The High Duma & Proclamation of Ducal Succession, 2015

[MCVDK 2830]

THE HIGH DUMA.

 

 

A hush of anticipation loomed over Beznov. The people gathered, their voices kept to murmurs as servants and workers hurriedly made their final preparations. The High Duma was imminent, and with it, the selection of a new Exilic Duke; an event that came but once in a millennium. The weight of history pressed upon the town, filling the air with a strange mixture of hope and unease, of excitement and trepidation for the future.

 

As day gave way to evening, the Electors began to arrive. First came Mateusz Sarkozic, then the ailing Exilic Duke himself, his presence a solemn reminder of time’s relentless march. One by one, they entered the grand Duma Hall, where the Reverend Bishop Godfrey stood at the head, ready to preside over the proceedings.

 

With the gathered assembly, the Bishop’s voice rang out through the hall, calling each elector to account:

“The Exilic Duke of the Adrians.”
— “Present.”

“The Count of Aldersberg.”
— “Present.”

“The Baron of Eulersburg.”
— “Present.”

“The Baron of Madvon.”
— “Present.”

“The Abbot of Owynswood.”
— “Present.”

The roll continued.

“Alexios Cardinal St. Emalyne.”
— “Present.”

“Sir Aslan Vargmark.” Silence fell.

“Sir Markus Marie.” No reply.

“Sir Rickard Vladov.” Silence once more.

“Sir Tutel Ritter.”
— “Present.”

“Sir Vacslav Suzecz.”
— “Voted in absentia.”

“Dame Zofia Suzecz.”
— “Present.”

The names went on, one after another.

“Burgher Josef Euler.”
— “Present.”

“Burgher Regina Bluecrest.”
— “Present.”

“Burgher Stefan Euler.”
— “Present.”

Then came the noble houses.

“The House of Sarkozic var Aldersberg.”
— “Present.”

“The House of Suzecz.”
— “Voted in absentia.”

“The House of Tuvyic.” Silence.

“The House of Vladov.”
— “Present.”

“The House of Barbanov.” Silence.

“The House of Basrid var Susa.” Silence.

“The House of Ivanovich.” Silence… then, at last— “Present.”

“The House of Kovachev.” No answer.

“The House of Rostova.”
— “Present.”

“The House of Sarkozic var Helena.”
— “Present.”

One after another, names were called, and silence answered in kind.

“The House of Ludovar.” Silence.

“The House of Montalt.” Silence.

“The House of Novellen.” Silence.

“The House of Ruthern var Balian.” Silence.

“The House of Ruthern var Haense.” Silence.

As the final count was taken, the Bishop’s eyes swept over the gathered electors, his fingers running along the parchment. He nodded, then looked up once more.

“Does anyone wish to name their nominees?”

His Grace, Stefan Euler, stepped forward with certainty.

“I believe the future lies with Mateusz Sarkozic.”

The Bishop’s gaze passed over the room.

“Any other nominees?”

Silence held, stretching long enough for the tension to thicken; until Burgher Regina Bluecrest raised her voice.

“I nominate my horse, Cupcake.”

There was a moment of stunned quiet. A few exchanged glances, some raised their brows, but in the end, shoulders lifted in a collective shrug.

“We shall accept the nomination of Cupcake, the famed steed of Regina Bluecrest.”

And so, the voting began. The fate of the Exilic Duchy rested in the hands of those gathered, and soon, the tally would decide its course.

 

---

 

PROCLAMATION OF DUCAL SUCCESSION.

 

CONVENTUS ADRIAE.

 

In the year 53 of the Age of Redemption and the Age of Resentment.

 

☩

---

BY THE FREE WILL OF THE DUMA AND THE ELECTED MANDATE OF THE EXILIC DUKE, THIS MISSIVE IS ISSUED IN THE SPIRIT OF A UNITED ADRIAN PEOPLE, GUIDED BY THE PRINCIPLES OF HONOR, DUTY, JUSTICE, LOYALTY, LIBERTY, AND WISDOM. THROUGH THIS COMMUNICATION, WE SHARE WITH YOU THE AFFAIRS AND STATECRAFT THAT SHAPE OUR FREE AND RESILIENT DUCHY.

---

 

‘LO UNTO THE NOBLE ELECTORS, THE EXILIC DUMA, AND THE ADRIANS,

 

Let it be known across all lands where the banners of the Adrians yet fly, that the noble Electors of the Exilic Duma of the Adrians, in accordance with the Dumageddon Doctrine, have convened and fulfilled their solemn duty in selecting the next steward of our people.

 

By the vote of the Duma, cast in accordance with the honored traditions of our folk, the results have been duly tallied:

· Mateusz Sarkozic – 11 Votes

· Cupcake, the Famed Steed of Regina Bluecrest – 5 Votes

 

Thus, by the sovereign will of the Adrian Electors, Mateusz Sarkozic, Count of Aldersberg, is hereby proclaimed Exilic Duke of the Adrians, to reign in service to the Exilic Duchy and to uphold its sacred liberties, traditions, and enduring legacy.

 

The election of His Grace, Mateusz Sarkozic, is a testament to the resilience of the Adrian spirit, and to the undying will of our people to govern ourselves in defiance of tyranny and exile. With him at the helm, let us stand united in our pursuit of freedom, prosperity, and the restoration of Adrian greatness.

 

To Cupcake, the Famed Steed of Regina Bluecrest, we extend our respect and admiration, for even in jest there is wisdom, and in every voice of Adria, there is meaning. Let this election serve as a reminder that in the Exilic Duchy, all who bear the Adrian heart, be they knight or commoner, lord or steed, may take part in the shaping of our destiny.

 

---

HIS GRACE, Mateusz of the House Sarkozic, Exilic Duke of the Adrians, Count of Aldersberg, Protector of Dumacracy

[Baccaaa 490]

The esteemed steed of the burgher Regina, Cupcake, was of 33 years of age, one of the few main horses of the now century old ex-stablemaster, after the war. Despite the jest and perhaps older age paired with trauma from the old war of the woman whose armour alone was 70 years old might have led to the horse's nomination, Regina still appreciated that her trusty steed on its elder years achieved knighthood by the new Duke as his first action. Part of her feels at peace, having grown an entire century working with the horses of the steppe and their descedants she had always appreciated the trust a horse places on its rider, a bond ancient and holy. Though on the other hand she pondered: Maybe Cupcake will be her last steed, as both rider and horse, were in their elder years, or maybe not, should Godan wish otherwise.

 

Regardless a new chapter for Adria had arose with the youthful Duke Mateusz Sarkozic at the helm!

[Ramon 5186]

"I was rooting for Cupcake." 

Bishop Godfrey admitted. Nevertheless content that the High Duma had been a success. 

[Fadility 28]

"Cupcake was robbed"