A Response to Alban Aggression | 152 BA.

[Andustar 4143]

Spoiler

 

A  R E S P O N S E  T O 
A L B A N  A G G R E S S I O N

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ISSUED BY

THE CROWN OF BALIAN

~

9th of Sun’s Smile

152 BA | 2019 IT

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TO OUR BELOVED SUBJECTS,

 

It is with a heavy heart that we address you on this day, announcing a series of sanctions and reforms in relation to our foreign and domestic security. These measures have been taken in response to acts of aggression, originating from a state whom we have willingly supported both domestically and militarily, for a number of years. The Duchy of Alba. 

 

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THE TRANSGRESSIONS

 

As of the year 2017 IT. - King John rode out to meet Prince Edward of Alba, upon learning that a then nine-year-old elven girl and citizen of Balian, named Elsii’mah, was allegedly assaulted and maimed by an officer of the Prince’s Army, losing one of her ears as a consequence. The officer in question - a man by the name of Robert de Rouen, otherwise known as ‘Robert of Ulmsbottom’, who styles himself as the ‘Partriach-Dynast of Ashford’. 

 

Confirmation as to Robert’s identity was initially withheld from our Kingdom, with neither the Prince nor his retinue confirming whether such a man was pledged to the Duchy. This was in spite of pledges to actively inform us on the progress of their investigations, and the measures that would be taken to ensure justice was fulfilled. It would not be until more recent circumstances that greater light was shed on the matter. 

 

As of the year 2018 IT. - Two citizens of the Kingdom of Balian, Owyn and Louis de Savoie, both aged fifteen at the time of the incident, were assaulted by six associates loyal to Robert de Rouen, within the city of Numenost. Six men, who were bested by the two boys they sought to break. Three of these assailants reportedly went by the following names: Sir Jon de Lewes, Jacque and Hughes Ashes.

Prior to the attack, the House de Savoie also received a letter from Robert de Rouen, demanding their fealty. The contents of this letter are detailed below:

 

Spoiler

“To my kin in name, hear my words: you drape yourself in stolen names and borrowed glories, claiming to be of my same silk. You’ve sullied the Ashford name, and if you persist with this charade, you will drown the legacy of our dynasty in shame. You cling to the tattered edges of a heritage bought with the blood of others–blood you have never spilled in its defense. Therefore, I offer you a choice: cast aside your name–cease your leeching upon its fading glory–and form a cadet branch. Bend the knee to House Ashford de Rouen, the only remaining pure Ashford line.” 

 

It is evident that the House de Savoie’s refusal entails violence and coercion from those who would have them kneel. Furthermore, in proving himself a man who preys upon those he deems weaker than himself - children and adolescents - it is also evident that we cannot expect Robert de Rouen to possess the honour befitting a man of his station. We cannot expect him to willingly take accountability for his crimes.
 

Ear shearing is a barbaric and inhumane practice. It has been outlawed within the Kingdom of Balian since our establishment as a nation, and records will show it has been formally outlawed throughout the realms of men for centuries. Only after further inquiries would Prince Edward declare he ‘reprimanded’ his Captain for the act of shearing - as of 2019 IT. Yet, as of this missive’s publishing, we understand that Robert retains his rank and station.

 

Furthermore, despite the status of the House de Savoie as citizens of our realm, His Highness deems their assault by his own citizenry a matter ‘independent of our separate polities’, on account of the family not being landed peers. This is not a view shared by the Kingdom of Balian.

 

A single transgression could be considered a misunderstanding. Yet, multiple transgressions in quick succession, as a consequence of the direct or indirect actions of the same individual, can only be considered a deliberate demonstration of aggression.

Already, we have extended an invitation unto Prince Edward, requesting a summit within the Palatio Arancione, where those in attendance would be protected by the laws of hospitality. Yet, His Highness refuses to meet in these circumstances, insisting that the matter be resolved within his own territory when he has already failed to adequately address Robert de Rouen’s crimes. When he has failed to uphold his word as a self-proclaimed ‘friend’ to our people. 

 

This will not do.

 

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OUR RESPONSE

 

As a consequence of the crimes committed by Robert de Rouen, a Captain of the Prince’s Army, and the failure of the government of the Duchy of Alba to adequately address these crimes, the Kingdom of Balian hereby implements the following measures:

 

• Foreigners hailing from the Duchy of Alba shall henceforth be denied access to all settlements within the Kingdom of Balian, and will be removed upon discovery. This restriction also applies to diplomats, unless approved by the Crown.
   
• Sanctions will be implemented on all trade between the Kingdom of Balian and the Duchy of Alba. Alban merchants and citizens are prohibited from participating in acts of commerce within the Balianese markets. 

 

• Further acts of aggression towards the Kingdom of Balian and its citizenry, be they in the form of threats or violence, by those pledged to the Duchy of Alba and Robert de Rouen will be considered an immediate declaration of hostility.
   
• We advise subjects of the Kingdom of Balian to avoid all travel to and throughout the Duchy of Alba, until further notice.

 

We call upon Prince Edward of Alba and Robert de Rouen to attend a diplomacy summit on neutral grounds, whereby peace may be restored and justice fulfilled. Representatives of foreign governments are also welcome to attend as spectators to the proceedings. Restrictive measures shall remain in place until a joint agreement is signed between the Kingdom of Balian and the Duchy of Alba. 

AD GLORIAM DEI

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, JOHN II, by the Grace of God, King of Balian, Prince of Providence, Duke of Helena, Lorraine and Reutov, Count of Pompourelia, Viscount of Eflen, Anatis and Valio, Baron of Renzfeld, Brucca, Valens, Malenos, Montcoure and Ciavola, Lord of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera.

[Navigator 4260]

Owyn Hector sits on the foot of his bed within the Savoie Household. He enunciates word after word as he reads the missive aloud, a smile persistent on his lips throughout his reading. Triumph. Crimes brought to the public eyes. No matter how much Robert denied his involvement with the attack in Númenost, he would answer for it all the same. Those were his men. And they got beaten to a pulp.

 

"Blood for Ashford. Ave Savoie, Ave Balian, Ave Good King John." 

[mothsthetic 2250]

A young heiress nods as she reads the missive, her brow creasing with concern- But she nods all the same. A small sigh escapes the woman as she sets the missive aside, returning to her kettle. 

“His Majesty has always been a kind, honest, and virtuous man. While I will miss my visits to Portoregene, this is the best decision. GOD knows when this foolishness will cease. I do hope he and his family are well, in these trying times.”

[Jihnyny 5233]

Louis sat within the lands of the Norns', another pilgrimage to aid in the crusade against the evil of Xionism. He stumbled upon the missive, a shadow of shame clouding him. Yet, a light flame of pride within his King grew from his heart, as he was happy to see that the conflict was finally adressed. 

He took memory of the ball at Alba, and the one he conversed with during the play of music.

 

"Ach, meneit ami. I hope you had the chance to visit Balian when you could."

[Javert 9615]

"Here we go." Thorin said as he read the missive put out by the King of Balian & his friend. He released a sigh before going to write a missive to the aforementioned King, with whom the Prince of Ravenmire had much to discuss.

[ratlordmagic 1484]

“Good King John gives that glorified bandit camp more grace than they deserve.” Remarked Miroslaw Jazlowiecki upon reading the missive.

[Yeetboy0206 1574]

Estevot once again cheers, thanking GOD for the good King of Balian. Though he made a note to return from his vacation soon, due to his current location’s proximity to Alba.

[MapleSunflower 1889]

Kathryn sighed as she scanned the missive, folding it neatly before turning to her husband. "It is a shame that it had to come to this. When the a canonist croaks, sputtering and spewing hatred, resorts to maiming others and resorting to violence...  It is a shame. It is the shame of theirs and that of every canonist who turns a blind eye to it." There was a pause, her gaze lifting to the sunset over the southern shores she called home. "Trust is so fragile. Once we were friends... I can only pray that we shall meet and speak civilly -- not only as men but as men who follow the TRUE WORD OF GOD." The roaring waves crashed against the shores below the Palatio just outside their window, the call of birds flying by carried upon the wind. A deep, meditative breath was drawn by the Queen, her cornflower blue eyes now fixed upon the orange skies as her lips whispered the words so dear. "Veritas Dei Vincit."

[__Stal27 2126]

"Good King John." - "It is right for what Pa is, a Bona, a Great King." The Princeling uttered as he was passed on the missive, though he frowned momentairily at the thought of all those he had met within Alba, he shuddered and went about his day.

[annanicole__ 2802]

The Countess of Enswerp sighed as she read over the missive, her fingers tracing the paper as she did. Placing it down, she continued reading while fidgeting with the many rings upon her fingers. She stood and made her way to the castle chapel, where she lit two candles—one for Alba, one for Balian—whispering a prayer for both. Kneeling before the altar, the quiet flicker of the candles was her only company as she silently prayed.

[Borin 7645]

"It is not so much a bad thing not to be able to visit Balian, it just more concretely narrows down the places you do not visit instead of visiting MONASTERIES and STAYING HOME TO PRAY AND STUDY" says the wise [bigoted] Brother Matteo

"Also, please, just kill the de Savoie family off."

[xDisarray 552]

“After all we’ve done for Alba. After how kind we’ve been to them and their citizens… we came to their aid when they requested on multiple occasions.” Aurellius, Athanator and Ser, shook his head as he read the missive, he did not approve of Albas actions. “The King is too kind with these measures… I shall prepare the Regiment for the future to come…” 

[Turbo_Dog 3566]

Spuds Wick in BROOMTOWN. Not very far from Alba would spend his time just looking at candy he was gifted as he did Knox-O-treating early in the town and thinking. He could be a judge and executioner but when he’d put his effort into the matter he didn’t know

[sapphic_spidy 1089]

A warmth fills Castien's heart.

May that elven child not have to fight and claw justice from the hands of those who will avoid responsibility at all costs. May she not have to wait two decades, and for others to speak up for her, to avenge what was taken from her.

 

This is good news. 

 

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Meanwhile, Krysti receives the news.

She grins, lounging in an inn. More reason for the Wicks to not give up their land. They'll never give it up- never be moved. At least, that's what she hopes.

 

They can piece together their own broken vassals. Broomtown will remain.

Edited March 11, 2025 by sapphic_spidy

[Sebbysc 744]

Within the halls of Castrogiovanni roamed the Vice-Chancellor of this land called Alba. His time was often occupied with minor issues of governance or his work within the Elizabethan Trade Guild. This news took him by surprise as a result. His heart ached as he heard of these on-goings between the Balianites & Albans. Balian held a special place in Vincenzo's heart as he spent some of his early childhood within its capital. It was the land of his mother. His dearest sister studied there for many years, and he was even a witness at the Monarchs' wedding. As he pondered over the future his thumb brushed the pin that was attached to his chest, one of a crest with a golden coin in its center. Many conflicting thoughts brewed within his mind.