Letters Patent for the Driftward

[MCVDK 2830]

DUCAL LETTERS FOR THE

TIDE-BARONY OF THE DRIFTWARD

 

In the year 61 of the Age of Redemption and the Age of Resentment.

 

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MATEUSZ, by the Grace of God, Exilic Duke of the Adrians, Count of Aldersberg, Lord of Beznov, and Protector of Dumacracy.  To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting.

 

Whereas We, of Our especial grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, being desirous for the better governance and prosperity of Our realm, and in just recognition of the faithful and dutiful service rendered unto Us by Cornelius Fellowmere, whose labors in the care and safeguard of Our seafaring subjects have proven steadfast and worthy of honor, do hereby elevate and advance the said Cornelius to the dignity, state, and degree of Baron of Our Exilic Duchy of the Adrians, and do name and create him Tide-Baron of the Driftward to have, hold, and enjoy the said dignity unto himself during his natural life, and no further.

 

And further know ye, that We, of Our ducal authority, do grant and assign unto the said Tide-Baron the rights, privileges, and dignities pertaining to the Tide-Barony of the Driftward, whose bounds shall be defined and appointed as follows: not by land nor road nor forest’s edge, but by solemn charge; namely, the protection and guardianship of all Adrians who fare upon the sea, in passage or travail, within and beyond the waters claimed by Our realm.

 

And We do further will and ordain that the said Tide-Baron of the Driftward shall hold, possess, and exercise all rights, liberties, and privileges befitting his station, and shall during the term of his life be entitled to preside in matters maritime, to give counsel where the sea is concerned, and to act in the interest of Adrians upon the water, all in accordance with the laws and customs of Our Exilic Duchy of the Adrians.

 

And We do moreover charge and command the said Tide-Baron, that he shall be bound in fealty to the Ducal Coronet of the Adrians, rendering due homage, service, and allegiance in times of war and peace; that he shall uphold the defence of Our people and Our Duchy upon the open sea, providing such knowledge and aid as shall be required by ducal summons; and that he shall ever stand as a loyal and true vassal within the councils of the Exilic Duma, to lend his wisdom and strength to the governance of Our realm.

 

And for the greater assurance of all and singular these grants and dignities, We have caused these Our Letters to be made patent and sealed with Our Great Seal, to be entered into the annals of Our Duchy and held in the firmest force of law.

 

Given under Our Seal at Our ducal seat of Castle Aldersberg, on the 28th of Sigismund’s End, in the Year of Our Duchy 61, and in the 8th Year of Our Reign.

 

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SO SPOKEN UNDER MY SEAL, AND BY MY HAND,

HIS GRACE, Mateusz of the House Sarkozic, Exilic Duke of the Adrians, Count of Aldersberg, Lord of Beznov, and Protector of Dumacracy.