Frymark

"I wanted a story about Haense! Not a story about Oren." Complained a certain young Princeling. Upon hearing that the story was in fact of Haense's current happenings, he blinked. "Oh"

[!] On top of the original missive would be nailed another one. Blessings of the Exalted be upon you. I wish to thank everyone who showed interest in the tavern of New Vienne. After consultation with the Crown we have chosen - with some amount of priority placed on those who call themselves Crownlander - Fernand de Lewes as the first tavernkeep of New Vienne. Any interested in employing themselves in the tavern and potentially climbing up to claim the spot of Tavernkeep later are adviced to contact him or myself. Signed, His Excellency, Ludwig von Alstreim, 1st Lord Burgher of New Vienne

[!] The following missive would be spread around the city of New Vienne and its surroundings. THE SEARCH FOR A TAVERNKEEP Issued in the Year of our Lord, 1906, The Royal City of New Vienne Blessings of the Exalted be upon you. With the reconstruction of our Capital nearing its conclusion, it befalls me as the first Lord Burgher of our esteemed Royal City to see that just like its marble walls, so too are the offices of the Municipal government repaired and restored to accommodate the needs of our growing citizenry. This restoration of city-life can naturally only begin in a single place; the tavern of New Vienne. The City of New Vienne is currently searching for a person to take up the responsibility of revitalizing the city’s tavern, as well as hiring other tavernkeeps and hosting events in the tavern. It is expected that one would already possess the wealth needed to kickstart the business, but if such is not the case, the Office of the Lord Burgher may assist on the matter. From the earnings of the tavern, a sum of 25% is to be given to the City as rent for the building, but such can also be discussed if needed. For any interested, please contact the Lord Burgher. SIGNED, His Excellency, Ludwig von Alstreim, 1st Lord Burgher of New Vienne

Ludwig weeps the tears of joy.

hello.

*hermans

Each and every time a certain Johann Barclay would walk around Minitz and wander upon Emilsplatz, he would begin to sob..

Declared and published in the year of Our Lord, 1902 SUMMONS TO THE FIRST SESSION OF THE ROYAL DIET OF AAUN TO OUR RESTORED REALM AND ITS NOBLE ESTATES, With the establishment of our constitution, the Great Charter of Aaun, it is long due that the wheels of national governance and representation are finally put into motion. So in the spirit of our United Kingdom, are the Lords and Ladies of our noble estates summoned to the Ruins of Vienne; upon which we may begin a new chapter in our nation’s history with the election of its first Grand Peer among other matters. WE SUMMON THE FOLLOWING LORDS: Prince Ottomar von Alstreim, Prince of Merryweather and Lord Vandalore of the Waldenian People Lord Sir Leon Barclay, Duke of Minitz, High Chieftain of the Reinmaren and Protector of the Aaunic Heartlands Lord Louis de Rosius, Margrave of Haute-Epine and Protector of Arentania Lady Guinevere von Reuss, Margravine of Velen and Protector of the Aschenwald Lord Heinrik Sarkozic, Count of Veletzia Lady Cosima von Augusten, Viscountess of Hohengarten BY THE WILL OF AAUN, His Royal Highness, Charles I Alstion, Prince of Alstion, Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Aaun, Protector of the Realm

Declared and published in the year of Our Lord, 1902 MARSHAL’S REPORTS; THE BUILDING OF OUR SAFETY “If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: in love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are.” - A veteran of the Brother’s War TO THE PEOPLE AND LORDS OF AAUN, Good day, my brothers in faith. With the establishment of the Roya Diet and our shift into a fully fledged constitutional monarchy, I see the transparency of the Royal Offices as a matter of great importance. So, in these reports from the Royal Office of War, I will detail the latest improvements done by our Royal Office, as well as the lengths we have gone through to improve the safety of this United Kingdom of ours. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL STOCKPILE So that when the enemy comes, may no man be seen fighting them with sticks and stones, but with the best of weaponry crafted by the best of smiths. Although the providing of equipment for their soldiers is mostly left with each vassal individually, the Office of War has seen fit to establish a national stockpile of weapons and equipment. This stockpile shan’t be used to equip any specific group of guards or militias, but instead be used as a back-up for whenever a situation arises that require the supplying of soldiers with a short notice, such as during a raid. To aid in the establishment of the stockpile, the Office of War calls forth to the peerages and people of Aaun to - if it suits them - bring forth donations of equipment and munitions, to be shared by us all in times of crises. With this decree, do we also announce the search for a Royal Quartermaster to help in managing and recording this stockpile, to assure that no equipment is lost. Any interested in the position are advised to seek out the Royal Marshal. THE CONSTRUCTION OF FORT FELDER Let them break on our walls, let our cannons and arrows rain hell on them, and let the engineering of St. Felder guard us. An issue that rises with a Kingdom such as ours, is that it takes time for the Lords and Ladies of Aaun to gather their populace to march into battle. As we seek to correct this, have we decreed the beginning of the construction of Fort Felder, which shall be situated between the County of Veletzia and the Crownlands of Alstion. The purpose of this fortification is to act as a rallying point for the Aaunic levymen, so that we may gather properly and safely. Once constructed, the Fortress shall also act as the barracks of the Carolean Guard, until Vienne’s renovations are complete. THE CADETSHIP PROGRAM For you are the future of this realm; the bright light that shall one day guide us into greatness and prosperity. As a new generation is born, providing them the ability to be educated in matters of strategy, martial prowess and warfare. To accommodate for this need, do we decree that any Aaunic parent may send their offspring to be tutored under the Marshal as Cadets of the Carolean Guard. They will - free of charge - taught martial skill, etiquette and the ways of a soldier of Aaun and once they’ve become of age, they may if willing take the Oath to become fully-fledged Caroleans. Any parent interested by this may send a letter to the Royal Marshal, Johann Ritter von Barclay. GOTT MIT UNS, His Excellency, Johann Ritter von Barclay, Royal Marshal of Aaun and Captain of the Carolean Guard

Declared and published in the year of Our Lord, 1902 THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CAROLEAN GUARD “The walls have fallen, the defenders are slain, the enemy is here! It is the end and the death, my brothers - the end for our tale, and death to the usurpers! Raise the Dragon Banner one last time, for the Prince, for Alstion!” -Ulrich Lothar Alstreim, before the final charge of the Nauzicans during the Siege of the Hero-City of Haverlock, 64 SA “Alstion! Alstion! Alstion!” The soldiers of the Nauzica after having listened to the Captain’s speech, 64 SA The Carolean Guard | Soldiers of the King The Black Dragon Banner of House Alstion THE HEARTLANDS BECKON, A call of service and duty For too long has the House of Alstion and their Princely Crownlands gone without proper guard and safety, having to depend on the numerous peerages of Aaun for the protection of said crownlands. No longer! With the patronage of the Sovereign of Aaun and Prince of Alstion, Charles I, the formation of the Carolean Guard of the Crownlands is hereby declared, to serve as the personal levy and guardforce of the Royal House of Alstion, as well as the policing force of these Crownlands of Aaun. WHY WE SERVE? A cause of honour, justice and loyalty Service directly under the patronage of the Prince of Alstion is a great honour by itself alone, but there exists a higher cause of righteousness in service to the Guard. When the Crownlands come under attack, the men of the Guard are the first to its defence When the faithful servants of GOD are threatened, the Caroleans are the ones to see GOD’s will be done. The Crownlands have been in turmoil for decades, and it's our duty to see stability restored, so that those who come after us never again need suffer the devastation of war and civil strife. Benefits of serving as a Carolean under House Alstion; A discount of 5% from the price of estates and housing in the Crownlands with an increase to 10% at the rank of Sergeant. The handling tax in housing and estates paid fully by the House of Alstion The standard kit of a Carolean free of charge, as well as yearly upkeep of said gear. Minae paid yearly in accordance with one's achievements within the Guard. The honour of serving directly under the King Alstion for the Crownlands and Charter. If the Carolean were ever wounded in service to Alstion, their medical care will be paid for in full. CHAIN OF COMMAND For without discipline, come the end and the death The Guard’s hierarchy is separated into two parts; there are the ranks of foot, those men who excel in fighting and combat, but are either yet not ready or willing to take up the mantle of leadership. Then there exist the ranks of command; men who are leaders of the Caroleans, who’s authority and knowledge in matters of combat, strategy and leadership are absolute. The rise through the ranks is an arduous one, as only the best are fit to lead the King’s men. RANKS OF COMMAND The armour used by the Captain and the Lieutenants, with the purple sash as a symbol of their authority and prestige. PRINCE OF ALSTION As the Commander-In-Chief of the Carolean Guard, the Prince of Alstion exercises absolute authority over the entire guard and all of its members. The Prince has the sole authority to appoint a Captain or other de-facto leading figure for the group, and as well holds the right to release anyone from their sworn oath to the Guard. As the Patron of the Guard, the Prince is also responsible for the payment of soldiers and upkeep of their gear and bases of operation, though these tasks may be delegated as well. CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD The Captain is the de-facto leader of the Guard, and responsible for its well being, the training and recruiting of soldiers and promoting those of lower rank. The Captain acts with the authority and blessing of the King of Aaun, and thus his authority in matters relating to the Guard and safety of the Crownlands is absolute, only surpassed by the King himself. LIEUTENANT Lieutenants are the officers of the Guard - those men and women who have proved themselves worthy of the mantle of leadership. The Lieutenant has the authority to command ranks of lower status and take part in the military council of the Crownlands whenever called. While a Lieutenant has great authority in the Crownlands, they do also have a great amount of responsibility granted to them. It’s usual for a Lieutenant to be in charge of an aspect of the Guard, such as training the Guardsmen, recruiting or handling the armoury and arms of the Guard. The road to becoming an Officer is a hard one and takes years, but once reached it’s a status of great prestige and honour. RANKS OF FOOT The armour used by the Recruits (Left) and the Caroleans and Sergeants (Right) SERGEANT Sergeants are veterans of the Guard - those men who have seen their fair share of battle and are preparing to become a Officer, or for one reason or the other have chosen not to pursue such. Despite their placement in the ranks of foot, Sergeants may from time to time with the authorization of a Officer take up a position of leadership, and when no Officer is available, they may give orders to those of lower ranking than themselves. In addition, Sergeants have the right to levy out fines if a situation breaking the Crownlands evicts occurs, but is not worthy of arrest. Sergeants are also given a slightly larger discount on estates in the Crownlands than Caroleans. CAROLEAN The backbone of the army, the Caroleans are the rank-and-file of the Guard. After having completed their basic training and served in the Guard for a fair amount of time, a Recruit may finally take their Oath to become an official Carolean of the King of Aaun, a hardened soldier and protector of the Crownlands. Caroleans have the right to arrest persons who have broken the law in the Courlands, and may levy fines if a man of upper rank is present. The Caroleans are also afforded a small discount from estates from the Crownlands as a sign of gratitude for their service and loyalty to Alstion. RECRUIT Recruits are those who have just enlisted in the Guard, with little to no previous experience in warfare and combat. To become a recruit, one must be a citizen of Aaun and adhere strictly to the Holy Canonist Faith. If one wishes to join but is not a Canonist, they may convert and be allowed to join thereafter. Recruits don't yet have the right to arrest or fine in the Crownlands, nor are they granted the best of weaponry until their basic training is completed. After such, the Captain will judge the recruit worthy and they may take their Oath to House Alstion and the Crownlands and become a fully fledged Carolean of the Guard. CEREMONIES & AWARDS For every man who puts their oaths first has achieved the finest of triumphs worthy of the finest of commemorations. THE OATH TO ALSTION Once a recruit has completed their basic training, they may be brought in front of a member of House Alstion, usually either the King or the Crown Prince, and there they may take their Oath, finally becoming a Carolean. The Oath is sacred, and once taken may not be broken except with the acceptance of the Prince of Alstion and the Captain of the Guard. May those who break the oath be named oathbreakers and traitors, and be dealt with according to such. Before the eyes of GOD, before my Prince and Captain, I place my blade beneath their feet, I swear my oath with this creed; O’ Lord, let my hand be just and brave, O’ Lord, let my eyes be keen and bright, O’ Lord, let my feet be swift and free, O’ Lord, let my heart be strong and true, For my GOD, For my Prince Alstion, for my Comrades, and for no-one else. With this creed I so swear my oath, and let my blood run cold if I am to ever forsake it. CAROLEAN’S PRAYER As a Recruit becomes a Carolean, it is customary for the other members of the Guard to gather together after the conclusion of the Oathing ceremony in celebration, where good wishes are brought to the newest member of the Guard by each individually, either in words or paper. These words are meant to symbolise the bond of camaraderie and friendship between the older and newer members of the Guard. After the death of a Carolean, those who brought them wishes may lower themselves before the funeral pyre of the bygone one and whisper these wishes anew in prayer, symbolising their gratitude of times spent and hopes of meeting again in GOD’s eternal Skies. AWARDS OF SERVICE In addition to acting as commemorations of one’s service to the Guard, the awards also act as the payment of one. Each Carolean is paid 5 minae weekly, with the base going up by 5 minae with ranks, with the base of a Lieutenant being 15 minae weekly. This does not however make up the majority of one’s pay, but it's rather determined by their awards, which are granted yearly per a soldier’s acts during said year. Contrary to most other militaries, the value of awards is not considered in how high of an award one gets, but how many they have. The Star of Service; Once retired and after having spent the minimum of 25 years in the Guard, a person is entitled to the Star of Service, which will guarantee them a pension of 40 minae yearly for the rest of their lives, as long as they continue to reside within Aaun. Star of Saint Lothar; for those who performed a miraculous action in battle to save the unit from dire circumstances, the highest of Carolean awards. 200 minas. Embroidered Cross of Saint Felder; a golden cross embroidered with various gems for those who performed extreme acts of heroism in accomplishment of a military goal or objective. 100 minas. Ruby Bracer; an engraved ruby medallion awarded to soldiers for drawing first blood in an engagement. 50 minas. Pin of Justice; a polished iron pin with a depiction of a sun and its gleaming rays forming the top of it, awarded for those who have successfully detained a criminal and seen that justice is delivered to them. 40 minas. Tears of Saint Daniel; a silver bracelet engraved with a depiction of enemy fortifications, awarded to the first soldier to charge. 30 minas. The Hand of Iron; a steel medal depicting a hand awarded for gathering the weekly materiel quotas. 25minas. Saint Andrik’s Sword; a metal brooch in the shape of a blade awarded for each individual kill acquired by a Carolean during battle. 20 minas. Those wishing to enlist in the Carolean Guard are advised to seek out or send letter to its current Captain, Johann Ritter von Barclay.

Johann signed the Lorraine at the news of the old Princess' death. The Knight would then kneel before a depiction of St. Johann of Sutica, whispering a prayer that the Saint deliver his beloved daughter to the Skies safely.

TRAVELER’S GUIDE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM OF AAUN Greetings traveller, and welcome to the United Kingdom of Aaun! The purpose of this missive is to act as a guide to newcomers and visitors alike to our United Kingdom. In this missive will be detailed both the old history of Aaun as well as its current functions, culture, and lands, each afforded their own chapter focusing on them. The chapters of this guide shall be the following, and it is recommended that they are read in order: I. What is the United Kingdom of Aaun? II. The History of Aaun --> The first Kingdom under Godwin --> End of the Harvest Confederacy and the Restoration of Aaun III. Society --> The Charter of Aaun --> The Royal Diet --> The Royal Offices IV. Lords and Ladies of the Kingdom --> The Crownlands of Alstion --> The Principality of Merryweather --> The Duchy of Minitz --> The Margraviate of Velen --> The Margraviate of Haute-Epine --> The County of Veletzia --> The Viscounty of Hohengarten V. Culture VI. Getting settled at Aaun I. What is the United Kingdom of Aaun? A map depicting the geopolitical landscape of Almaris. The United Kingdom of Aaun, or Aaun in short, is a constitutional monarchy located at the heart of Almaris, on the lands which are accordingly named the Heartlands. The Kingdom is ruled by the Sovereign of Aaun in conjunction with the Kingdom’s government - the Royal Offices, and the Peerage of the Realm, who are each granted a considerable amount of autonomy. Unlike the other Kingdoms that inhabit Almaris, Aaun can be considered more-so a federation of vassals, each putting their faith in the leadership of the Sovereign, who represents the vassals internationally and acts as the Royal Mediator between the peerage. Because of this, the Sovereign does not have absolute authority in the realm, but rather shares it with the Royal Diet, consisting of the Lords and Ladies of the Realm. Such ensures that the Sovereign may never take actions which can be considered tyrannical or against the common will of the people he represents. Because of the great degree of autonomy granted to the peerage, it is common to see them building their own towns and cities on their lands which have their own law codices, levies, traditions and courts. Each peer is also granted the ability to grant vassalage to families within their lands - with the acceptance of the Crown, and these vassals are called petty nobles, for they don’t yet share a place within the Diet (such is reserved for the Noble Estates, the direct vassals of the Realm). II. The History of Aaun A old map depicting the lands of the now-dissolved Harvest Confederacy. The first Kingdom under Godwin Godwin, the second born son of Horen, led his followers to the Valley of Jrent - a region previously inhabited but presumably abandoned upon the foundation of Horen's pious city - and there he would declare the first Kingdom of Aaun. While there were three kingdoms of men established between the three sons of Horen, the Kingdom of Aaun was the largest in size, though not in strength as the Kingdom of Idunia led by Harren had a mightier army. This would become apparent, when just 21 years following the occupation of Horen's city by Krug's tribe, and foundation of Aaun, Harren - the firstborn son of Horen - conquered the Kingdom of Aaun with his army, sacking many villages along the way, before eventually reaching Godwin's keep and murdering him. The Kingdom of Aaun was left in a state of disorder and occupation. Owyn, son of Godwin and heir to the Kingdom, was left unable to claim his inheritance and fled at the age of seven to his uncle, King Joren, in the Kingdom of Edel. The Kingdom of Aaun would remain in a state of occupation for roughly 17 years before Owyn slew his uncle Harren and reclaimed his kingdom, as well as Haren’s. Owyn reigned as king until his eldest son came of age and he abdicated the throne. Not much is known about how Owyn led his kingdom, though he is known for appointing and consecrating individuals he deemed virtuous as priests to shepherd the faithful - including the first High Priests, who formally established what would become the Church of the Canon. It is unknown how much longer the Kingdom of Aaun lasted and in what manner it was ruled, though it is believed that it later came to be merged with the Old Kingdom of Oren before it fell in the 14th century. The End of the Harvest Confederacy and Restoration of Aaun Following the fall of the Kingdom of Oren to the Harvest Revolution, the Harvest Confederacy was established as its successor in the Heartlands. This Confederation would at first prove to be highly successful, with a multitude of Lords settling upon its lands to form their own towns and cities, each with almost complete freedom from any centralised authority. Among these Lords were the Houses of Alstion, Barclay, and Alstreim. The dream of the Confederation would end shortly though, as merely a decade after its inception, the boy-baron of Acre marched his men, along with the rest of Confederacy's soldiery, who believed they were merely visited a wedding, into Balian, where he suddenly took up arms in an attempt to kill one of the lords of Balian, Lucius Galbraith, who had previously defected from the Confederacy. The failed assassination resulted in Baron’s capture, and an ultimatum was published against the Confederacy, demanding that a new de-facto leader be elected and that any of the Lords be given the chance to secede from the union, with the Commonwealth of Petra doing so. The ultimatum was accepted, with Charles I Alstion elected unanimously as the de-facto leader of the Confederacy, and it was there that the Kingdom of Aaun would see its rebirth. With the unanimous consent of the Lords present, Charles declared the formation of Aaun to follow in the footsteps of the Confederacy, and fix the flaws that had plagued it, mainly the missing of a central - although lenient - authority, the lack of such having been the cause of the haphazard foreign policy which led to the Confederacy’s dowfall. III. Society A hand-drawn depiction of the ratification of the Great Charter of Aaun, 1900. The Aaunic society is built upon the principles of shared authority and representation. The King’s authority is limited, and ruling without the approval and consent of the peerage is extremely hard. Each vassal is afforded a representative who sits and votes in the Royal Diet, the legislative body of the Realm, and accordingly the King acts as the Realm’s representative diplomatically, projecting the Diet’s will and policies abroad. It is generally accepted in Aaunic society that the King rules by the people, for the people, with the people. The Charter of Aaun The Charter acts as the Aaunic Constitution, and unlike many realms, the supreme and final authority of the Realm. In the Charter are stated the powers and responsibilities of the Crown, the Royal Diet, the Peerage and the Offices of the Realm. None stand above these statements, and changing them requires a 2/3rds majority in the Royal Diet along with the King’s signature. The Royal Diet Sharing authority with the King, the Royal Diet acts as the Parliament of the Realm, where each of the Noble Estates are afforded a seat and a singular vote. The Diet has the authority to approve or reject diplomatic pacts, declarations of war, ennoblement of new Noble Estates, as well as passing legislation and generally deciding on the course the Kingdom will take. The Diet is led by the Grand Peer, who is elected by the Noble Estates, and it falls unto them to summon the Diet and serve as its President. For a motion to pass, the Diet requires a simple majority, but a 2/3rds majority when the Charter’s declarations are altered. Every motion also requires the King’s signature, and if not given such, is reintroduced to the Diet, which may choose to overrule the King’s veto and make it an official decree. The Royal Offices The Government of the Kingdom consists of the Royal Offices. These offices act as the continuation of the King’s authority, so only the King has the authority to command and appoint their holders. The Offices don't have direct authority to act outside of the Crownlands, but during crises or wartime, the Royal Diet may choose to empower the King, and therefore the Offices, with greater authority. IV. Lords and Ladies of the Kingdom Another hand-drawn depiction, this time of King Charles Alstion promoting the County of Minitz into a Duchy during a Comital Court. As is natural for a feudal Kingdom, Aaun possesses a large variety of vassals of different cultures and histories, all united under the Charter and the guidance of the King. Each vassal is granted a large degree of autonomy to dictate their own business, as well as land in which to settle themselves and govern as they see fit. Each Noble Estate also has the right to - with the approval of the King or Diet - land petty nobles in their lands. Crownlands of Alstion The lands which have not been granted to a vassal belong to the Prince of Alstion, who also reigns as the King of Aaun. The King has ultimate authority in the Crownlands, which currently encompass approximately half of the Kingdom, including the capital of Aaun, the ruined city of Vienne. While the Crownlands do not yet host any remarkable institutions, once the renovation of Vienne is completed, the Crownlands will host the Royal Family and the government of the Kingdom, as well as the legendary Nauzican Brigade. Principality of Merryweather Being the only other Principality in the realm besides Alstion, Merryweather is ruled by the ancient Waldenian family of Alstreim, who rule from their castle at Corwinsburg, with their lands encompassing the nearby areas as well as the ruins of Grodno. The Principality is currently looking for guards for the Princely House, as well as those who would take interest in taking part in the Waldenic Diet as a scribe or historian. The current reigning Prince of Merryweather is the Lord Vandalore, Ottomar von Alstreim. Duchy of Minitz The Duchy of Minitz, situated in the old lands of Rivia, is a Reinmaren Duchy ruled by the House of Barclay. The Duchy takes great pride in their brotherhood and institutions, with a society of both tribal and feudal nature, with most of the Duchy’s positions chosen by vote by the tribesmen. If one wishes to integrate into the Reinmaren society, they must first complete the Trials of the Reinmaren, after which they can become a soldier in Theoderic’s Warband, a squire of the Knights of St. Tylos, or partake in other offices such as the Bailiff’s or the Lawspeaker’s. The current Duke of Minitz is Leon Barclay. As a society of combined feudal and tribal practices, the Reinmaren tribes of Minitz act as the main sub-communities. Differently for noble houses, anyone can join a Reinmaren tribe, as long as they undergo the required trials and rituals to become one. Margraviate of Velen The Margraviate of Velen is based on the Waldenian culture, with most of the Velenic people subscribing to the Aschenwalder subsect, named after their home, the Aschenwald. The current ruling family of Velen is the House of Reuss, with Leopold von Reus as their Margrave. The Velenic people are great huntsmen and dog-breeders, with hunts out to the Aschenwald being a regular event. They also host their own personal levy and court. The Margrave also hosts a number of petty vassals under them, most of whom are of Waldenian origin as well. These peers pay direct fealty to the Margrave, and are not considered Noble Estates of the Kingdom: The County of Talmberg, ruled by the House of Wexler; the Barony of Alsace, ruled by the House of de Reanoux; and finally, the Barony of Arentania, ruled by the House of Bardenwig-Alstreim. Margraviate of Haute-Epine The Margraviate of Haute-Epine bases itself on the Auvergnian culture; it is a peerage held by one of the surviving Auvergnian Houses, that of de Rosius. They are situated within the Arentanian Alps and are currently under the leadership of Louis Joseph de Rosius. The Margraviate is known for its ability to create job opportunities and is specialised in the forging of weaponry and thus trading it. County of Veletzia The County of Veletzia is ruled by the House of Sarkozic, with Heinrik Sarkozic acting as the Count of Veletzia. The Veletzians take great pride in their Raevir heritage, with a large number of their citizens having a connection to the old Duchy of Adria and its lands. Their culture and traditions also closely follow that of the old Adrians, and the County is always seeking more people who wish to live the Raevir life to join them. Currently, the Veletzians reside next to the Aaunic Kingsroad, with a new home for them being built as you read this. The County is also home to the Host of St. Arpad, a group of Raevir soldiers who are lead by Lord Jan Ivanovich. The Host takes pride in their sense of brotherhood and unity, with them wandering adventures around Almaris on a regular basis. Most of the Host’s soldiers are of Raevir descent, though all are welcome to join. Viscounty of Hohengarten The Viscounty of Hohengarten bases itself on its Waldenian, particularly Reinmaren culture. It is a peerage held by a new family, the von Augustens. The founding couple, being of the Bishops of Haense, and the Orennian family d’Azor. Hohengarten sits high in the Arentanian Alps; its towers and vineyards being that of breathtaking beauty. The Viscounty, currently held by Cosima von Augusten, takes pride in their policies of tolerance, acceptance, and unity within their court. Taking in any of need, and offering a place to call their own. V. Culture The culture of Aaun is rather mixed, caused by the multitude of vassals and people originating from different lands coming to call Aaun their homeland. While most of the Aaunic people consider themselves Heartlanders and follow the traditions and ways fitting for their people, Aaun also has large Waldenian and Raevir minorities, with the Waldenians residing in Minitz, Velen and Merryweather, while the Raevir have settled mostly in the County of Veletzia. Among the Kingdom’s Heartlanders are the Auvergnians, living at the Margraviate of Haute-Epine. While the Aaunic people are differentiated by their traditions and ways, they are all united in their undying faith to GOD and His Canonist Church. During the Kingdom of Oren and the Harvest Confederacy, a large minority of Canonists following the Owynist sect existed, but now that following has been reduced greatly, though still existing to some decree. The Aaunic people don't have a universal dress code nor any common treats and drinks that can be found in every corner of the Kingdom, with each dressing and eating that which belongs to their own culture. While Aaun is extremely multicultural, every citizen of Aaun is still united in their wish for peace and stability for the Heartlands, as well as brotherhood and unity under the Crown and Charter. VI. Getting settled at Aaun A map of the Aaunic heartlands and the Kingsroad from Eastport to the ruined city of Vienne. Interested in taking part and maybe becoming a citizen of the United Kingdom? Well, it’s your lucky day! Aaun has a large variety of different hubs, each offering something a little bit different. While each land owns their own levy, court and councils, here’s a few suggestions where to head in regards to what intrigues you! While there are some potential candidates listed down below, they aren’t all! If any questions arise, please send a letter to Johann Barclay [Frymark], and you’ll be settled in Aaun in no time. Below, a list of contacts would be attached for those in need of such; Principality of Alstreim - Prince Ottomar Alstreim [Meleutherius] Duchy of Minitz - Duke Leon Barclay [GoodGuyMatt2k] Theoderic’s Warband - Chieftain Siegfried Barclay [StillAMiniguy] Margraviate of Velen - Margrave Leopold von Reuss [Optimus420] Host of St. Arpad - Jan Ivanovich [Optimus420] Margraviate of Haute-Epine - Louis Joseph [sashimichopped] County of Veletzia - Heinrik Sarkozic [Beamon4] Viscounty of Hohengarten - Cosima von Augusten [Frank_Dog]

[!] The following letter would be nailed beneath the missive sent by the Prince of Sedan, while also being delivered to the Prince personally. To the Prince of Sedan, Greetings, Prince Frederick. Your recent letter regarding the presumed actions conducted by your uncle, Prince Louis have certainly come as a surprise to each good Canonist, including our King and his Royal Council. What he has done and plans to do we cannot say, so let me be clear to you, my brother in faith, of what we do know. There has been no discussion of your uncle’s ascension into our realm’s nobility, nor any whispers or plans of such. By all accounts, Prince Louis is a free man and can do as he wishes, so if he himself decides to pursue peerage in our realm, we will not be stopping such. Let our realm also give your’s our word, under the eyes of GOD, that while an Alstion reigns in the Heartlands, the Hero-City of Haverlock and its lands will remain as the only thing suitable for such a place; a memory of sacrifice, courage and loyalty. In addition, If an Aaunic citizen has broken the laws and edicts of Sedan, we welcome the Principality to meet with us to discuss the terms of mutual extradition and continuing of good relations between two Canonist Princes. God be with you and your people. BY THE WILL OF AAUN, On behalf of the King, his Council and the peerage, His Excellency, Johann Ritter Barclay von Freimark, Royal Marshal of Aaun, Knight-Commander of Minitz, Royal Representative of the King

Aus Einigkeit Kraft ON THE VANDER CODE A Study on the Vander Code and the definition of a Vander The Vander code has existed for centuries, since the earliest inceptions of the legendary Order of St. Lucien itself. For long, the Code was everything to men who would call themselves Waldenian, and its teachings were held to as closely as the Holy Scrolls themselves. Yet, the Code has fallen into obscurity. Its teachings are now regarded as merely words on a paper, a memory of the lost glories and ways of old. For us to be able to restore the Code, we must first explore it and define what the Code wishes of us. Why do Vanders fight? To fear the Creator and maintain His Church A vander must never disrespect or doubt GOD almighty, his Canonist Church, his scrolls, his High Pontiff. They must never seek to undermine the Holy Mother Church, nor support those who would. In addition, they must never father Bastards or be in acceptance of those who would do such. To serve the Liege Lord in valour and faith A Vander shan’t ever rebel nor undermine his Liege, who he has given his word of Loyalty. While such can be easily seen as the code’s meaning, can the phrase ‘’In Valour and faith’’ also be interpreted as the Vander only being obliged to serve and follow his Liege when the Liege acts justly and is pious. To refrain from the wanton giving of offense The Vander shall hold his tongue and hand in anything that can be considered cruel, unjust or uncalled for. They must have a clear mind and be able to act with care and precision. To live by honor and for glory Their lives should be headed by acts of honor and never fall into acts of dishonor or injustice. Their goal in life should be to gain glory for themselves, their family, other Vanders and the greater Waldenic culture. To despise pecuniary reward A Vander’s actions should never be commanded by the promise of temporary reward, such as titles, coin or pleasure. A Vander's actions should be headed by the promise of the Seven Skies, and of the memory of justice, honor, glory and righteousness. To obey those placed in authority A Vander shan’t ever disobey commands and directives of those who are above him. To guard the honor of fellow Vanders As is the way of Knights, a Vander must always stand guard and be ready to protect the honor of their comrades, if it ever be under question, for if the honor of one Vander and Waldenian is brought under question, so is the honor of us all. To keep faith Not only to the GOD and his Church, but never to question the word of another Vander and fall into despair. To at all times speak the truth Truth can never be hidden, and a Vander should know this. They must at all times be honest and true to their word, or be damned for eternity. To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun Once a quest or a promise is embarked and acted upon, the Vander shant rest or give up until he has completed his task. To not see promises completed creates shame and distrust. To never refuse a challenge from an equal If there ever comes a time when a challenge is issued against the Vander by one matching or surpassing his status, the Vander must see that it is met accordingly. To not do such shall forever shame the Vander and his companions as cowards. To never turn back upon a foe Us Waldenians are not cowards. A Vander must always remain in the fight and never run, for he who runs is shamed and dishonored. Such are the words of the Code, by which us all should abide. The natural question that rises when discussing the Code though, is who defines when one has become a Vander? Usually, it is trusted upon the person himself to follow the Code and once he sees fitting, call himself a Vander. I do not believe such to be proper in modern times, though. The duty of defining Vanders should rest with the Lord Vandalore, who himself must at all times adhere to the Code fully and perfectly. If someone is to ever break the Code, should they be stripped of the honor of calling themselves a Vander, and be punished with other measures fitting his act of dishonor and crime. The Electors of the Waldenic Diet should also always be in adherence to the Code, and I suggest the temporary removal of an Electorate or the change of the Electorate’s representative, if the current one fails to adhere to the Code and breaks it. We speak too often of times of glory and how righteous and just our ancestors were. It is time to put away the memories of old, and restore them to reality. This duty belongs to every Waldenian and Vander, even you. GOTT MIT UNS, Herr Ludwig von Alstreim

"A disgrace." The Marshal spat on the ground upon having read the missive