emphasis on adaptation to the natural world extends to the manipulation of magic, particularly through the forms of Alchemy and Automation– which are subtly utilized in rancher culture. Both of these magics were practiced by ancestors as recent as John Augustus Galbraith. House Galbraith seeks to adapt and utilize the world around them, but simultaneously harbor a culture that values such a world and its importance. As the motto says: Ad Augusta per Angusta - "Through Difficulties to Honors."

 

House Vuiller

 

 

The legacy of House Vuiller stems from an old Nordic tribe from the northern mountains in Arcas, yet only during the 1700s in Arcas was it established as a modern noble house by Saint Harald Vuiller, a Haensi priest and soldier. He was famous for burying the dead of all sides in wars, combating cults, and fighting a demon, which ultimately led to his death, petrified by the demon, and the associated miracle where his body was saved from being cast into the earth, slowed so it would be preserved. The Vuiller ruled a small keep and monastery named Vuillermoz, which they granted to the Church, the head of Vuiller being the Knight-Protector of the land. Vuillermoz eventually also became the seat of the Holy See, and moved eventually from the influence of Haense to that of Oren. Cardinal Johan served faithfully under St. James II's pontificate, but was removed from his church positions and from his home by Laurence Jrent, the succeeding Pontiff, and thus moved to Providence, struggling at first, then working with the Rangers, and eventually regrowing the status of the family under himself and his son Rev. Rev Vuiller was involved in the Immigration Office of the Empire, and then joined the Ministry of Justice, eventually rising to Solicitor-General. For his service, and that of others in the family such as Sir Duncan and Lector Stor, the Vuillers were raised to the Barons of Vuillermoz within the Empire. Rev would rule Vuillermoz through into the Brother's War, where he was loyal to the Imperialist side, fighting until after the Massacre at Vuillermoz and other disasters he was driven into the South with John Novellen and the others, and helped found the Kingdom of Balian. He was quickly raised to be the Second Seneschal of the Kingdom, helping build and grow the fledgling nation until his death. His granddaughter Johanne succeeded him as Countess of Aquilae, and his son Ledicort served after him as the Third Seneschal and First Amiratus of Balian.

Spoiler

Thanks to @__Stal27@Wavey for all the help typing up this document!

 

[__Stal27 2126]

I LOVE BALIAN

[Harald 2875]

"Ave Balian!" said the King of Balian as he looked over the missive. A grin on his visage as he spoke showing his children, now show this to everyone!