Mio

MARCHING ORDERS: OPERATION ANCHOR IUDICIUM ACCEDIT Issued by the THE COVENANT OF FIVE on this 30th of Harren’s Folly MISSION TITLE: OPERATION ANCHOR OBJECTIVE: ANNEXATION OF THE FERRYMAN KEEP MOBILISATION DATE: 17TH OF GODFREY’S TRIUMPH AIMED COMMENCEMENT DATE: 21ST OF TOBIAS BOUNTY PARTICULARS: On the MOBILISATION DATE, all COVENANT OF FIVE forces are to embark from RALLY POINTS A, B, C & D and march to the staging ground, where a fortified encampment is to be erected under the garrison of the BROTHERHOOD OF SAINT KARL. Once all COVENANT OF FIVE forces are assembled, they will enter the lands of the LEAGUE OF VELETZ on the COMMENCEMENT DATE to execute OPERATION ANCHOR. The operational objective shall be the capitulation of the FERRYMAN KEEP and annexation of its environs to be repurposed as a new staging ground for subsequent campaigns into the LEAGUE OF VELETZ. On the COMMENCEMENT DATE, the full COVENANT OF FIVE forces shall approach the FERRYMAN KEEP in PALISADE FORMATION, and erect artillery weaponry behind LINES 7, 8, 15 & 16. Operation of artillery engines shall be the responsibility of BSK TASKFORCE “MITHRIL”, and PETRINE TASKFORCE “TRIDENT”. All other COVENANT OF FIVE forces, under the command of KING ALEKSANDR, shall maintain a defensive PALISADE FORMATION around the artillery. PHASE ONE shall commence with artillery bombardment of the FERRYMAN KEEP by TASKFORCES MITHRIL and TRIDENT while the main force defends against enemy sallies. When the FERRYMEN KEEP has sustained sufficient damage, PHASE TWO shall commence by storming the keep. MITHRIL and TRIDENT shall comprise two strike forces intended to breach and flush the keep, assisted by strike forces who split from the main army in the form of TASK FORCES “HAMMER” and “ANVIL”. END OF BRIEF. WARCLAIM WARGOAL: COMPLETE ANNEXATION [Starting with Tile 21] ATTACKERS: The Kingdom of Haense The Kingdom of Balian The Commonwealth of the Petra The Viceroyalty of Hyspia The Grand Kingdom of Urguan DEFENDERS: The League of Veletz and its Allies LOCATION/WARPATH: DATE: TBD

IUDICIUM ACCEDIT Issued by the KONGZEM OF HAENSE, KINGDOM OF BALIAN, COMMONWEALTH OF THE PETRA, GRAND KINGDOM OF URGUAN & PROTECTORATE OF HYSPIA LET ALL OF AEVOS HEAR AND TAKE HEED, In this year, the blood of the faithless has been shed, and those who have raised their banners against their allies judged; for on this day, the blood of the betrayer has been shed, and those who have murdered their own liege expunged; for on this day, the blood of the cowardly has been shed, and those who set their blades upon children punished. And the world will weep, for more will follow. King Edmund of Aaun is dead. In his seat of Whitespire, he awaited the arrival of his crowned brethren of Haense, Petra, Balian, and Veletz in the hope that he might broker peace between them. The only banner he lived to see arrive, however, was the burgundy standard of Veletz, who joined the March of Stassion in the act of regicide, and so it was that King Edmund was murdered with the dream of peace on his lips. We have avenged King Edmund. The Stassionite ambitions of claiming the throne of Aaun were dashed mere hours after their grave sin was committed, and now their corpses pile the streets of Whitespire alongside the dead of Veletz, who had comported themselves as leal allies to King Edmund only to press their hand to Stassion’s knife. And so, on this day, a host of 7,000 soldiers of Stassion and Veletz were annihilated on the streets of Whitespire. We mourn the avenged King Edmund. But we do not share his means of peace. For decades, the League of Veletz has sought a great war to satiate their base bloodlust, and yet they have lacked the courage to declare it akin to true warriors. “Oh, how they invade us!” they cry, when our forces escort the Pontiff to release a hostage they had taken unprovoked. “Oh, how they harass us!” they whine, when they send a boy to throw himself atop Svetjlast. To make peace with those who hold their allies at knife-point is to make peace with a bear by feeding it your arm; to make peace with those who target children and pregnant women is to make peace with a vampyre by tithing your blood; to make peace with those cannot control their blades is to make peace with a rabied rodent. We reject this cowardice. We reject this dishonour. We reject this savagery. And so, we do therefore declare the formation of the COVENANT OF FIVE, a grand military cooperative comprised of the Kongzem of Haense, the Kingdom of Balian, the Commonwealth of the Petra, the Grand Kingdom of Urguan, and the Protectorate of Hyspia. Together, we reject the ambitions of the League of Veletz. They would call themselves Emperors, and yet in a mere decade they have rotted their own Heartland Accord from within and turned nearly every one of their allies against them with their incompetence. And so, we, the Covenant of Five, declare that we are coming to excise this tumour. W E A R E C O M I N G T O K I L L Y O U. HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Aleksandr II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Slesvik, Solvesborg, and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia, and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald, and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Siegrad, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Astfield, Buck, Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, and Rytsburg, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera. HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Viscount of Pompourelia, Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Brucca,Valens, Malenos, Goza and Ciavola, Lord of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. HIS HIGHNESS, Cesar II de Pelear, Viceroy of Hyspia, Duke of Pacazu, Baron of Arenisca and Del’mar, Lord of La Dorada, Lord of Niseep, Gereon's Hold, and Ciudad de Plata, Protector of the Hyspian People, Patriarch of House de Pelear. HER MAJESTY, Catherine I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Artois, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows. HIS GRANDNESS, Garedyn The Emerald, Grand King of Urguan, Chief of the Mossborn, Seer of Hefrumm, Zealot of the Triad.

The King of Haense smiled, for the cycle spanning centuries before He would continue for centuries after, "You two shall prosper." Vowed the man, sharpening an Ancient Raevsblade.

Marius Audemar lingered around Vallagne, with an eye on his granddaughter. Exchanging stories with other soldiers, "Godan, I miss my old sword y'know; it swung well, slew many! Though, wielded by better hands now." the Prince lamented. "Svjetlast; such a fine name it had!"

CROWN AND SWORD: ON THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. KARL KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Issued by the CROWN On this 11th day of Tov ag Yermey of 503 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, It is with heavy heart that the Crown hereby announces the loss of a stalwart protector and dear friend of our realm, Ser Arthur Gant [ @indiana105 ]. Our valiant Lord Marshal led a life that stands as testament to unwavering dedication and unyielding bravery; the pinnacle representation of Saint Karl's values. From the battlefield to the halls of our Prikaz, his presence alone was a boon of honor and loyalty. We grieve for his passing, for our Kingdom has lost not only a skilled leader, but a true Haeseni soul. In wake of this tragedy, it is indeed true our hearts hang heavy, yet our spirits should burn hereon with fierce determination. Lord Marshal Ser Arthur Gant had ventured into the Westerwald with a detachment of five initiates, leading a future generation of Brothers and Sisters onward to face the glory that is their Oath Hunt. It was during this hunt that the group was ambushed by poachers who navigated the terrain and rivers with skill unseen. Ser Arthur demanded they lay down their arms and submit to the King’s justice, that they might yet live to see another day. This mercy was answered with his murder. Those poachers who assailed our Lord Marshal were slain rightly in the ensuing skirmish, though not before claiming another man of the Brotherhood. Our riders bring reports of fires in the night and further banditry along the western frontier. The cravens who took Ser Arthur from us did not act alone. None shall escape the vengeance of our Kingdom. The Brotherhood of Saint Karl, the shield that guards us has been struck a grievous blow. We are not a people to be cowed by darkness, Ser Arthur would hate to see it so. We shall emerge with a resolve sharper than any blade, a resolve that demands retribution. As your King, Grand Hetman of the Army, I bear the weight of this Kingdom's defense upon my shoulders. The Brotherhood of Saint Karl, our revered military, shall now find its primary commander in I. Without a suitable successor for the Lord Marshal Gant, I shall bear both Crown upon my brow and sword in my hand. In face of this tragedy, I see an opportunity for rebirth. A new era dawns upon the Brotherhood, for Haense, and for every denizen who calls this Kingdom their home. It shall be my ultimate focus to fortify the Brotherhood, ensuring its ranks are filled with individuals of unwavering loyalty and indomitable courage. Let the world know that Haense stands unbroken. For even in our grief, we are formidable; and we shall not falter. DLUM EDLERVIKI, DRUZ ZVAERDI, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Aleksandr II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Slesvik, Solvesborg, and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia, and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald, and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Siegrad, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Astfield, Buck, Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, and Rytsburg, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera.

Aleksandr II twiddled his thumbs.

THE COPPER EDICT; CHANGE AND THE TREASURY KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Issued by the CROWN On this 10th day of Vyzmey ag Hyff of 503 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, In the ebb and flow of our Kingdom's governance, change is inevitable—an undeniable and unstoppable force that shapes the efficiency of realms. As the chapters of time turn, some books shall close, and others shall open; yet it is by this that greatness is witnessed. Change, when embraced with wisdom and purpose, becomes the harbinger of progress and the architect of a resilient future. In this spirit, the Kingdom of Haense stands at the threshold of transformation, ready to inscribe a new narrative in the annals of its history. ON THE POSITION OF LORD TREASURER, After fifteen long and productive years of service, the Lord Treasurer Thondorus “The Older” Stafyr has announced his resignation, and has yielded the Silver Bulava. We thank the Lord Stafyr for his long years of service, and hope for him a splendid retirement in his golden years, for which he has certainly earned as he reached his one hundredth name day. It is for his great efforts that the Crown also shall induct Lord Thondorus “The Older” into the Robertine Order of Merit; here out shall he be Sir Thondorus “The Older”. @Z3r05t4r ON THE POSITION OF HIGH SENESCHAL, After seventeen glorious years of service both upon the battlefield and within the chambers of the Aulic government, the High Seneschal Lord Manfred Barclay has gracefully announced his resignation, and yielded the Copper Bulava to the Crown. Known for his unending dedication to the defense of the kingdom since his early days as a young man and near-two decade tenure as High Seneschal, the Crown is remorseful to see him retire. However, few in this kingdom are more deserving of rest than the Lord, and so the Crown offers him good fortune in the years to come. Likewise to his Treasurer counterpart, the Lord Manfred exceeded in his Office’s work. However, the Crown recognizes his impressive tenure within the Brotherhood of Saint Karl similarly. It is for this extraordinary service to both the Crown governmentally, but militaristically that he shall be inducted into the Walton Order of the Unyielding. Here out shall he be Sir Manfred Barclay. @Ramon TREASURY REFORM, With the resignation of Lord Thondorus and Lord Manfred, the Crown has come to a deliberation of the effectiveness of both the Treasury and High Seneschal. There was once an age under the reign of Karl III where these positions were one; and the Crown has assessed the effectiveness of these two Aulic institutions’ bureaucracies and have decided to once more merge them into one single office. AND, ON THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW ROYAL TREASURER, Now, with the position concerning the Crown’s finances vacant, it is of great importance that a new Lord Treasurer be appointed, and we have decided that Lord Issak Ludovar shall be the next to take the reins of office. Renowned for his diligence in finance and shrewd work ethic, the Crown puts their full faith in him to live up to the task. Yet simply renowned is certainly an understatement. Words upon paper would bring little justice in explaining the great heights the Lord Isaak reaches on behalf of his name and House for this Kingdom. As our way of giving back to the Lord, we deem it fit to similarly knight him under the Robertine Order of Merit; here out shall he be Sir Isaak Ludovar. @Blake0205 We have great expectations with this merger and the newly appointed Treasurer’s ability to reform the office. May these changes bring prosperity and great fortune upon our Kingdom. DLUM EDLERVIKI, DRUZ ZVAERDI, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Aleksandr II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Slesvik, Solvesborg, and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia, and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald, and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Siegrad, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Astfield, Buck, Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, and Rytsburg, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera.

In those silent hours of the night, when all of the denizens had found themselves amongst their families till the sun rose in the morn; atop a tower overlooking all, the House of the Petra no different. The City of Vallagne was peaceful, the hustle and bustle of the day now replaced by serene silence, interrupted by the likes of the River Petra crashing below. Marius Audemar knew his role, his place in history -- remembered by few who knew the select whispers of the past, yet alongside him, there stood Renilde I. The Queen's presence had a warm comfort, it was such that brought the Haeseni Prince into the foreign lands to begin with. Often she would speak of her reign, of her fears and triumphs, as if the Prince were a part of the very stones of the tower. Marius listened, as he always had, his words sparse, his gestures few, advice served carefully. "You have been my life's work, and it was not a life wasted..." Renilde spoke, reciting the final few lines from the missive she penned. "Thank you, Petra, and all of the vast reaches of your Commonwealth..." She continued, her voice swelling, and Marius simply listening, placed a hand atop her shoulder "I love you... from the bottom of my heart..." As Renilde's voice softened, Marius felt a bittersweet pang. He was Prince-Consort, a title that held no power, no grandeur. He was the soldier who had stood by Petra's side, who had fought battles fallen into his shadow, away from the limelight. Now, as she finalized her missive, in those shadows Marius realized he would remain, watching, waiting. "Your strength -- your persistence, it has become the very foundation of Petra," Marius said, his voice gravelly from the break of his silence, too, filled with a deep admiration. "Once we stood within a Haeseni tower, overlooking Petra occupied. Akin to outsiders looking in. Here, we stand, and vy hand it all off to the future -- niet just to Catherine, but to all who will certainly follow." Dawn had broke, casting a soft glow within the tower's confines. The pairs time for leisure had expired, and the Prince reached for his helmet, an old companion. Placing it upon his head, he felt a surge of purpose. "And I will be here, as I always have. I shall stand by Her," Marius whispered before their departure was made. It was his vow, a silent oath to Petra -- to Renilde in her final hours as Queen. The Kingdom may not remember him, but he would forever know his duty.

A GIFT RETURNED KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Written by the Hand of, ALEKSANDR II On this 18th day of Gronna ag Droba of 501 E.S. KING OF AAUN, I told you in my letter that if you wanted a war - be forthright about it. Instead, you sent some fool to get himself killed, only to justify your bloody intentions. Spare your people, and mine; the lies. If you seek to fight, heed my words: March upon me, like a man. Lead your people, like a man. Tell your truth, like a man I am waiting. DLUM EDLERVIKI, DRUZ ZVAERDI, His Royal Majesty, Aleksander II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Siegrad, Werdenburg, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Buck, Thurant and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera.

Valkskej i Esrova THE PEACE OF ESROVA AGREED on this 10th of Jula ag Piov of 501 E.S. by KING ALEKSANDR II of HAENSE and VICEROY CESAR II of HYSPIA VA VE EDLERVIK HAENZI I HYZPIA Pursuant to the Jaguar Decree, wherein the oaths of the House var Pelear to the Crown of Haense were dissolved by royal decree, the terms affirmed herein - agreed in accordance with the Valkskej Rite - shall govern the means of the Hyspian exudation from the Kongzem of Haense. Thus, before GODAN and MAN it is declared: I. THAT HENCEFORTH SHALL the House var Pelear assume the role as Protector of the Hyspians, II. THAT HENCEFORTH SHALL the House var Pelear retain cultural and titular recognition of the traditional Hyspian titles duly enunciated in the Enfeoffment Edict of 442 E.S., III. THAT HENCEFORTH SHALL the Hyspian diaspora form the autonomous state of Hyspia, and that this state shall be a Protectorate of the Kongzem of Haense, IV. THAT HENCEFORTH SHALL the Protectorate of Hyspia be sponsored for the settlement of the Hyspian diaspora to the south of the Kongzem of Haense, V. THAT HENCEFORTH SHALL the Protectorate of Hyspia enjoy the rights and freedoms of self-determination, subject only to the limitations imposed herein, and that the Kongzem of Haense shall guarantee to vindicate and protect these freedoms through strength of arms, VI. THAT HENCEFORTH SHALL the Protectorate of Hyspia support the Kongzem of Haense in all matters of warfare, unless this obligation is so duly waived by the Crown of Haense, VII. THAT HENCEFORTH SHALL the Protectorate of Hyspia undertake to never enter into political or military pacts adverse to the interests of the Kongzem of Haense, and that this shall be so affected by way of consultation with the Haeseni Office of the Envoy prior to the ratification of any given pact, VIII. THAT HENCEFORTH SHALL the Protectorate of Hyspia otherwise enjoy the complete freedoms of administration, governance, military, legislation, industry, trade, and all other matters of national policy, and, IX. THAT HENCEFORTH SHALL the provisions of this agreement shall hold binding and true for a period no shorter than twenty-six years. IV JOVEO MAAN, His Royal Majesty, Aleksander II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Siegrad, Werdenburg, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Buck, and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera. EN EL NOMBRE DIOS, HIS HIGHNESS, Cesar II de Pelear, Viceroy of Hyspia, Duke of Pacazu, Baron of Arenisca and Del’mar, Lord of La Dorada, Lord of Niseep, Gereon's Hold, and Ciudad de Plata, Protector of the Hyspian People, Patriarch of House de Pelear

Ve Jurasz Jagiar THE JAGUAR DECREE KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Issued by the CROWN On this 9th of Jula ag Piov of 501 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, Fifty-nine years have passed since my royal grandfather - King Karl the Lion - accepted the oath of fealty of Cesar var Pelear, binding the Hyspian diaspora as vassals to the Kongzem of Haense and thereby enfeoffing him as Viceroy of Hyspia. In the near six-decades that have followed, the Kongzem has enjoyed the leal service of the Hyspian scions of Cesar I and, in turn, guaranteed the protection and freedoms so as to enable the nurturing of the Farfolk population. For generations has the Kongzem stood as the bastion and protector of the Highland peoples, and it was by requested vassalage alone that this protection was extended to the Farfolks of Hyspia in order to secure their protection and the settlement of Karinah’siol following the Silver War. The Crown does now see fit to recognise that there no longer exists a need for the renewal of Hyspian fealty as a traditional vassal. Therefore, I do henceforth dissolve the oaths of fealty of the House var Pelear sworn before King Karl the Lion, and exudate the Hyspian peoples from the Kongzem of Haense, and that this exudation shall be duly governed by the terms of the Peace of Esrova. IV JOVEO MAAN, His Royal Majesty, Aleksander II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Siegrad, Werdenburg, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Buck, and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera.

"me too." said aleksandr ii, of haense, king of haense, to the Nephilim

Cold winds swept through the King's chambers, there; Aleksandr II sat. It was a frigid night that the news of Ser Gawyn's passing reached the ears of the King, a heavy silence falling over the usually bustling halls of the royal palace as all were sent out from its walls. Aleksandr sat in his study, lonesome as his calls for Amaya went unanswered, now, his only company a single flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows on the walls - he was lost in memories that spanned across decades. The King was sent back to a long passed time, a time of his Princehood where he met a young, spirited Gawyn Tiber, a fellow seeker of honor and camaraderie who had found himself within the Kingdom of Haense; completely alone. Prince Aleksandr, accompanied by Amaya Colborn took the boy under their watch, a hefty task for the pair who were still children themselves. Yet the trio of friends -- Aleksandr, Amaya, and Gawyn -- grew inseparable, their laughter some nights echoing through the castle corridors of Karosgrad from that secluded library where they met. In those days, Gawyn was more than a friend; he was a brother of the heart, a companion in what Aleksandr would've one day hoped be battles and revelry alike. However, the passage of time had a way of changing people, and King Aleksandr, momentarily awakening from his trance, couldn't shake the memory of the day Gawyn had chose a different path. Ser Gawyn had shown himself for the first time again in a diplomatic meeting, bearing the weight, loyalty, and oath of knighthood from foreign lands, Aleksandr felt the once void filled in his heart . . . empty. It was an odd mixture of pride and betrayal, but to admit it or even speak to the Knight one-to-one was a task unbearable. The chasm between their loyalties had widened, but beneath it all, the old bond still lingered, flickering like a near dying ember. King Aleksandr bore a contemplating smile at the recalled memory as he rose from his desk, aching with pain at his side from a healing wound. The King limped over to the candle and placed it away for the night, as then a voice called for him: "Aleks." The soft voice of Queen Amaya broke the silence, pulling Aleksandr back from the nostalgia of his memories. Her eyes, usually warm, were clouded with sorrow, mirroring his own. "Your bandage, it must be changed," she said gently, evidently still upset, though concern still etched across her face. Without protest, Aleksandr complied, the unspoken and lingering grief temporarily mending quarrels from the night priors trouble. As she carefully tended to his wound, Aleksandr's mind drifted back to the eve prior: his final encounter with Ser Gawyn. The memory was a thorn, or more accurately was sword in his side; sharp and piercing. In the cold hush of their duel, beneath the canopy of high-standing ceilings of the throne room, King stared down the blade of Knight, and Knight the same. Aleksandr was witness to the conflict in Gawyn's eyes -- a conflict similar in his soul. It was that night where honour clashed with friendship, oaths with emotions, and in the end, concluding with a promise staying the Ser's blade. Amaya's touch brought Aleks back to the present, grounding him in the reality of the moment. The pain in his side was naught compared to grief's bearing. With a heavy sigh, Aleksandr met eyes with the Queen. "He was more than a friend," Aleks murmured, his voice carrying through the silent chamber. "He was a brother in every way that matters. Nie matter the distance, nie matter the difference." Amaya nodded, her fingers gentle as she worked. "This is easy for neither of us, but he chose his path, Aleks." "I know." He replied, his voice a mere whisper. "But it doesn't make it any less difficult to bear."

THE MORTESKHOLV EDICT OF 498 ES KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Issued by THE CROWN On this 4th day of Wzuvar ag Byvca of 498 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, Our Kingdom in these years past and until the foreseeable future endures a disaster like none other – named by many as Ve Bej Nikirala or: The Long Winter. Sickness and flu run rampant throughout the Kingdom, buildings by the day become obstructed and encumbered by what seems to be an unending descent of snow; and the air has become so cold not even the heftiest of furs have been able to prevent frostbite. The Haeseni People are accustomed to the likes of harsh weathers and unforgiving climate for it has always been our way of life, yet this storm which we face is one far too great to idle further. The Crown thus orders the following become of top priority for the years to come: I. The Brotherhood of Saint Karl shall lead an initiative to deconstruct the Valdev Tournament grounds, salvaging what materials and wood they can so that numerous pyres for warmth may be constructed within the Royal City of Valdev. II. Additionally, with it in mind that the duration of this storm is unknown to us, we must plan ahead for the long cold. The Brotherhood of Saint Karl shall venture into the fertile soil east of the Royal Capital and plant a dozen trees for every soldier; may the fires of Haense burn on for as long as this storm lasts. III. The Order of the Crow shall begin immediate investigation into the cause of the storm which plagues our Kingdom – and justly put an end to what or who is behind it. i. Should any who were witness to the event(s) and have newfound information on their cause, the Crown incentivizes sharing with the Knightly Order for mina or equal reward. IV. The Order of the Crow shall also embark eastward into the Kingdom of Aaun, our Canonist brethren, there they shall offer their aid and support to those of Lemon Hill who have faced a similar peril. i. If permitted, they shall work in accordance with the Crown of Aaun to investigate further into the cause of the storm and find correlations between the two. IV JOVEO MAAN, His Royal Majesty, Aleksander II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Siegrad, Werdenburg, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Buck, and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera.

WRIT OF AULIC APPOINTMENT KNIGHT PARAMOUNT OF THE REALM KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Issued by the CROWN On this 3rd day of Wzuvar ag Byvca of 498 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, The term of the Knight Paramount, Ser Konstanz Barclay, has concluded. A man renowned throughout the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska for his most booming and jovial voice, when travelling upon the roads to Valdev one would have often overheard the songs from the Duchy of Reinmar. Ser Konstanz served dutifully, and most notably avenged his namesake in the defeat of a Crowdrake. Ser Konstanz has chosen to retire to pick up a fishing career in catching particularly cold or ‘cool’ cods. He also aims to visit the great cities of rock in the foreign Kingdom of Nottingshire. The Crown can only extend and wish the best for this most leal Knight of the Order. The Knights of Hanseti-Ruska however now stand leaderless, and one must be appointed. After careful consideration, His Majesty, Aleksandr II, has chosen to appoint Ser Audo Weiss (@Frostdrop1). A pillar of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl and the Knights table to take up this mantle. Ser Audo has served dutifully through the Mori Wars and during the battle of Balian against Cloudbreaker – it is deemed he the most fitting for the role. The Crown hopes that appointing Ser Audo will allow the Knightly Orders to flourish under his guiding hand so that the Knights may continue their dutiful service to the Kingdom and its denizens alike. May he serve long and serve well, for the Crown wishes him success in his newfound position. Ser Audo shall undergo The Drowning of the Blades within the year, to which all of the Realm shall be invited. IV JOVEO MAN, His Royal Majesty, Aleksandr II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Siegrad, Werdenburg, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, Toruv, Valdev and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Buck and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera.

THE PRINCE in question, Marius Audemar, sat back against a palm tree in the Southern part of Aevos where his adventures now lead him. He recalled fondly the day, the memories, and too the cause in which he fought for. Murmuring a prayer for all those who had fallen, both for and against him. He fell asleep against that palm tree. Dreaming peacefully a recollection of the events. As if he was there once again . . .

King Aleksandr II of Haense would sit by a fire idly and drink Carrion Black.

THE EDICT OF KORAVIA KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Issued by THE CROWN On this 16th day of Msitza ag Dargund of 491 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, It is with both solemnity and a sense of duty that the Crown conveys this news regarding the House Kortrevich. After much deliberation and consideration, We have come to determine that House Kortrevich shall be demoted from its current status as a County to that of a Barony to better reflect the Houses past and present. Thus, the Crown decrees that the following shall occur: - The House Kortrevich shall be relegated to Baronial Status. - The titles held by the House Kortrevich: the Viscounty of Krusev and the County of Jerovitz, will be returned to the Crown. - Lady Illeana Stefaniya Kortrevich shall now hold the sole title Baroness of Koravia, to be inherited by her rightful Heirs and held by the House of Kortrevich from now and until all days forward. IV JOVEO MAAN, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Aleksandr II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Slesvik, Solvesborg, and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia, and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald, and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Siegrad, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Astfield, Buck, Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, and Thurant, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera.

TO THE LADY KORTREVICH, Your keen eyes in spotting the clerical error upon our most recent issuance is most impressive. I have already addressed that an error was made; however, the contents of such remain awaiting in a letter left in your aviary before this missive was made. Those pesky letters do not come with a warning so I shall not hold it against you! It is my hope this letter reaches you instead, and that you may check your aviary further. IV JOVEO MAAN, His Royal Majesty, Aleksander II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Siegrad, Werdenburg, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Buck, and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera.

To Brother Odo, "His men raid and pillage the realms of this continent. I surely needn't remind you innocent men continue to die at his inaction. I shall niet have men who allow similar atrocities as those who captured the Father Stanislaw be apart of his rescue - not until they atone. I signed Prince Henry's Peace. Now this is mine." Yours, King Aleksandr II of Haense Then, The King of Haense smoked an Osvald Cigarette in the throne room, awaiting the several parties arrivals.

"His men raid and pillage the realms of this continent. I surely needn't remind you innocent men continue to die at his inaction." The King of Haense smoked an Osvald Cigarette in the throne room, awaiting the several parties arrivals. "I shall niet have men who allow similar atrocities as those who captured the Father Stanislaw be apart of his rescue - not until they atone." "I signed Prince Henry's Peace." "Now this is mine."

A RIGHTEOUS RECKONING KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Issued by KING ALEKSANDR II On this 9th day of Vzmey ag Hyff of 491 E.S. VA BIRODEO AEVOSZ, I shall begin this missive with stating that the ink upon these pages bears witness to a darkness that has reared its blasphemous head, a malevolence that seeks to rend the very fabric of our One True Faith and in itself stands as an affront to GOD. A vile and loathsome missive has spread its wings across the realm. An innocent and devout servant of the Faith, Father Stanislaw of House Weiss, has been ensnared by the wicked claws of heresy, suffering torment and mutilation at the hands of these malefactors. I see this as no challenge to any House, nor challenge to any sole Kingdom, but a direct challenge to the faithful flock of GOD and a stain upon the peace we hold dear. It is hereby that I, Aleksandr II of House Barbanov-Bihar, King of Hanseti and Ruska, by the steel of my sword and the ironclad spirit of my people declare that such a vile act shall not stand unanswered. The halls of my Kingdom tremble with the righteous fury for revenge, and the very land beneath our feet thirsts for the blood of retribution. I invite those who hold the light of virtue in their hearts and the fire of justice in their souls to attend a summons where steps forward may be discussed as a collective. Already I have seen the devotion of forces such as the banners of Stassion willing to be swift to this cause, in this vast realm I’m sure they are far from alone. The following are invited to meet within the halls of Hanseti-Ruska to discuss steps forth. United may we be, with our hearts aflame with purpose, and our swords poised to strike down the heresy that dare challenge GOD’s might. His Holiness, High Pontiff Sixtus V Inquisitor Ailred of Druzstra and the Holy Inquisition His Majesty, King Edmund I, and the Devoted Commanders of the United Kingdom of Aaun His Majesty, King Adrian I, and the Devoted Commanders of the Kingdom of Balian His Majesty, Tar-Númenatâr, and the Devoted Commanders of the Kingdom of Numendil Her Majesty, Queen Renilde I, and the Devoted Commanders of the Kingdom of Petra Ser Gawyn of the United Kingdom of Aaun Frederick Aurelian of the County of Stasson Domestically, the King of Haense similarly requests the presence of his own forces, The Lord Marshal of the Realm, Ser Arthur, and the Officer Core of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl The Knight Paramount of the Realm, Ser Vlad, and the Order of the Crow The Marian Retinue of the Realm Father Stanislaw will be brought home. IV JOVEO MAAN, His Royal Majesty, Aleksander II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Siegrad, Werdenburg, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Buck, and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera. His Lordship, Walter Weiss, Heir to the Viscounty of Novkursain and the Barony of Zvaervauld.