HIGH_FIRE

Atriana grins upon the release of the missive, finally someone was standing up for the commoners...

name: Atriana Rorin age:38 residence: regiment base did you fill out the census: yes

A Leftenant of the Regiment, Atriana Rorin would smile brightly as she saw her nation return to normalcy "As it should be, our Kingdom shall continue to prosper"

Atriana Rorin, a Leftenant in His Majesty's Regiment would sigh after reading such, a sigh of relief at that. "Our King has the Good Sense to deal with the Church to find peace and unity once more" she soon smiled at this.

The Elder-most Li-Ren sat by the Bonfire, her arm was shattered, useless and unable to be used. She wondered what had happened to her old student, was she teleported to another location as she did prior? Was she gone for good? Such matters weighed on heavy on her mind. All she knew is that she was too beaten and broken to search for her at the moment...

hamburger or hot dog

Atrianna sips teas and reads the document, wondering what the heartlanders were doing now. Mirna of Marna, widely considered both a fool and hideous to gaze upon, would grasp for her sword looking to her leaders "Well seems like ah've gotta fight for me lord now"

Uncovered Beginnings Upon searching the Archives of the Old Amiratuses and Seneschals of Balian, His Royal Excellency Kristoff var Ruthern, Amiratus of Balian, has uncovered the Journals of Father Ledicort Vuiller, the first Amiratus of Balian. While not all of the Journals have been published as they are not deemed relevant for such, these entries may slowly be released when they are deemed such. The first of these will be the very first Journal entries made during the very beginning of the Balianese realm, from the very beginning as a camp until the eventual opening of the city of Atrus. It details how the rather quick changes of the people of Balian, their clothing, architecture and cuisine came to be. The hope is that the publishing of these entries shall aid with the understanding of this time, of which very little is understood due to a lack of penmanship as people focused on survival and construction of their new home. <~~His Royal Excellency, Father Ledicort Vuiller, First Amiratus of Balian, Third Seneschal of the Crown~~> Entry 1 - 12th Harren’s Folley 1867: The Imperial Diaspora, ousted from their home by the False King of Mardon, have arrived to set up camp in the Southern Continent of Almaris. His Imperial Highness has declared this to be our new home, claiming to be the ‘Grand Duchy of Balian’, named for Saint Lothar of Balian, whom’s constellation has guided our way here. Upon the mountain, his Imperial Highness thrusted his sword into the rock, signifying the foundation of our new home. I fear we are not prepared for this change in climate, as we find ourselves in days of sweltering heat and unending sunlight, and nights that other nothing but cold embrace and pitch black darkness. Water is a rarity and the soldiers have to hunt local creatures and shoot vultures for our dinner. Our Petrine dress has no place here, we have to remove most layers for the day and roll up the sleeves of our outfits. The soldiers began a trend of people wrapping cloth around their head, as their Imperial State uniform was not made for such weather. Their dress coats have been cut short, their sleeves rolled up like everyone else and their boots covered in the muck and wear of both the desert and the march from the Northern lands. Most people find their skin burnt, though a local plant seems to make a gel of sorts that cools said wounds. The camp has been made with several circles, each with a roaring fire to heat each tent around it during the freezing tide of nightfall, allowing fire to relieve the hardships. I myself have taken to the use of a cane made from the bark of a Candelabra tree for my injured legs, which have provided me with naught but trouble in this move. I wished for a horse, but our horses weren’t bred for working in the south, so they have become a commodity that most don’t get. It is my hope that we figure out how we are to live in such an aggressive climate that seems to want us to fail at all turns. I have prayed to our Lord that the spirit of the new Balianese people is one of resilience as it seems that if such isn’t the case, we will find ourselves as an anecdote told to adventurers to scare them into proper preparation for any journey to the Southern continent. Our fate is in the hands of the most high God above. Entry 4 - 27th Harren’s Folley 1867: On this day a small group of five Imperial State soldiers have returned from a five day scouting trip with news of a friendly tribal realm to our southwest. This news has sparked a sense of hope between the people of the camp who were struggling to find an effective way of life or means of building in this barren land. The scouts claim that these people had found a way to not only survive but a means to thrive despite the many adversities of our new home. The soldiers came back fully fed and with rations made with new grains and spices that we haven’t tried before, something that all sought to sneak a taste of. While I watched this scene unfold, I took a soldier aside to speak with his Grace John I of what could be gained from exploring a relationship with this new found group and what they may offer to us. The soldier spoke of houses made with bright, often white materials, extremely low roofing and glassless windows as well as robed, bright clothing that appeared to be incredibly light and aerated worn by the people. Sadly the soldier had very little to offer on this matter aside from this information, but I took this as a sign of God answering my nightly prayers for aid. As such, I requested a small detail of soldiers and two scholars to aid with my documentation, together we would document what ensured this small civilisation could run so perfectly and formulate a way to utilise this information to build our own Nation. Despite concerns over using resources for this and giving up some horses for this expedition, the Grand Duke did agree to our plan. Alongside the selected soldiers, led by Viktor Darkwood and my two scholars, I shall embark unto this land in five days time, more than enough to plan and prepare for this undertaking properly. My prayers have changed now, I now pray for our safe passage to this land and that those who remain are protected from any harm. Entry 7 - 11th Sigismund’s End 1867: I have been in the land I have come to know as Qaraal for seven days. We were fortunate enough to have a scholar who spoke Qalaashi enough to translate the Qaraali dialect into our own with relative ease. The natives of these lands are surprisingly welcoming to those who would be considered to be imposing or encroaching upon their own lands. They fed us, homed us and gave us clothing more suited to the weather. Their clothing is, as we were told, more robe-like, their fabrics seemingly having been fashioned out of far lighter materials than we have currently and with such bright and unseen dyes. In truth I’m shocked by how much of a difference this has made, the feeling of every day being a struggle has subsided to welcome in a chance for us to find every day an easier one where work is easier to complete within a reasonable timeframe. Their architecture is very interesting, much more cuboid with huge hallways that seemed to tunnel any draft into the house, cooling down those in it. The colours are again bright and beautiful, much like the ones in the outfits we were given, it creates a much more vibrant and luscious atmosphere to the one that could be seen in the Orenian Capital of New Providence. They’ve cultivated small plots of land that are looked after by large groups of people, who spend their days ensuring that these patches of land grow harvests that people are able to live off. The food they grow and serve are unlike that in the Northern continent nations, seemingly plants that are more able to wear the arid heat and animals whom seem to have adapted quite well to the climate. They both eat and live very well, something that we ourselves are most definitely struggling with at our camp, however I believe what I have learnt here shall provide our new Grand Duchy with becoming a blossoming nation of progress. There is a lot I shall suggest to His Grace, but I shall surmise it. I shall suggest we build white houses with small amounts of colour to express individuality, low roofing or even tower-like flat roofs. Large halls and no glass in the windows to allow drafts to enter the house and cool down those inside. In addition, larger buildings should have domes as the Qaraali claim that not only does it aid in cooling but also maintaining warmth in the cold nights. I shall also suggest we turn the lighter sheets and cloths we have into makeshift robes, in order to make this fitting for our home, we should ensure the Splendor of Empire continues in both clothing and architecture. Finally, I wish to introduce a weekly draft of people to aid with overseeing new cultivated parts of land to ensure we have a reasonable amount of food. I pray his Grace sees wisdom in this and it is able to ensure we are able to survive the coming months. Entry 12 - 22th Sigismund’s End 1867: Our entourage returned from our trip three days ago, and I was able to meet with his Grace last eve with both my findings and suggestions. We spoke for quite some hours, looking at architectural plans and drawing up some changes from what had already been planned. Material requisitions have been made for our houses to be made more similarly to what we saw in Qaraal and we have prepared to build the way we should. We have planned new plots of farms with the seeds that were graciously given to us by our new friends of Qaraal so that we can eat in a substantial manner. We have agreed that the leadership and any willing Peers will be the first to wear these new robes, and they shall be provided with the most beautiful and ornate outfits. We plan to do this with the belief that those who are in our Nation shall swiftly follow this as though it was one of the many Orenian Social Season trends that came to pass many times over. Should this not come to pass, we shall send out a missive explaining the benefits of our new style of clothing and why people should take this up. I haven’t much else to explain on this matter, the meeting went well and it seems the Crown has been very open to my suggestions. Construction shall begin in the next week and we shall see our diaspora finally become an actual nation as we have planned for quite some time now. We have spent over a month in camp, I imagine more shall come before we are completed, I merely pray that this time shall come sooner rather than later. Entry 46 - 19th Godfrey’s Triumph 1 B.A: On this day our city, Atrus, has been completed, our Cathedral built around the very sword and helm that Grand Duke John placed in the ground. We worked together alongside the Qaraali who offered their aid with the simple request of continued friendship between our lands. I now sit at a bench, writing this, bright white cuboid houses around me with rings of colour to the top of their walls. We have plants around us, identified to be adapted specifically for the weather we experience. I sit beside a fountain, created using the irrigation system that the Qaraali seem to have created, or at least benefit from strongly as we soon shall. The people of Balian now almost unilaterally dress in robed clothing with bright clothing with the most ornate, beautiful detailing. New hairstyles have also seemingly become a trend, those with longer hair using pins and ties to hold their hair up and away from their face, whereas those with shorter hair keep it up. While everyone seems to appear very different to how they did prior to our diaspora, during our times in the Petrine area, I believe it is easy enough to see the influences. There’s the splendour, the unique House influences and most importantly, the same attention to detail, every part of an outfit meaning something to the person wearing it. Some will argue Balian is a continuation of the Imperial way, some will argue it to be a death of the Imperial way. Both are correct and incorrect concurrently. The truth is that it is an evolution from such to fit our new home in a completely different climate and land. We have changed to befit what we need, so that we may survive and do well in our new home. We shall always honour our roots, that is a given as all should honour and respect their ancestors, such is what we are taught by the scrolls. God shall guide our path as he deems fit, I only pray that the path he sets forth for us, shall ensure our people thrive in the ever-changing landscape, both political and physical. God has brought us to where we are, he has his reasoning for such and we shall fulfil his plans.

Sobre el Pas de la Reina 20th of Peter’s Glory of 112 B.A The Crown regrets to announce to the populace that Her Royal Majesty Sybille the First has passed away. When His Holiness the Pontiff denounced Azdromoth and his ilk, Her Royal Majesty could not stand idle as the vile Azdrazi, who took the Kingdom's Prince-Consort, ravaged our world. Queen Sybille took up the banner of Canon Justice and marched with volunteers to fight, not for Xan and his misguided followers, but for GOD. It was during this conflict that Her Majesty was slain, fighting against the draconic legions that sought to enslave our world. Her Royal Majesty leaves behind a legacy that the citizens of Balian shall never forget. Over a twenty-three-year reign, Queen Sybille oversaw the end of the Veletzian war, and the work of rebuilding humanity and Balian’s internal matters. Becoming one of the founding members of the Covenant of Man, alongside our allies in Aaun, Petra, and Haense. The population of our Kingdom recovered from the horrors of war and expanded to allow all citizens to elect representatives in the Senate, returning to a tradition that began under our Founder King John I. It is this legacy which Queen Sybille leaves us, and one we shall carry on with pride. May she rest in Peace. Among her personal belongs her Royal Majesty leaves behind letters to those of importance to her,

The Queen would smile for her son after witnessing such, her pride in all of her children had been swelling over the last months.

The Queen of Balian would smile for her friend "Finally, such has been deserved for decades now, the Duke shall do a wonderful job"

THE EDICT OF ANATIS In the year of our Lord, 109. B.A Esteemed Citizens and Dignitaries, For years the Honourable Vivianna, a Dona of Vailo, worked as the Domus Minstri for our beloved Kingdom. During which we saw an advancement of Balian’s internal. Yet due to a lack of time and wishing to focus on familial matters, she has stepped down to her position in the Duana. As such we have sought to conduct interviews with several candidates, posing difficult questions to find a suitable replacement for the position of Domus Minstri. It is with these interviews that the Royal Duana of Balian has aided the Crown to decide upon the Domus Minstri: Segnor Solebron Dekach. We look forward to seeing the hard work and steadfast loyalty he shall provide. Such shall be affirmed by the first Senate of Balian upon their first convening. AD GLORIAM DEI, Her Royal Majesty, Sybille I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of Balian, Princess of Providence, Duchess of Helena, Sunholdt and Lorraine, Countess of Pompourelia, Kositz and Barçevina, Viscountess of Renduzzo, 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.

The Search for a Domus Minstri The office of the Domus Minstri 20th, of Lothar’s Gift of 110 B.A Following the voluntary stepping down of Her Excellency Dona Vivianna Vilac, the office of the Domus Minstri once again finds itself vacant, in need of a capable leader to guide our internal endeavours. In light of this, under the Marsana Administration and by the gracious decree of the Crown, an opportunity arises for the esteemed citizens of Balian to apply for the esteemed position of Domus Minstri within the Royal Duana. To apply, send a letter to the Queen, Sybille I. You must meet the following requirements: -Must be eighteen Summers old. -Must be a Balian citizen. -Must have financial prowess. IN NOMINE DEI, 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 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 ROYAL EXCELLENCY, Kristoff var Ruthern, Amiratus of the Kingdom of Balian, Lord Seneschal of the Crown and Chief Minister of the Royal Duana.

MC Name: HIGH_TRANS Discord: high_fire Image: Description of Image: Beautiful artistic rendition of the Balianese lands and surrounding lands by the great and powerful butterfield company Dimensions: 3 wide 2 high

“This… sounds like a wedding I would enjoy…” The Queen of Balian spoke with a wide grin on her face as she immediately picked up her Jet black sword.

The Queen of Balian would smile as she read over the final results and changes to the Senate after the elections! She would mutter to herself as she drank red wine "I Love democracy"

Ad finem Draculorum 10th of Peter’s Glory of 109 B.A Dragonkin, a vile existence that has cursed the Populaces of Aevos and those continents that came before. A scourge that has taken and harmed all that walks the planes of existence. A darkspawn that is naught but a constant threat to all that lives a mortal existence of peace. It is known, with the information that Azdromoth has seemingly made an alliance with Necromancers, and the Azdrazi now possess three Dragons of varying size, including Azdromoth himself, who all share the Ibleesian goal of destroying our shared realm. These dragonkin have grown more confident, professing their allegiances in the square of Balian and casting their dark magic. They have slaughtered our Prince-Consort, Ezren Kervallen, sacrificed Alberic du Lac and assaulted our people for decades. We Balianese have faced a Dragon descending on our lands, we stood bravely and saw to its death. We shall stand again to defeat those that threaten to bring ruin to our land and reduce it to ash. Balian did not slay Cloudbreaker alone, such relies upon the unity of descendant kind, humanity, dwarf-kind, elven-kind and orcish all united in this common cause. While we await the Church and Paladins resolving their issues, we shall prove that those who hold no magical persuasion have the strength to handle this issue without the followers of Xan. The Crown of Balian henceforth declares itself to be at war against the Dragonkin and any who ally themself with them. Any whom are found to be allied with or they themselves Dragonkin shall be killed on sight with prejudice. If, as the leader of a Nation, you wish to aid our cause and save your kind, send word to Queen Sybille I with haste. We shall soon arrange to meet and discuss our next actions against the scourge. Balian Shall Stand Strong. 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 Barçevina, Viscountess of Renduzzo, 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 Grace, the Patriarch of House Vuiller, JOHAN STOR VUILLER, DUKE OF AQUILAE His Excellency, Ser Demetrius Laonicus ‘Al Valiant’ var Ruthern, Count of Kositz, Baron of Vastravo, Lord of Alriczan, Patriarch of the Senior Line of House Ruthern, Marshal of the Regiment of Saint Lothar, Constable of the Royal Duana. The Right Honorable, Achillius Aurelian d’Arkent, Count of Salia The Most Honorable, Cosima Victoria Temesch et Martiel, Viscountess of San Adriano The Most Honourable, Ser Robert Joseph de Lyons, Viscount of Enderoca, Erudit of the Order of the Silver Comet, Kritai of the Kingdom of Balian His Excellency, CASIMIR MARIUS VILAC, Viscount of Valio, Patriarch of House Vilac, Gran Don of Balian The Honorable, John Augustus Galbraith, Baron of Cascanova, Patriarch of Galbraith Her Royal Highness, Ariadne Casimira Novellen-Tuvia, Princess Royal of Balian, Countess of Rosemoor and Baroness of Tuvia.

The Queen of Balian would sigh, truly she had wished for a granddaughter first so that there would be another Queen-Regnant to rule over Balian. Despite that light sigh, she smiled the brightest smile she had smiled since her last child was born, despite her wishes she was overjoyed with such a beautiful occasion for her son and family. As she looked towards her grand-heir she spoke a soft sentence down to him. "Yayha is going to spoil you John". As she said such, she would grin and give the boy his first gift, a large plushed whale that years back the boy's grandfather gave to her. "Your grandpater will always be with you, even if he never got to meet you dear"

The Line of Novellen d’Atrus A Formal Document on the Royal Family of Balian 20, of Godfrey’s Triumph of 108 B.A The Novellen name is a Heartlander familial name that is rife with success, failure and controversy, a name known throughout the varied realms of Aevos and those that have preceded them. It is a name that evokes feelings of patriotism, nostalgia and strength as well as hatred, fury and disappointment. A family descended from the Horenic line, formed by the unity of Helane and Sarkozy that has persisted for centuries as rulers of varied nations. In the modern era of Aevos, Novellen can be found in a few places, Novellen d’Atrus being the ruling family of the Balianese people and the Senior line of the Novellen family. Formed from the line of John Casimir, the Uncle of Peter ‘The Bald’, last Emperor of the Holy Orenian Empire, John created his line and the Grand Duchy, Later Kingdom, of Balian in the refuge of the southern desert continent of Almaris. As a century of the Novellen d’Atrus rule of Balian approaches, the Crown has decided that it is a necessity for the people of the nation to understand the family that presides over them. In this documentation we will explore the various aspects of the Novellen d’Atrus line, from the history since the Novellen founding and cultural influences to values and traditions. History Origins The Novellen family tapestry has been woven over centuries of history. It begins with Anne Augusta Helane, born in 1735 in the Orenian Capital of New Helena, and heir to the House of Helane through her father, and Cascadia through her mother. The Empire faced a crisis, with no clear heir Adrian Sarkozy was named Lord Protector. Anne was betrothed to Joseph de Sarkozy the son of Adrian de Sarkozy. Adrian plotted to see his son take the throne, but Adrian’s untimely death and the coronation of Anne’s father Peter III, as Holy Orenian Emperor seemingly ended the Lord Protector’s plot for a Sarkozy Empire. Anne was placed as the de facto heir to the Empire, with her father having no trueborn sons. Despite her status, she was never proclaimed Crown Princess, using the title Princess Imperial. Anne’s betrothal to Joseph de Sarkozy was upheld, and they would be wed in 1753. Following their marriage the two would unite House Helane and House Sarkozy to form the Imperial House of Novellen, named after the Imperial Palace of Helena. Ruling an Empire Following her father’s death in 1784, Anne ascended to the throne and was crowned Empress Anne I, the first empress-regnant in history. Anne’s husband was crowned beside her as Emperor Joseph II and they would rule together, leading the Empire into a new age. Anne and Joseph would preside over the Edict of Separation in 1786, which allowed Haenseni Independence from the Empire. They also faced the great Inferi invasion, where Anne I fought on the frontlines against the demonic horde. She refused the safety of behind the lines, seeing her duty to only Oren and not herself. The Inferi would be defeated, but not without the final siege destroying the Imperial capital of Helena, and Anne being trapped within the crumbling ruins until her son Peter Maximilian saved the Empress's life. After the destruction of Arcas, Anne and Joseph would lead Oren to a new continent, Almaris in 1796. After overseeing the construction of the new Imperial Capital, Providence Anne would retire from the public soon after and pass away from Breast Cancer in 1800. Emperor Joseph II was left to rule alone for fourteen years. During Joseph’s reign, Oren faced the Sedan revolt in 1811. The House of de Joannes revolted against the crown after Emperor Joseph issued a proclamation stripping them of lands and titles and accusing them of multiple criminal offences, including sedition and treachery against the Crown. The rebellion was short-lived, after two Imperial victories on the field, and the Imperial State Army closing in House de Joannes abandoned their lands and fled, ending the conflict in 1813. Emperor Joseph II would die a year following the revolt, succeed by his son John VIII. Inheritng the throne at the age of 57, with no legitimate children he named his brother Philip his heir with the Edict of Renzfeld. His reign was marked by conflict. Revolutionary groups sprung up throughout the Empre, among them the Mercatorii Revolutionary Army (MRA) and , Revolutionary Armed Forces (RAF). They achieved limit success in burning fire bombing attacks and rallies, but following a mass arrest by the Imperial State Army they were sent underground. Just four years following John VIII’s coronation conflicted broke out with the Kingdom of Norland. King Sven II of Norland declared war against Oren. The Tenth Nordling war would last five years, and despite some early Norland victories in the first year of the conflict, the Imperial forces would turn the tide, winning a string of victories. Building up to the Battle of Outer Arentania. An imperial host numbering nearly ten thousand surrounded and crushed the invading four thousand norlandic warriors. The war ended soon after with an Imperial victory in 1823. John VIII would pass away in 1837 and as per the Edict of Renzfeld, his brother would ascend to the throne as Philip II. Philip’s reign was marked by the growing tensions with the Grand Kingdom of Urguan and after a series of escalations the two nations would declare war upon one another. Phlip’s reign over this war would be short lived as his grandson, Philip Amadeus would return to Oren and lead the Aster Revolution in 1849, enacting a successful coup of Philip II. Philip II’s death would be unknown, though many suspect that his personal guards dumped the man in his wheelchair into the canals of New Providence. The War of the Wigs Philip III and his wife Anastasia would quickly resume the War with Urguan, but it soon expanded as Norland, Haense and several anti-oren forces amassed in a Tripartite alliance against the Empire. The war lasted for nineteen years, with back and forth fighting laying waste to the heartlands. An initial victory by the Tripartite while invading and occupying the town of Southbridge and surrounding land was pushed back and southbridge retaken after a six year long campaign. The war would drag on for another seven years, leaving the exhausted Empire on the brink of ruin. Having weathered two excommuncations by the Church, and pushed back the Tripartite invasion Emperor Philip III would lead a devastating offensive campaign, becoming known as Philip’s Folly, where a nearly twelve thousand strong Imperial army was surrounded and wiped out nearly to a man. Following the defeat Emperor Philip III gave into the Tripartite’s demands, seceding lands to Urugan and Haense and paying heavy reparations the Empire was on the verge of collapse. Brothers' War Philip III, his wife Anastasia would fall prey to a fatal illness the same year the treaty was signed. The immediate power vacuum would spark civil war between the eldest son of Philip III, Peter Augustus and his younger brother Frederick Charles. Those who fought for Peter sought the Imperial tradition continued while those who fought for Frederick were Royalists, seeking to reform the Empire into a new Kingdom of Oren. The war was one of betrayal and backstabbing, families turning against themselves. Lasting around a year, the Imperialists would be driven out of the capital city and into the hinterlands. Peter August on the Sun's Smile of 1868 was captured at the Duchy of Reutov, and despite his uncle Prince John Casimir leading the Imperial forces against the capitol to free his nephew they would be soundly defeated at the Battle for New Providence. Peter August alongside his wife pregnant consort were executed in the throne room. Founding of Balian After the conclusion of the Brother’s War, Prince John Casimir, a distinguished commander and uncle to Peter ‘The Bald’ and Frederick 'Fraticida,’ embarked on a journey with the Imperial diaspora to the southern continent of Almaris. Upon a lofty mountain, under the guidance of the St Lothar constellation, John ceremoniously embedded his sword into the rock and placed his helmet down, proclaiming the birth of The Grand Duchy of Balian, named in honour of the celestial guide. Leading a devoted council, John dedicated two decades to the establishment of this new nation, fostering robust diplomatic relations and crafting a resilient governmental framework that would endure the test of time. During this period, Balian faced challenges, including a collaborative war with Urguan and Haense against the orc threat and the Kingdom of Oren. After years of steadfast effort, Balian ascended to the status of a Kingdom, and John assumed the title of King John I, bestowed by Pontiff Pontian IV. In the concluding decade of his reign, King John I earnestly pursued peace with the emerging Kingdom of Aaun, alongside Haense and Petra. Simultaneously, he diligently settled his peers on the expanded lands of Balian. As his final years unfolded, King John I peacefully succumbed to illness, leaving behind a legacy of high esteem among his family, citizens, and allies. Novellen d’Atrus Upon the demise of King John ‘The Founder,’ his successor, Alexandros, ascended to the throne as King Alexander I. Alexander, a visionary leader, initiated diplomatic engagements with Ba’as, laying the foundation for the Rhenyari influence that would shape Balianese culture. He embarked on a transformative journey, overseeing the restructuring of the government in collaboration with his trusted Amiratus and Sarson al Granpaloma, resulting in the establishment of the Balianese Duana. However, Alexander’s reign faced a looming shadow with the emergence of an undead threat. Informed of the impending danger posed by the undead dragon Cloudbreaker and its accompanying horde, Balian seized the opportunity of preceding years to prepare for the imminent assault on the capital, Atrus. This involved mass production of essential weaponry, recruitment of formidable 'superweapons,' and an impressive display of diplomatic prowess. Guided by Alexander I and Ledicort Vuiller, Balian took a proactive stance by forming the Atrus Covenant—an alliance uniting all nations of Almaris against the forces of Iblees. The ensuing battle was prolonged and arduous, culminating in victory but at the cost of Atrus's destruction. Following reconstruction, Balian resumed its proactive efforts, collaborating with Haense and Aaun in the creation of the Canonist League to quell rebellious Adrians. In the twilight of King Alexander's rule, just moments before the birth of his granddaughter, he solidified the Sol Entente pact with the emerging southern nations of Aevos—a testament to his commitment to regional stability and cooperation. King Adrian would swiftly ascend to his throne after his father’s passing, enjoying a peace among Almaris that lasted but a few years. Soon into his reign, the Mori’Quessir would begin their attacks upon the varied nations of the continent, quickly making it apparent that they wished to take over the continent in full. Atrus would fall under a sandstorm that kept people in their homes, only for a flesh worm to force them out, leading to the city to be abandoned as the Balianese joined the rest of Almaris in the ruins of Savoy. Once Savoy was besieged by the Mori’Quessir en masse, the descendants left for the new continent of Aevos. With the new city of Portoregne built, King Adrian would engage in peace talks, finally finding an understanding between the Canonist League and Adria. Several reforms would be made in Balian, the founding of the City Commune by the King and Amiratus Gaius var Ruthern as well as the founding of the Armada by Fleet Admiral Dante. King Adrian’s first born, Princess of Monterosa Johanna Casimira, was an adventurous youth, however such would only spell tragedy for the girl. Upon a misguided adventure, she would not return, only to be found dead in the wreckage of her boat. Prince Alexandros would be made heir to the nation, though he’d eventually step down for his twin Princess Sibyl. Over a decade later, married and heavily pregnant with her own heir, Sibyl would be kidnapped by a group of the Ferrymen bandit, though she would be released in time, the attack by the Veletzians would not go unnoticed. About a year later, after further attacks, Balian would be a founding member of the Covenant of five (later eight) who declared war upon Veletz. The major battles would all be landslides, King Adrian quickly able to declare decisive victories for his Kingdom. Queen Sybille would take over in the middle of the war against Veletz, immediately setting to work continuing Balian’s continuous war machine, ensuring the surplus and training did not end. She would be crowned soon after her father’s burial so as to not waste time. Though she has not been Queen long, she has already worked to reform the nation’s nobility in a rather innovative way. The war raged on for quite some time including a failed invasion of Balian, known later as ‘The Battle of Hippose’s Gorge’. The Covenant wiped out the Stassion pretenders and pushed into Veletz, the pressure being such that Sir Gaspard fled his own nation, leading to Markus Sarkozic reforming Veletz into the Duchy of Adria and surrendering his forces. Almost five years later, muddied by a failed Rebellion, the Covenant would burn Winburgh, the capital of Veletz down, signifying the final victory. However fire soon became a double edged sword for Sybille, as soon after peace was assured the dragonkin assaulted the Balianese Cathedral. Trapped behind the bars of the gates, she watched as three dragonkin fought the Prince Consort Ezren of Tuvia, killing him in cold blood. Such a murder ignited a passion in the widowed Queen, who swore vengeance upon the Dragonkin menace. Soon after, the centennial celebrations of Balian would begin, of which took an entire year of festivities, including a grandiose ball and feasts. The biggest accomplishment came after as Sybille, alongside her allies in Haense, Petra and Aaun founded the Covenant of Man, a permanent Pan-Human alliance which has ensured the diplomatic integrity of Balian. Traditions The Novellen d’Atrus have several traditions both formed by the older Petrine-imperial heritage and influenced their new Balianese and Rhenyari influences. These come in varied forms such as naming conventions and major ceremonies. Since the arrival of King John I in the Southern continent of Almaris, the name Casimir and Casimira have been considered both important and integral to the ruling family. The convention of giving the firstborn male and female the middle name Casimir and Casimira has become tradition, which often ends with the heir having the name Casimir and the Princess Royal having the name Casimira. This has always been done as a tribute to King John I. Starting with the Coronation of John I, the founder of the nation, Balian holds a unique and elaborate coronation system that factors in several aspects of both ancient mythos and canon script. Adapted from the Imperial rite used by John VIII and his descendants, the official service often lasts several hours and culminates in the Monarch’s first addresses and Royal court. It is a momentous occasion that is meant to alleviate the people of Balian and bring a sense of patriotic justice. Upon the announcement of the prior Princess Sibyl Gwyneth as the new heir to the throne, a new tradition was created to make Sibyl the official heir to the throne despite her not being first in line. The Monterosan Investiture was invented by a renowned scholar of the Royal Balianese Academy Caspian of Rhen, who also did the coronation, and it includes the participation of the Balianese public including three attestors who will publicly profess that the heir is worthy of such a role in the Kingdom. This is done alongside a church rite to make the heir official in both the eyes of Balian and the Mother Church. The Novellen Household are considered a very scholarly and intellectual house, often engaging in lengthy and tense debates with their peers. Often such debates and discussions are had during a meal and a drink, such an event is often known as a ‘Symposium’ and is primarily for the adults of a scholarly reputation. While this is primarily for adults, the children are often enlisted in various classes, be it historical, scientific or religious in nature, they learn from a young age so that they can grow to be scholars in their own right. Values All families hold values close to their hearts and despite the difficulties of its history, Novellen d’Atrus is not different in this matter. The house has three tenants that they believe in, loyalty, piety and justice, of which have been major factors in their leadership of the Balianese people. Loyalty is a primary value for the Royal Family of Balian and for good reason. With Balian being a nation born of betrayal from someone as close as a brother alongside a citizenry of family members betraying one another, the Novellen d’Atrus house have made it a priority to assure loyalties are kept. Whether it be loyalty to friends, allies or their own citizenry, the loyalty will be held in the highest possible regard to ensure no betrayal so destructive as the Brother’s War was, could be repeated. Any betrayal of this trust and loyalty is met with swift reproach. The Balianese are a pious people, holding true to the word of the scrolls with their lives. It was in the darkest hour that King John I opted to put his faith in the scrolls and GOD by following the light of Saint Lothar’s Star to the Red Mountain that became the capital city of Atrus. Since the fateful miracle given by GOD, the Novellen d’Atrus have always ensured their devotion to him to be a primary focus of their lives, acting with piety at every possible turn. The second King of Balian, Alexander I was given the epithet ‘Just’ by his late friend and first Amiratus, Father Ledicort Vuiller. The choice was made due to Alexander’s predilection for mercy, sparing the young Baron of Acre and his mother after their failed assassination attempt on Baron Lucius Galbraith and later sparing the Viscountess of Renduzzo for her hiring of mercenaries who accosted the Princess Royal. King Adrian I was also a man who sought justice in all he did, such as the war against Veletz after they kidnapped his pregnant heir. All heads of the Novellen d’Atrus house are expected to lead their house and people with a similar just attitude. Cultural Influences Since arrival in the southern Almaris deserts, the Novellen d’Atrus family has undergone quite the change in their culture from three major sources of influence. Whether it be from an arranged marriage from a distant land, the discovery of an ancient civilisation or their Imperial heritage, the family has developed in a manner quite different from their imperial predecessors. The original and primary influence upon the Novellen house was the Petrine Orenian of which originated from Peter III. According to Napier scholars, Peter III and the Petrine culture introduced nationalist pride, a sense of scholarly duty and unity. The scholarly nature of the petrine forebearers influenced the Novellen d’Atrus love of scholarship, be it for history, literature, art of music, the d’Atrus branch endeavour to learn more of their surroundings. In addition, a lot of the splendour of the Imperial family has been mirrored in what the Royal Family now displays from day to day. With the aid of Sir Sarson al Granpaloma of Ba’as in the leadership of Balian and the eventual marriage of Adrian I and Andromeda of Ba’as, the Rhenyari culture had a large effect upon the people of Balian, first and foremost the Royal Family. Andromeda, upon the building of Portoregne had a large part to play in the design of Palace, resulting in a clear Rhenyari influence on the building. Despite the eventual betrayal and departure of Andromeda, all her children with King Adrian were of Rhenyari descent, something they held faith in, more often dressed in clothing befitting this aspect of heritage and their older Balianese heritage. The Lothar Stones, found throughout Almaris and the Ba’as continent, have given the scholars of Balian an introspective into the lives of the people in the Ancient Balthalite Empire. Led by Cardinal Teodosio, Father Ledicort and Princess Royal Elena, these tablets unveiled many things including the leaders of Emperor Balthier and his consort Empress Sybille. The language and naming conventions informed much of the Balianese language and more importantly the names of the Royal family. In addition, the first Lothar Stone informed the Balianese people of various religious traditions which have influenced the religious and traditions of the Novellen d’Atrus household. Artefacts Cloudbreaker’s Fang- A blade forged from the bones of the undead dragon Cloudbreaker by an unknown dwarf, the longsword has been wielded by King Alexander I and his successors. It is held as a symbol of Balian’s strength and resilience against those which seek to destroy it. The Throne of Unity- A throne placed within the maw of the undead dragon Cloudbreaker’s skull, it is an ode to what the denizens of a continent can do when united in a common goal. It is the throne that all reigning monarchs of Balian shall sit upon as their birthright. During the war against the Veletz menace, the throne was vandalised, being repaired by Alexandros Casimir who used molten gold to signify its prior damage. The Crown of Balian- A crown of pure aurum, with various inlaid gems, from both the local Balianese deserts of Almaris and the Holy Orenian Empire. Made by the first Royal Smith of Balian, Count Drako Darkwood and his friend Vicereine Laurelie de Pelear, it was a coronation gift to King John I. The Crown of Monterosa- A crown of pure aurum, engraved with the skyline of the first Balianese capital of Atrus, created specifically for the investiture of the then Crown Princess Sibyl. It is passed down to every heir of the nation upon their own investitures and serves as a reminder of where Balian began. 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 Barçevina, Viscountess of Renduzzo, 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.

To whom it may concern, I'm Queen Sybille of Balian and I approve of this treaty 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 Renduzzo, 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.

The Queen of Balian would read over the missive with quite some shock as she read it. "Perculiar... such was not expected, but I hope it works out for them" she then begins to think of a wedding gift for their grand heir, perhaps quite pre-emptively.

"Basically the same thing" Sybille called over to the Amiratus with a grin on her face as she read through her own copy of the newspaper, seemingly most interested in the mention of her children's party.

"Not even a year and we have a copycat alliance" The Queen of Balian muses with a light laugh as she show her son @Haraldthe missive. She looked over it again for some moments "If only people had original thoughts, ah well nothing to worry about I shall say"

Edict of Malenos Renewed Standardisation of Land Taxes 13th, of Peter’s Glory of 105 B.A Since the founding of the Kingdom of Balian and the landing of the ennobled peers of the land, the Noble families of Balian have paid a low tax of a single mina per the highest dimension of their land. The Crown has decided that in consideration of the current cost of land upkeep, the unlanded citizen often ends up paying for part of ennobled territories. Such has been deemed as unacceptable as it should not be those unlanded who pay for those who have their own Villas, Forts or Villages outside the walls of Portoregne. The following changes are to be made in order to combat this unfair situation and ensure that those ennobled by the Crown pay a fair tithe for their land and status. This system will be tiered in order to ensure that those who garner the strongest privileges from their status offer up the most in terms of mina from those who are not ennobled to those of the Ducato status. Citizen 75 Mina per Annum for a 50 by 50 land plot Baronia 100 Mina per Annum for a 75 by 75 land plot Viscondato 120 Mina per Annum for a 100 by 100 land plot Condato 135 Mina per Annum for a 125 by 125 land plot Ducato 150 Mina per Annum for a 150 by 150 land plot With the passing of this Edict, the Edict of Abretta shall be dismissed for the foreseeable. However, should the Kingdom of Balian be declared as in a state of war, the Edict of Abretta shall come back into effect alongside the Formal War Draft of Balian. IN NOMINE DEI, 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 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, CASIMIR MARIUS VILAC, Baron of Valio, Patriarch of House Vilac, Gran Don of Balian, Lord Camareiro of the Palatio Arancione His Excellency, RHYS VAR RUTHERN Minister of Finances and Procurator of Balian, Medico Anziano of the Clinical Society of St. Julia