AstriaS

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë was very proud of her daughter.

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë, who was slightly too busy dealing with otherworldly threats to write a full letter, had a simple note delivered to the newly elected Pontiff: "I wish you a heartfelt congratulations on your recent promotion. We shall have to speak again soon, hopefully of more cheerful matters than our last conversation. May GOD Almighty bless your endeavors. Signed, Caraneth"

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë started all of her children on a training montage and fed them only eggs and beef for the coming months.

The Pact of Fairweather, 168 SA Issued the 13th of Amber Cold, 156 SA [Tunes] With the signing and promulgation of this document, the Kingdom of Númendil and the Commonwealth of the Petra, henceforth referred to as ‘the signatories’, do agree on their honor to the terms laid forth hereafter. ARTICLE I: Non-Aggression The signatories agree in the absolute to a pact of non-aggression. There shall be no military conflict between either state, nor between their constituent vassals or noble Houses. Any breaches of this term shall be resolved through the appropriate diplomatic channels. ARTICLE II: Sovereignty The signatories mutually recognize the other as the sole sovereign over their respective lands, and all titles affiliated with their respective styling. ARTICLE III: Defensive Alliance The signatories shall, in the event of war, rise to each other’s defense. This term shall apply only to defensive conflicts. In the event that a signatory party is the aggressing party, however, participation may be discussed as a separate agreement. ARTICLE IV: Trade The signatories shall, pursuant to mutual benefit, commit to free trade, and shall permit merchants from either nation travel and trade free from tariff or harassment. Additionally, a stall shall be provided, waiving annual rents, in either signatory’s capital, and the signatories shall exchange fifty crates of fine Petran chocolate for an equal weight of Alkayaban grade silver. ARTICLE V: Territory Acknowledgements The signatories hereby acknowledge the land claims of each other, and agree to not attempt to lay claim or otherwise infringe upon these agreed upon borders. ARTICLE VI: Duration This treaty shall remain in effect for the duration of the reigns of Her Royal Majesty, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and Her Majesty, Catherine I or a period of ten years, whichever should come to an end first. In such an event, this agreement will be open to renewal or renegotiation. SIGNED, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalion, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Protector of the Adunians, Master of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael, Knight of the Realm Her Royal Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Brasca, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty Witnessed, Ser Alwyn II of House Glennmaer, Royal Castellan of the White Court of the Númenaranyë, Templar of the Archangel Michael, and Knight of the Realm

"It's what Toni would have wanted." stated Tar-Caraneth Aryantë.

XIV On this day of THE 14TH OF THE AMBER COLD, IN THE YEAR 167 OF THE SECOND AGE, Mathilde Augusta swore the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr, in witness of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë. She took the name Brenoril. XV On this day of THE 14TH OF THE AMBER COLD, IN THE YEAR 167 OF THE SECOND AGE, Marcellus Eglanior swore swore the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr, in witness of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë. He took the name Belegorn.

XII On this day of THE 15TH OF THE GRAND HARVEST, IN THE YEAR 167 OF THE SECOND AGE, Markus Sarkozic swore the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr, in witness of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë. He has foregone taking an Adunic name. XIII On this day of THE 15TH OF THE GRAND HARVEST, IN THE YEAR 167 OF THE SECOND AGE, Markus Sarkozic swore an oath of loyalty and fealty to the House Arthalionath, in witness of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë.

One Lady Erika, long-lived vampire dwelling in the frigid north gasped in shock! Outrageous, this news - positively scandalous. "I can't believe someone would do a thing like that!" She remarked whilst draining the blood of some unfortunate.

In response, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë retrieved a particular Ruskan sabre of aurum, gifted to her in ages past, and had it melted down to be reforged.

XI On this day of THE 16TH OF THE SUN’S SMILE, IN THE YEAR 166 OF THE SECOND AGE, Berior of the House Glennmaer swore the Oaths of Chivalry, in witness of Father Galadain Glennmaer

X On this day of THE 15TH OF SNOW'S MAIDEN, IN THE YEAR 166 OF THE SECOND AGE, Idris of the House Glennmaer swore the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr, in witness of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and the gathered populace of Númenost the Fair. He was given the name Berior.

THE ALKAYABAN COMPANY Est. 165 SA — The Laborer’s Guild of Númenost — Granted charter by the Royal Bank of Númendil, the Alkayaban Company serves to further the Kingdom’s prosperity, both through the production of resources and materiel, and through providing secure and insured employment to the commonfolk. This manual, meant to serve as a primer for both current and prospective members alike, contains all relevant information to our company’s workings, ranging from hierarchy to the benefits of guildship. I. Laborers and Ranks The laborers of our guild are divided into three broad categories; prospectors, farmers and craftsmen. Of these, the prospectors are those tasked with the extraction and refinement of ores, the farmers are those tasked with the tending of fields and livestock, and craftsmen are those who have taken up an artisanal trade. The first and second share ranks, while craftsmen are bound to their own hierarchy. – Workers – Novice - Rank gained upon hiring. Laborer - Requires two Saint’s Weeks membership in good standing. Foreman - Appointed at the discretion of the Company Master. – Craftsmen – Apprentice - Rank gained upon acceptance by a Master. Master - Gained upon completion of apprenticeship. Under this structure, workers (farmers and prospectors) may be hired into the guild by the company foremen or the Company Master, while apprentices are taken on at the discretion of certified Masters and with the Company Master’s assent. II. Wages Those under the Company’s employ are entitled to an annual wage paid in the form of Company Scrips, which may be exchanged for Mina. To receive one’s allotted due, a Laborer must fulfill all assigned quotas, and remain in good standing with the guild. Additional scrips may be gained through contribution to the completion of large contracts. In the case of craftsmen, payment is received for contributing crafted goods to be sold in the Company store, rather than being bound to a quota. Expected contributions to mercantile stock will be negotiated with a given craftsman upon promotion to the rank of Master. On Company Standing One’s standing with the company is determined by the fulfillment of quotas and contribution to company projects. Those who fail to complete their quotas in a given Saint’s Week will receive no payment for that period, and shall be demoted to low standing. Continued failure to meet company expectations will result in demotion to poor standing, and eventually expulsion. III. Contracts The company’s primary mode of income is Crown Contracts, through which they receive payment from the Royal Bank of Númendil in exchange for a given quantity of a needed material. Contribution to these contracts is counted separately from annual quotas. Signed, Mazra et-Sûhalar, Master of the Alkayaban Company

TREATY OF FORMINDON Issued the 8th of the Sun’s Smile, in the Year 165 of the Second Age With the signing and promulgation of this document, the Exilic Kingdom of Númendil and the Kingdom of Norland, henceforth referred to as ‘the signatories’, do agree on their honor to the terms laid forth hereafter. ARTICLE I: Non-Aggression The signatories agree in the absolute to a pact of non-aggression. There shall be no military conflict between either state, nor between their constituent vassals or noble Houses. The signatories, adhering to Adunian cultural traditions of peace, shall dedicate a bench to the Monarch of the other signatory within their lands. Any breaches of this term shall be resolved through the appropriate diplomatic channels. ARTICLE II: Sovereignty The signatories mutually recognize the other as the sole sovereign state over their respective lands, and all titles affiliated with their respective styling. ARTICLE III: Trade The signatories shall, pursuant to mutual benefit, commit to free trade, and shall permit merchants from either nation travel and trade free from tariff or harassment. Additionally, a stall shall be provided, waiving annual rents, in either signatory’s capital. ARTICLE IV: Duration This treaty shall remain in effect for the duration of the reigns of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and High Keeper Ellenore Eiriksson, whichever should come to an end first. In such an event, this agreement will be open to renewal or renegotiation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this agreement as of the day and year first above written. Signed, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalionath, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Protector of the Adunians, Master of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael, Knight of the Realm AND SO IT SHALL BE, BY THE WILL OF THE FATHER, Ordained by the High Hearth before His most Sacred Flame, Ellenore Eiriksson, High Keeper of the Sacred Flame, Master of the Order of the First Flame, Righteous Servant of the Red-Lord, Loyal Adherent to the Ashen Way Witnessed, Ser Alwyn II of the House Glennmaer, Royal Castellan of the White Court of the Númenaranyë, Lord of Formindon, Templar of the Archangel Michael, and Knight of the Realm

THE PEACE OF MINAS ARANATH Issued the 8th of the Sun’s Smile, in the Year 165 of the Second Age “You betray man with your wrath, and once again Horen’s sons are divided.” — Gospel 4:53 — In the beginning of this war, which has consumed the Midlands and bathed all of Aevos under a tide of blood, the Númenedain were bound by oath and compact to make war upon our neighbors to the north. Our goals in this war were firstly to remove from power those who threatened our people and secondly to eliminate the menace of shadow which darkened that land. In that, we have been successful. Though the wider alliance now pursues the scouring and emptying of the midlands, the Adunians have no further stake in this conflict. Just as shadow cannot bring light, true and lasting peace cannot be born of slaughter. Heed well this warning; there is no true cleansing of a people from the earth. There shall always be those who remain, and they shall scatter to the winds embittered. You will succeed only in creating new generations of enemies. Thus it is the will of Her Royal Majesty, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë, Queen of the Númenedain, that the Adunians shall embrace peace. The middlemen shall be left to their affairs. There is no honor in the slaughter of an already defeated enemy. Númendil’s war is won. Hereafter enumerated are those terms, agreed upon by the Kingdom of Númendil and the Duchy of Adria, which shall bring peace between our realms. ARTICLE I: Terms of Peace FIRSTLY, the signatories shall cease all hostilities towards the other, effective immediately upon the promulgation of this compact. This peace shall exist in perpetuity, pending a formal pact of non-aggression to be signed at a later date. SECONDLY, adhering to Adunian cultural traditions of peace, the Duchy of Adria shall dedicate a bench and a small memorial garden to the late Cardinal Paco Antonius “Tonito” Temesch de las Palmas. THIRDLY, those of the Midlands who freely choose to lay down arms shall be permitted to make homes within Númenost the Fair, until such time as they might find or establish other accommodations for themselves. This does not extend to the House Van Aert, which shall remain banished from all territories of the White Throne. ARTICLE II: War Guilt and Reparations FIRSTLY, the Duchy of Adria acknowledges and condemns the role of the League of Veletz generally, and in particular the Captain-General Gaspard van Aert and his House, in the origins of the present conflict. SECONDLY, as part of this acknowledgement, and in recompense for both threats made against the Númenedain before the war’s onset and for the incurred costs of war, the Duchy of Adria shall furnish the Royal Treasury of Númendil with a sum of two-thousand Minas and ten pallets of gold. ARTICLE III: Commitment to Holiness FIRSTLY, the Duchy of Adria shall, in cooperation with the Kingdom of Númendil and the Church of Canon, commit to the expulsion and excising of all draconic and devilish influence within the Midlands. SECONDLY, the Duchy of Adria shall remain committed to reconciliation with the Church and wider Canondom. Signed, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalionath, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Protector of the Adunians, Master of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael, Knight of the Realm His Grace, Markus Marie Sarkozic Duke of Adria, Count of Aldersberg

TREATY OF NÚMENOST Issued the 10th of The Sun’s Smile, in the Year 165 of the Second Age With the signing and promulgation of this document, the Exilic Kingdom of Númendil and the Viceroyalty of Hyspia, henceforth referred to as ‘the signatories’, do agree on their honor to the terms laid forth hereafter. ARTICLE I: Non-Aggression The signatories agree in the absolute to a pact of non-aggression. There shall be no military conflict between either state, nor between their constituent vassals or noble Houses. The signatories, adhering to Adunian cultural traditions of peace, shall dedicate a bench to the Monarch of the other signatory within their lands. Any breaches of this term shall be resolved through the appropriate diplomatic channels. ARTICLE II: Sovereignty The signatories mutually recognize the other as the sole sovereign state over their respective lands, and all titles affiliated with their respective styling. ARTICLE III: Defensive Alliance The signatories shall, in the event of war, rise to each other’s defense. This term shall apply only to defensive conflicts. In the event that a signatory party is the aggressing party, however, participation may be discussed as a separate agreement. ARTICLE IV: Trade The signatories shall, pursuant to mutual benefit, commit to free trade, and shall permit merchants from either nation travel and trade free from tariff or harassment. Additionally, a stall shall be provided, waiving annual rents, in either signatory’s capital. ARTICLE V: Cultural Exchange The signatories shall, pursuant to cooperation and camaraderie, exchange knowledge, books, gifts and make efforts to jointly arrange festivals and cultural affairs. Additionally, the signatories shall stay in contact with each others’ courts to promote continued friendship between their two peoples. ARTICLE VI: Duration This treaty shall remain in effect for the duration of the reigns of Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and Cesar II, whichever should come to an end first. In such an event, this agreement will be open to renewal or renegotiation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this agreement as of the day and year first above written. Signed, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalionath, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Protector of the Adunians, Master of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael, Knight of the Realm HIS HIGHNESS, Cesar II of House de Pelear, Viceroy of Hyspia, Duke of Pacazu, Baron of Arenisca and Del’mar, Lord of Ladorada, Lord of Niseep, Gereon's Hold, and Ciudad de Plata, Gran Maestre of El Orden de Francisco, Protector of the Hyspian People, Protector of the Farfolk, Patriarch of House de Pelear HER HIGHNESS, Ramona Masiel of House de Pelear, Crown Princess of Hyspia, Duchess of Paraiso HIS HIGHNESS, Dimitri Otto of Korvia, Crown Prince-Consort of Hyspia, Duke-Consort of Paraiso EL SENOR, Juan of House Fuentes, Esteemed Diplomat of Hyspia Witnessed, Ser Alwyn II of the House Glennmaer, Royal Castellan of the White Court of the Númenaranyë, Lord of Formindon, Templar of the Archangel Michael, and Knight of the Realm

TREATY OF PORTOREGNE Issued the 10th of The Sun’s Smile, in the Year165 of the Second Age With the signing and promulgation of this document, the Exilic Kingdom of Númendil and the Kingdom Of Balian, henceforth referred to as ‘the signatories’, do agree on their honor to the terms laid forth hereafter. ARTICLE I: Non-Aggression The signatories agree in the absolute to a pact of non-aggression. There shall be no military conflict between either state, nor between their constituent vassals or noble Houses. The signatories, adhering to Adunian cultural traditions of peace, shall dedicate a bench to the Monarch of the other signatory within their lands. Any breaches of this term shall be resolved through the appropriate diplomatic channels. ARTICLE II: Sovereignty The signatories mutually recognize the other as the sole sovereign state over their respective lands, and all titles affiliated with their respective styling. ARTICLE III: Trade The signatories shall, pursuant to mutual benefit, commit to free trade, and shall permit merchants from either nation travel and trade free from tariff or harassment. Additionally, a stall shall be provided, waiving annual rents, in either signatory’s capital. ARTICLE IV: Regarding Mutual Efforts The signatories shall engage in a combined martial and spiritual effort to combat the influences of darkspawn and other such agents of ruin. ARTICLE V: Duration This treaty shall remain in effect for the duration of the reigns of Their Majesties Sybille I of Balian and Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of Númendil, whichever should come to an end first. In such an event, this agreement will be open to renewal or renegotiation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this agreement as of the day and year first above written. Signed, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalionath, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Protector of the Adunians, Master of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael, Knight of the Realm HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Sybille I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of Balian, Princess of Providence, Duchess of Helena and Lorraine, Countess of Pompourelia, Viscountess of Eflen and Anatis, Baroness of Renzfield, Brucca, Valens, Malenos and Ciavola, Lady of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera.

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë was passed a missive by an attendant whilst out on her monthly hunting trip. She made three mental notes for when she returned home. Firstly, to get to the bottom of this "Kingswood Titles" business; secondly, to express her disappointment to her children; and thirdly, to teach her daughter the Adunic script.

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë, a certified Sigrun 'Undeadslayer' Stonehammer fan, felt great hope for future generations.

THE PURSUIT OF PEACE — An Open Letter to the Lord Sarkozic — Issued the 2nd of the Deep Cold, in the Year 164 of the Second Age BY THE WILL AND AUTHORITY OF THE WHITE THRONE I offer you fair greetings this day, and congratulations as well, for your recent promotion. It is without flattery that I say there are none whom I believe better suited to the role, especially in times such as these. We in the Númenaranyë are gladdened likewise to hear of your commitment to the path of peace. In this, our hearts are aligned. However, it is in fear for the hearts of others that I write this letter. For every man who seeks peace, there is another who seeks continued war – men seeking glory, profit and bloodshed for its own sake. And beyond even that alone, there are many who, justifiably, doubt your intentions. For my part, while I doubt not you, I cannot in good conscience look upon your countrymen in full confidence. Their commitment to lasting peace remains to be seen. The doom of men is guile and ambition, and what we shall see in the coming days shall be naught less than a grand display of exactly that. The most serpentine amongst us will scheme and conspire, and twist the pursuit of peace to their own ends. This is not something which we can avoid, or prevent, or expunge; it is simply a fact of the matter. At most, we can meet it as honestly and directly as we might. I encourage this of you, just as I encourage it of my own people, and of my allies. Therefore let it thus be known, by my station as Queen of the Númenedain, I do decree the following: FIRSTLY, The Kingdom of Númendil shall hereafter commit to the pursuit of lasting peace. No Adunian shall take part in further incursions, with the exception of necessary offensives. Should peace fail before the time of the next march, we shall take the field once more. SECONDLY, we encourage both the people of the Midlands, as well as our own allies to heed well the wisdom of the church in these matters of peace, for we must not forget the place of the Lord in our affairs. Forget not the tale of Harren, who grew comfortable in the darkness of war; whose avarice and thirst for glory and revenge damned him as quickly as it made him King. — UTÚLIE’N AURË — SIGNED, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalionath, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Protector of the Adunians, Master of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael, Knight of the Realm

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë invented a secret handshake for the sake of encouraging further conspiracy theories.

I can't tell if this is pro-Númendil or anti-Númendil, however I choose, in the spirit of friendship and goodwill, to assume that it is pro-Númendil. I appreciate your appreciation of our work.

Tar-Caraneth Aryantë rolled out her maps across the great table in her solar to plan for the new offensive. "Time to finish my father's work."

An addendum was quickly published! ADDENDUM It is also the tenth birthday of Princess Eriantiel of Númenost, and she would appreciate gifts.