LazyBacon220

☼ BY ORDER OF THE PALATIODORA☼ ☼ A New Beginning ☼ ISSUED BY THE ☼ Palatiodora ☼ ON THE 16th OF PETER’S GLORY, 106 B.A. The Palatiodora, Ser Tristan de Lyons, has found it extremely necessary to enhance the recruitment to the Courta Cometa. For too long, the future, and necessity of the Courta Cometa has seemed uncertain. The Court has seen brief periods of activity followed by long periods of INACTIVITY. Ser Tristan wishes to change this permanently. The first step to that will be a brief summary of the court positions as well as an all-call for recruitment. Almost every single position is open. For those interested in joining the courts, send a letter to Ser Tristan de Lyons. ✧────────────⥼☼⥽────────────✧ I ⥼ THE DIVISION OF THE PALATIO’S COURTIERS ⥽ The Kingdom of Balian’s Palatio during a rainy, Balianese night. LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AMET. The Office of the Household is one of the most notable and the most sought after office in the Courta Cometa. It consists of Palatio courtiers to the Crown Prince or Princess as well as the rest of the Royal Family. Serving in this office also grants the opportunity of living within the Palatio and using its grounds for yourself. ✧⥼☼⥽✧ II ⥼ THE DIVISION OF THE PALATIO’S JESTERS AND HUNSTMAN⥽ The Fairgrounds of Balian, where many contests of strength and skill are held. LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AMET. The Office of Entertainment is one of the most exciting offices of the Courta Cometa. Recently expanded to include the Master of the Hunt position, the Office of Entertainment is the home of all bards, jesters, and huntsmen. Lead the Kingdom in plays, stories, and hunts in the Office of Entertainment! ✧⥼☼⥽✧ III ⥼ THE DIVISION OF THE PALATIO’S MAGES AND ALCHEMISTS ⥽ The mage and alchemical towers of St. Lothar’s Hold. LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AMET. The Office of Enchantment is the most mystical division of the Courta Cometa. Housing the alchemists and mages of Balian, the Office of Enchantment is constantly innovating, coming up with new potions or machines. The Office of Enchantment also provides an opportunity to study under the great mages and alchemists in Balian. One day, you could lead this Office! ✧⥼☼⥽✧ IV ⥼ THE DIVISION OF THE PALATIO’S HISTORIES⥽ The Libraries of the Palatio, where the knowledge of the realm is kept. LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AMET. The Office of Cultivation is the home of Balian’s recordkeeping. Here, the genius minds of Balian comb through missives and put together the puzzle pieces of the past. In addition to the histories and archives, this office also specializes in the wardrobe and fashion of Balian. If you are looking to make your mark on history or wish to design pieces of clothing for royalty, this is the office for you! ✧────────────⥼☼⥽────────────✧ LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AMET. All offices of the Courta Cometa are distinctly and wonderfully different yet they all come together to form a cohesive and functioning Court. However, in order to accomplish this goal, the offices need to be full of aspiring young scholars, entertainers, mages, alchemists, tailors, and courtiers. We look forward to seeing you in the Courta Cometa, leading the way for the future of Balian. CREDIT: Writing: LazyBacon_ Formatting: Esotericas Her Royal Majesty, Sybille I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of Balian, Princess of Providence, Duchess of Helena, Reutov, Sunholdt and Lorraine, Countess of Pompourelia and Barçevina, Viscountess of Eflen and Anatis, Baroness of Renzfeld, Brucca, Valens, Malenos, Montcoure and Ciavola, Lady of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. His Excellency, Ser Tristan de Lyons Heir to Enderoca, Palatiodora of the Courta Cometa, Knight of the Order of Saint Michael

[!] Missives are distributed across the Kingdom of Balian, each hung with vines of thorns..[!] Peace…is at its end. You wretched souls of the tropics! Too long, have I watched. Too long have I waited, praying to the Herald that your hearts would change. No More. I have not forgotten my promise to you, weak Balian. Judgement Day is coming. I am but a mere prophet, the hand of a GOD. Take up your chains, wretched fools. Bind them to your wrists, for you will toil in the fields of eternity bound to the sins of your lives. All dragons will die. You continue to worship the spawn of daemons. Your ignorance has already cost you. It will soon be your end. THIS, I promise you. Seven Atonements for Seven Dragons. Your weakling heir will walk his atonement first. Take up your chains, wretched Balian. Toil in your fields. The Herald is coming. You know my name.

(On my phone, will format better when I’m on my PC) Baron Casimir Marius Vilac scoffed at the missive “Protector of the South?” He questioned, letting out a loud laugh throughout the Valio Villa. “You are a child. You would not be able to protect your own ass from a hungry hound.” He crumpled up the missive, throwing it into a lit brazier next to his desk. “When the bastards in Veletz tried to take my titles, I responded. They’re in their graves now. I wonder if Her Majesty will do the same…”

THE MONARCHS OF BALIAN A Completed Study and Report of the Past, Present, and Future Monarchs of the Kingdom of Balian Written, Updated, and Edited By: Lord Casimir Marius Vilac 一 The Monarch of Balian, is the absolute ruler and authoritative figure in the Kingdom of Balian. The only authority higher than the Crown is GOD. The Monarch has the final say in all matters of state and has no equal in legal power. In order to effectively rule, the Monarch of Balian elects a Duana, originally known as the Ducal Chamber, which is a small, trusted group of individuals that carry out specific tasks in the governance of Balian. The Duana contains the Constable, Legate, Domus Ministri, Magister, Procurator, Palatiodora, and Amiratus. The Amiratus, or Chief Minister, is the King’s personal advisor and the penultimate authority within the Kingdom. The Amiratus also manages and runs the Duana. The Monarch of Balian is never seen far away from their Consort. All Queen-Consorts and Prince-Consorts thus far have been of noble lineage, hold considerable sway in matters and help run the kingdom effectively. Note that they do not have equal power to the Monarch. The current ruling family in Balian is House Novellen. Once the Imperial House in the Holy Orenian Empire, the remnants marched South after the Brother’s War and founded the Grand Duchy of Balian under King John I. House Novellen has existed since 1753, after the Union between Joseph I and Anne I, and has a strong future ahead of it. 一一一一一一一一一一 I King King John I of Balian John Casimir Novellen 1817-1900 | 21 B.A. - 33 B.A. | 1867 - 1900 @Imperium Consort: Gwenyth of Karosgrad Children: Alexander I, King of Balian, Princess Royal Constantia Irene Novellan, Princess Augustina Therosia Novellen, Countess of Salia, Prince Constantine Antonius Novellen, Archduke of Petra, Princess Persephone Maxima Novellen-Vilac John Casimir, or John I, was the first King of Balian and the only Grand Duke of the Grand Duchy of Balian. Born in 1817 in the Holy Orenian Empire under the reign of Philip II, he was the second son of Prince Philip Aurelian Novellen, the Heir Apparent of the Empire. The early years of John I were unremarkable, to say the least, and he fell into the background, as he was never meant to rule. But rule, he did. Growing up as a member of the Imperial Household, John Casimir had access to the finest education and became proficient in a multitude of fields, including Military Command, Politics, Economics, and others. However, he had a remarkable prowess for militarism, as was shown in the later years of his life. When the War of the Wigs erupted between Oren and Urguan, John served alongside his brother, Philip III, and fought in numerous battles, including the Siege of Haverlock and the Battle of Lower Petra, two major victories for the Imperials. Soon, though, the golden years of the Holy Orenian Empire came to a close after the tragic deaths of John’s brother, Philip III, and his wife. When the Brother’s War erupted between Prince Frederick Novellen and Peter IV, John sided with the Imperialists. After a decisive battle in New Providence, Peter IV is slain, and John Casimir rallies what little remains of the Imperialist forces. Facing utter defeat from the Royalists, John leads the remnants south, following the Star of Saint Lothar. Crossing oceans and wandering through deserts, John Casimir eventually landed upon a mount, which was named Monterosa. There he declared the formation of a new nation, the Grand Duchy of Balian, and the construction of a new city, Atrus. With the help of his consort, Gwenyth of Atrus, John I built up the city of Atrus and led the Orenian remnants in creating a new haven for all. Still, the new Balianese found backlash and heartache from the original inhabitants of the land: the Nashifah Confederacy. In what would become known as the War of the Ruffians, the Grand Duchy of Balian, alongside their Norlandic and Hyspian allies, fought against the Nashifah and secured their foothold in the southern deserts of Almaris. In the aftermath of the war, John continued to develop the Grand Duchy of Balian, implementing the Ducal Chamber and other changes. The Grand Duchy and its citizens flourished in the desert, and soon it would no longer be a Grand Duchy but a Kingdom. Finally, in 21 B.A, John Casimir Novellen is crowned King John I of Balian, beginning his twelve year reign as King. His Queen-Consort, however, became more absent, shying away from the public. Though the two remained loyal till the end of their days, the public rarely saw the Queen-Consort. So much so that it was assumed she perished. John I, unwavering, continued to develop the Kingdom of Balian, issuing land permits to the noble houses. Finally, in 1900, 33 B.A., John I fell ill and became bed-ridden alongside his loyal wife, Gwenyth Anaystasia. John I continued to try and govern the Kingdom alongside his Royal Chamber, but it was in vain. It was the royal couple’s time to depart. The Queen-Consort passed on, and in the very next hour, the reign of John I, First King and Grand Duke of Balian, came to an end. 一一一一一一一一一一 II King King Alexander I of Balian Alexandros Casimir Novellen 1861-1921 | 33 B.A. - 54 B.A. @Shmeepicus Consort: Yelena of Marsana Children: Adrian I, King of Balian, Prince Alexios Michael Novellen, Count of Pavano, Princess Royal Elena Casimira Novellen de Lyons, Countess of Rosemoor, Princess Lydia Antheia Novellen, Countess of Caluzzo Alexandros Casimir Novellen, more commonly known as Alexander, was the firstborn child of John I and Gwenyth of Atrus. Born in 1861 in the Holy Orenian Empire, under the reign of Philip III, his childhood was a tumultuous one, filled with wars and violence. Living through near back-to-back wars, Alexander never had the childhood a child deserves. At the age of only 7, Alexander and his father, John I, led the Imperialist remnants south to rebuild after the loss of the Brother’s War. After establishing the Grand Duchy of Balian atop Monterosa, Alexander began to adapt to his new life in the South. During his teen years, it was common to see Alexander training with the Company of Balian among its officers. While he never officially took up rank within the Balian military, it was noted that he displayed remarkable proficiency with the bow on horseback. Some may say that Alexander’s training with the Company may have saved his life on numerous occasions. Alexander continued to participate in various skirmishes and battles as the Grand Duchy of Balian maintained its foothold in the South. He fought alongside John I in the War of the Ruffians, helping to secure multiple decisive Balian victories. At a young age, Prince Alexander began to develop feelings for Yelena Lorena vas Ruthern. Yelena had grown up much like Alexander in the shadows of the Brother’s War and retreated to Balian alongside the rest of the Imperialist remnants. As the pair grew closer in the Grand Duchy, they both fell in love and were wed in 1882. Alexander continued to help with the ruling of Balian, standing in for his father when needed. When the Kingdom of Balian was formed, Alexander took on the role of heir apparent, not to a Grand Duchy but to a kingdom. A king to be. Following the death of King John I in 33 B.A., Alexandros Casimir Novellen ascended the throne as King Alexander I of Balian, thus beginning a twenty-one year reign. In many ways, Alexander’s reign was marked by peace, justice, and prosperity. After the chaos of his childhood and the chaos that befell the Orenian Empire, Alexander led the kingdom of Balian into an era of opulence. That is, until tales of a vile beast began to spread around the continent. A name that made even the strongest of knights tremble in fear. Cloudbreaker. Thus began one of the largest mobilization efforts in the history of Almaris. A war against the dead was about to be waged. As the forces of Iblees began to enact terror on the land, the soldier King led the charge against it. Alongside his Duana, Princess Lydia Antheia, and Seneschal Ledicort Vuiller, a covenant was drafted that was named The Atrus Covenant. In one of the most spectacular accomplishments of the Kingdom of Balian, for the first time in what seemed like decades, the descendants were united. From Urguan to Vortice to the Iron Horde, a united front was built with the singular goal of slaying the undead. And so, the day came. The sky above Atrus darkened, and the crackling of crimson lightning was seen throughout the desert. The Atrus Covenant stood ready to defend the city. As the siege began, that vile beast was spotted—a cruel, imposing skeleton of what once might have been a majestic being. Undead flesh hung from the wings and bones of the creature. Teeth the size of longswords lined its jaw, ready to crush a man in seconds. The drake flew towards Atrus, and the fight began. The soldier King stood with his men and even his children, organizing the effort to destroy the evil Cloudbreaker. The Atrus Covenant fought tooth and nail against the undead until, finally, victory was achieved and Atrus was saved from annihilation. King Alexander I had slain a dragon. Despite the incredible feat of killing the undead, Alexander became known for more than just fighting. After the events of the Siege of Cloudbreaker, the soldier King became no more. Instead, he began a dream. A dream that is shared by his son and heir, Hadrian. The dream of Pax Humanis. Even towards the end of Alexander’s rule, when the Adrian rebellion took place, he never wavered in his dream of peace. In the waning hours of his reign, Alexander I formed a new covenant, or a League. The Canonist League was formed, uniting much of humanity under one banner. As he grew older, Alexander came down with a terrible disease, much like his father. For two years, Alexander’s son Hadrian and Gaius var Ruthern ran the kingdom. Night befell the Palatio Monterosa in Atrus. Tales began to circulate within the palace that Alexander’s time had come. As his children and close relatives were called up to his room, it became clear what was happening. One by one, the visitors came and went, saying their goodbyes to their King. And as his chest fell still, King Alexander I, ‘the Just,’ of Balian joined his brother, mother, and father. 一一一一一一一一一一 III King King Adrian I of Balian Hadrian Casimir Novellen 28 B.A. - 89 B.A.| 54 B.A. - 89 B.A. @ErikAzog Consort: Andromeda of Ba’as Children: Princess Johanna Casimira Novellen, Princess of Monterosa, Heir Apparent to Balian, Prince Alexander Casimir Novellen, Count of Pontazuro, Sybille I Queen of Balian, Countess of Senna, Princess Eirene Daria Novellen, Countess of Caluzzo, Prince Michael Marcellus Novellen Hadrian Casimir Novellen, also known as Adrian, was the firstborn child of King Alexander I of Balian and Yelena of Marsana. Born in 1895, Hadrian Casimir Novellen lived a relatively peaceful life throughout his childhood, quite the opposite of his father. During the Siege of Cloudbreaker, he and his sister, Lydia, took up arms against the beast and the undead. As Hadrian aged, he became more interested in the arts of alchemy, taking various lessons and learning a variety of skills, becoming one of the most skilled alchemists in the Kingdom of Balian. During his teenage years, the Prince became acquainted with the newly arrived Princess Andromeda of Ba’as. A striking and elegant figure, Andromeda quickly made a name for herself within the Kingdom and on Hadrian. Approving of the match, King Alexander I of Balian announced in a missive the eventual marriage between Hadrian and Andromeda, which was scheduled for the year 1920, 27 B.A. The wedding and celebrations took place, and it was soon known that Princess Andromeda was with child. As the years changed, it became clear that King Alexander would not see another year. Hadrian and Andromeda said their goodbyes to the aging king, and King Alexander passed away. Hadrian Casimir Novellen ascended the Balianese throne as King Adrian I of Balian, beginning his thirty-five year reign. Before the coronation of Adrian I, Andromeda of Ba’as gave birth to the Heir Apparent of Balian, a spry Princess! Princess Johanna Casimira Novellen became set to inherit the throne of Balian Adrian I continued his father’s wishes, condemning the Adrian Rebellion and continuing to build relations with other nations as well as strengthening the Canonist League. However, the most defining moment of Adrian’s reign thus far is soon to come. Whispers across the continent of Almaris began to surface of a new foe, stronger and more powerful than the undead faced at the Siege of Cloudbreaker. They were soon given a name. The Mori’quessir. As the Mori Invasion began to carve its way throughout the continent, the descendants banded together once more to put an end to this seemingly impossible foe. Skirmishes and battles were fought all across Almaris as every nation faced the threat head on But it soon became apparent: The Mori would succeed. Still, the descendants fought back, even after the Fall of Alisgrad in Norland and other strongholds, until the Mori began knocking at the gates of Atrus. A sandstorm kicked up, and Atrus came under siege. The Mori surged forward, and the Balianese, led by Adrian I, fought back. For the veterans of Balian, it was reminiscent of the Siege of Cloudbreaker. But for many, it was their first taste of combat at home. As the battle waged on, the Balianese saw that it was to no avail. Where one was killed, two took their place. An evacuation order was announced, and the citizens of the Kingdom took refuge in the ruins of Savoy. That was the last stand against the Mori’quessir. The time grew near, and the descendants gave it their all. Every survivor, soldier, woman, and child fought with everything they had. But it was no use. Adrian I led his people to safety, aboard ships that carried the survivors to new, uncharted waters. After a brief stop on the island of Failor, Balian found its new home on the continent of Aevos. There, King Adrian I and Queen-Consort Andromeda of Ba’as established a new city: Portoregne. The Kingdom of Balian grew strong and prosperous in the early years of Aevos. The Royal Balianese Armada was formed. New peerages were given, and new lands were discovered and claimed. The Kingdom of Balian became a large supplier of military equipment, including the newly discovered Daemonsteel. But a joy in the hearts of all was soon taken away. Princess Johanna Casimiar Novellen, heiress of Balian, set sail on a voyage in the early hours of a fateful morning. Soon, a storm came, taking her ship with it. Adrian I sent the Marines of Balian’s Armada to find her, but it was to no avail. The only thing left of the spry princess was the wreckage of her ship. The Heiress of Balian was announced to be dead, and the title passed to Adrian’s firstborn son, Alexander Casimira, and soon after, to his daughter: Sibyl Gwenyth Novellen. As the kingdom mourned the loss of their beloved princess, the years came and went. Adrian continued to learn alchemy, delving into the art of smoggers. A decision that would ultimately be the end of him. His steadfast Amiratus, Gaius var Ruthern, retired, and in his place, Elena Casimira Novellen de Lyons became the kingdom’s next Amiratus. Adrian and his sister would lead Balian into the next era and through the darkness that loomed on the horizon. But before the continental wide conflict, a personal conflict occurred at home for the King. His Queen-Consort, Andromeda of Ba'as, sought to emancipate herself from the Kingdom of Balian, claiming that Adrian I was an “unfaithful king.” The King of Balian responded swiftly to the Queen Mother, and a divorce for the royal couple was soon ratified by the Church. Adrian stated the treasons of Andromeda, and for this, he gained the respect of his subjects. I have never seen the Queen Mother since that fateful day, but I doubt she is as beautiful as she once was. I am doubtless, though, in the wickedness of her heart. After the debacle at home, Adrian continued to lead his people, but there was no more peace for him. It became known that up north, the League of Veletz and its ally, Stassion, were causing trouble. They harbored ferrymen and bandits, highwaymen and raiders, and brought hate to this world. The Crown Princess of Balian, Sibyl Gwenyth, and a small party were traveling north. The Princess was heavily pregnant at the time with her first child but Veletz and Stassion did not care. They preyed on her and took her. In response, the Canonist nations rode out to rescue the princess under the Church’s banner. She returned home and soon gave birth to a son: Alexandros Casimir Novellen. As the child was born, so too was war. More crimes became known of the League of Veletz. They abducted children. They assassinated a King. They abducted pregnant women and preyed on the weak. The continent of Aevos could not idly sit by and let these atrocities go unanswered. Adrian I of Balian, alongside Aleksandr II of Haense, Cesar II of Hyspia, Catherine I of the Petra, and Garedyn the Emerald of Urguan, formed the Covenant of Five, better known as the Covenant. Soon to be joined by the Kingdom of Aaun, the largest army ever assembled prepared to fight. Banners were raised and steel was sharpened for the unrighteous blood of Veletz, and Stassion would stain the Heartlands. Operation Anchor began. The Siege of Breakwater was the first large-scale battle in the War against Veletz. The Covenant smashed Breakwater, leaving nothing but burnt stumps and dust from the stone walls that once stood menacingly over the Heartlands. Then Operation Overdraft occurred. Better known as the Siege of Brasca, the Covenant again smashed the walls down. To many it seemed that the war was going to be over soon, after only two years of fighting. How naive we were. Operation Ashen Sky was a field battle, near the ruins of Brasca. In fact, the shattered walls of Brasca loomed over the field that Ashen Sky would try to take. The Covenant heavily outnumbered the forces of Veletz and Stassion two to one. It was one of the largest armies ever assembled. And it was cut to shreds. Eighteen thousand men and women were cut down due to the slow Daemonsteel armour that the covenant wore. A monumental defeat for the Covenant and the League began their offensive, aiming their sights at the Kingdom of Balian. The Defense of Balian, or the Battle of Hippo’s Gorge, was a fight like no other and Adrian I of Balian did not live to see it. The years of perfecting his alchemical craft destroyed his body. The smog from his machines coated his lungs. Hadrian Casimir, my cousin and friend, passed away, surrounded by his friends and family. His father’s dream of Pax Humanis was passed on to his daughter. 一一一一一一一一一一 I Queen Queen Sybille I of Balian Sibyl Gwenyth Novellen 59 B.A - Present | 90 B.A. - Present @HIGH_FIRE Consort: Ezren of Tuvia Children: Prince Alexandros Casimir Novellen, Prince of Monterosa, Duke of Atrus, Heir Apparent of Balian, Princess Royal Ariadne Casimira, Duchess of Rosemoor, Princess Elianos Hadrian, and Princess Ophelia Johanna Born Sibyl Gwenyth Novellen, Queen Sybille I of Balian, is the third-born child of Adrian I and Andromeda of Ba’as. After the tragic passing of her sister, Johanna Casimira, and the unwillingness to take on the role of heir from her elder twin brother, Sibyl was named the Princess of Monterosa and became the Heir of Balian during the latter years of her father’s reign. Instead of following in her father’s footsteps in studying alchemy, Sibyl has become a fashion icon in Balian. Representing the vibrant culture of the Kingdom through stark contrasts of color and striking outfits, she is the very definition of Balian. The early years of Sibyl Novellen were during the peace of her father’s reign. During her childhood, she grew close to Ezren Kervallen, son of Ser Ephrem Kervallen, Viscount of Tuvia. The life of Ezren Kervallen is covered in The Consorts of the Kingdom of Balian. The two would later marry, and Ezren would become the kingdom’s first Prince-Consort. As previously mentioned, Sibyl's first pregnancy was a cataclysmic one, which became one of the reasons for the war against Veletz. Thankfully, the Princess of Monterosa survived and gave birth to her heir. The horrors of war stained the continent, and Veletz was bringing it close to home. Adrian I passed away, and Sybille I inherited a kingdom on the brink of invasion. The Battle of Hippo’s Gorge will go down in history as one of the most significant battles in all of Aevos’ history. The Covenant, limping from a heavy loss of eighteen thousand men, took the long march south to the archipelagos of Balian. There, they stood. The Covenant held firm on a small peninsula. Small fortifications dotted the landscape as cavalrymen rode in and out. The lines held firm. An elite strike force darted through the lines, targeting the higher ranking officials in the League’s armies. The order to ride out came. Once. The League reorganized. The horns blew again. Twice. The League’s line began to break. The ground thundered with the hooves of horses and Balianese hippos. A shout was heard. Thrice. The League’s line broke. Fifteen Thousand Covenant soldiers stood. The League kneeled. The League soldiers, who were not slaughtered by Covenant forces, were attacked by the beasts of the gorge. All defended their homes on this day. This was the crucible for Sybille’s reign, and she came out of the fire as pure gold. Following the defense of Balian, the Covenant executed Operation Equinox, aimed at eliminating the League’s foremost ally: Stassion. The Covenant marched north. Since the beginning of the war, the Covenant of Five has grown to eight and has been joined by Aaun, the Kingdom of Numendil, and the Kingdom of Norland. All banners helped defend Balian, and all banners marched now to Stassion. A large Covenant force amassed outside the hideous walls of Stassion. There, the Covenant massacred them. No soldier, who stood within the walls of the Anthill survived. Operation Solstice sieged the fort at Drusco. The battle was over in moments. The covenant scaled the cliffs of the river Petra, traversed across the bridge, and took the fort in mere minutes. Operation Talionis took the Northern Hinterlands of Veletz. The Covenant learned from their first field battle and slaughtered their foes. The League of Veletz was dissolved and formed into the Duchy of Adria. No matter, the Bull must die. Operation Retribution was announced, a three-pronged operation containing Operations Rising Tide, Setting Sun, and Dawn Comes. This operation never took place as peace talks began. Sybille I, along with her allies in the Covenant, issued the Winburgh Proclamation. The decade long war was over. A promise was kept to her late father that Balian would see the dawn. After a small group of rebels tried to declare independence, the Covenant officially established victory. A dream of Alexander I and Adrian I was now on the horizon. Pax Humanis. Following the decade-long war, Sybille has remained at home in Balian. The peace has been maintained, and my generation is slowly returning to the earth. Elena Casimira Novellen de Lyons, Amiratus of the Queen, was tragically killed. Her second son, Percival de Lyons, was appointed the next Amiratus. More tragedy loomed on the horizon. A fire was started in the Church of Portoregne. The Prince-Consort was one of the first to arrive. He, along with Sybille, faced a near omnipotent foe. Fire began to engulf the building. The Queen was trapped. Brave souls helped her escape the collapsing church. But Ezren stayed. The Prince-Consort was wrapped in a blinding light. His soul was given to Malchediael. The first Prince-Consort gave his life for his wife, his Queen. The pains of this time were felt by all, including myself. Ezren of Tuvia helped me find a wife, and Princess Elena was a close friend of mine. No one else will fill the hole that their deaths have left in my heart. I miss them dearly. Percival de Lyons stepped down from his position of Amiratus. His successor and current Amiratus is Kristoff var Ruthern. The Queen’s Duana has been hard at work to bring more culture and presence to the Kingdom of Balian, following the war. Sybille I recently joined her kingdom in celebrating the Balian Centennial. Yet, one of the most impactful moments of her reign occurred just recently. The Covenant that fought against the League of Veletz and the Duchy of Adria has been reformed into the Covenant of Man. The Covenant of Man is a united mankind. It is Pax Humanis. The continent of Aevos has entered a new age of peace and prosperity. Sybille I entered her reign on the brink of invasion, but her reign continues into the dawn of Pax Humanis. 一一一一一一一一一一 The Future King Prince Alexandros ‘Xander’ Casimir of Balian Alexandros Casimir Novellen 85 B.A. - Present @Harald Prince Alexandros Casimir Novellen is the first-born son of Sybille I and Ezren of Tuvia. Born at the beginning of the Covenant’s war against Veletz, he lived much of his early life sheltered inside the walls of Portoregne. Since the peace of the Winburgh Proclamation, Prince Xander has taken to exploring the wider continent of Aevos. There is still much life in the young prince and much more ahead. While I doubt that I will see his reign, I have full faith in his abilities. The high sun of Balian is still ahead of us all. 一一一一一一一一一一 SIGNED, Her Royal Majesty, Sybille I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of Balian, Princess of Providence, Duchess of Helena, Reutov, Sunholdt and Lorraine, Countess of Pompourelia and Kositz, 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. His Excellency, CASIMIR MARIUS VILAC, Baron of Valio, Patriarch of House Vilac, Gran Don of Balian, Lord Camareiro of the Palatio Arancione

The Lion’s Pride Do not Provoke the Lion Issued on the 3rd of Peter’s Glory 104 B.A. Since the immigration of the de Lyons family from the Commonwealth of Petra, decades ago, the family has seen peace under Balianese law, has climbed the ranks of peerage, claiming the title of Viscounty of Enderoca, and has provided many Duana members to serve the Kingdom. The family of de Lyons now expands once more. Ser Tristan de Lyons, along with his wife, Joanna de Lyons, announce the birth of their firstborn son: Samuel Alexandros de Lyons. @Artemis13His birth, which occurred a few years ago, was not announced due to the unknown regarding the child’s future. Shortly after coming into this world, Samuel was struck with a fever, and it was not known whether the child would survive. But the lion is not so easily put down, and Samuel Alexandros de Lyons survived the fever and is now a thriving young boy. Samuel will be named the heir-apparent of Ser Tristan de Lyons. Signed, The Most Honourable, Ser Robert Joseph de Lyons, Viscount of Enderoca, Erudit of the Order of the Silver Comet, Kritai of Balian His Excellency, Ser Tristan de Lyon, Heir of Enderoca, Palatiodora of the Courta Cometa, Knight of the Order of St. Michael Dona Joanna de Lyons

The Formal Draft of Balian Outline of the Responsibilities of Citizens During Wartime. Issued on the 11th of Sigismund's End 102 B.A. In the past decade, Aevos has collectively seen relative peace. Following the Coalition’s war against the League of Veletz and her allies, the hope of Pax Humana once again rests in the hearts of all. However, if war against the Kingdom of Balian would break out once again in the future, clarifying the Draft of Balian is necessary for future peers, citizens, and our posterity to prepare our soldiers for battle. Article I With this thought in mind, the greater need is that the noble houses of Balian, her peers, would set the example for the greater population of Balian. As such, peers would also have increased responsibilities based on the rank of their peerage and based on the job given to each peer in the Edict of Rosemoor. These new guidelines will be put in place, immediately following a formal declaration of war and end following the publication of a peace treaty between the Kingdom and her adversary. Henceforth: For Baronia: I. All capable members of the House, who have lived for at least 12 summers, must enlist and join the Regiment of St. Lothar. Only if a member has explicit permission from the Crown, may they not enlist II. For Granja-Don Baronias, contributions to the Crown will be increased by a factor of 1.25x, except leather, which is increased by a factor of 1.5x. The specific amounts are as follows: 7 and a half Crates of Hay Bales 5 Crates of Steak 4.5 Crates of Leather 5 Crates of a fourth chosen product of the region III. For Comerciant-Don Baronias, contributions to the Crown will be to a total value of two-hundred and twenty-five mina. IV. For Miniera-Don Baronias, contributions to the Crown will be increased by a factor of 1.25x, except Daemonsteel and Copper, which will be increased by a factor of 1.5x. The specific amounts are as follows: Three and three-quarters Crates of Coal 5 Crates of Redstone 5 Crates of Lapis 5 Crates of Iron 2 and a half Crates of Gold 1 and a half Crates of Daemonsteel 1 and a half Crates of Copper V. Baronias are expected to contribute at least one additional donation in the form of materials or mina to the Crown during war time. VI. Taxes on property will increase by 10 mina for the duration of the war. For Viscondato: I. All capable members of the House, who have lived for at least 12 summers, must enlist and join the Regiment of St. Lothar. Only if a member has explicit permission from the Crown, may they not enlist. II. For Granja-Don Viscondatos, contributions to the Crown will be increased by a factor of 1.5x, except leather, which is increased by a factor of 1.75x. The specific amounts are as follows: 9 Crates of Hay Bales 6 Crates of Steak 5 and a quarter Crates of Leather 6 Crates of a fourth chosen product of the region III. For Comerciant-Don Viscondatos, contributions to the Crown will be increased to a total value of two-hundred and fifty mina. IV. For Miniera-Don Viscondatos, contributions to the Crown will be increased by a factor of 1.5x, except for Daemonsteel and Copper, which will be increased by a factor of 2x. The specific amounts are as follows: 4 and a half Crates of Coal 6 Crates of Redstone 6 Crates of Lapis 6 Crates of Iron 3 Crates of Gold 2 Crates of Daemonsteel 2 Crates of Copper V. Viscondatos are expected to contribute at least one additional donation in the form of materials or mina to the Crown during wartime. VI. Taxes on property will increase by 10 mina for the duration of the war. For Condato: I. All capable members of the House, who have lived for at least 12 summers, must enlist and join the Regiment of St. Lothar. Only if a member has explicit permission from the Crown, may they not enlist. II. For Granja-Don Condatos, contributions to the Crown will be increased by a factor of 1.75x, except leather, which is increased by a factor of 2x. The specific amounts are as follows: 10 and a half Crates of Hay Bales 7 Crates of Steak 6 Crates of Leather 7 Crates of a fourth chosen product of the region III. For Comerciant-Don Condatos, contributions to the Crown will be increased to a total value of two-hundred and seventy-five mina. IV. For Miniera-Don Condatos, contributions to the Crown will be increased by a factor of 1.75x, except for Daemonsteel and Copper, which will be increased by a factor of 2.5x. The specific amounts are as follows: 5 and a quarter Crates of Coal 7 Crates of Redstone 6 Crates of Lapis 7 Crates of Iron 3 and a half Crates of Gold 2 and a half Crates of Daemonsteel 2 and a half Crates of Copper V. Condatos are expected to contribute at least two additional donations in the form of materials or mina to the Crown during wartime. VI. Taxes on property will increase by 10 mina for the duration of the war. For Ducato: I. All capable members of the House, who have lived for at least 12 summers, must enlist and join the Regiment of St. Lothar. Only if a member has explicit permission from the Crown, may they not enlist. II. For Granja-Don Condatos, contributions to the Crown will be increased by a factor of 2x, except leather, which is increased by a factor of 2.25x. The specific amounts are as follows: 12 and a half Crates of Hay Bales 8 Crates of Steak 6 and three quarters Crates of Leather 8 Crates of a fourth chosen product of the region III. For Comerciant-Don Condatos, contributions to the Crown to a total value of three-hundred mina. IV. For Miniera-Don Condatos, contributions to the Crown will be increased by a factor of 2x, except for Daemonsteel and Copper, which will be increased by a factor of 2.75x. The specific amounts are as follows: 6 Crates of Coal 8 Crates of Redstone 7 Crates of Lapis 8 Crates of Iron 4 Crates of Gold 2 and three-quarters Crates of Daemonsteel 2 and three-quarters Crates of Copper V. Ducatos are expected to contribute at least two additional donations in the form of materials or mina to the Crown during wartime. VI. Taxes on property will increase by 10 mina for the duration of the war. Article II In addition to peers, regular citizens of Balian will be required to follow new guidelines to aid the Kingdom in her fights. These will take effect immediately following a declaration of war and end following the publication of a peace treaty between the Kingdom of Balian and her adversary. They are as follows: I. All citizens, regardless of age, will be required to enlist with the Regiment of St. Lothar. If the citizen has not yet seen their twelfth summer, parent permission will be required for their enlistment. If they have seen their twelfth summer, they will be required to join the Regiment, regardless of parental approval. II. Taxes on property will increase by 10 mina for the duration of the war. III. Citizens are asked to participate in mining runs with the Regiment, herd cattle, and defend the Kingdom of Balian and her land. Article III During the war against the League of Veletz, the Kingdom of Balian offered war bonds to the general public to help support the war effort. If conflict arises again in the future, the Kingdom will continue this act and provide war bonds for purchase. This time, however, war bonds will be repaid over time, following the conflict. In order to organise and process war bonds, the War Bond Office of Balian will be established under the Secretary of the Interior. This office will keep track of all war bonds purchased, receive an annual budget to repay the war bonds, and pay back contributors after the total has accumulated. This is a part of the standardization of war bonds for Balian. The specifics: I. The War Bond Office of Balian will be established under the Office of the Interior. II. The War Bond Office will receive an annual budget that is determined by the reigning monarch and the Procurator of Balian. III. Payment of warbonds will pause during wartime and continue once the peace resumes. The annual budget of the War Bond Office will instead be used to bolster war efforts. IV. War bonds will be standardized as follows. 5 Mina 10 Mina 20 Mina 50 Mina 100 Mina 200 Mina V. The office will keep track of all bonds purchased by each individual. In order for payment to be received, a receipt of the bond purchased must be provided to the office. OOC: In order to receive payment, a screenshot of the bond must be sent. VI. Every year, the office will divide the annual budget amongst the bonds purchased. Payment is a first come, first serve basis. If a citizen and peer buy at the same time, the peer will be prioritised. If two different rankings of peers buy at the same time, the higher ranking peer will be prioritised. VII. Payment will begin with the smallest bonds first, paying all of them off before moving on to the larger bonds. VIII. The Office will treat obscene amounts of small bonds as larger bonds. (i.e. 10, 10 mina bonds will be treated as 1, 100 mina bond). IX. Once payment for a bond is ready, the office will make contact with the citizen via letter, and give payment for their effort. X. Payment occurs on a per annum basis. XI. War bonds purchased for previous wars will not be counted for repayment. Signed, Her Royal Majesty, Sybille I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of Balian, Princess of Providence, Duchess of Helena, Reutov, Sunholdt and Lorraine, Countess of Pompourelia and Kositz, 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. His Excellency, CASIMIR MARIUS VILAC, Baron of Valio, Patriarch of House Vilac, Gran Don of Balian, Lord Camareiro of the Palatio Arancione

Issued on the 12th of Godfrey's Triumph 99 B.A. Nearly one hundred years ago, His Majesty, King John I, established the kingdom of Balian in the southern reaches of the continent of Almaris. For one hundred years, his dream of a safe haven for all has endured, and Balian has not just survived but has risen to become one of the strongholds of humanity in a new land. Led by devotion and the Star of St. Lothar, a new hope was established that reigns to this day upon the Cloudbreaker throne. Through a decade-long war and the fall of Almaris, Balian stands the sands of time. For now and forevermore. In celebration of this once-in-a lifetime occasion, the Courta Cometa has organized a year’s worth of events and celebrations in the Kingdom of Balian. All are invited to come and join in the festivities. 11th of Horen’s Calling - Opening Ball [6th, 5PM EST] Her Royal Majesty, Queen Sybille I of Balian, will open the year of festivities with a ball, hosted in the Palatio of Portoregne. The ball is to represent the coming of a new golden age. A dress code of floral patterns and designs is recommended, but certainly not required! 10th of Owyn’s Flame - Archery Contest [7th, 4:30PM EST] Dame Viktoria vas Ruthern will lead the warriors of Aevos in an archery contest in the fields surrounding Portoregne. A prize will be presented to the top three contestants. 12th of Godfrey’s Triumph - Treasure Hunt [8th 6PM EST] The Courta Cometa will be hosting a treasure hunt for the children of Aevos around Portoregne. Statues, items of Balian heritage, and other trinkets will be hidden all over. The one who finds the most items will receive a prize. 9th of Peter’s Glory - Fishing Competition and Games [9th 3PM EST] House Ruthern, House Vuiller, as well as the other peer houses of Balian, will provide games and stalls for all to shop at! Included in these stalls, which will be open all year, will be a lottery stand. Here, you can buy tickets and have a chance to win a grand prize of Mina! There will be no limit on how many lottery tickets you can buy. All tickets should be recorded to Don Casimir Marius Vilac. May the odds be in your favor. Dame Viktoria vas Ruthern will also lead a fishing competition. One Saint’s Hour will be given to catch as many sea creatures, lost treasures, and other trinkets as you can! At the end of the Saint’s Hour, the totals will be tallied up, and the winners will receive prizes. The tools to fish will be provided for all to use and enjoy. 11th of Sun’s Smile - Mass [10th, 5PM EST] Father Belisarios of Balian will lead everyone in a mass. This will be held in the Portoregne Church of the Holy Supernals. All are welcome to attend this event. 12th of Lothar’s Gift - Joust and Hunt [11th, 4PM (Hunt, 6PM EST)] House Vuiller and House Vilac will host a joust in the arena just outside of Portoregne. Every warrior of Aevos is welcome to test their mettle in the arena. A prize will be provided for the Grand Champion of the tournament. To those who are interested in participating, please send a letter as soon as possible. Immediately following the joust, House de Lyons will lead a hunt in the jungles of Southern Aevos. 11th of Sigismund’s End - Lottery Drawing and Naval Hunt [12th, 4 & 5PM EST] The final day of celebrations will contain the lottery drawing in the Portoregne Main Square. Following the lottery drawing, a naval hunt will take place on a Balianese Armada vessel. Test your strength and courage on the shores of Balian. We welcome all to join us in all of these events. The People of the Kingdom of Balian HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Aleksandr II, and the Kingdom of Haense HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, John I, and the Kingdom of Aaun HER MAJESTY, Catherine I, and the Commonwealth of the Petra HER MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and the people of Numendil HIS HIGHNESS, Ramona de Pelear, and the Viceroyalty of Hyspia HIS GRANDNESS, Sigrun Stonehammer, and the Grand Kingdom of Urguan The People of Aevos Signed, 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 Renzfeld, Brucca, Valens, Malenos and Ciavola, Lady of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. Her Excellency, Poppiya Sosina Amador, Palatiodora of the Courta Cometa, Baroness of Verskaya His Excellency, Casimir Marius Vilac, Baron of Valio, Patriarch of House Vilac, Gran Don of Balian, Camareiro of the Courta Cometa.

The Aging Baron Casimir shook his head in astonishment. "Another cousin. Gone like the ever-changing tides. Rest easy cousin. You were always more family than princess." He let out a grunt, pulling logs with a single arm and tying them into bundles. The other held on to his cane as he worked. He had a barony to build. The son of Elena Casimira kneeled in the church of Portoregne to pray. That was all he knew in troubling times, and by GOD this was a troubling time. His Balianite Paraspada was laid on the church floor before him. He prayed a prayer of peace. For his mère that she would have an easy passage. For strength, for him and his frère in the times to come. And for honour. That his blade will strike true when the demons that took her away from him are finally slain.

The Baron ached. His heart ached. His body has been aching for years. His pain was more numb in his later years than actually painful. And yet he knew it was nothing compared to what his niece was going through. To lose a child. So young. So pure and full of vibrant life. To be denied the right to say a final goodbye. His body shuddered. He settled into his room and swore an oath. Not to GOD or a divine being. He was too old and too stuck in his ways to come back to faith now. No, he swore to himself and himself alone. "I swear, on my life. On my honor, I will burn this world to its foundation. No harm will come to another one of my blood. I will rebuild this world from the ashes, if it means that my kin is safe. This, I swear."

Casimir Marius Vilac wept. No child deserves such a grim fate. No parent should have to grieve their lost child. And no one should take the right of a parent to lay to rest their daughter. His hands trembled as he rose from his desk. And his eyes blazed with anger, a raging storm that seemed ready to burst. He exited his manor in Portoregne and made his way over to the Vuiller keep, clad in armour, helmet, and all. As he arrived, he passed the bloodstained patch of ground where poor Marjorie met her end. A curse exited his mouth as he entered, seeking out his niece… “Of this I vow, the world will burn for they did to your daughter” he muttered to Gwenyth before embracing her @_yink_

Night fell across the Balian capital. The door to the Vilac Manor within Portoregne opened as the increasingly elderly patriarch entered his home. He placed his decorated helmet on the table near the door and latched the lock behind him. With a sigh, he climbed the stairs. A dark, cloudy sky covered any light from the heavens as Casimir Marius Vilac made his rounds through the manor. Checking in on his only daughter, Viviana. He smiled at her. “Good night mi amore.” – The door closed, and Casimir continued towards his room. Closing the door behind him for the night. Casimir wore his Vilac armor, customary for him during his youth and now also for his waning days. He removed his gauntlets, placing them neatly against the bookshelf behind him. Then the vambraces and pauldrons fell off his arms and shoulders as he undid the secure leather straps. Resting on his dragon-crested cane, Casimir stepped out of his boots, laying them next to the increasingly large pile of plate. He removed the straps of leather that surrounded his chest and lowered the breastplate down onto the wooden floor below him. Finally, he slipped the greaves off, leaving him in the more comfortable Balianite satin tunic and trousers he wore under his armor. His pair of swords gleamed on the table in front of him with their dark, obsidian blades, gleaming in the candlelight of his room. He held a fond smile on his visage, lifting each sword delicately and placing them on display in his room, as it was customary for him to do so every night. As his night’s rituals came to a close, Casimir Marius Vilac collapsed on his bed, falling asleep. Casimir awoke in the mud. Grit and crimson ichor clung to his skin and clothes as he rose from his sleep on the worn field of battle. Fires billowed smoke around Casimir, and his injured leg shook with pain and weakness. He had no cane and no support for his ailment, which has left him more or less retired these past years. Still, Casimir stood. Flags of past bannermen flew around him, and the shouts of anguish came from the injured on the field, now barren of flourishing life. The smoke from the fires ablaze around him began to clear, for the battle had moved elsewhere. He was alone, surrounded by dying men, wallowing in defeat. Casimir walked through the carnage of defeat. He passed men, crushed by their steeds. His eyes began to water from the smoke and pain that these soldiers had suffered. He spotted a man crawling on the ground, bloodied and dying. The Vilac made his way over to the soldier, kneeling down in great pain and grasping the soldier’s hand as he let out his final breaths. Casimir continued on. A clearing began to appear, the ground covered in ash and soot. Trees and grass burned away, and the dirt was stained red. In the center lay a corpse, still smoking from the great flames that had enveloped it. There was no mistaking the armor that the man had worn. With its once proud white cloak draped along the back and the once thought impenetrable plate armor. That man was a Vilac. Casimir hurried, rushing to the body. His leg shook in agony. He fell down and crawled through the mud toward the body, ripping off its helmet. There was nothing left of the man. Only the burnt husk of a skeleton was entombed within the armor. Next to the body lay two swords, planted in the ground, each shone with an obsidian hue with gold flames etched onto the blade. There, Casimir wept, crying out in pain. "Is THIS my fate?" It is. An ancient voice answered. Casimir turned around, defenseless. Weak. Useless. And faced a child. The boy was short with Novellen-colored hair, cut close along the sides of his head. With gray eyes that pierced the soul of any man and swirled in an eternal struggle of rage and peace,. With a paler complexion, he wore a beige tunic and a green vest over it. His hands bore the signs of burns, fairly recent as the skin was still a tinge red. The child held a knife in his hand, its blade dirty with blood from a recent kill. "This – is your doing?" It is. "Why?" Casimir said, shivering now, despite the heat of the air around him. He stood facing the boy. You look tired. The ancient voice spoke, coming from the mouth of the child. He approached Casimir. "You don’t understand! You don’t know what I have seen. What I have done. The pain I carry with me every waking moment. I am dying." You lost hope. You carry the pain of your past. It weighs you down more than any injury. "I remember this time. Feeling like the most powerful person in the world. A damn savior. That is what you think you are. It all falls apart sooner or later." Casimir spat those words out. Tears rolled down his cheeks. Still, the ash clung to his face and body. The wind picked up, throwing embers around the man and the boy. Are we not dragons? Do we give in to the follies of ordinary men? "I am nothing. I am weak and pathetic, unable to walk or stand without help. I am a man stuck in my past. I am less than the ordinary man." We are not. You are not. Drop your burdens and take flight. Trepidation filled his voice. Casimir was scared. "I..can’t." You are more than your past, Casimir. More than your mistakes. More than your pain. The boy extended his hand with the knife in it, offering it to the man. Seek the flames. Find your redemption. And live. Casimir took the blade, feeling it in his hands. His mind was flooded with the cries of battle. Of brother killing brother. Of cries and shouts as buildings and manors burned. He fell to his knees and lifted the blade into the air. Then he pushed it down, burying it in the dirt in front of him. There is more worth fighting for. The boy brushed past Casimir and the corpse beside him and continued his way across the battlefield. Light began to fill the horizon as the ground fell away. Casimir wept on the ground, and the light continued to glow brighter. More of the vision fell away until only Casimir remained enveloped in a bright, comforting light. Casimir awoke, filled with new hope and purpose.

Tristan de Lyons walks around Balian, singing 'Jerry the Orc' incessantly.

Casimir Marius Vilac rose from his bed with a groan. Taking a small missive, he placed it next to him as he began his now-daily ritual of applying a Blissfoil salve along his leg. As he wiped away the salve, he was left with a sense of numbness and a call to action. Donning his armor and attaching the helmet to his belt, he finally took the missive to give it a read-over. "Damn those bastards. You are nothing but a group of bandits who rob and harass without mercy. Start praying you sons of *******." Casimir finished, folding the parchment and leaving it on his desk next to some to-be-finished letters. Tristan de Lyons walked across the Arsenal yard toward his barracks. Up the steps and into his bed, the youth went. He kneeled beside his bed, folding his hands and looking toward the heavens. "I pray they find GOD. I pray that innocents will be spared in this atrocity of a war." He rose and took a quill, penning a letter.

Baron Casimir Marius Vilac read over the missive, a terrible grin fell across his face. "Finally, that disowned bastardized line will finally be ended. One way or another, Renai will return to the dirt." He crumpled up the piece of parchment, walking over to where his swords were displayed. Taking them off the shelf, he unsheathed one. "It is time old friend. For men to die"

Passing the Torches Issued on the 14th of Peter’s Glory, 81 B.A. from the Office of the Interior __________________________________________________________________________________ As a new age comes upon the Kingdom of Balian, so must new faces, new ideas, and new leaders. The Secretary of the Interior, Casimir Marius Vilac, has felt the need to retire from his position as Dobrus Ministri so that new leaders can be forged for Balian. Casimir Vilac has served the Kingdom of Balian faithfully for many years and will continue to do so as he focuses on his duties as Baron of Valio. In addition to stepping down as Dobrus Ministri, Casimir Vilac formally resigns from his position as Camareiro of the Andromedan Court. For those who may be interested in filling these vital roles, please contact Her Royal Highness, Elena Casimira, or Her Highness, Mischa Florentina. Signed, HIS EXCELLENCY, Casimir Marius Vilac, Baron of Valio, Patriarch of House Vilac, Secretary of the Interior, Camareiro of the Andromedan Court